1 of 104

Yesterday was one week out of 104 since Jesse left. It's been pretty easy, surprisingly. However, I keep wondering how he's doing and what it's like for him and just what's going through his mind. I would have to say that the one thing I really miss is being able to communicate with him. I've been patient and I just sent my first letter on Tuesday. So, it will probably be next week at some point that I receive my first letter and I guess I just want to hear from him!

Next week I go to the Nauvoo temple! I am looking forward to this new experience, then it's on to Nebraska for a few days! Then, home and preparations like crazy. Once Jesse left everything started setting in and reality came back. I guess when he's around I go into some fairy tale world or something...I now feel the stress of getting everything done and the reality of me leaving in January! It certainly is gonna be one incredible adventure :D

Done.

All done. One year of teaching, cleaning, playing, disciplining, learning, raising, and many other things is over. It's time to go home. Tomorrow the Clark's and I are exchanging gifts and going out to lunch. Then, Monday morning it's off to the airport and flying to St. Louis. It'll be nice to be home and I love the Christmas season.

I guess, since I'm done being a nanny I need a new blog title...once I leave for my mission it'll be something mission-y buuut.. I've still got a month... Any ideas?

Wow

I tried so hard not to cry in front of Jesse when I said goodbye. Unfortunately, I few tears slipped a couple minutes before I got inside...and once I got inside and shut the door..well yeah. I think that was harder than I imagined and one of the harder things I've had to do. He is truly my best friend and I couldn't help but to remember some of my favorite times with him.

The first time we met I told him 2 things straight up. 1. I'm going on a mission in a year. 2. I'm going to marry a chiropractor!! (Kinda joking, but that would be schaweet!)

The first time I REALLY got to hang out with Jesse was playing Walmart hide and seek. We hid by the potatoes and gave the other team the hint of "dirty". We sat there and talked. Then after the group found us and went off to hide, he told me to close my eyes, then walked over, grabbed a bouquet of tulips and presented them to me. That's when I knew he was cheesy.

On our first date we went bowling with a group. I didn't see it happen, but somehow he managed to step onto the lane, slip and land on his back. Averi had to pull him off the lane.

The first time he tried to kiss me I told him no. :) Our first kiss was at the top of Picachio Peak (it took us like 2 hours to get to the top, but it was BEAUTIFUL.

One night we were at the park with a bunch of people after park curfew, and had the cops called on us. The cops asked for our id's and made sure we were all 18 or older. Then told us to go home.

Another night we were at a different park after dark and the rest of our group left and he turned on some music and danced with me :)

One night, he took me on a date going back to a lot of the places we had our first memories. We went to Walmart and he had sent up a little scavenger hunt for me. We hiked part way up CG mountain. We went back to the park and danced. Then we did something different and played chess...or was it checkers? Either way, I won! :)

Those are just a few of my favorite memories. We have had so much fun. And of course, I have loved the nights where we lay under the stars, go for a walk, or just drive around and talk and talk and talk and talk. :) I can't wait to go home now and start getting ready to go on my mission! :) It'll be an exciting adventure and Jesse and I will get to know each other in a new way :)

I love Tuesdays :)

Tuesdays are my favorite. It's P-day for some of my missionary friends and I love to get and read their emails! :) They make me smile and get me excited to serve! Today Reggie Nichols emailed me. He flies to South Korea on Monday at 3 AM! CRAZY early. His mission is the mission that got attacked, but it's still open. I guess there isn't too much worry about it. Anyway, I love to hear him talk about the MTC. He's always so excited and upbeat. Anyway. There ya have it. Tuesdays ROCK! :D

I'M NOT AN EMOTIONAL PERSON!

Haha, guess I was wrong about that. I have never been one to cry easily. But the last few days all I have to do is think about what is gonna be happening this week. Jesse leaves Wednesday and I leave Monday. I haven't exactly cried, but eyes tear up and I almost cry.

Oh, let's not forget that it's my last week of work and my motivation is running low! I had no desire to get up for work today. Last week I started hitting the snooze button. This week I almost turned my alarm off completely. How do I keep my energy up and keep my mind off of the heartbreak I'm about to feel? :S


On a positive note, I get to go home and see my family for Christmas :) On the 28th we go to Nauvoo and go to the temple!!!!! Then we are going to Nebraska for New Year's! Time is moving quickly and the next thing I know, I'm gonna be in the MTC getting ready to go to Minnesota! :) All I've got to do is get through this week...

Miracles and Reminders :)

Tonight was the last night of institute for the year. I've really appreciated Sister Dick and her effort in teaching. She's been a great teacher and I'm really going to miss her. I got to spend a good amount of time talking with her, President Anderson and Jesse. It's amazing how much the people here mean to me. After the activity Jesse and I got into the car so I could take him home. I was in the left turn lane, waiting for traffic to be clear when I realized that the truck turning left across traffic was coming straight at me. Right as this was registering they suddenly swerved out of the way. I don't really know what was going on with them or why they thought they could turn directly into a car but I had to stop and breathe. Even though I don't know what circumstances brought on the near collision I know that the Lord is watching out for me. This is the 3rd auto accident I have been miraculously saved from. It was a simple reminder that the Lord loves me and is watching out for me. :)

Smiling!

Jesse just left my house. We've spent the last 1 1/2 hours reminiscing and just talking. Some of the memories we have are just SO funny. I've been smiling all evening. It's been one incredible year. I'm excited for Jesse to leave for his mission in 9 days...but I'm not saying it's gonna be easy. It'll be an adjustment, seeing as how we at least talk everyday, if not see each other everyday. Tonight was good :)

The 15th will be the start of Jesse's 2 year adventure. The 20th I fly home, it will be a busy month and a half before I go to the MTC. And that starts the beginning of my 1 1/2 year adventure! Crazy how quick life goes :)