as of late.

I am literally counting down the hours till I am out of school this semester. I have never read so many books, articles, essays, biographies, pamphlets, newspapers, texts, programs, notes, letters, signs, or anything else with words on it, more than I have this semester. To be very clear about how I feel, I hate reading. For a second at the beginning of the semester I thought I wanted to switch my Major to English. pffftttt. That's a joke. I would rather do math problems all day long than sit down and read a book for hours on end while I doze in and out of consciousness, drooling on the pages and constantly lossing my spot. Nope. I will never be an English major, that phase passed quickly.

So, I have this story. Me and my roomie Ashlee Love are completely obsessed with Costa Vida, alright it is more her than me. Anyways, so yesterday Ash comes home from class and I am doing my usual thing... nothing. She says, "I'm hungry. Let's go to Costa!" That was all that needed to be said. We were in the car and driving to Costa. So we get there and first of all, the workers were like way weird. This girl practically dropped our salads a gazillion times, no joke, and then she can't put them in the bag and I couldn't stop laughing (I know I am a terrible person) then so on a so forth, we are back in the car driving home. Oddly enough, the streets were way backed up with cars. Rexburg is so mysterious. Well, this car was trying to turn right out of the parking lot, so Ashlee being the good citizen she is waves them on. Only to see a little boy about ready to ride his bike in front of their car! The little boy stops as fast as he could, he hit the side of the car and the car ran over his toes. Holy canole my heart stopped and then started racing. The little boy started to cry and the car the hit him didn't even stop! We pulled into that parking lot calmed the little boy down (okay, ashlee calmed him down) and called his parents. How the heck do you tell a child's parents that he just almost got hit by a car and he got his toes ran over!? Goodness, that is a call I never want to get. His Grandpa came and picked him up and everything was fine, minus the fact that it was basically a hit and run, stupid high school kids in Rexburg think that they are the shizzz. He was okay and everything was fine. My heart didn't stop racing till we were home and I was eating my salad. So glad we got Costa.

Sometimes in college, you have annoying roommates or neighbors. Thankfully, I got slightly lucky with my roommates, my neighbors on the other hand, well that's a different story. sike. I love them. The worst thing that could happen though is that the people living above you are louder than a rock band. I never thought that you could walk SO loud or drop SO many things or scream and laugh SO loud. You see where I am going with this? I don't get annoyed that easily, okay maybe sometimes, but I have never had such noisy upstairs neighbors before. goodness gracious, shut up, I like to sleep not listen to you jump around till ridiculous hours of the night. gosh.

Now, I have these friends. They are pretty cool. I got to be on a dodgeball team this semester. The only girl with all these other guys that I kinda really only knew two of them before we started playing. And let's be honest, no older brother wants to be friends with his younger brothers girlfriend. Welp, good thing Ryan Anderson is a great sport and was cool with driving me to every dodgeball game and letting me be on his DODGEBALL CHAMPIONSHIP WINNING TEAM! yes, that's right everyone WE WON!!!! It was a happy day in dodgeball history. Now we get to sport our new champ swag. So happy I got to make some new friends and be on a winning team. :)

And the other big announcement...... my mothers wedding! it was so beautiful and fun :) I love my family so much! so happy for my mother and Brian! I have one good looking family.

I miss him.

I have the greatest Daddy in the world.

If you ever got to know him, you would know how absolutely hilarious he was. He is the reason I talk in weird accents, the reason I can laugh, the reason I have always loved jazz music, the reason I have musical talent, the reason I am the way I am, the reason that I am still here, the reason I am in college, the reason I am Majoring in Business, the reason why I still go to church, and he is my Guardian Angel. 

He taught me to not regret and never look back. Though I don't regret anything in my life, I do wish that I could go back and relive these past six years. 

If I could do that I would have spent more time at home and not so much time with my friends, more long late night talks with him and more conversations about the gospel and his mission with him. My dad was THE greatest missionary that Philadelphia ever had.  

Yes, I am bragging about my dad. But it is because he would have never said any of that. He was the most humble man ever.

Being the only girl in the family I naturally became daddy's little princess. I always got to sit by him in church with his arm around me. Frequently falling asleep on him. He never let me forget that I was his little princess. He never let anyone hurt me, and when my feelings got hurt he made sure to cheer me up with some quality time or an ice cream run or riding our bikes down to circle K and getting slushies. 

My most fond childhood memories are with my dad. He had so many nicknames for me, erbear, bear, erhead, bugs butt, princess, and so many more embarrassing ones that should never be mentioned outside the realms of our house. Ever since I was little I would try to wrap my arms completely around him, I underestimated how small of a kid I actually was. So since I couldn't put my arms around him, naturally his name became Big O' Daddy O'. Classy, right? I don't know I have been surviving without him, it is still hard to believe that he is not here. There is not a day that goes by that I don't think about him. He is always on my mind. Always. 

What my dad loved more than his own family are just people in general. He loved everyone he met. He always invited people over for dinner, most the time missionaries, and he could talk for hours. Just getting to know them. He loved people! Now, you all see why I hate being alone and am a social guru. 

Missionaries. My dad LOVED missionaries. My dad was the ward mission leader once, but I feel like that was his calling in life. We always had missionaries over, teaching us lessons, eating dinner with us, or serving us. It was amazing to watch my dad interact with them. It was like he was young again, they brought out the youth in him and he would start talking about his mission. He was so passionate about his mission and the gospel in general. He knew that there was always something new that he could learn. And he always found new stuff to teach me and my brothers. 

My favorite pictures of my dad are from when me and my brothers were younger. You can just see how happy he is to have kids, he really did love us a lot. 

On May 22nd 2010 my father passed away after a four year battle with cancer. 

I have never known anyone stronger than my father. While he was spending his last few days in the hospice, nurses would say they were amazed that he was holding on for so long, they called him Superman, because he was a super hero to me. My father was the most amazing man on this earth, I learned everything that I know from him. I have a passion for the gospel because I got to walk into my dad's office every single morning when I was younger and sit on his lap as he read his scriptures to me. I love people because Dad showed me how to love. I love music because Dad loved music and always supported us in our school musicals or orchestra concerts or piano recitals or voice recitals. My dad had a passion for life and making the best of what he had. There will never be another man on this earth like my dad. 

Families are forever.

The gospel is true, the plan of salvation is real. I am so happy that my parents were sealed in the temple, so one day, I will be able to return to my Heavenly Father and my father that I had here on earth.
I love you dad and I can't wait to be with you again in heaven. 

One step at a time.

April has been the craziest month of my life, full of new surprises and new challenges.

After my finals I packed up my room, threw all my stuff on my bed packed my bags and got ready to go to to ARIZONA! I slept a total of one hour and thirty minutes that night from 3:30am to 5am. Nug came and picked me up and it was snowing, like crazy! We went and picked up Eric and we were off to AZ. We honestly couldn't see thirty feet in front of us and I am pretty sure we drove 60mph the whole way there.
After 16 hours and pit stops in Provo, Page and Flagstaff we were finally home! When we walked into my families house, no one was home and no one was answering their phones... JR and Joseph finally showed up. Then Mom. Then Blake. Eric was so nervous, he won't admit it but he was.
The coming week was the best week of my life. Every day we were doing something or going somewhere. We went to the science center, the phoenix zoo, floated down the river at night on a mattress, I got to meet Eric's grandma, Aunt and Uncle, and we tanned and I dropped my phone in to pool. Unlucky? most definitely.
Nonetheless. It was the best week of my life.

We love giraffes so much <3

We loved the science center :)

We're in love, alright. 

I honestly have the best boyfriend ever. I love him :)

So, our amazing week ended and Eric went home to California and I went back to school in Rexburg. School started and one day into the semester I got a friendly little call from our executive secretary Steve, one of the nicest kids I know, telling me that Bishop would like to see the next night, Thursday. My heart stopped, I was instantly nervous. The whole next day the only thing running through my mind was, "Why does bishop want to talk to me. There is no way I am going to be Relief Society President. I'm only 19. It's my third semester." I was freaking out. 

So Thursday night came and I walked to the Benson building, so slow. I got there and had a friendly conversation with Steve, he kept telling me I have nothing to worry about. For some reason that only made me more nervous. Bishop came out and invited me into his office. I say down and he said, "Erin, it is no surprise that I called you in here." and I was thinking... oh no oh no ohhh nooo. "Eric, we normally would never call someone as young as you to this calling, but every once in a while it happens. You were fantastic last semester and I know you gained a testimony of Relief Society. So with that being said, I would like for you to be the Relief Society President." 

Pretty sure I stared at him. I had nothing to say. Eventually I said, I accept. And that was that. I started walking home and I had to call my mom. When I told her she wasn't even surprised at all. She knew it was coming, along with everyone else apparently. When I stood up in church to be sustained, no one was surprised. Everyone told me they knew it was going to happen. Everyone knew but me. I have never been more busy in my entire life. Every day I have loads of homework and I have girls calling me and texting me and wanting to know about their callings and this and that. Now, saying that, I am so happy I am the President. I am thankful for the challenge, especially right now in my life when everything else just isn't falling in to place how I want it to, I get to help other girls and serve others instead of worrying about my own problems I can focus on other peoples problems and help them to the best of my ability. Life is just beautiful.

Spring 2012, bring. it. on.

Now here is the really big news.....

MY MOM IS GETTING MARRIED!!!!!

CONGRATS to the most important woman in my life. I love you Mom and I am so happy for you and Brian. 

Seriously, they are precious. 

I can't wait any longer. In 2 days I am flying off to California to see the love of my life and I have never been more excited to see anyone in my entire life. Then from California to Arizona for my mom's wedding, then back to dreary Rexburg. That's okay. I can't for these next two weeks :) 

Here's the thing, we saw each other three weeks ago, and we are already dying. It is hard going from spending every second together then to living hundreds of miles away from each other. Long distance is not easy, but I know that it is going to be so worth it :) 

one more day till he turns 22

two more days till we are reunited

one short day

It is Thursday April 5th. And this is my last day in Rexburg for a week :)
I have been checking the weather in Mesa on a daily basis, 96 DEGREES ON MONDAY!
I have never been more excited for warmer weather than I am right now!

But, the best part about this trip is that my cute boyfriend gets to come home with me :)
Eric David Anderson

This boy makes me so so happy. We have been dating a whole month and a half, yes we know that is a short time. But in that time we have learned almost everything about each other.
 It's true everyone, I love him.
Call me crazy, but it's true. This is the cutest, kindest, sweetest, most spontaneous, funniest, most random boy that I have ever met in my entire life and he is all mine.
Some of my favorite things about Eric:
He bought me a rose.
He lets me be weird.
He has seen me cry and still thinks im cute.
He is a cuddle whore :)
He asks me every single day what my favorite part of the day was.
He always makes sure I am happy.
He deals with my crazyness.
He still loves me even though I went on a date with his older brother first.
He tells his Chemistry friends about me.
He is my fhe brother and home teacher.
He called his mom to tell her about me.
He listens to my fashion and hair advice.
He is so spiritual and served an honorable mission in Mexico.
He loves that I am 1/8 Mexican...
He always surprises me.
He makes me feel better, no matter what.
He is shameless.
He is awful at basketball, but proud of it.
He is amazing at dodgeball though :)
He loves his family so much.

.................................................the list could go on forever................................................

Hands down, the most amazing boy ever.


But now that I have ranted about my cute boyfriend, I should express how excited I am to go home to the 85213!
There is nothing I miss more than my family, my home, and my own room and bed.
I also miss my little friends, unfortunately, since BYUI has such a ridiculous schedule, I will not get to see most my friends since they will all still be in school and all my manly friends are on mission. But, I will get to go to Jessica Williams wedding reception and I am SO excited for her and her soon-to-be husband :)

Mostly, I am excited that Eric and I will get to hang out with my family every single day and go on adventures. And Eric's most favorite part is going to be going on a "double date" with my mom and her boyfriend :) we really are excited to go to the zoo with them.

I leave in T-minus 18 hours. 

update.

It has been way too long since I have blogged. 

I am officially nineteen. :) I had the greatest birthday ever! Due to the fact that I have to most amazing friends and fhe brothers ever. Here was my day. I woke up, watched movies, received many calls and texts from family and friends, then some of my fhe brothers came and took me, Addy and Zoraya to dinner, then the lovely Chelsea Swensen took me and Addy to get ice cream :) 

This whole time I am oblivious to the fact that back in my apartment are crazy people setting up a surprise party for me! Chelsea was driving home so freaking slow... I still didn't catch on... then we went to her apartment... then we started walking to my apartment and they were both walking behind me very very slowly... now I was confused. Then I opened the door to see a cake literally on fire. Then the lights came on and revealed a ton of people who starting singing happy birthday to me. Then I made a wish and blew out the candles. 

All everyone needs to know is that it was the best birthday ever. 

Here are some great pictures :)

ohhhh fhe brothers :)

so surprised.

then I got a cake in my face :)

Now on to Valentine's Day. 

We all know that on Valentine's Day every single girl hopes that a boy will show up on her door step with a dozen roses and take her away. Okay, maybe not exactly like that but.. we all know what I mean. 

The original play for V-Day was to go to b dubs with my roommates since more than half of us are single, but a couple of my "home teachers" had other plans for me and Carley. So we walk into the boys apartment and there are rose petals on the ground and candles lit. Then they turn on saxophone music. hahahahahahaha I couldn't help but laugh... 

But it was SO cute. Eric Washburn and Eric Anderson win best home teachers award. Along with Brigham and Logan.. even though they weren't there. 

Then I got to go home for the weekend. Then I finally got my birthday surprise from my mommy. 

FRONT ROW TICKETS TO WICKED!!!!!!

Best night ever. I got to meet Fiero and Glinda. ahhhhhmazing. 

I got to take my little brother to Bahama Bucks :)

My amazingly gorgeous cousin Cynthia got MARRIED! 

I am so happy for her and my new cousin Owen! what a great guy... Best of luck you cute newlyweds!

And this goober, Eric David Anderson, texted me every single day while I was home :) what a catch, right!? 

Keep calm and carry on, we passed our clean checks today. 

thank goodness. 

I'm just gonna say it.

It's my birthday in FOUR days! I can't help it but tell everyone. Seriously, I am telling everyone. 

I am just so excited to not be 18 anymore! People keep telling me that they might actually like me when I'm not 18... whatever that means...

Today I made the most beautiful chocolate rose! It is so pretty and it smells AMAZING! 

Just like chocolate :) mmm.

amazing right!?

I am so obsessed with my confectionary class. 

This semester has not been easy at all. But I think Sunday may have made up for everything bad that has been happening. On Sunday I got to give the lesson in Relief Society and I was freaking nervous out of my mind. I felt so insignificant and I keep feeling like there is so much more I can learn from the return missionaries than they can learn from me. Sometimes I forget that I have been through a lot in my life, more than most people a lot older than me ever go through. 

I gave my lesson and I look up to finish barring my testimony and I see one of my roommates crying! At first I thought, no, there is no way she is crying because of my lesson. I then opened up the lesson for the other girls to bare their testimonies. Wow. So many girls stood up. I was in shock. They kept expressing about how they felt the spirit so strong during the lesson and the room was just so warm. 

We all know I am not one to get all spiritual on people, I believe the church is true, but I am not going to get all crazy and teary about it. I never cry. But as soon as we closed the Relief Society and the bishop's wife came up to me and told me how amazing the lesson was. I started crying! Where there tears came from... I do not know. But I just could not help it. It was such an amazing Sunday. Knowing that my lesson touched atleast some people in the room means the world to me. I think I have finally got over my feelings of thinking I am inferior to people. I can be a good teacher and I know what I am doing, thanks to all the crazy and hard things that have happened in my life. It is weird to actually be thankful for those things now, when there was a point in my life that I couldn't help but absolutely hate my life because of those things. 

This blog is out of hand. I am not enjoying the cold, at all. Hello, I am from Arizona, stop asking me if I am enjoying the cold. I don't even think people from Rexburg are enjoying the cold.

I am so excited to come home and visit for a weekend. Even if it is just a short break from the cold it will be really nice :) 

10 days till home!

the sweetest thing.

Sunday was a very stressful day for me. I had lots of homework to do and on top of that I got a call from the Relief Society President the night before telling me that I needed to go to the ward council meeting in the morning before church and that I was in charge for Relief Society and there seemed to be a lot that needed to be done. New Ensigns needed to be passed out. Visiting teaching needed to get recorded and done. Just too much for little Erin to handle. 

But, in sacrament meeting I got the great opportunity to sit next to one of my FHE brothers who was just so nice and just asked me about my weekend and just nicely was talking to me. During sacrament meeting he decided to make and airplane. Immature was my first thought... Then he leaned over to me and said "I am going to write you a note on this airplane, but you can't read it till after sacrament meeting." and again I think, immature. But I say okay. He hands me the airplane and I set on my lap, waiting impatiently while all the speakers began to speak and finally the meeting came to an end. I have no idea why I was so excited to read this note... seriously. I was just so excited. So I open up this note and I was floored at what it said.

"Dearest Erin, First of all you are awesome! Next I would like to tell you I think it is really cool that you stopped texting when sacrament meeting started, thats really mature and a lot of people your age don't do that so thanks for being so reverent and a great example to me :) Love your fhe bro, Ryan"

I was having a crappy day, this note made me feel so much better.
Who knew that me putting my phone away during sacrament was such a big deal!? It was something that I always just did. The Lord doesn't sit and text while we are praying to him, so why should we be on our phones during sacrament when his servants are trying to teach us about his gospel. Putting you're phone away is the least you could do. I am so grateful for parents who made sure that I didn't have my phone with me at church, ever. I need to stop taking it to church again.


16 days till I am in Mesa  for my lovely cousins wedding :)