Natasha

She is my best friend, and my greatest example. She exudes faith, love, kindness, happiness, simplicity, sweetness, & joy. 

I miss her so much...But I know the Lord is so grateful for her service and dedication. 

She is one amazing missionary. :)

mom said,

in tears, 

" I know you love the Gospel."

when she said it, I knew she was right, because i started to smile. 

I'll never forget that.

pants shopping

Today, my brother asked me to go shopping with him for pants. Though it seems like nothing, i always am instantly happier when he asks me to spend time with him. 

Hey, you hungry?

One of my favourite things about my family is that even though not a single one of us has money, we always, somehow, find a way to go out to eat with each other.

I used to view this as bad habits. now i definitely know its family relationship rehab, or something like that.

there is just something great about the words, "hey, you hungry?" or, "Have you eaten lunch yet?" or, "i just got paid, lets meet at TwentyFive main." :)

Really, about once a week i find myself out to eat with someone. My sister, my dad, my mom, my brother.. and its suuuuper great. They don't last long, and there isn't much talking going on.. but what needs to be said when you partaking of a slice of heaven from Jimmy Johns, or pizza factory? silence, something delicious, and a companion makes for a great meal.

However, sometimes there is a specific reason for the meet up. A topic that NEEDS to be discussed, a worry that needs to be heard, or a congratulations that is due. these are mighty fine meals too because its always nice to hear an honest opinion from a family member. Which, is another thing i love about my family. I can always count on them for an honest opinion, {or a funny one.} And though sometimes they can be harsh, or unwanted, i do appreciate everything said. or, unsaid.

So, even though we don't have the money to be heading to Subway for the "Anytober" 5 dollar footlong deal.. you will probably find us there. And it was worth every penny we didn't have. :) 

pancakes

ever since i can remember, my dad has made homemade pancakes EVERY morning.

literally.

and each morning i would prepare mine the same
{until i realized what exactly i was doing.. haha}

5 pancakes. butter in the middle of all of them.
powder sugar lightly sprinkled on top. syrup drizzled over.
eat in a circle. saving the best part for last, the middle.

and thats the way it was.
every. single. morning.

and this morning was no different.

well, except for the fact that i was the pancake maker,
Jennie made homemade syrup.
Elmer made bacon.

and we listened to the sound track of "How to Train your Dragon."

a good way to start a morning :)
{which by the way, started at seven. yay me!}

So, here's my dads recipe. simple. easy. cheap. and the thinner the pancake, the better the taste. :)

Daddys recipe:

2 eggs, beaten

2 C. flour

2 Tbl. sugar

2 Tbl. baking powder

1/2 tsp. salt

4 Tbl. veg. oil

add milk to desired consistency. 

and thats it. :)

here is a helpful pancake tip though: When cooking them, wait for bubbles to form AND pop before your first flip. this will ensure your pancakes are a perfect golden brown. YUM!

this pretty girl...

is my sister.

let the senior photo taking begin!

Desiderata.

One of my Grandpa Reisner's favourite poems.

The more I learn about him, the more I wish I could have met him. I think him and I would have gotten along beautifully. I'm sure he could have taught me a lot. He already has, and he isn't even here..

-- written by Max Ehrmann

Go placidly amid the noise and the haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence. 

As far as possible, without surrender,
be on good terms with all persons. 

Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even to the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story. 

Avoid loud and aggressive persons;
they are vexatious to the spirit. 

If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain or bitter,
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself. 

Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. 

Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time. 

Exercise caution in your business affairs,
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals,
and everywhere life is full of heroism. 

Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love,
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment,
it is as perennial as the grass. 

Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth. 

Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness. 

Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe
no less than the trees and the stars; 

you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. 

Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be. 

And whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life,
keep peace in your soul. 

With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.

I'm loosing a grandpa right now... and nothing but floods of memories and wishes are flowing through my mind. I have loved both of my grandpa's. Though, I have never met one, and the other has been distant.. my love is still there. And, will always be there. 

my prayers are with you Grandpa.

my world

falling in love with the world isn't just about traveling,

 its also about falling in love with the center of your heart..

 home.

  the world is a marvelous place,

 but it would be nothing without a home. 

A place filled with people to come back to..

this is my world; my home. 

ma

I walked into my house this evening and saw my mother sitting on the couch. 

and randomly, suddenly, and strongly,

 I realized how much I love her.

I wish everyone knew how wonderful my mother is..she never gets the credit she deserves. 

I've never met a person more caring, more selfless, more beautiful, or more strong, than her.

I love my mom. I really, really do.

thank you mom, for everything.

Grandma.

I just got a card in the mail from my beautiful Aunt Heather, in it, she said something that stopped me. 

"Grandma made a new star for you up in heaven.."

This broke my heart, in a good way. I miss my grandma more than anything. She had the best kind of love..

and I hope I can make her proud. 

..I love you Grandma.