mexican candy picnic

remember all that sweet (and spicy) candy i got in the mail?
well, we decided we'd actually maybe try some of it… and hey! it wasn't all too bad.

you-tube link

ps i know, i know my stupid hanger-string is hanging out of my shirt the whole time. >:(

hope you had the best sunday ever.
i'm feeling extremely full of gratitude and a bit of nervous butterflies because i leave for italy in ONE DAY. tuesday morning is coming quick!
i hope i'm ready, (i mean i think i am, but ya know lets hope i am)
and wish me luck!

be mine? v-day package

Yay for Target's dollar section… 

whipped up a simple valentine package full of sweet words and well, sweets. 

< sweets for my sweetie >

(even though he won't eat any of them, he just doesn't haha)

But whats Valentines Day without a treat?

 ...i told him he could donate to the "investigator children fund" and all that mattered is he knew I was thinking of him and that I got more pictures of those kiddos eating their treats!

oh and, 3 months from today until italy. 

happy loving!

xoxo

ps… miracle I squished all those treats into that skinny little box.

"7 days of Valentines"

&

last years Valentines Day package

sending you cheer

>due to there being five months left when he gets this

...(and a 19 month worn out package sending girl)...

we kept this christmas package to Elder C on the simple side. 

>just a few of his favorite things, and some holiday cheer so he knows he is loved and supported!

And dearly missed, we can't leave that one out. 

merry christmas elder 

>> that means yes, officially past the 6 months left mark :)

LAST YEARS CHRISTMAS PACKAGE HERE

and  here's  to  spending  next  christmas  with  you  again 

halloween package

Words can't tell you how 

H A P P Y

I am that this is the LAST halloween package ever to be sent to Elder C. 

frightmares

carving pumpkins

crispy creme donuts w/ hot chocolate

haunted houses

scary movies

football games

dressing up

homemade sweets

All the above are 10,000X better with a boyfriend. 

Come on, this season was invented for lovers!

so, HAPPY HALLOWEEN ELDER, enjoy your last one in the field. :) 

Oh, and some extra prayers for the "apple pie" caramel apple please^^ (our very favorite) that it doesn't arrive as a molded squishy mess. Crossing my fingers here!

HUMP DAY

I could not be more thrilled to FINALLY say that today

 it has been

ONE YEAR

since I said see ya later to this babe! 

This pic was taken on our last day together, one year ago!

I am so grateful for this past year and for the experience I have had so far of writing a missionary! Before he left I honestly didn't know how I was going to function, and that sounds so stupid but this guy means so much to me, and he is who I definitely spent the majority of my time with. I am so happy to say that although at times being away from and missing him with all my heart has been the hardest thing I have ever done, it is also extremely rewarding and has so many benefits. I have had time all to myself to more fully figure out who I am and what I want out of life. I have already seen a difference in myself as i've grown up this past year and have developed a new sense of independence. Through writing letters we have gotten to know each other in a way that I don't think would be possible without this experience, and I am loving it! It's so exciting to watch each other grow from a distance. I wouldn't trade these two years for anything. I'm so grateful my bestie is on a mission and already I have witnessed SO many blessings that have come from it, and have felt sincere comfort from my loving Heavenly Father. Although I definitely say that it's due time, it's kind of crazy to think that this little journey is half way over. I'm super excited to see what this next year will bring as I continue to grow, change, and find out more about myself! 

HAPPY ONE YEAR.

12 MONTHS.

HUMP DAY.

HALF WAY.

(I promised myself I would never be one of those girls who blogged annoyingly about "her missionary" HA! Ya right. Sorry not sorry.) 

ice-cream shoppe in a box

CELEBRATE GOOD TIMES COME ON!

two semesters down.

and my mom is the cutest ever

She'll never know how much I appreciate her little,

"Congrats on another semester of college, so proud of you!" 

and all the other thoughtfulness she has provided over the years, always wrapped up in cute bows and with love!!

I couldn't have done it without her, 

I love this lady with all my heart!

We are also celebrating the fact that I have a handsome missionary serving the Lord! What better way to celebrate than with an ice-cream party? 

(if your asking me, there isn't a better way)

So, I made a little miniature ice-cream shoppe, wrapped it up in a box, and sent it off! (if the chocolate is a completely melted mess by the time it gets to him, at least it was a nice thought right?)

The balloons add to the celebration, plus they serve as great protective packaging! 

hippity hoppity easters on its way

What's Easter week without a little bunny rabbit? Julia got asked to Layton's prom, 

"I wouldn't want to go with any 'bunny' else!" 

Cute, right? Too bad Thumper has already found a new home. haha a week is usually the rate that pets last at our house. Charlie is one lucky animal! (actually thats debatable) He beats the all time record and is coming up on one and a half years living with us! Dare I say, he's growing on me? :/ I might be sad if he got hit by a car. I guess time does heal all things. (Don't tell!)

Some, bunny loves you!

Have a hoppy Easter!

Q. How Do You Catch a Unique Rabbit?

A. Unique Up On It.

Q. How Do You Catch a Tame Rabbit?

A. Tame Way, Unique Up On It.

I'm so pun-ny. 

easter in a box...

tried to go with a little sports theme.

Folks. It's my FAVORITE little boy again!! I'm telling you, I have a connection with this little guy. He totally melts my heart! Jordan showed up to his house and the little boy was dressed in a suit and he told Jordan, 

"my name is elder carver cortez" 

haha I love him, and i love that he wants to be like the missionaries.

my green day.

 A family that Laughs together,

 Stays Together.

I know you are all green with envy, cause my family is the greatest. These people are my best friends. Each person is so unique and each of our individualities give my fam quite the character! There is never a dull moment with this bunch.

Sure do love them :) 

Kiss me i'm Irish.

Who's dinner was as green as mine?

So many good friends going on missions! It feels like the farewells are never going to end, and if there isn't a farewell then there is a homecoming. It's so rad! I'm so proud of all you Sisters and Elders serving in the field and those preparing to! :) 

Hands down the lamest package I've ever sent. I'm actually quite ashamed of it, but St. Patricks Day snuck up on me and I had to do what I could to throw together a last minute, 

"Just so you know i'm thinking about you" green package. 

And of course this cute guy,

 wishing you a Happy St. Patricks Day from Mexico!

Love is in the Air

diy fortune cookies

Happy February Everybody!

love with all your heart.

12 days of christmas

 'Elder' style

On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me, peppermint candies! To break in the season, and bring in some cheer. I wish the holidays lasted all year!

On the second day of Christmas my true love gave to me, two handsome ties. One red, and one green you’ll be the cutest missionary ever seen!

On the third day of Christmas my true love gave to me, healthy snacks to fill your tummy!

On the fourth day of Christmas my true love gave to me, a book full of hymns! But not your regular ones that are sung, in this book you play the hymns with a strum!

On the fifth day of Christmas my true love gave to me… FIVE CO-ZY SOOOOOOCKKKKS.

On the sixth day of Christmas my true love gave to me, 6 items that go on your tree.

On the seventh day of Christmas my true love gave to me some tools to help ‘exercise’ your body!

On the eighth day of Christmas my true love gave to me, a photo-album. A place to store all the pictures I send, this way none of them will bend!

On the ninth day of Christmas my true love gave to me, a stocking full of love for my missionary!

On the tenth day of Christmas my true love gave to me, a picture book of all your friends and family. We all miss and love you very much, but we’re grateful the hearts in Mexico can be touched.

The eleventh day of Christmas falls on Christmas Eve! This night without you is hard to believe! Your true love gave you some p.js for your mission; so even while your gone there can still be tradition!

On the twelfth day of Christmas my true love gave to me, a calendar with twelve months!  Twelve months to serve, learn, and grow. It’s going to be a great year, I already know!

AND... a month and a half before christmas,

it's off to Mexico!