Alas..

Sometime this last summer... I decided I needed to change up my room a bit. Afterall, I had graduated from High School and the Lime green wall and Hot pink carpet had to go... I was a big kid now! Naturally, I did not waste anytime. I immediately began stripping things off my walls, and boxing stuff up until I pretty much was left with a bed. I then recruited my main man to help me paint the walls. Cam spend a whole weekend with me locked in my room (Every boys dream, yes? ;]) Jk sportsfans! But seriously, one whole weekend was spent slaving away paiting these walls. At one point we even got in a fight because I kept being silly and paiting Cams hairy arms and legs when he wasn't looking....(I guess it hurts washing it off cause of all the hair) and he kept doing it back to me, the nerve.... So we bickered for a moment...but soon enough all was well and we had a completely new room. New paint, new carpet, wahoo! ........ 6ish months later. It is mostly finished... except a few more wall hangings and such. Here are some of the highlights.

This bed! I love it so. Nice and tall.

Probably needs a few more pillows.

Maybe a friend for little Brunswick.

My closet. Yes, it needs a little lovin.

But it gets the job done.

Mom asked me the other night,

why I sleep with it open?

I replied,

I really have a fear of people hiding in it.

And thats the honest truth.

So open it stays.

This little beauty used to be white.

I got creative one day and painted it.

Okay, it took me many days.

And Gave dad many headaches.

So what if the paint was way too thick?

I'm new at this!

This is the thing In this room,

That I am most proud of.

I desperately needed a bedside table.

Searched, and searched.

Found this little darling at DI

8 bucks.

three-ish cans of spray paint.

And a darling vintage knob.

And she fits right in!

Shelf!

Christmas present from Kenz.

Pretty happy with the way it turned out.

And how could you forget the Mission Countdown?

Can you believe it, "CA" already filled!

My family referes to this as my "Shrine"

Haters.

Worry Wart.

Lately, I have this ridiculous urge to seek out and read any and all articles about missionaries that have passed away while serving. I know, I know, absolutely ridiculous. And you know where all my research has gotten me? Probably an Ulcer! I worry about the boy, constantly. But in all seriousness, I know he is being completely watched over, and as long as he and his companion listen to the spirit, he will be absolutely fine :]

Check out my favorite part of this picture, the curtain covering the beautiful naked Brazilians Cameron sees on a daily basis.

"I know for a fact that there are at least unlimited people out there that would love to have you... but I have you; and that means everything to me."
-CDR

Trust

I have had a few different things going on lately, a few different people coming in and out. Therefor, trust has been on my mind quite a bit as of late. I'm thinking can I really believe what they are saying? Questioning intentions, and what is going on behind the scenes. And then it hits me. Trust is seriously a make-or-break it factor in any relationship. It takes a long time to aquire, and once it is broken, it is often terribly difficult or even impossible to mend. Then it hits me again. If you can find that person, or persons that you completely trust. There is no doubt in your mind that what the are saying, doing etc is the complete truth HANG ON TO THEM. It's such a nice feeling when the the thought that they are being dishonest, or deciteful does not even cross your mind. How lucky are we to find someone, or someones that we completely trust? The question is, are we that person to others?

Food for thought.
K, bye!

CDR is an Uncle!!...Again!

Declan was born Saturday January 22nd, 2010! I don't know much about him. Besides the pictures Bryan and Jen sent me. He is stinkin adorable. Congrats Rickers!

Ahh.. memories :]

This song remindes me of the boy. This was the only song on any of his Kanye CD's that he would let me listen to.... it was the cleanest. He wanted to protect my "Niave Ears". I want to laugh everytime I hear this song because Cam knows every word to it...and he definately does not hesitate to sing right along. This song is the soundtrack to many long drives and adventures in Salt Lake. Ahh....Memories.

Tuesday Things

Things That Made Me Smile...

• After finally going to the insurance company about the accident last month, I found out I don't have to pay anything. SO happy.
• I did better than I anticipated on my Biology Quiz.
• I finally got a hair appointment to take care of me swiftly growing roots
• Realizing that after today... I am off work for 3 days, and tomorrow I get to hear from Cam!
• Some funny guests at work
• A friend and the funny things he says
• Getting excited for next weekend!
• Feeling a prayer answered.

"Patience means active waiting and enduring. It means staying with something and doing all that we can---working, hoping, and exercising faith; bearing hardship with fortitude, even when the desires of our hearts are delayed. Patience is not simply enduring, it's enduring well!"

- Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Feel like letting go

Tonight

A friend and I were trying to reach a conclusion.

They said, "Well what do you want to do"

refering to the grand scheme of the situation,

not literally "what do you want to do?"

entertainment wise.

My reply?

"Have fun"

They asked me to expand.

So I did.

I'm sick of over-thinking.

And thinking about the past,

and the future.

I want to have fun.

Right here, right now.

Go with the flow, do what I feel is best at the moment.

And see where that gets me.

I may end up right where I expect.

I may end up completely opposite of that.

But for now,

I'm going to have fun.

Do my part,

Put my trust in the Lord.

And see where that gets me.

If I do that,

Where ever I end up,

I can rest assured,

It's the right place for me.

Just for fun

Dear sportsfans, take a gander at this fun little "missionary survey"
Boy on the brain today :]

What's your missionary's middle name?
Dale
Who is his favorite relative?
He is a big family boy. I'm pretty sure he doesn't have a favorite?
What is his favorite color?
Blue and Green
What is his greatest fear?
He hates needles.. well actually, he kinda got over that! But he has this completely irrational fear that I will marry his best friend while he is gone.
Did he ever wear braces?
Twice!
If applicable, who has been his favorite companion thus far?
I'd say Elder Vittelli ... he just got him, but the only normal one thus far!
What is a secret talent he possesses?
He is actually a pretty good singer! I only get to hear it if I beg and plead.
If applicable, what cologne does he wear?
Burberry is my favorite, so he wears that one a lot. But he has a TON. He likes to switch it up
What is his favorite movie?
He really loves how to train your dragon! hahaha. He lovves movies, He has so many favorites.
Does he get along better with his mom or dad?
I have never ever heard him talk of not getting along with with either one of them. Both!
What's something he likes about himself?
He thinks he is pretty funny ;]
What does he want to be when he 'grows up'?
His ultimate dream is to be an ambassador! But I think he wants to be some sort of Liason between the US and another country; probably Brazil.
What does he like most about you?
He says my smile, personality... and legs haha!
How many kids does he want?
Three...... I want six.
What is his favorite holiday?
I'm pretty sure he really loves the Fourth of July.
What is his most embarrassing moment?
Easily the time with my family at Lagoon... hahahah.
What does he do on guy's nights with his guy friends?
They play video games, for HOURS. Or they go play basketball, raquetball, tennis... something of the sort.
Who are his best friends?
Tanner and Spencer have been his best friends for as long as I've known him.
What kind of car does he dream of having?
Oh goodness.. I have no idea? I don't really think he cares. It will probably be a Malibu, they seem to run in the family.
How did he really feel about going on a mission?
He was so excited. And so ready! He was pumped to be going to some third world country where he had a "good chance of being killed". Suuuch a boy.

Latest Loves.

I just discovered this beauty this week. And so far, I LOVE it. My face literally feels like an infants bottom after I use it. And it smells soooo good. I can't get enough of it! Seriously sports fans, it is great. And cheap for us struggling college students! ;]

I also love this. Tinted moisturizer is the best thing since sliced bread. It is so much lighter than a foundation, and covers just as well with a little powder. But best of all, it looks natural; something many make-uped faces struggle with these days. This little bottle weighs in at about $15 ... not too terrrribllee.. but still, I
would say it is worth it!

Unfortunately this brand is a little pricy. But my face refuses to use anything else. I've tried, and my face completely rebelled. Bummer! But I do love it!

Thank you Burt and his Bees for making chapstick that my lippies love!

My sister Taylor introduced these books to my mom, who in turn introduced them to me! I am hooked! They are so interesting. The series is called "The Great and Terrible" and it is basically a fictional story about the premortal life. It is an easy read and definately worth it!

"Let me ask you something. If someone prays for patience, you think God gives them patience? Or does he give them the opportunity to be patient? If he prayed for courage, does God give him courage, or does he give him opportunities to be courageous? If someone prayed for the family to be closer, do you think God zaps them with warm fuzzy feelings, or does he give them opportunities to love each other? "

Welcome Addison Irene Willard!!

Okay... Yes, I am a week late. Forgive me! But last Sunday, January 9th, 2010 baby Addison Irene Willard came into this world! From what I hear... (I have not yet had the chance to meet the little peanut sadly) she is a darling, chunky, infant whom everyone adores. Even if Harrison referes to her, as "It". So welcome baby Addie, welcome to the Willard/Jensen family! ...As you can see by this lovely picture, you will fit right in.

The Courting Candle.

My mom has had this little framed story up in our house for .... my whole life, and I'm sure even before that. But I always thought it was kind of cute. Next to this framed story, there is a candle stick holder with this wooden block thing that can be moved up or down. The story goes as followed....

"A beautiful teenage girl, the daughter of the village blacksmith, was held in breathless adoration by most of the young men in the village. In an effort to regulate the time each of these young men spent courting his daughter, the blacksmith fashioned the "Courting Candle" When a young man came to call on his daughter, he adjusted the candle upward to allow more or less courting time, a judgement he made carefully after meeting each young man. When the candle burned down the little iron eye, that courting session ended. What a clever man! "

Now this fantastic little tale, does have a point. Promise. Last night as my dad and I were driving home from a nice little daddy-daughter+Christian date at Olive Garden.. we somehow ended up stumbling upon the topic of dating, "Courting", gentlemen...etc. I told him how screwed up todays "dating scene" has become. It seems as if nobody calls to ask a girl out on an official date anymore. It is all just "hanging out" and "hooking up" It's really disheartening! And if you are so lucky as to be asked out by a lad who wants to take you on an actual "Date" (how old fashioned of he) he calls the day-of expecting you to drop all of your plans... or all of your non-plans.. that you pretend to have and go out with him! What happpend to the days when a guy would call a week in advance, ask you out for friday night and let the anticipation build! (information I gathered from Dad seeing as that is how things were done in his day) Anyways, the point is. Girls should not put up with this! Girls should be "courted" just like in the olden days!

Ahh Gentleman... they seem to be far and few inbetween these days. I was telling dad about a date I went out on once with a boy I shall not name. Again, it was one of those confusing, are we meeting there? Are you picking me up? Is this a Date? Or are we just hanging out? Who will be paying shall we decide to do anything requiring funds type of deal. Confusing all around. We opted for some DQ icecream... not knowing what was expected of me, I offered to pay for my 3 dollar ice cream. "Okay" is what he said. Whattttt? No, no sir this is not acceptable. Normally I am fine with "going dutch" but when you call me up, wanting to do something, you besst be paying for that 3 dollar ice cream cone. We didn't have a second "date".

Atlas, I dated Cameron Dale Ricker. He must have been raised right because not once did I...

• Pay for anything! This was often quite annoying, sometimes I felt bad for him always paying for stuff.. but he would NEVER let me. So I had to be sneaky.. I got pretty good too!
• Walk on the side closest to the street: I will never forget being in Vegas with Cam, I happend to be walking on the side near the street/creepy people that hand out mini porn cards. Immediately Cam protectively switched me sides, didn't say a word, and just kept walking. I didn't say anything, but I wonder if he knows just how much that incident has stuck with me.
• Be "dropped off":  Unfortunately, some of my friends have told me some dates just drop them off... you got it, pull up to the front of the house, quick kiss and let them make their own way to the front door. Seriously? Not acceptable. Although, admittedly... there have been some dates where I have silently begged and pleaded for the "drop off"
• Open my own car/building door: He was always there to open the car door. Whether we were going out on a date, or just running to the store. Didn't matter. The door was opened. This kid is seriously a keeper!
• Order on a date: I will admit.. Cam did know that I loved this. And he may have caught on by my not-so-subtle hints at the beginning... but eventually, it was second nature. He always asked what I wanted, and then informed the waitress/waiter. Not a word was uttered from my lips. At some of our favorite places, he eventually didn't even need to ask...weird.
• Have to make awkward conversation because the boyfriend refuses to speak to strangers: If you know Cam, you know he is a pretty sociable guy. I can't tell you how nice it was never having to be the one to do the small talk, I hate small talk. He took care of that with ease. He could seriously make conversation with a park bench.  I just got to stand/sit there and throw my oh so intelligent/witty two-cents in at the appropriate moment ;]

The point of this post? I'm so sick of the "hanging out" and "hooking up" good grief  boys just use your words, call the girl, and ask her out on a good ol' fashioned date! .... at least three days in advance! :]

"Cause I'll doze off safe and soundly,

but I'll miss your arms around me.

I'll send a postcard to you, dear

cause I wish you were here.

I'll watch the night turn lightblue,

but it's not the same without you.

Because it takes two to wisper quietly.

The silence isn't so bad.

'Til I look at my hands and feel sad

'Cause the spaces between my fingers

are right where yours fit perfectly" 

100 Days.

Tomorrow Cameron Dale has been gone for 100 days!

Thats a ton of days peeps.

A lot has already happend in only 100 short days!

• Halloween 2010 came and went
• Freshman fall semester ended.
• Finals week was survived gracefully.
• Thanksgiving 2010 graced us with its presence.
• Cam Completed MTC, transfered to Chula Vista!
• 37 minute phone call!
• I saw Sexy Jason Derulo in Concert!
• Family time up in Salt Lake for Christmas.
• Christmas 2010
• New Years 2010. So fun! Despite the lack of new years kiss.
• Goodbyeee 2010... Hellllloo 2011!
• New Years Resolutions were made.
• Spring semester started.
• It SNOWED in STG
• Baby Addison Irene was birthed!
• Cams Visa arrived!
• Cam Called from Airport! ....noo big, that was TODAY!

I can't believe how fast this time is going by.

I could not be more grateful.

Not only for the time passing,

but everything I have been able to experience and learn for myself.

my suppportive family.

endless support from the Ricker family.

My supportive encouraging friends that keep me laughing.

My heavenly father and his incredible listening/comforting abilities.

Family prayers my dad says, and how..

"Please bless the missionaries"

has turned into

"Please bless Cameron"

Life is good :]

It's funny when..

I have a terrible night.

• Crazy yelling Germans
• Death of very important computers at work.
• Getting called to work on my day off.
• The mail lady is late. On the one day I actually care what time the mail comes.

And then I get home, and awaiting me in the mailbox is my late... but very much needed letter from Chula Vista San Diego.

These letters don't make my day 100x's better because of the lovey-dovey, mooshy-gooshy things that are written in them. No it's not that.

These letters without fail, always make me literally, Laugh Out Loud.
In a one page letter, I get my best friend back for a few minutes. I get to hear his contagious laugh through his "ha,ha's" and his unmatched sense of humor. In a one page letter, I am reminded why this boy is indeed my best friend, and how truly lucky I am for that.

"Happy New Year!

I hope you had a ton of fun on New Years!

I hope you stayed away from all those boys :]

New years on a mission Is CRAZY

I went to so many parties

and partook of soo many illegal substances."

"There is this lady in our ward,

she looks just like your mom!

It's the craziest thing.

Everytime I see her I just want to say..

Hey Vickie Viper!"

"You are an amazing mom to our Pup!

...Except that you tried to strangle him with his own collar!"

These may not mean much to you sportsfans,

but they sure mean a lot to me :]

Happy THREE to me!

Today..

Three Whole Months

have indeed passed since the day Elder Ricker left.

Time is cruuiisssin! 

I am not complaining.

He is doing fabulous,

still awaiting his visa in Chula Vista.

Definately catching the "missionary spirtit"

So, happy 3 months C-rick!
only 21 more to go!

Happy

This Girl is Happy. 

For a million different reasons. 

And no particular reason at all.

But this sure helps. 

" he really wants to be the one that takes care of you,

and makes you feel better for sure"

 Aw :] 

 

Yess Please.

Today I watched August Rush.

Not for the first time.

But for the first time, I made it all the way through.

I am in love.

Behold.

Jonathan Rhys Meyers,

You will do just fine for the next 21 months.

Mmm.... 

What. A. Morning.

11:30pm: Head to bed with my tiny bugzee!

4:44am: Bugzee wakes up, he needs to go potty. I discover upon taking him outside...SNOW everyhwere. It wasn't even cold last night!
6:15am: Alarm Clock goes off, tiiiiime for work.

6:51: Rushing out the door, going to be late!

6:51-7:05: Creeeping along the freeway, slipping and sliding. Terrifying!

7:10-7:15 Late. Rounding the corner to my work. Run out of gas. Luckily, there is a station right there, had enough fumes to rollllll into the gas station, not quite to a pump. Run in, get a little gas container, attempt to fill up my car enough to make it to work. On my way! ....don't quite make it.... car runs out. again.

7:30: Poor little car sits on the street as I scurry into work. A half hour late.

Normally, this would have really ruined my day. But today, I could only laugh. Why you ask? Heavenly Father has a siiiick sense of humor! One of my new years resolutions is to say morning prayers (I will admit I am terrible at that) so today, as I am hurrying out the door, It comes to me "You need to say your prayers" .... I decide to just do it when I get to work when I can. Point Taken!

Adios 2010!

I think this song describes the last year perfectly. Goodbye 2010! I'm sad to see you go, thank you for being so good to me.