why saying goodbye was so hard

cousin eric

Eric Ellis....for those readers who don't know him, he really is this handsome. You can't even see his whole face and it is obvious that he is sweet on the eyes. I have been friends with Eric for four years or so and I love him very much. He is a good listener, funny, smart and as already stated very handsome. I just got off the phone with him and boy was it so good to talk to him. Eric, I needed that. Thanks for listening to me....I hope you rocked your quiz. P.S. Guess what everybody I got myself a job (as my Mom likes to call it "a career")! Now I am for real a grown-up.

playing catch up

I have tons of pictures to share, though none are of my new place (stay tuned for all pictures, I am having some uploading issues). I still need to unpack a little before any pictures are taken. I have been back in Washington just over one week. I am doing well, I am lonely at times for friends and familiarity back in Provo. What has been nice is that I have talked to a lot of people since I left. I need those conversations to survive. I am just pretending I am really busy so I can't get out to visit anyone, talking on the phone and emails are the only things I have time for...I have done an okay job at tricking my heart thus far. It has been fun with my family and friends here. It is great being able to spend more time with my four friends and their kids! I have been on a few interviews, nothing yet but there is one job I am sure I'll land. I am doing a few temp. gigs in the meantime. My new ward is fabulous, what it lacks in outstanding talks and lessons (like my old ward) it makes up in the kindness of the members. I met at least 10 new people on Sunday, all of them coming up to me. I had a birthday, another year older. I don't like being old, but the day was super fun. I'll share more about that with pictures later. I love you all. I miss those of you who I am too busy to see right now. I might have some openings in the beginning of the year so get ready.

heartbreaking

I think my heart is breaking....

just the three of us

Making your way in the world today takes everything you've got.
Taking a break from all your worries sure would help a lot.
Wouldn't you like to get away?
Sometimes you want to go Where everybody knows your name,
and they're always glad you came.
You wanna be where you can see, our troubles are all the same.
You wanna be where everybody knows Your name.
You wanna go where people know, people are all the same,
You wanna go where everybody knows your name.

sights of boston

The USS Constitution

Harvard Square in Cambridge (we spent a lot of time here)

The Freedom Trail marker thing...I only walked on the Freedom trail a little, but I think it is cool. And the Bostonians were extremely helpful when I couldn't figure it out.

Bunker Hill

Paul Revere's house

One of my favorite shots from aboard our harbor cruise

Boston

The State Capitol Building

The Old Granary Cemetery

Quincy Market where Team Chowda had team meetings at least twice a day

more of boston

Jeremiah and I just hanging out in Boston Common, we had just finished eating Boston Cream Pie that we got from the place that invented it.

The Dentists, Dr. Larson and Dr. Visser-hot stuff!

"Team Chowda"- Jeremiah's goal for the trip was clam chowder for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Way to dream big Jeremiah!

Linds and I on our guided trolley tour around Boston, I recommend it to everyone visiting the city, actually any city for that matter. It is a great way to see a lot of things at one time.

Me at the Old Granary, the cemetery where many US Patriots are buried, including Samuel Adams, John Hancock and Paul Revere.

byu vs. boston college

We found our friend Nicole at the game, she lives in Provo and came for the weekend.

Cousin Meredith rode a bus up from New York City to see me and hang out in Mass.

Our group at the game, the Cougars lost in double overtime! Darn it!

Mike, Cyrus, Lindsay, myself and Dallas (visiting from Albany, NY). We took this picture before heading out. This was my first BYU football game, actually the first time I watched a whole game. We had fun, it was so hot and we nearly melted. There were so many BYU fans in the stands. It was great to be with my friends on location. It is a good feeling to know that we are still friends even if we live far away from each other.

d swan

I love Derek Swanson. He is daling! Derek was one the first guys I met when I moved out to Provo 5 years ago. When he started to be friends with our apartment we were so excited to know the cutest boy in the ward. We use to compare everything we loved to how much we loved Derek "yeah, but do you love chocolate ice cream more than Derek Swanson?" obvioulsy the answer was always no. I received the best hug of my life from Derek years ago and just an hour or so ago I received one of the best phone calls ever- from "D-rock!" You see, Derek was recently diagnosed with Cancer. Dang Cancer! I have been wanting to talk with my dear friend, but didn't really know what to say. I was so surprised when he called me this morning. He is doing quite well, very optimistic and energetic (I could hear him smiling on the other end of the phone). He is taking it one day at a time and trying not to worry, he is such a good kid. There really is no one quite like him, his laughter, blue eyes and that smile...what a stud! If you all wouldn't mind saying a prayer or two for him that would be lovely. I love you Derek, thanks for making my day when I should have been doing something for you.

before i leave for boston

Before I leave for Boston tomorrow I wanted to post the pictures I have taken the last few weeks. I am anticipating loads of fabulous vactation photos, but I want to get these on the blog. They are not quite in order, but you'll notice me and Jeremiah at Los Hermanos for Micah's 30th Bday Celebration (notice Micah in the next photo getting sung to); I made a delicious sweet and sour chicken recipe in the crock pot for "Wing Wednesday"; Olivia's baby Sydney and I then us with my former roommates and still friends at a baby shower for a girl from work (we all work at Apx); and finally me eating a smore at my ward campout a couple of weeks ago. Life as a grown-up is pretty much the same as when I was not a grown-up (when I was still in school), I am happy and healthy that is what is important.

more weekend in seattle pictures

Mark and Natalie Tacher

All the girls

Leah is getting so big, too big!

more pictures

Baby Leah leaving me a message on my blog-she likes me!

Two new party babies Blake Wright and Easton Shaw (they were born one day apart)-BFF!

Leah and her favorite!

so funny

To truly enjoy the humor of this photo, and it is kind of funny, you need to enlarge the picture and look at Leah’s face. Hilarious- she is already embarrassed by her family, I think she is rolling her eyes!

this weekend

Mark, Natalie and Leah Tacher were sealed in the Seattle Temple September 8, 2006. I was able to come home for the weekend. It was wonderful to be in the Temple with most of my family. Leah will be blessed on Sunday morning so I get to be here for that too. Other plans for the weekend: seeing the newest additions to "the party" Blake Wright and Easton Shaw, and helping my new roommate Lisa move into our new house. P.S. it is raining in Seattle today!

meet brother wing

This is Eric Wing. He is fabulous! Eric is in my ward, he lives a couple buildings over. He is from Arkanas. He teaches Seminary and also co-teaches Institute with my roommate Kristy. He served his mission in Seattle. So, he is pretty much awesome. Thanks for checking out the blog E!

happy birthday stepher sue!