Its Been a While.

Dear Blog and all those readers of my life,

My dear internet has been down. Hence, the lack of updating my every day adventures.
And let me tell you, ALOT has happened.
These next few posts are a recap of special event and dreadful news.

It came. It finally came.

Attention to one, attention to all.

I am pleased to announce the arrival of my long lost lover.

My letter.

My dear beloved letter.

It is here and all is well.

So here's how it all went down.

I decided to spend this much needed minimal day with my dear friend T-slate. After making the rounds around town, we settled in her room to do something productive. Homework, of course was the main goal, but as usual I got distracted by facebook and blog stocking.

That is when my phone began to ring.

It was my father. My amazing father.
He delivered the sweetest news anyone could ever imagine.

He had a present for me.
It had come from Guatemala. 

Instantaneously, I started crying.
Hysterically. 

Finally. My first thoughts were:
My Elder had no forgotten about me.
He had kept his promise.
I still meant something to him. 
I wonder how long it is.
When will I get to read it?
Dad?

Then I remembered I was still on my cellular device.
Papa Brown then asked if he could bring it to me.


Well I couldn't say no, he offered.

That was the longest twenty minutes of my life.
Just listening to my music, trying to write on my blog but excitement overcame all thoughts and words to the point were writing was out of the question.
I had to let facebook know though.

It felt as if I was moving in slow motion.
My phone rings once more. I get up off the floor. I stand and run with the excitement of a five year old. I sprint accross the endless basement and the everlasting stairs. I see the closed door. Before I know it I am outside in the blizzard only to see my father's car in the drive way. He hands my treasure over to me. I thank him and kiss him on the cheek. My fingers are fumbling over the creesed envelope. It is open. I pull the paper out.
I have my letter. In front of me.
Waiting to be read.

One page.
Four weeks of waiting, 
and he only bothers to write one page.

But it one of the sweetest letters I have gotten from my Elder. It may not be the longest one, but it is filled with true intent.

The Highlights:

"I am definately going to be weird when I come back, no doubt, but that is because I am a disciple of Jesus Christ."
Well, at least he can face the fact that he is going to be a weirdy. But with a good cause.

"All I want to do is come home and live the Commandments of the Lord for all my life. But I guess I need to be sealed in the temple too HINT HINT"
Ok, Elder. Wait to be subtle about plans when you get home. I'm waiting.

"Guatemala is awesome except for the freaking Spiders!!"
Ha. Ha. And he didn't believe my mother and her spider stories.
You were warned Elder.

"I hope everything is going great in your life! Probably not with all your surgeries but I know you are a tough girl :)"
Yes, he did put a smiley face. 

"I love you. Everything is cool here. LOVE YOU!!!"
Best part of the letter. He still cares.

What. A. Relief.
I know I should want him to be one hundred percent focused.
I am a seventeen year old girl who is in love. 
Give me a break.

I am smiling a real smile this very moment.
The first time in months that I haven't put on an act.
True happiness.
I am giggling.
I am giddy.
I feel joy.
I am almost whole for this moment in time.
I am happy.

This is how I used to be.

When he was here.

Utterly complete and true happiness.

Thank you Heavenly Father, for answering my prayers. 

The Grapist. Classic.

I find this humorous.

Very very humorous.

While watching this I was in the company of 

T-Slate, Nickabob, and Boshua.

They made me write this.

Against my will.

Enjoy.

The Emails

The weekly emails to my two favorite missionaries. I love them dearly. I know they are a bit repatative but what can ya do? Go ahead, take a look at how supportive I am. I try :)

Dear JOSHYYYY,

So help me if you don't email me back I am going to rage. I miss you bro. I read your emails every week. I wish I could put into words how proud I am of you. You are so noble. You are serving your Heavenly Father with all your heart. You are growing in every way. Spiritually, mentally, and physically. (Possibly not in the best way on that last one.) I fasted for you and Aaron today. I want to help in every possible. I pray for you day and night but I felt a special urge to fast today. I fasted hoping that you will find success and the fight to press forward. I fasted knowing that the lord will bless you. My big brother. My hero. I love you so much Elder Brown. Please word harder than you ever have this week. Really listen to the promptings of the spirit and you will know what to do. Guess what? I am seventeen. Ah. (Dinosaur Noise). And... I registered for Senior year. How is that even possible. No one knows. Your baby sister is growing up. I am going to the MATC to get my Medical Assisting degree next year. Wish you were here to help me make these choices but I guess you will just see me when I am an accomplished and graduated high school student. YES! I LOVE YOUUUUUUUUUUU!!!!!!!!!! Tell Elder Knight I say hello :) 

You favorite sibling of all time,

Linsey Lou!

Ps I have that Eclipse picture up in my room. I have never been more proud. It is epic.

Dear Elder,

It is crazy to think that this week on the 10th you will have been out officially 3 months. That seems absolutely bizarre to me. A few months ago we were just two kids in love and now look at where we are. You, Elder, are in Guatemala serving your Heavenly Father. Doing the best thing you can ever do for yourself yet being so selfless at the same time. I am 17, surviving high school, and I just registered for senior year. Can you believe that? In 6 months I will be a senior. Life is going by too fast. I am getting freaked out. Before I know it you are going to be home. Enjoy every moment Elder. Know I still think about you and pray for your success. Today actually, I fasted for you and my brother. I fasted in hopes that you will find families ready to here the gospel and families who follow through. I fasted hoping that you will push forward. That you will work harder than you have ever worked in your entire life. I know this will result in the Lord blessing you thus making your mission worthwhile. You are one the most incredible people I have ever met. Think of who you are going to be when you come home? I may not even be worthy to stand in your presence! just kidding. I love you, and will until the day I see you again. I am still waiting for that letter. I know it will come, eventually. Thank you for everything.

With all my heart,

Linsey :)

The Best Friend. The Cousin.

Cousins are those childhood playmates who grow up to be forever friends.

Anonymous

God made us cousins, because he knew our moms couldn’t handle us as sisters.

Anonymous

Cousin to cousin we’ll always be,

Special friends from the same family tree.

Anonymous

In my cousin, I find a second self.

Isabel Norton

I find myself blessed in so many ways.

I live in sheltered little Utah with the true Gospel in my life.

I have had education always at my finger tips.

I have the best friends in the entire world.

I have been blessed with a family that is strong in the 

gospel and so loving.

But I believe one of my greatest blessings is the fact

that I am bound eternally to my best friend.

My cousin.

My other sister.

Savannah Jae Slater

This beaut has been in my life from the very beginning.

Since our mothers are sisters, Nana has always been in my life.

Being a year and a half older, it was destined that we would be so close.

Sadly, through out our childhood Miss Savannah lived in Arizona.

I only saw her in the summer and on holidays when one of our families would make the 

commute to the opposite state.

Finally, while Sav was in her Jr. High years they moved back to the mormon state. 

And since then, we have been best friends.

I wish I could present every single laugh, every single memory

we have shared together.

Here are a few:

In 2008, we got to enjoy the city lights and subway adventures of

New York.

Disneyland, 2009.

The happiest place on earth is one of our favorite vacations.

We have got to share the experience of two cruises together. 

Best. Vacations. Ever.

We had the pleasure to meet Mr. Archuleta.

Also attending the American Idol Concert, David Cook Season.

We met the Singles Ward guy as well. Epic.

Our many movie experiences, this one being Tangled.

Harry Potter at Midnight. She is a believer.

Our strongest bond and favorite discussion topic would be our

complete and utter love for The Twilight Saga. 

We have been to every single Midnight showing.

We have spent countless hours discussing our love for Edward Cullen.

We are those teenage girls that everyone makes fun of.

But we are PROUD.

So proud, we created this video to show our dislike for Jacob Black.

This was 2008.

We were obsessed.

No judgements please.

This is our pride and joy.

28,000 views. Woot Woot!

As you can see we have had our share of good times.

Not only the good times, but the BEST times. 

Nana has always been there for me.

ALWAYS.

Through the thick and thin.

We both endured losing our Grandpa and Cousin.

Families are together forever.

The poor girl is stuck with me for all of time and eternity.

Savannah Jae is one of the most incredible people I have ever met.

The perfect quote to describe Miss Slater would be:

"The people who don't know me think I am quiet,

those who do wish I was."

My dear cousin is a bit shy. To those she doesn't know.

If only if only they truly knew that Nana that is my best friend.

She is absolutely crazy.

She knows how to make me laugh harder than anyone else.

She is the most understanding person I know.

She loves unconditionally.

She is a hopeless romantic.

She has never kissed a boy, and she is proud of it.

She has a testimony that could make anyone believe.

She is kind to everyone.

She is a hardworker.

She is a fashion diva.

She a 4'11" ball of energy.

She makes the best chocolate chip waffles.

She is the truest friend anyone could have.

She is strong.

She is my biggest role model. 

The list can go on and on.

I look up to her more than she will ever know. If I could say anything to my dear cousin this would be my sentiments:

Dear Savannah,

Thank you. Thank your for everything. I have never met a more Christlike person in my entire life. You have shown me that life can be amazing while still doing the right things. We have endured a lot together. Between Brady, Grandpa O, and.. Kent? We have always had each other to fall on to. I know I haven't been the greatest friend at times. I lose myself in high school and forget what really matters. Family. Families are forever. Friends are going to come and go, and they have. But one thing has always remained constant. That has been you. We have had our rough times, but in the end we always remain best friends. You are my role model Savannah. The way you live your life is so pure. I try to live my life with the unconditional love and eternal perspective that shines through you everyday. Once again, I would like to say thank you. You have changed my life in so many ways. You will always be my best friend. Love you Nana.

Sincerely,

Linsey Lou <3

Why can't my books become a reality?

*ATTENTION ALL HUNGER GAME FANS*

I do not know what my problem is 

but I cried my eyes out watching this fan made clip.

 If the movie is filmed like this, for once in history, 

the movie might be as good as the book.

 I cannot wait. 

Take a gander, you will not be disappointed.

The Dream

A new obsession has come over me.

I have spent this fine Saturday fawning over and researching...

Weddings.

Wedding Videos.

Wedding Rings.

Wedding Dresses.

Everything that has to deal with that 

Perfect Special Day.

Here are a few of my findings:

My dearest friend Amber has an incredible skill for videography. 

These videos are her very own creation. 

I have already had her sign a contract saying that she will film my wedding. 

This couple. Wow. 

I honestly have seen what true happiness can look like. 

The girl smiles is so real and shows she is truly complete.

The weather was beautiful, her dress was blowing in the wind.

 It is epic, see for yourself. 

And the second clip, is so dramatic. 

I love it, I'm obsessed.

The next item on the list is

The Wedding Ring.

Okay, lets be honest.

I am a complete girly girl.

I love sparkles and I love bling.

I want an extravagant wedding ring.

I want it to blind people when they look at it. 

Here is my number one pick:

Next item on the list would be wedding dresses.

The dress.

Every little girl dreams of the extraordinary white dress

that will carry them to the alter.

After endless hours of searching for a dream dress,

I found one that I am in LOVE with.

Of course it needs sleeves and

a few fixations.

But this is the dream.

The bling.

The tight bodice.

The ruffle trumpet hemline.

Perfection.

A wedding.

Every little girl dreams of a big white wedding.

Most people say that I just want a wedding,

not a husband.

But that is entirely backwards.

I would be fine to skip the wedding and

just be with my best friend forever.

Sealed for all of time and eternity.

In the words of the notebook:

"So it's not gonna be easy. It's gonna be really hard. 

We're gonna have to work at this every day, 

but I want to do that because I want you.

 I want all of you,

 for ever, 

you and me, 

every day."

I know it's not going to be a walk in the park.

And I am not living in La-La land.

I know it is going to be hard.

I know some days I am going to want to pull my hair out.

I will just want to run away.

But in the end, I am with my best friend.

The one person that I will love forever and ever.

I cannot wait.

I still don't know who this man will be.

But when he does come along.

I know it will be right.

And I will have everything planned out.