Summer Series: efy

So I was in Hawaii,
which was an adventure in and of itself,
when I received an e-mail from efy.
efy=especially for youth=church summer camp=favorite part of my adolescence.

I had applied earlier in the summer, but as life would have it...
It didn't work out.

The email told me they had openings for a few sessions the following week, and I shot back an "I'm free"
Three days later, an overnight flight home, church, and an all-nighter to get ready.
I was at efy.
Everyone had been a counselor before.
I was the complete and total newbie, and had no idea what I was doing.
I was placed with the largest group of girls.
My boss transferred her niece to my group,
so I felt like all eyes were on me...
the rookie.
I was a hot mess,
sick from my all-nighter,
but trusting that the Lord had my back.
Oh, and faking it until I made it.

That week was a God-sent little blessing.
I needed it.

I needed to refocus, and get my mind out of the mess it was in.
The only way I've learned to do that is to take the focus off the little circle that is me.
Not a moment of the whole experience was about me, and it was exactly what I needed.







So I lost myself in the sounds of my kiddos calls for Mama TayTay,
and loved every minute of doing so.

Love Always,
A mama of 24 little ducklings,
Mama TayTay

Jesus: The Perfect Leader

"Each of us has more opportunities to do good and to be good than we ever use. These

opportunities lie all around us. Whatever the size of our present circle of effective influence, if we were to improve our performance even a little bit, that circle would be enlarged. There are many individuals waiting to be touched and loved if we care enough to improve in our performance.

We must remember that those mortals we meet in parking lots, offices, elevators, and elsewhere

are that portion of mankind God has given us to love and to serve. It will do us little good to speak of the general brotherhood of mankind if we cannot regard those who are all around us as our brothers and sisters. If our sample of humanity seems unglamorous or so very small, we need to remember the parable Jesus gave us in which he reminded us that greatness is not always a

matter of size or scale, but of the quality of one’s life. If we do well with our talents and with the

opportunities around us, this will not go unnoticed by God. And to those who do well with the

opportunities given them, even more will be given!"

President Spencer W. Kimball

Livin the dream... from a great angle.

Last weekend we got to sit in the president's box... 

well, let's call it a "Loge" since that's what the ticket says.

Plus, it sounds way cooler.

Although we girls may have complained at having to wear matching polos with the boys-

[I mean come on, on our first dates with these boys?] it was way worth it.

1. Look at that view

2. WE WON

3. RILEY....

4. We got to watch the rushing of the field happen from that angle.

[Seriously, watch the progression of the field in these pictures...]

 I mean, in all honesty, the last 4 minutes were the most exciting part. 

But all you need to remember is the strong finish anyways, right?

And if great food and company happen to be a part of it all- yeah, that's alright with me.

Hanging out with President Samuelson and Sister Beck on my Friday night. 

You know, living the dream.

the funny ways life works.

let me lead you through this little series of events that have happened in my life lately.
by lately, I mean in the last six months.
one time, I had my life planned out.
I was running for BYUSA office.
and was applying for the business school.
and when you make plans you are supposed to think positive right?
So, when I lost the election and got put on a waiting list for the business school....
my life felt a little bit in shambles.
but then someone I met during campaign week gave me a call last week.
and offered me a really incredible opportunity.
and I took it.

and I got into the business school.
and I took that too.

and I learned the lessons He was trying to teach me.
that things always work out, and He makes it so.
and patience. ohhhhh, the art of patience.

then I showed up for our first board meeting and leadership training.
And forgot my mascara. on my left eye.
and accidentally forgot to spit out my chewing gum.

and thought....
here we go.