Henry August Langhaim II

Last semester, I was given the opportunity to write about an experience that has shaped the course of my life in one of my religion classes. My dear friend Austin was the first person I thought of :) It has now been two years since his passing and there isn't a day goes by that I do not think of him and his smile/laugh. He had such an impact on my life that I thought I would share my thoughts on Austin and who he was to me.

When I was given the opportunity to express one of the most significant experiences of my life through words, my friend Austin was the first person that came to my mind. His love of life and his devotion to the gospel have helped me in more ways that I could have ever imagined. He taught me how to live my life with no regrets and how to enjoy the small things.

I met Austin Langhaim in the Summer of 2009 right before I left for college. He was the nephew of one of our family friends, and I became friends with him shortly after he moved in. Since his family and I were great friends, I had the opportunity to spend lots of time with him. I was attracted to his fun loving attitude and his smile. We spent a lot of that summer together at the lake house, wakeboarding, watching movies, hanging out with friends, and of course, going on late night Taco Bell runs. We had countless conversations over texts and in person. I considered him one of my best friends that summer and wanted to get to know him better. He was preparing for his mission at the time, so I knew that nothing could happen between us, but I was determined to write him on his mission and talk to him while I went to school in the Fall.

I continued to talk to him while I was at school and got to see him over Winter break. It was great to catch up with him and to hang out with him again. He had recently gotten his mission call to Mexico City, Mexico. I was so proud of his choice to become a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. We talked about how excited he was about his mission and how we would keep in touch while we were apart. Little did I know that would be the last time I would ever see Austin Langhaim.

The morning of March 19th, 2010 started out as any normal day. I went to school, finished my homework, and was hanging out with my friends when I would get a call that would change my life forever. My sister called to tell me that Austin had been in a skateboarding accident riding down our neighborhood hill and was on his way to the hospital. A few hours later, I got a call from my father confirming what I already knew in my heart. Austin had died from a traumatic brain injury.

I began to sob hysterically as I could not understand why the Lord would take one of his children that was leaving on his mission in one month. I had even talked to him the week before and was going to be there when he went through the temple. I was angry, sad and grieving the loss of one of my good friends. I felt so alone and felt as if no one had gone through the same thing I was going through. I wanted to go home so badly, but I also knew that I had to continue to go school. I knew that I had to do what the Lord wanted me to do. As I asked the Lord to give me strength to get through this trial, I was surrounded by the most powerful act of love I have ever felt. I knew that the Lord and Austin were telling me it was going to be ok and that his mission was to be fulfilled on the other side. The days after that continued to be hard, but I knew that if I prayed continually, I would have the strength to overcome this trial.

After that experience, I have never doubted that the Lord’s will is the best and only way. This experience taught me not to take life for granted and to cherish the times I spend with my family and friends. His last facebook status was “Men fear men, more then men fear God.” He had grown up in such a short time and got the big picture. He knew what to aim for: eternal life. Because of Austin, I find happiness in every day and choose to follow the Lord’s plan because I know it is the only way I will be able to see him someday. I will always regard him as one of my best friends who, at a certain point in my life, was a great blessing and helped me grow as a Daughter of God. I think about him often, and I can’t help but smile every time I picture his face because he was the one that taught me how to truly live a life full of gratitude and love and for that, I am eternally grateful.

Love you Au-T!

Remember that one time we were going to dress up in wet suits, snorkels and flippers and head on over to IGA to buy something and cause a scene to spice up Winlock a bit? Yeah, we should do that soon :) 

All Hallow's Eve

Vegas style!! Halloween was quite a delight this year. I just LOVE fall. Crunchy leaves, crisp weather, pumpkins, pumpkin pie, pumpkin cookies, pumpkin waffles, etc. Clearly, I just can't get enough pumpkin when this time of year comes around! 

On Friday, the crew (as I shall call us) ventured down the infamous I-15 corridor down to lovely Las Vegas, Nevada. We had a great drive full of giggles, naps and good times.

The Vegas Crew

 Todd and I

 Todd photobombed my picture!

Las Vegas!

We arrived there safe and sound and to lovely 75 degree weather which was definitely needed since Provo has decided to become 20 degrees all of the sudden. We started out the festivities with a bang by watching the old school version of When A Stranger Calls. Let me tell you, that was one of the scariest movies I have EVER watched. It brought back all those memories from back in my babysitting days. So scary, although I do highly recommend it. 

On Saturday was the Halloween Party. At the Pitts household, Halloween is celebrated to its fullest. It's either go big or go home, and go big it was! I have never seen a house so decorated with Halloween decor in my life.  It was AWESOME. Katie and I helped decorate and make the food for the party and then proceeded to get ready for the most legit Halloween party I have ever been to. Our costumes did not disappoint. I decided to show up as Professor Trelawney because she never gets old and the dress is rockin'. Always a good excuse to wear that dress. Katie was an 80's rocker. She made her skirt. How crafty! She also wore boots that made her as tall as me. I don't know how I feel about that, but she seemed happy while it lasted :) Brittany was a woman from Dia de Los Muertos. Her makeup was fantabulous. 

The best costumes on the planet.

Awww, precious.

Katie's "glamour" shot.

These series of pictures might just be my new personal favorites in the history of forever. Enjoy.

Simply. The. Best. Sometimes, when I look at these pictures, I cannot stop laughing. I really have no idea what is going on in these.

All in all, All Hallow's Eve was a SUCCESS. Thanks to Steph, Jeff, and the Pitts family for putting together a fantastic party. Till next time Vegas!

Veinte y uno

21. It's official. I am THAT old. It seems like yesterday I was in elementary school livin' the high life. Well...I'm still livin' the high life but will a lot more pizazz these days. My birthday was pretty much FANTASTIC. On Monday when my dad was in town, he took me and my roommates to India Palace. If you haven't eaten there, I highly recommend it. Best Indian food on the block! Anyway, my dad brought in the bag of presents my family bought me and inside was an Oregon duck pillow pet. My face was priceless. I didn't know I could get excited over something like that but alas, it was possible. Then, I wanted McDonald's ice cream, so my dad precedes to lead my roommates in singing Happy Birthday in the restaurant. Only something my dad would do. It brings back lovely memories from 5th grade. I knew that man would never change!

Tuesday morning rolls around, and I was awoken by the beautiful voices of my roommates bringing me only the coolest birthday breakfast ever. Cake batter pancakes! (Also highly recommended) Nom nom nom. After a splendiferous day at school, Katie made me toasties (delicious cauliflower sandwiches). What a gem. Then came the awesome gifts. I received bronzer so I would discontinue stealing Katie's. That was so thoughtful. I then preceded to open posters of two loves in my life: Harry Potter and Eminem. Holy Cow. I started laughing so hard. My roommates know me so so so well. My last gift was.......a unicorn pillow pet to go with my matching unicorn pajama bottoms. It will be hard to ever top this splendid gift. Who knew that a 21 year old could receive two pillow pets for her birthday? I probably defy the odds. 

Then came the infamous birthday cake and ice cream. Britt made me a Bundt Cake with Ganache. To die for I tell you. Lots of people came over to celebrate, and we had a rockin' good time. My birthday=success. Thanks to all who helped me in celebrating that awesome day, and a special thanks to my roomies/ BFF's for making that day special. You guys are simply the best. Love you.

Here are some pictures for your enjoyment

A little baby unicorn...I named him Ulysses.

Me and my prized possessions. 

Katie....ahahahaha.

This is the 3rd picture with my pillow pet in it. Cool.

What a beautiful man.

Oh Reegs....

Now..onto spend those $21 dollars my Grandma gave me for my birthday. Wonder what I could spend that on.....

I am stoked

to see this guy...

TODAY!!!! 

Aren't my parents so awesome?

They recently just celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary which is a great accomplishment. I couldn't ask for better examples of true love in my life. I only hope to have a happy marriage like them someday. I also couldn't help but smile and tear up a little when Sister Dalton talked about Fathers and Daughters. My dad has always loved my mom and made sure that we knew it. He is a worthy Priesthood holder and has a strong testimony of the gospel. I love my dad so much. He has always been there for me, and I know I can talk to him about anything. Fob Bob is simply the greatest. What girl doesn't love a man who comes into town and always takes her and her roommates out to dinner and buys them matching sweatpants that we lovingly nicknamed Fob Bob sweats. Yup, only the coolest dad around. See you soon dad. Cheers to a great weekend full of fun and our favorite game to watch together, Football! I am so excited!

Precious.

Happy Christmas Harry!

Happy Christmas Ron....ok I just had to put that one in. Who doesn't love that line? Tomorrow marks a very important date that I have been waiting for...well....since like forever. It is bittersweet. I feel like my childhood is ending, which I haven't really come to grips with yet. I mean I was 9 when I started reading Harry Potter and 11 when the first movie came out. After many midnight showings and staying up late reading the books (and many other nights rereading and rereading the books), Harry Potter is coming to an end. I do not know how I feel about this, but this much I do know...I feel like I grew up with Ron, Hermione and Harry. I experienced their joys and heartaches and of course their quest to defeat the ever evil Lord Voldermort. I feel as if I got to experience Hogwarts. I will never be the same. So, thank you for spending half my life with me Harry. You are one special character. Don't mind if I cry throughout the movie (which is a given). It is just bound to happen because this has been one heck of a ride.

Oh so young and naive!

Now, off to defeat Lord Voldermort and saving the Wizard community. 

I will also be dressing up as Professor Trelawny which is epic in itself. I cannot wait. Harry Potter here I come!

I only hope to be like them someday.

Tonight, I had the unique and special opportunity to go and visit the gravesites of many LDS prophets. As we went to each one, we learned a little bit about their lives and their work as a prophet. I was touched by each of their sacrifices and dedication to the work of the Lord. 

I promised myself that I would not get all mushy-gushy as we approached the Hinckley's. There is just something about them that always makes me want to cry because I loved them dearly. I grew up with President Hinckley and his awesome wife. He is my prophet as I like to call him. I always remember listening to him and being so excited when he would announce new temples. I credit him with helping me gain a strong testimony of the gospel. He always had a way of making you feel loved and special and I always felt I knew him personally.  The light of Christ was always shown through his actions and deeds. He found a way to make you laugh but at the same time stayed serious. His devotion to temples and temple work is astounding. I have a special place in my heart for temples and hope to be able to go someday and I will be reminded of the great work President Hinckley did.  I still remember where and when I was when he died. It was not easy for me to accept that he was gone and it took me awhile to adjust to a new prophet. I know that he was and is a prophet of God, and he will always have a special place in my heart. He had a way of speaking profoundly with the littlest of effort. Many of his quotes are short yet simple. Just the way they should be. "The time has come for us to stand a little taller to lift our eyes and stretch our minds to a greater comprehension and understanding of the millennial mission of this, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints" His remarkable way of telling us that we have a mission here on Earth could not have been better put. If we stand a bit taller, we will know our potential. What an inspiring man. 

Don't get me started on his wife. Everytime I see pictures of her, I also cry. She is a woman that I strive to be like. A couple of years ago, my friend Carlie taught a young women's lesson using Sister Hinckley's biography and many of her quotes. I didn't think anything of them until last summer when I had this strong desire to read her biography. It completely charged how I viewed women in the church and allowed me to gain insight into the life of a prophet's wife. What I loved the most about Sister Hinckley is and was her ability to serve others. She always had a smile on her face. From her I learned of my potential and how to understand my divine worth as a Daughter of God. Her outlook on life was incredible. Happiness in everyday can be achieved! I love her dearly. One of my favorite quotes from her book and her life was, "I dont want to drive up to the pearly gates in a shiny sports car, wearing beautifully, tailored clothes, my hair expertly coiffed, and with long, perfectly manicured nails. I want to drive up in a station wagon that has mud on the wheels from taking kids to scout camp. I want to be there with a smudge of peanut butter on my shirt from making sandwiches for a sick neighbors children. I want to be there with a little dirt under my fingernails from helping to weed someone's garden. I want to be there with children's sticky kisses on may cheeks and the tears of a friend on my shoulder. I want the Lord to know I was really here and that I really lived." This made me realize that life was not about material things but about our actions and the people I spend each day with. How grateful I am for her wisdom and love of womanhood.

As I was standing at their grave, yes, I did get teary eyed and I am not ashamed to admit that. I owe a lot to this couple who loved each other so much that I can only hope to one day have the same kind of relationship and love with my husband. Their love for each other was refreshing and allowed me to see what love for eternity looks like. They were also quite adorable if I say so myself :)

Till we meet again President Hinckley. You are dearly missed.

I have done something drastic

Ok, that may have been a little too dramatic, but it is nonetheless still a good story and one worth telling. So, about two weeks ago, I was talking to my mom telling her I was contemplating doing a 100 day challenge regarding treats and soda. She said, "Are you sure you are really up to that? Maybe you should just limit yourself to twice a week." I laughed out loud (literally) and thought to myself yeah right. I would eat every dessert in sight if that were to happen. It was all or nothing. I made a calendar and decorated it and numbered it to 100 to see where the end would put me. September 24th. Wow, I didn't know if I could handle that because seriously, I LOVE food. As many of you know, treats are my downfall. Cookies, cake, ice cream, you name it.  I just love it all. Also, it is summer. Treats are in their prime. Holidays, birthdays, just eating them because you want to. This was not going to be an easy thing to give up. Alas, I bucked up and acted like a big girl and set a new goal for myself, one that I will see through to the end. So, here I am on day 12 and it is HARD. I haven't had Diet Coke in 12 days. 12 days people! I swear that is a new record for me. There have been many times that I pass McDonald's on my way home and think...ahh man that dollar coke sounds so good right now. But, I have resisted. The more days I do it though, the easier it has become. This will play out to be an interesting summer, but I am excited for this new adventure. Only 88 more days to go. Very doable I say.

So, so long my chocolatey goodness friends and Diet Coke. It has been fun while it lasted, but it is time that we separate for awhile. Don't worry, I will be back, but I want to show you how I can resist your delectable tastes for a bit, but come September 25th, you shall be mine. Costco 7 layer chocolate cake-I will eat you as well as your delicious cookie friends who are always next to you on the table. 

And maybe, just maybe, I can justify getting myself some of these babies. You have to have and end goal in sight, right?

I also love otter pops, and it is summertime. Is that considered a treat? We shall see......