In case you were following....

I now have a new blog.  Check it out, paytonpages.blogspot.com

Just in case

Excitement!

Tomorrow enters what I've termed "The Blast off Zone"  Because it's the final 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, Weddingday countdown.  I finally feel like things are settling into place.  I have this week and next week of class, with a trip to the Anchorage Temple for my endowments, and then we leave for our wedding.  EEEK!  Its just felt more and more right every day.  I love Travis so much.  

When we get back, we should have an apartment-and I want to go to the ice park.  Yay! 

Day 18: My favorite memory

I have lots of favorite memories, so this was a hard one to write about.
There's wonderful memories of time with travis, and the night he proposed-
I have wonderful memories just hanging out with my family, and playing with lysie and Liam
And of quiet walks in the glorious summer or fall air
I have memories of my first kiss
the first temple trip with travis
of how blissful our first summer and fall were together
I have wonderful memories with College roommates
The feeling of coming home the first time after a long departure
With highschool friends
with Dance teams
with Melody, and Nicole, my childhood besties
I have tender memories with my Father-sitting on his lap in church and playing with his tie

But my favorite memory I decided just now-is one that has no time attached
I seem to classify everything into this period of life or I remember this because this or that was happening along with it

But my favorite memory is just a memory.

I don't know what was going on
I don't know what circumstances my life was in
I don't even know how old I was or whom I was with during the memorie

I just know that I was on the back of the bike (in one of those old seats)
And that we were in my neighbor hood I grew up in
and that we went over a little hill and the world was cast in this beautiful Golden glow.

And thats it.

I've always held on to that moment, and its one of my earliest memories.  But theres no fear, no sad story attached to it.  Theres no story at all except that I was on the back of the bike, and we went over a little hill.

It was just beautiful and I was just happy.

Day 17: My favorite Birthday

I loved loved loved my 18th Birthday.  It was so simple.  I didn't have a party-but my YW's president brought me 14 colorful roses, and Emma Musick brought me a plate of cookies, and Kaitlyn Hull brought me a plate of brownies, which is exactly what I asked for.  Not much, I didn't have anything I was wanting then.  And I was in the middle of school and college applications and what not, so when people asked I just said a plate of cookies. Then, in the evening, my mom and step dad and baby sister Elyse (who was just 1 1/2 then) went to dinner at the pagoda.  I had never eaten there, and my only taste of "chinese" was Panda Garden (fast food chinese) and so I was nervous about oriental food and not liking it, but I LOVED IT!  So good, they even brought me a dessert dish and my parents gave me a card and some money.  Not much but more than enough to help me with some small expenses.  It was just an all around happy birthday.

The other one that was super cool, my 19th B-day I was at school in Rexburg, and I got to go to the temple on my birthday.  That was pretty neat.

Day 16: My Dreams

Right now, I dream of being well.  That involves curing this nasty cold turned cough and congestion.  Its been a looong time since I had all the symptoms listed on the cold medicines label.  And, curing a bad case of Bride Brain.  You know, the fried brain that can't focus on any task for to long and so resorts to facebook and blogging to make it all stop.  :-P  Does that mean I also have an addiction?

But really, my dreams are coming true.  Travis at one point said about the wedding planning process that "Its the day you've dreamed of your whole life" to which I say psh yeah right-I dreamed of you who I would share the day with my whole life.  I could care less about the napkins.  Anyways, I have this weekend of parties (Bridal/bachelorette) and then next weekend I'm going through the temple to get my endowments, and the next weekend Travis and I will be kneeling at the alter.  Pres Duval said that the Sealer will have 15 mins of counsel he can give for us for the rest of eternity, the the sealing happens and is about 2 mins and we're married!  :D  Ahahaha.  Oy.

I dream of also being done with school, and having a family.  And of being finacially secure, and of having health insurance, and of becoming a really good cook, and of becoming a better dance insttuctor, and of living close to family.  I dream of lots of stuff.  But right now, I dream of dreaming-I need to go catch some sleep and rest up and get on the ball with my homework/projects.  Wish me luck and sweet dreams!

Day 15: MY first Kiss

I like to be able to say that my first Kiss, was Travis Michael Payton.  In 2008.  We started dating, and then a week later He got up the guts to kiss me, and I for the first time ever wanted to kiss someone.  I had "dated" a boy before, and he had wanted to kiss me, but I didn't want to and I turned my head as he went in and he landed on my cheek.  But Travis, he changed that. I thought the idea of kissing was gross till I met him, and it suddenly seemed exciting and like something I was interested in.  At the time, there was a facebook quiz going around to find out your kissing type, and after kissing Travis, I found that I am a blissed out kisser.  hehe.  I really enjoyed it.  Still do!  After our first kiss, I bought my family ice cream in honor of BYU/BYUi roommate traditions.  I figured my family was my roomates now, and they had been teasing me about it, Ice cream   kept their mouths busy and shut them up.

Day 14: What I wore today

I'm not sure.  I haven't gone anywhere, but I will have to dress up for dance class later.  Bleh.  I want to stay home in my sweats.

Day 13: This week

This week:

Sunday-I felt like crud but went to church, and saw lots of old friends who had a 3 day weekend and came for a visit, then Travis and I got to meet with Pres Duval and now have our temple reccomends good to go for living ordinances, and use throughout the temple.  We also celebrated Liams Birthday-had a cookie monster cake that looked more like the grouch, but the frosting turned our poo colors. 

Monday (today):  Though I was going to have to miss class cuz this stupid cold, but, class got cancelled because of dangerous driving conditions due to the blizzard that tore through the Tannana Valley.  I got a real snow day today! 

The rest of the week:

Tuesday, classes and try on prototype of part were adding to my dress!  

Get up to task with all my homework, work out somemore wedding details

and Saturday: Bridal Shower/Bachelorette Party!  Woohoo!

Day 12: Whats in my bag

Pens, highlighters, pencils

For the Strength of Youth

Beliving Christ

Patriarticle Blessing

Tithing

Checkbook

Visa Debit/Credit

Occult test booklets

Car insurance card (needs to go back in the car-oops)

gift cards

reciepts

drivers license

UAF ID

HLTH insurance card

CPR/1st aid certification

voter registration card

gum

2 epi pens

watch

ring

sticky notepads

plastic spoon

estrogen

tampon

chapstick

Ibuprofen

advair

cough drops

q tips

nasal decongestants

wedding lists

mini hymn book

phone charger

sunglasses (was wondering where those were)

tissues

vicks vapor rub

lip stick

mascara

hydrocortizone cream

couple of hair clips/green hair tie

Thats all. 

But wow.  I just realized I have like a mini pharmacy in there.  

Day 11: My Siblings

Amanda:  Almost 25.  She and I were kinda just two people living in the same house the first part of my life.  My earliest memories are of a bossy girl that I embarressed alot.  But, after she went to school-I found the saying that distance makes the heart grow fonder is quite acurate.  Well, maybe it was also that I matured a little, but I really missed her while she was at school.  I remember how excited I was to see her when she was coming home for her first College Christmas.  And how at the time I was going through some really tough stuff, and she was there for me with alot of wisdom and love to comfort me in my moments of fear and lonliness.  She always seemed to call out of the blue, but when I needed her to.  Amanda is also very intuitive-she just knows things.  And her Talent is amazing, fostered and improved upon continually by hard work and undying passion.  She's been a wonderful example to me of faith and strength, and love.  I like her lots!

Robin:  22 till July.  When we were little, we were really close in age and so for the first few years we got along, but later some friction developed.  But, I've always been wowed by her work ethic, her brains, her goofiness.  Robin is also talented-plays the flute, piccalo, sings, and recently, has picked up the bagpipes.  She's the world traveler, going to Whales, IReland, Scottland, and now planning a trip to Tonga when one of her mission companions who is from Tonga goes home.  Robin is Hardworking, very detail oriented, and fun.  I remember when she went to college, and called and told me how much she loved me and was proud of me, and that was super special.

Elyse:  What a goofball.  4 years old, 5 in august.  This kid beats her own drum and lights up everyones life.  It doesn't take much to become her best friend, and she's always telling me about who she met and who her friends are.  A week ago my car was at the shop and so I got a ride to school from my mom, but she had to take Elyse to school first, and when I went to get out of the car I saw this big chunk of snow on the floor and I said something to my mom-and my mom informed me "Oh thats Elyse's friend, she gets snow balls everyday at school and brings them home and puts them on the porch.  They're her friends."  Oh boy.  Another glimpse of Elyse:  for Christmas, she asked santa for an Iphone and a guitar.  Whenever she gets her hands on an Iphone she loves to play games, leaves us notes, and sing us songs and take pictures.  Shes hilarious.

Liam:  Just turned two-he's so funny.  He loves to give hugs and kisses, and especially loves his mom and Dad, cars, trains, and milkshakes.

Day 10: What I wore today

I wore my plaid scrubs with the blue scrub cardigan
And then I had to change for Dance into my fancy pants
and a pink shirt in honor of Valentines day

And glasses-I wore glasses today.

Day 9: My Beliefs

I Know that God lives.  

That He is my Father, and that he sent his Son Jesus Christ to atone for me.  

I know that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God, called by God to establish the restored Gospel of Christ in its fullness back to the earth.  

I know that by the authority of God-or the Priesthood power, my family is forever. 

I know that as we make and keep sacred covenants and obey the teachings of Jesus Christ

 we are happier -

--despite whatever obstacles or challenges or trials we may face. 

 I know that though I'm entering an uncertain and scary time in my life, 

I can count on my Heavenly Father to comfort and guide me. 

I know that even though me and Travis will be 

broke, homeless, and insurance-less, 

we will be taken care of if we honor the covenants we make with God.  

A Quote:  

"I know in whom I trust;

I stand upon the rock; 

The Floods cannont, no-

They Shall not overthrow me."

-Joseph Smith

And a Poem:

"My Life is but a weaving between my God and me

I cannot see the colors-he worketh steadily

Oft Times he weaveth Sorrow and I in foolish pride

Forget that he seeing the upper, and I the underside

Not till the loom is silenced and the shuttles cease to fly

Shall God unroll the Canvas and explain the reason why

The dark threads are as needful in the weavers skillful hand

As the threads of Gold and Silver in the pattern he has planned

-Author Unknown

If your curious:

First, Here's the Articles of Faith.  

I believe these are the most simply stated but inclusive statements of my beliefs. 

The Articles of Faith

The Church Of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints

1. We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost.
   
2. We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam's transgression.
   
3. We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.
   
4. We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are: first, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, Repentance; third, Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; fourth, Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost.
   
5. We believe that a man must be called of God, by prophecy, and by the laying on of hands by those who are in authority, to preach the Gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof.
   
6. We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive Church, namely, apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, and so forth.
   
7. We believe in the gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions, healing, interpretation of tongues, and so forth.
   
8. We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly; we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God.
   
9. We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God.
   
10. We believe in the literal gathering of Israel and in the restoration of the Ten Tribes; that Zion (the New Jerusalem) will be built upon the American continent; that Christ will reign personally upon the earth; and, that the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisiacal glory.
    
11. We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may.
    
12. We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law.
    
13. We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul—We believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.

Joseph Smith

Day 8: A Moment

I'd like to take a moment to say a few things on my mind.

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

lol.  Whew, glad thats off my chest.  Now high ho high ho!  Its off to the week I go!

Day 7: My Best Friend

So, I got behind for several reasons
1-I had alot of wedding stuff to do
2-I had alot of homework to do
3-I had alot of Travis time to catch up on
4-I have family visiting
5-I had a talk to prepare for church
6-I have a cold and I'm not thinking straight

But, anyways, forgive me.  Now to my best friend.


I had several Ideas of how to go about this, but first idea was Travis-and you've all heard about him alot.
Second Idea was to go through several of my best friends
But that took too long.  Like I mentioned back on Day one, I like people.  My list of "BEST" friends is long.

So, I was thinking about it, and I realized my best friend of all best friends is kinda underappriciated

No, not my mom, I talked about her already too (Though she was another idea)

My Best Friend, is my Savior.

Jesus Christ knows me perfectly.  Through the Atonment of Jesus Christ, the law of mercy is extended and the laws of Justice are met.  He suffered in the Garden for me, for my mistakes, for my sorrows, for the pains of mortality.  For the injustices that happened to me.  He knows what I feel, when I hurt, and when I'm happy.  And my Joy is his Joy, my sorrow his sorrow.  When even my best of best friends don't know what I'm going through, what I'm thinking or feeling, Christ does.  

"No greater love have man than this, that he lay down his life for his friends"

I know this might not be the cool or the popular thing to say, but I said it because its true.

He set the perfect example.

He's there for me whenever I need him.

He loves me.

And I love him. 

Through his sacrifice, my life has purpose, my life has meaning, my life is worth more than I could ever make it.  I owe everything that I am to him.  He created the earth, he overcame death.  He is the advocate with the father, the prince of my peace.  

He is my brother, he is my friend.

Day 6: My Day

My day today was great.

I woke up and got ready for ballet.  Then borrowed Rulons car to get to Ballet.  Then picked up my car from the shop! (YAY!) Then I went to C&J's with my cousin Rhea, and the PX and got some cute baby clothes with Rhea-she's soo thoughtful.  Then I visited with Rhea at Amanda and Jo's and Baby Clara.  Then we took Rhea back to her apartment, and I got ready for school, was EARLY to class (3rd one in a row) and then played with Clara some more, watched Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade with Manda and Joe, and now I've been on the blog and e-mails catching up on odds and ends that need to be evens and done.  :P hehe.  Anyways, thats it.  Good night!

Day 5: My Definition of Love

Love is in the moments of sweet perfection.
Love is that feeling of sheer blissful satisfaction.
Love is in the quiet whispers of the spirit,
When the heart is seeing all we hold near it.
I find it in the eyes of beautiful little faces--

I find it in the smiles of people in many places.

It is when two hearts are syncopated.

It is when you realize that its reciprocated.

Love is when you see how truly blessed you are,
Because really, Love is never very far.
Love is when I want to share--
My world, my hopes, my dreams.
Love is when I give my all--
And patch others into my life seams









And, Love is spoken of in Sonnets.  Buahahaha! (sorry to any english majors-I know I didn't follow the exact rules of a sonnet, but, I like it.  And it has 14 lines, and its about love.  Counts as a sonnet to me!)

Day 4: What I ate today.

I had an apple.  The Last apple in the house, muahahaha!

Then I went to the poor yoda to await the tow truck and left that apple rind in mommy's cup holder.

When I got out of my ballet class, I then went to get Travis, and took him home, where we enjoyed a tasty freshetta pizza together.  I think I had 1/3 and he ate the other 2/3s.

After that I ate some candy from mommy's office where I went to see my possibly wedding dress (Co worker had an extra one lying around...haha)
Then class
Then some more pizza-shared with Travis the left over papa murphy's stuffed crust chicken bacon ranch.  Yummm.  And a cola.

Thats what I ate today.

Yesterday was better, I had an apple with peanut butter (amid some less healthy options, but that apple with peanut butter was heaven.

Day 3: My Parents

Mommy!

My mother doesn't really have any pictures of just herself.  

I think thats an illustration of her wonderfulness.  

She is so amazing.  Sometimes I don't think she knows it, but its true.

She was Born to Laura and Ted Elmer on the last day of the year 1962.  

She has 4 older brothers. 

4 Younger Brothers

and a baby sister.

She married my Dad in the Logan UT temple on September 16, 1983

Thank you Mommy for always being so good.

She always does whats right and is a wonderful example of strength and faith.

She has 5 kids

4 girls, and a boy

a son in law Jordan

A soon to be son in law Travis

and a beautiful bouncing grandbaby Clara.

We owe our very existance and wellbeing to you.

All that we are is because of you.

You are always there for us.

Ever sacrificing, ever loving, ever guiding.

Thank you.

DADDY!

My Dad is Darcy John Johnson. 

He was Mr Funny Man.

The picture was taken at my baptism in December 1997

In May 1998 he was in a fatal accident at work.

I only have happy memories of him.

In 4th grade I wrote a speech about my memories of him for my school speech contest.

I talked about when I got to put a toilet into some apartments with him

How he would take us snowmachining

How he taught me the difference between simmer and boil by tickling

How from his beard we learned why some children fear santa

How he won Mr Bushface in the Golden Days Parade

How he has a twin brother who he doesn't look like,

but his big brother Lloyd sounds just like him

I remember how he was the best breakfast maker, 

and how the sink and soap would be black after he washed his hands cuz they were dirty with grease from work.

I remember that last Christmas with him how he took us around all the places he lived and showed us where his crazy adventures happend.  Like when he and Dennis climbed the chapel steeple, or onto the back of the school building-and noted that there was not a fence keeping other hooligans off the roof.

He was loved by many people I've learned over the years-and they only have good memories to tell of him.

I love to hear their stories, and especially to be told that I'm like him.

It just makes me happy.

Rulon Stillwell Jensen is my Step Dad.

I never thought I would put him in the category of Parent, but yet he is here.

Believe it or not, the first time I called home from school in Idaho--it was his stupid jokes that really made the homesickness sting.  Thats when I started crying, not cuz the jokes were mean, but because I missed home, and his cracks reminded me of it so much.  :- P WEIRDO!

And in case he tries to tell you-don't believe him when he says I eat worms

and especially, trust me, I do not wear care bear underwear!

(And he WILL figure out how to text that to all your recent contacts on your phone)

7th Day of Valentines

Just for him, cuz I love my 

Day 2: My First Love

My First Love-
Travis Michael Payton.
There were many guys who I had interest in and concern for before I met Travis-but Travis is my first real love.  My one and only.  The guy who topped the charts.  Who swept me off my feet and had the ability to shatter my world and turn it up side down in the most wonderful of ways.  He is my best friend.  He knows me so well, he makes bad things not so bad, good things just so much better.  He's gentle, kind, patient, hardworking, smart, handsome, faithful, honest, and wonderful.  Before I met the man, I never even had any interest in this topic called kissing, but meeting him and how wonderful he was, I couldn't help but to squeak out the wonderful words "I LOVE YOU" and give my first kiss and share my world and my hopes, fears, dreams, desires, wishes, opinions and expiriences with.  He has become my world, my best friend, my confidant-my rock.  He grounds me to whats important.  He lets me cry and doesn't try to fix it (though I know how much he wishes he could) and opens my eyes to solutions, adventures, possibilities.  He has a terribly sweet and beautiful voice that still melts my heart-and laughs at my lame jokes and crazyness.  He's just the best.  I love him, always and forever!
I'm so excited to start our new life together and look forward to facing lifes joys and sorrows side by side with him.

5th and 6th Days of Valentines:

For the 5th Day of Valentines I gave 

to my Sweettart!

For the 6th Day of Valentines I gave to my true love:

to tell him that "Life gave me Lemonade when Life gave me you!"

(Inspired by the Lemonade song he sent me over 2 yrs ago by Chris Rice Listen to it here:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z2-rKgGnx34  )

Day One: Let me Introduce Myself

I'm Melanie.  I love life.  I love people, I love having people in my life.

I love the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

I Love really good food (especially when made for me by others ;)

I love Dancing

I love Singing

I love Alaska-I was born and raised here

I also love adventure.  

I'm about to get married and start the grandest adventure-

-it might take me away from my beloved Alaska,

 but I'll still love it because it will be a new adventure.

I'm a student of Medical Assisting.  I like to give shots and believe in immunizations.

I think the Human Body is an amazing thing.  

That's why I love dancing and the Medical Field so much.

Such an amazing thing should be taken care of (Medicine, Dance) and used to express the greatness of life(Dancing)

My Fiance's name is Travis Michael Payton.  He's my one and only.  I love him, and am so proud of him.

We're getting Married here:

Logan Utah Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints

On March 12, 2011.  

I picked that picture cuz the rainbow-I love rainbows.

And I picked that temple because I'm a flibbertigibbet who wants to get married where my parents got married.  :)

Also, more people can come there, and like I said, I love people!

I also like to do Family History Research-mostly because its ultimate goal is the temple.  

And I love Temples.

I collected Teddy Bears when I was little

I want to learn to play my Cello

I was the youngest child for 17 yrs, and then my mom had two more babies so in less than 3 yrs I became the middle child.

My Older sisters and talented and smart and I like to brag about them.

Amanda married Jordan-they have a baby Clara.

Robin has the Best GPA of anyone I know, and is fulfilling her dream of playing the bagpipes and traveled to Scotland, Ireland and Whales, and bought herself a cool car-she's pretty money savvy also.

My little Sister Elyse makes me happy when she listens and is kind (which is most of the time, we don't give her enough credit sometimes)

My Little Brother Liam is SUPER adorable and snugly.

And My mommy is so hardworking, persevering, smart, and super.

My step Dad is a great person.  He does alot for us.  

We has some hard times when he first joined our family,

 but I have alot of respect and love for him.

But sometimes he's too smart for his own good.

My Father passed away when I was 8.

I love him so much and miss him, but because he and my mother were married in the temple, I know I will see him again.  Our family is eternal.

My soon to be in-laws are great. 

 They're fantastic people 

who raised a fantastic son, 

and 3 wonderful daughters 

whom I'm excited to get to know better and 

enjoy and share part of my life with.

(I told you I love people-that's why so much of this is about them-by knowing them you know me)

30 day Blog Challenge

Stole this from Manda Panda Pants!

Day 01 - Introduce Yourself
Day 02 - Your First Love
Day 03 - Your Parents
Day 04 - What You Ate Today
Day 05 - Your Definition Of Love
Day 06 - Your Day
Day 07 - Your Best Friend
Day 08 - A Moment
Day 09 - Your Beliefs
Day 10 - What You Wore Today
Day 11 - Your Siblings
Day 12 - What's In Your Bag
Day 13 - This Week
Day 14 - What You Wore Today
Day 15 - Your First Kiss
Day 16 - Your Dreams
Day 17 - Your Favorite Birthday
Day 18 - Your Favorite Memory
Day 19 - Something You Regret
Day 20 - This Month
Day 21 - Another Moment
Day 22 - Something That Upsets You
Day 23 - Something That Makes You Feel Better
Day 24 - Something That Makes You Cry
Day 25 - A First
Day 26 - Your Fears
Day 27 - Your Favorite Place
Day 28 - Something That You Miss
Day 29 - Your Aspirations
Day 30 - One Last Moment

I challenge anyone who sees this to join me. It will be fun to get to know each other better!

2nd, 3rd, and 4th Days of Valentines

On the second Day of Valentines I gave to my true love:
  

As I handed it to him I said without any explanation:

I've got a CRUSH on you!

On the 3rd Day of Valentines I gave to my True Love:

A Honey Bun for my Honey Bun!

On the 4th Day of Valentines I gave to my true love:

  

For my Stud Muffin

I have more coming, I was going to town with the puns while shopping for the next few days.  

I'm finding this to be a really inexpensive, low pressure, fun way to express to Travis how much I love him.  Like I said, this is our first time being together for Valentines, and with the wedding and everything coming up-this is probably my favorite thing.  Simple gifts for my sweet man that don't even take much preparation. I got the idea from a combination of other blogs and websites, but have added a personal spin to a few of them(that poem was all mine, and I've gotten creative with a few of my own materials and puns-and definitely simplified the presentation-but it works, and someday I can work up to the perfect presentation).  But definitely the highpoint in my day is when I get to see him and give him his daily treat.  Love seeing it bring a smile to his face, sometimes a chuckle, and its more than kind to my budget.

The First Day of Valentines

This year I'm trying to do a 14 days of Valentines sort of thing for Travis-its actually the first Valentines where we'll be in the same place together.  Anyways, so yesterday I started it with this:
                                        

 I wrote him a poem to go with these:

Poem said:

   

Our love is sweet, our love is true

You were MINT for me, and I for you!

I missed Day 2 because our class scheduals on Wednesdays are so opposite eachother and he doesn't work Wednesday nights but I do, so I really didn't see him at all today.  I'll give him day 2 and 3 tomorrow though, then I'll share here. :o)  And then I should be on Track.  :-P

I finally had one!

I beleive in meltdowns.

Most of the time I stay fairly well composed, I hold it all togther, I function, I acheive, and I preform my heart out.  And I Do my best.  Well, wake up-best is never enough ever because I'm human and so from time to time, when I drop the ball, and mother nature decides to remind me of my humanity, I let out a good cry.  Poor lysie didn't know what to do.  So she sang me some songs, gave me a hug and blew me a kiss.  That helped.  But I still couldn't help myself from sobbing-I was also laughing while I was sobbing because of how rediculous I am.  But, it felt good.  I was trying to not cry when talking to travis on the phone, but that doesn't work really well.  Physiologically speaking, sobbing and laughing are the same.  I was a mess, and the dear wonderful boy just let me be rediculous without judging or trying to fix me.  Thats all I needed.  I knew he cared and I assured him I would be fine in the morning.  Life goes on.  He was so sweet though tonight, he brought me in the left over steak-and didn't eat before I got out of class to join him.  And then when I was home and sobbing and crying and laughing uncontrollably my mommy opened her arms and let me join her in a good snuggle on the couch.  I'm so blessed.

Progress!

The Temple is scheduled for March 12, 2011.  Logan UT.  YAY!
Its such a relief to have that part finalized.

The weekend before I have the Anchorage Temple Scheduled for my endowments.
Phew!

And then also today:
My dear wonderful sweet Aunt Renee (whom I have always loved and adored and admired) took on task of planning the reception and flowers, and talking to Grama about where we can get us some nice free/lowcost cake!  YAY!  (Apparently when eener got married grama traded quilting skills for cake making/decorating skills with a lady in Tremonton-woohoo, love that idea!!)

Also, Travis and I got some of the engagement photos done (YAY! Bro LeFleur in N. Pole ward) and Robin agreed to take me to Anchorage in a couple weeks for Wedding Dress Shopping.

My Friend Sam a mam said she'll do the Bachelorette party and Robin the bridal shower.  (Idk when those will happen, but probably coming up quick!)

And Uncle Dave will do the photo video for the reception-we just need to send him pictures.

:D  YAY!

The best part of all this is that means I can focus my energy on the big scary tasks like:
Me and Travis have yet to find housing (if you know of anyone with inexpensive mother in law type apartments or cabins (we have a very low budget, we are even looking at the low income housing-yikes!) please let me know!
And.....Health Insurance.  For me, its kinda a big deal.  Any options for newly weds other than UAF?  Apparently its all pretty much out of pocket.  :( sad face
And preparing for the temple
And preparing for my home
And not to mention school work and dance job (making money that will contribute to the expenses that are about to inflate!)
And all the other things that are big deals.

1 week left of my Last Christmas Break!

I should be done with School before next Christmas.  Hoowah!

I have alot to do-only 7 days left where I can get away with sleeping till 1 in the afternoon, and 7 days to try and get ahead on my procedure notebook/drug cards.  Oy.  And in 7 days I'll get to get back into a weekly rhythm.  Oy.  I'm, gonna be tired/pooped, but I'm pumped!  Bring it on semester from heck, your gonna be a blurry busy blast and before i know it, you'll be over, and I'll be getting married!  Hoowah!

I went wild this Weekend

 

These will be my flowers and my bridesmaids will wear green Dresses.    The boquets might get some additional color in the form of ribbons on the part where the ribbons go, but I havn't decied for certain.  I just know I love this!

With That out of the way:

I became a Mary Kay Consultant this weekend.

I think I've done it-I've lost my marbles.

Being a Mary Kay Consultant is to start a pretty involved buisness-this week I'll get my site up and running while waiting for my products to come in-that way, you my dear friends and family can place orders and you'll get your stuff just as soon as it takes to come into the mail.

Things I love:
Timewise System
Mineral Foundation
Microdermabrasion

On my Wish List:
Eye Cream
Satin Hands/Body


Thats just getting started
I know as I go I'll fall in love with more products because Mary Kay products are just amazing.
You'll try em and you'll love em to.
And the cost is actually pretty comparable to what you'd find at the Grocery Store, but the quality is 100 X better!

Anyone interested in Hosting a Party let me know (you get points that go towards a discount from your purchase)
I'm also looking for 4 models with different Eye Colors for my training.  (Totally Free Girls night makeover!)

White Tulips

Saw something like this at the store today, and I fell in love with White tulips!

I can't get enough!

Love the tulips!

Gorgeous eh?  I think I'll have tulips of every color in their own pots with the white tulips to tie it together!!

love the tulips with the roses and the loopy loopys

I think, white tulips will bring together the colors I've picked!

Flibbertigibbets

Okay:
 I have a problem with people talking themselves down.
I have a problem with beautiful girls being insecure

Be yourself.  Social norms are overrated.
Quit worrying about how your "supposed to act"
Be kind is the only rule to really follow yes?
If your nice, and genuine about it-and your honest
Its the others peoples fault if they have a problem with you.

In the which case, get over it.
You can't please everyone.

You don't have to get your hair done and your nails done and feel a certain way in order to win that boy
(though, feel free to get your hair done and your nails done if it so delights you-just make sure your doing it for you, not for him)

You don't have to classify yourself as emotionally high maintenance.
You have needs-so what?  Have your needs met!  You deserve to have needs and to have them met!  Just  don't degrade your self to any sort of maintenance status.
Uhhhh-I HATE status-es (spelling help?)
Truth is, we're all high maintenance.  And things break down if they're not maintained.

Also, you are not going to have successful relationships if you can't like yourself.
My advice, Listen to the Whitney Huston song "The Greatest love of all" every morning, every night, every
time your in the car.  That's what I had to do for two years of my life.  Eventually, with the help of that song,  and an amazing choreographers chastising after I made a self degrading comment, and some honest self evaluation, I made the changes I needed to make to be a person I could love.  If you can't love yourself, you really can't love someone else.

I heard this really good comment the other day on a tape I was listening to-it said that regret is only supposed to be a messenger.  The problem is when we hold that messenger hostage so we get the message over and over again.  The purpose of regret is to get the message and move on.

You've been through some hard things ladies, I've been there to.  Holding open the wounds doesn't let them heal.  Looking at the wounds and the imperfections, its like that needle I took in the leg a few months ago-it really wouldn't have hurt if I had just looked away.  I'm not saying, ignore your problems, I'm not saying forget what you went through or try to make seem any less than it is-what I'm saying stop thinking about it so much!  Stop watching the wounds heal, and just put the band aides on the best you can, apply some antibacterial ointment, and move forward.  Its okay if it leaves a scar cuz that scar will have a story-that hopefully has taught you something.

On another note, Your only as happy as you are grateful.  Look at the beautiful things in your life, look for more ways to fill your life with good.  Refocus outside of yourself.  Find a purpose, a cause, make a goal with measurable steps that will improve your life.  Enough with concepts and emotions, process them, and then get grounded in something concrete.


I apologize if this hits so close to home for some of you, but enough is enough-I want you to be happy.  So it may be a funny way of showing it, but I gotta lay down some tough love on occasion.

Things can be better if you really want them to be.  And in person, I'm much more empathetic.  We need a juice date.

Quotes to uplift:

(Because they're so much more eloquent than me)

"Life can only be understood by looking backward, but it must be lived looking forward."

"I will Grow.  I will become something new and Grand,
But no grander than I now am.  Just as the sky will be different in a few hours,
Its Present perfection and completeness is not deficient.  So am I presently perfect and not deficient
because I will be different tomorrow."  -Wayne Dryer

Every Flower has to go through alot of dirt." -Lauren Bond.

Confession

Travis and I finally picked a date, to me it seems forever away (probably cuz it is) but I kept flip flopping between options and finally said "Travis, here's the options, you pick" and so July 1st it is.

Really the only thing I have against July 1st is that its just about 7 months away.
July 7th solves alot of the problems we were coming up against with the other dates, so it makes sense yes, but it just seems SOOO FAR AWAY!  AHGK!

I like it though, its summer time, it gives family and friends plenty of time to make arrangements to come-its just so far away!  How does anyone do long engagements?  If July weren't 7 months away though, it would have probably been my first choice of all the option we were looking at.

But okay, next item:
Planning the stinkin wedding.
Confession of the day:
I have no idea how to do this.  I don't know that I want to do this part.  I can't wait to plan my life with Travis, but as for the wedding, oy.  I'm really glad the ceremony part is already taken care of (yay for Temples) cuz the rest of it, is just a bunch of fluff.

Travis doesn't seem to have much of an opinion on it, as already stated.  But, he says its me thats been dreaming of this day since I was little.  Confession#2:  I have?  I mean, yeah, the dress, the person, the life we'll have together, but no-I havn't had the whole day pictured in dreams since my earliest memories.  I just want it to be beautiful-with good pictures for me and Travis to cherish, and delicious cake to be enjoyed, and happy feelings and memories with our family and Friends.  Is that too much to ask?  Do I really have to plan the napkins and centerpeices and coordinate the colors like Martha Stewart?  I'm not Martha Stewart, but-if she wanted to add to her portfolio an inexpensive but beautiful Alaska wedding-she's more than welcome to expirement with mine!

I guess when I started trying to express this to Trav, he understood it as I don't care about the day.  Thats not true, I do want it to be a special day-and so, I suppose that means digging into that deep buried artistic/creative portion of my brain and picking pallettes and napkins and centerpeices.  :-P  Here's to adventure!

Leave your fun finds and creative Ideas in the comments below!

Reflections of a First Time First Responder

I was thinking about wedding photographers, and what me and Travis were going to have for dinner.
My back was to the entry door of the OIT office
I hardly heard the person when he came in
Something along the lines of:
"do any of you have Medical Knowledge?  A Man collapsed"
I look at Travis about to say "what?" before the statements registered
(something I do often, I hear then I ask to have it repeated as I process the info into comprehension.)

He looks at me and says "GO"

Finally the words processed and I stand up to see what I can do
I round the corner with my eyes wide like a deer in the headlights
"I know CPR"
What did I just say I can help with?
"What Happened?" I asked

"He fell"

Theres spit bubbling out of his mouth
He's laying on his back

"Hello, are you there?"  "Can you hear me?"
I look him over, wondering "What can I do?"
I hear his raspy breathing, labored, from feet away
"Uhhhh Recovery postition, we need to get him on his side"
"Help me get him on his side"
"Lets put this backpack under his head"
"Yes there"
I turn, thinking what am I doing?  Whats next?  911?
At the desk I see they are on the line
I shout he's "foaming at the mouth, but he's breathing" They relay it to the dispatcher, and she says to turn him on his side
whew, done.
Okay, what now?
The guy behind me says he's not breathing enough, we need to open his jaw
I think "shut up"  he's breathing, thats good enough for me
I check for a pulse
Its strong
I can't do anymore
Theres all this commotion and his eyes keep fluttering open and closed
If he can hear us we are probably scaring him
"With all this noise can't be good now can it, you'r gonna be fine"
I carressed his hand, I don't know if he could hear me, feel me, but if I were laying on the floor I want someone to tell me I'm going to be okay.  I don't want a big commotion. Just assurance.  So thats all thats left for me to do


The EMT's show up, and say he probably had a seizure, theres a refractory period, he'll be tired and groggy and he'll come to in a few minutes.  Then we'll know how to pronounce his name and he'll yell at us for having it wrong.  (I'm glad now that he was able to make the joke, I just got it)
Makes sense, I stand up, get out of their way
they took his blood pressure, I only heard the 2nd number, 50.  Low, but not too bad.  I wonder what that top number was?
I look at the scene now as the bystander, and my heart breaks.
He was just at the library studying.  What happens that causes such a commotion?
"You did good" they tell me
And my eyes well up with tears
Why is this so terrible?  He's going to be fine-
Can I handle this all the time?  This is what I'll be dealing with-why am I going into medicine?  Who am I to know what to do?  I start to cry so I double check with the EMT's, "You got this?" and they say "yes, thank you" and I leave to go to the bathroom. My eyes are bloodshot and welling up, I'm shaking.  I leave to get water praying I won't pass anyone in the hallways-I don't want a fuss. I want to be reassured.  I head back to the bathroom to try and compose myself.

I go back to the OIT office, and the evening goes on.

Welcome 2011

Things I'm looking forward to this year:

Marrying Travis Michael Payton!  The love of my life!

Taking a Ballet Class

Getting my Medical Assisting Certificate so I'll be a CMA

Getting my Associates of Applied Science in Medical Assisting

Taking Cello Lessons

Seeing Family and Friends at my wedding :)  (hint hint-you should all come!)

My Resolutions:

Be 10 mins early to classes

Go to the Gym at least 3 times a week

Read my Scriptures and Say my prayers more consistently (as in everyday!)

Take asthma medicine more consistently (as in everyday-come on Mel, this is your health!)

Happy New Year!

Goodbye 2010!  Thank you for these wonderful memories:

Visiting Utah and Idaho!
Seeing Grampa 2 times!
Meeting Grampa's family over Memorial Day weekend!
Nannying Cousin Alex and enjoying triple digit temperatures in California pools
Weekends with Travis in San Fransisco
Jedi Academy (for Travis)
Redwood Forrest!
Arthur Murray dance lessons
Really good Fall semester grades!
Teaching Ballroom Dance
I'm ENGAGED!
Business Licence  for my company:  Magic Rhythms Dance
First Credit Card
IPhone 4!
Roommates with Liam
Kitties new homes had a happy ending
Mom and Rulon bought the Property
NEW NIECE!  YAY CLARA!
Robin bought a car
Robin went on a Mission