Never Grow Up

20. Eating a whole box of Otterpops on a summer afternoon.

19. Sleep overs with boys

18. Being so tired that you sleep in your clothes

17. Matching pajamas with your siblings

16. Wearing every piece of jewelry you own

15. Letting mom do your hair in the morning

14. Making friends with everyone in the park

13. Playing with Barbies

12. Eating candy that changes the color of your mouth

11. Kissing tag

10. Picking flowers for your mom from her own plants

9. Making music videos with your friends

8. Running after the ice cream truck

7. Writing a list to Santa

6. Sleeping with a stuffed animal

5. Night games with the whole neighborhood

4. Bubble baths with toys

3. Running to mom every time something goes wrong

2. Life was your playground. And every moment was an adventure.

1. Dad reading you to bed every night and truely believing you'd one day have your own fairytale

I miss being little. When life's biggest worry was whos red rover team you were on. Growing up sucks. Not all kisses are magic, and most boys do not live up to your expectations, but there are those times when everything, I mean love, romance, relationships, it all falls together perfectly and it's incredible. It's those moments, no matter how depressingly few and far between, that make growing up worth it.

"Girl Talk"

I've always been the girl surrounded by a group of guys. And in all honesty I prefer it that way. I feel more comfortable and less vulnerable. It's just so much easier to get along with guys and I can be myself without feeling like I have to compete all of the time. But recently, I've been more inclined to hang out with my girls. I've met some amazing girls lately and I love spending time with them!  I've really surprised myself with how well I've gotten along with them, and I love it. It's been nice to have "girl talk" and do girl things (which is not usually like me at all). But I love these girls and I'm so thankful that they have been apart of my life, especially right now. I've really needed them. So whether we've known each other for 4 years, a few months, a couple weeks, or have only be around each other for a short time, I want you to know much our friendship means to me. You girls are amazing and I love you!!!! I can't wait for all the exciting trips and adventures we are going to have together.

 And seriously.... How beautiful are they... Goodness!!!

People Always Leave.

Sometimes things find you just when you need them most.

I believe that.

For me it's usually a song.

A song can instantly change my mood. 

And lately I've needed my music more then ever to keep me sane.

I've lost two people recently.

Two people that mean the world to me.

 I won't see either for two years.

One that I can wait to have back in my arms,

And One that I'm not sure can ever be a part of my life again.

They say, "Missing someone gets easier everyday."

But it doesn't get easier. Every day is just as hard as the first.

I often ask myself why relationships have to be so hard,

I've only yet to realize, that it's because the only thing harder is being alone. 

So I pray for patience to help me get through the times we're not together,

strength to help me accept when life changes and things go wrong,

And grace to help me let go of the things I can't have.

Thats the toughest part.

Letting go.

 That's the part of grace that really sucks.

I was reminded today in a roundabout way that the most perfect act of love is sacrifice.

So while you're away, I'll keep praying for patience, strength and grace.

And rely on my music to help me feel less alone.

People always leave....

But sometimes.... they come back.

 

I DON'T WANT TO FALL (by Juris Fernandez) by CATTSKI

Love Finds You.

Sometimes it's easier to feel like you're the only one in the world who's struggling, who's frustrated, unsatisfied or barely getting by but that feelings a lie and if you just hold on. 

Just find the courage to face it all another day, someone or something will find you and make it all okay because we all need a little help sometimes. 

Someone to help us hear their music in the world.
 To remind us it won't always be this way.
That someone is out there,

and that someone was you.
Jordan Ryan Burke.

It was over for me from the moment we met. That adorable dimple, gorgeous smile and that unforgettable personality. 

And even though we only spent a little over a month together, I feel like I've known you my whole life.
You have been such a great example to me,
and I look up to you so much.

There are so many people out there that will tell you that you can't. And when they do, all you have to say is "watch me". That's exactly what you did and I'm so proud of you.

You have taught me so many life lessons that I don't think I would have learned from anyone else.

Thank you for that!!

You believed in me when it felt like everyone had given up. 

You cared when everyone had turned their back.

And you came into my life in a time were I needed you most.

I've loved getting to know everything about you.

I love your family.

I love your gorgeous sisters.

I love buddy and his goofy teeth.

I love your friends, and who you are around them.

I love it all!

But most importantly, You.

You are extraordinary!

You're kindness is overwhelming

And you make me want to be a better person.
Even though it's killing me to let you go,
I'm so excited for you! You are going to do incredible things in Virgina, and will be blessing so many lives, just like you blessed mine.
Don't ever forget how amazing you are.
I sure won't.

Be strong and have faith.

I'm proud of you Jord. Extremely proud.

See you in two.

xoxo

You don't find Love. Love finds you.

The Curve That Sets Everything Straight

Ida Scott Taylor once wrote, "Do not look back and grieve over the past, for it is gone. And do not be troubled about the future, for it has yet to come. Live in the present, and make it so beautiful that it will be worth remembering."

Life is crazy, and throws us curve balls. Trials that are so unbearably hard.

Things that make us want to give up hope.

When life kicks us to the ground.

But it's in these moments that we show our true character and our strength
whether we choose to push through another day or give up and break down.

Josh your strength is inspiring.

And even though you are going through the hardest thing life can throw at you,

you still find ways to smile and look on the bright side.

Don't ever lose that optimism. Don't let life beat that out of you.

Because it will try to and it would be a shame to see such an amazing man give up.

So even though it's hard, find that one reason to smile

And remember..

No smile is as beautiful as the one that struggles through the tears

Called To Serve

Jordan's Mission Quote.

I read it every morning.

"I know that which the Lord hath commanded me, and I glory in it. 

I do not glory of myself, but I glory in that which the Lord hath commanded me; 

yea, and this is my glory, 

that perhaps I may be an instrument in the hands of God

to bring some soul to repentance; and this is my joy." 

Alma 29:9

So selfless just like you....

Thoughts..

you.

i really don't want get up and go to work.

to up-do or not to up-do: that is the question.
makeup.

don't forget to brush your teeth.

you.

ah. i love when Mom makes me breakfast.

what a beautiful song.

you.

school is in a month, and i have no classes.

procrastination-- sure is wonderful thing.

i could really go for a crepe right about now.

you.

i have the best job in the world.

what a gorgeous day.

what i wouldn't give to be out on the lake.

i love summer.

you.

one week.

so much to do.

so much to say.

you.

not enough time.

My Heart's In Brazil

Elder Brock Matthews.

I can't believe this moment has come. 

We've been through soo much together

But there isn't one moment, one fight, or one night in your arms that I would take back.

Thank you for everything
You never fail to keep me amazed

You've taught me so much

We proved them wrong and  made each other strong.
We had our share of trials, but I wouldn't change them.

I want you to know how much a love you and always will

Don't forget about us.

And remember that I'm so proud of you!

Thank you for your strength and love

Brazil is lucky to have such an amazing man
I hope your life leads you back to my front door
but if it doesn't... Stay beatutiful.

"Give 'em Heaven"

xoxo
You're my Best Friend

Forever & Always

A Place I Call Home

LAKE POWELL

This is one of my favorite places on earth! Or as I like to call it, my home away from home. It was hands down one of the best getaway places during the summer. I went this last week with my parents, my best friend, and a couple other buddies. Boy was that epic.
 We spent 5 days....

 laying out

shreddin up the lake

 jumping off cliffs

 having nutella parties

 and just having the time of our lives.

 Perfection!!
I loved every minute of it

I was sooo sad to leave.... But great news...

I'm headed back!!!

TONIGHT!!

[I'm wayy too excited]

 And this time I get to go with my other best friend Jentry =]

So be ready for more pictures

xoxo

Kickin It Old School

80's Night

It was girls night last night, and boy did I need it!! Me, Alicia, Jentry, and Stef got all dressed up and headed out to 80's night! So much fun!! So here's some picture of  our crazy night =] Enjoy!!

I love my life...

Finding Casey.

I've finally put my life into perspective

I'm a very small piece of this big earth

and realizing that humbles you and grounds you

We go through life so focused on our own problems and trials,

so worried about the clothes, the boys, and being something we're not.

Being a young woman I want to set the example that there is more to this life then that.

Lifes about building meaningful relationships that last a life time,

 not about how many friends we have on facebook.

It's about giving away more love then we'll ever receive.

It's about finding personal peace every day, despite the chaos in our lives.

It's about always forgiving and never regretting.

It's about letting go and embracing life's change in plans

And it's about finding real meaning to our lives.

I've found peace with where I am in my life.

I'm not afraid to make mistakes, or to stumble and fall

I’m learning how to drown out the constant noise that is such an inseparable part of my life.

I don’t have to prove anything to anyone,

 I only have to follow my heart, and concentrate on what I want to say to the world.

Am I the same Casey?... Absolutely not.