merry christmas!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

I hope you all had a wonderful day! I sure did.

It's funny when your favorite present is luggage, prepping you for adventures to come. But the true present is the gift of our Savior and His infinite love. How His birth changed our lives!

I thought I would grace you all with my favorite Christmas song:

Bahaha.

"Happy, happy Christmas, that can win us back to the delusions of our childhood days, recall to the old man the pleasures of his youth, and transport the traveler back to his own fireside and quiet home!"

- Charles Dickens

merry christmas eve eve!!

Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love."
~ Hamilton Wright Mabie

(picture via Christmas 2008)

heart-to-heart.

I don't know if you remember the loud-laughing girl in my math class that I mentioned in a previous post, but she has blessed my life again. A few weeks ago, she handed me a paper that had "Quotes from General Authorities Regarding Stress." Today was stress. I read the quotes and thought of her. Then, I ran into her in our dear McKay building, and we studied together. She left for a few hours to HAND OUT SOUP. She made soup, brought it to campus, and gave it away to starving, sleep-deprived, stressed out strangers.

She is an angel. One day in October she explained her priorities to me. People first, school later. She takes care of herself so that she can take care of others. And then she takes care of her homework. I have tried to emulate this priority list ever since.

Just so you know, lately, I will drop anything for a heart-to-heart.

If you are longing to have one, I am your girl.

I just hope it's ok that I will be packing while we have it.

explanation.

i don't have one.

it's like this overwhelming need to cry and laugh at the same time.

it's the need to hug friends close and push them away.

i gave kenj the look. the look of "i'm tired and worried and overwhelmed but i don't know how to explain it." she understood; she always does. she wanted to help, but was honest. "i don't know how you feel, i can't," she said. she suggested talking to claire.

claire's loving reply broke the dam i built around my eyes.

There has got to be a better language. Why can't we define all these things that are so real? I couldn't find the words two summers ago when I most needed them. I can never express how important dear friendships are without becoming frustrated with a lack of vocabulary. And I can't explain myself now. Haven't other people had these same emotions? I know at least One has. But these things just haven't been labeled. Maybe in a foreign tongue, or maybe it takes this many words to describe it every time. Maybe in the language of angels.

__________________________________________________

I wrote those words last night in my inbetween. The time between awake and asleep. This is my favorite time; I dream dreams from my subconscious, and I remember them. My thoughts are light but serious, and my heart is honest to my brain. Sometimes my blog may be too honest to my readers. You are an intimidating bunch.

Time to start filtering and being more practical.

Soon you will be filled with stories of Auckland! 23 days, dear.

checklist.

clean hair. check.

sweats. check.

hot chocolate. check.

snow pouring down. check.

Christmas music. check.

spiritual upliftation. check.

tons of homework that will keep me up until 2am. check.

to do:

write three papers and catch up on all assignments (ALOT)

plan an amazing Christmas party

bon voyage dinner with my favorites

make a snowman

take seven finals

see the lights at temple square

pack up and move out

cry my eyes out

see my family

celebrate

leave the country

december.

"As we seek Christ, as we find Him, as we follow Him, we shall have the Christmas spirit, not for one fleeting day each year, but as a companion always."

-Thomas S. Monson

twenty three.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JACOB!

I've spent my whole life trying to emulate my big brother's sense of humor and athletic ability. I'll never quite get there, but I love him more for it! He has always been one of the most faithful, good-humored people I know. Really, everyone likes him!

And now, he is 23 and engaged to this beautiful girl:

This calls for a celebration!

family additions.

I AM AN AUNT!

My sister-in-law had her sweet baby last night.

William Howard Stutz

November 20, 2009

10:11 p.m. at 8 lbs. 5 oz.

Everyone is healthy and happy. I will let his momma be the first to upload pictures of him. He is DARLING! I always thought it was silly that my friends are so obsessed with their nieces and nephews, but I haven't even seen him in real life yet and I already understand! I can't believe my oldest brother is a dad. Congratulations Kenny and Megan!

And congratulations to my other big brother! Jacob and Pierina got engaged!! I'm a little late, it was a couple of weeks ago, but another sister-in-law! I am so excited! January 15, 2010.

Our family tree is growing! My parents are grandparents now. Which makes me laugh. And my brother is going to be a HUSBAND. So much wonderful news and change.

This is what life is all about.

The best part? It's for eternity.

And I get to go see them all in three days.

And I never have to truly say goodbye.

these words are better than mine.

longing for the art of conversation.

human being: noun. a man, woman, or child of the species Homo sapien, distinguished from other animals by superior mental development, power of articulate speech, and upright stance.

Dear dictionary,

I know my mental development is NOT superior, I am not in the least bit articulate, and I have horrible posture. But I am very much human.

This morning was not my morning. It was the blotchy face, teary eyes, "what's wrong Miss Stutz?," kind of morning. Trying to hide exhaustion and disappointment from six-year-olds is harder than you'd think.

I probably vented on six different people. Some close friends, others just acquaintances. And I am sorry to those six people. But can I tell you something? Everyone who noticed, everyone who took the time of their day to see that my eyes were full of overwhelmed, emotional ridiculousness, had something encouraging to say. It was far more than just those six blessed souls. Concerned, caring human beings that owed NOTHING to me, reminded me to smile, gave me hugs, and promised that things would get better soon enough. They asked if they could pray for me, offered me a cooked meal, and even wanted to do my grocery shopping so I could take a nap.

Nothing huge happened to me. It was just one of those days. But my overwhelming ridiculousness turned into overwhelming gratitude for the human being.

There are scary things happening in our world, but mankind is still compassionate. I don't care who you are, what you look like, how much you own, or what you believe in. Every soul has light and love. Of course they do. They are literal children of a Heavenly Father who is the sole Creator of light and love. That should be the definition of human being.

My heart was warmed and my spirit was comforted by the hug from the loud-laughing girl in my math class, by the reminder from the plaid-shirt-boy who is always in the tech lab at the same time as me, by the encouraging email from my liaison, and by the random high-five from that total stranger as I walked down the hill to my humble abode. I realize that was a run-on sentence. It is expressive of my run-on appreciation.

In fact, this whole post is a run-on. Hey, I warned you about my poor articulation, did I not? I'm going to go develop my mind and work on my posture now.

Love Flows,

B.

and then there was light.

Let's talk.

Lately, I've felt like I've had a full time job, a 45 minute commute, and homework to top off my nights. Even being a teacher's helper is so time consuming. Planning lessons, teaching lessons, preparing materials for lessons. I love it with all of my soul. However, it has completely thrown my priorities out of whack. Which has thrown my brain out of whack. I'm an organized girl, but the past two weeks have been chaos!

Me and dearest Kendra's bathroom lights haven't worked for two weeks. That's right, we've been using a flashlight. Awesome, right? How long does it take to call maintenance?

And 3 bulbs in our living room have been out. Our stairwell light has been out. Our downstairs light has been out. We've been living in a cave of darkness.

My room has been a disaster.

Laundry was far overdue.

My gas tank has been empty.

My car has been dirty.

The bills have been unpaid.

I had no milk, no bread, no eggs.

My shampoo and conditioner bottles have been dangerously low.

Today, there was no school at Copperview Elementary.

I slept in.

I cleaned my room.

I did my laundry. I cleaned my apartment.

I filled my tank. I got a car wash.

I called maintenance and replaced light bulbs.

I went grocery shopping. Got milk, bread, eggs, shamp & condish.

I worked on my bills.

And now I will return to my life of lesson planning.

I love today.

Besides the gospel, my key to happiness is productiveness and cleanliness.

Oh wait, that is the gospel. Awesome.

Also, we finally got the conference issue of the Ensign! Awesome x2.

wizard of oz.

first things first,

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

I love this holiday! Most def one of my faves.

This morning I had Reese's pancakes with my roommates.

We also watched Edward Scissorhands. Then went to stake conference.

We are having a full fledged Halloween feast with friends tonight (pics later),

and then going to a partyyyyy. And watching MORE scary movies!

That is what I call celebrating.

I don't know if you remember last years fantastic costumes,

but this year definitely surpasses them.

The Wizard of Oz has strangely played a large role in my childhood,

my dad has been known to quote it over the pulpit. So when my genius roommate

Lauren came up with the idea to be the cast of TWoO, I was so excited! Plus, the same

genius roommate HAND-STITCHED my costume. That's right.

Basically I owe her my life. She is the best.

Feast your eyes on this:

Glinda and Dorothy

The Cowardly Lion

The Wicked Witch of the West and Dorothy

The Tin Man and the Wizard himself

ME (Glinda the Good)

"I'll get you my pretty, and your little dog, too!"

Tin Man, Scarecrow, Emerald City Girl, Wizard of Oz, Cowardly Lion, Wicked Witch of the East, Glinda the Good Witch of the North, and Dorothy!

Are my friends awesome or what?

big day.

My newest name is Miss Stutz. I went into a first grade classroom as a real teacher for the first time today. It is exciting and overwhelming. It is perfect. Somehow, surprisingly, it felt so natural. Those children are so smart and so loving! "MISS STUTZ, come help me with this word." "MISS STUTZ will you stay with our group for every center?" "MISS STUTZ do you like my skirt?" "MISS STUTZ my face got all red at recess because it is snowing out there."

MISS STUTZ. Miss Stutz. miss stutz.

That is going to take some getting used to. But I love my new name. And another new one is coming soon.

Love, Aunt Breanna

some upliftation.

The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.

- Eleanor Roosevelt

"This life is yours. take the power to choose what you want to do and do it well. take the power to love what you want in life and love it honestly. take the power to walk in the forest and be a part of nature. take the power to control your own life. no one else can do it for you. take the power to make your life happy."

-Susan Polis Schutz

"If I had one gift that I could give you, my friend, it would be the ability to see yourself as others see you, because only then would you know how extremely special you are."


-B.A. Billingsly

"Now, my dear sisters, that is the way with you. You are doing the best you can, and that best results in good to yourself and to others. Do not nag yourself with a sense of failure. Get on your knees and ask for the blessings of the Lord; then stand on your feet and do what you are asked to do. Then leave the matter in the hands of the Lord. You will discover that you have accomplished something beyond price."

- Gordon B. Hinckley

"This is our one and only chance at mortal life—here and now. The longer we live, the greater is our realization that it is brief. Opportunities come, and then they are gone. I believe that among the greatest lessons we are to learn in this short sojourn upon the earth are lessons that help us distinguish between what is important and what is not. I plead with you not to let those most important things pass you by as you plan for that illusive and nonexistent future when you will have time to do all that you want to do. Instead, find joy in the journey—now."

-Thomas S. Monson

"for verily I say unto you, that great things await you;"

D&C 45:62

new zealand.

This is my first official announcement. Sort of.

I'm going.

To New Zealand.

January 5, 2009 - April 11, 2009.

Did you hear what I said?

I'M GOING TO NEW ZEALAND!

SERIOUSLY? SERIOUSLY!

I'M GOING TO NEW ZEALAND!

It doesn't feel real yet. I will be studying abroad and teaching the children in the outskirts of Aukland. I get to travel the island and hike the trail to Mordor (kidding). It's going to be like a school-filled vacation! Wow. I'm going to New Zealand. I could say that over and over again. So I will. I'm going to New Zealand.

Let me tell you, it was not the easiest decision to make.

What could possibly be wrong with going to New Zealand? A lot of things.

Debt, missing weddings, missing friends, being far from BYU (my parents would add being far from BYU boys), etc. And most of all missing the daily contact with my family. I made a pros and cons list, I weighed the decision out in my mind, and I took it to the Lord. It took me months of frustrations, days of fasting, and a few hours of crying. But it is finished.

This is something I am supposed to do.

For me, not you. Sounds selfish, right?

Right.

But if there is time to be selfish, it's now.

What a beautiful country. That I'm going to.

dear blog.

Ok, I'm back. And I've been withholding posts because I thought there was a blogger issue.
I'm really smart. It was actually my issue.
Sometimes I think I'm tech-savvy, but other times I realize that I'm really not, at all.
Anyway:

Dear blog,

HAPPY BIRTHDAY {eight days ago}!

Yes, I made this. No, not for my blog.

But I don't think I ever uploaded it.

Thought you'd appreciate it.

One year, eight days, 56 posts.
I was trying to remember what was going through my head when I named my blog Simplicity.
I'm pretty sure I was working on simplifying my life. Obvious, right?
Everything was fitting together, everything I read, everything I studied, seemed to say,
"BREANNA, calm down. Life is happy. Remember the basics. You are doing great."
Somehow, this theme has remained persistent. It is such a strength on days like these!

I have loved this year of blogging! I love posting. I love comments. I love sharing my life with my dearest family and friends through this medium. But my favorite part? Reading your blogs. What a cool, technological community we are. You are each full of great stories, great ideas, and inspiration. So, for my sake: BLOG ON!

Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.

-Leonardo DaVinci

The simplest things are often the truest.

-Richard Bach

Simplicity is the glory of expression.

-Walt Whitman

"stop right now.

thank you very much."

Can you name the quote?

Ok, just so you all know, I have multiple posts waiting to be published with lots of great news! BUT, for some reason Blogger will not allow me to change the font sizes or add pictures, both of which are critical to conveying my messages.... But seriously.

But I wanted to tell you I love you. And I feel the blog neglect growing. And I'm sorry.
And today is a weird and awesome day, October 15th.

today.

today

i feel beautiful in a sweatshirt.

i feel ready to take on the next few months.

whether they'll be lonely or lovely, i don't know.

but i feel ready.

today

music fills my soul.

music reminds me.

today

i am missing you.

and you. and all of you.

but i am doing just fine here alone.

today is dark and cloudy.

but today is beautiful in my eyes.

this "on top of the world" feeling must be coming from general conference. it must. i am ready to take a chance.

have vibrant eyes.

Today I felt the last breathe of summer.

As the warm wind whipped my hair across my face, it whipped my heart back to June. It's strange to think that was only 3 months ago. It seems that too much has happened in between then and now.

June. A month of only 7 fast-paced credits and excess extra time. A month of best friends and road trips and goodbyes. A month of sitting in the grass with a book or a journal and watching the pedestrians stroll by. A month of barbeques and late nights on the swing.

What a wonderful thirty days it was. June is slowly becoming my favorite. I thought about these things as I walked on concrete that was soaked by now dripping sprinkler heads. The smell took me back. The sun beat on my cheeks. The desire to roll up my jeans was strong, but I continued walking down that familiar hill. Yes, it is a beaten path, but it's one that I love.

Tomorrow's high is 54 degrees. Today's low was 58. Bring it on.

I made sure to smash a particularly crunchy leaf with my shoe before walking up the steps to the Enclave once again.

While June may be my favorite month, October is a close second.

wow Breanna.

Let's just say I made an ultimate fail this morning.

Oh man.

EM BAR RAS SING.

fall really does = love.

Remember these two people from this post?

Yah, they got engaged. On Sunday.

And I'm going to be a bridesmaid. I got officially asked today.

CONGRATULATIONS MICHELLE AND TREVOR!!

Two of my best friends are marrying each other. I couldn't be happier!!

February 12, 2010.

fall = love.

Some things I have been loving along with the changing of seasons:

The happy music of a new-found Minnutes.

Halloween costumes at Martha.

This new song by Michael Buble. It is basically my life in a melody.

And this Miley Cyrus music video. Don't judge me.

The fact that Ingrid Michaelson will be in SLC for only $15 dollars.

My roommates.

Procrastinating my homework.

Having boys over for dinner. And feeding them this oreo pudding:

Crunch up 3/4 a package of oreos.

Place on bottom of 9x13 like a crust.

Cover crust with 3 large packages of chocolate pudding.

Cover with a whole small tub of whipped cream.

Crunch up last 1/4 of oreos and sprinkle on top.

Stick in fridge at least 2 hours before serving.

Seriously. You think it's lame. But it's awesome.

Remember how I used this picture in my second post of all time?

Winter is an etching, spring a watercolor, summer an oil painting, and autumn a mosaic of them all. - Stanley Horowitz.

White Female from Suburban Texas.

WARNING: This post was a homework assignment!

This is my planner. This is also my life. I have used a planner since high school, and I’m starting to be convinced that it supplies my oxygen. I stress a lot when I lose it or forget it at home. It is always with me. Always.

I am an organized person. I will forget things if I do not write them down, and I think I got it from my dad. He is a list-maker, and I have become one in my adolescent and young adult years. I like to know what needs to be done and when. Otherwise, I will plan too many things at once because I love to say yes! I actually write in my planner with pencil more often than not, which I imagine is the result of changing plans. While I am organized, I can still be flexible and change my schedule and my plans. I have learned this acceptance of chaos through my leadership experiences and my old perfectionist habits. Things do not work out exactly as planned, ever. But a girl can still dream!

These mums have only recently become a part of my personal culture. I have suddenly ‘grown’ a passion for GROWING! While I have already failed twice (yes, the mums died), and I live on the second floor of a concrete apartment complex, I have the biggest desire for a big, luscious, colorful garden. I have been researching the types of flowers that can grow at different times of the year and studying potting tricks.

I like to think of gardening as part of my future culture because of my new obsession, but it is also a huge part of my past. My great-grandpa, Howard Coombs Stutz, still currently resides here in Provo, UT. He was a botany teacher at Brigham Young University decades ago, and has always had a green thumb. While his specialty was shrubs, he grew the most magnificent trees and flowers and full orchards on his farm. Many of my childhood summers were spent picking cherries and pulling flowers out of his garden and running barefoot through the soft grass. I think these experiences and memories have helped me realize the beauty of the earth and that I can help something to grow, something to bloom, something to live.

Oh, how I love my Kitchen-Aide. Yes, it is 8-years-old but new out of the box. Yes, it is the same color as my counter. Yes, I get to register for a newer, more beautiful one when I get married. But for now, I couldn’t be more pleased.

As a high schooler, I would make the most dramatic moaning noise when my mom would ask me to mix of a box of brownie mix and stick it in the oven. Believe me, my whole family could reenact the sound if you asked them to. Now? You will find me in my little kitchen using my 30-year-old oven to make layered cake from scratch, or 6 dozen cupcakes for a party, or green and red Martha Stewart sugar cookies at Christmas time. Yes, marthastewart.com is what I see when I open Safari on my computer. There are times when I will bake 3 or 4 times a week. I have an urge to create delicious things and watch other people enjoy them. The measuring, the mixing, the tasting, the perfect timing; it is all fulfilling. I want to be the hostess. It is a strange adrenaline-rush. It is empowering. It is exciting. It is me.

string cheese.

has become my staple food. Unhealthy, no? At least its not cheese tortillas like it was in high school.

Also, warning, my next post will be an assignment for school. A cultural diorama, if you will. Thus, it will be a little more formal and a little less what I would choose to write about.

But enjoy it? Maybe?

starstruck.

Woah.

About 20 minutes ago I was driving home from Panda Express with Adrianne, and I came to the four-way stop by the Smith Fieldhouse and the Indoor Practice Facility.

AND THE BYU FOOTBALL TEAM CROSSED THE ROAD IN FRONT OF MY CAR!

They are good looking, let me tell you. And you think that's all? Think again.

Who else would stick out in the crowd with suit and tie but

CECIL SAMUELSON.

And yes, he looked into my car and WAVED TO ME AND ADRIANNE as we waved back like young children.

You're laughing, BUT THIS IS PROVO ROYALTY guys. Seriously.

Me and Cecil are tight like unto a dish.

Not to mention we already were graced with the comforting presence of our dear prophet earlier this week. What a place I live in.

Rejoice!!

As I sit alone crying and smiling and laughing in my room because of the knowledge I've been given, I want to shout it to the world. I want everyone I care about to know of the overwhelming happiness in my heart!

But first, I call home. I want to share with them first!

As I start leaving a message, my dad picks up sounding happy as usual to talk to me. And I express, in simple English, my joy. The words are hard to find. "The Gospel is so great! Why is it so great? How are we so lucky?"

I want to run into the courtyard of my apartment complex and jump and yell and sing about the glorious news of the Lord! But most the people here already know this news, and would probably laugh at my silly simple pleasures. But this is not silly, the Restoration is REAL!

Today was so wonderful. Relief Society, Gospel Principles, Sacrament. Every teacher, every speaker, spoke directly to my soul. How do they know what I need to hear? The Lord knows what I need, and He is gracious with His blessings.

My dad said, "You know these times when the confirmations are so strong and happen over and over again that the Lord is going to expect you to share the wealth. Spread the knowledge you are receiving, give to others what you have been given."

I have not done enough to deserve these blessings, but I know that I will rejoice and give thanks and share them! What a beautiful life we live! What a beautiful plan we have in store!

Goodness. Real, true, divine goodness.

the best day of the week.

Monday

Barbeque with old friends. No school.

Tuesday

Got to sit between two of my best friends and listen to President Samuelson's inspired devotional. Watched HSM3.

Wednesday

Watched a movie in French. I now have the desire to watch every movie in a foreign language.

Thursday

Temple. Run. Convinced professor to let me do a whole course online. No more Thursday night class.

Seriously? Life is good.

Pictures to come.

blog neglect.

It's coming.

It's happening.

School has started.

Life has started.

Calling has started.

BYUSA has started.

Football season has started (so proud of my cougars).

Thus, blog is being pushed to a lower level of priority.

Sad, but true.

HOWEVER, i will not disappear for too long often.

When I am in the library and banging my head on the tables because I am overloaded with educational psychology, I'll be here.

But I'll also try to be here when life is calm and carefree, so you can get the best of both worlds.

Also, I realize that is the Hannah Montana theme song. I did that on purpose.

love this:

"Be pretty if you can, be witty if you must, but be gracious if it kills you."

-Elsie De Wolfe

...

i am overwhelmed

with change.

Which is making me especially grateful for my family

and my dearest Adrianne these days.

Some things never change. And these are the things that shouldn't.

I have a cool life.

Let me clarify.

I LOVE MY LIFE ALOT!

I am back in Provo, in my little apartment that I've lived in for a year now. And I am excited for another one within these walls. I have all new roommates, one of which is the beautiful Kendra you have seen a couple posts back. I have seen four of my best friends since I have been here.

Somehow, people know JUST when I need a compliment. I have hated my haircut for the two weeks I've had it. But now, I am loving it. Because everyone else is loving it. Hahahaha.

Big hello hugs are the best. And someone called me a "modern bubbly witty Mary Poppins."

There is no better compliment than that.

And I have a KitchenAid sitting on my counter. And more best friends are coming in tonight and tomorrow. And there is a bonfire tonight.

I texted my dad when I got into to town Saturday to let him know I was here safe and sound, and he replied "Woohoo! You'll be so glad to be back in your cool life again!!!"

I do have a cool life.

"People don't notice whether it's winter or summer when they're happy."

-Anton Chekhov

yes.

I LOVE MY LIFE!!!

that is all for now.

more blogging to come.

Kendra Joan.

This is Kendra.

Isn't she elegant?

She is also 20.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KENDRA JOAN.

I really love her a lot.

In fact, we will be sharing a bathroom for the next 12 months.

Along with the rest of our little apartment.

I have never been more excited! She really is wonderful.

And, we will be sharing a much overdue birthday celebration.

You're invited.

i get by with a little help from my friends.

I should tell you that I have THE best friends. Ever. Seriously.

I've been in Texas and out of the loop for nearly two months now, but they still find time in their busy lives to call. They still call to see how I am doing and how I am feeling. When I have an emotional crisis and need some help, four or five names automatically pop in my head. Oh how i miss them.

Today, I got a haircut. I cried.

I called a friend.

I love you, friends, and you know who you are!

is it summer yet?

splashtown with little brother.

teaching swimming lessons.

going to the lake TWICE.

all in 48 hours.

SUMMER.

i need to watch all three High School Musicals soon.

it's been too long. plus now i am singing "What Time Is It?" in my head.

yes, i went on this.

yes, i'm crazy.

yes, my 12 year old brother has twice as much respect for me now.

strangely, i am ready for fall.

if you love broadway, you are going to love this.

...

this morning:

i was going to wake up at 7 and go for a run.

but i had a terrible headache.

so i woke up at 9 and ate a brownie.

fail.

i had like, the best dream ever during that two hours. it should hold me over.

{image via ffffound}

nine years ago from right now my house in Keller, TX was burning down. woah.

i can't believe it has been nine years.

i know this post has no real point or direction.

kind of like this morning.

19 days until utah!

July.

Goodbye, July.

You have been wonderful, and a little bit terrible, too.

But mostly wonderful.

This will be a bittersweet farewell.

{image via papertissue}

"Live in each season as it passes: breathe the air, drink the drink, taste the fruit."

-Henry David Thoreau

Perspective.

Last night, I talked to a best friend about how every person's life

is changing so rapidly in our little Provo world.

So many 'see you later's and 'nice to meet you's.

In some ways, it is more overwhelming than in others.

Another best friend, who I was corresponding with over Facebook,

said this to me in a completely unrelated conversation:

"Friendship at this age is interesting and lovely to me. We all go different ways and have different plans, but we support each other and love each other through it all."

What a brilliant way to look at it.

{image via fffound}

Especially.

for Youth.

I usually do not have this much energy after a week and a half of sleepless nights.

But this is how I felt for both weeks of EFY!

Excuse the hair, please.

And the ridiculous salmon-colored polo.

I didn't get to pick that out either.

Note to Self:

Try to be this excited/happy about daily life all the time.

For those of you who are confused, I spent two weeks of my wonderfully two-month-long-summer being a counselor for a church camp that is Especially for Youth (aka EFY). It is probably the most wonderful camp in the world. What church was it? Please go {here}.

This is what EFY is made of:

games where you run around like a crazy person, a good 5 hours of sleep every night (unless you are a counselor, in which case you get about 3), dances full of attractive young people, pizza/party night, really hyper counselors so everyone is always laughing, cheers and yelling, swimming, free time, awesome classes, COWs (crush of the week, oh drama), firesides, devotionals, YW/YM activites, service activities, standard lessons, testimony meetings, musical program. You have no idea.

First week: ten 14-15 year old girls were my biggest responsibility. we woke up at 6 together, had devotionals together, ate together, played together, learned together, cried together. they came to me for advice, cried to me about problems at home, asked me for answers to normal teenage questions. "why are boys so mean/dumb?" honey, i still don't know the answer to that. but that was not as deep as it goes. "Breanna, when did you get a real testimony? I believe, but I want to KNOW for SURE." wow, what a growing experience. a 14 year old with such a desire.

Second week: eight 16-18 year old girls. what smart young women. their examples strengthened me more than i could have helped them. it is my responsibility to be all i can be for them that week, so that they can see an older girl with a happy life who is doing all the right things. i tried my hardest. miracles happened this week. so many miracles. i can't even begin to describe the experiences that we had together. also, water came out of my nose this week.

Best team of counselors ever:

i love my life.

i have never laughed so hard.

more pictures to come.

Sweetening.

Ice Cream.

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Thank you Mesopotamians, for inventing the icehouse.

And thank you Greeks for adding fruit and honey to ice.

But mostly, thank you 18th century England and America for true ice cream.

Seriously, I have had it three times since saturday.

Braum's, Blue Bell, some weird off brand.

It goes with anything. It's the perfect dessert after any meal.

It's also the perfect meal.

Just saying.

Ice cream, I love you.