My Crazy Summer Roommate

It's been over a year now since my first day living in a dorm, meeting a complete new crowd of some of the worlds greatest people, and attending the best university on the planet. I guess you could say I am feeling a little sentimental. I have been thinking a lot about the people back in Utah that were so dear to my heart, and also about some of the lessons I learned last summer. So todays topic: My first roommate and books.

Never judge a book by it's cover. A common cliché we've been taught since elementary school. I never doubted the truth of this cliché, but it wasn't until last summer that I really connected to the truth of it. Mary Katie was my first experience with a roommate besides my family, and needless to say, it was a rough experience in the beginning. Let me paint a little picture for you. Mary Katie is a 5 foot, 100 pound California girl who drives a black convertible V.W. Bug. She is obsessed with running and often does it in the middle of the night. She is very confident in her self, and knows it. She has more clothes than the dorm closet fits, is always dressed perfectly, and she only travels in dresses. I never hung out with her when I first met her because she was gone off on a date almost every single night, sometimes she even had two dates a night. She is almost every way different than me. Got an image? I sure had one.

What I learned is that images are not definitions. After getting to know the girl underneath the book cover, I came to know the beautiful story of Mary Katie. If you asked me to define this girl now, I would say she is one of the funniest, most caring, compassionate, hardworking girls I have ever know. She worked 3 jobs while at school because she likes to be able to support her self. She was always in the library, not because she didn't want to study with me like I thought, but because she wanted to keep a 4.0 to get into the nursing program at BYU. She adores little kids, she was a nanny back in California and one day she is going to be the worlds greatest mom. She likes cuddling up with her best friends, especially when we have movie nights, and she gives the best hugs. Her favorite movie is Peter Pan, just like me. She has a contagious laugh and will do anything to cheer you up. She is always up for a good time and always has a smile on her face. She is one of the most real people I know, she tells you how she feels about you and only complements you when she genuinely means it. She gives great advice and is always there when you need her. She is one of the best friends I have ever had.

Thank you MK for teaching me how good the Story can be on the inside. I love you for you, thanks for your friendship and loving me for me. Cutest summer roommate award forever ;) Miss you setsy laydee!   

**Mary Katie also says funny crap.. Like always. So I started writing it down. Enjoy**

~FAMOUS MK QUOTES~

-I look the best. I'm hott.

-Sianara faggots.

-Don't judge me, I look like a man.

-See, thats the best thing about me, because even though I'm in love with my self I can still make fun of my self.

-You have to kiss a lot of frogs to find your prince. 

-I'm not allowed to weigh myself.

-*Lays flat on the floor* I wanna see how skinny I am.

- Jessie Mariah:Who do you like the most in this room? 

MK: me.

-Look how much I love you your on my wall paper... But I'm on it too. 

-Jessie Mariah: Taste this sparkling cider, does it taste fermented?

MK: I can't get drunk anymore .

-This quote book about me is fantastic we could sell it.

-I've done nothing with my life.

-People think I'm evil but it's not true!

-Friend zones are great, I love those things.

-Bye I'm never gonna see you again unless you come to brick oven with your ma!

-I gained 13 pounds now I weigh 107.

-At least I can admit im not pretty and pure ... I'm gorgeous and perfect.

-I think you're ugly. Just kidding I love you more then anything.

-DUMP that duh du duh.

-Charles is really tall his name is James. Sorry I have too many boys in my life right now.

-*Talking about a 2nd grader) Christian is a faggot I hate him. 

-*On Face Book* Wanna see the boy I last kissed? ...Wanna see the boy I really like... Hmm, who else have I been making out with recently. 

-I hiked the Y (mountain at BYU) in heels once.

-*Showing me a pic of her boyfriend* This is a bad pic of him but I look hot

-Me: I want to go to Disney land but I don't have money. MK: WE COULD SELL LEMONADE!

-My sister doesn't want to marry anyone with aids so she's gonna make a dating website for them so they all marry each other. 

-It hurts so bad to be punched in the stomach, like if was in the head I wouldn't really mind." 

-*When I read these quotes to her* These are great where do I even come up with this shiz.

-My mom would be upset that I wore that dress to meet the presiding bishop of the church because it would bring shame to the family name- but I do that a lot.

-I hate that movie- remember when she had a baby SO GROSS! (the 3rd twilght movie)

-I feel awkward cuz I'm looking at your crotch

-I'm not this funny when I'm with my parents, you guys are gonna be sad.

-Jacey is pretty party-licious.

-Let's see, am I a spiritual person? No.

-I'm pulling something out in your eyelashes... You're welcome butt nugget. 

-Then the next year she switched schools because she was so embarrassed about peeing her pants and cutting off her nose.

-I can't see my hair!!!!

- I'm only funny twice a day.

-I'm a little chipmunk short and stout here is my handle here is my spout. 

-then I found out I wasn't allowed to do that... So I wanted to do it even more.

-Shut up your soo hawwt.

-*In a text to me * I said the best one liner ever today and I was really sad you missed it

-(what I missed)Alex was trying to race me downstairs and my jeans are too big for me and so I yelled Alex this is unfair because these jeans are only double 0! Not triple 0!

-Oh and btw..you're not allowed to go on a mission. I can't deal with that kind of separation

-Haha I miss you. Show me my dang good quote book though. I'm missing my sense of humor.

-Gosh that is good shiz. It makes me miss you even more than I should though!

-I'm sweet on Fridays. Not all the other days though. But really! How have you been?

-Haha oh my gosh. This is gonna be fantastic. I'm dang excited to see hott pictures of myself.

"There Are No True Endings, Only Everlasting Beginnings." -President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Sherry, Jason, Caleb, Haley, and me.

Five AM. The sun is about to rise, and the bitter cold has driven us back into the building. Sherry, Haley, Caleb, Jason and I have been outside since 12:00 A.M. cuddling, chatting, laughing, singing, and creating a final memory for the last night of my freshman year. My memory filled dorm room has now been stripped of all its happy decorations, so I am now sitting on the floor of Sherry's dorm room as I reflect on this joyous night.

Opening my call

“Sister Hatch, you are hereby called to serve as missionary of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. You are assigned to labor in the Utah Salt Lake City, East mission. It is anticipated that you will serve for a period of 18 months.”

So excited!

Tonight was the night that I waited in anticipation for with anxiety and excitement. I had been praying that where ever I get called to serve, I would feel excitement. I would have never guessed I would be called to Utah, but as soon as I read it out loud, I knew it was where I was needed. I have the feeling I always hoped I would have. Pure bliss and peace with a sure knowledge that this is the place I am meant to share the gospel with God's children.

So greatful for my dad!

I believe so strongly that The Lord knows each of us personally. He knows our wants and desires, He knows what is best for us, and He always, always provides a way. He knew that going to you BYU would be one of the best things for me in my life, so he provided a way for me to get in. . .despite my far below BYU average ACT score. This past year at BYU has blessed my life in more ways than I know how to describe. It was here that I gained the desire to go on a mission. Here that I made life long friends. Here that I made discoveries about my self, and about my hopes and dreams for the future. And here that I was able to fulfill my child hood dream of rooming with my best friend/ cousin Jessie Mariah.

The Mariah's

As I leave to go back home to Arizona, I'm leaving behind another home with a whole set of family members. Who would have thought that living somewhere for less than a year would leave such and impression on my heart? I have learned so much from all the people that have come into my life this year. My ward family, my dorm sisters, friends from classes, teachers, and co-workers. I know God knew that we would need each other. I will be posting more about our specific adventures soon but until then I wanted to say thank you to my BYU family. Thank you all for the many memories!  

Maggie, Lauren, me, Alayna, Mk after opeing my call

Sherry and I 

Haley and I

BYU 107th Ward- my family<3

 Janice Ian, Gretchen Weiners, Regina George, Karen Smith, and Cady Harring
We're best friends :')

Mark, Mariah, Maddison, me, and Caleb
Our last sunday.

The Hinckley Hotties ;) <3

My Best Friend Alayna <3

Alayn's future husband Gabriel
We're pretty tight.

My cousin Kenzie/ care giver at BYU
<3 <3 <3

My Friend Sherry Is a Gem <3

**These are just a few of my favorite captured moment from my last few days a The Y. I love you all so much!!** <3 <3 <3 

Never Grow Up

"Laughter is timeless, imagination has no age, dreams are forever." -Walt Disney

Graduation was nearly nearly a month ago, my days as a Holbrook High School-er have come and gone, and in about an hour I will drive out of the drive way of my life long home and start the next chapter in my life. In honor of this whole "moving on in my life" stage, I wanted to share my graduation speech that we were asked to write for Mrs. Caffey's class for the last week of school. So here it is. . .

******************************

Never Land, second star to the right and straight on till morning. This is my favorite place. This is where I have lived the majority of my life for the past eighteen years. When I was three I would go to Never Land in my best dress up clothes to have tea parties with princes and princesses. I took my cousins a lot too. We would go on adventures and explore. Sometimes we would have to explore jumping from rock to rock because the ground beneath us was lava. Later I even took some of my friends with me. We would take our swing set horses there during recess and journey on for miles. 

Now, I'm sure your wondering, what is Never Land? You may be thinking that my Never Land is a lot different the the mermaid lagoon, and pirate's cove in Peter Pan's Never Land. I believe Never Land is different for all of us. As described in Steven Spielberg's movie, Hook, "Never Land is the place between sleep and awake, the place where you can still remember dreaming," Never Land is the child with in us.

I still love to go to Never Land. I go to Never Land almost every weekend with my little sister when we snuggle on the couch and giggle at our favorite Disney Channel shows. I went to Never Land about a month ago when i lied on a grassy hill holding hands with my two best friends, Cierra and Kylie, and laughed about absolutely nothing. I went again last week with my entire choir family when we decided, without speaking a word, to forget about our school work, our responsibilities, and even the show we were about to perform, to play in the Park Elementary School cafeteria. We played basket ball, jump roped, and hula hooped like five-year-old's without a care in the world. But as my days slip into years, i hear more and more about "growing up". It is not acceptable any more to just simply forget about school work and responsibilities. I have to worry about more than just the imaginary boiling hot lava beneath my feet. My worries are now about paying for college and deciding on an education that will ultimately decide my future. These big responsibilities make me question if I will ever be allowed to return to Never Land.

Growing up is expected. We are expected to graduate this Friday, expected to go on to college. Expected to start a career. Most of us are expected to eventually get married and star a family of our own. It is expected for us to take on all of these responsibilities. And it should be! Growing up is a part of life, and it does have value. I have learned so much throughout my years, and if I were to trade my age for youth, I would loose far too much valuable knowledge. But just because we have to grow up, does not mean Never Land has to cease to exist. In the wise words of Walt Disney, "Adults are just grown up kids anyway!" Never Land lives in all of our hearts. Yes, on Friday we will march to the field in our caps and gowns and we will graduate from high school. We will each be expected to take on huge responsibilities. But I hope that as you continue on your journey, you can sometimes forget about that deadline and remember to help someone in need. Forget about being on time and remember to fall in love. Forget about finances and remember to spend time with your family. Just every once in a while, forget about reality and fly to Never Land. Class of 2013, I invite you to "come with me, where dreams are born, and time is never planned, think of happy things and your heart will fly on wings, forever, in Never Never Land." 

Graduation 2013

Graduation party- my best friend Cierra (:

"party on the roof top, top of the world"
Last night in town <3

Thank You Anyway

“What is the most important lesson you have learned in high school?” As I sat to consider this question, my raging case of senioritis caused me to blurt out: High school sucks and I learned nothing…but not really. After reminiscing for less then thirty seconds, I realized that is the biggest lie I have ever told my self. Starting with first day freshman jitters, to crazy homecoming weeks, and late night final study sessions, all the way to senior prom, high school has been the most wonderful roller coaster ride on my journey thus far- and I have learned more then I know how to write on paper. To determine what the most important lesson I have learned in high school is really where my contemplation lies.

I have learned how to proof an equation in geometry and write the perfect persuasive essay. I have learned the best test taking strategies and can exceed on standardized tests. I have learned that staying up all night to meet due dates is not the best idea…annnnd that some lessons just don’t ever sink in ;). I have learned that the stage is my most favorite thing in the whole world and you should never give up on your dreams. To be you, to love, to hope, to believe, to do; I have learned a lot.

From book lessons to life lessons, they each hold value in my heart, they are all important. However, the “most” important lesson I have learned can be summed up in my favorite poem by Mother Teresa:

People are often unreasonable, irrational, and self-centered.  Forgive them anyway.

If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives.  Be kind anyway.

If you are successful, you will win some unfaithful friends and some genuine enemies.  Succeed anyway.

If you are honest and sincere people may deceive you.  Be honest and sincere anyway.

What you spend years creating, others could destroy overnight.  Create anyway.

If you find serenity and happiness, some may be jealous.  Be happy anyway.

The good you do today, will often be forgotten.  Do good anyway.

Give the best you have, and it will never be enough.  Give your best anyway.

In the final analysis, it is between you and God.  It was never between you and them   anyway.

This poem brings me to tears every time I read it. Having a close friend who treated me like the “people” in Mother Teresa’s poem, is the most heart wrenching, spirit shattering thing I have ever had to over come. I would have never believed that one person could hurt another so easily until it happened to me. But I am glad it did. I learned to stand up for myself and my beliefs anyway. 

~Even though you tried hard to bring me down, you have made me stronger then ever before, and I am so grateful for you because of that. I forgive you, I am happy for you, and I love you. Thank you anyway. <3

Memories with my Bestest Friend Cierra!

This week has reminded me how extremely blessed I am. In English I was given the assignment to blog about the person I would remember most after graduating high school. After thinking for only about five minutes, I was at a complete loss about who I would write about! Through all the hardships and trials in my life, I have been truly blessed with a wonderful family, amazing friends, and incredible people who I have learned so much from.

           

Through all the beautiful people who have changed my life, there is one girl who has made it possible for me to survive those long high school days; she’s my best friend, Cierra Shumway.

           

In Jr. High I found myself in the same situation as most. I was on the path of discovering myself, I didn’t feel like I fit in with my friends, and I looked for any possible way out of the ruthless girl drama. At this point Cierra and I weren’t strangers, but we weren’t friends either. She was just the really pretty, sweet girl with the beautiful singing voice.

 One normal day at lunch, my eighth grade year, I walked down the isles in the cafeteria with my lunch and stopped in between two tables. One table was filled with my usual group of friends, and the other was where Cierra sat. I don’t really remember why, but I decided to sit with Cierra. It was kind of awkward. We didn’t talk much at all. She probably doesn’t even remember this moment, but it is one of my favorites. Sitting at that table was the best decision I ever made, because some where in between that awkward lunch and today, we became best friends.

           

Cierra and I had a few classes together, and though we didn’t talk a whole lot, we started hanging out more, and we always had a ton of fun together. She made the end of Jr. High much more bearable and I couldn’t believe how sad I was to leave her behind as I moved on to high school. I got through my freshman year fine, but the next year, when we were in high school together, we became inseparable.  We have had so many adventures together I don’t even know where to begin.

           

I guess it started in choir. We were so crazy most people were annoyed with us. Apparently we got a lot of complaints about our behavior. We didn’t care because we were our own party. Plus we knew they were really just jealous! (:

There are so many unforgettable memories. Like the time we jumped into her freezing cold pool in the middle of the night during homecoming. Or the time we made wishes on the roof with eleven candles at 11:11 on 11/11/11, and then ate four loafs of bread with out realizing it.

 Lunch dates at my house had to be the best. Even though we would get way too into out Spanish soap operas and have to call every person we knew to give us ride back to school because we missed our ride from my timely neighbor Tess. (We’re sorry Tess, and I’m still never on time.) ;)

Of course, there were the nights out with James and Drew. We should have known the trouble ahead of us when we became friends with them. Although, despite all the many visits by the cops and the one trip down to the police station, those nights of silly tricks and pranks were always my favorite.

Even the simple moments, like staying up all night watching high school musical and rewinding our favorite scenes of Zac Effron, and fawning over Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson, Liam Payne, and Zayn Malik, and making random music videos, are moments worth cherishing.

Sure, there have been a few disagreements here, and some stupid, interfering boys there, but we always manage to make up and have good talks, whether they are in person or through the head sets during play rehearsal. Through our so many differences and so many more similarities, she has been my partner in crime.

Now it’s time for me to graduate, and while it hurts my heart a little to leave her, I know what ever paths we choose to take, she’ll be my lasting memory and very best friend from high school. Thank you for everything Cierra, I love you mucho mi hija! ;)

Memories of Grandma

This week is for Grandma Shirley. Recently, my Aunt Linda has been asking for memories of my grandma so she could put them together in a book for her. I thought I would contribute by adding of few of my memories with gram right here on my blog.

           

My sister and I are the youngest grandchildren on my mom’s side so we know grandma in her “older” years. My mom is always telling the most incredible stories of her, and telling us how much she wishes we knew her when she was growing up, with her as her mom. But to me, my grandma has always been one of the most incredible ladies and a huge inspiration to me.

I have lots of little memories that always make me smile when ever I think back to them. Memories that perhaps are only significant to me, but their memories that I think are worth writing down regardless. I remember being five or six when I would stand next to her on a chair in her cute kitchen in Highland, Utah, filled with fake food and modern art, rolling out the most delicious home made rolls. I always rolled mine in little tiny balls so I could feed them to my American girl dolls, who are always dressed in their best clothes sown by grandma. I remember when she would tuck me in bed after a tea party and tickle my arm while she told my stories of Squeaky the mouse. I remember it was during one of those famous tea parties that I was with my older cousin Kenzi, when a garden snake slithered through the sliding glass door that we had left open juuust a crack. What I really remember is that grandma HATES snakes. But before long we gathered together each and every neighborhood kid and soon enough the snake rode home with a brave little girl on her bike…and eventually grandma came back inside. I remember when I would sit down at her beautiful, black, baby grand piano in her St. George house and try my hardest to pound out the notes of Beauty and the Beast. After a few rough run-throughs she would sit down to help me, and then invite my grandpa and my parents to sit on the couch to hear me play and sing along to my newly perfected song. I remember long days and late nights as a little girl spent in grandma’s cozy Bear Lake cabin. Some of my fondest memories are at that beautiful lake. My eighty year old grandma would give me lift down to the lake on her 4-wheeler and as I plunged into the refreshing lake, she would strap a life jacked over her hot pink swim suit so she could “go for little run on the jet ski”. I could go on for hours about that Grandma Shirley and all the moments, big and small, that I have spent with her, but for now, I’ll end with my most favorite memory of my grandma. This is the memory that will remind me to shoot for the stars for the rest of my life.

It was about a year ago. Grandma started going a little more down hill. She was in her assisted living home and we were there for my Grandpa Milts funeral. Her memory had begun to fade and I found it much more difficult to carry on a conversation with her- until I started talking about the stage. Performing is what my grandma and I share. She was a star when she was younger and even when she was a mother. She had the voice of an angel and loved the arts whether she was watching them or participating in them. Just like me. I told her that I had an audition coming up at my school for my very first musical, the same musical that my aunt, who passed away from cancer before I was born, played a main role in when she was in college at BYU. “Grandma” I said, “my school is holding auditions for Bye, Bye Birdie, and I want the lead.” I know it seams silly, but I will never forget the glow in my grandma’s eyes when I told her. After that, we had a topic to talk about for days. She couldn’t stop reminiscing about my Aunt Judy and her own days on the stage. She kept asking me all about the part I wanted and telling me that I was the best little actress and deserved it more then anyone. I just smiled because I knew she was just being a grandma. Leaving grams that visit was really hard. She was alone now with out gramps and I didn’t know how many more visits with her I would get. I hugged her quick and turned around fast to keep from crying. She quickly grabbed my hand and pulled me real close to her as she whispered in my ear- “Go get that part.” A simple statement, maybe meaningless, but something about hearing those words from her hit me. She made me believe in my self because she believed in me. I didn’t want that lead part just for me anymore, I wanted it for her, because she knew how badly I wanted it, and had worked for it. Suddenly I felt like I could do anything I set my mind to because I have people who believe in my and want me to succeed. This might not make sense to any one else reading this, but really, I just wanted to let my grandma know that she helped me realize I can be a star. I know that I deserve the best. And even though my grandma has never been able to see me perform live, every song I sing, dance I dance, or play I perform on stage, I see her right there on the front row, and I will forever. Thank you Grandma Shirley, I love you. 

January 5, 2013.
Karson, Grandma Shirley, and me at our last visit at her assisted living home in St George .
She will be 91 in April! <3

Karson, My mom Loni, me, and  Grams.
We love you Grandma!

A Memory with my Girls

Saturday night I sat alone, by myself, with nothing do. I was desperate to get out of the house, so I opted for a stake dance at my church which stopped being cool, like . . . three years ago. I was skeptical in the first place because I knew my best friend was out of town for wrestling state, and I didn’t think I would find anyone to talk to. Luckily I was able to find my two main freshman girls who I love dearly! As I laughed like I was still fourteen with my cousin Bailey, I reminisced back to a found memory this past summer.

This last summer was a big one. It was the last summer before I head off to college, since I’m starting BYU this up coming summer. Summer 2012 had many “lasts”. My last summer life guarding, my last summer playing night time games around the block with the neighborhood kids, my last summer doing borderline stupid things that make really good stories, and my last girls camp. Girl’s camp is a four day “camping” trip (complete with cabins, indoor plumbing, fresh showers, and kitchen with cooks included) that the young women in our church stake took every year in June. Much like the dance I just attended, girls camp gets more fun each year until you hit age sixteen, then it starts to go slightly down hill. Nevertheless, I was going into my second year being on of the youth camp leaders, I was partnered with my old best friend from sixth grade, and I was determined to make the best of it.

Morgan and I were assigned to be leaders over the third year girls, which would be the freshman girls this year. I was anxious to be a role model for these girls. I wanted them to love me and everything I taught them. Morgan and I planned to the nines, preparing lessons, activities, and of course the cuuutest decorations for our . . . “cabin”. The girls arrived and I tried to be as bubbly as I could be; a couple of times in past years I would get stuck with the “too cool for you” leaders that really put a damper on my experience and I was resolute to make these girls have the best year at camp EVER!

Erika, Lavada, Samantha, Denyse, Nizhoni, Robyn, Gabbie, See Sea, Jadiana, and Bailey. At the beginning of the week some of these names were just names, some I had a few memories with, some I was positive hated me. But one incredible music video, a couple of inspiring lessons, a few songs, and lots of laughs later, we became sisters. Erika is “boisterous” and can put a smile on any ones face. Lavada will make you feel like you have known her forever with her cool, sweet personality. Samantha will melt you with her cute voice and friendly words. Denyse will make your heart happy when she laughs and makes the effort to be a friend to everyone around her. Nizhoni makes you forget all the bad in the world with her mischievous grin and twinkling eyes. Robyn and Gabbie were the best of friend cousins who, unfortunately, had to go home early, but they always had a sweet spirit and were easy to be around. See Sea never fails to make some one laugh out loud with her silly blonde moments, or make you feel good with her generous spirit. Jadiana is the most loveable girl out there; she includes everybody and was helping someone every time I turned around. Bailey has a contagious energy that makes you want to love life and be her best friend. These girls taught me so much more then I could have ever taught them, and they will have a special spot in my heart forever. <3 

My Girls(:

  A Rainy Day Memory

"Anyone Who Thinks Sunshine is Pure Happiness, Has Never Danced in the Rain."

 On Saturday, I plop in a seat on the bus, tug on my drenched shoes, peal off my sopping wet socks and dry off my soaked feet thinking I have hypothermia. This weekend was the regional choir auditions and my choir and I spent it in the rain. Being a sunshine loving, Arizona girl, I was not so much in favor of the wet, winter air we had to trudge around in all day. But, wanting to make my blogs happy and positive memories, I reflected to warm summer evenings when rainy days were my absolute favorite thing.

There was one summer day in particular that still brings a smile to my face whenever I think back to it. My Aunt AnneMarie and her three girls were here in Holbrook for their annual summer visit from California. Any day with them is always a treat. To top it off, my good friend Chelsea Thomas had surprised me with a visit the night before, and was going to be staying the weekend at my house. Four of my favorite girls together, it's just one of those little moments reminding you that life is good. 

We had spent a long day of fun together and where chatting on the couch when we heard the first crash of thunder. The noise that sends chills of excitement all through my body. The chatting stopped and we all looked at each other with bright faces. The first rain fall of the summer monsoon season. We ran out side in our bare feet, giggling, as we witnessed the first rain drops sprinkle the side walk. Before we knew it, my big drive way beside the front yard of my house, had transformed in to a beautiful stage. The same side walk that just ten minuets previous had been harshly beat upon with sunshine, was now coated with a gleaming layer of twinkling water. It was just enough water to twirl around on pointed toes with ease. The "pit, pat" noise that our feet made as we pranced around leaping, and spinning, and splashing, was music to our ears. It’s like each drop of rain was a little splash of magic and I wanted to stay in that moment forever.

Like all rain storms in Holbrook, it stopped coming down after about ten minuets, but the moment continued. We stayed out side enjoying the clean earth, the fresh smell, and each other. Eventually we came inside to dry off and warm up and sooner or later the moment was over. Reading this “moment” back might seem so meaningless, but

Chelsea and I and my cousins talked about how fun this meaningless moment was for the rest of the night. I think filling our lives with “meaningless” moments is what gives our lives so much meaning. Allowing our selves these moments fill our hearts with happiness. Loved ones return home and move on, live goes on, and moments fade to memories. So I just say thank you. Thank you, God. Thank you for the memory.

Summer 2011
Jasmine, Jillianna, Mariah, Chelsea

Marina

My Memory with Mason

Mason Hawk was diagnosed with autism at the age of three.He didn't look people in the eye and he didn't talk except through sign language with his family. He now communicates very well, and loves school, basketball, and music. Just this year Mason started taking dance from my mom. For about a year now it has been my dream to one day teach dance to children with autism. Why? I can't even tell you, it just came to me one day. Anyway, you can imagine my excitement when I learned Mason was starting dance. I told my mom, and Mason's mom, Kreslie, that I would love to be Mason's helper in his class if he needed it. Kreslie was thankful and thought that was a great idea. However, the first day of dance class, Mason thrived. He caught on very quickly and obviously did not need any extra help. My mom and I decided he would probably do better with out me. 

A few months later Masons dance class was chosen by my mom to perform in a holiday showcase. As I watched him dance I couldn't help but feel a little sad he didn't need my help in class. I was amazed by his interaction in dance an I really wanted to be a part of it. I mentioned this to my mom and told her that maybe I could perform a dance with Mason sometime. "That would be really special" she said "but when would you perform that." I shrugged my shoulders and didn't give it another thought.

It was literally the next day when Kylie told me that as her platform for Ms. Navajo County Outstanding Teen she was going to be hosting a benefits concert variety show for autism. It was like a tender mercy from God, given to me though Kylie. I texted Kreslie that day and told her to ask Mason for me if he would dance with me to "Don't be Shy" by Cat Stevens. After listening to the song, Mason told his mom, "sure." 

After choreographing with Mason I was surprised when Kreslie told my mom that he doesn't touch people. I knew this was common for kids with autism but Mason and I grabbed hands as we lunged, touched palms as we châsed, and held hands as we dance walked. When Mason dances it is like he escapes in to a whole new world where he sees everything in a whole new light. When I dance with him, I see with that light too.

As the night of the show rolled around I couldn't believe how anxious I was. I was worried that Mason would be nervous. I just wanted him to have the same big smile in front of crowd as he did in rehearsal. Most of all, I wanted the audience to be able to see with that same beautiful light Mason and I could see with as we danced.

Mason and I were last, he doesn't usually like being last but I explained that they were saving the best for the end and he liked that. It was finally our turn. Before the curtain opened I reminded Mason to use the whole stage, smile big, and have fun. The music started and we escaped in to our special world. It wasn't until we hit our final pose and the music stopped that I was brought back into reality. As I looked out in to the big audience, I saw every single person, in almost perfect unison, rise up out of their seats. Tears ran down my cheeks and Mason with his hand held high and pointed toe turned his head to ask me, "Are all those people standing for me?" With a smile I softly replied, "Yes Mason, they are."