Text Messages from this week . . .

So a little entertainment here . . . I have been deleting my old text messages and it is quite entertaining! I came across a few of my text messages from the week and this adorable picture of my littlest sis and Lala, my darling niece! (Day maker for sure!) I love getting pictures sent to me! They are for the most part of my nieces and nephews or my parents out four-wheeling, all of the above totally make my day! (Thanks guys!)

Okay a little background here, my little sister is reading a book I loaned her that is very "teenage-ish", she called me the other night freaking out, and sent me these texts 1."Heck yes I am almost done with the second one if I read all of tonight I will be done. I love it!" 2. "What the heck is up with this book." 3. "This book is freaking me out!"

Texts from the blond one "Ya you rock my squash friend!" "You are my favorite! I love you!" (ditto)

Then there are those that I have saved that make me smile "ROOM FOUR SEVEN THREE". . . this is the text that my mom sent when my sister was having a baby to tell us all what room that they were in. Two things to know that make this hilarious 1. My adorable mom typed out the numbers. 2. She retyped them every time that she sent them, as in she sent it to each one of us individually instead of all at once. (She didn't know that she could sent it to multiple people at one time) So my brother in law sent out a text informing everyone of the happy event and mom was typing away, one at a time. She learned something new . . . (love you mom!)

Final text that I treasure, from one of my Young Women she said that she missed me and that we needed to come and visit! Man we loved our ward in SG! Maybe we will be able to return . . .

What to do when school stresses you out . . .

So . . . I have tons of homework and I am never able to get caught up each night . . . so last night I was a little stressed so . . . I highlighted my hair . . yes a little change was needed. I know summer is over, but now I look like fall, literally. It is a bit of a shock at first but a girl needs a change sometimes. What an exciting blog post I know, but unless you want to hear about quadratic equations and political geography this is it.

I can't wait for next weekend, because it will mean that it is too late to dwell on my impending math test, my edu. presentation will be over and that I will have a Saturday off to play in the mountains with my fam and sweet hubby! We need to get out and enjoy fall before it snows and we are trapped for the winter!!! (Gotta love Utah hair!!!){

The Primary Choir

Okay the Saturday afternoon session of General Conference just concluded . . . the Primary choir sang and I was dying watching them! They did such a good job but the poor kids that they got on film were either soooooo out of it, or about bursting because they were on TV! It was darling! The last little boy that they had the camera soooo reminded me of my brother . . . ya know when your a kid and your school or class puts on all those lovely music recitals or programs . . . well this kid was Jare to a T! He was soooooo trying not to smile while at the same time managing to look like a deer in headlights! The contrast between the boys and girls was sooo cute too! So many of the boys were stiff as boards, afraid to move, others had their hands in their pockets or else the girls next to them would yank on their shirt sleeves because they fidgeted . . . . all of the things that a mother would see and gasp at!(Love it!) Oh primary programs! Ours is coming up! I wonder if we have to sit up their with our class? Brother Liechty is probably the loudest male singer in our primary, so they will probably recruit him no matter what! How exciting! Oh I love conference!

A great message . . .

Okay I finally was able to find Elder Uchtdorf's talk from the General Relief Society broadcast . . . (thanks mom for giving me a heads up!) I had to laugh when I saw what the recipe was that he was talking about . . . everyone has kept saying "it starts with a K" and that was it. Well it is Knusperchen . . . I have never heard of it . . . no one ever fed it to me as a missionary when I was in Germany, and I never remember eating it in Austria (I do remember eating whole baby octopus' though . . . um yeah). "Knusper" means crispy, and the "chen" part means small or you can add it to a word to "soften it up" or make it more endearing or sweet. So ruffly translated it means "little crispies." Which is exactly what it is. Okay their is a German lesson for you! Actually I guess I did see it for sell in the stores, at least I think we did . . . but these little toasts that were rock hard and we'd eat them with jam . . . I don't know why . . . I guess it was a novelty. Nothing like gnawing on little rock hard toasts!
Okay onto his message! What a amazing man he is! On my mission we had a mission conference for our entire mission when President Monson, Elder Uchtdorf, and Elder Busche came. It was an amazing experience! Elder Uchtdorf was a very serving man, you could also tell by his actions that he has a very special relationship with his wife and loves her very much! That came through very much in his talk. One of the things that stood out to me that he said was "To me it appears that our splendid sisters sometimes undervalue their abilities—they focus on what is lacking or imperfect rather than what has been accomplished and who they really are." I second that. Of course the Lord does not want us to think that we are better than everyone else, but I know that he wants us to have confidence and realize and utilize our talents. This was something that I learned everyday on my mission. As a missionary I knew that everyday would not be easy, but I also knew that the Lord wanted me to be happy, and that is what I needed to be . . . (for my sanity and the sanity and happiness of my companion as well) therefore I decided that no matter what I would remember that he loved me an never wanted me to beat myself down over daily experiences. There was a million and one times when I could have just tossed my hands in the air or screamed out of frustration, rather I was grateful to remember my worth as a daughter of God and be thankful that the Lord knew my heart and our experiences and trials and that in the end it was in his hands. I also specifically remember having the feeling that many of our encounters were what people needed at that moment, and that one day they would really stop and listen. The alternative is something that Elder Uchtdorf said when we stress ourselves out and drag ourselves down piling on too much . . . "The good news is that this also points to an admirable quality: the innate desire to please the Lord to the best of your ability. Unfortunately, it can also lead to frustration, exhaustion, and unhappiness." . . . read his talk . . . if you went to the broadcast read it again, "Happiness, Your Heritage." I can't wait for Conference!

Happy Birthday Ami!

Happy Birthday Ami-lou! 20! Holy guac Am!
I had quite the adventure making her birthday cake! When I make birthday cakes it tends to be an all day event . . . and today did not disappoint . . . it was a bit of a breather from school . . . but I will be up late and up early again doing homework . . . so goes my life. Anywho we are off to Sunny-G to watch Erin in the homecoming parade and celebrate with the Blonde one . . . check out my baking day @ The Open Pantry . Tchussie!

The Vampire Obsession Continues . . .

Okay, the vampire obsession continues . . . I was browsing the bookstore the other day and found another series that I swear Stephanie Meyers had to have read years ago . . . "The Vampire Diaries." It has SOOOOO many similarities to the Twilight series! Just in the first chapter I kept thinking "what?" . . . now where I have heard a story like this before?
Anywho I saw the books and thought that my little sister would like to read them too, so I am sure that they will be passed around the block a time or two . . . they are entertaining but are even more "teenage girl stuff" than Twilight is! (But still good)
Hey mom . . . thanks again for being my #1 Open Pantry Fan . . . I can only imagine how you bring it up with everyone you meet! Love you! I am glad that you and the girls where able to go to the Relief Society conference session! I love Elder Uchtdorf and can't wait to read what he said! (P.S. Mom, please do not e-mail him the Open Pantry address ;)

Looky, looky . . .

Okay, I was checking a few things out on the SUU website and checking to see which past professors that I have had are still teaching etc. . . . when I came across a lil' project that I worked on in . . . 01 (?) I think. Our professor had stars in his eyes of the things that the history department could do in the community . . . research and establish plaques everywhere to tell the area history, establish websites, create brochures, even maybe put a directory together . . . anywho this is as far as it got. I am kinda surprised that it is still there. To learn a bit about the CCC click below (mind you this was a "why is he making us do this" kind of project). Very exciting indeed! The downside: if you Google my me with my maiden name . . this is what you will find!

http://www.suu.edu/faculty/mulderink/ServiceLearning/trapp_parry_and_white.htm

Request for a day off!

Okay this is an official request for a day off! My brain and bod cannot take all of the busy busy anymore! Just one day and I promise I will be motivated again, calm down, cook something and let peace and tranquility rule our home once again! (I definitely owe Toph a foot rub, amazing dinner, chill out night for what a trooper he is!) Yesterday I decided that I just needed chocolate, any kind, anything, in any way, shape or form. So I got home from work and pulled out the Ice Cream (funny thing, when I actually buy it, it sits in our freezer untouched FOREVER most times!) Toph and I chilled and enjoyed a scoop, watched a little Leno and zonked out! (Brandi I think you are brilliant for indulging the way that you do!) I had my CAAP exam yesterday and was ready to pop a blood vessel in my head! I have a math test tomorrow and I still am in the "huh" phase . . . so tonight I will be crammin' trying to pack my brain with formulas and numbers! (not my best subject!) I told Toph that we may have to see Mamma Mia again this week to ensure sanity once again! I am just a spazz . . . I just need to get caught up on a few things and stay ahead. This semester is VERY busy and has been VERY demanding, but I am grateful to have the finish line not too far ahead in the distance and I want to finish well, so of course their will be days when crazy is the norm! (I should put that on a pillow . . "Crazy is the norm around here!") Anywho the weather is nice so that's easily 3 points for the day already! I am off to Political Geography (Fascinating stuff!) so I hope that sunshine and chocolate kisses pour down on you all today! Tchuss!

My day . . . at a glance. . . .

Okay I seriously think my hair is going to be white when I wake up tomorrow morning! I have been beyond stressed this week trying to get everything for school done while working and it has been crazy crazy! Toph and I got up early and hit the library to get some work done, I missed my first class trying to finish a paper for my second class, got to class, am already planning on waking up at 5:00 to slip it under his door before he gets to school tomorrow and at the end of class he said, oh just have it in by Tuesday. I think flames are shooting across my face! I am both grateful and ticked! My body is as tight as a knot and I am fearful of a Mono recap! For the love of Sam people! . . . Okay I'm good . . . I need to run errands and then I have decided to make banana bread while doing my math! My bananas are on their last breath and I need something to release some tension . . . Also I love my hubby to bits! My SUV has needed a bath forever and he washed it last night while I was at work . . . he is just the man! He listens to me crash about politics (actually this is more vice versa I think) about school and getting things done at home and is always willing to get me a pepsi when things are on the edge! (Since taking my education classes I just really irked with politicians even more!) Anywho I am just going to coat myself in flour, grab a coke and cool off! Adios!

Labor Day Parade in Parowan!

The Errand of Angels/Mission Memories

Toph and I just watched the movie "The Errand of Angels" and let me tell you . . . I am going nuts! It was like my mission all over again! Everything from having to eat new things to the lovely little tiffs with companions to the appointments and tracting! I think I was like screaming half the time! Holy hannah banana!
It just brought back a million memories! I was dying with her American German and all of the grammer mistakes, but it was just awesome!
I just loved my mission! Toph and I always talk about mission experiences! We both have been so blessed by serving! I miss Germany sooooo much! We need to go back and visit! I think we are going to visit Tennessee first . . then Europe! One day! . . .
With the amazing Sister Cannon, Dirk and Ellen!
Mit Familie Christoffers!
Tracting in the rain with Sister Morris!
Mtc District
My last Zone Conference!
Reading with Jessica!
Christmas with the Rakows and Hafens!
Eating the best durums in Potsdam!
Spandau, with Peggy and Jasmine!

Jane Austen Quiz . . . I am . . .

Take the Quiz here!

You are Marianne Dashwood of Sense & Sensibility! You are impulsive, romantic, impatient, and perhaps a bit too brutally honest. You enjoy romantic poetry and novels, and play the pianoforte beautifully. To boot, your singing voice is captivating. You feel deeply, and love passionately

I seriously hope all of you take this quiz! I want to know who you all are!

Thankful Thursday . . .

I had planned on doing a ton of homework this afternoon between classes . . . but I am honestly beat . . . plus I woke up to a lovely sore throat this morning and with my Mono experience I really try to get enough rest and be better about my schedule. . . so anywho I was checking my e-mail and browsed a few blogs when I came across a blog from one of my young women's leaders who was a newly wed when I met her and now just celebrated her 12th anniversary (!!!) In her blog she said some things about her husband that apply so vividly to my life and that I am so very thankful for in my husband . . . namely . . .
1. When we travel together half the fun of the trip is our conversations along the way to our destinations! Chris and I have such great discussions and I am very grateful for that, we can talk about anything and while we both are stubborn we enjoy our time together!
Other things that I am grateful for . . .
2. Health, I absolutely HATE being sick so I am extra grateful for the days when sore throats and runny noses are just memories!
3. The women in my life! My Mutti, Sisters, Mother in law, Sister in laws, cousins, friends and the gals in my ward. I am grateful to know from the lives and examples of other women that sanity has many levels. I saw a quote last night that was so funny that relates to us gals, it said "The reason they call it PMS is because mad cow disease was already taken."
4. Books. I love to read! It is my ultimate release! I honestly am not content unless I have a book on hand that I am reading, even if I am doing something else or can't get to it for a while it is just so relaxing/calming for me to know it is their.
5. I am grateful for those moments when you are sure that your hair is going to gray from stress and your head is going to blow and then things suddenly change and you can breathe again!

School has started!

I am supposed to be doing my Math homework right now because Toph is taking me to see Errand of Angels tonight! (Wa-hoo!) I am loving school so far but we are only 3 days into the semester! My two Geography professors are amazing! Geo is one of my favorite classes! It is sooooo interesting! Math is not my fav but I have a good teacher . . . went and bought a calculator today (gulp!) I honestly don't know how to use it . . so I will probably be at the tutors every week a couple of times! My education class is awesome! My professors wife has cancer so he has been gone but slipped in to our class today. We had a presentation on all of the tests that Sec. Ed majors GET to take! Fun! Fun! Other than that the last week has consisted of my Bro's 30 birthday surprise party on Saturday and making Raspberry Cheesecake Cinnamon roles and school! Oh life!
Julie, Ami, Patty, Austin and Erin love to party in the mountains!
Surprise! The big 30!
Oh! Still newly weds!
Oh!!! Kiki and Lala!
It goes fast! (Huh old man!)
Hey cuz! Waz up?
9 years of the hitched life and Dan and Julie still look so cute together!

Books and Bread!!!

Okay so today Toph and I went to the bookstore to buy our books for the semester . . . it is a good thing that we ate lunch before hand because man does buying text books make you lose your appetite . . . and your life savings! Anywho I am just going through some of my cookbooks planning our meals for the next 2 weeks! Tonights supper is already taken care of so I am in no real hurry . . . Toph and I went to Great Harvest for lunch . . . It is one of the happiest places on earth I am certain! They always have the most amazing breads and creations their! The sammies alone are amazing! Today their special bread was one we had never seen before . . . raspberry cheesecake! Yeah we had to buy a loaf . . . I have no idea what we will do with it . . . well of course eat it but I don't know what else to make with it . . . it looks amazing just the way it is and tastes crazy good! It has a cream cheese filling and then a raspberry brown sugar swirl filling with it! Wowser! If only I liked touching flour . . . I would maybe concoct something great too, but honestly they do it for me already! Their is one thing that I would like to make and that is Gingerbread! Not the rock hard stuff that we make houses out of, but the soft, moist, dark goodness that we tried at the GH in Logan! Holy Hannah was it good! The Lion house has a recipe that I bet is good . . . so I am going to try it in the fall! Don't be surprised if you end up with a loaf! The holidays are the only time that I really enjoy baking!

Fun times in the Liechty home!

Last night was a blast in our home . . . at least I think so! I made salmon cakes with lemon thyme sauce and creamed spinach and it was Yum-E! At least I thought so any way, Chris wasn't too keen on the spinach and proved it . . . I got up from the table to get more water and turned back around to a scoop of spinach that wasn't on my plate before (!!!) Chris was eating and didn't look at me and I just started laughing until I cried! He was like "What?" oh please! At least he ate some of it! I really like the stuff . . . one of my comps made it on my mission and I was hooked! it is soooo good for you too! Cooking spinach is actually better than eating it raw too, it releases more of the vitamins!
We watched 2 of the movies from the "Love Comes Softly." Okay I know I am a treat to watch movies with . . . but Chris definately deserves a reward for the basket case that I was last night! I was crying and screaming and cheering and . . . yeah they were good movies with a great message! We are going to have to get them! Thanks Blondie for letting us borrow them! Then we started watching the womens gymnastic competition in the Olympics and were ticked by the judging! The US gal had it totally and then they gave it to the 9 year old Chinise gal . . . everyone was freaking out and even Bela (the old US coach) was going on about it! Too bad! But who knew that guy had a fun personality!
The "Errand of Angels" comes out this week too! We watched the preview last night and I was going crazy remembering my mission and Austria too! Eating "new" things, speaking a foreign language, challenging experiences . . . oh mission life! I think Chris was just remembering crazy experiences of the sisters in his mission.

Emily is a . . .

You Are a Cherry Flavored Popsicle

You are sweet and friendly. For you, summer is all about doing your favorite things. You are a nostalgic person. You love old fashioned things like ice cream trucks. You savor everything. Every taste of summer, the feeling of the sun, the smell of the beach... Of all the types, you love summer the most.

What Flavor Popsicle Are You?