#HawkesFamily

It's been three years since I've gone to a family reunion. Growing up used to being with family more than anyone else...I felt like I was 12 again this weekend! I can't believe I'm actually a college-kid going to one of these things. I didn't feel like one, and I'm sure I didn't act like one either. It was a great second vacation of the summer.

The Blaine and Bonnie Hawkes family has a bunch of land with a few cabins just outside Rexburg, a.k.a The Place. It is one of my places of peace up there with my own home and of course, The Lord's Home. That was the whole idea behind it anyway, so my grandparents have done a wonderful job. As we all know pictures say way more than I could...so here we go.

No swimsuit yet.

That's right, it's true. The last time I wore a swimsuit was in May of 2012. It's definitely June 2014. I haven't had time, okay? It's not like I don't love it. But there is not a good place to go that doesn't cost money, and isn't making me trip over inner tubes every five feet. In Florida, yes (which is where I will be in 17 days...and no I'm not counting) but here--not a chance. I'd rather be in the mountains.

I have been absolutely horrible at this blog lately. I like to use it so I can write, and to keep even more of a journal than I do already. I have this thing about documenting everything--I know my kids will thank me someday for that. Anyway, just a few things I've been up to in the past two months...so I'll update you with pictures. I've done pretty much everything except for the traditional summer activity.

Working. I work from 7:30 to 6 everyday. Yes, that's with two jobs...but it's a huge break after being a missionary! And I've got great jobs. BYUtv is so much fun, and now I'm a leasing agent for an apartment complex in Orem.

My best friends...the sisters from the NYRM. Everyone was right, it is the biggest sisterhood I've ever come across. I love that I always feel like a missionary around these girls and we all support each other in everything. Even intramural games!

Dating this guy...we have been on some fun adventures! I showed him my mission, he showed me his...who knew Kamas had the best hamburgers in the world?

Oh yeah--and Jackson Hole was fun, too! Kasey's one of the greatest guys I've ever met. I'm really lucky.

I think I'm with my cousins more than my roommates. I just can't get enough of this girl! Plus, Mary and Felicia are more like my sisters than cousins. 

And thank goodness (for my own selfish reasons) of Tarzan being almost, I get Rebecca back! She rocked it on stage. I was so proud of her. 

That's my summer in a nutshell. However, my summer just keeps on getting better. Okay, everything in life does. But I really can't wait for school to start in the Fall, to get underway with classes, but mostly Young Ambassadors. I am really excited to be a missionary again, and this time I get to sing and dance. If you're reading this, you better come to one of our shows! 

2014 has proved to be the best year of my life so far, oh wait, maybe because my lucky number is 14! I already knew that it would be good before it even started. That's how it always works.

Now, which swimsuit to wear?

It comes from within.

"No man can be at peace who is untrue to his better self. No man can have lasting peace who is living a lie. Peace can never come to the transgressor of the law. Commitment to God's laws is the basis for peace. Peace is something we earn. It is not a gift. Rather, it is a posession earned by those who love God and work to achieve the blessings of peace. It is not a written document. It is something that must come from within." -Peace, A Triumph of Principles

It's a wide misconception that something other than Him can give you true peace. Is it worth it enough to you to dig deep and unearth what's really stopping that free flow of joy? 

How far would you go?

 

Summer Vacation: Número Uno.

I packed my bags and didn't see Utah County for a week. As much as I love my job(s), it was great to see my first summer vacation in two years. I honestly think I forgot how much I love summer. (Missions REALLY focus your attention.) But, we had an adventure! The cabin was beautiful, the company even more so, and I got time to feel and think about how much my Heavenly Father really, really loves me. I vote in favor of everyone taking as much time of work as they can this summer; that is what winter is for. Come on! 

Oh, and it totally helped that this really cute boy came along...

“Summer, after all, is a time when wonderful things can happen to quiet people. For those few months, you’re not required to be who everyone thinks you are, and that cut-grass smell in the air and the chance to dive into the deep end of a pool give you a courage you don’t have the rest of the year. You can be grateful and easy, with no eyes on you, and no past. Summer just opens the door and lets you out.” -Deb Caletti

Four reasons.

The number one thing I learned this week was that our Heavenly Father really cares about the details. Yes, that's usually in the top five things I learn every week--next to learning how much He loves us! I know I say this all the time, but I really am convinced I've got the best life.  Here are just four reasons as to why that is...

Reason #1: I got my old job back! I'm a studio producer for BYU Sports Nation on BYUtv. Writing, editing, and watching sports all day for a paycheck? Okay.

Reason #2: I spent last weekend taking care of these kids with Rebecca. 

I swear they don't ever lose energy! Church was the most entertaining of the weekend..ha. ha. ha.

Reason #3: I get all of the perks of being a missionary (by hanging out with these guys) without getting doors slammed in my face! Although, sometimes that's the only part of the day we could really laugh. Anyway, the NYRM sisterhood continues stronger beyond the mission grave. Foreshadowing the spirit world?

Reason #4: (Last but definitely not least) I'm going on a get-a-way to this place this weekend! I haven't been back since I was in D.C...I think this will be only my third time going, actually. Can this week go by faster?

Back to the "Heavenly Father in the details thing," I read a quote that said something about the Spirit being in and around all of the decisions you make, all of the mudane things in your life that you really don't think He's in, yet He is the biggest part of them all. Time is not a factor to Him, so it literally is as if He is helping you at every step. My life is pretty normal right now...but at the same time the best it's ever been. That's how it always should be!

Happy Friday!

p.s. "I was in every single one of those events...but I'm not on your blog! What the heck!" -Rebecca 
p.p.s. Yes, we really have the same life.