Charlie!!!

Kids with British accents are just precious!

Feeling Fortunate

This blog has become somewhat of a scrapbook for me. I can't wait to look back a year from now and see the things that I was doing and thinking in 2008. However, there's something that I haven't really blogged about yet, and if this is going to be a proper representation of my year I'm thinkin I better make record of it. A good portion of my time spent here in Walla Walla is with 2 amazing girls, that just so happen to be my roommates. We call them Emily and Alex. The three of us have formed somewhat of a support group, and I feel so fortunate to be a part of it. I firmly believe that God has put them in my life this year for a reason. I can't imagine what my year would have been like without their sillyness.

When I look back on this year some of my fondest memories are probably going to include the countless nights that the three of us spent sleeping in my queen size bed. With many of those nights consisting of beating up Emily when she was spreading out too much in the middle, just to be annoying. (She complains about being in the middle but when we say she can switch see says, "no guys, this is my place").


It's very rare, or maybe even unheard of, that you find roommates that you don't fight with at least a little bit. Let alone connect with so well. These two women are so amazing and are incredibly important to me. If you don't know them...you probably should. Let me introduce you....

Alexia Jean Heaton

..............This is Alex..............

Things I love about her:

- She makes some dang good enchiladas....and potatoes that are D-lish!
- She has an incredible amount of depth that never ceases to amaze me. I love talking to her about God, women's rights, new revelations and thought processes...all aspects of life really.
- She gets me out of bed at 6am to go to BOSU ball class...and is chipper about it




- She makes dinner plans
with me even though she
would probably rather be
taken out by her boyfriend

- She's one of the most considerate people I've ever met
- She sings around the house when she's having a good day (amazing voice!)
- She lets me borrow her clothes
- I can do or say anything around her and still feel completely accepted for who I am


-She is constantly
surprising me with
her wit, she makes
me laugh even in
the worst of moods



-She's incredibly strong and confident in who she is
- She comes to the The Black Cup to visit me when I'm working, and buys something, even though sometimes I wonder if she really wants it...
- She balances Emily and I out really well, two loud sanguines could be really hard to handle
- On my birthday she put up signs that said "Happy Birthday Tara!" all over the house, and in my car. (She's done a couple things like that....truly amazing)





-She has dance parties
with me at 1 o clock
in the morning



- When Alex first moved in she was really soft spoken.....not anymore! Getting to know Alex has been one of the highlights of my year. I can't explain how fortunate I feel to have found a friend like her. Every day I am more and more amazed by the woman that she has become.

Emily Star Wilkens

.............This is Emily.............

Things I love about her:

-She says things like "yikers!" and "schucks"
- She loves life, and is determined to live it to the fullest
- She really stresses about hurting peoples feelings, and strives to do good in all situations
- She says she's really tired...but as soon as it's time to go to bed she gets really hyper and becomes quite the pest...it doesn't matter that I actually AM tired. :)

- She plays harp, guitar, bongos,
the harmonica...so talented!

(The other day we came home
to find Emily getting back from a walk
in the great outdoors........
she was playing her harmonica)


- I've never met anyone more grounded and confident, and yet so open minded at the same time
- She wears the funniest clothes...and doesn't care how much flack she gets for it
- We never run out of things to talk about.



- She's always up
for a good adventure.




- She can't go to bed until I do...and visa versa...this results in some pretty late nights
- She does the dishes...a lot.
- This week Emily left her car keys in Spokane (couldn't drive), messed up her computer (couldn't do homework), and lost her cell phone charger (couldn't call anyone).We didn't even know she was riding her bike everywhere until half the week was over....we heard no complaints from her. This trait about Emily impresses me the most. Her ability to look on the bright side and stay positive, regardless of what's going in her life...




....Don't get me wrong,
she still has her bad days....




....But those just make her all the more lovable.

Impatience gets a slap in the face....

Things that make me smile...

A while back Emily read me a list that Tyler Henry made that consisted of things that made him happy. I remember thinking that that was such a good idea, and decided to make my own. So here ya go!

Things That Make Me Smile-

• "Please" and "Thank You's"...especially from little kids
• childhood memories
• memories in general
• pictures
• sweatshirts
• down comforters
• flip flops
• music
• warm feet
• a clean room
• spontaneity
  
• smiles between strangers
• cute little old men and women
• sunsets
• sunshine through rain
• puddles
• puppy breath
• hammocks
• green traffic lights
• chai tea
• chic flicks
• gentlemen
• honesty
• the first snow
• friends
  
• good hair days
• family
• inside jokes
• late night conversations
• watching people laugh
• positive thinkers
• a good book and a warm drink on a cold day
• pizza and applesauce...yuuuummm...
• sweat pants
• Camp Mivoden
• goose bumps
• Disney movies
• deep talks
• happy marriages
• coffee shops
• singing in the car
• yawning
• Birthdays...anyones!
• pay day
• good listeners
• favorite jeans
• baby animals
• the beach...sound, smell, everything!
• comedians
• catchy songs
• funny words
• potlucks
• food fights
• stars
• Walla Walla summer nights
• late night walks
• road trips
• laughing out loud when no one is around
• quotes
• pretty trees
• understanding
• sales
• naps on the couch
• sabbath
• peace
• games
• maturity
• new friends
• old friends
• nectarines & raspberries
• journaling
• people who mention God in everyday conversation
• compassion
• back rubs
• good pens
• playing children
• new makeup
• grandparents
• wrapping presents
• watching football
• lists (obviously)
• new haircuts
• Super Nintendo
• finding money in your pockets
• kindness
• Trees in the Fall
• the word "discombobulated"
• smiling babies
• innocence
  
• finished homework
• fire places
• Tupperware
  
• roller coasters
• breaking through
• Eskimo kisses
  
• being there for people
• phone calls
• finding electrical outlets right where you need them
• realizations
• coffee drinks made well
• pillows that have just the right fluff
• helium voices
• brushed teeth
• pictures
• girl talk
• slippers
• ice cream
• motto's
• home cooked meals
• walkie talkies
• random singing
• driving with the windows down
• red shoes
• siblings
• playing dress up
• my roommates
• having dance parties with Alexia at 1 o clock in the morning
• sillyness
• Making memories with Emily (M.A.M. Emily! M.A.M.!)
  

whew! You would think that I would never find anything to complain about...So many things to be thankful for....I'm blessed.

Boys in the Kitchen!

We've got some quality boys here at Walla Walla....and fantastic cooks too! A couple of the boys asked if they could come to our house and cook us dinner. Since the majority of our meals of late had been oatmeal and chili (no time for shopping in our busy days!), we eagerly agreed. We had yummy casserole and fun conversation. The best part was when we were all sitting around the table and Ryan busted out with,"If I was married to a guy..." We had a pretty good time with that one. All in all it was a really fun night and great finish to the weekend. Next time it's our turn....spaghetti anyone?

.................Story time with Ryan.............

MBA comes to Walla Walla

For a couple of months now I've been eagerly awaiting the day when Monterey Bay Academy would come to Walla Walla. I was a dean there last year and have really missed some of my kids that I had grown really close to. There were two separate groups coming, one coming to visit the actual campus...and the other group was coming to participate in the Friendship Tournament for the first time. Needless to say, I was super stoked when the day finally came to go pick them up at the airport. I do have to say though, it was kind of weird to be called "Dean Tara" again....but kind of fun at the same time :)

The girls ended up doing fairly well in the Tournament...5th place. They lost to WWVA by one point in their second game, so that put them in the losing bracket for the rest of the tournament. The boys, however, did amazing. They made it to the Championship.....and they were going to play against WWVA. This was kind of a sticky situation for me seeing as I graduated from WWVA...and I wasn't going to be rooting for them. I got a lot of flack from all the WWVA fans when they saw me wearing an MBA jersey and sitting on the MBA side. I think most of them have started talking to me again though. It was a pretty close game most of the way, but MBA ended up pulling it out for the win. It was really fun to see those boys basking in their victory.

All in all I would have to say that it was a pretty great weekend. I've really missed those kids. One things for sure, Monterey Bay Academy will forever have a special little place in my heart.

.......................WWVA vs. MBA.............................

...........I love this girl.............

...............George was a beast!.............

.......2008 Friendship Tournament Champs.......

Called to serve

People see God every day, they just don't recognize him. ~Pearl Bailey

To a point

Tony Campolo came to speak at our school this weekend. What an amazing experience it was to sit there and listen to this man who had absolutely no boundaries to what he was going to say, and I mean that in a completely positive way. He said some things that the Christian community has been needing to hear for a long time. That I've been needing to hear for a long time. There were some comments that he made that really shook me. He talked about how we are willing to be a Christian...to a point. It's like we make up our own rules on what it means to be a Christian, and the kind of Jesus we want to serve. Jesus lived with absolutely nothing, his life was ministry to others. Back in the day, like junior high or something. I wore one of those bands on my wrist that said, W.W.J.D?-"What would Jesus Do?" And now I find myself coming face to face with that very question. I can guarantee you He wouldn't be buying 3 dollars worth of coffee a couple times a week, or complaining about his wardrobe when His drawers are overflowing with clothes. Jesus would be out DOING things, giving his possessions away to those who were less fortunate than He was. Tony made an appeal and asked those who were interested to give him a year of their life...to go work in the inner cities of Philadelphia and serve those who are living in poverty. Take grandparents to the doctor, play with kids who have no where to go but down, to just... serve. I feel like this might be something God is calling me to do. I'll have to pray about it a lot more, but I really feel like this might be something He's been planning for me all along. Oh man, this is crazy!

Cross Country 'Cross Campus

Tuesday Morning:

9:00- Got a call from Matt,"Tara, there's snow on the ground...let's cross country ski to Chapel today" "Matt, I've never cross country skii'd before and I'm not sure if I want my first time to be in front of the whole student body as they're walking to the Church." "Tara it'll be fine, it's not that hard." "So you don't think I'll fall?" "Oh no, you'll fall...but it'll be funny." "Thanks Matt.....I'll think about it, I have a class at ten so I'll meet you at Mountain Rents if I decide to go." "Ok, I'm gonna call Emily" "Ok, I'll let you know what I decide" "Ok bye"

9:15- Got a call from Emily, "Tara! Why aren't you going!? It's going to be fun, and you'll catch on quick...I promise" "Ok I'll try and get out of my class early so I can come and try them out" "Good....and can you bring my bright teal snow pants with you?" "*chuckle* Yes Emily, I'll bring your bright teal snow pants...did you want your rainbow snow boots too?" "No Tara, the snow pants will be just fine" "Ok I'll see you then"

10:40- Walked out of class early, went to Mountain rents to try on the trusty skis.

10:50- Got all the snow gear on and start our trek across campus.

10:51- Fell

10:52- Fell

10:55- Emily dropped her cell phone somewhere so we have to go back and look for it....then took some pictures

10:58- I dropped my cell phone in the parking lot and have to stop by the Fine Arts Center Office to get it.

11:00- Back on our way...fell down a hill.

11:02- Emily and Matt decide they want to race for the last stretch...they tell me I can have a big head start....thaanks...

11:04- I almost win...Emily passes me right as we get to the sidewalk...I tried to trip her...but...fell.

11:05- The Ushers come out of the door telling us we're late and we almost can't get our attendance slips. Matt helps me get out of my gear.

11:10- Sitting in Chapel, with snow pants...singin some praise songs and smiling...this is how great memories are made...