Hmmmmh

"My philosophy in life is that we make up our mind what we are going to make of our lives, then work at hard to that goal, we never lose -somehow we win out." 

-Ronald Reagan

This past week I spent at Special Olympics Sports Camp. It was an amazing experience where I saw amazing strength come from individuals that have so much going against them. Out in the world they are seen as having special needs, however I saw through their example this week that my needs are much greater. I saw how much they trusted others by guiding a blind man in water. I heard their encouraging words as they watched their friends accomplish hard task. And I felt how much they loved by the sweaty hugs they gave me. Such a great experience. To sum it up here are some of my favorite quotes from this week. 

David (A blind black man while sliding down a water slide): I'm about to be baptized in the name of Jesus.

Heather (The most amazing woman who is one of the area directors): The sinker? Oh yeah- he is mine.

Joey (After being at camp 4 days): I forgot. All four days. (to brush his teeth)

Joseph (The sweetest.): Mhhhmmmmm. Caramel.

Davis (One of my athletes): Brittainy- I love you. You dance me?

Kirsti (Found the tallest guy in the room to dance with.): laughs.

Such a fun week. Now back to reality. 

Start Spreading the News

“They say life's what happens when you're busy making other plans. But sometimes in New York, life is what happens when you're waiting for a table.”

-Sarah Jessica Parker

That's right ladies and gents. I am now in the process of making plans to go to NYC in the fall! So exciting! I haven't been in a few years so another trip mid-way through the semester will be exactly what the doctor ordered.

In other news, I think Ashley is a emotional nut case and say that both Mickey and Blake are better off without her. If she says Bentley's name one more time I'll flip.

For reals. Who would you pick?

Now stepping off my bachelorette soap box.

Chapter 1

"If you want your life to be a magnificent story, then begin by realizing that you are the author and everyday you have the opportunity to write a new page" -Mark Houlahan

One year older and wiser too. I have had a blast with my new experiences and life at BYU. I knew that I would enjoy my time in Utah but I never could have guessed it would lead to the wonderful friendships I've formed. I have made new life time friends (the complete opposite of "superficial"), learning life lessons, and can tell you all sorts of statistics about cohabitation. Just ask. I'll tell you. ;)

I'm home for the summer and will enjoy being home. I've already eaten steak, washed my car, and had a load of laundry done for me. This is the life.

Amen

And for a cute fun version of the song (thanks Katelyn.) check this one out.

There is a storm a blowin'

"Be assured that there is a safe harbor. You can find peace amidst the storms that threaten you. Your Heavenly Father—who knows when even a sparrow falls—knows of your heartache and suffering. He loves you and wants the best for you. Never doubt this. While He allows all of us to make choices that may not always be for our own or even others’ well-being, and while He does not always intervene in the course of events, He has promised the faithful peace even in their trials and tribulations."

You are stronger than you think. Your Heavenly Father, the Lord and Master of the universe, is your Creator. When I think of it, it makes my heart leap for joy. Our spirits are eternal, and eternal spirits have immeasurable capacity!

Our Father in Heaven does not wish us to cower. He does not want us to wallow in our misery. He expects us to square our shoulders, roll up our sleeves, and overcome our challenges.

As you overcome adversity in your life, you will become stronger. Then you will be better able to help others—those who are working, in their turn, to find a safe harbor from the storms that rage about them.

When you feel tossed by the storms of life and when the waves rise and the winds howl, on those occasions it would be natural for you to cry in your heart, “Master, carest thou not that I perish?” When these times come, think back upon that day when the Savior awakened in the stern of the ship, rose up and rebuked the storm. “Peace, be still,” ¹³ He said

Joseph B Worthlin, LDS Apostle

What is love?

"A happy home is but an early heaven."

President Thomas S. Monson

Love is having a weekend layover in Salt Lake City anytime you go east of the Mississippi. 

Love is buying new placemats and flowers just so it feels more like home.

Love is swinging by my apartment even though it's already midnight and you've been traveling all day.

Love is being willing to fly me home at a moments notice if you thought it would make me feel better.

Love is buying me two bags of Chettos just because you think that I will like them.

Love is leaving me your brand new favorite chunky necklace because you know that I like it.

Love is going through plane delays, cancellations, and rerouting just to see me. 

Love is telling me how proud you are even when there is nothing to be proud of.

I have great parents. They are a little wacky, random, and loud but they are mine. I couldn't be more grateful for them. No matter what day of the week, what situation, or what I've done wrong they love me regardless. Messed up head and all. ;) They go above and beyond to make sure that I have the best opportunities and support the decisions that I make. 

Gosh it's good to be a Rieske. 

A Job Well Done

"A perfect sister-in-law I am not, but thankful for the one I've got."

-Unknown

So I often criticize my brothers for their lack of ability when it comes to women. Somehow through lack of skills, my oldest brother Russ snagged one amazing catch. My sister-in-law Katy. I'm not sure if it's because we both have silly spelled names, enjoy crafting, or because we both are experts at getting the "Debo glare." For whatever reason we are kindred spirits. This is why I love her.

Our FB chat conversation started out talking about how we wanted to be coupon queens. Then moved to...

Katy: WAIT. I will give you 5 dollars if you can tell me your unique nickname.

Me:   From who?

Katy: ME

Me:   Brit Brat? Bratney? 

Katy: Nope

Me:   Molly? If so you are dead to me. (My sister-in-law isn't LDS.)

Katy: Molly? What the heck?? lol

Me:   Molly Mormon.

Katy: You do need your brain checked. <---rude by the way. ;)

         OH. No, hadn't thought of that. That BETTER not be a hint of what is to come. 

         Keep it rad, baby.

         BUTTERBEAN. I'm disappointed!

Me:   Butterbean? That is a horrible nickname. It makes me sound like a fat 8 year old. Can't I be a 

         chickpee?

Katy: Nope. You're butterbean. All day long and twice on Sundays. Butterbean. Butterbean. Butterbean. 

This is a very typical Katy- Britt conversation. I love her so much and can't wait to see her soon. (Soon like August, but better than never right?) 

So to my favorite French Fry. Stay cool. And to my brothers, keep up the good work. We only accept amazing women to carry the "Rieske" last name.