There is so much to write about in my life over the past seven months. So, you would think that I would be more actively blogging about all the news and goings on. Funny how time seems to run out and my thoughts and feelings are left inside my head.
I am in awe of how much has changed in my life. It's a testament to me that Heavenly Father truly has me in His hands, and is directing my life. I am so grateful.
First things first: You probably want to know how I met "the one." Well, get comfortable...
I flew to Idaho and visited my sister for Christmas. My parents even came up, so I got to see them as well. Flying in December is not easy. I got delayed twice (thanks United! but not really) leaving Dulles Airport and then had to switch planes, thus missing my connecting flight in Denver to Idaho Falls. My sister and mom ended up spending the night in a hotel in Idaho Falls. I called a long time Navy friend and begged a room for the night. She was gracious enough to pick me up at one o'clock in the morning with water and homemade muffins for a snack. I slept in a comfortable bed and caught up with friend SL for a while the next morning, and then was off to Idaho Falls.
Christmas was great fun. I brought matching flannel pajama bottoms for all the boys. And matching flannel nightgowns for my mom, sister and I--classic! We had fun opening presents, spending time with one another, cooking and eating good food, and talking with other family members. My favorite toy was nephew B's horse barn complete with brand new horses, and some dinosaurs. He left the whole thing unattended, and thanks to Grandpa and I those dinosaurs made quite a mess at the horse barn--carnage galore!
It was great to spend time with my sister. I'll always remember the morning we went for a walk to the grocery store when it was two degrees. We both walked outside, and stood for a minute to gauge the temperature. We then turned around, went back inside and put on another layer of clothing. On our walk we caught the sun rise. The town deer kept an eye on us for the whole walk but didn't run away. It was a really beautiful, cold morning. I love mountain winters.
My mom, sister and I went for lunch together at a new tea room that recently opened. We had fun exploring the premises and checking out all the tea cups and pots on display. Mom and I recognized some of the English china from our trip through England years earlier. We had stopped at the potteries in Stoke-on-Trent, and shopped the seconds stores for some of the biggest names in fine English china. Becky and I wished that the shop's handmade mugs were cheaper because we both wanted one to remember our trip. It was a fun outing.
We ended my trip by celebrating my nephew B's seventh birthday. (It's amazing to think that he was born right before I went to Afghanistan and that it's been seven years since I did that.) We partied with a sledding trip up in the mountains where it was 12 degrees. We had a much needed fire to help us stay warm, and filled up on hot chocolate, hot dogs and doughnuts. It was a perfect birthday-sledding party!
That evening I made nephew B's birthday cake, a chocolate cake with blue vanilla frosting topped with coconut. We had dinner with some family friends who were so excited to celebrate with us. We lit candles, sang happy birthday, demolished the cake and opened lots of birthday presents. That kid loves his horses!
Then the following day I flew out of Idaho Falls back into Denver. This time the flight was on time and there were no delays. An interesting man with a really nice smile sat in the seat next to me. He introduced himself as Jesse and we started talking. He was in town to take care of some personal business over the holidays and was heading back to work in Iowa.
We talked the whole flight and kept talking as we walked through the terminal to our departure gates. We talked about why we were in Idaho and where we lived now. We shared about our families, single life, and jobs (he's a welder/pipe fitter). We both told funny stories and enjoyed each others' company. After confirming that yes we wanted to stay in touch, I gave him my card with my contact information, and left the ball in his court. As we parted ways at his departure gate, I impulsively stepped forward and gave him a quick hug. I was kind of surprised by this, but it felt like the right thing to do.
I arrived back at Dulles right on time around one o'clock in the morning again, and another kind friend OS picked me up and took me home. When I got in her car, she asked how my flight was. I remember having a quiet feeling that something important had happened when I told her about the nice guy named Jesse who sat next next to me on the plane. OS asked if we were going to keep in touch. I said that I hoped so, but I honestly had no idea. I got home around three in the morning and went straight to bed.
When I finally woke up about eight hours later my first thought was, "I really hope Jesse contacts me." I was quite surprised by how much I really wanted this to happen. As the day went by I remember thinking several times how much I wanted him to contact me. I went to bed that night thinking about Jesse's nice smile, his kind eyes and how much I enjoyed talking with him.
The next morning Jesse emailed me (finally!!!!), and asked if it was okay that we started communicating. He also said that he didn't want to be an interruption to my life. I remember thinking to myself, "Silly man! Don't you know I want my life to be interrupted?" We emailed back and forth a couple of times and set a time for a phone call the next evening on New Year's Day.
Let's just say that once we got on the phone that we didn't run out of things to talk about for the next three months. It's a good thing that we both have the same phone cell phone carrier because otherwise our bills would have been in the thousands of dollars. (We also used Google Hangout to message each other during the day and for video chatting at least once a week. Technology is so amazing!)
We talked about everything. We told the good, bad and ugly stories, the funny, sad and not-so-great ones too. We had phone dates where we read poetry and stories to each other. A couple of times we even cooked dinner and ate together over the phone. I started reading Summer of the Monkeys by Wilson Rawls to him which we both really enjoy (we still have a ways to go to finish). We compared political ideologies, outlooks on life, interests and hobbies. We shared our testimonies of the gospel and hopes for the future.
We started finding all the things we have in common as well as our differences. Yes, he likes Star Trek, and Star Wars, and super hero movies. He hasn't met The Doctor yet, but an introduction is in the works. He appreciates my interest in space and my crushes on astronauts and the Mars Rover. (The nerd potential is strong with this one.) We are excited about camping and fishing together. We are both Mormons and actively participate in church. We both served in the military-he was active and reserve Army for several years, so he gets my reserve life. He's from Idaho and I'm from Utah, and both love the mountain west and being outdoors. He likes maps, and emergency preparedness. I like to crochet, and sew. He's teaching himself to play the violin, and I sing and play the piano. We are both generally happy people, optimistic about life. He's as hopeful a romantic as I am. And he really likes to dance!
My interest in Jesse was changing from mildly interested to highly interested as we talked and learned about each. I know that people sometimes will hold back and not show their true selves in dating situations. I feel like we were both able to be ourselves, and as our comfort and trust levels grew, the safer it felt to be completely open and honest. We even told each other about those not-so-great things we had done in our lives (you know, the things you're afraid if someone you like found out that they wouldn't like you any more). We were both able to share these things with each other despite our fears, and in returned feel un-judged, supported, and accepted.
Eventually, I shared my blog with Jesse. As he read it he shared with me things that he liked and asked for more details about my experiences or thoughts I shared. He reminded of things I had written where I expressed my faith and hope for good things in my life. It was interesting to see myself through his eyes as he got to know me through my blog.
Years earlier I swore never to do the long distance thing again in my life. Funny about those things you swear you're never gonna do--eventually you end up doing thing them and sometimes they turn out better than before. So, this time it was different (yes, I know so cliché, but really it was). I kept feeling hopeful and at peace all the while Jesse and I were talking. Most importantly, I was having fun! I also knew my feelings were deepening for Jesse, and I wasn't scared by this. Rather I was excited and hopeful, and very much looking forward to our next conversation.
I kept waiting for that feeling I knew all too well from previous dating experiences, that feeling of no-this-is-not-the-right-one-for-you-Christine. And I kept not feeling it. This was new for me, and I kept thinking, "Okay, I'm just going to keep going with this then." In fact, the feeling I was having was "This is a really good man, Christine. This is a really good man. Christine, this is a really good man" over and over. This feeling persisted even when I wasn't talking to Jesse. I remember sitting on my couch thinking about all this, when that same feeling almost overwhelmed me again. I finally looked up and said, "Okay, Father I hear you. I've got it. Jesse is a really good man."
To be continued....
Showing posts with label family. Show all posts
Showing posts with label family. Show all posts
Sunday, August 2, 2015
Sunday, January 4, 2015
2014 in review
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January
Wednesday, June 25, 2014
things that make me smile
so many smiles with laughter, and smiles through tears lately. i just feel the need to say it all out loud again.
* my family's reunion in nauvoo, illinois. so much fun and so many memories. a loose tooth, scaring older cousins again and again, river sunsets, hugs, fireflies, concern for my singleness from my nephews, cousins!, ice cream for lunch, a's little smile. all this and so much more did my heart good!
* time spent with 3 lifelong friends who can still come together to make new stories while retelling the old ones, who just love each other, who just enjoy the good company.
* time with family friends who were part of our missionary experience.
* people i work with who say, "I'll pray for you and your family." and knowing they mean it.
* a quick trip home to paradise, utah. even though it was for my aunt's funeral it was so nice to be with my family again. my heart needed it.
* weeding. nothing better than yanking weeds to take life's frustrations.
* answers to prayers before i knew i needed to pray them.
* sunrises.
* dinner with friends and catching up after not having talked for years and years.
* a lonely cat who wanted my company.
* coming home.
* next please. i'm ready.
* a best friend who: picked me up early from the airport. made sure i ate actual food. got home safe. checked in with me the next day and made sure i ate real food again. was good company. gave me hope. and confirmed a right decision.
* getting on the earlier flight which i made by the skin of my teeth.
* flying over the Grand Canyon. seriously beautiful.
* keeping my mom company.
* hugs from nieces and nephews who saw me only a week prior, but the hugs are just as enthusiastic as if it's been a year.
* time talking with my sister and mom.
* aunt 'tine and aunt becky in action.
* my poor nephew's face after he met the treadmill on high. ouch! his big sister and cousin who jumped in to save him and unplug everything.
* seeing someone I grew up with who is happy in her life. and having things work out.
* the serendipity of asking for a ride from the airport and getting the opportunity to visit with a high school friend who was giving her husband a ride to the airport at the same time. not much more serendipitous than that.
* a cancelled flight. a paid for hotel room. and being able to receive the phone call.
* i caught a fish and cleaned it. it was so gross.
* washington, dc at night on the mall.
* the illinois sky at night. stars, stars and more stars.
* this book: A Little Salty to Cut the Sweet was perfect reading for flying home and back for a funeral. reflections on why family stories are necessary to life. amen!
* conference talks. 3 Nephi 11. Matthew 6:10.
* siblings who text me photos of their kids. smiles galore.
* a housemate who prayed right then and there for me.
* mountains.
* homemade cinnamon rolls.
* my own bed.
* waking up without an alarm.
* friends who send texts at the right time.
* a ride to church.
* second chances.
Friday, February 14, 2014
love is all you need?
Yay, it's Valentine's Day! (aka Singles Awareness Day)
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| the evilest Disney prince ever |
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| i love t-rex. i couldn't find a source for this. |
One year when I was particularly down and cynical about the whole "love thang". I had an epiphany about this day. Valentine's Day is like Thanksgiving Day!
We should express and show our gratitude every day. Seems a little silly to have a day dedicated to expressing gratitude when you think about it... And yet we have this holiday every fall where we gather with family and friends, eat ourselves to death, watch football, sleep off turkey comas, (and in some cases get an early start on our Christmas shopping) all in the name of giving thanks, and celebrating gratitude.
Can you see where I'm going with this yet?
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| via here |
A part of me agrees with the naysayers of Valentine's Day. We should be telling our loved ones that we do indeed love them every day, and we shouldn't need a holiday to remind us to do that. We also shouldn't need a holiday to remind us to be grateful.
And so here we are with this "silly" holiday that celebrates love. And you know what? It's okay to celebrate love. I received Valentine roses from my dad (Papa Bear) this week along with a note that said, "A Daughter Bear for a Valentine! What more could I ask for? Love, Dad". And I sat and cried, because I knew he did love me--I knew it before he sent me roses. But I really appreciated the extra effort he made to let me know that he did. He also called to make sure I received the flowers, and told me that he wanted to make sure that I got a Valentine this year. Sometimes it's the little things that can make all the difference.
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| via Gayana |
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| via bewareofimages |
Tuesday, December 17, 2013
remembering hilltop star
Remembering Chris today.
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| Chris and I with our niece Caitlin and all her barrettes in our hair. |
It's so weird to me to think that it's been 10 years since he passed. I went back and looked at some of the things I wrote over the past few years.
a memory - Recounts an experience I had the day before Chris passed. I wrote about it in third person, because it was easier for me to do so. I thought about this experience last night, and remembered that it's one of the last times in my life when I felt truly at peace. It was such a gift.
hilltop star - Here I share the meaning behind my blog's name Hilltop Star, and a song that Chris and I wrote together.
And here's a photo of The Hilltop Star from my dear Paradise friend Lisa who shares a photo of our star with me every year. I just love that she does this for me. It brings me a little piece of home.
Monday, December 17, 2012
5th day of christmas
I am the Christmas Spirit—
I enter the home of poverty, causing palefaced children to open their eyes wide, in pleased wonder.
I cause the miser’s clutched hand to relax and thus paint a bright spot on his soul.
I cause the aged to renew their youth and to laugh in the old glad way.
I keep romance alive in the heart of childhood, and brighten sleep with dreams woven of magic.
I cause eager feet to climb dark stairways with filled baskets, leaving behind hearts amazed at the goodness of the world.
I cause the prodigal to pause a moment on his wild, wasteful way and send to anxious love some little token that releases glad tears—tears which wash away the hard lines of sorrow.
I enter dark prison cells, reminding scarred manhood of what might have been and pointing forward to good days yet to be.
I come softly into the still, white home of pain, and lips that are too weak to speak just tremble in silent, eloquent gratitude.
In a thousand ways, I cause the weary world to look up into the face of God, and for a little moment forget the things that are small and wretched.
-I am the Christmas Spirit. ~E.C. Baird
Thank heavens for the Christmas spirit. It truly does exist and changes despair and sorrow into hope and joy.
Here's a post from last year that talks about why I love the Christmas spirit.
Here's a post from last year that talks about why I love the Christmas spirit.
The Hilltop Star in Paradise, Utah by Lisa Clawson. She sent this photo to me on Instagram and I love it. It brings back so many memories.
Sunday, November 25, 2012
virginia for labor day
i spent labor day weekend in virginia with my cousins jay and sue. it was truly a relaxing weekend and so good to see my virginia family.
the battle of yorktown monument
visiting with sue while waiting for the concert
sweet lobby cupcakes
btw, this is what they look like when turbulence doesn't up end them.
cousins dave & ange
outside the fort at jamestown.
with captain john smith...
not nearly as good looking as the disney version.
inside the fort at jamestown
cousins jay and sue with pocahontas.
the chapel at jamestown
the digs at jamestown are open during the week, but covered up on weekends.
i need to go back during the week sometime.
a map of jamestown.
unmarked gravesites
jamestown was really beautiful. it was a fun visit, but way too hot and humid.
i love this view of jay and sue's backyard. usually the bird feeders are full of birds which provide hours of entertainment. i love siting at this window and watching the birds.
family reunion 2012
the second annual boyer family reunion was held the end of august. we went camping up logan canyon and played at bear lake. it was a fun time.
even the dogs had a family reunion, rusty and topher are brother and sister too.
some of the cousins
grandpa kept grandkids warm when they got cold
and grandma made sure they were okay.
lined up for an egg-carry race
ready... set... GO. the starting line up for a foot race.
me, getting dunked in the river by brother R2.
my newest niece.
cousins being weird and having fun.
Thursday, October 18, 2012
thoughtful thursday: a psalm
My Great-Aunt Marian passed away recently at the age of 94. She lived a full and lovely life, so her funeral was such a celebration of her life and the knowledge the gospel gives us that we will see our loved ones again. Aunt Marian was a gifted writer and wrote a lovely psalm that was printed on the funeral program, and I wanted to share it here. She was truly a great example of a Christ-like life and love. I want to be more like her.
A Psalm - By Marian W. Bischoff
Let my soul praise Thee, Oh Lord! I rejoice in Thy presence
In the rosy glow of the evening, the glorious promise of the morning,
And the sweet fulfillment of the day.
I praise Thee for the simple pleasures of my life;
The privilege of daily labor that is my joy;
I delight in the laughter and out stretched arms of a toddler's greeting;
The happy return from school and reciting of the day;
An hour in church to hear a grandchild's testimony;
And the surge of witness bearing tears in recognition of the a truth.
I treasure the sweet solace of a heartfelt prayer,
With answers quick or patience for a wait.
To serve for precious hours in Thy house
Brings comfort to the aching heart and quiet to my soul.
I praise Thee for companionship; a good and honest husband,
A family large, and friends true,
To comfort and sustain me as I journey and grow.
Oh, Lord, I glorify Thy name in all my days' familiar things;
And bless Thee for the calm renewal of the night.
A Psalm - By Marian W. Bischoff
Let my soul praise Thee, Oh Lord! I rejoice in Thy presence
In the rosy glow of the evening, the glorious promise of the morning,
And the sweet fulfillment of the day.
I praise Thee for the simple pleasures of my life;
The privilege of daily labor that is my joy;
I delight in the laughter and out stretched arms of a toddler's greeting;
The happy return from school and reciting of the day;
An hour in church to hear a grandchild's testimony;
And the surge of witness bearing tears in recognition of the a truth.
I treasure the sweet solace of a heartfelt prayer,
With answers quick or patience for a wait.
To serve for precious hours in Thy house
Brings comfort to the aching heart and quiet to my soul.
I praise Thee for companionship; a good and honest husband,
A family large, and friends true,
To comfort and sustain me as I journey and grow.
Oh, Lord, I glorify Thy name in all my days' familiar things;
And bless Thee for the calm renewal of the night.
Sunday, October 14, 2012
things that made me smile
* i went home last weekend to see my parents, and attend my great aunt's funeral. it was really nice to be home and spend time with my mom and dad and sister.
* spending the day with my mom and sister. we had so much fun and just enjoyed each other's company.
* my dad and i sat out on the front lawn and moved our lawn chairs as the shadows moved across the yard. we talked and threw apples for daisy dog to eat. it was really fun.
* lds general conference was amazing. what an uplifting weekend.
* a friend got a job with my organization and it's been so fun to see her around at work. plus she totally helped me out on friday, by following me to mechanic shop and providing me peace of mind that i wouldn't be alone if my car pooped out on me.
* so 13 years ago, i headed off on month-long orders to be onboard the USS Blueridge, and met the ship in brisbane, australia. i met a young woman from colorado, and we ended up becoming friends. over the years we kept in touch off and on, and reconnected recently on facebook. she is out here for a month working for my organization, so we had lunch last week and caught up with one another. it was as if no time at all had passed. it was so cool to see her here.
* slumber party with two lovely ladies. sometimes it's nice to imagine that i'm young and can survive without sleep... we had so much fun eating good food, being silly, putting on face masks, and talking. i love these lls.
* a baptism at church on sunday. i love baptisms so much. it's such a thrill to see the happiness and peace that people have when they're baptized. what a special time.
* sleep. lots of sleep.
* soup weather. i love making homemade soups. i have some good recipes to share this season.
* lovely sunday evening dinner with a great friend. thank you.
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
my epic valentines
this year was an epic valentine year.
brother R2's kids sent me artwork. their mom only wrote what they said to her.
i'm a love star! woohoo!
(so, i play this game with him where i pretend i'm a brain sucking alien...)
this one is from a friend...
who really likes zombies. ugh!
and this from brother R1's family totally captures my love...
of all things star wars!
(apparently their household is going through a light saber phase.)
plus, i need all the force i can get these days...
thanks for the great valentines. they really made me smile.
hope you had an epic valentine's day as well.
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
i was fine...
until i went back to work today. now i'm needing me a little of all this...
yep, today i'm just a little homesick for family.
Saturday, December 17, 2011
hilltop star
Hilltop Star was inspired by the Christmas star we put on our barn every year. I always loved turning at the last corner on the main road through Paradise to head south and out of town, because I knew I would be able to catch a glimpse of the star on our hill. When I was older, I would drive along 9300 South just so I could see more of the star earlier.
Returning home for the holidays, after being overseas or moving away, always felt real as soon as I saw our hilltop star. For me, the star is a symbol of home and homecoming. Sailors navigated using stars, returning home safely by following the stars. If you're lost and can find the North Star, you always know which way you're headed. Wise men of old followed stars, especially a new star in the East, to home of the Christ child to worship and present him gifts. They knew, as I do, that this child was the Messiah and the only way home. Wise men and women today still follow stars and know that Christ is the true North star leading us back to our true home.
My brother Chris and I decided to write a song together and we thought a song about our star would be fitting. We both wanted to express the sense of awe we got when looking up at the stars, and of homecoming. I think we did. The recording is from Chris's funeral in December 2003. The performance is a little shaky, but the sentiments we wanted to express are there.
Happy Christmas.
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| Our house on the hill painted by a SIL's sister The star would go on the white barn to the right |
My brother Chris and I decided to write a song together and we thought a song about our star would be fitting. We both wanted to express the sense of awe we got when looking up at the stars, and of homecoming. I think we did. The recording is from Chris's funeral in December 2003. The performance is a little shaky, but the sentiments we wanted to express are there.
Happy Christmas.
Saturday, September 10, 2011
happy birthday mama bear
We call my mom Mama Bear. She used to get so mad at my youngest brothers when they would call her this. She thought they were commenting on her nature and that they thought she was grouchy like a bear or something. Then my brother J (I think it was him) explained why they called her this.
Mom rescued a tiny, black baby kitten. For the longest time, it was so tiny that the palm of her hand dwarfed it. She fed it with a medicine dropper and it grew until it was a tiny fist size ball of black fur that stuck out all over. He was the cutest little kitten, so funny looking. When he sucked down his milk, his ears would curl up and we would all laugh.
Then we all read an article from the Reader's Digest about a family who adopted a black bear cub and named it Little Bit. One of my brothers thought that the little ball fur looked like Little Bit when he curled his ears back, so the name stuck for the cat. And Mom became Mother Bear or Mama Bear depending on our mood. The cat grew up to be quite the handful and earned himself the nickname of Little Sh*t.
Well, when Mom found this out, she liked her nickname and it's stuck ever since. And now we are the Boyer Bears as well. We have Papa Bear, Christine-a-Bear, Raynbo Bear, Roberto Bear, Becky Bear, Jonny Bear and Christo Bear. It's a fun tradition.
Mama Bear totally lives up to her nickname as well. She is pretty ferocious in defending her family and taking of all her cubs. I certainly do love her!
Happy birthday, Mama Bear. I'm glad you're my mom.
Mom rescued a tiny, black baby kitten. For the longest time, it was so tiny that the palm of her hand dwarfed it. She fed it with a medicine dropper and it grew until it was a tiny fist size ball of black fur that stuck out all over. He was the cutest little kitten, so funny looking. When he sucked down his milk, his ears would curl up and we would all laugh.
Then we all read an article from the Reader's Digest about a family who adopted a black bear cub and named it Little Bit. One of my brothers thought that the little ball fur looked like Little Bit when he curled his ears back, so the name stuck for the cat. And Mom became Mother Bear or Mama Bear depending on our mood. The cat grew up to be quite the handful and earned himself the nickname of Little Sh*t.
Well, when Mom found this out, she liked her nickname and it's stuck ever since. And now we are the Boyer Bears as well. We have Papa Bear, Christine-a-Bear, Raynbo Bear, Roberto Bear, Becky Bear, Jonny Bear and Christo Bear. It's a fun tradition.
Mama Bear totally lives up to her nickname as well. She is pretty ferocious in defending her family and taking of all her cubs. I certainly do love her!
Happy birthday, Mama Bear. I'm glad you're my mom.
I love this photo! She has the best laugh ever.
Two of my favorite moms in Paradise.
(Thanks for the photo Jim!)
And Grandma Bear too!
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