life according to erin

back to school i go...

2012-01-18T14:54:00.000-08:00

so I've completed a whole week and a half of school! its amazing how i've survived 3 semesters, in a row, and i'm still going! i'm always entertained as i walk down the halls at school because there are diverse amounts of people and i'm sorry to say, but i'm VERY expressive of my thoughts and its very likely they appear on my face in this manner:

(the term "diverse people" can be defined as people dressed as elves, the very clearly obese people wearing spandex and trying to be very flirty with some guys sitting next to them, even some people approaching their friends in the library at the computers with the greeting: "hello my drunken friend!").

also, just FYI, i bought me some very stylish spectacles from here for the new school year! i also just bought a pair of sunglasses, to arrive fairly soon, because i liked my new pair so much!

these glasses cost me a whopping $17!! how awesome is that?!

happy wednesday!

welcome 2012

2012-01-05T21:39:00.000-08:00

"Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow."

~ Albert Einstein

A new slate to be written on! This is how I see the new year! I'm excited for the new prospects I am facing, the new challenges I'm to meet this year, even though I have NO clue what they will be! I decided to be a little less extensive with my resolutions, thinking in a more "slow and steady wins the race" kinda way. of course, as always, weight loss is one of those, only in a eat more healthy stuff, less junk food sorta way!

I'm also excited because I finally moved out of my parents home! (I do miss y'all, I promise)! I love my new roomies: Lauren, Laura, and Brittney! Their all lovely people and I'm so excited to be starting this year being a little more independent and being out on my own!

Jude Matthew Walker

2011-11-15T17:36:00.000-08:00

...was born today at 1:17pm, 10lbs 10oz and 22 inches long! We love him and are so grateful Gretchen, the ever beautiful mother was able to pull through the home stretch safe and healthy! Welcome to the world beautiful boy!

kicking my butt...

2011-10-31T18:55:00.000-07:00

yes folks, my determination to become fit is kicking my butt! not only are the ever increasing amounts of sweets to tempting, but i'm just admitting i am a very out-of-shape homegirl! :)

my friend erica and i are embarking on a no-sweets 21 journey starting tomorrow...you heard me! no chocolate, sweets, biscuits or cookies, cakes, donuts, muffins, pastries, white bread, chips, fast food, nutella, peanut butter (or other naughty spreads, and last but not least, no ice cream for 21 straight days! i'm hoping this helps my inherent craving for anything fattening decrease significantly, and we will put it to the test! :)

another lovely thing i'd like to share is this very simple looking yet grueling workout!

i tried it on for size tonight when i discovered the gym is closed on halloween! my arms are achy and my abs feel like they've been worked!

i'm sure this is why you all ready my blog, to hear how slowly my jiggly body is losing weight. the truth is, i'm a little more determined than i've been in the past and i've seen awesome results, but for some reason, i can't get rid of the thoughts of chocolate or bread that reside in my brain on a permanent basis. i'm wondering, if anyone reads this that is, if you yourself have been able to get rid of those thoughts or what you've done in response to one of those urgent cravings. please, do drop a line if you have!

happy halloween!

to the pursuit of happyness :)

2011-10-17T12:40:00.001-07:00

(photo via)

Here's to 10 things that bring me happyness at the moment (in no particular order):

1. the changing of the season's, who doesn't love those fall colors

2. a crush i may have on a certain boy :)

3. only 21 more days until we have our nephew!!

4. my sweet older sister telling me "i think you're the greatest sister ever."

5. the warmth from rich chocolatey liquid in a mug, aka hot chocolate!

6. fall break from school!

7. progress, progress, progress

8. enjoying the sweet, calming spirit at the temple!

9. being close to family and friends

10. dancing and singing to tunes like "Moves Like Jagger" in my car!

2011-10-03T21:58:00.000-07:00

Oh conference weekend!! It was wonderful! I couldn't help but remember where I was a year ago, sitting in the small chapel in Fredericksburg, watching my companion fall asleep as Elder Cook spoke marvelously on...well, maybe I did a zoning out as well!

This conference was a little hard for me to catch. I did catch the last part of saturday morning and Sunday morning I had the opportunity to go watch conference live! (Probably my last, I was getting a little annoyed with those dang people who wouldn't shut their mouths!) I have to say all the talks were good, because they were! They were all very specific to the needs of the members and everyone else around the world, however, the ones that touched me the most were Sister Thompson's, President Uchtdorf's, and President Monson's talks.

I've been asked to talk with the high councilman in December and the topic is covenants and how they relate to the Atonement. When he gave me the topic, I couldn't help but think to myself I wouldn't know the first thing about that, since I've been doing such a horrible job this year of keeping them! I went to the temple for the first time in months last Friday. I'm not sure why it's taken me so long to get back when just a year ago, that's all I wanted to do but the feelings I had when I went were wonderful and calming, I'd completely shoved those out of my mind! Sister Thompson quoted her grandmother's patriarchal blessing, which I found so beautiful and it touched me deeply:

“Thou wast chosen from before the foundation of the earth, and a chosen spirit to come forth in this day. … Thy testimony shall be magnified and thou shalt be able to testify. … The destroyer has sought to destroy thee, but if thou wilt cleave unto thy God, he [the destroyer] shall not have power to harm thee. Thou through thy faithfulness shalt have great power and the destroyer shall flee from before thee because of thy righteousness. … When the hour of fear and trials come upon thee if thou wilt retire to thy secret closet in prayer thy heart shall be comforted and the obstacles removed.”

Comfort comes and obstacles are removed...I love it!

The Gospel is too true! The wonderful Spirit that fills my heart and life when I partake of the goodness of it reminds me that I'm loved and I'm worth every drop!

2011-09-07T14:37:00.000-07:00

I've been avoiding and skirting around this subject a bit too long and I've let it get out of hand. Tomorrow I'm checking in at a Weight Watcher's meeting so get this person's eating habits under control. I'm being completely honest when I say that isn't me. I'm not happy this way and I won't ever be. I need to be more healthy and I want to feel more confident in how I look! I don't want to go the easy route cause there isn't anything to learn from that! So wish me luck whoever reads this! If you see me heading for the candy isle or chowing down at McDonald's, do me a solid and help me get outta there! It's not where I want to be!

Here's the before picture:

We'll see how I've been in a few months!

to be grateful..

2011-08-31T21:57:00.000-07:00

While sitting in the kitchen today, I was enjoying telling a loved one about my day. You can say I am always a bit down trodden after hearing how hard of a time this person is having. I always am when I hear one of my family members is struggling a bit, though with this one I never seem to know where to go or how to help. They asked me, "How can I be grateful for something I hate?" Tough question, but not one that I haven't neglected to ask the Lord myself. It got me thinking as I went off to work how much I hate my job, but what does this job allow me to do? It allows me to pay for a car, pay for my schooling, pay for the little pleasures here and there. So am I required to be grateful for the thing I hate, or the things that that thing I hate allows me to do?

I was perusing through some previous talks about gratefulness and happened upon this one. I couldn't have come up with a better story:

"As a young boy, life on our small family farm was heaven. Often in our humble home there were not as many shingles as we had roof. The rest-room facility was connected by a long path that required some advance planning, and sometimes my worn shirt had more buttonholes than buttons. The Saturday night bath in front of a warm stove, where your body experienced both extremes in temperature, was a luxury.

Then something changed. I started school and began to notice possessions I had not known. Some had nice clothing, beautiful homes with all the modern conveniences, and drove newer automobiles. Many my age were not required to arise early and do chores before going to school, only to go home at night and do them all over again. While they were popular and confident, I became backward and shy. Regretfully, I began to forget how happy I had been with my basket of blessings as I indulged in comparing their seemingly endless bushels to mine. Thus, the blinders to humility began distorting reality, giving way to ingratitude. The expectation that more is deserved can cause our plate of plenty to appear empty. Gratitude has many faces and takes on many forms."

Interestingly put. It takes many faces and many forms.. So could that mean that even if you hate something, with a passion, you can still be grateful for it and what it gives you the opportunity to do? I guess the only thing that could give me some sort of answer to that question would be that "Joy and Happiness are born of Gratitude" and to be grateful for things you may otherwise want to avoid, will bring more blessings in the long run.

{Talk by Gordon T Watts, Gen Conference Oct 1998}

BYU Fine Arts Department presents...

2011-08-19T08:38:00.000-07:00

My lovely friend invited me to this widely popular Broadway musical being put on by BYU. The voices of some of those actors was amazing and the storyline was a great one! Wish I could've seen it on Broadway for real...it must have been aMAZing!!!!

date night :)

2011-08-19T08:31:00.000-07:00

I am very happy to announce I'm going on my first date since I've come home from my mission! About gosh darn time, I know! I'm nervous though. I'm not much for talking with people I don't know very well or at all, so you can see why I'd be nervous that my tongue might slip and I may say something completely and utterly ridiculous. I'll take it as it goes though. You can't tame anything if you don't practice!

The guy's name is Jeffrey. My dad was home one saturday morning and randomly showed me this picture from across the room and simply asked, "Do you want me to give your number to this guy at work?" To tell you the truth the picture looked like a great image of a very happy old man with a very white beard...yeah. Eventually, after finding out the true age and beardless-ness of this man, I agreed!

So now I am sitting here, thinking about what I want to wear, freaking out that I may not have anything very cute and that I may even sneeze over all of our dinner. Wish me luck! This girl isn't the most elegant one in the bucket!

2011-07-25T20:48:00.000-07:00

Sometimes it amazes me how much I don't know about the people I love. I guess that's why the blogging world is such a blessing. Not only can you keep up with everything good, but occasionally you come across a moment of truth. I wish I could be more close to my family. I've always been jealous about the bond my mom has with her sisters and have always wondered what was blocking me from making that kind of relationship with my sisters.

I feel like I'm never too open with them and I'm always wondering what I could do to improve that. Although after reading this moment of truth I feel that I'm a little closer to understanding how to become closer to my sisters. Family means the world to me, more so than it ever did before because of the distance that I had between them and myself. There's a great importance to my family and I'm grateful I have

countless amounts of time

to get to know them better and come to understand the love and commitment it takes to be there for someone and love them consistently. The truth is hard to dish out and it takes a great amount of trust when you do feel ready to share it with the ones you love, but my question is when will my "moment of truth" come with my loved ones?

2011-07-23T17:47:00.000-07:00

I love broccoli. It's one of my favorite vegetables. I found the best stuffed animal-thing at ikea today in the shape of a broccoli head!!! Funny, right?!

Obon Festival 2011

2011-07-10T17:43:00.001-07:00

The other day my friend Shyrel invited me to this festival taking place at the Buddhist temple in SLC. There was Taiko drumming, which was way awesome, and then there was traditional Japanese dancing. I have to admit, the dancing wasn't quite as fun as the drumming, but hey! It was awesome just to go experience something new!

It was a fun weekend, full of seeing mission friends and finding new things to do in good ole Utah!

it all ends...

2011-07-07T16:56:00.000-07:00

only one more week until The Deathly Hallows: Part 2 comes out! Saying 'The End' to a favorite book series is so depressing, but I'm so excited to watch how it's depicted on film!!

Two Days Late...

2011-06-21T17:24:00.000-07:00

Man oh man! I thought I'd be able to relax after work yesterday, but my good ole parents decided to take us to Super 8, you know, that movie I thought was a super hero movie. Just a hint, it isn't a super hero movie but just as good-maybe. Then it was off to my dear friend's home to catch the Bachelorette. I'm so happy I'm not in her shoes and won't be ever!

But the title to this entry is my apology of not posting a loving tribute to my dad like my lovely sisters. ;)

My dad is the greatest man I know! I'm so grateful for him because without him, we all know our family would cease to function as well as we do now! (And yes Dad, we function perfectly WITH you)! He's so willing to sacrifice his time and talents and his relaxing time to help us with homework, emotionally scarring issues, etc.

I'll always remember one night, while I was in the 4th grade, when he stayed up until the late late hours of the night to help me make an Indian home and some land surrounding it. Even helping me make a little pond out of corn starch.

I'll never forget his face when my family dropped me off at the MTC and then again when I greeted them off the plane! I have always loved the face of a dad who is proud of me. :)

I love you forever Dad, and I'll like you for always!

P.S. A week or so ago, I was searching for pictures of my parents to post on here, and I came across these:

I love coming across pictures from my dad's past, especially since we don't know much about it, as well as our Grandpa Bill. He passed away early on in my dad's life and I always try to picture what it would have been like to meet him, although I know he and Granma Marj are with us all the time.

Happy Father's Day to you too Grandpa Bill.

2011-06-13T22:10:00.000-07:00

So, I couldn't help but leap for joy when we saw Gretchen's number pop up on the caller id around noon today! It was just Sam and I at home, so we were one of the first to know the great news!!! ;) You can imagine the cheers that shot out of our big mouths! We're ecstatic to welcome Baby Boy Walker into the world in November!! :) (Photo & tutorial found here).

2011-06-12T10:06:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow we find out if GOOB

is a boy or a girl,

niece or nephew,

granddaughter or grandson!!!! :)

27 Years

2011-06-08T10:56:00.000-07:00

Happy Anniversary to my lovely parents!

You two are the rocks in my life.

I love you so much!

Congratulations!

2011-06-07T10:41:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure who of you hasn't heard of pinterest.com, but it is such a fun little website where you can identify all the things that motivate or inspire you! My sister has been on it for sometime and I fell in love with it the second I got an invite! Here are some things I've discovered that I'd love to take a whack at:

Baby onesies!! As you know, Griff and Gretch have a little bun in the oven!! :) We find out (cross your fingers) next week if this little bun will be a girl or boy! :)

(Original post can be found here).

Um...who wouldn't want to try their hand at homemade night lights?

(Couldn't find the original creator. Believe me, I'm saving you from some interesting reposts of this)!

This is a doily lamp, as you can can clearly see at the top! Doesn't it look like fun?! (Found here).

Be sure to come find me when you start pinning! :)

In Other News...

2011-06-03T21:59:00.000-07:00

Read it and cheer for joy!!!

Yes folks. This means I have 13 more days until I can say adios to the Utah State Developmental Center! I'm very proud of the work I do there, just not to excited about the people I have to work with. Drama, drama, drama. Soon I will be dealing with people who actually want to talk to me and won't talk behind my back! Oh my oh my, it sounds so delightful! :)

"That Was It"

2011-06-03T21:47:00.001-07:00

Morgie-Porgie has graduated!!! We are one proud fambly! Here's a warning to the world that she's now free to go anywhere and do (almost) anything she dreams of doing! Love ya M!

excited about life

2011-05-22T22:29:00.000-07:00

so, here i am at 11:30 on a sunday night, thinking about my life and where i am and where i want to be. i don't know about you, but the comparison has some big gaps! YIKES! sitting through my sister's seminary graduation brought back a whole flood of memories. things about my life i wish i could take back. regrets about choices i made when i was young and dumb. (but i guess i'm still that way now, aren't i)? i'm looking for happiness but am very unsure where and if i will find it.

i recently thought about this quote from neal a maxwell about patience:

"Patience is not indifference. Actually, it is caring very much, but being willing, nevertheless, to submit both to the Lord and to what the scriptures call the 'process of time.'”

"process of time." that sets someone's nerves onto the edge, doesn't it! the actuality that you'll really have to wait for what you want until you in reality get it. what a scary concept, but looking back, my whole life seems to have been full of waiting. i've waited and waited for things, but they haven't come. then it dawned on me! i haven't been looking hard enough! i desire happiness; i want to eat, sleep, live in it, yet i'm not working to find it at all! maybe passively i am, but that just ain't cuttin' it for me! so here's to pursuing after those dreams! here's to pursuing after what i want out of life! smiles, laughter, tears, and the knowledge that i'm doing what i'm supposed to be doing where i should be doing it! here's to the implementation of the greatest lessons i've ever learned!

buzz-cut sunday

2011-05-15T23:05:00.000-07:00

i'm pretty sure we're all in agreement over at the winters house-we love it when we get to spend time with the walkers! it's just a given fact! they bring great games like harry potter clue, we get some of the best laughs in (maybe some awkward statements from yours truly) and lets face it, everyone is a little happier after they come, eat, and leave! ;)

today was a little eventful because not only was the survivor finale on, but griff also needed/wanted a haircut and this required the use of dad's trusty buzzer! (i'm not sure what the real name for it is, so let's not get technical)! well, before you know it, morgan, sammy, and gretch had all stated they were going to help him accomplish this. i must admit, i wanted in on the fun as well, having the same reason as morg and sam-i hadn't ever buzzed a guys hair off of his head before! So we took him out to the garage so as not to get his little hairs everywhere and did the deed!

so now i'm hoping i don't get in trouble for posting this lovely picture! i think the best part of the photo is dad in the background! i'm sure he's very entertained that griffins hair was being fussed over and not his very own, lovely yet long, eyebrow hairs! ;) don't worry dad, it won't be too long until we're onto you again about those!

happy sunday all! (or monday i guess! it is in fact a quarter after midnight)!

"A mother is she who can take the place of all others but whose place no one else can take."- Cardinal Mermillod

2011-05-06T08:47:00.001-07:00

my mother is my favorite person!

she's been there regardless of the many stupid decisions and

ridiculously immature phases.

she's patient when i am not.

she shows me how i can better myself by living her everyday

life with optimism and laughter!

i only hope to be who she she has been to me-

a friend!

Happy Mothers Day Mommy!

"Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows"

2011-04-30T09:32:00.000-07:00

I'm in love with the Harry Potter books and the movies have been

great visualizations of those! It's going to be sad to see the end of a

great series, but even greater that I can share it with my little ones...

if I ever see any, that is!

"Wish I Could've Been There" Moment...

2011-04-28T11:01:00.000-07:00

I found this link on an Elder's facebook page and was surprised to see that some of the coolest people I know had performed at the Spurs vs Jazz game in San Antonio earlier this month!

2011-04-23T10:03:00.000-07:00

This is one of my favorite seasons! It's in competition with Christmas, but only because that is when we celebrate the beginning of the most important life in the history of mankind! Easter takes a solid first though, because this is the day we celebrate the love that one life had for us. I take comfort in the words in the prophets:

"As the serenity and solace of a merciful death freed Him from the sorrows of mortality, He returned to the presence of His Father.

At the last moment, the Master could have turned back. But He did not. He passed beneath all things that He might save all things. His lifeless body was hurriedly but gently placed in a borrowed tomb...

My beloved brothers and sisters, in our hour of deepest sorrow, we can receive profound peace from the words of the angel that first Easter morning: “He is not here: for he is risen.”¹⁷

He is risen! He is risen!
Tell it out with joyful voice.
He has burst his three days’ prison;
Let the whole wide earth rejoice.
Death is conquered; man is free.
Christ has won the victory!"
(from Thomas S Monson's April 2010 GC talk).

I also like the colors during this season! They're so bright and wonderful! They give the earth the essence of life really! Its glorious to see the green buds popping up from the dirt! They make the world so beautiful!!  And the colors from the CANDY!!! Love it! :)
Look here and here for some of the things that I'm looking to enjoy this weekend!!!
HAPPY EASTER!!!

coworkers

2011-04-16T21:27:00.001-07:00

coworkers can be fickle people. i've come to realize this very real fact as i've continued to go back to work everyday. my coworker on the weekends especially. she's a different one, and don't get me wrong, i don't judge her on those certain aspects of her personality that drive me up the wall, but i do judge her based on her work ethic. which is horrible. i think not a weekend has gone by that she hasn't come in, acting completely fine, and then half way through the shift, comes to me and says "i'm sick and must go home." urgh...i wish she would pull her weight just once.

in other news, i'll be attending two homecomings tomorrow!! my friends scott and cory both returned home this week and i'm excited to see them both! some of the elders in my mtc group also came home this week, but i can only make it to one of theirs. i wish i could go to both! can't believe its almost been 6 months since i came home! AAAHHHH!!

happy weekend to you all!

2 years ago...

2011-04-08T09:34:00.000-07:00

was the start of my new life.

I'll never forget my mission.

It was the best time spent FOR my life!

2011-04-06T21:24:00.000-07:00

To the left, you will see a picture of my future niece or nephew!! (goob, as the baby is fondly referred to in our home)!! To the right, you see how I feel lately!! Literally! It sums up my life! Apparently it also represents my friend Erica's life so much that she wanted to capture it on digital film! :)

Joshua Radin Brand New Day

2011-04-05T07:01:00.000-07:00

Joshua Radin has been a favorite of mine for a while now! I love his

fresh take on life and love and the like! I have really grown fond of

this song lately!

Introducing...

2011-03-31T11:18:00.000-07:00

MARVIN!!!

This is my new Betta fish! I bought him this morning after I got out of class! Sometime yesterday I had this impulse to go buy a fish, so

I think it was love at first sight when I saw Marvin on the shelf at Wal-Mart this morning! :)

Happy payday to me!!!

Another plus, I'm very possibly going to be able to attend a lovely dinner at my cousins home tomorrow for just us girlies! :)

I'm excited!

2011-03-28T10:16:00.000-07:00

So I have to tell you this story,

you may not find it very entertaining,

or even exciting,

so consider yourself warned!:

I LOVE school!

Don't get me wrong,

I may have moaned about it in past posts,

but I have to say that I'm learning a lot

and I have some pretty good teachers!

To tell you the truth,

I like my English teacher the most!

That being said,

we're on our last unit for the semester.

We are in the process of writing a 5-6 page

paper on a topic we've previously written on already.

To get started,

Ms. Hamilton had us type up a 5 source annotated bibliography!

It was due today.

I stayed up until 1 am trying to finish it.

I only found 4 good sources.

I figured I'd just get docked the 20 points and go to bed so I could

be sane while I was in class.

Needless to say,

I was still tired when I woke up 4 hours later!

I got to my class on time,

had my wonderfully unfinished bibliography on hand,

and had braced myself for the deducted points.

Well, 7 am rolls around and Ms. Hamilton is nowhere to be found!

7:05 comes around and 2 of the boys leave the classroom.

Finally, at 7:15 am, we all decide that we're not going to sit

and waste one more minute waiting!

I was disappointed this morning by my favorite teacher.

On the plus side,

At least I can try and finish the wretched thing! :)

2011-03-28T10:12:00.000-07:00

I was perusing through this lovely lady's blog

and found a link to this other lovely ladies etsy page!

How happy I am that I did! :)

music to my ears

2011-03-23T08:54:00.000-07:00

here are just a few of the albums that i bought for under $10!

look here for more stuff!

2011-03-22T21:15:00.000-07:00

Lately, I've been looking around and seeing a lot of this. I have to admit...I miss Texas heat! Their living in the upper 80's this week! Can you say J-E-A-L-O-U-S!!!

I know it's coming soon though!

In other news, I only have one month until a summer of no school!! I was happy to start school, and like I said earlier, it's not a surprise that I'm not liking it AS much now. I'm still having fun with it though! I'm learning a lot and am still eager to get a degree in the nursing field!

:) Happy week to y'all!!

2011-03-15T10:03:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Daddy & Gretch (aka "lizard")!!!

I'm so grateful to have you both in my life!

2011-03-10T12:01:00.000-08:00

This was my present to my older sister...a trip to see Justin Bieber in concert-from the comfort of the movie theater!!!

I have to say, I didn't hear about JB until I got home from Texas, but I wasn't so sure about listening to his tunes. Until this movie that is! What an amazing story! What a chance of luck!

I'm definitely a fan now! :)

(Click here to see my top pick! JB and Usher are pretty good on their feet, yeah?)

food for thought

2011-03-09T22:19:00.001-08:00

All I can say is...smart woman that Oprah Winfrey! :)

2011-03-06T14:05:00.000-08:00

Today was fast and testimony meeting, and with the bunches of people that got up today, it seemed like I was hearing more of this:

"I just recently returned from a mission and its tougher than I thought."

What I appreciated more was the simple explanation given by a former sister missionary:

"You will only be happy in this life if you are doing what Heavenly Father and Christ want you to do."

That caused some reflection on the past 5 months, about what I've done with the time and if I've been happy. I guess it just goes to show that you can ALWAYS improve, no matter the circumstance, and it requires a little effort on our part to see what it is we need to improve! :)

I also decided to pop into the temple prep class. Before my mission, I was endowed but did not go through the class to learn what it was all about.

It was very refreshing to learn more about the purpose of the temple and that it will take me a lifetime to learn more about it! I also love how it is linked to the Plan of Salvation! I think that, besides the Atonement, the Plan our Heavenly Father has for us is one of the best parts about the Restored Gospel.

Can I just add this into it...

I LOVE THIS CHURCH!! I don't think I could learn as much from any other church, and I guess that's just because the whole Restoration thing! :)

2011-03-05T22:13:00.000-08:00

This is my sister Lauren! I love her soo soo much! Today is her 25th birthday, so in honor of her 25 years of life, here's 25 reasons why I think she's the best sister ever!

1. She knows almost EVERY Disney movie

known to mankind.

2. She always remembers your birthday and will countdown for you!

3. She's an awesome singer and a great dancer!

4. I love how she shows attitude when she

doesn't want to do something! It's just cute! :)

5. She will always greet me with a smile and a

hug!

6. I'm her favorite!

7. She enjoys some of the simplest things in life.

8. She's very forgiving!

9. She's always willing to hang out with me when no one else can!

10. She thinks I'm one of the coolest people!

11. Her dream job is to work in the CD section of WalMart...awesome!

12. I think she's pretty darn popular! She brings up random people everyday!

13. ...ok. I'll be honest! I'm getting a little tired! But I do have a TON of love for my big sister!

(If you have anything to add, please leave a comment! I want to hear why you love my sissy!)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LAUR LAUR! I love you!

2011-03-02T21:39:00.000-08:00

it's coming... :)

2011-03-02T21:34:00.000-08:00

I saw decor like these at my dear friend's home when her

baby was blessed and fell in love with them!

Now if I can convince myself

and mom

to let me redecorate my room! :)

2011-02-25T07:10:00.000-08:00

(Ok...maybe not the best way to study, but man oh man that's how I feel!)

Just thought that I'd share something that I learned in my scripture study earlier this morning!

I'm reading in Alma right now, which in my opinion is one of the best

books in the Book of Mormon!

In chapter 14, the Prophet Alma and his companion Amulek

are forced to watch the Lamanites destroy most of Christ's followers.

As I was reading this, and trying to imagine how I could apply to

myself today, I thought about a thought my sister posted on her blog yesterday afternoon.

We are who we are.

I am the only Erin Winters.

(Alright, maybe not when you do facebook searches with my name, but you catch my drift.)

I am a daughter of a loving God.

I am special.

I have something to add to the human race that can effect it in ways that only I can.

I need to believe that I can do GREAT things!

That's when I came to this verse in Chapter 14:

"O Lord, give us strength according to our faith which is in Christ, even unto deliverance. And they broke the cords with which they were bound..."

This is the prayer that Alma spoke to our Heavenly Father

in his time of need.

Now,

if Alma can ask Him to free them physically,

most likely he can set me free emotionally.

He'll help us break the chains we've bound around ourselves.

He wants us to succeed!

He wants us to become wise, noble, and great!

Cause, in fact,

we are already that.

We just need to realize it now.

2011-02-24T10:21:00.000-08:00

If you know me, you know I LOVE oreo cookies! My mother is a preschool teacher, and one of her students brought HOMeMADE oreos to her for Christmas! I've been craving them lately and am planning to make these delicious things some Sunday afternoon SOON!

(You can find this and other delicious looking recipes here!)

HOMEMADE OREO COOKIES

1 box deluxe devil's food cake mix (I like Betty Crocker brand)
3/4 c. Crisco butter-flavored shortening, melted
2 eggs
cream cheese frosting

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix ingredients until they pull away from sides of bowl. Roll dough into 1" balls and place on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake on top rack for 4 minutes and bottom rack another 4 minutes. Allow to cool. Scoop cream cheese frosting on flat side of one cookie; top with another and press together to spread frosting.

A few tips for making these delish cookies:
Use the small Pampered Chef scoop filled right to the rim with dough to get perfectly even-sized cookies. (You'll also get exactly 42 single cookies.) Also use it for the frosting. I scoop it just a little over the top and plop it in the middle of the cookie, then work it around with the other half to get it evenly spread.

2011-02-17T21:27:00.000-08:00

No other word need be said! :)

2011-02-16T10:47:00.000-08:00

I just jumped on the wagon train that is gLee!!

my sisters and friends introduced me to the wonderful remakes of famous songs done by these talented individuals and most times, they're even better than the originals!

I love Coach Sylvester! Her wise cracks and hatred for the gLee club just make it even juicier!

do you have gLee in your life?

are you angry?

2011-02-15T07:28:00.000-08:00

CHECK THESE OUT!!

My lovely friend posted this link on facebook and I had to check it out!

I'm almost tempted to make them as a birthday present for my bro-in-law, who, along with some of my sisters, thinks this game is da bomb diggity!

We'll see!

Mormon Message - God's Love is Perfect

2011-02-14T13:22:00.000-08:00

this is one of my favorite talks of all time given by Pres. Uchtdorf.

I've been thinking a lot about the meaning of celebrating Valentines Day,

and it's not about the romance or focus that we are single. I read a

daily inspiration book written by the Prophet, Gordon B Hinckley and his

thought was comforting to me:

"True love is not so much a matter of romance as it is a matter of concern

for the well-being of one's companion[s]."

I apologize for being the cynic. There's no room for that in the world.

What the world truly needs on this Valentine's day and beyond is the

true love described and demonstrated by the Savior Himself.

Happy Valentine's Day!

2011-02-12T10:44:00.000-08:00

so...here's my confession. I've yet to have a significant other to celebrate that wonderful day of love with. like most single people do on this rather grave awareness day, I have a date with my two favorite guys, ben & jerry and stare at the tv screen, which portrays the images of other people in love.

torture.

2011-02-10T22:47:00.000-08:00

I've recently been thinking a lot about going and volunteering for a summer. While researching things that I could do, I ran across this organizations website:

www.orphanagesupport.org (OSSO)

Their looking for volunteers to come play with the kids, as well as take care of them and help with other things I'm sure.

I learned a lot about service while I was in Texas, and I know how good it makes me feel! How awesome would it be to put a smile on many children's faces for a whole summer?! Future vaca-meet ecuadorian orphanage! :)

(And for those of you out there that may wonder, "vaca" may mean cow or vacation...which ever you decide!)

2011-02-09T07:23:00.000-08:00

This is my new school!! I've been coming to class (almost) everyday since January 5th! It's been the greatest blessing to come back to school to get my degree!

Classes I'm taking:

*Math 0950

*English 0990

*Nutrition 1020

I love all of these classes. I'm learning a lot! Now, wish me good luck! I'm off to take a test! :)

Volkswagen Commercial: The Force

2011-02-07T08:18:00.000-08:00

I think of all the superbowl commercials, I liked this one the best! :)

2011-02-04T07:12:00.001-08:00

I love my bestie, Erica! She's just a great supporter and I'm so grateful I have her! She recently took me to a few fantastic spots here in the U.C. and snapped some shots of...ME! Here is where you can look through the others that she shot! I also have her link on the side!!

2011-02-02T10:24:00.001-08:00

by the way, just perusing thru some of the vendors for the lovely event below i ran into this beauty!

you can find some of her friends here!

2011-02-02T07:36:00.000-08:00

my sisters have had some (aka TONS)

of interest in this little boutique.

After taking a little peek into what

kind of crafty little things you can

find there, I'm rather interested in

investigating

the scene myself! ;)

The next time this little bit of shoppers

heaven is open is

April 8th & 9th, 2011

@ Southworth Hall in Provo, UT!

Come check it out with me!

2011-01-29T11:16:00.000-08:00

I tried my hand at photography yesterday while roaming about the temple with some friends.

Not bad, right?

(not that I'm positive you did it, but if you did, thanks for editing Erica)! :)

2011-01-23T21:02:00.000-08:00

twenty-two...oh man i LOVED you!!

celebrations/miracles

trials

goodbye's

hello's

and good ole' fun times!

will twenty-three measure up! ;)

13...26.2...

2011-01-20T18:46:00.000-08:00

Thats right! I have the inside desire to run those numbers in miles!

Although, first I want to lose a little weight before I get real serious into training for either of those, and lets be honest; getting into the habit of exercise and eating right is pretty tough! The couch and television keep screaming my name:

"Erin, come sit on my plush cushions! It doesn't matter if you hit the gym today! Grab a bunch of chocolate bars and a soda and come join me!"

I swear, exact words!

Starting next week, I'm hitting the gym everyday! I've figured out that if I go, I don't pig out as much! ;)

Wish me luck!

2011-01-15T13:33:00.000-08:00

Here I am, after having done 1/2 of my regular chores and a few side chores! I feel like I've done a pretty good job organizing the hideously gross closets on the main floor in my parents house. I did not know 2 people could have sooo many shoes!

And I know I haven't been including very many pictures, and there really is no excuse for that. I just don't take my camera out or feel the need to take any snapshots of my life right now. It's really not that eventful except for:

My FIRST WHOLE WEEK of COLLEGE!!! I've made it through that first 6 days with no signs damage, yet! I still have good grades and haven't ditched any classes! (Although, I have to admit, it was tempting some times!)

as well as,

A BOOK CLUB!!! My friend Erica and I decided to create a book club! It's my first official "club", unless you count the ones you made up with your friends when you were 5! I made a few of those! I'm excited to see what new literary classics will be filling my mind with illustrations of history, fantasy, or fictional characters and their adventures!

Other than that, I'm still a boring returned missionary!

Ta-ta for now!

And on with the New Year!!

2010-12-26T20:23:00.000-08:00

Christmas was awesome! I was so glad to spend it with my family and be there when they opened presents! It was kinda a bummer, just because I had to work Christmas morning, but they kindly waited for me to get home so we could open presents! (I'm not sure I could put patiently..although I can't be too doubtful about that!) I got everything I asked for, which wasn't much! UGG Boots (the knock-off's from Costco), a book to read, new sheets, and a MACBOOK!!! I was mostly content sitting and watching my siblings and parents open theirs! Isn't it just wonderful, the feeling you get when you watch someone else's happiness increase! With each tear and rip of wrapping paper it gets even better! I'm so thankful that I served a mission! It really opened my eyes to how important my family really is! They are the glue that keeps me together, especially when I'm about to rip my hair out because I am so stressed! :)

As for the upcoming events this week...

Financial Aid. I've gotta try and get it! I've just gotta! Life would simply be better if I just did the work to get it! Period.

Try to get onto the PM shift at work. Holy crap, I like the morning shift, but boy is it a busy one! At least with the later shift, I'll have sometime to do homework and also workout in the morning! :)

Not a whole lot to do, but two difficult things! At least I'll be rewarded with time with the fam and friends! Nothing is better than that!

2010-12-14T18:40:00.000-08:00

school troubles...

argh!!! i just wish the world could make life just a little less hair-pulling stressful!!! i'm currently trying (this is the key word), to apply for financial aid BEFORE the semester starts, but unfortunately, it has to be a big trigger for the perfect headache! (or is it the perfect trigger for the biggest headache)? see what i mean?! however, i am VERY excited as of late because i recently was rehired at the utah state developmental center and i'll be making a good amount of money to support myself whilst aspiring to new and higher levels of knowledge! did i mention how FREAKING AWESOME having a schedule is!!!! :)

2010-10-18T09:14:00.000-07:00

HOMECOMING!!!!!
So...I'm on my way home next week!!!
My flight lands in Salt Lake @ 12pm!!
I'll be speaking in Sacrament Meeting on the 31st of October at 11am!
Church Address: 4580 W Cedar Hills Dr
Cedar Hills UT 84062
My mom will be throwing at little luncheon at our home at 2:15pm, after the 3rd hour block! Feel free to come!
The Winters' Home: 4621 W Fieldcrest Dr.
Cedar Hills UT 84062
I look forward to seeing all of you!
Love ya'll!
Sister Erin Winters

2010-09-27T11:35:00.000-07:00

32 DAYS LEFT!!!! AWWW MAN!!!

my LAST transfer

2010-09-20T10:26:00.000-07:00

Hola from TEJAS!!!

So, my dear old Sister "Chadder" has gone and found herself in Pflugerville, TX! (Yes, it looks wierd, and yes, you pronounce that, Flugerville!)

My new companion is from Tacoma, WA and has been out for 3 whole months!! I have no idea why, but President Jones seems so comfortable giving me all these newbies! Anyways, her name is Sister Liddle and she's another shortie! Yay!!

Things are going! Of course, we're hitting a little dive from the craziness that was me and Sister Chadwick, but I'm sure within a week or two, we'll be hitting pavement like crazy!! We found 2 people last week and one of them is AWESOME AMAZING!!! His name is Jarreth, and he basically taught US some of the principles from the first 3 lessons! It was just a lesson for me that the Lord prepares people, and he most definitely places you in their path, just so they know where to put all this found information to use!! The members he's associated himself with couldn't be any better! There's just lessons to be learned EVERYWHERE!

So, I'm excited to see ya'll in a few short weeks! But don't worry, I'm not trunky! ;)

Sister W

New/Last Area....

2010-08-09T07:33:00.000-07:00

I am now in the Parkwood/Alamo 2nd wards! They are located in San Antonio and my new companion's name is Sister Chadwick! Alamo 2 is actually a singles ward, so this should be pretty cool! My first investigator/baptism, Bryan Meyers, moved to this ward in the fall last year, and is preparing to go through the temple right now, and I am so happy because I GET TO GO!!! :D
This area should be a blast! Sister Chadwick is a really hard working missionary and will definitely send me home in a "body-bag." (My first DL told me thats how it should be!)
My new address is up on the side! Be sure to write! Love ya'll!!

Emailing at the library...

2010-07-26T08:58:00.000-07:00

The Butt-Holdsworth Library, that is!!

Hello from K-Ville! I'm still alive and kicking!

Adventures in K-Ville!!!!

2010-07-12T08:49:00.000-07:00

We've got caught in a few rain storms this month, which has been great because it hasn't gotten too hot, like last year! The only draw back there is is the bugs!!! They're EVERYWHERE!!!! And eatting my legs!!!

On the 4th, we were treated to dinner down on a ranch in the middle of no where! On our journey there, we happened to pass by some longhorns!! Totally legit, right?!

New Companion!!!

2010-06-28T08:48:00.000-07:00

So we're saying goodbye to our mission president!! It's so weird to see him go, but the new one will be just as cool I hope!...

I also said hello to a new companion!! Sister Latimer is from American Fork Utah and has been on her mission for 4 months now! She's pretty fun and we've already had some pretty funny moments! I'm excited to serve with her and see success from our work here in K-Ville!! Love ya'll!

Sister Winters

NO TRANSFER!!!....

2010-06-22T08:19:00.000-07:00

For me! Sister Thomas is getting transferred and I am staying put! Yeah for not having to pack!!!! After a year and a half of packing and unpacking and packing again, it gets a little tiring! Anyways...the 2 options for my next companion are Sister Hill, who I served with up in Anderson Mill for a transfer, or Sister Latimer, who was Sister Thomas' companion in the MTC! It'll be interesting to see who I get!! I'll keep you updated!!

P.S. IF YOU WRITE ME, I WILL WRITE YOU BACK!!! ;)

KERRVILLE!!!!!

2010-05-17T08:14:00.000-07:00

Hey ya'll!!!!

I'm now in Kerrville!!! And it's right next door to my first area, F-Burg!!! Craziness!

My new companion's name is Sister Heather Thomas! I am her second companion! She's pretty cool! She is from Lichfield, California, which is by Reno, NV! She's 21 and graduated the same year Gretch did, so yes, it's like I have another younger sister, only we're pretty chill/tight! We're gonna have a rockin' transfer ya'll!!

Love Sister Winters

Getting TRANSFERRED!!!

2010-05-11T11:34:00.000-07:00

Hey Ya'll!!!
Just a little note informing ya that my companion, Sister Wesley and I are getting TRANSFERRED!!! Their replacing us with Elders because there aren't enough sisters in the mission to cover all the areas, so we got the boot!! We'll find out on thursday where we're gonna serve for the next 6 weeks, maybe with luck, we'll stay there longer!!
I'll be sure to post my new address next monday!!!
Love ya'll and hope your mothers day was just as good as mine!!
Love you mommy!!!

Sister Winters

Getting Transferred!!!

2010-03-30T10:53:00.001-07:00

Hey ya'll!!

It's that time again!!! I'm getting transferred! Maybe if you're reading this, you may have gotten my email my mom sends out, but if you still don't get them and you want to, just email her at vwinters21@gmail.com!

Love ya'll!

Sister Winters

P.S. The bluebonnets are blooming! And I will update my address next week when I know what it is!! Happy Conference Weekend to ya!

2010-03-01T09:03:00.000-08:00

Here's some pictures from this week! Love ya!

2010-02-22T08:55:00.000-08:00

Hey ya'll! Just a little update from Tejas!!
I received my new comp on Thursday! Her name is Sister Hill and she is from Orem Ut! We're up for a fun transfer together!
P.S. I just started doing mass emailing! so if you want a weekly email from me, give your email and you'll get it! Love ya'll!
Sister W

2010-01-25T08:46:00.000-08:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!!

My birthday was a fun one! Thanks to

my favorite people!

Thanks ya'll for your support!

I miss you!

Love,

Sister Erin

2010-01-18T10:09:00.001-08:00

Hey Ya'll!!!
Happy Birthday to me this week! The big 22 comes this saturday!!
As an early present, we had a baptism this past weekend!
Steve McFarlane was baptized by his FIL!! My companion and I are
invited to the sealing ceremony of he and his wife next year in the
San Diego Temple!! I'm so looking forward to it!!

Love ya'll!!
S.Winters

2010-01-11T10:21:00.000-08:00

HAPPY BUMP DAY!!!!

So wierd, right?! I'm 1/2 way!!

See ya'll in 9 more!

P.S. We had an address change!

Just look over on the side for the new one!

(This was my old district! We've got a couple new elders, but that's about it!)

Love ya'll!

2009-12-21T08:22:00.000-08:00

4 More Days yo!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS YA'LL!!

Hey! So it's that wonderful week of the year where everyone is filled with joy!! Hooray for the missionary work!! Haha! (Wouldn't that be so great if we just taught the heck outta people, especially during our "busiest" week ever)!!

Last week was a pretty good one! Filled with normal p-days and planning days, and days where we made all our goals happen...then exchange days where Sister Winters found herself transplanted up in Leander with Sister Green for a day! That was pretty fun! It always is!

I just wanted to let ya'll know how happy I am to be here, in Tejas, for christmas and to be celebrating the birth of our Savior as one of His servants! What a BLESSING!! I've seen so many blessings this year, from my spiritual growth, to that of others! Most times it's been more of others growth than mine that has been noticed, but I'm almost positive that I'm growin'! And the fact that I've been learning new things that will help me in the life after my mish, will so benefit many others to come!

This gospel is so true! Just looking around me everyday and recognizing the blessings that are wrought by the things that it teaches are just astounding to me! People experience such a change in their lives when they fully grasp the concepts of having enough faith in Christ to change their lives for the better. Even learning to really trust in Him is a miracle I've been able to witness! I never realized how much courage it takes, to take that faith and really TRUST the Savior enough, to walk away from jobs, lifestyles, family, and friends. The people I teach are my heroes! They are amazing and I wish ya'll could see them too!

Well, I wish ya'll a most wonderful christmas and a Happy New Year!

Love,

Sister Erin Winters

2009-12-14T09:24:00.000-08:00

Just so ya'll can experience some of the wonderful photo opportunities down here in Texas as a missionary, I've posted this picture for you're viewing pleasure!

Hope you have a great week!!!!

Happy Holidays!!

2009-12-07T08:50:00.000-08:00

Last night, we had the wonderful opportunity to hear from President Monson!! I absolutely loved the story he shared about the weary travelers at gate 67!
This past week, I received a letter from my lovely sister, who so gently reminded me of my chance to be so close to my Savior this season!
I'm ever thankful to Morgan for giving me all the heads up I needed to make sure that I'm feeling the real spirit of Christmas!
Of course, it's hard! Being so far away from home just makes me wanna curl up in a closet and cry my heart out, but her letter brought a wonderful thought to my mind, and it was confirmed last night as I listened to the words of the prophet!
The real spirit of Christmas isn't the giving of gifts, or the hustle and bustle that I don't miss so much! It's about how our Savior, Jesus Christ, came into the world because He loved us so much!
I'm so grateful for the oppotunity to recognize those things that He's done for me, and how I can repay Him, by giving that love to others this season!
I love ya'll! Merry Christmas!

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

2009-11-30T10:44:00.000-08:00

So last week was a hectic one! Transfers and thanksgiving should not come in the same week! But yeah, I got a new companion! Sister Davenport is from Idaho and she's been out for almost the limited amount of time! This was her first area, and it will probably be her last. I am really excited to serve with her! She's made this transfer bearable so far!
Thanksgiving was unusual, but good! We ate dinner with 2 members, then we visited some other members who gave us more food! I weighed myself at the beginning of the day and at the end, I ate maybe about 5-6 pounds of food!!! Crazy!! Haha! It was a nice, "relaxing", day!
I'm grateful for the chance I have to serve a mission though! I thought a lot about it this week! Sometimes I'm not so sure if I made the right decision or not, but it hasn't brought about major catastrpohies yet, so I think I'm pretty good!
I've come closer to my Savior, and an understanding of myself and my Father's love for me. It's amazing what only a few months can do to your spiritual well-being!
I'm grateful for a family who loves me and supports me! They've put up with so much, and I know it's cause they love me! They are the best people on the face of this planet and I am so excited to get letters from them, reading about how much they've grown closer to the Savior, and how much they've grown in life!
I'm so grateful for this gospel! It's such a wonderful thing in my life! I'm so grateful for the Atonement and the vasts of knowledge it provides us with! How lucky I am to know that my Savior, Jesus Christ lives, and has provided a way for me to live with the people I love, and to see my Heavenly Father again!
Happy Holidays ya'll! I miss ya!

Love, Sister Winters

P.S. I'm gonna try and send christmas cards, but I need addresses!!

Howdy Ya'll!!

2009-11-16T14:51:00.000-08:00

So....
It's almost the end of the transfer!! My 5th in fact!! I'm almost to my 1/2 way mark and I can barely believe it!! It's pretty crazy yo!! Sometimes it seems like I've been doing this forever and it's normal life, then there's times when I'm talking to someone and it dawns on me that I'm a wierdo, who loves Jesus, and is trying to help everyother person in Texas love Jesus just as much as I do!!! Yep...we missionaries are pretty wierd! I can't remember a day when I shied away from a boy, but believe it or not, I am!! Haha! (I had to put that in)!
Anyways, I'm so amazed at how much people can change in such a short amount of time, or even do things I never thought they would do! My mom told me of a beautiful act of service I would never see my little sister do, but she did it!! I'm totally donating to your mission fund in a few years!!!
Anyways...I've gotta go!!! Busy busy missionaries!!
Love ya'll!
38 more days till Chirstmas!!!

NEW ADDRESS!!!!!!

2009-10-19T10:38:00.000-07:00

Hey ya'll!!!!
I'm now in....AUSTIN TEXAS!!! Whoo!!! Ha ha! (For my new address, just look under the picture on the side!!! ------------------------------------------------->>>>>>>>>
I got here last Thursday afternoon and got my new companion, Sister Harris! She's from Salt Lake, so it's cool to kind of relate to her! It was funny, she actually was friends with one of my companions from the MTC, Sister Fonua!!
So, my new area is called Anderson Mill/Cypress Creek. We cover 2 wards...I never knew that was a lot of people...but it so is!! My brain feels about ready to explode from the information overload!!!! Craziness!!
We also live at a members home! Which can always lead to interesting times...maybe! She's a lovely little lady, who I have lovingly deemed as "shorty", who is in her 50's and is single. And there aren't a whole lot of rules, which is really sweet! She asked the bishop if we could stay till after christmas, so we're staying till after christmas!!
I miss Fredericksburg to pieces, the members there were awesome! And still are!! But it's so nice to get into a new area and see new people! We're in the finding stages right now, so pray that we'll find someone and also...keep up with the writing! I love hearing from ya'll!
And a quick shout out to my little sister MORGAN!!!! She just turned 17 YEARS OLD!!!! Holy crap! I'm getting so old! Life is so fast...who would have thought you'd have to grab every moment so fast! But do it! It's so much more rewarding!
Love,
Sister Winters

2009-10-13T08:26:00.000-07:00

And I Am....

2009-10-13T07:45:00.000-07:00

Going to see a new part of the mission!!!!!
That's right ya'll! I'm gettin' transferred from F-Burg this thursday to who knows where!
I have to say it's been a lovely 6 months that I have been able to spend here and I haven't exactly loved EVERY minute of it, but that's just life!
We had a wonderful weekend! It included the baptism of a wonderful friend of mine, Laura Palmerin!! She's 21 and I will forever love that girl! It took her a while to get to this point, but she made it none-the-less and I was so happy to be able to see it!
The Lord has blessed me with many wonderful friends that I consider to be family and it will be hard to leave them! Unlike the MTC, this process is not like a band aid, you have to "sit around" for a few days until it's finally ripped! So wish me luck that I won't turn into a really BIG boob and cry this place into a flood!
I'm so glad that I'm here and that I'm serving the Lord! It's really hard to imagine where I would be otherwise!
I love and miss ya'll! I'll be sure to put my new addy up when I get it next week! But I do want to hear from you! If you're reading this, I'm already checking the mail box!!! ;)

2009-09-14T09:29:00.001-07:00

Ok, I've got 2 minutes to tell ya'll that I love ya and I wanna hear from ya!!
Write me home dawgs!!!! Goodness!!!
I'm glad everything back home is changing, sooner rather than later, I'll find out!
I hit my 6 month mark on the 8th of October!! That's nuts!! Only a year left? Thats so cruel! Life flies by so fast, how do we ever get used to it changing? Sooner than you think I'll be walking off a plane to a family that has grown a TON while I've been gone. HOLY CRAP!!
Love ya!

2009-09-07T09:40:00.000-07:00

Hey!!! Life in Fredericksburg is going swimmingly! We've got some sweet investigators lined up to get dunked in September! At least 4! We've just gotta keep teaching them and helping progress as best we can!
Its crazy how easily Satan can mislead you and get you discouraged! We had a real eye opener this past weekend about how we really need to stay focused on the work and keep our faith in the fact that our Savior will help us with any inadequacies we feel! I'm so happy to be a missionary! It's so much fun and I've experienced a lot of new things!
I love ya'll!! Adios!

I'm Staying!!!

2009-09-01T08:34:00.000-07:00

I'm staying in Fredericksburg for another 6 weeks!!!!! I'm so happy!!
I'm also more than happy to say that my sister is married!!! She looked so beautiful and I loved the pictures Mom and dad!!!
I'll let you in on more adventures later!! Right now I'm about to go climb a mound and wander through some caves!! WEEE!

Hola!!

2009-08-24T11:38:00.001-07:00

Hey ya'll!
Things are going great! We had 4 investigators at church yesterday!! It was awesome! 3 of them were a mother and her 2 oldest sons who are baptizing age!! It'll be sweet to see them get dunked!!
I might be getting transferred next week, still not positive on that fact, but just incase I do and you write that week, before I let you know yea or nay, I posted the mission office addy underneath the F-Burg address!
I hope things are great in Utah and that the wedding goes well!!! Be sure to write me and tell me how beautiful my sister will be!!!
Love ya'll!

Shout Out!

2009-08-17T11:38:00.001-07:00

I'd like to tell you all that I'm so excited for my little sister to get married!!
She's getting married in 10 days and I'm so happy for her! (And just a side to note to Griff, I'm happy for you too!)
Things in F-Burg are going! Things haven't necessarily been hott with the trio, but we're trying our hardest and that's all we can do! We've found some pretty awesome investigators we're gonna push to get to church and stuff! Of course, you can only push so much, but hopefully we can testify the crap out of em and help them feel the Spirit!
I've heard I might be getting transferred on September 3. So I'll keep you updated on that one! I don't like the idea of leaving here after a transfer like this one, but the Lord needs me to go somewhere, I will! Otherwise, I think they'd "fire" me!
It's weird to think I've been in Texas almost 4 months! My 6 month mark will be here sooner than I think! October 29th! AHH!! Time flies whether or not you're having fun, cause you're on a mission! It's such a short period of time and I know I'm gonna miss it a ton when I'm home! Next thing I know I'll be telling people that ask me, that I've been home for 5 weeks, 4 days, and 2 hours! We met a sister who was going around the stake talking with the high councilmen and that was her response! Haha! Cute, right! But I do love it! Some days may be extremely hot and I may feel like I'm literally melting on people's doorsteps, but I still love it!
Hope ya'll have fantastic week and I juat wanna let you know I miss ya!
Adios!

Hey ya'll!!

2009-07-27T11:25:00.000-07:00

Greetings from Tejas!!!
I don't have much time, but I just wanted to update ya'll on how transfers went!!
I'm staying up in F-Burg, so the address is the same, but I got 2 new companions!!
Sister Denison is from West Jordan Utah and she's been out in the field for about 10 months or so. Sister Derenthal is from Cincinnati OH and has been out for 6 months, so their both older than me!
A three-some is a hard thing to deal with at times, but I'd like to ask for your prayers that I'llbe able to develop some extra points in the patience department as well as maybe some charity! I've had a lot of training, living with 5 other girls my whole life, but it's different when you have to be with those other girls 24/7!
I hope all is well in Utah and that reunions are going well and everyone's having fun!!
I'd love to hear from ya, so keep me updated!!! ;)
Love, Sister Winters

Transfers

2009-07-21T10:51:00.001-07:00

Are this week...in 2 days in fact! Pray I get a good one!!

2009-07-13T11:56:00.000-07:00

Howdy ya'll!!
Just letting you know, transfers are next week, but I'll most definitely still be staying in F-Burg!! Sister Callahan will be leaving me though!! Pray that I get the second best companion ever!!

The Church is true,
the book is blue, and
Moroni's still on the ball!!

Love ya'll!
Sister Winters

Howdy from Tejas!!

2009-07-06T11:10:00.000-07:00

This past week was a slow one! We were able to knock tons of doors and also managed to have our noses melt off!! Haha, jk! But it felt like it!
Sadly enough, we've gotten to the point where we had to drop one of our investigators, Barrett, for a time. We're hoping when I get a new comp up here that we'll be able to get him to church and all that jazz. He pretty much know the church is true, he just doesn't want to admit it.
Even sadder news is that Kathy dumped us on sunday! We had given her these GINORMOUS scriptures so she could read, and we also found a member who turned out to match right up with her! We asked that member, Sis Powell, to pick her up on sunday, but when she came walking in with those 20lb (exageration, but they feel like it) scriptures, we knew it wasn't good. Kathy had told her that she would give us a call when she was ready to do more "bible study with the sisters." Sad day!!
But sunday wasn't too bad, I was visited by family!! Les and Faith Mecham, Grandpa Lynn's son and DIL came down to F-Burg and were able to deliver a package to me from GrammY! That was really uplifting and good! It was even more great, because after he'd borne his testimony, he pointed out the reason for their visit, which brought some great attention my way! ;) We just won't tell president about it!
This week, we're up for some more great days of finding (aka knocking on doors in the middle of the day and finding no one home) and also sister exchanges. Sister Allred and Sister Callahan are switching areas for a day so I can try out leading the area. They call them miracle exchanges, so lets hope so!
Transfers are in a couple of weeks, which means Sis. Callahan is kicking the bucket. I'm excited/nervous/stressed about having my first, second companion. It'll be a great experience for me, and I'm sure I'll handle it just great, but right now, I'm mourning the future loss of my dearest trainer! Crazy!
Anyways, there's a little update on me! For more info, please send snail mail to the address on the screen! :)
Love, Sister Winters

Update on Sista Wintas!!

2009-06-29T10:38:00.000-07:00

Howdy from the good ole' hot state of Texas!!
I'm still in F-Burg (the addy is on the side!!) and things are going! We got the chance to see my first convert, Bryan, go to the temple to do baptisms this past week and it was such an uplifting experience!! We were able to do a session before hand and got to sit in the celestial room for about 45 minutes!! Sitting there, reading from the BofM and pondering life is so great!! I've really missed being able to go to the temple as often as I did before I left, and whenever I can get to it, it's precious time and I pleasure in it!
And let me pass on a little tid bit to remember! If I ever complain about a Utah summer ever again, just remind of the buckets of sweat I had in Texas, and I'll shut my pie hole!! All the members have decided to inform me that this is the worst summer in years!! Past summers have not been this hot!!! (Of course our mission pres, Pres. Cutler, doesn't miss a beat to let us know it help builds character while we're knocking on those many doors)!!! If I keep eatting as healthy as I should, maybe I might loose weight too! (Can you tell I'm trying to find positives to this?)
Anyways, lots of excitign new things! I've got my first teaching pool assembled, but none of them are progressing at the moment, which is sad. Keep these people in your prayers, hopefully they'll continue on in their reading and prayers!:
Barrett
Kathy
Thomas
Scott & his daughter Lisa
There's our fine little pool for your viewing pleasure!!
I've loved the time we get for personal study in the mornings!! It's the best part of my day, besides knocking!!! ;) I've recently taken up Jesus The Christ by James E Talmage. So far, it's so intriguing and is also pulling me away from the BofM, so I've gotta focus on doing it last after PMG and BofM!! I don't know why I didn't read it before! It's full of awesome info on the BofM and of course, Jesus, and TONS of teachings of the prophets!! I love it and recommend it to everyone and anyone!!
Also, lovest thou me? If so, please fill my inbox!! Or mailbox, which is even better cause I get to read those letters during the week!!! Mail as a missionary is precious and I LOVE getting it!! Feel free to send me anything you wish! And if you do, you might get some cool things from Texas, maybe even a photo or 2!!! ;)
Love ya'll!!! Hope everything at home is going good and ya'll are in my prayers more often then you think!!

Sister Winters

Hey Ya'll!!!

2009-05-11T15:46:00.000-07:00

Just takin a few minutes to let ya'll know whats kickin in Tejas!!
My first week here, we knocked on many doors and talked to many people, but we had 5 definite miracles!
On the first saturday here, we went to knock on a members street. The first door we knocked on, we introduced ourselves as missionaries, and the guy said "Wanna come in? Or do ya'll wanna talk outside?!!!" Basically the Lord has been preparing him cause he's our golden investigator right now! His name is Bryan and he's about 23ish. He came to church with us this last sunday and LOVED it! We were thrilled! We're going back to teach him again tonight! Pray for him! He has a few issues that he needs to overcome, but he's gettin in the water!!
The 4 other ones were miracles as well! Clara is 95, so we need to hurry quick with her, and her reaction to the restoration pamphlet was "How come I never heard of this Joseph Smith? Is he in the bible? Where can I read about him?" We didn't get very far in the lesson because she just kept saying that and that she liked his account of the first vision! It was amazing!
Katie is 21 and a mother of a 9 month old girl! She was gonna come to church, but the minister at hers called her and got her to go there instead. :P But we'll get her!!
Jason is Bryan's friend and he was also supposed to come to church with Bryan, but we didn't get a hold of him! Geez....but we're teaching him again next week. He's a rapper and has a few local places to hit before he comes back home. He thought it was pretty cool!
Francis is a hispanic woman who we found in a trailer park that Sis Callahan (my trainer) had not hit yet! The lesson we taught her didn't go very well because we had to teach it outside (got a few good bug bites from that one), but we'll definitely get her going soon!
Their all so awesome and if we can work with a few of them, we'll hit our baptismal goal this month of 3!! Pray for them and us to work hard at it!!
Fredericksburg is an awesome area and I love it here! We don't have a lot of time, but today was p-day and we went down to San Antonio to play some games with another zone! It was pretty sweaty fun, let me tell ya! ;)
Lots of miracles have been happening and we hope they keep coming! President keeps telling us that May is the month of miracles! The first presidency has told us we can double our baptisms if we work hard at it, and our goal is 100!! We've never been able to hit it, but we got pretty close last May, 97!! Pray for us down here is Texas!!
I miss everyone! I got the chance to call home yesterday and heard all the news about Alan's wedding and the fact my little sister is going ring shopping!!! AHHH!!! I'm so excited! Home sounds like fun, but I'm having some fun too!
I'm having a great time thus far and I hope ya'll write me soon!!! Love ya!
Sista Winters!!

Howdy ya'll!!!

2009-05-04T10:00:00.000-07:00

Just thought I'd write ya and let ya know I'm doing great!!!
I landed in Texas on the 29th like the parentals told ya! I'm doing just fine and the flight
wasn't too long!
I'm currently serving in Fredericksburg TX which is a little northwest of Austin I think.
Marci would love it! There's LOTS of antique shops everywhere! It's awesome!
My trainer/companion is Sister Shyrel Callahan! She's from St George and this is her 2nd to last transfer. She's headed home in August. Fredericksburg is a fun area and I'm learning tons from my trainer and others! Plus, it's fun to actualyl teach real people, not that they weren't real in the MTC, their just definitely without the gospel and most defnitely need a message about christ!
I updated my address for everyone and I want ya'll to write me!!! I miss everyone!
XOXO
Sister Erin Winters

2009-04-18T10:32:00.000-07:00

Erin is doing great, and requesting mail PLEASE! She has an email address it is: Sis.E.Winters@myldsmail.net and she also says you can use dear elder.com to get letters to her.
She is leaving for Texas on April 29, in the morning! She is very dedicated and happy to be on her mission, and having a great experience!

2009-04-07T13:38:00.000-07:00

Less than one day people!!! I can't believe I made it!!! Now I just gotta make it that whole 18 months!!! ;)

life according to erin

back to school i go...

welcome 2012

Jude Matthew Walker

kicking my butt...

to the pursuit of happyness :)

to be grateful..

BYU Fine Arts Department presents...

date night :)

Obon Festival 2011

it all ends...

Two Days Late...

27 Years

Pinterest

In Other News...

"That Was It"

excited about life

buzz-cut sunday

"A mother is she who can take the place of all others but whose place no one else can take."- Cardinal Mermillod

"Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows"

"Wish I Could've Been There" Moment...

coworkers

2 years ago...

Joshua Radin Brand New Day

Introducing...

music to my ears

food for thought

are you angry?

Mormon Message - God's Love is Perfect

Volkswagen Commercial: The Force

13...26.2...

And on with the New Year!!

my LAST transfer

New/Last Area....

Emailing at the library...

Adventures in K-Ville!!!!

New Companion!!!

NO TRANSFER!!!....

KERRVILLE!!!!!

Getting TRANSFERRED!!!

Getting Transferred!!!

Happy Holidays!!

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Howdy Ya'll!!

NEW ADDRESS!!!!!!

And I Am....

I'm Staying!!!

Hola!!

Shout Out!

Hey ya'll!!

Transfers

Howdy from Tejas!!

Update on Sista Wintas!!

Hey Ya'll!!!

Howdy ya'll!!!