Hello followers, 

One of my friends started an Esty shop with these adorable bows and earrings too. 
They're really cute and cheap too (less than $5.00). 

Photo Copyright © Lauren Faber Photography
Photo Courtesy of: Just Buttons & Bows

Her page is currently having a contest for a free bow & earring set :)
Want to help me win?
It takes three easy steps!
1. Like her Facebook page ---> HERE
2. Write on the wall that Emma referred you,
in fact feel free to copy and paste this: 
"Hello! Just wanted to let you know that Emma Marie referred me" 
3. Check out her Facebook page, blog, or whatever else. She always has wonderful things to say, as well as wonderfully delightful bows and earrings (with discounts quite often too!)

Thanks! 

--But this is just another autobiography, examining the prosopography of me.
By: Emma Marie.

Aspire Higher
Coming Home to Him.



There is a song right now by Phillip Phillip entitled Home
Some of the lyrics say this: 

"The trouble it might drag you down, 
if you get lost you can always be found. 
Just know you're not alone" 

How grateful I am, that I know that whatever trouble drags me down, the lost can always be found, for I know that I have a loving Heavenly Father and my Savior Jesus Christ who will always come and find His lost sheep. 
We must continual seek Him. 

Today I had the opportunity to go to the Brigham City Temple Open House. 
It isn't my first temple open house, and I hope certainly that it is not my last. 
As I walked through those halls today, 
I hungered and thirsted to be able to understand, 
and at the same time had a quiet reverence for what these temples hold. 
It's not secret, it's sacred. 
And while I wandered through that soon to be sacred home, 
I knew that no matter what I would come here. 
Eternity is a long time, but if you have someone you love what would eternity be without them?
The beautiful thing is that families can be together forever. 
How sweet that knowledge is to know, that someday we will all be one eternal family. 
I know that I can be through continued obedience to my Heavenly Father 
and through sacred covenants I make with Him. 
It is, as it has always been. 
He has provided the great plan of happiness. 
And included in that plan, he has always had temples so that His children might obtain
the ordinances needed for each and everyone of us to dwell with Him again. 
So that we might obtain all the He hath. 
I can say, that without this knowledge my life would be much different. 
It was such a wonderful opportunity today, and though it was only for a short hour. 
It was worth it to watch for one hour, and to leave my foot steps among the countless others and the countless many unseen who rejoice as I do that there is yet another temple. 
That there is yet another house of the Lord we might come home too. 






--But this is just another autobiography, examining the prosopography of me.
 By: Emma Marie.

Oh, here I come life, here I come!


There really isn't anything I have to say, 
except that it's odd to just accept, 
that I am happy. 
Accepting happiness, it seems like such a strange concept. 
I just, I've always been so busy, that I was never just content. 
It's odd to think that I can just -- be still, and be happy. 
Oh be still my soul. Oh be still. 
Also, Africa applications came out! 
Gah! So many big decisions! 
Life is wonderful, oh what a joy it is! 



Life ahead, here I come whether you like it or not! 














--But this is just another autobiography, examining the prosopography of me.
By: Emma Marie.

This is....
well home
... for the next 8 months.

Well, it's not much, but this is home. 
This beautiful wonderful little room with a window, 
just east of the campus, 
with it's cinder block walls. 
I'm a little photography happy. 
I am happy though. 

Welcome Home 



--But this is just another autobiography, examining the prosopography of me.
By: Emma Marie.

No Monkey Business




If anyone else knows a twenty-three year old guy who seat belts in a monkey, please let me know.
I don't think I would trade Stephen for the world, what young man even does that?
Not even seat belts, but goes to D.I. and comes out saying,
"Look what I found! He's only a $1, we should give him a good home"
I left this little guy in the car, so Stephen seat belted him in, to keep him safe. 
So welcome little guy.
Anyone have name suggestions?
Now accepting names.
He has a home, he's gotta have a name.



--But this is just another autobiography, examining the prosopography of me.
 By: Emma Marie.

National Geographic Dreamer




I ask myself somedays why I don't spend hours with a camera, because it has always been my first love. Do you think that National Geographic would hire a twenty-two year old Anthropologist? One can dream, these creatures are simply breathtaking. I hope you enjoy them as much I do.  Comments are appreciated.











--But this is just another autobiography, examining the prosopography of me.
By: Emma Marie.

It finally happened
I'm HERE


So, it finally happened, that big moment! 
Hello Gates Hall, how are you doing today? 
I have these lovely little residents moving in and I couldn't be more excited. 
Did I mention that I am excited? 
I just sit in awe at how grateful I am to be here. 
So it's finally here! 
It came! 


--But this is just another autobiography, examining the prosopography of me.
By: Emma Marie.

Velcro.


It's 12:15, 12:20 according to my computer clock, 
which I did not, until recently, discover was set five minutes fast. 
Thanks memory, that was a good thing to forget. 
I believe that 12:15 calls for honesty especially when I have to work in less than eight hours. 


I am terrified about being velcro. 



I'm terrified that I found the kind of love that everyone talks about. 
The kind of love where you laugh together at the silly things, 
where please and thank you matter. 
And where your heart is worried because you wondering if they'll be safe driving your car out to a ward camp out in the middle of no where Payson. 
The person that you have tickle fights with and laugh, 
and cry because you realize you are so happy, 
 that all you want to do is whisper how much you love them. 
That for once in your life, 
you've found someone who reminds you that there is a certain happy in the world, 
a happiness that is silly and ridiculous and blissful. 
That you keep just falling in love with them every day, 
not all at once, 
and certainly not completely quite yet. 
It's a like velcro, 
both sides are different, 
but every day is reminder that life is better when you have each other, 
to hold onto, 
to be stuck too. 
And well, 
it's just all so confusing, 
and well I'm terrified. 
Because frankly, because I've never really been velcro. 
I've always been a shoelace, tied together, but not enough where it couldn't be undone without to much pain or effort. 

This velcro thing....it's scares me. 

12:29 - it calls for bedtime.
12:34 computer time.  



--But this is just another autobiography, examining the prosopography of me.
 By: Emma Marie.

Finished!
And OH, I'm getting so excited!


I know it's a box, 
with grey and white lines, 
and some words or so. 
But you know what those highlighted blue ones mean?!?

......it means I've completed all the summer assignments, 
for
BEING AN R.A.

I am so excited for this, I look forward to those seventy-three girls coming my way, 
in just over a month. 
The countdown is coming, 
it's coming with fishing line. 
It comes with tags. 
It's coming with tissues paper, 
boxes and bags. 
And I'm puzzled, and I'm puzzled,
and tickled blue too!
My RA homework is finished, 
and I'm so excited for you....well....erm, them. 
So, tomorrow begins another ten-hour shift at Vivint, but you see there is so, so so, 
SO, very much more to look forward too. 



--But this is just another autobiography, examining the prosopography of me.
By: Emma Marie.

Buddy the Elf,
Says it Best!


This guy makes everything about life wonderful. 
Not to say that I hate life or anything, I love a lot about it. 
There are just some things, well let's say that I don't appreciate as much as I should. 
So what he does is he takes all those under appreciated things of mine, and makes them better. 
For instance expressions, or elbows, or exercise.
And well just Emma, he makes me better.
And maybe all my bloggers out there are getting sick of my silly posts about Stephen.
But, right now that's all there is.
Is Stephen and Summer and....well Account Creation (yay Vivint!)
But,
really,
I guess it comes down to this,
as Buddy the Elf said it best,
"I'm in love! I'm in love! And I don't care who knows it"


--But this is just another autobiography, examining the prosopography of me.
By: Emma Marie.

.....Sometimes I Remember Why.

After taking my cold hand in his hands, 
(ice cream does that to a girl you know)
While he cradles my hand in one he taks the other and wraps his little finger around mine. 
It's his way of saying, I promise to love you as long as you love me. 
It's why I love holding his hand so much. 
And I remember why I love him. 


--But this is just another autobiography, examining the prosopography of me.
By: Emma Marie.

Outsider

Inside, it is unknown. 
Most days I feel like an outsider in my own skin. 
Alienated from my own life.
Learning so much, that all of this seems so strange and unfamiliar. 
My body spends so much time trying to wake itself up, reality seems far away. 
......I'm waiting for it just, check.


I keep hoping for that reality check. 


I think it's about admitting to myself that, 
"it is okay to feel how I feel, it is okay to just move forward"

I think it's all I've ever wanted was to be an insider. 

I want to wake up to reality and find out that it is okay to be a kid, to have adventures, to take fun pictures with a group of crazy girls, to do something outside of my comfort, to laugh and not be afraid or forced to laugh, to not have to grow up to fast, to be a young soul, to wake up and just take my own way, not having to report to anyone because I feel like I have to do so, 
to not feel like I am pretending to exist in this life of mine. 

I think I am living someone else's dream. 





--But this is just another autobiography, examining the prosopography of me.
By: Emma Marie.

Wants & Needs

I want to get lost in an airport and be all alone. 
I want to fly to a different country, sleep in a tent and wake up to an African sunrise. 
I want to raft down a river with a people I don't know and not have to belong. 
I want to take a road trip with my best friend. 
I want to live a life and not have to worry about all that I left behind. 
I want to be a free spirit, blowing wild and free. 


The fact of the matter is what I want, is probably not what He wants. 
It's a tough thing taking your life, all your wants, or dreams and just sort of handing them over.  
I won't tell you it isn't hard. 
I will tell you it's worth it. 

Today the question was asked, 
"Have you considered giving up Africa?"

My heart got all fluttery, my eyes started to water, and of all the things I didn't know if I could give up that. 


--But this is just another autobiography, examining the prosopography of me.
By: Emma Marie.

We're Not Cheerleaders.
But These are Pom-Poms


So I'm doing this thing next semester - it's called being an RA. 
Yippee! I couldn't be more excited! 
I look forward to meeting those seventy-three girls, pretty much every day. 
On the other hand I get to spend all summer preparing for it, 
which at times is stressful. 
So these little babies are a decoration demo, 
so if you come and visit me in the fall you may find a few of these. 
BECAUSE THEY PASSED
and they are incredibly easy to make. 
Total cost of one of these babies: $1.08. 
Wanna learn how to make them yourself? 


--But this is just another autobiography, examining the prosopography of me.
 By: Emma Marie.

Mind the Gap

"Mind the Gap"
It's a phrase used on trains when crossing from one train car to another. 
When I look back over the past year of my life, I think I forgot about the gap. 
I was going from one point in my life to another, 
with the high speed commotion of everyone else's life happening around me. 
When I realized that gap was there, that I was standing on the middle connectors of the train car wibbling and wobboling around trying to figure heads or tails of which way I was going. 
After one crazy first year of college, sorting out family issues, and finally being "official" 
(I don't really understand this official thing, do I need a license to date someone or something? It's just a decision you make together)

Well, 
I am now 
HERE in life. 

Yes, I remember it's there, but it doesn't bother me as much.
.....and I don't really mind the gap anymore. 






--But this is just another autobiography, examining the prosopography of me.
By: Emma Marie.

Erm, I forgot about this for a little while. Oops.


I took a five week hiatus, but I'm back now. 
I can't exactly explain those five weeks - so I guess I'll just do it in photographs. 
They say a picture is worth a thousand words, and those words are all I have right now. 
.....



--But this is just another autobiography, examining the prosopography of me.
By: Emma Marie.

Thinking About A Future Family

After watching General Conference, having my favorite scripture quoted twice in that conference and after reading in Ether this morning it solidified my thoughts on family. I want one. There was a time in my life where I was set out to be a cat lady. After learning more about my divine potential as a daughter of God, I thought about this family. General Conference had a lot of talks about teaching your families well, I am hoping that someday when Heavenly Father trusts me with his own little spirits that I may teach them well. On that note, yesterday afternoon I made this, (after being inspired by some Pinterest quotes as well). This is based upon the things from the The Family: A Proclamation to the World that successful marriages and families are based upon. It has also taken a few things that I love and think make my own life beautiful. What better a life than to have one that is based upon gospel principles? I cannot wait to have my own little family, that I may have the opportunity to teach many about this gospel that I love with all of my heart. That without fail my Savior has not let me walk in this life alone. And, at least I can say thank you by raising a family in truth and righteousness. 
So, that is just a few short thoughts on families, hope you enjoy! 





--But this is just another autobiography, examining the prosopography of me. 
By: Emma Marie.

Happy Hat



$7 Wal-Mart hats keep me entertained. 
I can't wait until summer when I can take lots of photos. 
Anybody up for an adventure?
Summer come sooner please. 

--But this is just another autobiography, examining the prosopography of me.
By: Emma Marie.

Temple Hopping on Snowstorm Sundays

Instructions: Press Play, then Read Post. 


There was this one time there was this crazy snow storm....on a Sunday. 
Well, the snowstorm wasn't that crazy at all. 
But the idea came after I had hunted down our kitchen table that went missing from the elevator. 
...just in case you were wondering our table ended up in the basement, because some cute girls in my ward and my wonderful roommate were having a tea party in it. 

Anyway, after that random adventure I thought, what could be more fun than temple hopping.
I am from Utah County, and there are so many temples within like an hours drive of me. 
Idea for summer: drive and do baptisms for all these temples in one day. 
Could I do it? I think I could. 
And then take some beautiful pictures? Yup, deal!

So I went temple hopping with my best friend, it kinda felt like a mini-adventure. 
I mean really, it was SO much fun. 
Driving around talking about the gospel. 
So we made it to four temples, Provo isn't pictured 
and by the time we got to the Oquirrh Mountain Temple is was much too snowy,
and I had to be back for a wonderful stake Relief Society fireside. 
(Am I really old enough to be going to Relief Society? Hmmm....)
 
So I took some lovely pictures of The House of the Lord. 
I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. 
This is my religion, my rock, and the thing the keeps me smiling even on the bad days. 
It is a gospel of hope, salvation, something greater than just this life. 
Have questions? Comment or visit lds.org or mormon.org to learn more.
As course as always enjoy the photos....

























--But this is just another autobiography, examining the prosopography of me.
By: Emma Marie.

More Than Words.

Do you ever have those moments where your words mean nothing but your expression says it all?Think about the power of human connection, reading the faint smile lines or the pain in someone's eyes. In today's society I feel like we lose that, we lose that style that elegant way of communicating with another human being and are left with simply letters on a screen to say things such as: I love you or I miss you. When the way I look at you is simply enough for me to say it. Communication, it's more than just words.  
--But this is just another autobiography, examining the prosopography of me. 
By: Emma Marie.

It's 3:37am.  
In the silence of being lost in the deepest things.
This is the place I don't feel alone. 
This is the place I call home. 
I was tired, my soul warn down. 
I am fighting a battle, 
one within the confines of my own self. 
Sleep is simply restlessness. 
And though my eyes grow weary, 
I finally feel awake.  
It's 3:41am,
the sheets are a vacant. 
I am not alone. 
Left with my own photos. 
Time passes slowly when you're in love.




--But this is just another autobiography, examining the prosopography of me.
 By: Emma Marie.

When it all comes down to it.....




--But this is just another autobiography, examining the prosopography of me.
By: Emma Marie.

Life Gets Kinda Boring....

I have a confession to make. 
I feel like no one comments anymore and have determined well then, 
I must write what the readers want to read! 
Yes, this is what I have come too :) 
So take my survey? Tell me what you'd like to see! 




I know, easy, right?
Perfect. 

Thank you! 

--But this is just another autobiography, examining the prosopography of me.
By: Emma Marie.

It's a Bit Hairy

I like sock buns yes I do. 
I like sock buns, how about you?
Seriously, this is the best kept secret. How did I miss this all of my life?
Roll your hair around a sock! Genius! Hello new use for my old socks. 
So I'm enjoying life at home, with my sock bun and my winter wonderland. 
That's all for now. 
Thank you Pinterest :) 



--But this is just another autobiography, examining the prosopography of me.
By: Emma Marie.


Today I want to write about a place that is very special to me; the House of the Lord, the Temple. These past few weeks I have had the incredibly opportunity of attending temple prep in my YSA ward. It has been such a marvelous blessing in my life to be able to learn more about the temple. Truly, I think of my own family that was sealed here for time and all eternity. I would like to say this simply, my gratitude for this house, and for the moments I have the opportunity to be a little bit closer to my heavenly home, with my Father. Truly, do not let anything keep you from it, for it is a place of peace, of comfort, of answers, of a happiness within you that no other place can bring. 

And as I think about how blessed I am to be have the restored gospel and the truth in my life, to live in a city that will soon have two temples within walking distance from wherever I am. That in other places, they must hours, days, some even traveling by weeks to go once. And as I think of this, I think, why not help them to have an eternity with their families?

This month I was reading in the Ensign and came across a short blurb about President Monson's talk entitled "As We Meet Again" it talks about The General Temple Patron Assistance Fund. As it says in the talk, "This fund provides a one-time visit to the temple for those who otherwise would not be able to go the temple and yet who long desperately for that opportunity. Any who might wish to contribute to this fund can simply write in the information on the normal contribution slip which is given to the bishop each month." I thought what an amazing opportunity it would be to be able to help someone have the opportunity to be with their family for time and all eternity. 

I just wanted to leave this with you, and my testimony of how amazing the temple is, and what a blessing it has been in my life. If you want to find out more about LDS temples, visit this website, if you want to learn more about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints visit this website.


--But this is just another autobiography, examining the prosopography of me.
By: Emma Marie.

ABC + some D's.

All alone in my apartment
Baking sounds good
Can't help but make a mess with
Doughnuts!


It's really easy, 
heat oil, pop open pre-made biscuits, roll into balls, cover in sugar, use lid of oil to make holes, put in pan for 30-45 secs, flip and ta-da you're done
....and they're delicious! 

That's all




--But this is just another autobiography, examining the prosopography of me.
By: Emma Marie.

Cook It, Stroganoff It, "Y" Not?

Remember this Post? <--- yup, click that link. 
About cooking and tucking and wonderful things...
                                                            .......well I tried that cooking thing again. 
Well that's a lie, I have been doing it every Tuesday (umm, Thursday now?)
with my Dinner Group! Yippee! 








But tonight, 
 I tried Beef Stroganoff 
<--- this recipe
As many of you know, I think I can't cook, but I can. So tonight I made my first stroganoff....
(enlarge if you would like to try, oh and add a little bit of basil leave & garlic salt it makes it better) 










So, are you ready?
Because I am. 
I got all of my ingredients together. 
La-de-da-de-dum. 
Yup, there it is all on the counter. 
Just so you know the recipe lies, it doesn't take 30 minutes, it takes 45 minutes just if you're ever decide to do this yourself. 
Oh and yes, that is my lovely new apartment in the background, 
and roses too. 









I cut up my first onion, 
hello yellow onion why aren't you pretty. 
I kind of want to slap myself in the face, 
I'll be nineteen in two weeks and I've never cut up and onion by myself? 
What is this ridiculousness. 
But look at it, it's pretty and I got it into reasonably sized slices, not to shabby wouldn't you say?







Step 1
Add cooked ground beef, start water on stove, add in cans of mushrooms and chopped onions. 
Stir lightly. 
And ta-da you get this little loveliness. 















Step 2:
Put beef brother, light sour cream and Miracle Whip (Mayo) into bowl lightly mix then add to ground beef/veggie mix. Start noodles. 

I think it's supposed to be less soupy than that. 
Erm, my bad. I think round two of this stroganoff stuff will be less like soup more like gravy. 
I have yet to master this thickness thing either. 




Step 3
End up with oodles and oodles of noodles. 
What in the world am I going to do with all of these?
Erm....hello noodles, how are you doing today?
Best thing ever of having lots of noodles you ask?
Being able to say it again, 
I have oodles and oodles of noodles! 







Step 4
Prepare table, set-up all your food, and enjoy! 

In the end: Oodles of Noodles, Fruit Cocktail, Steamed Vegtables, Spinach Salad, Cranberry Juice 
and Beef Stroganoff. 


What are people saying about my dinner?

"Soo goood....I would give it a solid eight. (a few bites later), nope going to have to change that to a nine."
-Chelsie, roommate 

"You passed, are you sure this is your first time?"
-Haley, dinner group member 

"Mmmmmm....and that's all I have to say." 
-Sarah, dinner group member






And after the dishes are done, and that table wiped down.
All the food put away, and your tummy all full with a smile not a frown
all that's left to say is well folks that's it :)
 -- another cooking adventure, and I think "Y" can't I cook?

(just a bit of added cheese)
With love,

Emma 

p.s. Now all I'll need is an apron, and it might be official that I am a good cook after all, 
as Chef Gusteau would say "anyone can cook!" 

--But this is just another autobiography, examining the prosopography of me.
By: Emma Marie.

A Few of My Favorite Things
Valentine's Day Edition








Name tags on roses and messages hidden 
Gorgeous black dresses and kisses forbidden
White frosted cupcakes with fake plastic rings
These are a few of my favorite Valentine's things




















Los Hermanos burritos and carmel fried ice cream
Putting Littles to bed to have sweet dreams, not so frightening 
Spending the night like a Princess among queens and kings
These are a few of my favorite Valentine's things 














Nerf gun fights with whistling black darts
Watching a movie
 and falling asleep with my sweetheart
At Toys 'R Us pretending 
to be airplanes with wings
These are a few of my favorite Valentine's things 











When the homework bites
When the tests sting
When I'm feeling sad
I simply remember my favorite Valentine's things
And then I don't feel so bad








Pretty much the cutest date I have ever been on, and even though things didn't go according to plan and we ended up babysitting my nephews for two hours in the middle of the date, I couldn't have asked for anything better. So thank you for the wonderful date Stephen! You are the sweetest. 
Oh and for all of you who would like to read a little about him or what he thinks on life. 
His blog is here ---> Click Me

Hope everyone had a Happy Valentine's Day! 
Remember you are loved, especially by me :) 





--But this is just another autobiography, examining the prosopography of me. 
By: Emma Marie.

Just for You, In Writing


For the rest of the world, 
it's just for a Valentine's Day Scavenger Hunt.

Just a hint:
Read the photo message to find what you're looking for.
Think of where you would look to find out the requirements,
think about cheese and crackers #1

--But this is just another autobiography, examining the prosopography of me.
 By: Emma Marie.

Out of Words to Say It


Well February 13th has been a good day, 
shall we see what Valentine's Day actually brings? 
That sweet boy said -- 
"To all the wonderful roommates of Emma. 
It wouldn't be fair if she had all the fun this Valentine's Day, 
 so enjoy a cookie or two and a rose for each of you. 
You all are loved. 
Thanks for letting me spoil her." 

......my next question, what is happening tomorrow? 





--But this is just another autobiography, examining the prosopography of me.
By: Emma Marie.

FHE Family


My FHE Family is probably the best thing ever. 
Just so you know.......want to watch something even better?
Watch it & then you'll understand the tights. 
Oh and you'll get a cute smile out of it too :) 
With love, 
Emma 

--But this is just another autobiography, examining the prosopography of me.
By: Emma Marie.

...Hello Old Friend & Love




Sometimes I'm just a dummy and should have done what I loved truly in the first place. 
Hello, pre-photo major & anthropology as a double major. 
Don't look at me like I'm crazy, 
I have to have something to do with all of my free time.


Right? Right?
Maybe you disagree. 
Okay, here is the plan - switch. 
If I don't get into the photography major just go full on Medical Anthropology, 
or Religious Anthropology? Or both?
If I do get in, Huzzah!
Then on to graduate school where I shall get a Masters Degree in 
Master of Art, Anthropology (Museum Director? I could see it) 
or....Masters of Anthropology and Health Administrative Services.

-pause to look at all the education-

And in the end, 
I'll probably just end up being a full-time mommy telling my kiddos how smart they are. 
I look at it this way, 
someday I'm being a God, I'm going to have to learn it all sometime. 
And I'm super duper uber excited!
Hello, Photography my love - how are you?
.....it's kind of like Harry Potter greeted death, 
Hello Old Friend and Love. 

--But this is just another autobiography, examining the prosopography of me.
By: Emma Marie.

Best Friends Don't Let Best Friends Have Awkward Moments Alone

There are days in your life when you just need a best friend to be there. 
Can I just say that the best friend for me has been Mike. 
It's weird when you find out that your best friend has just gone and grown up on you. 
Writing blogs, going to college, living on their own.
 I don't know when he was allowed to grow up,
 but I guess we all do it at some point or another in our lives. 
It's rather enjoyable to have fun moments like these those. 
As for growing up, you can read about his adventures on his blog. 
It's pretty much the coolest thing since sliced bread....so go visit it?? 

Don't get confused though, our blogs are not the same, and neither are we,.
Now that would just be awkward wouldn't it?
For your viewing enjoyment use this cool webcam: Just another fun thing



--But this is just another autobiography, examining the prosopography of me.
By: Emma Marie.