Resolutions 2014

Well hello my friends and followers!  Here we are again at the beginning of a new year.  (I don't believe I've posted at all within the last calendar year, and for that I apologize.  However, I do not apologize if I do not post much this coming year, I plan to be very busy as you will see by my many 2014 New Year Resolutions.

This year I want to do the very best I can to increase my testimony, improve my health, expand my mind, and enjoy life's little moments.  In order to do so here are my dreams, my goals, and my plans for the upcoming year.  Perhaps I will continue blogging to keep my readers updated and share how I am or how I'm not staying on track.

Spiritual Progression - Increase Testimony

1. Serve others by offering Random Acts of Kindness to people who need to just know they are of worth and that they are loved.
2. Get 100% on my Visiting Teaching report.  Make sure the girls in my care know that someone is watching out for them.
3. Study, not just read, the Book of Mormon everyday and make notes
4. Visit the temple weekly and do family history work
5. Continue to be strengthened in resisting temptations and evil

Physical Progression - Improve Health

1. Run!  Improve stamina by adding either time or distance to daily running (prepare to run at least 2 half marathons this year)
2. Eat more fruits/veggies and try things that I've not prepared before
3. Prepare weekly menus (meals and snacks), stick to them, and don't eat after 8 pm.
4. No cheap junk food (Anything unhealthy that I consume must be a novelty and something that is not readily available.  Homemade sweets and nicer restaurants are okay in small quantities, but limit "off the shelf" candy/sweets and fast food.)

Educational Progression - Expand Mind

1. Get back on track in school (starting Spring Semester)
2. Read for pleasure instead of wasting time online, and watching TV
3. Take a course to get a concealed weapons permit

Just Have Fun! - Enjoy Life's Little Moments

1. Spend more time with family
2. Don't stress small things - with God's help, everything will fall into place
3. Try something new - learn to paint, play the piano or ukulele, etc.
4. Participate in activities that are more physical and explore nature - sledding, skating, hiking, bike rides, rock climbing, etc.  The sky is the limit!

Well, I hope that I can accomplish great things this year, and I also hope that I may have inspired you, my reader, to live life to the fullest and set your own goals.

Good luck, have a very happy new year and enjoy a new you!

A Summer Storm

Why, when it rains, do we sit and listen?  Why do we put everything on hold and just watch as it comes pouring from the sky?  What brings us to a standstill?  What is so moving about the crash of thunder and the smell of the wet dust in the air?

Rain doesn't just bring moisture to the earth; it brings memories to our hearts and minds.  Rain washes away all thoughts and cares from our busy lives.  Rain leaves us feeling most vulnerable, brings out all heartache, but gives us the most beautiful reminder of the past and thought of the future.  It's in the middle of a summer storm that we think of what we hold most dear.

I've heard rain called "tears from heaven".  I don't believe it.  I believe rain is made of memories.  As the lightning strikes and the raindrops fall we think about past rainstorms.  We think about that first kiss in the rain, puddle jumping when we were young, running around like children.  We may be reminded of another particular rainstorm from years past.

No matter what it reminds you of specifically, a rainstorm will always stir memories.  I love rain.  I love sitting on the balcony thinking about past, present, and future.  I ponder life - where it has led, and where it will go from here.  I think about love - how I've lived in the past so alone, and how I know I'll never be alone again because I've found true love.  I think about how I can cultivate that love and do little things to make it grow.  I write love letters.  I put together ideas of little gifts I want to send to him.  I think about our future family and about the adventures we will take together.  I think about all the little things I'll do to make sure my family stays together, of all the things I'll do to show my children how much they are loved.

Rain - memories are brought to your mind, you ponder life and love, and you continue to think about the future.  I love rain.

My 22-month goal

Well, we're almost 2-months down!!  I honestly can't believe how fast time is flying by.  So I've come up with another great way to help the time fly by so quickly.  This is something I've thought about for a long time, but have never actually written or made a list for, but now feels like the time is right.

In the next 22 months while Jonathan continues to serve the Lord, I'm going to do something much less productive.  (Okay, I'll be doing other productive things, but this goal is NOT one of those things!)  I, Charity Perry, will watch every Disney movie (in no particular order) that I have deemed "classic".  You have to understand that my definition of classic and the world's definition differ enormously.  There may be movies on here that you've never heard of.  There may not be some (recent) movies that I have eliminated because I think they are really lame and do not consider classic.

So let's begin at the beginning!


1. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
2. Pinocchio
3. Fantasia
4. The Reluctant Dragon
5. Dumbo
6. Bambi
7. Saludos Amigos - I don't think I've actually seen this one yet.
8. Victory Through Air Power (War propaganda movie - really excited for this one too!)
9. The Three Caballeros
10. Make Mine Music
11. Song of the South - Oh my heck, I love this one.
12. Fun and Fancy Free
13. Melody Time
14. So Dear to My Heart
15. The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad (For Halloween)
16. Cinderella
17. Treasure Island
18. Alice in Wonderland
19. Peter Pan
20. 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea
21. Davy Crockett, King of the Wild Frontier
22. Lady and the Tramp
23. Old Yeller
24. Sleeping Beauty
25. The Shaggy Dog
26. Darby O’Gill and the Little People
27. Third Man on the Mountain
28. Toby Tyler
29. Pollyanna
30. Swiss Family Robinson
31. 101 Dalmatians
32. The Absent-Minded Professor
33. The Parent Trap
34. Babes in Toyland (Christmas)
35. Moon Pilot (I'm intrigued by this one...)
36. Bon Voyage (I really, really want to see this!)
37. Son of Flubber
38. Summer Magic
39. The Sword in the Stone
40. The Misadventures of Merlin Jones
41. The Moon-Spinners
42. Mary Poppins
43. The Monkey’s Uncle
44. That Darn Cat
45. The Ugly Dachshund
46. Lt. Robin Crusoe U.S.N. (I had no idea that this one was made during Walt Disney's lifetime!)
47. Follow Me, Boys!
48. The Happiest Millionaire
49. The Jungle Book (Walt's last animated movie)
50. Blackbeard’s Ghost
51. The Love Bug
52. The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes
53. The Boatniks
54. The Aristocats
55. The Barefoot Executive
56. The Million Dollar Duck
57. Bedknobs and Broomsticks
58. Now You See Him, Now You Don’t
59. Charley and the Angel
60. Robin Hood
61. Herbie Rides Again
62. The Strongest Man in the World
63. Escape to Witch Mountain
64. The Apple Dumpling Gang
65. The Best of Walt Disney’s True-Life Adventures (I wonder what this is??)
66. No Deposit, No Return
67. Gus
68. The Shaggy D.A.
69. Freaky Friday
70. The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
71. The Rescuers
72. Herbie Goes to Monte Carlo
73. Pete’s Dragon
74. Candleshoe
75. Return FromWitch Mountain
76. The Cat From Outer Space
77. The North Avenue Irregulars
78. The Apple Dumpling Gang Rides Again
79. Herbie Goes Bananas
80. The Fox and the Hound
81. The Watcher in the Woods (I've never seen this, but Corinne LOVES it - excited to see it!)
82. Something Wicked This Way Comes
83. The Black Cauldron
84. One Magic Christmas
85. The Great Mouse Detective
86. Oliver & Company
87. Honey, I Shrunk the Kids
88. The Little Mermaid
89. DuckTales: the Movie, Treasure of the Lost Lamp
90. The Rescuers Down Under
91. Beauty and the Beast
92. Newsies
93. Honey, I Blew Up the Kid
94. Aladdin
95. The Muppet Christmas Carol
96. Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey
97. Hocus Pocus
98. Cool Runnings
99. Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas
100. The Lion King
101. Angels in the Outfield
102. The Santa Clause
103. Man of the House
104. A Goofy Movie
105. Pocahontas
106. Operation Dumbo Drop
107. A Kid in King Arthur’s Court (I love this one!)
108. The Big Green
109. Toy Story
110. Tom and Huck
111. Muppet Treasure Island
112. Homeward Bound II: Lost in San Francisco
113. The Hunchback of Notre Dame
114. 101 Dalmatians (Live)
115. That Darn Cat (Sometimes remakes are good)
116. Jungle 2 Jungle
117. Hercules
118. George of the Jungle
119. Air Bud
120. Rocket Man
121. Flubber
122. Mulan
123. The Parent Trap
124. A Bug’s Life
125. Tarzan
126. Inspector Gadget
127. The Hand Behind the Mouse: The Ub Iwerks Story (This sounds stupendous!)
128. Toy Story 2
129. Fantasia 2000
130. Remember the Titans
131. The Emperor’s New Groove 
132. The Princess Diaries
133. Monsters, Inc.
134. Lilo & Stitch
135. Santa Clause 2
136. Treasure Planet (Definitely don't consider this a classic, but I want to see it.)
137. Holes
138. Finding Nemo
139. Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl
140. Freaky Friday
141. Brother Bear (Again, not a classic, but worth watching)
142. The Haunted Mansion
143. The Princess Diaries 2
144. The Incredibles
145. National Treasure
146. The Greatest Game Ever Played
147. The Shaggy Dog
148. Cars
149. Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest
150. Bridge to Terabithia
151. Meet the Robinsons
152. Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End
153. Ratatouille
154. Enchanted
155. National Treasure: Book of Secrets
156. WALL•E
157. Bedtime Stories
158. The Boys: The Sherman Brothers’ Story (I love them.)
159. Up
160. Walt & El Grupo
161. The Princess and the Frog
162. Alice in Wonderland
163. Waking Sleeping Beauty
164. Toy Story 3
165. Tangled
166. Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides
167. Cars 2
168. Winnie the Pooh
169. The Muppets (Not my favorite, but I need to give it a second chance)
170. Marvel’s The Avengers
171. Brave
172. (Out of order, but thanks to Krystal, I had to add it!)  The Flights of Donegal
173. The Original Genuine Family Band

Plus any new movies that come out that I deem worthy for the list!!

Don't get me wrong, I've seen most of these already... I just want to watch them all again within 22 months.

A Christmas Phone Call

My missionary, Elder Jonathan Telford, got to call home using Skype on Christmas Day!

Christmas Eve I spoke with my parents, telling them that I was planning to go when he called and that I needed to be from Salt Lake City to Springville at 10:30 am.  My parents were very supportive of me, so they allowed us to wake up at 6:45 Christmas morning to open presents, have breakfast, and enjoy our time together as a family.

Oh Christmas morning was amazing!  I got some fantastic gifts - some expected, some complete surprises!  We sat around the Christmas tree next to the fire's glow.  We made a lovely wrapping paper mess and enjoyed each other's company as well as watching each face light up with pure delight at our Christmas surprises.

When the opening was finished we sat down together for a traditional delicious Christmas breakfast.  We had homemade waffles, sausage, and eggnog.  (It may not be the most healthy, but we can get away with it once a year!)  Over breakfast we laughed and talked and laughed some more.  After eating I hopped in to take a quick shower, fix my hair and make up, load up my car with grand presents I received and booked it down I-15 south to Springville.  Though I didn't need to be there before 10:30, I rushed and made it by 10:15 easily!

There the Telford family waited for the call.  As one of ten children, it was a blast to see everyone gather there to open presents together.  Under the tree there were dozens of gifts (some even had MY name on it!) to pass out once everyone had arrived.  As we were waiting for Jonathan to call and the rest of the family to arrive, Jonathan's sister Lara called on Skype so her family could join in the fun also.  It was a lot of fun getting to talk to her and the rest of her family, but I was getting anxious.

About 10:45 the rest of the Telford clan that lives nearby arrived and we all traipsed upstairs to unveil Hannah's Christmas present.  Her siblings had painted her bedroom, added some shelves, and a bit of other decor.  Holy cow it was so incredibly sweet of the family; Hannah really deserved this beautiful gift.  Then we proceeded downstairs once again to gather around the tree.

We passed out gifts, everyone got to open something.  I was so blessed to be thought of by pretty much each member of the family.  I truly am so grateful to have their love and support and I love to call them family of my own.

Finally the moment came - Jonathan called us on Skype around 11:15 or so and we got to see and hear him!  I could hardly contain my excitement and I sat up next to the computer for the entire hour just watching him and listening to his voice.  Boy, I miss him!  Hannah pulled out a Christmas present to me from him and I got to see his expression when I unwrapped it.  Out of the box fell a sweatshirt that I've had my eye on for months!  He knew the perfect gift and I am soooo grateful that he's been so amazing and watchful.

We continued talking about his missionary experiences so far in Colorado.  His parents both sat with me and the four of us had a great conversation.  I almost feel guilty for hogging him so much, particularly since in the mission rules they're only supposed to call family ... but I will be family someday... :)

When it finally came time to say goodbye it was bittersweet for me and tears clouded my vision, but did not fall.  He hung up and his brother sort of squeezed my shoulder to say, "We're all here for you."  His sisters gave me hugs, and I just felt so loved.

I'm so grateful to have found not just an amazing man, but also an amazing family.  They're all so supportive of his mission, and of me as I support him as well.  I love the Telford family and I can't wait to officially become part of it.

See you in Two Years!

Whew, it's been a while since I've updated my blog!  I apologize for that, but at the same time... I've been so busy with life that I just haven't had time and I DON'T apologize for that. :)

2 1/2 weeks ago my best friend and love of my life entered the Missionary Training Center in Provo, UT to prepare to serve the Lord for 2 years though an LDS mission.  Although I know I will miss him immensely, I know that this is the right and best thing for both of us.  Sure, a lot could happen in two years.  We will both do a lot of growing, but I'm going to wait for him.  I've never wanted anything more in my entire life, and I know that someday we'll end up together.

Yesterday I got a very unexpected phone call.

I was on my lunch break from work and I had just dropped off a parcel to be sent to him at the MTC before he leaves on Monday for Brisbane, Australia.  I was sitting in the drive thru at JCW's and my phone started ringing from a number I didn't recognize.  The conversation went something like this:

Me:  Hello?
Other end:  Charity??
Me: Yes!  (I knew I recognized the voice... but was a little hesitant to believe it.)
Other end:  This is Jonathan.
Me:  [JAW DROPS!]  Wait, what?  Are you okay?
Jonathan:  Ya, sorry I need to be quick - do you have a pen and paper?
Me:  [Frantically searching through the glove box] Ah, give me a second.  What's up?  Why are you calling? Are you at the airport today instead??
Jonathan:  No, there was some trouble with my Visa; apparently some forms got changed recently and I have to fill out some more stuff.  This happened with at least 4 other guys I know... maybe 8?  Anyway, I'm going to be in Colorado Springs, Colorado for my first transfer for 6 weeks.
Me: What??  6 weeks?
Jonathan:  Ya, at least.
Me:  Are you supposed to be calling me?  Are you okay?
Jonathan:  Well I tried calling Mom, but she didn't answer.  I needed to tell someone so the family would know that I'll be in Colorado, but that's all I know.
Me:  You don't know your address yet?  ... Are you still calling on Monday?
Jonathan:  My flight leaves at 6:00 AM, so there won't be time to call.
Me: Is it because you don't want to call so early, because... if you're allowed I get up early anyway...
Jonathan:  No, I don't think that they give us time when it's that early.  But when I do fly to Australia I'll be able to call again then.
Me:  [Starting to tear up a little...] Oh okay.
Jonathan:  I love you.
Me:  [Slightly sobbing] I-I love you too....Don't worry about me, I'm not really crying.  But I do love you.
Jonathan:  I love you too, more than words can even say.  I'll see you soon.
Me:  See you soon, I promise.
Jonathan:  Okay, I love you, bye.

Wow.  So he'll be in Colorado until January 28 (at least).  Hopefully in that time the Visa clearance comes through. It should, since they approved him before the paperwork change, right??
Well, his real Christmas care package is already waiting for him in Australia - hopefully they'll hold onto it until he finally arrives.

Life is crazy.  I do believe that there is a specific reason why this happened.  There's a reason he's going to Colorado.  Maybe there's someone there that needs to meet him.  Maybe Australia isn't ready for that much awesomeness.  ;)  Only God knows why, and I'm already trusting his judgement so much - it's just time to put even more faith in His timing.

All I know is that I love my missionary whether he's in Provo, Colorado Springs, or Brisbane.  :)

Where is Elder Telford going?

Alright followers, I apologize for the hiatus I've taken for a while, but life's been pretty hectic busy!!  Here's what's new.  Elder Jonathan Levi Telford got his mission call!  Now before I tell the story, I want you to take a guess.  Where do you think he's going?!

Okay, story time.

Jonathan has been preparing for a mission for quite a while and finally was able to put in his papers on July 3.  His family has been unaware that all of this was going on except one sister, Megan.  She was the one he had on his side to help circulate rumors of his choice to not serve a mission.  It had been going pretty smoothly and the three of us were able to convince most of his family that he was going to marry me instead of serving.

Jonathan got ordained to the office of an elder on Sunday, July 15.  By this point, his family knows something is going on.  Will it be a mission or marriage?  One of his brothers-in-law questioned him about it and up until this point Jonathan could just easily avoid the question, but this time there was no way.  He had to straight up lie to Jacob.  Dang, we wanted to avoid that at all costs.

The morning of July 15 Jonathan's bishop told him that he checked the status of his call.  The First Presidency had received the papers and had made a decision.  The call should be leaving Salt Lake that week, so we were anticipating getting the call on Wednesday, July 18!

Tuesday rolls around and Megan decided this was a good time to spread the word that Jonathan wanted to have a family meeting the next day to make an announcement.  Megan passed along the message to everyone to be supportive no matter what his announcement would be.  The family is freaking out at this point.

Wednesday arrives!  Jonathan is super anxious (who wouldn't be?).  He probably checked the mailbox 5 or 6 times in the morning.  Finally the mail came!...without a mission call.  :(  Now Megan, Jonathan, and I are freaking out.  What do we do?  We can't reschedule the family meeting without giving away our secret.  So we came up with a new plan.

The family met at Cassie's house around 6:00.  There they all started guessing, what is this big announcement?  Half thought mission, the other half guessed marriage.  Jonathan and I arrived around 6:30 all dressed up, and I was carrying roses we bought on the way (for a dramatic entrance).  The family is all anxious and curious.  People begin to get impatient so we were rushed to the backyard so Jonathan can make his announcement.  He and I stand there - he says some pretty words to me, gets down on one knee and says, "Charity Perry, I love you.  Will you marry me?"  He pulls out a fake engagement ring.  I pretend to gasp while I hear real gasps from his brothers and sisters.  I reply, "Yes...but..." and then he stands up to hug and kiss me.  Everyone starts clapping, but hesitantly.  I finish my sentence, "...but there's something you need to do first."  He smiles and says "You're right."

He grabs a scythe out of his briefcase, walks over to his younger brother and says, "Jacob gave me this as a reminder of what I'm working toward.  That the field is white and ready to harvest.  I'm now passing it on to you because any day now I should be getting my mission call."  More gasps and louder cheers come from his family now!  Cassie walks up and gives him a big hug, then one for me.  The rest of the family follows with words of "congratulations", "best of both worlds", and "welcome to the family"!

Everyone asks to see my ring so I explain that we're not actually engaged, but I am promising to wait for him.  They call me family now. :)

Jonathan pulls me away from the crowd so we can put his suit coat in the truck and just get a second away from everyone.  He grabs my left hand and says, "this is a pretty ring" and pulls it off my finger and starts searching his pockets.  His face falls and he's getting agitated again.  Things have been downhill all day, so now he's really upset.  Searching his pockets again, he finally finds what he's looking for and slips a silver ring with an emerald onto my finger.  It's gorgeous!  My real promise ring - not that junky piece of costume jewelry I bought years ago.  So we rejoin the crowd and all start making our guesses where he'll be going.

The next day we continue to hope that it comes because we've heard of other cases where people have received their calls on days other than Wednesday.  Again, no call.  We wait until next Wednesday... still no call.  By this time we're all getting disappointed.  Jonathan calls the Post Office, the bishop; the bishop calls the mission office.  Meanwhile we have no idea what's going on.  We resign ourselves to another week of waiting.

Thursday, July 26 Jonathan calls me around noon.  It came!  The Telford family gathers again and those who live far away are on a skype call with us.

"Dear Elder Telford, You are hereby called to serve as a missionary of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  You are assigned to labor in the Australia Brisbane Mission."  AUSTRALIA!  The cheers begin and die down again so we can hear the rest of the letter.  English speaking, and he is to report to the Missionary Training Center on Wednesday, November 28.

 

Now Cassie and I are extremely excited!  Jonathan gets to come with us to Walt Disney World in September! Woo hoo!!!!

Brisbane, Australia.  I can't believe it.  I'm so excited for him because I know this is one of the greatest missions in the world - everyone wants to go!  I am also excited because I have a friend there currently who will be able to inform us about the mission, the culture, and the entire experience.  I'm just so excited!!

Busy, busy, getting dizzy!

This summer has been an amazing one thus far.  I've been extremely busy, but having so much fun!

Work is a blast.  I love my co-workers and the random times that ensue.  We play "guess the [Friends, Disney, Arrested Development] character", "guess the accent", and HOT LAVA!  You should stop by some morning and try to figure out which game we're playing based on our amount of laughter!

Camping has been abundant.  Alright, I've only been on 2 camping trips this year, but that's a lot in comparison to last year.

I spend pretty much everyday with Jonathan and that's always a blast.  He's my best friend ever!!!  We go biking, hiking, swimming, yard-sale-ing, etc.  We build stuff, we explore Provo and the surrounding area, and sometimes we just relax with a movie.  I love that kid.  :)

Now I'm saving to go to Walt Disney World with Jonathan's family!  (Jonathan may or may not go, haha!)  It's going to be so great!  Unfortunately, I don't quite have the "saving" down.  I just went shopping. :)  Fun for now, but I'm going to need money!

...That's about all I want to say now, but I'll try to post again soon!