The Holbrook Experience

Rex loves Holbrook. He has lived there since he was nine years old. After celebrating Thanksgiving with our own families we came together and drove to his hometown to stay with his family for the weekend. Rex's family is wonderful! They are so kind, generous, and welcoming. I felt at home my entire stay. The Self's have a beautiful home. It has this cracked colorful glass all along the front patio that reappears in the back yard. I love the backyard it is just really open and filled with huge trees complete with a swing! That is just the outside, inside it is warm and has hardwood floors. The comfy couches, pictures of family, and the food from the kitchen brought me a sense of comfort while I stayed there. I loved how I felt at Rex's home, it was peaceful, happy refuge. Rex would be so excited when he wanted to show and share parts of his life with me. We watched old home videos as Rex as a kid. He was so cute! I had a lot of fun doing that! We drove through town even though it was really foggy and he showed me the old pool he worked out, his mom's work, and these little tee-pee's ( I mean...big tee-pee's...haha Kevin!) We woke up early and fed the cows at his dad and uncle's ranch. That was fun to see Rex all helpful and happy. His uncle would be so funny in the car rides. Dave is a great guy. Rex's dad Scott made us some green smoothies for breakfast. After we ate we searched high and low for the Christmas tree, but couldn't find it. Rex wanted to go for a four-wheel drive! And there is a great rule in his family where only Return Missionaries can drive the nice new one! So Rex being an RM was more than excited to drive us. Rex is crazy! The turns and bumps of the mountains and hills in his backyard where like a roller coaster ride. I was just screaming and holding onto Rex for dear life. Haha. I will admit it was a blast even though I was legitimately scared a few times. We would follow the trail and entered into this boy land of awesome paintball fight location. We would climb onto the tower and just look at the beautiful orange, red earth around us. On the way back Rex let me drive! Ya-hoo! That was fun! Then we spent time getting ready then we went to the grocery store for some stuff for his mom. His parents went to a baptism while us kids ( Rex, Kevin, and I) went and prepared the horses. We were going to go horseback riding!!! I love to ride horses! That was such a neat and remembered experience. Just Rex, me, and his family with the outdoors was great! My horses name was Chief! I had a wonderful time talking with his family and we rode side by side. His family is so fun. We headed back to the barn and brushed the horses down. When we got back we all made this huge meal together. We made both chicken enchiladas and his Dad's tacos. Beth is so cute and she is such a delight to spend time with. She is always so considerate of what everyone wants. She has so many great qualities that I see in Rex. He gets a lot from his Mom. Well we ate and it was oh so good and yummy and delicious! Then we went over to his Aunt Debbie and Uncle Dave's house to watch a movie. His cousins are so adorable and they have such a fun home. Sadly the projector didn't work so we ended up reading next to each other til we were both tired and went to our separate beds. That night was the night before my birthday and I was so excited to spend that special day with Rex and his amazing family that had opened up to me completely. My birthday was perfect and such a gift of everyone being so thoughtful towards me. I felt like one very special girl thanks to Rex. I'll give you details later.What a fun weekend I spent with his family! I loved having a peek through the looking glass of how Rex grew up.

Preparing for Eternal Relationships

So Rex and I happened to be in the same institute class which just happened to be on preparing oneself for an eternal relationship. This class really was such a gift to Rex and I. I feel like it helped lead us on our journey and gave us confirmation that we were doing the right things. Our relationship is growing everyday and to have the constant reminder of the church's view as well as our teacher, Brother Norton's view was on what a college date life should be like was extremely helpful. I enjoyed learning with Rex by my side and hearing his great insight! Rex is so smart! He is just a thinker and he really ponders about life, the gospel, and really what everything means to him. He personalizes everything to where he is at in that point in his life. Luckily I happen to be in his life and growing closer to him through our experiences with this class has been a delight! Sometimes Rex would have to work and I would head over after class to teach him what I learned that day. Sometimes the lesson was really an "awkward topic" and it would be hard for me to teach Rex about it because I didn't know my standpoint on the topic well enough myself. Rex would laugh and think I was cute, but really it was hard for me. This class had a focus on communication and how it is vital to making any relationship work. Lucky for me I'm a COMM major and love talking about the different ways men and women communicate as well as the theories behind those actions. From watching talks to reading from the scriptures to watching Andy Griffith, there was never a dull moment in this class. Looking back I see how it helped me grow and how it opened my viewpoint on marriage. To me, just graduating from high school and moving to college knowing no one was a huge step for me! I was just worried about finding friends, not finding someone to date! Haha. I guess the Lord had a different plan for me then I had for myself because he brought me to Rex and well Rex changed things. Things changed when Rex and I kissed. Things changed when I began to think seriously about dating Rex. Things changed when we decided we were officially dating. Dating was fun and I loved being around this wonderful man. Through this class as our relationship became more serious it helped me get to the point where I am comfortable with whatever the future holds. This is much different then the girl who came here kind of totally against early marriage especially after seeing her good friend sealed that summer. My mind has been opened and it is such a gift to me that I was able to learn from this class to really understand what lies ahead. This class was about teaching preparation and I, for one, feel prepared.

Prophet Thomas S. Monson

Movie Night!

You know those times where you run into people you know at the most random places. Ha. Well the night Rex decided to take me to see Thor 2 we ran into our Preparing for Eternal Relationships institute teacher. It was too funny! He gave Rex the big thumbs up for taking me on a date! I will never understand men. Thor 2 was amazing! It was so action packed, dramatic, and still funny! Oh my I loved the interns! Haha This movie was such a spontaneous surprise and comical relief! It was my first time going to the movie theater since home as well as my first time going to see a moive in Thatcher. Rex is just way to thoughtful and good to me! Rex made this movie so much better just sitting beside me with my hand in his and with a smile on his face as we experienced a movie together for the first time in theaters!

Our Day on the Mountain!!!

What a wonderful day this was! Three things: Rex, me, and Mount Graham. Oh how much fun we had exploring the woods! Rex has an obsession with climbing trees! He is really a great climber. He would just climb those trees. Something I really enjoyed about this day is that there was no time constraints. We just walked hand in hand up a trail just savoring the scenery. There was no rock unturned, path untaken, or crevice unseen. Coming together and just being alone in nature brought such peace to my heart. This was a morning of relaxing and for the first time since college I could feel my heart sigh. I was so happy that day! And the reason for that is Rex. Even when he fell from a tree and slid 20ft into another tree I was terrified, yes, but more than that I realized how much I care of Rex and his well-being. I don't want Rex to be hurt or feel pain. Seeing him fall before my eyes made my heart jump. I ran down and tried to help me but actually ended up hurting myself. haha. Classic Taylor move. Rex had a nice battle scar from his nice fall and you can see it above! Also, he shirt says, "I'm Worth Waiting For: Abstinence Until Marriage." Oh my. Hahaha. He got it from a stake dance when he was younger...I just think it's funny that he wore it ON our date. Oh Rex. Rex's sliding down the mountain was our way of ending our day on the mountain to a dramatic close. As we head back to town we had a great discussion about silly, important in the long run things like how many kids we wanted, names we liked, and holidays. Rex got us a dominoes pizza and we headed to get a Redbox. I convinced him to get Here Comes the Boom with Kevin James and oh my how hard we laughed! I love this movie because I watched it with my entire family and watching it with Rex made it so much better. Hearing his life and seeing his happiness makes me feel special. Rex and I deepened our relationship that day. We never even had awkward moments. We are great at spending time together and enjoying each other's company. Rex is so fun, goofy, and athletic! I had an amazing day with him that day...looking back I truly reflect on it as one of my favorite days where it was just the two of us!

Thumbelina!

One night Rex and I did a movie night at his work. Rex actually wanted to watch Thumbelina! I have never had one of my brothers be willing to watch a cute animated movie with me because...well...they consider them "girl movies". Haha. Luckily, I have Rex. I haven't gotten him to watch a Barbie movie with me yet, but this was a great start. It was fun watching him watch a movie I grew up loving. We had our own favorite parts, but when we happened to laugh at the same part it would make me smile. I love watching movies with him because it connects us and we have more quotable material to laugh at with every movie we do watch! Anyways that was a wonderful, simple night of Rex and I merely bonding over a childhood classic tale.

Every Girl Loves Getting Flowers and Chocolate!

Rex is a wonderful and amazing man that, by some miracle, happens to be my boyfriend. I was having a bad day and just being super overwhelmed with missing home. Plus the stresses of college, roommates, and the fact that I miserably failed at making brownies, twice....it was just getting me down. Rex came over and took me for a walk. We just walked and he let me talk about my strugglings. He was patience, kind, and understanding. He is my best friend! He makes my day just by smiling at me. He makes me so happy. It was the first time since I've been at college that I was really down. Rex, despite his need to want to fix all my problems, by suggesting solutions, actually made me feel better. One way Rex and I put effort into our relationship by giving so freely of our time. All I want to do is be around him and when he dedicates an evening to listen to me go on and on about pointless, truly meaningless things, it makes me appreciate the fact that he is always there for me. After a boring night of all 'black cloud tay' he texts me words of encouragement. Then the next morning after dragging myself out of bed to my eight o'clock class I come home to find beautiful, colorful flowers and my favorite chocolate mints of all time!!!!!!!!!!!!! (insert cute, adoring sound here)
He even wrote me a card!!! He's the best! Oh and cute detail it was a rainy day!
And can I just say that my heart melted. Rex didn't even put his name on it, but I knew it was him because I know Rex would do something like this for me and I know what his handwriting looks like. Rex is just a beautiful man and he didn't have to get me flowers, but the fact that he cares enough to do that for me is so sweet! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Rex is the reason I am so happy and I can't wait to see where our future takes us. Besides every girl loves getting flowers and chocolate!

The Lion King

I have never witnessed The Lion King in such a spiritual light until the night I saw it on Broadway with Rex and his family. What an amazing experience! Going with Rex and all our friends to not only Kevin's football game, but attending the Mesa temple together. We all went shopping at Sam's club and we would sample apples together. I love to feel soft blankets and stuff so when I went down an isle with a big box of pillows I jumped into it. Little did I know at the time that I would sink to the bottom with my legs facing the sky! Haha Rex and his family totally left me hanging, casually walked away while I was struggling to get out of these pillows! Haha I don't know how, but somehow I broke through! We then got delicious frozen yogurt ice cream and went outside to eat it. An old man walked out and looked at us. He said how we needed to take a picture. How cute! Rex's mom came out and took one for us! It is one of my favorite pictures ever! Then we met up with the rest of his family and played games at his brother Allan's home. Barbara bought this game called "Quelf". It was such an awkwardly fun, yet super interactive game! I feel accepted by his family and it makes me comfortable to continue to spend time with them in the future. Rex is my favorite! Seriously he makes me so happy I feel like I need to share my happiness with others. After games Rex's sweet grandma took us to Tomato Cafe and fed us. That food was so yummy, but the conversation was even better! Seeing Rex interact with his family and how he treats them makes my heart melt. He is such a sweetheart. This is an ever occurring behavior with Rex, to treat people with love and respect. He is the best man I have ever known. Then we get to go to Gammage Theater in Phoenix to see the play!!!!!!!!! The actors, music, orchestra, drummers, and just the overall splendor of a Broadway play is incredible. It is hard to take it all in. Its just too beautiful! I came to realize that the story-line for The Lion King is about how we are all born to become Kings and Queens. Our Father in Heaven lives in us. We communicate to him through prayer and live in such a way that others see Christ in our countenance. The song, "He Lives In You" moved me. I have never been so touched by a song in one moment in my entire life. I had goosebumps all over my skin and I knew that the song was speaking to me. I know that my God lives in me and I have the holy ghost to guide me by giving me good counsel on how to live. Simba had this in Rafiki -- the baboon with the stick. Haha Lucifer also appears in this play by Scar who wants everyone to be as miserable as he is. The philosophy of "Hakuna Matata" is just an excuse Simba uses to feel like he had no responsibility to his people. With a gentle reminder of a friend, Kiara, he realizes his true potential. He finds redemption in himself before he rights his wrongs and takes the rightful place as King of the Pride Land. The gospel exists. It can even be seen and related to such a Disney childhood film like The Lion King. Rex and his family are too good to me. I will never forget that night, for it was a night to remember.

Bucket List No. 13: Attend a Broadway Play
Big thank you to Rex for giving me this amazing experience that I can cross off my bucket list! Way to go!

Twitterpated

Guilty as charged!

You have all seen Bambi therefore you know what I'm getting at. Once there was a wise old owl that explained to Flower, Thumper, and Bambi of the importance of finding a mate. The owl explains how you become twitterpated and your heart just goes insane! Today twitterpation is what we would call lovestruck, whipped, or even infatuated. All of which amount to true love. Twitterpation is the beginning for true love. You can be in true love and still feel butterflies in your stomach. Twitterpation in true love is a great sign that your love is well kept and has been preserved over the years. Pitter patter of your heart and the thumping of your foot are all results of twitterpation. You become almost powerless. Your priorities begin to change as you include the one whose heart you hold in your life. Understand that this attraction doesn't cut it. You need to understand and know how to make your twitterpation into true love. Marriage requires more than attraction it requires true love. What is true love? No one can tell you what it is or how to get there. It is different for every couple. A man and a woman come together and create a new love that wasn't there before. All everyone else can do is give counsel on how they got there and advise to how you might be able to find a similar love for yourself. Wanting to be the best you can be for them is a great indicator. Once true love is established the key is to keeping that love, let it flow within you and let it change you for the better forever. Let love happen! Don't run away from the commitment, but choose to embrace it. Committing truly and fully to one person is wonderful. I want to develop such a love as the prophet has for his wife. The kind of love I see in my parents every day. An everlasting love! We cannot fully comprehend the possibility of all love can become. When two people have promise for each other it is always fun to watch how they use that promise to make or break a relationship. People can have promise for one another it is in the direction it is taken that shapes or destroys the possibility of love. Love protects. Love is eternal. Love is pure and clean. Love is trust. Love is being happy with the one who holds your whole heart. Love is beautiful! Love is kind. Love requires sacrifice. Perfect love is perfectly patient. Love elevates! Love motivates! Love is a process. Love takes time. Let love awaken in your heart. For time and all eternity.

Song: Something That We Do Clint Black -- consider the words!
Love isn't just something you say, feel, or even see it is something you do!

The Girls in my Life

These chicks ahhh I love them so much. Kaitlyn, Megan, Baylee, and Kyla have helped me in more ways then could ever be told. Kaitlyn is my roommate and how close we have grown. We can talk about everything together! She has me pinned down. She understands me and gives me the best advice. I love Kaitlyn because she always brings my problems back to me. She takes the time to relay to me that its my life. I make the decisions in my life and I don't need to please everyone. I am constantly getting input and advice about my life right now and for her to tell me that I still have control over my life is such a relief. Anything I tell her she spins and makes it great! I love Megan and Baylee to death, I do. But they don't understand me or the person I am or even how I got to where I am. Kaitlyn know it all the good and the bad. She doesn't judge. She treats people like people and never thinks less of them no matter what she is told or even what she says. People go through stuff and she is going through so much right now. It makes me really sad everything that she has faced with her ex-love. I have tried to be there for her, but I end of just crying which makes it worse. Kaitlyn is so strong and she will find herself again with or without my help. I am going to be a rock in her life and help her back because she does that for me constantly. Whenever I have trouble with something someone says I tell her and she says, "Why do you care?" I'm learning to not care what others think. I cannot please everyone. The only person that has a say in my life is my wonderful Rex. He is ahhhh....yea. Beautiful. It is our life and we share the power to make our own decisions. I am grateful to have Kaitlyn in my life even if she doesn't like Rex she respects how he is right for me and that he treats me good. Those are the important things. She is so witty! I appreciate and highly approve of Kaitlyn's humor. I would not laugh as much as I do without her. Now turning to Megan...hmmm. She is wonderful. Such a huggy person. She has bought me ice cream out of the blue just to have girl talk TWICE! Such a doll. I'm not all that sure on how possessive she is of the guys, but I know she means well. She reminds me of my friend, Cindy. She is just so giving and thoughtful...I've missed that. Then there is Kyla. She is good at everything! She can eat an entire apple even the stem and seeds. Intense I know. She is so kind to me and we are real together. I honestly miss her ever since my talk with Travis I don't see her around as much anymore. I love her genuine smile and her wrinkly eyes. She loves to cook and I will always call her if I need an ingredient or to make something delicious together. Kyla deserves a man that gives her the time of day and who wants to be around her always. She likes Travis and maybe he could become that for her, but I am skeptical. I just want the best for Kyla! I love her and her never ending list of talents! She even grows her own lettuce...I mean, come on! Last but not least is the lovely, strong, and sarcastic Baylee. Baylee and I were friends before we met the guys. She is the reason that I am surviving my Relief Society calling. I can always turn to her to listen and make me feel better. Although we have different views of time frames and planning I respect her input. However, like Kaitlyn points out to me I don't need to take upon myself her view to please her I just have to be happy and she will be happy for me. Baylee is so tan and makes me look super extra white. Baylee is selfless and I admire her in so many ways. I'm also jealous of how Rylan and her have great flow in telling their story. I love her utterly and completely. Also she makes me eat ice cream at two in the morning which is just hilarious. One word: Hawaii. Megan and Baylee will die laughing if I bring this up! Haha The girls in my life add so much joy to my life and color in the boring parts of my life. They are there for me whenever I need and always will be. I love these strong women so much and feel so blessed to have them in my life.

             

Silence Speaks Volumes

Welcome to the longest hour of my life. I was not even three minutes into my hour before I was dying to come out and speak my mind. Given the situation you would totally understand why. I was with my boyfriend, Rex Self, driving to Red Knolls with a truck full of college students as well as three trailing cars cramming with all our friends. The activity was to climb this outrageously steep mountain to star gaze and hit golf balls off the top. This would absolutely be a place where I would normally be social. This assignment made me go outside of myself to really evaluate the contribution that I have in my relationships with others. Do I add to the conversation? Do my friends expect me to talk because that is what they are used to? Would my friends realize I wasn't talking? How hard would they try to get me re-involved and talking again? My goal going into this assignment was to answer these alarming questions as the night commenced.

The glowing red numbers 8:30 were embedded into my brain as I made the personal decision to refrain from talking for an entire hour. Rex was driving Baylee's truck and was trying ever so hard to strike up a conversation with me. We had just had a little fight about my previous tee-peeing in high school with my brothers. Rex literally thought that I was upset at him for getting on me about not feeling bad about littering a stranger's yard. He kept saying it isn't normal like I had previously said. How I would of loved to be able to respond to that comment, but no I was determined to follow this assignment all the way through. Rex would make snide remarks dripped in sarcasm like, “Okay Miss Communications Major you're doing a good job at communicating.” I would simply respond my taking a bite of my Nutty Bar and looking away. Another time Rex actually brought up a past relationship where a girl didn't talk to him for an entire car ride and made him feel like I was then. What a low blow is all I could think. I would take his hand in mine smile then continue to look at the road ahead. Currently it had only been 13 minutes before Rex just came out and said that I should try speaking my feelings instead of keeping them inside. This was so funny to me because I wasn't mad at all about him not approving of my tee-peeing, I don't need his approval because it already happened and I don't currently do it in my life so it was not a big deal. Thanks to this assignment it became a big deal. Rex would not let it drop even when he was struggling to maneuver his way around the big holes in the road without making it too bumpy of a ride for the people in the back. I would just scratch his back letting him know through my non-verbal’s that everything would be okay eventually when I could actually vocalize my feelings. All in due time was my motto for the night. I would literally have to remind myself that I could just clear things up later.

Arriving at the Red Knolls I was greeted by all walks of different friends that were taken aback when I didn't say hello back. Typically, I'm the type of person that cares about others and would always ask for an update about their life or, at least, how they were doing that day. I was violating their expectations of me by not responding. However I would still smile and give them a big wave letting them know I was happy to see them. Some of the reactions I got were weird looks, double takes to see if I really wasn't talking, and lots of friends asking what's wrong. Obviously nothing was wrong with me, but I can see how my friends would think that. When I'm happy I tend to be really loud and vocal about my life, so I feel that my friends thought that I was upset or sad because I was being quiet. Quiet is not something that I am. It was fun getting all these different reactions because my being silent was just so foreign to them.

Hiking up a huge mountain not being able to speak and no flashlight is one of the dumbest things I have ever done. Good thing Rex would lead me up and look back to see if I needed help. Even though I wasn't talking to him and he thought I was mad about our little discussion he still wasn't giving up. He would ask me questions about my reasoning behind not talking. Rex knows me and figured that I just made a personal commitment to not respond because I didn't want to say something I would regret. This was not the case at all but I think it is cute that he was thinking so hard about it. Rex stated that it was like I was Ariel in The Little Mermaid which made me laugh really hard on the inside. We were sitting atop the rocks feet above the ground holding hands and looking out on the stars. Rex asked if I wouldn't talk to him about our disagreement I could at least tell him the names of the stars. I just got done with an intense astronomy star-gazing lab and knew all the different constellations and their names. I had to shake my head to comply with my assignment, but my lack of being able to speak to Rex was difficult. I really wanted to teach him about the stars and I always want to make good use of our time together, but I learned so much by simply not talking. I observed that Rex really cares. He never gave up on trying getting me to talk. He constantly asked questions trying to understand my purpose behind being quiet. Rex noticed that I was struggling and being the romantic that he is asked if a kiss would break the spell. I shook my head no, only time could do that. This experiment actually opened my eyes to the fact that Rex won't ever give up on me. It was just a nice sentiment to come to the realization of.

The group caught up with us and we proceeded to climb up the ever so sketchy mountain. I would help give people a hand and it would irritate my friends when I didn't say you’re welcome to their thanks. Some of my guy friends would pretend to throw me down a hole in an attempt to get a scream out of me. I remained strong through it all and didn't peep one single word. Getting out the golf balls and covering them in the liquid from broken glow-in-the-dark sticks was an extremely messy process. Rex would put it in my hair trying to get me to react; the things I had to endure for this assignment were definitely tests on my self-control. Then some Australian guy named Ryan came and taught me how to hit the golf ball with the gavel after I miserably failed twice in front of everyone. People would be like, “I bet Taylor wish she could say something right about now.” Yes, yes she would! Eventually I took a depth breath, ignored by embarrassment, and then managed to properly hit the golf ball off the edge. In the midst of my celebration I realized that it had been a long time since I had seen what time it was. I left my phone back in the truck because I wasn’t allowed to use it. I ran over to Rex that was telling me good job very sarcastically, but I interrupted him by commencing in a play by role of charades. I would point at the wrist and tap my finger impatiently. Rex eventually caught on saying, “Taylor it’s 9:30.” I don’t think there had ever been happier words in the history of forever. I could talk again! The first thing I said was, “I’m sorry,” and proceeded to debrief my concerned boyfriend of my assignment. Rex, along with all our friends, died laughing. They thought it was the funniest thing that I had an actual assignment that required me to not talk. Rex was extremely impressed that I went through with it and thought it was great how I went about everything. Looking back he noticed how my non-verbal’s where always comforting and understanding. The group immediately wanted to know all the stars in the night sky so for the rest of the night I would guide others to the knowledge of our universe and enjoyed the serene moment of my night at Red Knolls.

My goals for this assignment were all met by my wonderfully dedicated boyfriend along with my close friends. Everyone was worried about me because I was quiet, but after the fact they all just thought it was really cool that I pulled it off so well. They all thought Rex and I were in a bad fight and I was giving him the silent treatment. I am obviously not that immature, but I could see by the way I was acting how my behavior would have conveyed that. My roommates were all super mad at me for avoiding them all night, but I know how they can get me to laugh at the worst of times, to me, it wasn’t worth the risk. The lesson that this experiment taught me was that silence speaks volumes. There is a hidden meaning behind remaining silent that I never fully understand before that night. People truly read too much into my behavior. Everything I did had to have a purpose. I wasn’t expected to be quiet that night; all my friends wanted me to be my loud and fun self. Good thing it was only for one long hour of one eye-opening night, underneath the stars, surrounded by my friends in the dead of the night. Not only did I learn that my contribution to conversation is appreciated and expected, but it was also missed in the short time period that I choose to refrain from utilizing my ability to communicate.

Life is Short. Eat more chocolate.

YUM!!!

Ingredients:

• 6 tablespoon butter
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup flour
• 1/3 cup cocoa powder
• 2 tablespoons half and half
• 16 Junior Mints candies
• 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 teaspoon coconut oil or shortening

Directions:

1. In a small saucepan melt the butter and sugars together over low heat until combined.
2. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla and salt until combined.
3. Sift the flour and cocoa powder together and then stir into the wet ingredients, being sure to get all of the lumps out.
4. Gently stir in the half and half. Refrigerate the mixture for 1 hour, then scoop into 8 portions.
5. Using a finger, make an indentation in the middle of each scoop and place two Junior Mints candies (or more if desired) into the middle.
6. Gently roll into a ball and place on a plate lined with parchment paper.
7. When all of the balls have been rolled, freeze them for 1 hour.
8. In a microwave safe bowl melt the chocolate chips and coconut oil in the microwave on low heat (about 2 minutes at 30 percent power) and stir until smooth.
9. When the balls have been frozen, gently roll them around in the melted chocolate with a fork. Place back on the plate and refreeze for about 5-10 minutes until chocolate has hardened.

Our Song :)

Rex is such a sweetheart and romantic. He knows just how to melt my heart. This song has been with us since our beginning. I showed this song to him because it is close to my heart. Ever since Rex will play this song and start dancing with me. I am in his arms and I am happy. I am complete. There is nothing a special as sharing a song with someone who means so much to you! Once we were just at his work before we had made our relationship official and there was Rex cutely playing this song simply because he knew how much I loved it. He then came and picked me up like a baby spinning me around into his embrace. We danced right there at his work and I will never forget how he made me feel in that moment; happy, spontaneous, wanted. Rex and I have danced in the rain together. This song is what was playing in my mind and he would spin me all around. At the institute dance he saved this song for the last dance. He looked at me like he was waiting for that moment all night. I looked at me like he was the sweetest guy on earth for remembering. Dancing with Rex is my absolute favorite thing ever. We just fall into each other's arms swaying to our own happy rhythm. Our song is All About Us by He Is We. Lovers dance when they are feeling it low...and that is just what Rex and I intend to keep doing as we develop our relationship deeper. Being a big part in Rex's life is an honor and utter joy. I love how cute we are together and I hope that he will never stop doing cute little things like dancing with me just because.

Cute Texts From Rex!!!

You know you have met someone special when they can make you smile or laugh with just a few simple words! Rex completely gets me and developing a relationship together is such a blast! Texting is a part of how we got to know one another and here are a few of the texts Rex sent to me:
hey! so when can I teach you how to play racquetball?
k so...are you going to seminar today?
sweet deal! now you can do homework anywhere...or my place (=
so how is Globe?
oh my goodness! crazy. I would not have been able to help. I am scared to death of snakes!!
cute!? do you think indiana jones is cute? ( I said yes)
thank you so much for bringing me dinner! that made my night!! =)
I am sure you will do great at it. you have the kind of personality that people like, and your a very motivated and positive person!
dont forget to dress up!(=
uh...thanks! I know I am a goof
well you are an extremely happy person yourself!
hey! I am gonna wear my pink shoes today if you want to match!
only if you want to! just a thought!
your crazy right now!
tanks...followed by welcs
I am good! payday! must celebrate with hawaiian snow!! 20 mins ok?
haha! me too. sweet dreams! (:
Love the card! and the reeses bouquet! Thank you so much! plus thanks for dancing with me. You are so amazing! and you impress me more every day! (=
bless his heart!
what a stud! way to go girl! so what are you up too?
wanna go rollar blading!?!!
goodnight pretty lady.
wait!
dress fancy. (=
FIREWORKS!!!!!!!!
where you be?
my mom is happy that you are tall
meet me halfway?
cool beans!
YOU SHED ON ME!!!!
hmmm...so are you going to be able to focus? (=
good! cuz I am not taking it back!!
have a wonderful night! (=
do you need me to bring you a light jacket? (ahhh!)
do you want me to come say goodnight?

Rex's Readings

Rex has a fascination with reading doctrine rich books that are highly recommended by the lds faith. He loves good wholesome books and although I prefer some fictional romance I too enjoy reading books about my faith. Rex has a long list of books that his loves like What I Wish I Knew Before My Mission and What I Wish I Knew When I was a Young Single Adult both by John Bytheway. Now I love John Bytheway! He is so optimistic, happy, and he can just relate. He can relate anything to anyone, it is a gift that he possesses. I love his movie Standards Night Love, I practically have it memorized! Rex loves his outlook on life and shows it by how much he refers back to John Bytheway's writings. Rex told me of another book that absolutely blew his mind! Satan's War On Free Agency by Greg Wright was just that book. Rex really wanted me to come to his same realization and wanted me to read his book. I love to read and couldn't wait to read it! The next day Rex brought it to me and I immediately started reading. I love how it really focused on the difference between choice, freedom, and agency. Once I understood the distinct differences of these key words the rest of the chapter just added upon my knowledge of the plan. I learned so much from this amazing book and from Rex's constant scribble of notes I knew he had too. I could tell that Rex loved when he understood something new, his excitement would show even in just simple under-linings and funny faces. I love how this book taught me that Satan's plan was not one of force, but of freedom. This realization is HUGE! Totally makes so much more sense because Satan is smarter than we give him credit for and knows how to manipulate bad lifestyles to the point where they become appealing. The examples of good parenting in this book are precisely what I grew up with. Good parenting is loving, but applying discipline as it applies. Rex also agrees with the parenting methods of Mr. Wright. Haha Wright is right! Reading this book with Rex helped us to grow closer. He let me inside his inner thoughts and allowed me a window into his heart. I look forward to reading many more eye opening books with my amazing, goofy man.

Desire. Trust. Time.

Rex took me for a midnight stroll last Monday night. Hand in hand we talked about our day and all the little things just to keep each other updated. Rex brought up how his mom was telling everyone that he had a girlfriend down at EAC. I just laughed it off not really thinking about it, but it lead into a serious discussion. Rex started to remind me of the night we put ourselves on the same page and how we decided to take it slow. Rex was completely honest when he said he did that for me at an attempt to keep me from feeling rushed or pressured. Haha. Rex gave me the power! Rex told me how he didn't want to date anyone else and that he wanted to grow in our relationship by going to the next step. Rex wanted to date me. Rex wanted me to be his girlfriend. Rex had that desire. Desire, that burning feeling that draws two people together. I couldn't deny my heart. I had that desire to date Rex and only Rex. The only problem was that I had just spoken with my mother about her wanting me to date other guys. I informed Rex of this and could see him backing off...this was only because I wasn't being very clear. That is what my mom wanted me to do. I, on the other hand, wanted nothing more than to be Rex's girlfriend. I care about Rex and for him to want to date me...it is just a beautiful thing. 

We then talked about past relationships and what we learned from them personally. We told each other our first kiss stories. Rex asked permission to kiss a girl, while I just kissed the guy so he would take me home. Two different experiences, but it still brought us together merely through sharing. Oh and bytheway throughout this entire night Rex and I would just kiss. Kissing is what people that like each other and just decided to date do. No big deal. Hugging Rex under the clock tower as I felt his lips on mine is a moment I will treasure forever. We are just starting out and it is so much fun just to play around...having fun in the process. Not taking life to seriously...ya know. Then we dived deep into the onion. Rex told me about Miranda. They were in love and for some reason time was against them. Rex got a terrible sick feeling in the temple and well that's never a good sign. Long story short, Miranda taught Rex that he needs time and also to abide by what the Lord wants, not what Rex wanted. This lead to me disclosing my bad experience with dating Stuke. Stuke would drink, party, and cheat on me. When we were together he would put on a facade and I would believe the lie he had created. Stuke didn't respect me and would always try to get past my strict standards, but would fail in his attempt. Stuke was a mistake and he was not a man of God. I think Rex understood that I was in a low point in my life and how embarrassed I was of how long I let my relationship with Stuke continue. Rex and I were emotionally drained that night and I needed time to think. Yes, Rex and I were official now. But for some reason I had to process all these intense information. I came to the conclusion that Rex needs time, just like I need trust. I trust Rex. I trust Rex with my heart and soul. I trust Rex completely and that is weird for me. Ever since my bad experiences with Austin and Stuke my trust in men is extremely low. I don't have a problem with trusting Rex and that is such a relief as well as lift off of my shoulders. I need someone I can trust. Rex agreed with me and was happy that I pondered so intently last night's discussion. Rex turned to me wanting to say something important, I could just tell. He had his serious face on. He said, "Taylor, I want you to be more than my girlfriend...I want you to be my best friend." There have never been more perfect words formed by any man in existence. Literally the most romantic thing a guy has ever said to me, ever. My heart melted, my stomach had butterflies, and my only response was a quick kiss before I told him that I wanted him to be my best friend too.

Rex and I are dating. We are becoming each other's best friend: a person to turn to, shoulder to cry on, person to edit papers. Rex and I are immersed in college life yes, but we are doing it together. Not having to face each day alone, knowing he will be at my side is the most comforting thing ever. We have the desire to date, we have trust in our relationship, and we are loving the time we are spending just to be the other's best friend. Rex and I are standing at our beginning. I, for one, could not be happier because I am standing at the beginning with him.

My First Kiss with Rex

We talked for an hour outside my apartment about all the important things. We would soak in each other hug after hug. Interruption after interruption we would always find each other again. We would play around and hide from the other behind the pillar. We did trust falls just to show our dedication to one another. We would talk of fun past memories and just laugh at ourselves. I am so happy we are both so goofy. I showed him the poppy thing I can do with my back and we would talk about missed signals at church. How we thought so differently about what the other was doing. Apparently, Rex was trying to hold my hand and I thought he was just being a brick wall not wanting to...so I didn't. But it turns out he did! Haha. He said goodnight in Spanish...Buenas Noches...he made me guess what it meant and eventually I put two and two together realizing he was saying goodnight. Rex looked at me like he never done before, he slowly backed me up pressing me against my door all the while maintaining contact with me. His gaze was so intense and trusting. The look on his face was one of wanting, waiting, and accepting. He stared into my eyes waited for my gaze then slowly lifted my chin with both of his gentle hands and kissed me on the lips. He leaned in more and more still ever so gently he would pull away. He came right back in. The touch of his lips against mine was tender and loving. We both just soaked it all in, completely savoring the moment of our very first kiss. I love firsts. Rex has introduced me to many firsts and I cannot wait for the firsts ahead. The first time he calls me babe. The first time he calls me his girlfriend. The first time he takes me to his home. The first time we exchange the words...I love you. Tonight was the best first kiss of my life. It was all about anticipation and accepting one another. Leaning into one another, closing my eyes, and feeling his lips press on mine was the absolute best moment of my life. A first kiss is a stepping stone. My first kiss with Rex was just a beautiful thing.

The Duncan Experience!!!

You know those days where you don't want them to end, this was one of those days for me. Rex along with his close friends took us on an all day and all night date to the wonderful little town of Duncan, Arizona. We went to the Duncan Fair. Watching the Mud Races was a blast because we were all on the stands sitting while we guessed which trucks would win. Rex got a text and did a little freak out dance...still don't know what that was about all I know is that it was absolutely adorable! The music would play the songs over and over again as if they only had a selection of songs and were hoping we wouldn't notice. Haha. Going to the different Art Exhibits and looking at the many selections of varied art gave me the chance to just relax. Then the blessed Doterra Oils...hmmm! How I love them! These ladies gave Rex and myself a conjure of orange with lavender oil informing us to breath in through our nose and breathe out our mouths as we slowly pulled our hands away. Can I just say those oils totally just cleared my nose right up! The smell was so fragrantly strong that it made us both laugh at ourselves as we did this again and again...every time the smell slowly decreasing. The ladies prodded us to get this male female mix to try out. The same oil would smell differently depending on if you were a boy or girl. Rex and I were more than eager! We rubbed it onto our necks then the ladies told us to smell each other...haha! Rex turned to me and just busted into laughter! We exchanged a look then came to our necks breathing in the essential oils. Boy did Rex smell good! I got a nice, big whiff of him! Can I just say how awkward it was to neck in order to smell each other in front of three old ladies...very! We got in the car sharing our seat belt heading now to the cotton seed. Playing in the cotton seed is such an adrenaline rush and is fun to just let go allowing yourself to be spontaneous. Jumping off the cotton seed I would flip off like I had seen Rex do many times before, the first time went great, but I completely biffed it the second time around. I flipped too hard causing my body to flip twice forcing my mouth slam into my knee as I rolled uncontrollably unto the hard cement. Let's just say I have bruises to show for it and had a fat lip for about an hour. Just another one of my grand mess ups in front of none other than Rex. Of course he was concerned and adorable as he helped me, but come on still embarrassing! Finding ourselves at the dairy we all smelt the beautiful fresh cow milk and poured the group a gallon to share. Rex was so helpful as he got the spout ready and poured everyone a cup of perfectly chilled, yummy milk. If you didn't already know I am a milkaholic. I avidly drink milk on a daily basis and to have the opportunity to make a friendship toast with milk is more or less a perfect moment for me :) Thinking back to Oakley we head over to the Duncan Rodeo to watch barrel racing and bull riding. Such an exciting experience to see others work hard to grip onto a ferocious bull. Finally we made our way to the dance and being in Rex's arms is all I ever need to be happy. I love to dance with Rex because he is goofy, tall, and has some great moves! Dancing to all the different country styles of music we are constantly on our feet just trying to follow Travis's hilarious father. Of course we were making fools of ourselves, but we did it together and that is all that matters. There is something about Rex that just draws me in...he captivates my attention always making me forget what I wanted to say because he is that amazing! The all-famous fair rides lived up to the lifelong tradition of making me sick to my stomach, but for the first time I had company! Rex got sick too! Haha. We just sat and talked about past relationships as our friends went on the Zipper. We thought we'd be brave and ride the Ferris Wheel, but that just made us more sick. The ride home Rex drove and he'd have to answer one of my questions to get a fruit snack. I asked him random questions wanting to get to know him even better as we helped time pass by faster. Returning home to the apartment he hugs me goodnight as we both agree all we need is to sleep our sickness off. My Duncan experience was a wonderful day filled with one terrific man and friends that are close to my heart! This date was one of our best yet!

 

            Our Group Date

Duck Ponds

Date night with Rex. We got a group of close friends together and went to Duck Ponds. The date was supposed to be a surprise, but Bryce ruined it for me by guessing what we would be doing with bread. The missionaries came over that night for dinner. Rex and Rylan were talking about how much bread he had and Bryce asked if we were going to the Duck Ponds to fed ducks...Rex was very upset. Haha. In a cute way though...it was more like really you just ruined the surprise! Haha Bryce was on the money though because that is just what we did and let me tell you it was such a fun night. The car ride was hilarious because Rex made a dilemma about one couple having to be split up in a six person car. He wanted to sit by me that much! I wouldn't of never even realized that taking Travis's car would cause such a problem. Thankfully we have amazing friends and throughout the night we would alternate not sitting by our dates. I just think its cute Rex was so concerned! Arriving at the Duck Ponds was a blast! There literally was a fork in the road and Rex would pretend to almost hit it. Picture this: night time, moon reflecting off the pond, and ducks swimming gracefully below your feet. Romantic right? Very! We all scrambled and gathering bread to fed to the ducks. We get handfuls of bread, crumble it in our hands, and toss it out to the ducks. I was in love with that moment. Sitting there, together, surrounded by friends in a beautiful moment we all can look back on and smile. Plus throwing a piece of bread directly at a duck's head is fun! Baylee and Rylan along with Travis and Kyla casually ditch us so that we can have a moment. Yea, no that didn't happen. We then resulted to tossing bread over the bridge to the ducks in the water below. Rex would pretend try to throw me in! Too much fun! Rex caught one and came running to me so I could pet it. You can see the picture above...we are just adorable! I then attempt to catch my own duck and I epically fail. I would run up and down the pond with no luck. Rylan suggested I quack like a duck...yea...I can't quack. Skipping, running, and dancing all of us ended up at the lighted playground! We would play tag and run after each other just letting go and having fun. I would fall and laugh while Rex would be jumping on everything. Rylan and Rex would make everything a competition. Baylee and I would just watch them laughing at how silly they were being. There was this green climb up on thing and Rex said no one can see inside it. We climb to the top and drop down to the bottom into each other's arms just happy to have the embrace. Rex is warm and I love being hugged by him. He is so strong and I feel safe in his arms. Coming together we talk about each other. Haha. Baylee and Rylan subtlety start singing 'We are Men' from Mulan trying to get Rex to kiss me. Rex was completely unaware and didn't make the connection while I was dying laughing. We went to McDonalds and got ice cream. YUM! Rex would put cold ice cubes down the back of my shirt. Cold! Haha but it was cute, flirty fun. Coming back to my apartment we watched, "Ever After" and can I just say that I love that movie even more now. Rex is just so cuddly and we were just cute holding hands. My new favorite thing is when Rex gets his face close to mine and nuzzle my face with his...awww love it! My favorite line is, "what a clumsy thief I turned out to be!" hahaha. Travis and Kyla go home leaving me lying on Rex's chest. I just smell him in and savor the moment of being near him. I make small talk, but the entire time his heart is just pounding out of his chest. I knew, I knew we weren't ready to kiss. We agreed on taking things slow and I want our first kiss to be perfect so I called him on it by reminding him of what we had talked about. Rex goes back to being Rex and makes fun of himself by going ba-bump, ba-bump, ba-bump (like a loud heart beat)! Hugging him and seeing him go isn't anything like a goodbye it is merely saying until tomorrow.

Thinking Back

Thinking back to the first moment I saw Rex more than just a funny attractive guy was my first Sunday at my new YSA ward. Rex would jump up and be bishop's right hand man explaining things and telling everyone how things were. He explained the difference between gospel doctrine and gospel principals. Rex always was willing to give service and volunteered to pass the sacrament that day. Very impressive. After sacrament I went into the institute library to get set apart for my new calling. I was just looking at books in the fiction section when I look up and Rex is standing up asking if anyone was sitting next to me. I said go ahead and he smiled while he sat down. He just has one of those faces that draw your attention. I went back to looking at a book I was interested in when he started asking me questions. I told him I was from Idaho and he was like do you know where Kusco was? Obviously I have never heard of Kusco, Idaho and gave him a weird look. He resorted to making the connection to the movie emperor's new grove and I kept thinking...who is this guy. Bishop came and took us girls away. I got up to leave and Rex was trying to convince Bishop to let us stay. It was just weird. Of course I left I'm gonna listen to my Bishop over a guy I just met, but it was cute when he looked sad to see me go. Then he sat in front of me that night at devotional. Fun. Later he told me that was the night I diverted his attention from Chantel. I think that is hilarious because I didn't even know him then or her. But now I do and it's just funny!

A Day in the Life

Then today was fun. He came to my class again. I wrote my paper and then went to his place to study. He was going to take a nap but decided he would rather spend time with me. True sacrifice! Went to his work and I left for FHE. FHE was swimming and very fun. Then showered and came to see Rex again! I didn't wear a spot of makeup and he kept commenting on how good my hair smelt. We talked about battle scars and stories of getting hurt growing up. We would hold hands or cuddle it was happy either way. I told him my insecurities of him liking me and how it was weird that he wasn't going for someone else. When I asked if I didn't like him back what would he have done he said he wouldn't of given up. How cute! He told me he was pulled towards me and that's how I feel about him. Rex is such a catch I don't know how I got so lucky. Then Rylan and Baylee came always a delight! Had fun talking and being happy together. Then Rex and I said goodbye. Now I am home writing this.

Pink Converse

One day Rex noticed that I had pink converse and he got all excited. Later I found out that for his brother's wedding he got pink converse! Rex texts me not once, but twice saying, "hey! I am gonna wear my pink shoes today if you wanna match!" Seriously this is just so something Rex would say and I love it! Sweetest, thoughtful-est thing ever! Of course I ran home and changed from my white to pink converse immediately before seminar that day! Rex and I sat by each other both wearing our pink converse and measuring how small mine was to his. We both had huge smiles on our faces and it was just a fun, spontaneous pink converse kind of day :)

EAC Homecoming Week

Monday

FHE he was late from guyz missed me lesson and brought to my attention of how it could be deter-mentally offensive to someone who has been taken advantage of. I was happy for his feedback and he made me realize that I should of added another part into my lesson.

Ate snickers and cookies. Overheard Rex talking about how he was “working on it” as the Dayle's teased him about a girl they sensed he liked. I totally overheard the entire conversation. This was before I made the reese's bouquet and as I was telling Travis about it. Later I went to the Mr. EAC dance practice at the church.

Pracitce was fun we danced and talked outside my door again.

Tuesday

Devotional and dressing up! Yay...not. We sat by each other in the middle and would casually lean into each other while listening to the lesson. Rex brought his notebook to prove that he too could note take. haha. The lesson was on where we were meant to be. And how when deciding on college there are factors that we cannot anticipate like the drawing force that pulled me to EAC. At the time I didn't know why, but I do know now that I am here to have the opportunity to meet Rex. I was wearing my black pencil skirt and blue flowey top. I remember because walking from choir to institute Rex didn't match at all. He was wearing more brown. Anyways we go to eternal relationships and we talk about the Lord's policy on remarriage. In that class I was so against remarriage because to Taylor's mere mortal mind I am selfish and wouldn't want to share a husband if I died, I would want him to remain faithful to me. The other way around if my husband died I wouldn't get married. I would stay true to the committment I made when we were sealed together in the temple. But Rex was over there totally for remarriage saying it's not bad in the eteranl perspective. Rex got to see my stubborn side that day because I am a very opinated person when it comes to some topics and this was one of those topics. Anyways we end of arguing about it beyond the walls of the classroom and after not convincing each other of our sides we just cutely fight. Rex brings up Safe Haven and how that remarriage is what Jo wanted, but that is Robin and I think I know what she would want because we look alike. We ended up deciding to go back to the institute to talk with our teacher about the matter. Rex and Brother Norton opened my eyes that in the eternal perspective it is not bad for a man to have two wives, but for my human mind I just don't fully understand that. But what I did mold and understand is when Brother Norton put Rex and I in retrospec in the situation that we were married and had young children. He then asked me if Rex died would I remarry at first I said no, then Rex said something that really struck out to me he said for the children please...please. I would need time, but eventually remarriage could be an option if I was ever placed in that difficult position. So Rex won are first doctrinal arguement. Then he took me to the institute library to show me his parent's wedding announcement! Cuttest thing ever! I know that that is what Rex wants. What his parent's had. Tuesday was defiantely an eye opener for me.

Wednesday

Wednesday was my enrichment night and Mr. EAC. Oh boy was I stressed. But it all worked out. I danced awesome and had too much fun watching Rex be Rex onstage. I loved the moment when I gave him the reese's bouquet I made for him!

Picture time with the dance crew!

Baylee's surprise birthday party then going to Walmart to get ingredients to cook a newly parented home a meal. I just took over. I was completely unaware that my taking control and cooking impressed Travis in the process. Alfredo chicken ravioli. Rex kept saying how good it smelt. Overall amazing night!

Thursday

Seminar was at the thatcher building to accommodate for the blood drive. The lesson was about temples and relating them to our physical bodies. I had an apple b/c I wanted to donate blood that day. Rex texted me to save him a seat after I had already sat by my roommates with no more room so when he got there we both just went to the front row to sit by each other. Totally not subtle and he had reese's with him. Happy day! I had braided my hair that day and he liked it! That day our institute lesson was on proper dating at college. A date had to include the three p's: planned, paid for, and paired off. Haha so fun! Thursday was our first official date!!! I had finished my homework and Rex invited me to go rollerblading  Rex legitamitally showed up at my door two seconds after I texted yes. I was so not ready. Haha he was just so excited. I took time to put on my socks. He always opens the door for me and I like that. He helped me put on my skates and then we were off. Having fun rollerblading and holding hands. Hugging each other cutely for longer than normal times just having fun. We would go down awesome little cement hills. It was just a magical night. Then we wanted to go to Hawaiian Snow but it was closed so then he showed me his drum set and then we ended up rollerblading to Caboose. Rex got some weird fruit mixture and japenese candies. I of course got chocolate with chocolate haha we talked about what foods we liked slash disliked. Then we ended up talking about thanksgiving and stuff. Rex insisted that we get our picture taken! How cute! I still want that picture. Anyways it will always be in the caboose as a symbol of our first date. We roller blade back to his car to find he had absentmindedly left his car door open for anyone to come and steal his car. I am dying laughing and can't contain my humor at his disbelief of how he could do something like that. His concern for my phone was cute! Everything was fine! We hugged goodnight and it was fun!

Friday

One good day. I went thrifting and had a lot of fun. Then made cookies with Chantel then got all excited to go to the 125^th celebration of EAC. Rex is amazing on the drums and I would just listen to him play and watch his funny facial expressions. Then Chantel and I came back to my apt. then went to see the fireworks and bonfire. Rex had texted me FIREWORKS! He had remembered how much I said I loved them. I couldn't wait to get to Rex and just spend some time with him at work. I get there and he has Nacho already to go from visitng my COMM class and what we learned about the onion made him think about the nitty gritty. Haha. He got martinelles for us and was so super sweet of him! We watched a scary yet hilarious vacuum commerical to celebrate friday the 13^th and he said he wasn't really scared that he just wanted an excuse to hold me. So we start watching kid history and are all cute and cuddly when Krissi comes needing to talk to Rex. My appreciation for this man grew sky high as I got to witness first hand his love, compassioin, and understanding for sweet Krissi. After she left I thanked him for being so sweet and instead of just playing the kid history video Rex turns on All About Us by He Is We. Rex just danced with me and I loved every second of it. Krissi came back and asked me to walk her to her car. I was more than willing and walked her to her car safely. I only had a little bit of time left with Rex and so I literally ran back to him. I sat on the counter just looking at him and he comes and swoops me into his arms spinning me around like a baby. He places me back down and just hug dances with me. I was so in like with him in this moment it was crazy. We say goodnight and it was the first time Rex kissed my cheek that night.

Saturday

The parade, sonic, and then...meeting the parents.

Meeting Rex's parents for some random reason made me super nervous. Usually I love to meet the people I date parents, but for Rex it was different. I think it's because of the seriousness and I'm at college now. Meeting parents is like a big step. BIG step. Rex and I just agreed to take it slow, when all the sudden his parents came to town for homecoming halftime show. I get that and I was so happy they support him it was just that I wasn't fully ready. But I'm Taylor and I got over it. I had to make it not be awkward and focus on how truly exciting it was! Rex wanted me to meet his family! Eek! I felt the pressure placed on my shoulders of all the unknown expectations of who his parents have always seen Rex marrying. Not that we are going there, but you have to weight that to understand how when I met them it was like I was meeting that expectation. Luckily his mom is an angel and she was so understanding yet excited to meet me. I liked her right off the back! She doesn't beat around the bush and I like that about her. Rex's dad is a big guy, but I could tell he was a real genuine guy who loved his family. There is nothing more respectable than that. Rex's brother Kevin was super chill and easy to talk to. Plus, he thought I was funny which helps. I thought Kevin was older than Rex, but looking back that was a ridiculous assumption because Rex is just so much more mature. Rex is handsome and sometimes I just have to look at him. He makes me happy. Anyways his family asked about me, my family, and my major. Showing them the video from Wednesday's performance was fun to see them enjoy our hard work felt nice. I like his family and I laugh at myself when I think of how nervous and pacey I was because they were just awesome. No stress.

Magic show.

Old jazz group playing music.

Performing the dance for his family then attempting to play volleyball and basketball.

Saying goodbye and him singing, "I'm glad you came." Cute.

Showered and got ready for the game. Rex was looking dapper in his marching band tux and I love watching him conduct the band with such passion and enthusiasm. He truly loves what he does. My nerves where on edge for half time where the bands would play and rex would bang on drums! They got a firetruck with all the Mr. and Mrs. EAC candidates and announced that REX WON HOMECOMING KING!!!!!!!! I was with his family and we all eekkked with excitement and me and his mom had a special freak out moment over our happiness for him.

Family said there congrats and goodbyes. Before we took pictures and his family is just so simply happy it makes me happy to watch them just treat each other good.

Rex gave me half his chocolate symphony bar. So romantic. Said I deserve it. So cute! But really Travis deserved some too so I saved him half of my half. Haha.

Then came annoying Jason blah blah. Then meeting Rex for the dance. Picture. Then going to his work and talking about Braxton's advise. Then talking with Rex's mostly sister at his work. We hugged and said bye Rex also kissed my check that night!

Sunday

I wore my pelleted pink with white polka dot two dollar thrift skirt. Had fun at church with Rex and we would try to secretly hold hands and touch without others seeing. Then he invited me to dinner with his married friends! Jordan and Amy's whole relationship started with a jolly rancher and I think that is just so cute! I loved watching Rex cook because he is just so freaking entertaining! So much fun. Then to home teaching night where he would rest his head on the back of mine. He was just being goofy. It was cute. He leaves for work. We go home. I get my homework and I go see Rex. John and Travis were there working and that was fun. Rex and I would tickle each other and try to study! Haha Key word try! Rex kissed my cheek that night while we were snuggling. I went home and was just happy. Rex has that affect on me.

Homecoming was a fun week filled with Rex, my enrichment night, and our first official date! We have a natural progression going in our relationship and its a comfortable pace. I look forward to future weeks with this amazing guy for some reason happens to like me.

My Flubbing Sunday

The night before we talked about height and if he would be taller than me in heels. Rex limited me to 3 inch heels. That morning I totally put on my 3 inch nude heels! Rex was taller and looking mighty fine in a tie he borrowed from Travis. Seeing him Sunday and sitting next to him throughout all the church meetings was super cute. Rex is just cute like that, asking me to save him seats and such. Then he invited me to go sing at the nursing home. Of course I wanted to go because I love to sing and he was going to be there! That was such a fun, neat, and tender to my heart experience. While singing Rex would subtly rub my fingers as we harmonized the different hymns to the elderly. We would stand by each other and Rex would gently place his hand on my back or waist just loving the touch of one another. It was down pouring outside and he ran and got the car to help save my hair while Daniel and Bryce covered me with their ties as I ran and jumped in his car. So much fun! Next came dinner and then the CES broadcast. Rex wore a leather jacket and it was just very manly! We sat in the front row code for hey everyone look at me! Rex makes me do things I normally wouldn't and it makes life more fun. I took notes on Russell M. Nelson's talk on, "Youth of the noble birthright...what will you choose?" Nelson focused on stating that in our world today you have to be on one side or the other. No fence sitters allowed. He prompted us to become fully and truly committed to God. Nelson encouraged us to seek education and stop porn, stop it now. I learned a lot from his talk and taking it to heart was easy for me because his topic just underlined things that were already important to me. Rex noticed my note taking skills and the next devotional he brought his own notebook! Haha Afterwards we got refreshments which were mini ice creams. Yum! We just talked again looking through the preach my gospel for something Rex couldn't find. Rylan was playing beautiful piano music for my friend Baylee and we went to join them. Rex secretly held my hand while the boys talked about taking us two girls on dates. Then he came into the apartment and waited for me to change into sweats so we could go flubbing! For anyone who doesn't know what that is don't worry I have been there.Flubbing is a deep dark secret that no one who hasn't flubbed before can know! Rex wouldn't tell me for my entire life. I would ask really sweet and he was like a brick wall...no getting through him. My uncertainties of what flubbing is were so far off from the real thing! Haha I thought it would be embarrassing or awkward. Flubbing was just flubbing! Just good clean goofy mormon fun thing to do. How truly simple it was just made it that much more funny! Chantel and I were dying laughing! So flubbing funny! Then Baylee and I talked about the boys while I would tell super hilarious stories about fake break ups. One time there was this Mexican guy and his laughed killed me. Baylee couldn't even breathe when I would imitate this Mexican's laugh. Now its an inside joke! Yay for inside jokes! Flubbing ended and we practiced Rex's dance before heading home. The ride home Rex held my hand and we talked outside my apartment again. We were just both excited for Wednesday and the week ahead!

On the Same Page

We talked about how we both wanted to take things slow. I remember him taking my hand in his and saying just not in public and squeezing twice. It was such a relief to me because I am only 18 and I had a plan to stick out four or more years of college before I would even allow myself to date anyone. I needed time. Rex was giving me that time. Then Rex and I went back to his place as I attempted to help him study. It was a great night we talked and talked. We talked about the Wednesday where we had no contact whatsoever. I wasn't going to come to him and I needed a day to think things through. So did Rex and he confided in me that he called his sister and told her everything. The the next day he decided to go for it. How happy I am that he made that decision. I love that Rex and I can really communicate extremely well. Rex and I just understand each other. We are comfortable sharing ourselves, our experiences, and our pasts with each other. We would dance the entire time we talked and it was oh so romantic. I love how tall Rex is and how he makes me feel every time I am around him. Eventually I sent him away so we could both get some sleep, but it felt great to trust each other enough to tell each of our concerns landing us on the same page.

Dancing in the Rain

A continuation from our first Saturday together. After learning the dance I leave so that he can go to the temple. And every woman knows that a man who goes to the temple is HOT=humble obedient temple worthy. I went and got ready to go out to eat with my roommates. We went to Casa Manana. Kaitlyn and I got Dr. Pepper and were soooo hyper! The waitress liked me and waived the fee for my dessert saying she told them it was my birthday! I felt like a princess! Free fried ice cream equals one happy Taylor. Then it was pouring rain and my flippy floppy's were hydro-plating as Payge and I ran to get the car. We went to Walmart and I dropped in the toliet paper then ran away. My lil brother at college Bryce came over after and we had all moved our beds into the living room preparing for one big sleepover. Bryces showing up took us girls by surprise and somehow kaitlyn and I got turned around. Long story short I shot my bedroom door completely ignorant to the fact that it was indeed locked. Haha I totally locked myself out of my bedroom. Haha I was having a heart to heart with adam and had to text him back. I am all chill on my bed texting while bryce valon and kaitlyn are all trying to unlock the door. I call my dad to know what to do and he just laughed and said good luck and that he was too far away to even help. So I just casually get up, grab a bobby pin inserting it into the doornob, and I turned it left and opened the door. I am such a boss! It was soooo cool first try and I 1oo% got the job done. I was practically a lock smith and now have official bragging rights to being a pick lock. I was in the middle of my celebration dance when there was a knock on the door. Rex was at the door and he looked even more beautiful than I remember. He comes in and I try telling him the story but he was preoccupied with his own thoughts. Out of nowhere he grabs me up and takes me outside closing the door behind us. The rain came pouring down as he took me in his arms and danced in the rain. Bucket list check! Rex was sooo oh so romantic and I could of lived in that moment forever. It was just so sexy hot. He didn't even ask me he was just taking initiative as a man just getting what he wanted.

My dream came true that night.