shoutout to summer 2013

Well I didn't post on the blog all summer so I'll catch you up now. Summer was incredible. Some of it was good, some was interesting, some was not so fun, but all of it was the time of my life.

I learned more about people I've known for years, met new people, and grew deeper relationships with some people. I went on a lot of adventures, worked a job, and camped more than I ever wanted to in my whole life! maybe not all of it was a lot of fun, but I learned so much about choosing friends, relationships, myself, working, and more than I didn't even know I didn't know. it was all just a giant learning experience that sometimes was hard but was such a good thing for me to go through.

I'm making this sound like such a boring summer but really I did so many fun things like girls camp, Lake Powell, hanging out with friends, trek, camping, EFY, and things like that.

okay, enough, let's get into summer!

I was working at my dad's office for most of the summer as a medical assistant, scheduler, and answering phones. I absolutely loved working there. It was really long hours of doing the exact same thing all day, but it was so good! It definitely taught me to go to bed early and be a morning person. I was getting up at 4:30am and wasn't getting home some nights until 5:30 or 6 and I would go to bed at like 10pm. I think I finally became a morning person! I learned how to do all kinds of things working there. One of my favorite things was helping with the ultrasound injections.

I hung out with friends that I didn't used to hang out with very much. Lindsey and I became pretty close friends over the summer and so did Taylor and I. Me and Tanner did basically everything together for most of the summer. I hung out with Braid almost every weekend. And I hung out with Nate quite a bit too. I also met some new friends like Dillon and Tristan. me and my friends had some of the most insane adventures ever! one of my favorites was one night me and Braiden and tanner were up at the pond and we went on a skunk hunt and we all ended up smelling like skunk! Another time I was with Taylor and Lindsey and we drove through a rain storm that was so crazy we couldn't see the lines on the road just to get pizza.  I loved hanging out with these people!

Our stake went on trek in July and it was probably the most powerful thing I've ever done. It was also the hardest thing I've ever done. It was hotter than the devil's home all 3 days and we were pulling close to 500 lbs per family. and guess who got sick on the first night?? yours truly! I was throwing up for the first 2 days, but lucky for me Gary was our Dr. on trek so he was the best thing that could have happened to me. On the second day at lunch I had already been throwing up for 3 hours and I just got to the lunch spot and fell down and laid in the dirt and I wasn't crying or anything, but then Gary came towards me and I just started full on bawling! I was just so glad to see a parental figure that I couldn't hold back. Braiden, Tanner, Taylor, and Lindsey were also huge blessings for me on trek. Braiden always had a close eye on me and was there for me when I was crying or sick. Tanner and Taylor were always there making sure that I was being taken care of. And cute Lindsey had just barely met me, but she was always there for me when I needed something. my favorite experience of trek was the women's pull on the last day. right before we started out mile and a half trek through 18" of pure sand pulling our wagons without the boys I thought I was going to die I was so sick, but as soon as we took off we started singing as sisters in Zion and I thought of all the amazing men in my life that are worth priesthood holders and I felt amazing for the rest of the time and had plenty of energy. when we go to the end of our part the boys were standing on the side of the trail with their hats over their hearts watching us and most of them were crying. they had been asked to not come help us and afterwards the boys said it was one of the hardest things to just stand there and watch  us struggle and not be able to help us at all. it was such a good learning experience to go on trek and such a blessing to have people like Gary, Braiden, Tanner, Taylor, and Lindsey with me.

right before trek I went with my  family and the savages to Lake Powell for a week! it was so much fun:) that's where I first met Dillon actually and now we're really good friends. we had a blast the whole time we were there. I even learned to wakeboard.

at the very end of July me, Tanner, Taylor, Lizzie, and Shelby went to EFY at BYU-Idaho. It was so much fun and we all had such a great experience. Just randomly out of the blue my cousin Emily Louder was one of the Building Councilors up there so that was a ton of fun to spend the week with her.

strengthening and losing relationships and learning about people was a major aspect of my summer. one huge thing was that me and tanner liked each and I guess you could say "went out" for most of the summer and it was perfect and everything, but towards the end of the summer right around EFY he told me he just wanted to be friends which was totally fine with me, but then he started being really rude and aiming everything that went wrong in his life towards me and we fought and argued and I apologized and it was really hard. but some of the things that I realized after it was all over was that there were some things I still love about tanner but there are some things I know now that I don't want in a husband, that my mom could see the big picture a lot better than I could, and I'm an extremely gullible person and I need to be more aware of that. that's my thing of weakened relationships. I also had several relationships in my life that were greatly strengthened over the summer. for example my relationship with Braiden. we were always good friends, but during the summer we came to each other for everything and we gained the trust required and we spent countless hours together just talking and laughing and messing around and now I don't consider anyone a better friend. He's seriously my best friend in the whole entire world. another relationship that was strengthened I would say is between me and my siblings. Me and Nate talk all the time and that's one thing that never used to happen, but now I look forward to talking to him. Me and Jen talk almost once a week and that's one of my favorite parts of the week. Me and Tim get along so much better even if he still teases me to death. me and my siblings have grown so much closer just over the last few months. I've learned so much about so many different people.

it truly was one of the best summers I could have asked for even if sometimes it was hard! now I'm going to AF and am a proud caveman:)

Flynn Ryder:)

Woah, big day! One of my best friends is turning 16 today!! Justin is one of my favorite people. He is one of my greatest examples and heroes. He has so many great qualities that I wish I had and look up to him for like:

• He's so nice to everyone! I've never seen him seriously mean to anyone. I mean, yeah we tease people and stuff like that, but he's never mean.
• He always makes people feel important. He never puts people down. No matter who they are or anything he always has something possitive to say to them.
• He's humble and very gracious. No matter what if someone does something for him and he finds out about it he goes way out of his way to thank them. He also is very good at a lot of things, but he's super humble and doesnt ever brag about his sucess.
• He's definatley a gentleman. He always is holding doors and stuff like that. He always walks me home, and if he cant walk me home he finds someone else to walk me home and he calls to make sure I got home. He's just a sweetheart.
• He actually cares about girls. We tease him about being a "hand whore" because he holds hands with EVERYONE, but all and all he really does care about girl's feelings and if he accidentally hurts them he does everything in his power to fix it.

I really do sometimes wish I was more like him. He's such a great big brother figure in my life. Whenever I have a problem or just need to talk to someone he's always one of my first people on my list to call. S/O to Justin: I love you so much! You're my bro and I dont know what to do without you.

I Hope They Call Me on a Mission!!

Ahhhhhh can I just tell you how excited I am to serve my mission? I'm seriously so excited and I've had so many things leading up to me going.

This summer serving a mission never ever crossed my mission. I just never planned on serving a mission and that was totally fine. But I was trying to decide if I wanted to go to public high school or not. Honestly I didnt want to go because I'm not really a people person and I was perfectly content to be in my tiny high school of less than 100 students, but I prayed and fasted about it and I just kept getting the answer that yes, I need to go to public school and meet people. I was just not sure I was getting the right answer and just kept pondering and thinking why it could possibly be important that I go to high school. I just could not think of any good reason. Then in August I went with Shelby to EFY and they told us to have a question in mind and everyday during personal scripture study to pray and read and try to find an answer. Because I still couldnt figure out why I had to go to public high school instead of my mormon private school. I mean why would the Lord ask me to go to a school where I can't learn about Him? but even after a week straight of asking at EFY I still just got the answer that I need to go to high school. I told my mom I need to go, but that I had no idea why and just kind put it in the back of my head and just knew I was going to high school for no apparent reason.

When October general conference rolled around we were at my farm. We figured that the first part of general conference is usually just them sustaining people and stuff like that, so me and my parents drove down to the gas station and I was driving. We filled up the car with gas and got drinks and the normal stuff, but as I was pulling away from the gas station I got the distinct impression to turn on the radio. The radio was already on the right station and it was literally right when Thomas S. Monson annouced the age change for girls. I was shocked! As soon as I was sure it really happened the whole high school dilema came back and I heard the words "You're going to high school to learn to talk to a lot of people you dont already know. This is for your own good. It's to prepare for the mission you will serve."

I was still shocked, but I made the dicision then and there that since the Lord took the time to prepare me just to choose I'm going on a mission.

This weekend for ward youth conference we had a "missionary experience." On Friday night all the youth and about 14 couples AKA mission presidents met at the church. We got assignments for companions, missions, and mission presidents. My companion was Sharon Crosby. We went to "Paris, France" or the Lytle's house.

It was meant to be as close to a real mission as possible. we had to follow all the missionary rules and ate food from the place where we were called. We stayed the night at the mission home and ate all our meals there. We even went out as companionships and went tracting. Sharon and I were very sucessfull and learned a lot about and from each other.

It got me just that much more exited to serve somewhere for 18 months. I'm so exited to bring people to Christ and learn to love the people of where ever I serve! I'm so exited and so grateful that I was prepared early to serve when I turn 19.. We recently sent out my nephew Elder Martineau and his cute girl friend Sister Marble! I'm so grateful for their example and I know they'll be fantastic missionaries

The day of love <3

Well, hey everybody!

Tomorrow is Valentines Day. I always dread Valentines because it just makes me feel even more forever alone than I feel every other day of the year. It's fine that I'm forever alone though because I'm not old enough to date anyway and I HATE when people "go out" before they're 16 because first of all they're so immature abotu everything and they think they know everything because they have a boyfriend/ girlfriend. I'm totally cool with not having a boyfriend because what's they point?!?

I wanted to do a Valentines post no matter how alone and boyfriendless I am. I've thought long and hard about how to do this.

Well... here it goes I guess:

I'm really not the kind of person that gets into liking people. I just dont seriously like people. Most of the time when people ask who I like and I say no one, thats the honest truth. I mean I've liked people, but not like oooh-lets-go-out-because-I-like-you kind of way. It's more of a you're-sweet-and-I-like-that-about-you kind of way. You know that feeling?

I've only ever SERIOUSLY liked one boy. It was Braiden Garner.  I liked him for 7 years straight from the time I was 7-14, but I wasn't like oh i wanna kiss you and lets go out when we're 12. I just always thought he was the sweetest kid. He was always just the nices boy. He was always thoughtful and super cute with the little kids. He was outgoing to everyone which has always been a quality I wish I had. He always included everyone and brought everyone, never brought anyone down. He could always cheer me up when I had a bad day. Because of him I know a lot about the kind of guy I want to marry. He's the kind of guy I want my little brother to be. He's not only the kid I like for years and years and years, but he's my strength and my example. He's so emotionally strong and just a great example of perserverance and kindness. He's my greatest example and first love.

Valentines is such a great thing for my parents. They don't get to go out as often as they would like because of my dad's job and just how busy life gets for all of us, but no matter what every single Valentines Day they go on a fancy or fun date and leave the rest of us home.

I think dating is important not just until you get married, but to spend time with your spouce and just have a good time. My parents get about half or less of the time together that normal couples get, so it's rough, but them strengthening their relationship is one of the most important things  in our family life.

Our family has been through some rough spots that most families dont go through, but even though my parents weren't always strong they are great examples of loving each other and strength and pulling through when we're all at our lowest lows.

I may not be old enought to date, but that's ok. Valentines is still important to me because it strengthens my family!

welcome to my blog, y'all:)

Hey y'all!

My name is Ella Mathews. I'm 15 years old. I'm a Mormon!

well since this is my first blog post ill just let you know a little bit about me:

1. Random facts about me:

• I have 8 siblings, 5 of which are married, and 21 nieces and nephews with one more on the way. I have a huge family I know! 

• I've lived in Utah most of my life, but when I was younger we had a house in Arizona. 

• I've gone to the same school from Kindergarten- 9th grade, but I'm going to real High School next year. I'm really exited, but I'm also pretty nervous.

• I ADORE comfy clothes. Most of the time I wear pajamas, sweats, basketball shorts, or if I'm really feeling classy i wear a cardigan. I say I love comfy clothes because it's true, but I for some weird reason sometimes like to get all dressed up and do my hair and makeup all fancy even if I have no where to go.

• I'm allergic to like 107493629 things I swear! They aren't normal things either most of the time. I'm allergic to passion fruit, eggs, pecans, bananas, cats, horses, and a bunch of other stuff that I won't take time to write. 

• I love living in Utah. Most people hate winter, but I actually don't mind it. I used to loathe snow and cold, but last winter I learned how to ski, so that's how I get thought winter and the school year. It's like my therapy. I also love Utah in the summer because I love the heat! people often say that heat and sun aren't good for you, but if i have a basketball, a baseball bat, my sketchbook, or a good book I could literally live outside.

• I love outdoor things. In fact if I'm stuck in my house all I do is hate it. I don't even hate pulling weeds, mowing the lawn, or shoveling snow although i prefer playing softball, basketball, a bike ride, or hiking. Just as long as I'm outside I'm good to go.

• I grew up on a farm. We still have that farm, but I can't live there all the time unfortunately. I love the country. I love dirt biking, four wheeling, riding horses, rodeos, and sitting around camp fires. I often wish life were simpler and I could just live there everyday of my life. I like the city, but I love living in the small town of Fairview.

• I love to travel. Some of my favorite places I've been are: Sweden, Boston, Washington DC, Hawaii, Mexico, and London.

• somehow people always take picture of me when I'm pulling a weird face, but I embrace my weirdness and love every minute of it.

• I love dance. I've danced since I was 2 years old. I've done all kinds of dance from ballet to ballroom, contemporary to hip hop. I love every minute of the pulled muscles, the bruises, the performances, and everything in between. 

2. How my best friend and I became friends:

       I have a lot of best friends.

• Shelby: We have one of the most unique experiences I've ever heard of. We first met when I broke my arm very severely. I was laying on a trampoline by my house and she happened to be in the park. she came running and sat there until my mom came to take me to the Emergency Room.  we've been the very best of friends ever since. This day in the park was almost 5 years ago and we've been best friends since. We've never been in a single fight in all these years and we can totally be ourselves when we're together. We love each other more than self and I would honestly trust Shelby with my life. There hasn't been a day in 2 1/2 years that we haven't talked to each other in one form or another. "God made us best friends because he knew our parents couldn't handle us as sisters."

• Justin: I've known Justin for almost 7 years, but were weren't really good friends until about 3 years ago. The first time I personally remember us as good friends was 3 summers ago and we hiked to the Y for mutual. Shelby and Justin and I walked up and down the trail together and just kind of got to know each other. After mutual we got each other's numbers and started texting and within about a month we were best friends. He's such a sweetheart and we've been through so much together. We've been in a few more fights than me and Shelby, but "what doesn't kill you makes you stronger" right?

• Ryan: oh deary, I'm not sure I even remember this one. We've known each other for about 7 years, but were never friends until about 2 years ago and even then weren't very close. I think we just kind met though Justin. But anyway we're practically siblings. We tell each other everything. We've laughed together. We've cried together. We've even been sick together. He's my anchor.

• Natasha: I love this girl so much! we've known each other for 10 whole years. we first met in kindergarten and have got to school together since then. I love her so much. She's my little chewy. I don't think I could have made it this far with out her friendship in my life.

• Aubrey: Aubrey came to my school in third grade and has been there ever since. She's always there for me with advice. We do the craziest things!! Honestly I don't know how the world handles our insanity...

• Sarah: I've known Sarah also since third grade, but we weren't super good friends until this year. We do everything together. We are the weirdest people and everyone hates us for it, but that's okay!

• Davin: I've known this kid since 7th grade. Actually we hated each other during seventh grade and it wasn't until we took a trip to Washington DC that summer that we actually became friends. Ever since that trip we talk practically everyday and hang out almost every week. I love this kid. I know I can always turn to him for help when I'm in trouble.

• Braiden: I've know Braiden for almost 8 years. We first met when I moved into my ward. We've been friends pretty much that whole time. He means so much to me. He was the first and last boy I seriously liked. Even though we've fought a lot we've been drawn closer together and stronger in our trials. He means so much to me and is such a great example of courage and perseverance. I'm so grateful for him, everything he does for me, and our good memories.

3. If I could go back in time and meet anyone:

  

I would want to meet Emma Smith. I absolutely adore her. There are so many stereotypes about how and why she left the church after Joseph's death, but I feel there was a good logical reason and I want to hear it straight from her. I also admire her for her strength in all she went through losing many children and her husband on top of countless other trials. 

 one of my many nasty pictures.

 me and my dear nephew, Jeff, in Hawaii the very day he got is mission call to the Honolulu, Hawaii mission

 me and Shelby at the huts

 most of the grand kids at the farm

 me and shelbs getting dropped off at SUU for EFY last summer

 first day of being a freshman

 Justin and Shelby on our night on the town

 mine and Aubrey's legs after doing donuts in the sand

 riding four wheelers with Aubrey and Livie

 me and Aubrey all dusty after donuts at the farm

 me and my adorable littlest sister

 me and my silly parents in Cali

 me and Shelby being cow girls at the farm

 me and Ryan (Arnson) leading the ballroom showcase 

 Livie, me, and Caleb

 field day

 seaworld

 skiing at Brighton with the fam

 yet another awkward face

me and mom and livie in Maui