Trekkie Lyfe.--10 Tips for Trek

I was not excited. I didn't want to go. In fact, it was just another thing on my list of "to-do's" that I had to get done. I wish I hadn't treated it so lightly.

Four years ago, I missed the deadline for those who were able to go on my stake Trek just by a couple of months. I was so upset. Heaven knows why but I imagine it was because two of my brothers and my parents were able to go and I was left out. It wasn't fair. Haha friends, I contemplated it many a time those days of Trek this year on why in the world I was sad I couldn't go with my family. I couldn't really find a reason other than I was a loony pants.

I tried so hard to get out of going. I tried the "there were no Asian pioneers back then so this is historically inaccurate", or the "I just don't feel like it", or even "I can't take off any more time off work." I'm glad my parents didn't listen to me...again.

So It Began. 

The morning came of the day of Trek and I was ready to get the thing over with. Again, I wish I hadn't taken it so lightly. We got ready and headed to the church and checked in. More than anything I was nervous as to who would be in my "family" for the next few days. 

Once we got to the actual site of where we would be left to trek, I started to get nervous for what we were about to accomplish. I hadn't really prepared mentally, physically, or spiritually. But I knew since I had made it there, God would provide a way.

We are family! Even though you're whiter than me! 

Sheesh. They were quiet ones at first. And I thought I was going to go insane if I heard myself speaking the entire way. But eventually, the Boom Squad warmed up and we were on our way! We had a lot of laughs, sweated a TON, pulled and pushed our cart Clinton like there was no tomorrow, and even made a few bets. We had a grand 'ol time. The fam girls tent was definitely full of laughs at night with constant inside jokes.

Hoedown time! All photos courteousy of my awesome dad!

Silence.

We had this time called the "Silent Pull". It was about two miles of trekking with our carts were we were silent and contemplated the letters the stake had our parents write each of the youth-even the parents and leaders received one. We were also prompted to contemplate our ancestors and the reason why we were on Trek. Not going to lie, I thought it was completely ridiculous at first, but I'm glad that I'm not in charge of the plans God has for me.

I couldn't shake the feeling throughout the silent pull of peace that I had felt. I heavily contemplated the choices my ancestors had made that effected me today, as well as the choices I wanted to make to make my future posterity proud. I'm glad my perspective isn't always mine, and that even when I don't want to do what I feel like I should and still do, it always works out. The silent pull was definitely worth it. 

Both in Unity.

Wowzers. I did not think that the Women's Pull would end up being my favorite part of Trek. I heard many a time of those who said it was their favorite and most difficult part.

Before the pull even started, about a mile before it was the part where the women would begin to pull, they asked the men to take the carts and the women walk beside so we could rest a bit before we had to pull. 

Then it hit me. I'm crazy enough to get my mothers eye plumbing--meaning I cry. A lot. Something typically triggers it, and this time the thought of my brother bearing his testimony after his Trek four years ago and bearing his firm testimony of it. I clearly remember him talking about the women's pull and choking up at the thought that had anything were to happen if we were to live in the pioneer times, and my brothers and father were to leave, it would leave just my mom and I to trek across the plains and push and pull a cart ourselves--certainly not an easy task. 

After we got to about a mile in after the men pushed and pulled, they had the men leave up the path we would soon take. (Signifying when the men left to serve in the Mormon Battalion or leave for missions, leaving their wives, daughters, and sisters to make the trek themselves.) It was difficult to watch the men go. Tears swelled up in my eyes, realizing that this was a difficult task that lay ahead of us. That we would, as sisters, have to face. 

Sister Fowers talked to us about what the Women's Pull signified and why we were doing it. She said it would be hard. I started to get uneasy about it, and grew more and more nervous. But she did point out something I wasn't expecting. She talked of how the men leaving was like the Priesthood in our lives. It's difficult to imagine the influence of the Priesthood being non-exsistent in my life. I have a father, five brothers, and countless young men friends that are worthy of the Priesthood. It's an every aspect of my life and it terrified me to imagine my life without it.

As we prepared to make the trek up the hill, my mom was able to come on the same cart and push behind as I helped pull up front. We said a word of prayer before, and we were ready to-quite literally- climb this hill together.

Not too far in, I was at the end of my rope. I felt like I couldn't make it any longer and I somehow was making each step. I was trying my best to encourage the women in my family to keep going. But it hurt. Everything seemed to. But in that moment, a sweet lady in our stake came up and offered to help our cart. I thought I was going to cry more. God doesn't leave us in our times of need. He sends people precisely at the time He knows we need it.

I thought throughout the entire hill, how much Heavenly Father loves us to put us through things. How much he loved those pioneer women when they felt forsaken and alone. How much he loved those men who diligently left their families to do His will. How much he loved me. Something I forgot.

It was hard. Yes, physically it tested every muscle I could use. But it effected me more so spiritually. I couldn't shake the thought of not having that Priesthood power in my life. I wanted to keep going because I felt that empty feeling inside of me. The power of God given to man. Every step I don't even know how I took each one.

I ached. I ached for that emptiness I felt when I didn't have that Priesthood power. I truly saw how much man and women work together in God's eternal plan. It is and was clear to me and I cannot take it for granted. Man is no greater than women, nor women than man. It was not created that way, and it never will be that way. It's not part of God's plan. We are both created in unity and complement each other in His plan. 

Grateful for Trekkie Lyfe. 

I don't think I can even convey my deepest feelings about Trek. It was an experience that was trying on my entire being and spirit. But I know that even in those moments when those pioneers felt they were alone, they were NOT. I know in those moments when we feel alone, we are NOT. 

One thing that connected very easily and simply from Trek for me, can be explained quite simply; Girls camp, EFY, and other church things can and will bring us closer to our Heavenly Father and brother Jesus Christ. However, Trek brings us closer to our ancestors, ourselves, future posterity, and even understand that everyone goes through their trials in a different way. 

Trek was very worth it.


Also, a HUGE thank you to my aunt Jen who made all my Trek clothes! Skirts, aprons, and bonnets! She's truly talented and saved my life! Thanks aunt Jen!!

Trekkie Tips!

Now through the hot, hot sun and silent moments, I thought many a time tips I could offer to those who want to know about what to do/what to bring on Trek. So here I shall attempt. 

1. Spray bottles are life. 
No joke. I'm pretty sure spray bottles full of cold water saved my life. They had leaders actually assigned to going around and squirting youth in the face with water. Sounds ridiculous, but seriously is the greatest thing in the hot sun.

2. Baby Wipes are also life. 
Oh gosh. Those things felt so flipping good after a hot, sweaty day. So good. Be sure to bring a big pack! I had a pack of about 100 and I went through at least half of it. Baby wipe baths become life after those few days of being smelly and sweaty.

3. Place what you need for the day in your bucket.
It depends on what your ward/stake allows, but we were able to bring a duffle bag (that was placed in the trailer) and a bucket. I suggest bringing what you need for the day, and put it in your bucket. Put it in a logical order in your bucket and it will make your life easier.

4. Wear sunscreen!
You will be in the sun. A lot. So suck it up and wear some sunscreen! I personally am not a fan of wearing sunscreen, but you will be burned if you don't wear it!

5. Bring sunglasses.
They will save your life! They keep most of the dust out of your eyes, shield your eyes from the sun, and are just fab.

6. HYDRATE, HYDRATE, HYDRATE!
Often times, they would have to make the youth stop to drink. It's hot and you sweat off what you drink so it's important to hydrate so you don't get dehydrated and get sick.

7. Wear thick hiking socks.
The biggest issue of our trek was blisters. A lot of kids got blisters because they didn't want to wear thick hiking socks or didn't have their shoes broken in. I was lucky not to get any blisters, but I did wear some of my dads thick hiking socks and some broken in Saucony tennis shoes from gym class. It makes the world of difference.

8. Yoga pants are life savers.
Many women wear bloomers, but my awesome aunt Jen told me to wear the breathable yoga pants. Boy was she right! They turned out great, and my legs were completely covered between my yoga pants (from Old Navy) and my long hiking socks. I didn't worry as much about ticks that way, and my legs weren't hot.

9. You're going to feel gross, get over it.
Sorry friends, but being in the hot sun, walking in a dusty area, and no showering leads to you feeling gross. Yes you will want to complain constantly about it, but it just part of the Trekkie Lyfe. Keep as good of hygiene as you can, but you can only do so much.

10. Be happy. It's hard, but be happy. 
Trek is hard. You'll want to complain, I did! But I found it much easier to have a positive attitude about it. You can be unhappy, not learn anything, and have a bad time, or you can be happy (even fake it!), learn something, and have a good time. The choice is yours. :)

Aren't they just the cutest? Here's to who I call "The Hoedown King and Queen".

I love my parents. 

~Mostly Marissa~

The Power Within.--Father's Day 2015

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY TO ALL YOU DADS OUT THERE. As crazy as you all are, you've made an impact in our lives.

Blessed with the Best. 

I HAVE THE BEST DAD EVER. I hate to brag, but I really do. He puts up with me always calling him an old man, old fart, or any elderly joke. But he sticks around and will let me make fun of him. He's always been one to tell me how it is (even if I don't want to hear it like it is), make me laugh over his old man/stale jokes, tell me stories of when he was a youngling, show me his unshakeable testimony of the gospel, and honor his Priesthood.

My Brudders.

My brothers on the other hand, are fantastic dads too. They always take time out to tease or play with their kids. They are always trying to help when their wives are busy or need help with the kids, they always are thinking of their wives and trying to do things to lift their burdens, and they do so much on top of that. And many of those attributes they carry from our dad. I love those crazy men. Plus Ben is going to be a great dad whenever our little girl decides to come.

Another Father I Cannot Forget. 

But there is another father I'd like to thank. And that is our Heavenly Father. It took me a while to realize that he was truly there. That he wants the best for me and wants me to talk to him in constant prayer. After long weeks and days, it's all I can do to kneel down and thank him and/or plead to him in prayer. He is my father too. One that put me on this earth to realize my potential, and the potential of others. One that gave me trials and tribulations. One that gave me the father I have to show me how grateful I am for the life I have. One that blessed us with the power of Priesthood.

The Power Within. 

The Priesthood is something I never want to take for granted. It's something that once I realized the power behind it all, it completed amazed me. And still does. The Priesthood power, when used worthily can heal the sick, bring the dead to live again, create worlds without end, make anxieties peace, and all that power within a man.

It's quite a large responsibility. However, I do firmly believe that worthy men should and do hold it in these latter days. It's not something that I am willing to argue or disagree over for power to hold it. I believe it was given to men. They have a lot of responsibility on their shoulders to carry such a power. And I admire them for that. 

I've seen all 5 of my brothers receive the various Priesthood positions. It took me a while to realize the power behind each one, but once I did, I was so grateful to say that each of my brothers was worthy to hold it. And now I see some of my very best friends receiving that power and I feel so much excitement and appreciation for them. It isn't something to take lightly.

The power within that the Priesthood is, makes me feel very safe in todays world. It makes me feel peace, happiness, and knowledge that there was a plan created for all of us. And no matter the task, if I have the blessings I receive from those actively using their Priesthood, I have no need to worry. So thank you. If you hold the Priesthood worthily now, or are working towards it, THANK YOU.

And Now Back to Fathers. 

Fathers: We cannot thank you enough for all you do. For working hard. For doing your best. For always being there. For doing things that would make us proud. For listening to us when we think you aren't. For showing us there are strong men in this world. For all of it. We truly do appreciate the men you are. WE LOVE YOU.

~Mostly Marissa~

Now watch this video. It is so true and is good for the soul. I love my Earthly Father, and Heavenly Father. So much. 

And now for some Father's quotes.

"Mama tried to raise a lady, but dad won, he raised a lady, that doesn't take crap from anyone."

"Dad I know you've loved me as long as I've lived; but I've loved you my whole life."

Father: a man who carries pictures where his money used to be.

"It's not that my standards are too high, it's just that my dad (and brothers) set an amazing example for how a man should treat me."

"A father is someone you look up to. No matter how tall you grow." 

I LOVE YOU DAD!!!

Motivation Level: Negative No.

A couple weeks back, it was rough. Anything and everything was going on and I barely had a moment to breathe. And there are so many things we say at work that just become suddenly funny or just crazy weird--I mean you can only say so many sane things at work at 6 am. And many days that week were just so low of motivation. So one day, I was just tired and grouchy and finally told Faith; "Motivation is just so low today. Motivation Level is Negative No." And thus it began.

I started work up again at the school, which meant waking up at 5:30 am and being at work by 6:00am for an 8 hour shift. Long days, and I wasn't accustomed to my janitor life hours again. And to add to it, I had something everyday right after work. I was exhausted, loony, and grouchy. I didn't want to be around myself and sometimes would freak out on others who didn't deserve it. I felt like it was alright though because I was so tired. But in all of its entirety, I just didn't.

Work is actually quite fun on occasion. My coworkers are awesome, keep me alive with random jokes, and we have an all around good time. So it was about time I tried to have some sort of motivation.

I was losing my desire to give sincere prayers and do real scripture study because I was so tired and felt like I didn't need it in the moment. But my friends, in the moments when we feel like we don't need to say a real prayer to our Father in Heaven, or truly study the scriptures, is the actual moment we do need to do it. Heavenly Father does sincerely want to hear us. He wants to give us the answers to our trials. That should be our motivation.

~Mostly Marissa~

This wouldn't be a blog post if there wasn't photos!--Granted these are from a couple weeks ago!

My fabulous, gorgeous, and funny little cousin Megan tagged me in this Instagram's page. Needless to say it was exactly what I needed and I almost wet myself laughing because I feel like these are entirely true. 

Guilty. I've done this many a time.

The sad truth. 

I actually had some Pho yesterday. 

Sheesh. I have a dog people!

The struggle is alive and real. 

Pops finally got his iWatch! He was super happy. 

Ohhhh I love these goons. 

Come to Summer Seminary! Every Tuesday at 10:00am!

Love this girl. As much as she can drive me nuts, she makes me happy.

Her little sister however, is usually happy. But that day she was a crankster! This video proves it all.

But just like her aunt, food makes her happy. 

Seeing cows and remembering my Moogan. She was gone to EFY that week and I felt lonely.

This kid kept taking my shoe! Probably didn't help that I was putting grass all over him. 

Alex was called to the Edmonton Canada mission! He's going to be a great missionary!!

The frustration we felt when Alex told us he already opened his call with his family. What a stinker.

Oh well, we still love him. 

Look at that skill. Church is true. Ft. the adventure shoes

Oh the temple was much needed. Notice all the squinty eyes...karma is what it's called I believe. 

A random citizen asked if we wanted our picture taken, we gratefully obliged. Then we asked a couple if they wanted theirs taken, and then the man started asking questions about the temple--like he was an investigator. We started answering his questions and then he told us "just kidding, we're members." We laughed and after they left Tanner said "I was getting ready to start whipping out scripture references!" Very true though. It's good to know about the temple for times like that. Even if we realized later that the man and his wife were dressed up, had temple bags, and he had a temple tie pin. 

After which, we of course got Farrs Ice Cream...or custard. Equally as satisfying. 

When the boys steal your phone. 

Oh nothings up at work...I leave for two minutes and I come back to this. Just look closely.

Impromptu babysitting with these two. Look at that luscious hair.

Well hi Mike. 

Oh ya know, just practicing to make headbands for girls camp. 

Crop top Mormon style. 

This is my new life motto. 

This girl turned THREE!!! Where has the time gone? I remember going crazy when she was born and leading up to it. I was so excited that I would text Kari at least once a week to see how she was feeling. I love this little girl so much. 

Saw the Cokesville Miracle with these two crazies. If you haven't already seen it, it's a must. Go watch it! NOW.

There's never a dull moment with these two.

Of course we had to take a stroll over to the temple. Entirely satisfying for the soul.

Work: Warrior style.

Lets just take a moment to see that there is a photo that exists with my eyes closed. 

#findtheFaith

Awards we used for girls camp. Love Rhonna Designs. You're welcome to use this.

Just hanging in there. 

She loves her uncle Adam.

Kazia post swim. Her diaper gets so big. It reminds me of the old lady from the movie Robots, with really bad gas. That basically sums up Kaz. 

She's seriously adorable I can't even handle it. 

Impromptu party with some of my favorite white people.

How could you not love this charm?

Or this?

Taking selfies for the Carly. The new Annie is so good. Go watch it!

Face timing this kid and his wife is always fun. Too bad I was too late in getting his crazy faces that he makes. 

Jurassic World with these weirdos. It was so good. Go watch it! Now I have to rewatch all the Jurassic Parks. But seriously, go watch it!

Yet another day of filming for Sickay. Click here to see the Facebook page for the up and coming film and it includes the trailer. It's pretty rad.

We're sad because it's our last night of partying with Zachaby before he leaves to serve the people of Hawaii. This kid is going to be a stellar missionary. 2 years ain't got nothin on the squad!

Paused at the perfect spot. 

Hank and Fredrico are getting along quite nicely. Unfortunately, I had to cut Fredrico off his strings, don't try wrapping that around your rearview mirror. It takes about 10 minutes in a hot car to get that untangled before you finally chop it. 

We decided to go to this huge food truck thing in Layton. However, Utah weather finally decided to heat up, and lots of people were there. The lines were long. And we just finally left. Lesson learned: Americans+Food=VERY GOOD TURNOUT.

Instead we went to Kim Long's and had some delish fried calamari (squid) and Pho.

Spring rolls be on point.

Holy Pho...

So Adam and Mogene had some friends over to swim and have a fire late. I unfortunately had just showered and wanted a s'more. So I asked Adam to make me one. And he did!...an hour later. And just a few minutes after I brushed my teeth. So like the great brother he is, he made me a s'more for breakfast! Best (and first) breakfast s'more ever.