More Precious than Gold!

Possibly the Greatest Day of my life!!! :)

A Big Change! Thanks Jill for the pics you did an awesome job :)

My little sister is not lookin so little any more :/
You look gorgeous Cass!

On October 4th, 2010 I received something worth more than Gold... LETTERS!!! Finally after almost 7 weeks I got my first letters from Benetton since he entered the mission field. It was the greatest thing in the world. I had pretty much given up hope and had sworn off checking the mail ( mostly to save myself from getting a broken fist). Well my mom called me on Monday and said... Are you ready to have a good day?! Not knowing what the heck she was talking about I said...uh sure. Then it hit me like a ton of bricks... WAIT DID I GET A LETTER?! It was a total shock, but definitely a good one :) I was on my way to a group project at the time so I had to wait for three hours before I could read them. That was pretty much a killer. But it was good because it made it last longer, and honestly who knows when I am going to get another set of letters! There was a set of nine letters starting on Aug 26th and going to Sept 9th. So they were a month old, but it was so great to finally have something that was for me specifically. If those who are wondering what they said or how he is doing... Well he was doing good as of a month ago, and he still loves me :) So that was all really good to hear! I don't know when the next group of letters is going to show up, but if there is one thing I am learning from all this it is to be patient. So when they come they come, and in the meantime I can be grateful for all the hard work he is doing. I am very blessed and in turn am very happy.

Some other things that have been going on... Yesterday I had my first MRI. Note to self- When a Doctor says "You need an MRI"... Run for the hills!!! That is definitely not something that I wanna do every again! I did two series which means 40 minutes of laying completely still in a tube. For those of you who have had an MRI you know what I am talking about. I think I said a thousand prayers and sang every primary/christmas song I could possibly think of. I had to have an MRI for my back because it has been giving me a lot of problems. I finally went and saw an Orthopedic Surgeon. He believes I have what is called a PARS Fracture. Basically it is a fracture in my lower spine which happens primarily in teens who play sports. I have had back problems since my freshman year in high school, so he called for an MRI so he could see if that was the cause of my pain. Now I am just waiting to hear the results. Of course I am hoping that the MRI comes back negative, but on the other hand it would be nice to finally have an answer. So that is pretty much the latest on that.

General Conference was this past weekend. I love General Conference. I always get so excited to hear what they are going to talk about. I was really touched by President Monson's first talk when he spoke about the need for more missionaries! That was incredibly powerful and gave me a lot of peace regarding my own decision to serve a mission as well as Benetton's decision to serve. Also a common theme I saw that I really enjoyed was the need to follow the rules and guidelines of the church. A lot of people feel that they are true restrictive or unnecessary, but the truth is they are there to help us and bless us. I loved the story of the "Stupid Cow" who broke out of the pasture and ate too much and died. They were not keeping the cow in the fence to make him miserable, but rather to protect him from the dangers outside the fence. I also enjoyed how the talk to parents of not being afraid to be "over-protective." They are there to protect us and lead us in the direction God wants us to go. I am so grateful for my parents and for their willingness to be parents. I can't imagine how hard it is sometimes to have to tell your kids no or to discipline them, but it is completely for our good and because they love us. Also it is a commandment for them to protect us and lead us in righteous paths. That is a heavy burden to carry and I am so impressed with how graciously my own parents have done it. Yes, I use to consider them strict, over-protective, and mean... but now I see all the good they did and could never thank them enough. I hope to be just like them some day! I love you Mom and Dad!

Last big news... I am now a BRUNETTE!! I am really really excited about it and love it so much :) I have never had brown hair before, but I have always wanted to give it a try. I finally got the courage to do it! Everyone seems to like it, and I have gotten a lot of comments about it looking more natural. It is always fun to try new things and switch it up :) I sent some pics to Ben and didn't say anything and this is what I got back....
Well i dont even know what to say.... I CANT BELIEVE YOU FINALLY DID IT!! haha but I REALLY lIke IT!! ITS REALLY DIFFERENT thats for sure and i think it will just take a little getting used to cause my love has always been blonde! but i really do like and if you like it that is all that matters baby!! i am glad you got my letters and are super happy!! its really really nice to see your sexy smiling face and i LOVE THE pictures!! they are really freakin SEXY and HOT!!! How did i find such an amazing girl like you honey!!!!!! I love you and i cant wait to hear that you got more of my letters!! I miss my baby and i cant wait to see and hear more of you!! Love your man and missionary for life! Benetton (Elder Hunt) XOXOXOXOXO I LOVE YOU!!!!

haha I guess that means that he likes it :) I knew it would be a bit of a shock to him, but I think he will get use to it :) My wonderful Sister in law Jill took some pics for me. She is AMAZING and has a true talent and love for photography :) Thanks Jill!

BUSY BUSY BUSY!

Happy Labor Day :)

It has been a really great weekend. Chris and Jill came down and brought my favorite two people in the world. We have had fun all weekend long between Ihop, Shopping, Bowling, Pirate Island Pizza, Pinochle, and tons of incredible but oh so fattening desserts thanks to Jill! It has been nice having a four day weekend because things have been crazy stressful the last couple weeks. I started school two weeks ago and I am BUSY BUSY BUSY all the time! I spend an average of ten hours at the college on Tuesdays, then have a half of day on Thursdays. It's nice having all my classes compacted into two days, but it makes for some pretty long days. then I work Monday, Wednesday and Friday all day long. Ha I wish I could say by the end of the week I fall into bed really early, but hey I am still a college student so going to bed before one on the weekends is not really an option! I have been attending an Mission Prep Institute class on Wednesday nights and totally LOVE IT! I feel like I learn so much every time I go, and the spirit is always really strong. I also was recently called to serve as a Primary teacher for the 5 year olds. I taught my first lesson yesterday and had a lot of fun :) The kids are so adorable and I already love each and every one of them. They are so smart too! Yesterday one of the boys read a scripture all by himself and just like a normal kid. I was shocked! I feel so lucky and blessed to be able to teach these kids, and have the opportunity to listen to them sing. I have never felt the spirit as strong as I do every time I hear them sing!

Benetton is doing good. He is beginning to adjust very well to the culture and is past the initial shock. Contrary to what we expected, he actually really is enjoying the food and gets to eat pretty normal stuff most the time, which is definitely a blessing for him considering how picky he is. I am missing him a lot lately. I feel like it has been FOREVER since I saw him and that we should at least be closing in on six months! Sad part is we have not even hit the three months mark. I decided it would be best to follow the rules and not email him. If you are wondering, yes it sucks! Its hard not being able to hear from him instantly, but I know it is the right thing to do and I am willing to make the sacrifice, if it means God will bless us in the end.

I am really looking forward to taking a little vacation next week to Texas! I don't know why but I have always wanted to go there. We are going to go to the Houston Temple, and visit some of the sites! I wish I could stay longer then four days, but I guess that's the downer about having to go to school and having a job. But it will be a nice get a way from all the stress of every day life!

Summer of Changing and Growing

THE WEDDING I'LL NEVER FORGET! My best friend in the entire world! She looked absolutely stunning and even though I complained a lot, I had a ton of fun getting her wedding ready! I love you sis :)

My ring in the bouquet I caught! Not only am I to be the next one married, but the groom has already been picked out.

My replacement date! He makes a pretty good one :) Got plenty of kisses and dances! Thanks Kaden!

The greatest friends of all time!

Singing on top of the world by the Carpenters! Doesn't get any better then this!

Shooting :)

There are no words! :) Bridal Shower

These beautiful roses showed up to the bridal shower! But surprise they were not for the bride, but rather for me from my wonderful missionary who even in the MTC finds ways to spoil me!!

The happy couple

haha well it was an all girls shower but Chris could not seem to stay away from the food :)

Taycee Lynn loved the Bridal Shower Cupcakes!! Thanks Aunt Kilie :)


San Diego Pics

Oh Yeah I teach him all the important things in life!

The Cutest Niece and Nephew on the planet!! I might be slightly biased:)

Church in Cali

Gettin ready to ride X2! YES!!!

Wow I know it has been a super long time since I last updated this blog. I thought that having Benetton gone would give me all sorts of time to do things like this, but on the contrary life has been incredibly busy!!!!! This summer has been a total rollercoaster with ups and downs, backwards and forwards, and big loops! It has completely changed every aspect of my life! I will not bore you with all the little details, but it started with Ben leaving on his mission, then we went to San Diego, Lisa got married shortly after we got back, I rekindled friendships with individuals I would have never expected too, and I made the biggest decision of my life. All in a matter of 8 weeks! To be honest as much fun and adventure as I have had this summer, I am really looking forward to getting back into a boring every day routine of going to school and work. If there is one thing I am grateful for about this summer, it is how much my testimony has grown!! I have had many wonderful opportunities and experiences that have enabled me to come more close to my Father in Heaven and Savior than I ever thought possible. Many of you may already know this, but for those of you who don't, I have decided to serve an LDS mission. Now I know what some of you are thinking, she is just trying to pass the time away while Benetton is gone, or she says that now, but we will see when it comes she still has a year. Trust me I hear ya! I have often asked myself the same thing if those were the reasons! Though I still have a while to wait, I have never been more sure about anything in my entire life. In fact, not going would be directly going against Gods plan and direction for me. And considering serving is only going to increase Mine and Benetton's time apart, I cant see serving as a way to make the time go faster. It is just what I know I am suppose to do. I AM EXCITED BEYOND BELIEF! I am counting down the days till I can put my papers in and get ready to go! Having Benetton go was not something I think I could have ever prepared for. It has tested me in every possible way. But I have been blessed greatly with tools and experiences to increase my faith and patience. I have had the wonderful blessing of serving with the sister missionaries in our area about once a week. I LOVE IT! It doesn't matter what I have planned that day, I will drop it just go out with them. Expect for Lisa's wedding, they called me and asked me to go right before the temple so I did have to say no then haha. It has been a great testimony builder and I have learned so much through their lessons. Each time I am asked to share my testimony, it only grows so much more as I reassure myself of the things I know are true! Also it is an incredible blessing to have a temple right here for us. Growing up I never realized what a blessing it was to have it so close where we can attend all the time. It makes me sad knowing I took that blessing for granted all these years! I have made a goal to go more regularly and it has really increased my understanding of the temples importance and my testimony of Gods plan. I am blessed to have so many friends who share in my values and not only support me, but share in the experiences with me! You guys know who you are and I just want to say thank you for being such wonderful friends and for all your love and support! I also want to thank My family for how supportive and understanding they have been this last 8 weeks. I know at times when I am really struggling I am not the easiest person to get a long with, and I truly appreciate their patience! Also my parents have been working so hard lately trying to keep the good life that we have and I do not thank them enough for their long hours at work and the sacrifices they make for us everyday! Next The Hunts!! I am so grateful for the open arms they have had in welcoming me into their home and family. I know it is not easy having the girlfriend around especially when I know they feel Benetton's focus is more on me then them. I can only imagine how hard it is to as a mom watch her oldest son leave for two years and then realize that his girlfriend, of only a year, is receiving more letters. Shelly I appreciate your patience and understanding. I love your son more then anything in this world and I feel so lucky to have him as a part of my life! I love you and your family just like my own! I know that Benetton loves you very much and that he is grateful for everything you have done and are doing for him to get him where he is right now. Thanks for sharing him with me even though I know it is not easy. You are the BEST!!! And most of all thank you to my Savior for helping me through these tough times and for never leaving me alone. I am grateful for his mercy and compassion that has allowed me to steer my life in a better direction so that I may return and live with him and my Father in Heaven again! :)

Here are some highlights from the last eight weeks!!

In The Final Hours

My personal Favorite!!!



These ones turned out pretty cool!!





Benetton leaves for the MTC in less than 48 hours. In the last week lots has happened and we have tried to cram in as much fun, movies, food, and everything else that we can!!! As I write this at 6 am, I just finished pulling an all nighter with Jimmy, Preston, Benetton, and I. We went to Red Robin, then the movie Killers, then watched Indiana Jones, Bourne Supremacy, and I am Legend. Earlier today my wonderful friends Sharise and Cierra took pics of us. They did a wonderful job!!!! Don't really have too much to say. I am definitely starting to feel the anxiety of it all! My heart is beating a million times a minute. I am scared to death of being alone. But Sacrifice is not suppose to be easy, and many have done it before me, sadly that does not comfort me at all. But what does is that I know he is doing the right thing!!! I know the lord is going to bless us!! I know the lord needs him!! And I am proud of the decision he has made!! Thank goodness for friends that know what I am going through and will be there every step of the way!!

The Call

Just ordained as an elder
Thanks to the lady at Costco!!! Her son went to Paraguay
so we got special treatment :)
Drum roll please!!!!


The Paraguay, Asuncion Mission




Benetton' Mission Pic that flashed on the screen
for the Prophet to see :)
We had four different web cams going at once!




Here are some pics from Benetton opening his call :)