wild eyes and deceitful smiles

DISCOVERED: hidden high school treasures

This is a poem to my friend Aly
With whom I have shared a thousand glances
Into whose eye's I've looked and seen
My own expression
Whose wild eyes
Yet oft times soft
And delicate
Have shown at time certainty and conviction
Yet also doubt and uncertainty
Whom when asked to dance
Replies with a simple
Sure
And never gives
Except through eyes
An answer to the unasked question
Asked through another's eyes
And never spoken
The answer is swift
Yet contradicts
When a smile is given
Oft is one returned
But once offered not
Seldom ever returned again
Fleetingly spied
A deceitful smile is sometimes found
Yet may not contain deceit
At all
Defines the shroud
Of this my friend Aly, 15,
Going on 16.


Awww young love. Too bad there wasn't anything close to love with this young writer at all. But flattering, no?! What a nice boy. While searching through my desk this morning, I stumbled upon this gem that was written by a friend for his English class in High School, snagged by another friend, and given to me.
so. so. great. so. so. funny.

i insisted that we buy a tree to make this little texan rental home feel more like christmas. insisted. so much so that my dad believed my sister when she told him i was crying i wanted it so badly. don't worry, tears were not involved. but look! isn't it pretty?

happy christmas eve! my favorite day of the year. We're missing the German Archers and their beautiful baby today.
and these hoodlums.


merry christmas to all and to all a good night

total eclipse of the heart

It's been a space-filled 24 hours.

The sibs and I sat outside on lawn chairs on a deck overlooking the ocean for 2 hours last night. in december. We watched it go from a full moon to a total eclipse. It was beautiful and perfect. Even though there's no snow, I'll take the 80 degree weather and ocean view for now. merry christmasss.

also, got a little tour of NASA today--including Mission Control Center. Aka watched real astronauts in space riiiight now. so so cool! My brother is a smartie pants. Isn't it amazing that people have walked on the moon? the MOON!

clap your hands

ya know when you are just bursting with happiness for no reason and you just love the world and every single person you see? yeah, that is how I am feeling.

i'm happy because finals are OVER. 7 finals. over. They are OVER! Did you know that they are over? Praise be.
i'm happy because I heard such beautiful music tonight. from beautiful, humble, talented people. and I was proud of them (well, of him...David Archuleta maybe) for fulfilling his dreams. And singing with the MoTab. Way to go David! I seriously feel like a proud mother.
i'm happy because I get to see my nephews and a new niece tomorrow. And I got to skype with my other niece and her cool parents today. Beautiful.
i'm happy because roommate and I finally got to lay in our room and debrief on lives after a draaaining week.
i'm happy because I just discovered Sufjan's Christmas music. And he has a version of Lo, How a Rose. Haven't heard that song since we sang it in Singers. And no one had heard it then.
i'm happy because I've made decisions and things are happening. And it feels so good
i'm happy because the trees on Temple Square are so immaculately covered in pretty lights.
i'm happy because I made great friends this semester.
i'm happy because people around me are happy and I am happy for them being happy.
i'm happy because I can laugh at dumb things that happen. like say, getting your car towed. what?
i'm happy because we can shout glad tidings of good joy. and really take time to celebrate and reflect on the life of our Savior...with the whole world. How great is that?
i'm happy because I get to see most of my fam very soon. And I like those people. (my only sadness is that the Germans won't be there. that is not happy)
i'm happy because i get to wear my retainer every night.
i'm happy because it feels good to be happy.
call it end of the semester euphoria or yuletide cheer, whatever you wish. but oh my i am happy. bursting, really.

this song has been on perma-repeat in my head. subliminal messaging?

also, this music video is slightly disturbing

in case you were wondering

i like when my phone dies and i don't have a charger nearby
i may have the worst luck with parking in provo. ever. ever. ever.
EVER.
christmas remixes are fun
taking 7 finals is not fun. 2 more to go
baby clothes are the cutest
do people actually wear all of the clothes in every store?
shopko has everything. who knew?
i need a dentist
workers at nordstrom always think they know me from somewhere. is this a sales technique?
i want to sell all of my clothes to plato's closet
archer family christmas letter editing is soo entertaining
where are you sleep? can we be friends someday?
i forgot to give my spare change to the christmas bell ringer at wal-mart
eat mor chikin
i am becoming more of a teacher than i like to admit. applying knowledge and sprouting classroom ideas left and right
christmas lights!
you've got growing up to do
sound of music is playing beneath me. oh high school. oh performing. come back.
iceland funddd
i love to see the temple i'm going there someday
make sure to cover your tracks
kristie should get a cat when she moves back to denver
things to do places to go people to see
18 credits?
so much oil right now!
chapstick

agreed.

baby baby baby

Cambree Anne Archer. what a babe. Man alive I wish I could see her soon, but skype will have to do until May.

Congrats Andy and Paige! I am so so excited for you. You are already adorable parents and she is so lucky to be in your fam. Thanks for giving me another niece that I already completely love to death.

I wish we could apparate.

music box grid. it's way cool.
i may have found another finals distraction. uh ohh.

crooked head syndrome
no wonder i never learned how to head a soccer ball


his hips don't lie

consider this my cry for help

hello again, 4 am

woooaaah

"nothing happens until something moves" -albert einstein

i think its time for me to do some moving. and i don't just mean my body to the beat of a song.

this is why i love fishing

"He who fishes not so much to enjoy a tussle with a valiant trout as to experience the tranquility of the woods, the ceaseless murmur of the brook, and the ever-cooling mist of the sparkling cascades, gets the most out of this solitary diversion. Philosophy is born in the contemplation of such hours." -Claude T. Barnes

photo cred eli
quote cred liz

have you ever driven your car on the sidewalks on campus, you ask? why yes, yes I have. with my trusty hoodrat co-pilot. clearly we are adrenaline junkies.

after we went driving on campus we both gained 60 lbs in our lower halves. and liz purchased chaps.

baby girrrrl

once upon a time, almost exactly 2 years ago, these two little guys graced us with their presence on this earth. we felt joy and too much love. we bonded and we changed. but it was a good change, the best change.

and now guess what?

abigail jane archer was born today! beautiful girl, welcome to the world. i already love her so much. can't wait to hold her little fingers and kiss her baby cheeks in 18 days.

our family is growing and its exciting.
so so excited for the other two baby girls to get here! aw shucks, being an aunt is da best (aaaaand a lot less painful)

think to thank

happy thanksgiving! so much to be grateful for. so much

family. friends who feel like family. cars. hot n spicy cheezits. freedom. water. prayer. mountains. alarm clocks. clouds. flamingo suite. skype. warm bed. music. talks. funny people. free agency. life.

provo is panicking. everyone not in provo is panicking even more, praising their lucky stars that they are missing the biggest storm utah has ever seen. funny that the biggest storm utah has ever seen involves blue skies and sun. funny that it isn't predicted to be the biggest storm ever, just the biggest there has been in the past few years. blizzard, we are waiting....liz even bought food in preparation for you.

at least we got out of work an hour early. and an extra day off tomorrow. thank you "blizzard". i hope you actually do make an appearance

i love family skype. we missed you, germans

everyday I drive from provo to salt lake. salt lake to provo.
everyday I think, where are all of these people in all of these fast cars that they specifically chose for themselves going?
everyday I watch people crossing the street, pushing shopping carts of their belongings or sprinting in their spandex and I wonder what their night was like.
everyday I watch the sun light up the mountains and I am struck by their beauty. and then I make a comment on how cool clouds are. especially when they are swarming a mountain.
everyday I look at the faces of the drivers we pass and wonder what they are listening to and what is on their mind.
everyday I pass a car accident and think about how those lives just changed in a split second.
everyday I look into 25 little faces and wonder what their families are like, what they dream about, and what this life has in store for them.
everyday I am amazed by how much life is all around me.

i let them borrow and paint my car for this

home of the free because of the brave



sacrifice, freedom, honor, respect, patriotism.
powerful words.

happy veterans day! love you andyman, thank you for all you do for our country.

teacher: "First, we have the Dot and Circle Family. Next, we have the Line Family."
student (shouting): "are they made up of lions?!"

"guyssss, there are 2 cats in a glass box in the back of that truck"
-lizzie rupp

Can't you guess? I'm going to school!

I start my Practicum tomorrow. ah! I will be in a 2nd grade class at Nibley Park Elementary in Salt Lake. I feel a little bit like I did before I went to Uganda...that I have no wisdom to impart to these kids, and I need some. Fast. You might find me reading As A Man Thinketh tonight at 2 am. That is the best way and time to gain wisdom, I'm sure of it.

but really, SO excited to finally be in a school starting this real life teaching stuff!

there is hope smiling brightly before us

We are instructed by our Lord and Exemplar, Jesus Christ, to “be of good cheer.” (D&C 61:36; D&C 78:18.)

Jesus has given that same instruction to others before, when the stressful circumstances in which they found themselves were anything but cheerful. For instance, he told the original Twelve to be of good cheer when, on the surface, there was nothing to be cheerful about. (John 16:33.) The indescribable agonies of Gethsemane were imminent. Judas’s betrayal lay immediately ahead. Likewise, Jesus’ arrest and arraignment. The Twelve would be scattered like sheep. Jesus’ unjust and mocking trial and His terrible scourging were but hours away. The shrill and disappointing cry of the mob—to release Barabbas instead of Jesus—would soon echo in the air. Then would come the final, awful moments on Calvary!

Therefore, how could Jesus expect the Twelve to be of good cheer? Because, the Savior said, “In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33; italics added.)

Because Christ had overcome the world, the Atonement was about to be accomplished! Death would be irrevocably defeated! Satan would have failed to stop the unfolding plan of salvation! All mankind would be given—through the grace of God—immortality! Additionally, for those who would earn it, there would be the richness of eternal life! These were among the resplendent realities and the fundamental facts which justified the Twelve’s being of good cheer—not their grim, temporary circumstances! The precious perspectives of the gospel give to us this gospel gladness!

Elder Neal A Maxwell, "Be of Good Cheer"

Today my Dad told me that learning how to multiply and divide fractions was one of the most exciting parts of his education. Then my math teacher told us that she once taught how to divide fractions in a talent show. Stole the show, I'm sure. I think I missed something great about fractions...

hello autumn

Eli Morey has mad photo skillz

http://elimorey.blogspot.com/

check it. such a talented brother in law

True Blue Football 2007. Jessica Lynn Bodily and I became friends

Our first picture together.
I probably called her Jessica.
Clearly we were meant to be best friends if we were already dressing like this and doing shenanigans together the first time we hung out.

Today was True Blue Football. Do you know what that means? We have had 3 years of successful friendship. Happy Anniversary Bod

also, look stace, we are in a picture together from the same day! who knew?!


and look nay, I have a picture ABOUT you! that is good news

true blue brings people together. look at us now. 4th year of JABS

there are pumpkins at smiths

ain't no mountain high

dominated timp or dominated by timp?





you decide.

I told my workies about the bee fiasco in my room a few summers ago and showed them these pictures. I think this album is worth revisiting, for old times sake. It blew my mind, again.

the secret life of bees

you won't be disappointed.

also, please note that I had squirrels living above me in the attic at the same time this happened. it was a non-stop party. miss those little guys

Youngest Child Colorado Girl Out to Save the World

I am the youngest of 5 children and have 2 incredible parents. This, more than anything, defines who I am. I am the combination pizza of my family, the fruit salad, or the pieced together collage. As a child, everything that my siblings did, I did. I went to all of their sports games, dance classes, piano lessons, school performances, and church activities until those activities became my own. I am who I am because of my family's influence on my life. The activities I was involved in growing up were mostly determined by if my siblings had done them. My beliefs and opinions throughout my life have been formed mostly by listening to my siblings and parents talk and debate. My lessons were learned by watching my siblings grow and learn and react to situations. For me, it has always been family first. I grew up with an incredible support system from my parents and siblings, and my relationships with them are what I value most in life. Every time we are together, my family does this handshake and says "to eternity and beyond". This handshake represents my family, and thus represents me.


Music has shaped my life. I began playing the piano when I was 6, dancing when I was 3, playing the violin when I was 8, singing in choirs when I was 11, and acting in musicals when I was 10. All of these lessons and activities taught me discipline and hard work. It taught me that patience and diligence are required to get the end result you desire. Because of my life of music, I now think in music, experience life and emotions through music, and grow through music. This piano represents the songs that are constantly going through my head, the music lessons that taught me life skills, and my great passion for music and dance that I could not live without. (This piano and many other painted beauties just like it are found on 16th Street Mall in Downtown Denver, one of my favorite places).


This is a painting that a fantastic Ugandan man named Angelo painted when I was living in Uganda during the summer of 2009. My experience in Uganda was a turning point in my life--I changed my major and career goals entirely, my life plan, and my outlook on life, possessions, and happiness. This painting represents my love for adventure, travel, and all people and cultures (especially Africa/Uganda right now). I am fascinated by the world and its diverse population. I believe that there is so much to learn from the world. My fondest memories are from family trips and weekend adventures, seeing and experiencing the world and different cultures. This represents my favorite thing to do, travel, and the lifestyle I want for my future, a life living abroad.

nothing like some heart-soothing piano time. thank you terrace for having a piano in the building

food, glorious food

it blows my mind how much food is in this world. i am always shocked by how much food is in one single grocery store. then think about how many grocery stores you live by with just as much food in each one of them. then think about how many grocery stores are in your city, and your state, and the country. it is mind boggling. as our Ugandan guard David would say, "Americans are ever eating, whereby they are ever fat". touche, david

back to schooool

i know we look cute, but this may be my least favorite day of the year. the first day of school. senior in college and and nothing has changed. Wish I had the Moores and my sistas with me still!

its not back to school, its forward to discovery. riiiiight mom?

i find this hilarious

how does having kids sing a pop song suddenly make it appropriate for children to listen to? Aka Kidz Bop. It disturbs me that California Gurls and Tik Tok are M&W's favorite songs

itchy itch scratchy scratch oooh I got one on my backy

I currently have a mosquito bite the length and width of my hand on the back of my leg. I am beginning to fear mosquitoes more than moths for the effect they have on little me. Pretty sure mosquitoes were a mistake in the creation.

In other news, isn't Colorado beautiful?

work?

These boys keep me entertained all day. This was after we saw The Last Airbender on Monday, which I actually really liked! The boys clearly did too...they spent a good 30 minutes waterbending in these fountains right after we saw it. Hiiiilarious. The shakiness is me laughing. The bad quality is my phone. The distance is being secretive so Matthew wouldn't take my phone and break it if he caught me recording him. (You should see that kid dance...all videos have been erased by Matthew's force, but I'm determined to sneak one someday. Too funny)


matthew is to the left, in the red shirt. will is the one in the white shirt in the middle sticking his face in the water the whole time. ohh boys




"Matthew are you hungry?"
"NO Aly! I'm hungry for you to get in the water!"

After picking Will up from his 1 1/2 hour golf lesson
Matthew: "Alyyy, I'm starving!"
Will: "You're starving Matthew?! I haven't eaten a thing for THIRTY MINUTES!"

"Do you guys want to go to Boondocks today?"
Will: "YEEEAAAAHHHH!!! I love Boombox!......What is Boombox?"

en.ter.tain.ment.

team harry and ron

I have an announcement. After years of refusing to read or watch...I am reading Twilight.

Now that you've calmed down a bit from that, let me explain. Sometimes fellow nannies become friends. This has happened to me. In an effort to not seem like a book snob or mean person and to become better friends with her, I am reading Twilight per request of a fellow nanny whom I see often. As Kristie said today "You have to be a suck up to make friends". Fellow nanny loves that I am reading it. She asks me about it every time I see her and tells me why she loves Edward. I would never take her for a Twilight fan, and this is what got me reading the book more than anything...how does it hook every single type of person? I'm 2/3 of the way through the book (and its taken me 2 weeks to get that far, not 2 days), and I still don't know the answer to that question.

Every time I go to my Dad's office, I swap book suggestions with a lady who works for him. This week I told her I was reading Twilight for the first time and she was a) shocked that I hadn't already read it and b) ecstatic for me. She said, and I quote, "Twilight is like eating delicious candy with absolutely no calories. AH you just can't get enough!"

"Bring on the shackles--I'm your prisoner"
"I may not be a human, but I am a man"
"And third, I was unconditionally and irrevocably in love with him." (replace love with obsessed)
"He grinned his crooked smile at me, stopping my breath and my heart. I couldn't imagine how an angel could be any more glorious."

Lets just say I don't think Twilight is my kind of candy

I know this is a blog for what makes me happy, but I am just heart broken over this. I know bad things happen all around the world everyday and they are all sad and full of injustice. Read CNN.com for an hour and you will be depressed for the rest of the week. But the recent attacks in Kampala have really gotten to me.

In April, Invisible Children came to BYU. This year the roadies brought Ugandans with them, people who are part of the Schools for Schools program in Gulu. Tony was with the mountain west team. Tony loved us because we had lived in Uganda. We hung out with him for the night, watching Ugandan music videos and talking about Kope Cafe and Garden City and Posho and the Multi-Choice Hotel and everything Uganda.



3 months later, Tony is on CNN



ah! he has already had such an incredibly difficult past (if you've seen the invisible children rough cut, he's in it) and now he has to deal with this. Now Nate Henn's family has to deal with this, he was there doing good good things. We were only with tony for a few hours but still, my heart = broken. But look how strong Innocent and Tony are, how willing they are to keep fighting the good fight. Ha I'm talking like we're best friends. We're not, but they've inspired me. Anyways, pray for Uganda. Pray for Tony. Pray for Nate Henn's family. Pray for hearts to be softened. Pray for peace.

everyone jump upon the peace train
come on now peace trainnn

more about the bombing http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/africa/07/13/uganda.bombing/index.html?iref=allsearch

a short, humorous, five-line poem

This poem makes me laugh so hard. No one knows why. But I love it

There once was a man from Nantucket,
Who kept all his cash in a bucket,
But his daughter named Nan
Ran away with a man,
And alas for the bucket, Nan-tuck-et!

But he followed the pair to Pawtucket,
The man and the girl with the bucket,
And he said to the man,
He was welcome to Nan;
And as for the bucket, Paw-tuck-et!


children's poetry is the best

earth

today while skyping with Wesley, he was reading a book about space with Doug. Doug asked him where Earth was in a picture of our solar system, and Wesley pointed at it right away and said "Earth!" or something that sounded close to it. (He was also saying Mercury, Mars, Venus, Jupiter...the little smartie). Lets keep in mind he's not even 19 months old. Compare that to this...



hilarious

paul douglas archer

Happy Father's Day, Daddio!

thanks for showing me what it means to be
a hard worker
a good friend
a committed parent
an honest person
passionate
giving
fair
informed and involved
forgiving
adventurous
a go-getter
better safe than sorry
loving
funny
a worthy priesthood holder
a loving spouse
respectful
reliable

I love you so much, Dad! My favorite thing about you being a father is getting you as my Dad

aaand not having to touch the fish because you are there to do it for me!

jaclyn's married!

this girl got married this morning. so happy for her and jimmy! she makes one beautiful bride

(and Darla came for the wedding!)

this time for africa

this is my current jam and i am looooving it. shakira is so cultured



woo world cup this weekend!

brothers

this gets me every time I see it. look at those little studs!

LP

this place is calling my name








i think i'll go there today