The Women in my Life

Each mother's day, I can't help thinking of the many amazing women I know whose hearts break on this holiday because they haven't yet received the opportunity to be a mother - and so, I want to express gratitude for ALL the women in my life this day.


I'm grateful for my mom who taught me to laugh, to serve, to worship, and to trust in God when all else fails. She makes each day magical. She has been there for me on all my darkest days. She is my hero, and I hope that some day when I grow up, I can be like her.


I am grateful for my grandmothers who have taught me to sew, to cook, to clean, to work hard, and to appreciate my family history. Both of my grandmothers are beautiful, strong women who have always been great examples to me.


I am grateful for my aunts who taught me how to take care of babies, to have fun, and to enjoy life as it comes. I don't know any of them very well, but I am grateful that they saw the beauty in me even during my awkward years, and have always shown me love and support. I look forward to the opportunity to get to know them better some day.


I am grateful for family friends and church leaders who have taken care of me over the years. They have been like mothers to me, encouraging me in my dreams, teaching me their talents, always taking the time to listen to me and give advice. I feel blessed to have been guided through life by such angelic servants of God. Your testimonies and Christlike love have made me into the person I am today. Thank you for listening to the Spirit and being there for me whenever I needed a helping hand.


I am grateful for sisters-in-law who have welcomed me into the family with open arms. They have not hesitated to love me and help with our wedding. It is a blessing to know that my children will grow up in a family with aunts and cousins who will always love and encourage them.


I am grateful for my sweet mother-in-law who has loved me without restraint and stood up to help me before I even knew I had needs. I am grateful that she raised such an amazing son to be my eternal companion and that she has accepted me as her own daughter. I could not ask for a better mother-in-law.


Thank you to each of you women who have shaped my life. I believe that it truly takes a village to raise a child, and I was blessed to be placed in a wonderful village. Don't forget that your little kindnesses, testimonies, and acts of service really do mean a lot - they have changed my life for the better. I echo Elder Cook's sentiments - you women are incredible!


Have a wonderful Mother's Day.

Friday, Bob Dylan, a Baby, and some Anniversaries

If you haven't heard about this ridiculous song and music video yet, you must watch. It is absolutely horrible, and absolutely hilarious. I can't decide if my favorite part is how she agonizes over choosing between the front seat and the back seat, the random Usher-like rap in the middle of the song, her horrible vowels and intonation, or that relevatory line, "Yesterday was Thursday, Today it is Friday, Tomorrow will be Saturday and afterwards is Sunday!" But Rebecca, what comes after Sunday? Now we'll never know.





And if that wasn't good enough, someone decided to cover the song in the style of Bob Dylan. It's a strange mix, soothing and amusing at the same time. My husband just loves it.





After waiting 6 days, we finally got our new nephew last night! Pierce Montgomery Moon was born on March 17, 2011 at 8:15 pm. He is 8 lbs 15 oz and 21 inches long. We were hoping that he would be born on the 15th so we would have 3 nephews named Ezra, Taft, and Benson all born on the same day - but we're just glad he is here. Maybe Brandon and I will just have to have Taft...

Isn't he beautiful? I can't wait to hold him! Being an aunt is so fun.

Today is a special day for the Hintons and the Moons. My parents were married 22 years ago 
today, and Brandon and I have been married 1 month today. I'm grateful that I am part of this amazing, wonderful, loving family for all eternity. 

When we were dating, I remember feeling absolutely terrified at the thought of losing Brandon. I knew that I would be so lost without him in my life. I'm so glad that I never have to worry about that again, and that I get to be with him for all eternity. This last month as his wife as been the best of my life - and I feel so blessed to share many more months to come with this sweet, steadfast, tender man. I love you honey :)

Someone is having a birthday...

I'm so lucky to wake up to this face every morning!
(Well, he's usually not this exuberant or this scruffy...
but you know what I mean.)

Today is my sweetheart's birthday. Yes - my darlin', my honey pie, my pickle breath - he is 27 today. 

To celebrate, we are going to the temple, snuggling up together in front of a movie, and I am going to attempt to make him an apple pie. (Thankfully, his sister Melinda will be helping me, so I shouldn't set anything on fire this time.)


I will spare you another mushy post listing all of the reasons why I love him, because heaven knows you have all had to read far too many of those in the past couple of months. I'll just give you a picture instead.

I love you, honey. Like, a whole stinkin' lot. I'm so glad we get to be together forever. 

My Little Brother is Growing Up.

Ten years ago today, my sweet brother was born. He was due on the last day of February, and when he didn't come I prayed that the baby would be born the next day. And he did. It was pretty exciting for a ten year old's prayer to be answered in such an exciting way. 

I remember waiting all day for him to come, fidgeting my way through school and my afternoon homework, anxiously waiting for the time when we could go to the hospital to see my mom. We were in the room at 10:44 pm when my brother came into this world - and what a special experience that was. 

James made our family complete. He is a very unique and special spirit. He has my father's calm, gentle spirit and my mother's ridiculous sense of humor. He has a strong testimony of the Gospel and is constantly looking for ways to serve. Even in his preschool days, he was always willing to share and compromise with his peers, just because he wanted them to be happy. 

James has always been my little buddy. It has been a joy to be his older sister and somewhat of a second mom. I love reading to him, playing checkers with him, talking on the phone with him, snuggling up with him while watching a movie, listening to the songs he makes up, and just being in his presence. He makes me want to be a better person. He amazes me with his creativity, his humility, his goodness. He is truly an angel on earth.  

I can't believe that he is becoming a little man, and in just three more years he will be a teenager! I don't worry too much about him though, for I'm sure he will be the sweetest teenage boy the world has ever known. I can tell that my brother is going to do amazing things in his life, and I look forward to watching them unfold. 

Happy birthday, sweet boy! We all love you so dearly. 

It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single BYU co-ed on her way to possession of a BFA, must be in want of a husband.

Well, after lots of fasting and praying and pondering and phone calls to my mom, I am engaged! I am marrying Brandon Moon in the Salt Lake Temple on February 18th.

Brandon and I met in our FHE group during the summer term. We became friends and started hanging out more and more until he asked me on a date to fly kites with him at the park. (How cute is that?!) The next day he held my hand, and we've been inseparable ever since.


Brandon is amazing. He is calm and steady, which helps me so much when I start to get overwhelmed and stressed out. He understands the introverted, homebody side of me and encourages me to slow down and simplify my life. He is incredibly loving and takes such good care of me. He has a burning desire to serve the Lord, to raise a righteous family, and just to do what is right. He reminds me so much of my sweet father. He is reserved and quiet when you first meet him, but once you get him talking you discover his tender heart, his great sense of humor, his integrity and then you realize - he is a treasure. He loves me and honors me even though I am crazy and sometimes ridiculous. He always sees the best in me. His gifts fill my gaps, and he is the perfect match for me. I am the luckiest girl in the world. :] 


Remember how nervous I was to return to Provo in the summer? If I had not come back, I never would have met Brandon. 


I have learned so much from this experience already. It has not been an easy decision; my choice will hurt many good people (including a certain missionary in Ukraine). But as I have counseled with the Lord, I have come to know with every bone in my body and every fiber of my being that this is right. His sweet peace guides me, sustains me, and fills me with indescribable joy. From this experience, I have learned that everything will work out just how God wants it to. We just need to be willing to listen and act on the promptings He gives us. 


Thank you for your love and support throughout this journey. I look forward to sharing my many new adventures with you. If you want to know more about Brandon, you can blog-stalk him here. We will probably not be combining blogs because I want this one to tell my story - but rest assured that you will hear a lot about him and I will post lots of beautiful wedding pictures :]


Happy Holidays to you all!

PS- Brandon just wrote his own blogpost on the subject, and it's the sweetest thing I've ever read. If you need any more reasons to love him, read it!

If you thought Justin Bieber was good...

...(or even if you think he's lame)

Check out what my little brother came up with!

Yep, I'm convinced he's the coolest kid ever.

"All my life, I've lived for loving you."

My amazing little sister graduates from high school this week, and so for her graduation present I decided to make a slideshow celebrating her life and everything she is.

Our family watched it and bawled our eyes out.

The combination of me returning to BYU on Saturday and Megan's preparations to leave home at the end of August has made us a little nostalgic.

But we have faith in Heavenly Father's plan for us; we know that "some things are meant to be."

"All my life, I've lived for loving you. Let me go now."

I love this boy.

Today I came home tired from a long day at work at the fair. In the last 3 days, I've spent 31 hours on the clock...and I am pretty exhausted! It all culminated when my sister mentioned that they spent the afternoon baking snickerdoodles with James' friends, and I burst into tears because I so wanted to bake cookies with those sweet little boys.

Tonight I got to lay down with him as he was falling asleep. "Tasha," he asked, "What are you doing tomorrow?"

"Going to work again. Why did you ask? Did you want to do something with me?"

"Yeah...I wanted to bake snickerdoodles with you because you missed it today."

And I cried all over again.

He is so thoughtful, so sweet, so selfless. And I get to be his sister for time and all eternity.

Yes, I have everything I need to be happy.

"You Have Everything You Need To Be Happy"

I got a letter from my best friend the other day that taught me something profound. Sometimes among all the talent at BYU, I doubt the gifts God has given me and start to wonder if I really have any at all. Being my best friend, he sensed my self-doubt and shared a beautiful truth he's learned in the mission field.

I'm reminded of something they teach us as missionaries in learning the language - never compare yourself to someone else....For me, in learning Russian, I've discovered that as long as you're trying your best , you will be able at the exact level that the Lord NEEDS you to be at.

Lately I've found myself caught in what Elder Holland called, "our culture's obsession with comparing, competing, and never feeling we are enough." My friend's observation taught me the key to escaping this miserable mindset - trusting that God gives us all that we need.

Not all that we want, but all that we need. He is omniscient and omnipotent; He could certainly give me all the musical, artistic, intellectual skills I have ever desired. But He hasn't.

He has, however, provided for all of my temporal and spiritual needs. Every time I ask in faith, He aids. And I know that despite my impractical, not-so-marketable major, my Heavenly Father will provide for my needs in His due time.

One of my mom's friends has a sign on her front door that reads, "you have everything you need to be happy." That little phrase made me wonder, would I really be any happier if I was thinner, prettier, richer, smarter, or more talented? No, I wouldn't. Happiness is based on obedience to the Lord's commandments and the attitude we choose to have. So even though I've thought that I needed all those extra things, I

not what we possess or who we impress. I don't need anything else to be happy.

I must remember to be grateful for all that I have and also be grateful that God in His infinite wisdom has not given me any more than He has.

And when I look at what He has given me, I feel the warmth of the Spirit confirm that yes, I really do have everything I need to be happy.

Everyday Heroes

I have discovered that life is not a series of great heroic acts. Life at its best is a matter of consistent goodness and decency...I have observed that it is not the geniuses that make the difference in this world. I have observed that the work of this world is done largely by men and women of ordinary talent who have worked in an extraordinary manner. -Gordon B. Hinckley

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Today I want to write about my heroes. These people are simple, accomplishing amazing things just by living good, consistent, selfless lives. They do not realize their influence. These are the people who inspire me to be my best self, and I hope they inspire you too.

1. Mom

My mom is my best friend. I call her all the time to talk about my struggles, my funnies, and my lovelies. She makes me laugh every day. She makes me smile every day. She drops what she is doing every day to talk me through my difficulties. Of course she is not perfect, but she puts her whole heart and soul into being the best she can be. She has an amazing gift to connect with people. I am amazed at her ability to recognize those who are silently struggling and think up ways to serve them without making them feel like a "service project." When I grow up, I want to be everything that she is.

2. Dad

I just wrote a post all about my dad a couple weeks ago, but I had to include him in this one as well. He is the hardest working man I know. He has given up everything he has to support our family and serve the Lord. He is so smart, so talented, so wise, and He has consecrated all of that to the Lord. He may be quiet, but he has a strong testimony of the gospel and guides our family in living it. I couldn't have asked for a better father.

3. James

My brother is ridiculously awesome. Ridiculously. He makes up his own songs on the piano and while he's doing his homework. He takes scraps of paper and turns them into art. He makes me laugh every day with his witty, sassy comments. He's made up his own breakdancing moves from the time he was 5 years old. He loves the gospel. He is selfless and kind to those who are unkind to him. He is the definition of love. He has made our family complete.

4. Brian

I could talk about Brian for ages. He is funny, smart, thoughtful, selfless, always willing to serve and has an amazing gift to make other people feel comfortable. He always sees the best in me and helps me to feel my Heavenly Father's love. He's currently serving a mission in Ukraine and has thrown himself into the work. He LOVES to serve and he loves the Lord. He has shown time and again that he is willing to give his whole soul over to the Lord. And as he has done that, he has been transformed into an even amazing young man. I am so grateful to have him as my best friend.

4. Courtney

Courtney is my soul sister. We are alike in so many ways, from being the oldest children to singing in choir to loving family history! I first noticed her because she is incredibly friendly and kind to everyone she meets; when it comes to relationships, she is fearless. That is something I want to develop in myself, and I look to her example so often in that area. I see her as the definition of charity, and the way she lives her life testifies of Christ. She understands my heart and is willing to drop everything to serve me. I am grateful for her example and her friendship!

6. Marshall

Marshall is brilliant, though he would never say so himself. I am astounded by all the things he knows how to do, and even more astounded that he can do so many of those things with great skill! He is bursting at the seams with creativity and encourages me to think about things of eternity. Whenever I talk to him, he uplifts me and inspires me to be a better scriptorian and a more committed Latter-day Saint. He is a wealth of knowledge and is passionate about using that knowledge to serve other people. He is going to do amazing things in this world - oh wait, he already is.

7. Hillary

Hillary is a constant in my life. We first met doing sound for Christian Youth Theater, where she patiently taught me all the duties of the sound board, and she has been patiently teaching me ever since. She is truly a woman of God, and even though that means she has to stand alone sometimes, she is willing to make that sacrifice for Him. Her faith and charity are inspiring. And even though I don't get to see her very often, I know that whenever we do get together again, we will pick up right where we left off. I am grateful to have a friendship with her that will last throughout the eternities.

8. David

David is another constant in my life. He is always there when I need someone to talk to, and has helped me through so many tough times. He always sees my strengths and reminds of them, for which I am grateful because this critical world causes me to forget. I only wish that he could use that gift on himself and recognize how wonderful he is! He is a talented ballroom dancer, a great conversationalist, a hard worker, a dedicated servant of the Lord, and a selfless, loyal friend.

9. Breanna

Breanna is one of my favorite people to work with. She is always willing to do the tasks that no one else wants to do. Plus, she is beautiful, fun, and incredibly loving. She always sees the best in other people and I have NEVER heard her make a negative remark. She helps me to recognize strengths in others and in myself. She loves Disney Princesses, but I think that she is more amazing than any character put on the screen.

10. Joshua
Oh, Joshua. He's tall, dark and handsome. He sings in BYU Men's Chorus. He's Dutch. He's hilarious. He is thoughtful. He has an amazing family. He always makes me feel loved and valued. He is hard working, yet fun-loving. He brings games into the workplace, making it a joy to be there. He brings joy wherever he goes. He radiates the Light of Christ.

And of course, my most important hero, Jesus Christ.

All of the people I have listed above have blessed me because they have taught me about Jesus Christ through their words and deeds. They are evidence of the Savior's love for me.

But it is through Christ alone that I am healed.

He has borne my griefs and carried my sorrows. When words fail and no one else can comfort me, He speaks peace to my soul. He has atoned for me sins and through His grace I will be able to be made perfect. He helps me through my struggles and forgives even though I make so many mistakes. I am astounded by His patience with such a slow and stubborn creature such as me. He has given my family power to be together forever. He has shown me the way to find true happiness in this life and the next. He helps me to progress and fulfill the measure of my creation.

Without my Redeemer I am nothing. But through the cleansing and enabling power of His atonement, He is shaping me into something wonderful.

And for that, I rejoice.

My Father

He didn't tell me how to live; he lived, and let me watch him do it.

~Clarence Budington Kelland

My father has never been a man of many words.

Sometimes friends would come over and say "I don't think he likes me," because he is so solemn compared to my incredibly friendly mother.

But when he does speak, it is always something good.

I remember one time when I was fourteen I was having a hard time loving someone and feeling guilty for not being able to love them perfectly all at once. He talked me through it, and when I looked over at the end of our conversation, I saw that he had been playing Bejeweled on his cell phone the whole time. I don't know anyone else who can give spiritual advice while playing a game on their cell phone.

Another time my mom was upset with someone and was about to give them a piece of her mind. "Michelle," my father said calmly, "what are you trying to accomplish? You know that you don't have the power to change them. Are you doing this just to show them how angry you are? What good will that do?" My mom did not speak her mind and instead saved that relationship. I think of those words every time I get upset, and have saved many relationships.

He has told me wonderful stories about his childhood in Hurricane, Utah, and especially about my great-grandparents. Those stories help me feel connected to those family members who I didn't have the chance to know very well. My father's stories have instilled in me the values of my ancestors, and have given me a desire to live a life that they would be proud of.

He hardly ever gets mad. He has an incredible patience. He is the voice of calm and reason in a family full of crazy people. Sometimes I wonder why he puts up with us.

But the most amazing messages he gives are not in words. His actions speak volumes about his character.

He works two jobs to support our family, then serves about 20 hours a week as a Bishop. And he never complains.

Once he said, "That boy thinks he knows what love is? Wait until he works his fingers to the bone for his family and barely ever gets to see them. Then he'll know what love is."

Whenever he has time off, he is not idle either. He's always fixing something around the house, doing paperwork, reading Harry Potter to my little brother. Every once in a while I'll find him reading a Louis Lamour book.

I honestly don't know how he does it.

He was always there to help me with my math or chemistry homework, even if it took an hour and a half. He is always willing to check my car before I went on a long trip, or help me with my taxes, or book my flight home for Christmas. As busy as he is, he never pushes me away when I need help.

Although he isn't home very often and doesn't speak very much, I know that he loves me because of the life he lives. And I aspire to be as hard-working and patient as he is.

One of my favorite things in the world is to be embraced by him and have him tell me, "I'm proud of you." When those words come from the most amazing man you know, you must be doing something right.

I love you Daddy.

A New Start

I'm back in Provo. Winter semester starts tomorrow, and while there is the prospect of the new classes, friends and adventures that the next four months will bring, my heart is back in San Diego.

Sometimes I feel like I am an old lady stuck in a young person's body. And life. I long for that which is eternal. Sure, I have fun in my singles ward here at BYU, but I feel more grounded in my home ward doing all the things I got to do with my mom over break - singing in ward choir, chatting with the middle aged women in Relief Society, taking meals and hosting play-dates to an injured sister in the ward, helping out with Primary children.

Making Martha Stewart crafts after dinner. Taking little ones for walks in the canyon. Reading to my brother and putting him to bed. Cutting out paper dolls with my sister. Hosting a New Year's Eve party for a gaggle of loud kids under 12, then crawling into bed exhausted by 10. Wearing jeans and a t shirt every day. Cleaning the table after dinner. Helping all the family members feel comfortable.

For the past 2 weeks I've been living the life of a mom, and I've felt comfortable and joyous doing it. Now I am thrust back into the world of the 19 year old that I am, and the transition isn't going so well yet. I'm tired of my college student life. I want to go back to being a pseudo-mom.

But of course, the Lord has other plans for me right now. So this is my motto right now:

Moroni 8:16. “Behold, I speak with boldness, having authority from God; and I fear not what man can do; for perfect love casteth out all fear.”

I believe that God is going to put people into my life who need the love that I can offer them. I believe that He has a work for me to do that can be just as rewarding as the work I have done back in California. I believe there are no accidents, that there is a definite reason why I am here. I believe that there is a reason why He is asking me to leave my precious family: there is something else He wants me to do and to learn.

I wish I could just stay with these incredible people, but God has other plans for me. I can't wait to see what He has in store for me in this next year.

My Eternal Family

My little brother had an assignment which consisted of finishing sentences. They were pretty awesome, such as:

I wish I could change...the end of Harry Potter.
When I'm alone, I...sing songs of Michael Jackson.
When I'm going to bed I think about...Harry Potter.
The worst thing that has ever happened to me was...all my friends and family moved away. But not on the same day.
Three things people describe me as are...an awesome dude, rad, and Christlike.

But here's the best one.

The best day of my life was...when I learned that my family is eternal.

Not going to Disneyland or Christmas or a birthday, but when he learned that his family can be together forever. He is the most amazing little boy that I know. He teaches me so much. I love him with all my heart.

But this is the part that made me cry.

After this assignment, my mom asked my brother where he learned this beautiful truth. And he said that he learned it from me. One day he was crying because he didn't want me go away to school. To help him feel better, I told him that because Mom and Dad were sealed in the temple, our family can be together forever. If we try our very best to be good, we can someday all be together and never have to miss anyone. We can have a fullness of joy.

I didn't know if he understood that abstract concept, or if it would be able to comfort him. But know I know that it has.

Some days it gets really hard, and I want to run home to be encircled by the arms that always love me, to see this sweet little face.

But I know that my place is here in snowy Utah, to learn "big girl things" and to grow up.

But I also know that my family can be together forever. Oh, how grateful I am for that!

And this is what we'll be doing for eternity.

I love my mother

I just got off the phone after an hour long phone call with my mom. I laughed really hard, I teared up a little, I felt the Spirit and was inspired to be a little better. Fortunately for me, this is a normal occurrence in my life. I am so blessed to be able to say that my mom is truly my best friend.

She knows all my secrets and inside jokes, my strengths and my weaknesses. She loves me without restraint and encourages me in all that I do. She recognizes the best in me and chooses to overlook my many flaws. She could have done anything with her life, yet she chose to stay home and make sure I was raised in a home that was full of love.

She is remarkably strong and never fails to stand up for what is right, even when it is not convenient. She has a burning testimony of the Savior Jesus Christ and the Book of Mormon. She deals with many trials, yet bears them with little complaint. She lifts up my knees when they hang down. Even though my problems are probably so insignificant compared to hers, she listens, cares, encourages, and advises. She is one of the hardest and most selfless workers I know. She is a woman of many talents, and yet she has the humility to recognize that they are only to be used in the service of the Lord.

My mother makes life magical. Being with her is a pleasure because she helps create adventures, hilarious moments, spiritual experiences, and a home full of love and peace.

She never wavers in her honor and respect for my father and the other priesthood leaders of the Church. She recognizes and embraces her special role as a woman. She has taught me to be obedient with exactness, to love without restraint, to find joy in the simple things of life.

I hope these feeble words can describe some measure the love and gratitude I have for this remarkable woman. I am so grateful to have her as my mother and my best friend. I could not get by even one day without her.

Proverbs 31:10

"Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies."

I can find a virtuous woman; she is my mother.

Thanks for everything, Mom. I love you.