you are loved.

With the the Earthquakes in Haiti, Chile and now Argentina. It has gotten me thinking of how much we have, and we shouldn't take it for granted. I can't even imagine the stuff they are going through in those countries. I watch the videos, and look at the pictures and it breaks my heart. We have been given so much, and shouldn't forget it. Today in church we talked a lot on the Creation, Atonement, and the Fall of man. It got me thinking, how gorgeous this world is. Look around you, and you will see such beautiful things. I am so grateful for the chance I have to enjoy them, I have always loved nature but after today's talks. I got me pondering what we have been given, we live in this beautiful world with endless sources. I am so grateful for the chance I have to appreciate it. So go out and enjoy the wonderful earth we live in. 

Something else I have been pondering a lot, especially the last 24 hrs. Is the love of our Savior, Saturday my little brother Bodie was baptized and It was such a wonderful day.

 (my cute lil 'licous)
Bodie has such a STRONG personality and oozes with love for all. Though he is just 8 years old, he has been such a amazing example to me. It was awesome to see him be baptized by my Dad and see him receive the Holy Ghost. 

 (bo and gpa)
He was "glowing" the whole day, and just so happy. I can tell he will use this precious gift he has been give to full ability. He is such a little missionary already, I cannot wait to watch him grown into a hansom young man and see him serve the Lord. :)

(me, Bodie, and Gpa)
It was such a special day and I am beyond excited for him, and this new chapter of his life. He is such a great little brother, I have been blessed with the best siblings ever. As I watched him get baptized I was overcome with the Spirit and thought about my Baptism day years ago. I am beyond grateful for my membership in this church, I know its because of my Father in Heaven and my Elder brother Christ. I have all I do. When I ever I feel alone or un-loved I know I am not ever ALONE or UNLOVED. I was listening to Josh Groban earlier and fell in love with these lyrics: 

"Everybody wants to be understood
Well I can hear you
Everybody wants to be loved
Don't give up
Because you are loved...

...You are loved
Don't give up
It's just the weight of the world
Don't give up
Every one needs to be heard
You are loved"

This can describe our relationship with our Heavenly Father, He will always be there hear us and to love us not matter what! Its such a beautiful song, and one of my new favs.

 So I hope you all can take those lyrics and ponder them, and know "you are loved". 

oh I forgot to add this picture,
this is Bodie and Lauren they are 
basically Best Friends, and OH 
EM Gee they are presh. I wouldn't 
mind if they got married someday. :)

and this one too: 

dear....

Dear Michael Kors, 

I would very much love to add this handbag

to my collection..

 

Dear Crazy dreams that wake me up, 

Please don't wake me before 8:30am 

next time. 7:00am is a little early 

for this girl. Thanks.

Dear Banana Republic,

This outfit is amazing.

 Dear Samantha Brown,

Thank you for sharing your world 

travels with me on the "travel channel"..

p.s your hair so cute too. :)

Dear Bodie "BO" "Bodie-licous", 

I am so excited to be apart of your special day 

on Saturday! Your Baptism!! Seems like yesterday

you were a little guy, learning how to talk!

I love you little brother! <3

Dear Spring,

I am pretty much ready for you. I am 

so over this rain stuff...

Napa.

Spent a beautiful day in Napa with Lindsey and Kattera....

The events of the day:

Went here and had this....

amazing pizza. 

Checked out the Napa Firefighter Museum,

and met a sweet old man who told us lots

of interesting things.

 Meet our new B.Friend. We share
him. Isn't dreamy...haha.

 Had these "to die for" Cupcakes. :)

Love these ladies.

 

 Oh how I heart you Napa Valley!

Thank you for a wonderful day, see you soon.

smiles.

What makes me smile...

sushi dates with momma

manis 

getting letters

Justin Bieber

(seriously he's adorable)

the Gospel

finding shoes for Jen's wedding

Lady Antebellum

(they have some amazing songs)

having no more roots

(hello dark hair again!)

getting a text from a cousin

 a clean room

  Im all smiles right now.
Life is good. <3

wishing.

Who does she wish was with her? 

is that what your thinking?! haha.

That would be these lovely ladies. 

 

 try and guess who's who in the top pic..
not that hard we all look the same! haha.
(I would say we are ages 7-5 maybe? not sure)

I am feeling a Utah trip soon, 
I miss the cousins!

so in love right now...

....with The Script. 

 Gahh they are amazing. Go look them up!
(click on their name)

My favorite "The Script" songs:
yeah they are all love songs, but that's
basically what they do. I am sucker for a 
good love song. I hope nobody takes these lyrics
seriously and think they apply to my life. That's
not why I like them (if they happen to)....I just like them, ok?! :)

The Man Who Can't Be Moved

"'cause If one day you wake up and find 

that you're missing me
And your heart starts to wonder 

where on this earth I could be
Thinking maybe you'll come back here to 

the place that we'd meet
And you'll see me waiting for you 

on our corner of the street
So I'm not moving, I'm not moving..."

Break Even

"What am I gonna to do when the best part 

of me was always you,
And what am I supposed to say when 

I'm all choked up that you're ok, 

I'm falling to pieces, yeah,
I'm falling to pieces

(One still in love while the other ones leaving)
I'm falling to pieces

(Cos when a heart breaks no it don't breakeven)"

Before The Worst (my number 1 fav..)

"We were sitting with our backs against the world
Saying things that we thought but never heard

Who would have thought it would end up like this?
Where everything we talked about is gone
And the only chance we have of moving on...

Is try to take it back 

Before it all went wrong

Before the worst, before we mend
Before our hearts decide,

It's time to love again
Before too late, before too long
Lets try to take it back

Before it all went wrong.."

I'm Yours

"You touch these tired eyes of mine
And map my face out line by line
And somehow growing old feels fine
I listen close for I'm not smart
You wrap you thoughts in works of art
And they're hanging on the walls of my hear..

It may not seem like very much
But I'm yours"

<3

finally putting it into words.

Today was Branch Conference for us singles and "holy moly" it was amazing. Needed to hear it all..isn't it wonderful they way our Heavenly Father answers your prayers. I have posted about this before and I was reminded again of that today. Even though most of what was shared today was about Conversion stories and finding your own conversion story. Something I got out of it all is how you act in certain situations (am I being a example?). Some people might be "how the heck did Eryka get that outta today?" Like I said our Heavenly Father revels things to each of us in a certain way. I have noticed in my life I tend to react in a certain way to things, and it has drove me crazy. I recognize it and fix it, but sometimes it is just hard. Right now in my life I am preparing to make some big decisions and it has been such a learning experience for me, I wouldn't be able to make these decisions without my examples I have...we talked about being an example to others and how it can it help them in converting. Well that can be applied in any part of our lives, as for me I am trying to set the example to "people" that im a friend and I will be there no matter what. It's something I hope will be returned to me soon. Everyday I pray for a way to be a better example to my loved ones and to "people". It is all of our duties as Children of God to be an example. In President Siefke's talk he mentioned the song "I Knew You" from Wicked: The Musical. 

"It may well be 

That we may never meet again

In this lifetime...

So let me say before we part
So much of me
Is made of what I learned from you
You'll be with me
Like a hand print on my heart
And now whatever way our stories end
I know you have re-written mine
By being my friend...

Because I knew you.

I have been changed for good..."

As I read these lyrics over and over again It brings tears to my eyes. What a powerful song that can be applied to our lives (Especially my life. Like you don't even know). You may not know it but you are influencing so many people. Everyday you will influence someone. Like today we talked about conversion stories, well for those people who have been converted there was someone who was that example to them and helped them get to that point. Even if you have been a memeber your whole life, you had to of had a conversion story of your own, and Im sure there is one person who helped you get there or maybe more then one.
  There are things going on in my life right now, and I need to be the one to set the example to "people" that I am a friend and here for them no matter what. I can't let little things change that. right? I can only pray and hope that one day "people" will WAKE UP and realize that. All I can do is be ERYKA and be the daughter of God I am. We are all children of our Heavenly Father and need to follow his example. Heres are some last words we all need to follow concerning what I just said. 

the next one...

Friday night was Jane and Alex's reception. It was such a wonderful night and they are so adorable. There were alot people there who I haven't seen in a long time, it was good to chat with them for awhile. Jane and Alex were just glowing the entire time. They did their frist dance and oh boy they are pros. haha. after busting some moves on the dance floor with david and ava (lindseys niece and nephew) it was time for the bouquet toss. Well yeah I so caught the bouquet it was quite hilarious. Guess that means I'm next..yeah right. haha. It was such a amazing night and oh so much fun. :)

kixipo is getting married!!

Last week my sweet friend Jess got engaged to the love of her life Ryan! I am beyond excited for them and can't wait to see her as a beautiful bride! When I found out I literally screamed out loud and was jumping up down...I love you "kixipo" and I am sooo happy for you!!

Jessica and Ryan. :)

go to her blog for more info!

Seems like yesterday Jess and I met and became instant friends. Seems like yesterday we were getting into all sorta shenanigans in high school. Now we are all grown up and she is getting married! YAY! <3

sneak peek of spring...

We have been getting some SUNSHINE and warm weather here in Ca, I refer to it as "sneak peek of spring". So I wanted to take advantage of it...Linds and I went on an adventure to find the beauty in Fairfield. Here of some pictures of the "pretty" part of Fairfield.

I also have recently discovered my love of taking pictures and editing them like above...

I was going through my iTunes and have fallen in love with Taylor Swift, Hellogoodbye, White Tie Affair, Missy Higgins, and Selena Gomez. Again! I can't believe I forgot how awesome they all are!

P.S) Today was such a productive day, after the "adventure" I came home and decided to clean out the CLOSET. Oh boy, it was bad and took forever. 3 1/2 hours to be exact. Well 2 garbage bags full of clothes to donate/let friends raid and 1 sore back/tired eryka later it is soo clean and organized again! woo. 

  (this is what my dream "shoe" closet would like...)

surprise.

Two days before Lindsey's burfday Kattera text me, and said "hey wanna decorate Lindsey's room as a surprise?" I of course was down! So Kattera, Sonia and I went over while Lindsey wasn't home and transformed her room into a beautiful birthday room! It was oh so much fun, and we had lots of laughing fits blowing up balloons. (some of them weren't very appropriate heehe.) I blew up a total of 1 balloon because it was too hard. haha. So after an hour of "hard" work, Lindsey's room was complete and if I do say so, it was amazing! She was coming home that night from her sister Jamie's house so it worked perfect and Kattera and I anxiously awaited her to text us or call. Well she finally got home later than we thought and she was surprised and Kattera, Sonia and I were so happy she loved it! It was so fun and I loved doing something special for her, since she and Kattera did make my 21st birthday one to remember! She told me today she is keeping it FOREVER. haha. Misson accomplished. Next week we are taking her to the Melting Pot for yet another Birthday celebration! 23 is a big deal!! :)

 Sonia, Kattera and I. 

naturally.

In love with this song, right now. : )
more like utterly obsessed. haha.

Selena Gomez- Naturally
(click on this ^^)


"You follow what you feel inside
It's intuitive, 
you don't have to try
It comes naturally, 
mmmm it comes naturally...

 And it takes my breath away (Everytime) 

What you do, so naturally..

..When we collide, sparks fly

When you look in my eyes,
it takes my breath away..

..You are the thunder and I am the
lightning And I love the
way you know who
you are And to me it's exciting
When you know it's meant to be
Everything comes naturally,
it comes naturally
When you're with me, baby" 

hello flip flops,

you have been missed.  oh so much....

thank you to this beautiful sunny CA day. With out, you would still be hiding in the back of my closet. Where you have been for months and probably hate me for it. It was beyond my control. Today you will finally see the sun! So come on Flip Flops lets go out on the town! We gotta take advantage of this gorgeous day so I have one question to you. Are you ready?! haha.

<3

Valentines Day.

Even though I am not a huge Valentine's Day fan..I am wishing you all a

Happy Valentines Day 

"weekend"

because I still LOVE love. :) 

So tell someone you love them not matter who it is...

that's my challenge to you. 

Dear "You", 

I love you and am 
so grateful everything,

I have learned from 

you. No matter what I am here 

as your friend.I hope one day 

you will understand that. :)
Thanks for the amazing memories. 

Love, Eryka Ann

Happy Birthday Lindsey!

Today is Lindsey's 23rd Birthday, She is one of my dearest friends and I want to wish her the best on this special day! In honor of this joyous day, I'm gonna share my top 10 favorite things about this amazing friend of mine.....

10. Her strong testimony of the Gospel 

9. Her caring nature

8. Her ablitly to make friends with everyone

7. The excellent example she is to me

6. The silly things that come out of her mouth, she basically has her own langauge and I'm proud to say I speak it fluent Lindsey

5. Her wonderful advice

4. Her contagious laugh

3. The way she makes everyone/anyone feel welcome

2. Her confidence

1. That she is always there for anytime I 

need a friend 24/7. 

Lindsey, you are the bestest "SISTA" a girl could've asked for! Thank you so much for all you do. You are such a wonderful person, and I am so lucky to have been able to build such a strong friendship with you. I am wishing you the best BIRTHDAY and hope all your wishes come true. I love you Lindsey!

Happy Birthday to YOU!

on the brain.

The last few months I have really been thinking about "where I am going in my life?" I have been feeling very bored with where I am and am wishing for a change of scenery. I am a born and raised California girl. Never lived anywhere but this beautiful state of CA! I am at a point in my life where I have so many opportunities that are ahead of me. They are just waiting for me to "take" them and run with them. I have been praying and praying and praying about what I need to be doing/where I am suppose to be. I have a strong feeling, Utah is where I am needed. This whole thing is still very up in the air, but I am very anxious about what is to come for me. Maybe by Fall I will be in Utah and starting a new adventure. Only time will tell. What are you going to do in Utah? you ask. Well I have been wanting to go back to school for a LONG time, and I am considering doing childhood development. I love kids, and think working with them would be amazing. Maybe something with children with disabilities. I don't know yet. I would be very close to Annie and the rest of my "Utah" Family. Which would be such a great comfort. I miss them dearly....I have a lot to think about and a lot to get in order to make certain things happen. But, I know if I keep praying and turning to my heavenly father I will get the answers I need. I am ready for anything. In the mean time, I have been applying to a bunch of Salons, and waiting for a call back. So we will see. Pray I will get a job. I was kind of hopping I wouldn't be here this Summer (fairfield that is). "People" are coming home from school and I am interested in seeing how things will be. It will be different and weird but,I am going to be me and be happy and "people" can act however they want. Sorry I am venting a little, I should stop.....

The other day my mom and I were talking about Etsy. She makes beautiful jewelry and I mentioned she should sell it on Etsy (if you don't know what Etsy is. go check it out) and she then said you should sell headbands too. I have been thinking about that alot and I think we are going to do it. It would be great way to make some extra money and a way to fill time of the day! So when we get everything in order I will be letting you all know about it. Sorry, this is such a long post with a WHOLE lotta writing. (sorry to those few of you who read..LOL) Love you all. XO

letters.

Dear J.Crew,

I want all of your new Spring line. Please!

Dear Facebook,
Why do you always change the homepage on us? It is so annoying...

Dear "The Script",
Thank you for writing songs that total
"fit" my life.
"oh no it doesn't break even.."

Dear Mean Girls,
Thank you for making me laugh out loud every time.
"Im a mouse, duh!"

Dear cell phone,
Can you please stop turning off on me? Please?

Dear flannel sheets,
you keep me nice and cozy all winter long.
YOU ARE AWESOME! : )

Dear Audrey Hepburn,
I aspire to be as classy as you were.

Dear Valentine's Day,
You are quickly approaching, why? ugh. haha.
lamest holiday ever. but that's just my opinion

but, aren't these the cutest valentines. : )

Dear Swimsuits,
Is there a reason your in the stores already?
I am not ready for swimsuit season yet.

Dear yoga pants,
Thank you for keeping me comfy!

Dear Food Network,
I love hours of hours I can spend watching you
make food, that I wish I could make. and thank you
for making me hungry in the process. : )

Dear Sista,
I love you and forgive you.