Melanie's Marriage

Melanie Mensink, my wonderful BYU roommate, married David Davies on Saturday, August 22, 2009. We attended the wedding in Oakland, CA. First, Justin and I drove to Southern CA to meet with our other BYU roommate Kara and her husband, Isaac. We had some extra time, so we stopped by to visit Justin's Aunt Erin and her little girls (her husband was working). We all went out to lunch at a Japanese restaurant, and Justin and I played Hello Kitty Uno with the girls. They are so cute and silly!

When Kara and Isaac got off work, we all carpooled to Oakland and stayed in a kind couple's home. We went to the sealing, which was short but sweet. David looked super excited and happy, and Melanie looked beautiful and full of love. I was so grateful to have been there.

The couple came out of the temple in their wedding clothes, and we all cheered and took photos. (While on the grounds we also ran into another friend from freshman year with whom I have stayed in touch: AesaLina Compton and her husband and baby girl.) We went off to the luncheon, where I met and talked with members of Melanie's immediate and extended family visiting from Holland and Bermuda. Everyone in her family is so pleasant!

We had time to kill after that, so while Kara and Isaac napped, Justin and I chatted with the couple we were staying with and then played Rummy 500 and Jenga. I lost at Jenga every time!

In the evening was the ring ceremony outside the church building in Tracy, CA. Everything was wedding white and rosy red and very elegant. David's bishop gave a short speech and then the couple exchanged rings. We threw fake rose petals on them afterward, much to their surprise. The family formed a receiving line, and I went through twice so I could get a picture with the bride and groom. Dinner followed--Justin was very excited about the chocolate fountain, of course, especially since it actually worked (at our wedding, it didn't)! We toasted to the bride and groom and watched them cut their cake, which had the most beautiful topper. David was nice feeding the cake to her, but Melanie wasn't to him. I think they planned it that way. The first dance followed as the sun set, and then came the dollar dance with the bride, and Justin danced with Melanie. Once the floor was open, I got my groove on. Justin and I did some triple swing and fox trot; we haven't danced together in a while, so that was nice. It was all over too soon. I hugged Melanie goodbye and then they left for their honeymoon to Disney World and then Bermuda.

It was the most emotional wedding for me. I love Melanie so much! She was more of a blessing to me than she knows. I miss her already. The groom's father advised me to host reunions so that we would all remain close over the years. I definitely want to do that--our friendships are too precious to lose!

Roommates Forever!

This past weekend Justin and I went to my BYU roommate's wedding. Melanie and I were roommates for two years, and God could not have given me a better roommate and friend.

We didn't know each other beforehand, so we were both nervous to see what the other would be like. Luckily, we got along GREAT! Melanie was the best roommate ever! In fact, my only roommate, and not only because I got married. We would have kept on rooming together for as long as possible. We have a lot in common: we both play the flute, we are both goofy, we are both multicultural (Mel is half Dutch/half Portuguese and trilingual), and other things. We weren't really close our first semester. She hung out more with our neighbors Kara and Kelsy and I hung out more with our other neighbor Andrea and Holly. Once Holly moved in with Andrea, I saw less of her. So I did more things with Mel, Kara, and Kelsy when I wasn't studying in the library or going to dances. Melanie and I went to the temple and the TRC at the MTC every week together. We did our visiting teaching faithfully. We never had any problems or fights (though I can think of a hundred things she could have complained about me).

After freshman year, she came to visit me for the summer. We went to Disneyland, Universal Studios, the Wild Animal Park, the Mormon Battalion, the beach, and the San Diego Temple. She somehow survived my wild driving.

Sophomore year we roomed again in our apartment with 4 other friends. We worked together for a short time for BYU Catering, but we didn't spend much time together because I got a boyfriend and then got engaged. We went on one last date as roommates before I married. She flew out for my wedding and made me a cute gift. After I married, I got her a job working with me as a writing TA. It was nice seeing her frequently again. Then before she moved home to prepare for the mission she never served, she stayed with us for a couple days. During this time she was already dating David, so she spent long hours talking to him. And then they were engaged!

Melanie invited us to witness the sealing ceremony in the Oakland Temple. It was the first live sealing I'd been to since I got married, and it was beautiful! The sealer gave wonderful advice about saying please, thank you, and I love you; remembering love before getting mad about little things; and going out on weekly dates, just the two of them.

After the ceremony, I was already getting a little misty-eyed. By the time of the receiving line at the reception, I was bawling. I didn't realize how much I missed my Melinator until reality sunk in--she has a new eternal roommate. Yeah, I got married first, but I still had Mel. Now she is taken by David Davies! I told him to take care of her or I would hunt him down!

Melanie is always beautiful and happy, but on her wedding day she looked the most radiant and joyous I've ever seen her. I am so happy she has found the love of her life! And knowing Melanie, I don't doubt he is a great guy. But in my heart, she will always be my roommate!

Earrings Giveaway

My friend is hosting a giveaway on her blog for very cute earrings she found by Crystal B. on Etsy. Enter to win! I love the Petite Fleur--Lilia ones because they are green and elegant.

Books and the Power of Words

Wow. I just finished Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows and I am completely overcome. It was not my first time reading it, but it felt like it. The first time I did not like it, did not fully appreciate it, and I don't know why. This time I was very emotionally involved: the power of the story's end, of the mysteries unveiled, of the character development pierced me. J. K. Rowling is a powerful writer to be able to do that to a reader, especially a veteran one. She is almost as high as Agatha Christie in brilliance (those who know my admiration for Christie is almost idol worship will understand what a compliment that is). And on a side note, I also really like the cover art of the series.

The power of the written word is amazing--reminds me of Inkheart, where such power is displayed (great movie, by the way). We all have heard that books can take us to another world, but how many of us truly have experienced it? I did for the past few weeks rereading the Harry Potter books, especially the last one. It is an exhilarating, and sometimes overwhelming, experience, one not easily described to those who have not felt it. It is feeling like the book is almost reality: your heart pumps in fear and suspense and excitement at events that seem to be happening around you, the characters become real people with whom you connect and understand deeply, you feel such strong emotions as if the joys and sorrows were real, the end of the book leaves a strong longing and sadness because the adventure is over. Imagination is a powerful thing (another reminder: Bridge to Terabithia).

Not all books do this to the reader or do this at the same level. Many books I have reread a hundred times no longer hold the same magic they did when I was younger. On the other hand, some hold stronger magic for me rereading them now that I'm older, because I finally understand and appreciate things I didn't before. Other books simply leave me with contentment from pleasant reading, having no magic at all. Reading the last Harry Potter book gave me an intense experience I haven't had in a long time, the closest, and yet still far, being an Agatha Christie book I reread recently. Has this ever happened to you?

Words are truly powerful. The gift of verbal and written expression is often taken for granted. Growing up with a linguistically minded mother and studying the English language in college, I have come to deeply respect and appreciate words and their power. They can be used for great good or great evil, to inspire or instill fear, as expressions of love or hatred.

Be careful with what you say, hear, and read. And enjoy wonderful words!

Time Capsule

About a month ago I opened up a time capsule I had made as a Laurel in Young Women. I wasn't supposed to open it yet--I even remembered an item I had put in--but I was cleaning out stuff I had taken from home and didn't feel like storing it. Here's what was inside:

• A cutout of a cat: "I (heart) cats! They're so cute and I love their individual personalities. I'm so not a dog person. I also (heart) pigs. (oinksnort!)" [That used to be a nickname between me and my friend.]


• A cutout of an ice cream cone: "Ice cream is the best thing on earth! Especially Rocky Road. Yum! Ice cream is my biggest weakness. I (heart) the taste, texture, smell, look, coldness, chocolateness, etc. We always have tons of half-gallons at my house. It's the family junk food! So dig in!" [My love for ice cream has diminished considerably since working at Baskin Robbins.]


• Pictures from junior prom: one of me, Kaitlyn, and Noelle; one of John Slagle (Kaitlyn's date) and Israel Narvaez (my date)


• Fabric from my senior ball dress


• The business card of my private flute teacher


• A note from my friend Kaitlyn and another from Francine and Tammy


• A pig figurine (bride and groom)


• Picture of me wearing a newspaper hat, with schoolgirls in Japan


• The CD case of Mormon Tabernacle Choir's "Consider the Lilies" [This is the one item I remembered putting in.]


• An "All about Me" sheet:

My name is: Francesca
My nickname is: Cheski
But I'd rather be called: don't care
Today's date: 3-29-05
I am 17 years old
I have a crush on: Spider-man
I love to eat: ice cream
I hate to eat: minty stuff
I most enjoy eating at: China Wokery, Stir Fresh
I like rockin out to: anything you can dance to (but preferably not rap)
My favorite song is: --
My favorite movie is: Phantom of the Opera, both Spider-man movies
I like to shop at: --
My favorite outfit is: my yellow and pink skirt, pink heels, pink top, white sweater [I used to wear this outfit all the time!]
When I'm sad I cheer myself up by: distractions--take my mind off whatever's making me sad!
When I'm bored I like to: check my e-mail, read
My favorite hobby is: DANCING!!
My favorite sport is: track
My bestest friends are: Kaitlyn
Because: She is so awesome + thoughtful + fun!
In 10 years, I'll be: 27--duh! j/k hopefully married, maybe a couple kids already, college grad
My goals are: to be a sucessful author! raise a great family =)
When I'm an adult I want to live: in San Diego County
I'll be working as a: mom + novelist
The boy I'll marry will be: a respectful priesthood holder + a ballroom dancer
I will have 3-5 kids
The most fun thing I've ever done is: go to my junior prom + visit Japan
The most random thing I've ever done is: nothing, I'm boring

Not much has changed in four years!

Mormon Light

After a couple months of preparation, my LDS blog is now ready. It is entitled "Mormon Light" to signify the light and knowledge we receive from studying the gospel. I will write a post every week about a gospel topic and invite you to add your insights and share your experiences. Please visit it and add it to your blog list!