Beauty In The Snow

I have yet to convince Brittney to post more stories. If not about the JACKET then just about her amazing mission in Romania and pictures. I would love more pictures and I am sure you do as well. In the meantime, I'll try to keep you entertained by my own posts. Hopefully you aren't too bored or annoyed. However, I do enjoy writing my story even if its just to get it down so that one day my sisters and I can put it in a book.(:

So! You want to know one of the hardest parts in preparing for a mission? Clothes. I'll tell you why for two reasons.

One, Modesty. Growing up as a Mormon it's always been easy to dress modestly. BUT! Now that I wear garments it's to a whole new level. Shorts and skirts need to now go down to the knees. My shirts must always have a sleeve, can't show to much of the armpit and the neckline needs to come a little higher than I'm already use to. (I've never really been a cleavage sort of gal.) That being said and the standards set a little higher, shopping in today's world has grown more difficult then to what I'm  already use to.

Two, the cost. When buying dresses, blouses, skirts, and dress shoes girls know that getting good quality stuff is not cheap. However, I found out that CLEARANCE and THRIF STORES are the place to go! I have found so many great clothes! I also found an amazing sale!! shadeclothing.com is going out of business and skirts, blouses, and dresses once 50-60 bucks are knocked down to 12 DOLLARS!! No joke! I was pretty happy. I might have got clicking happy because soon enough my cart had 23 items and the cost reached $334. What just happened?? Did I just do that?! No way that could have been me! O.o

I mentioned in the last post that Missouri was hit by snow right? Well, another storm came through this one giving the girls not two but THREE snow days! The second day my sisters and I survived a winter photo shoot*. Alex wanted me to point out she even went barefoot. Here are some of our fun/amazing/freezing cold pictures. I would also like to say I have some gorgeous sisters! Don't you agree? And yes, the Traveling JACKET made an appearance.(: Enjoy!

 

Rosamund Durfee

 

We just had to get some cat pictures! -.- Rosamund and her cats...

And yes, a Lion King picture DUH!

<3

 

Alex Durfee

<3

I think she was cold... >:)

This is the normal EVIL Alex...

She tossed a huge handful of snow and it came down to hit her in the face. JUSTICE.

 

Josie Durfee

The umbrella was my idea! Genius!

 

I almost lost her to the wind but I saved her, No Big Deal.

 

Failure at blowing snow at the camera but a awesome face!

<3

 

Charlee Durfee

A win at blowing snow! YES!

I love this dress!

And this Book of Mormon!

 

Mommy Durfee

This is where we get all of our good looks! My mommy is so pretty (and not old!)!

*Disclaimer. We are missing one sister because -glares- she's a poop head and moved away! We miss her so much! BRITTNEY COME BACK TO US!

 

 

 

Home Is Where The Heart Is

I was a rough teenager, I'll admit it. I wanted to do what I wanted and if it meant hurting my family I was willing to risk it. I finally went off to BYU, thousands of miles away and hit the reality wall pretty hard. It didnt take me long to write my mom and apologize for all the crap I put her through. I realized finally that my goals were all twisted around a boy and not my Heavenly Father. When I came home from my freshman year at BYU I swore I would take this short time to make it up to my family. It worked I fell in love with them more then I ever had been. I finally became that big sister my little sisters always wanted.

This last fall semester when I made the spontaneous decision to go on a mission my heart hurt to know that I wouldn't get much time with them if I went for winter semester as well. I got down on my knees and asks for direction. It was almost instant. I knew that I needed to take the next semester off and spend as much time as I could with mi familia.

With family as my new focus I totally felt a greater spiritual influence. I've grown happier and content with the way my life has played out. Its so amazing the way the Lord works because while filling out my papers I just knew that I should still be here for my sister Josie's graduation. I knew that it would be a long wait but this gave me the opportunity to work a bit and get some money in my pocket.

Coming home though was a little tough. All my friends that are my age are now on missions and though I love my younger high school friends it would be nice to hang out with people my age. The first two months were... amazing. (You thought I was going to say awful, didnt you?) The reason for this was I had one friend Grant Ward who wouldn't leave for his mission till February 6th. We weren't very close when I was dating Chaz but he was still a great friend none the less. These last two months gave Grant and I an opportunity to become even greater friends. I might have developed a little crush during that time but that's besides the point. Now that he's gone I've become a hermit. Life doesn't exist beyond the home and if it does its only when I'm out with my mom.

My poor mother. I wouldn't be surprise if she's sick of me. I am with her almost all the hours of the day. However! She hasn't said anything yet so I'll just push until she says stop. ;) When it comes to my siblings they feel guilty every time they go out on the weekends leaving their sad 20 year old sister at home but I don't want them to miss out on fun because of me (though I am The Fun). Its just one of the small price I've gladly paid to be home this semester.

This past Thursday the Midwest was hit with a huge snow storm and the schools here think that even if we only get a foot of snow there is no way school can be in session. But in all reality it makes sense here. We might only get a foot of snow but we also get two inches of ice that rests on top of the snow. Take a look at the picture below it might look like a wintery wonderland but if you would take a step out on the snow it would be like walking on a frozen lake. While in St Louis this weekend I walked across a yard of snow and I was reminded of The Dark Knight Rises. Exile or Death and I was sentence to Exile. To walk on the frozen river. It ended happy for me, not because Batman showed up only because its just snow and my life isn't that exciting. The girls had two snow days. For me it means two days of not bugging my mom so much and more time to bug my siblings. I enjoy snow days! Haha

So for those teenagers out there who think they are suffering because of their parents, my advice is to stop the complaining and take a moment and listen to them. MOST of what they say is for our protection and crazy enough they are probably right even if you think they are wrong!

Im a big kid now!

(Charlee)
You know how there are moments while growing up you feel like you really can sing, "I'm a big kid now!" Well, coming out from the St Louis Temple I felt like that song was meant for me! Look at me! I AM a big kid now!

While I wish I could share my entire experience with you receiving my endowments was very special and sacred to me. I can, however, share that the 16th of February was one of the happiest days of my life. I came out with a greater understanding and knowledge that I really am heading down the path God has set before me. What also made it more amazing was that my best friend and cousin also went through the temple the same day to receive her endowments as well.

(Going off on a tangent) Her and I have been bestest cousins since the longest I can remember. As we grow older we grow closer and closer together even if it seems like we can't get any closer it happens. The day they announced the missionary age change I immediately sent Callie a text. Together we both decided to go on missions. And... we turned our papers the same day... And we opened our calls the same day... AND we report the same day! Granted, we wont be going to the same place (she to Louisville Kentucky and I to Denver Colorado, her English and I Spanish) but we will party in the MTC together!

(Back on track) so I was texting Callie on the way to St Louis and she shared a scripture with me that gave me strength. I think it will be great if I share it with you. Its in D&C 109:13 and it reads, "And that all people who shall enter upon the threshold of the Lord's house may feel thy power, and feel constrained to acknowledge that thou hast sanctified it, and that it is thy house, a place of thy holiness." First off for those of you who are like "D&C?!?! What the heck is that?! It's not in the Bible!" You are correct about the Bible thing. The Doctrine and Covenants is modern day scriptures that was given by the prophet Joseph Smith and I believe it to be true. And Second. I hope that all of you took the opportunity to go to the Kansas City Temple Open House last May. Especially those who aren't members of my church and read my blog. If you didn't sometime when you're in KC and need something to do just visit the grounds of the temple. You will feel something special. What special feeling? I'll leave that to you to interpret. For me, even when I drive near the temple, I know without any shadow of a doubt that it is my Heavenly Father's house.

Now on to something not so temple related. This last January marked a year since I broke up my three year relationship with Chaz Green. Shortly after that (like MAYBE 2 days) I then started dating a most wonderful man named Andrew Givens. Now the reason I bring up Andrew is that he taught me things that I am now just beginning to appreciate. Andrew was a very VERY friendly person. I can remember sitting down to eat our regular subway sandwich and there would be another person at the same table and in just a matter of minutes he could have them telling their life story. Okay, that's an exaggeration but its pretty close to truth. Now I consider myself friendly as well but Andrew brought me out of my comfort zone to talk to everyone and anyone! Now that I'm heading off to Colorado I realized what a wonderful skill he taught me. A skill I will use everyday, and I mean EVERYDAY on my mission. Andrew, I'm sending my thanks to you all the way to Germany! That's where he is serving his mission. -mumbles- Lucky duck. Haha

Speaking of boys on missions! I have also found out that writing missionaries that are on missions is a fantastic way to prepare for one! I have about 6 boys that I write regularly. The letters get me so excited for my mission! I can't wait for that to be me! Maybe in later posts I'll share some of the letters and emails I have received. I think you would enjoy them. I already have two missionaries in mind.

You guys will write me when it comes time right? I'll post all my contact information! I would love to hear from you! I know that many missionaries rely on the letters they receive to get through the day. So you have to promise me. Yes, right now. Say, "I promise to write Charlee while she is on her mission." Good. You are now under obligation! :D

Lets end on that lovely note and a PICTURE of me wearing the JACKET on the way to St Louis. I hope you guys enjoy reading these and that you're doing well! Adios chicos!

Missions Are...

*(See Footnote)

(Brittney) In a word, prodigious, and are so in every way. They are one of the best things that can ever happen to a person. The learning is immense, the impact is huge, the trials are major, the blessings incredible, and the memories are so delectably sweet. I would recommend going on a mission to anyone even slightly interested.

The picture above is from one of the first times that I wore THE JACKET.  We went to visit these members' house in the heart of the Transylvanian Mountains for an FHE. Their names are Fratele (Brother) and Sora (Sister) Vasilescu.  Fratele Vasilescu was the first member to be baptized in Romania after the rebellion against communism. They are quite an inspiring couple because being a Mormon in Romania is hard; there is no support system, and "denying" Romanian Orthodox-ism is like denying Romanian citizenship.  Yet, this family has been active and more than helpful to the progress of the church for about 20 years. In fact, their daughter was one of my instructors in the MTC. I learned much from them, as I did from all the members in Romania, and I miss them all deeply.

In reference to THE JACKET, I bought it simply because I had lost or ripped (can't remember which) my other jacket, and I needed a new one (missionaries have to wear a suit jacket to church every Sunday). Thus--although we didn't know it--began THE SISTERHOOD. This JACKET has seen many an adventure and will soon see many more.

*Names of People Starting from the Left--Fratele Vasilescu, Elder Jerome, Sora Vasilescu, Sora Nettesheim, Elder Valentine, and Me"

I Love To See The Temple...

So I (Char) logged in to make another post and saw that my page was viewed 74 times!! I got way excited then realized that most of them were probably me. I can't count how many times I would visit my OWN blog and read my OWN post and think to myself, "Man, I'm good!" Full of myself much? Psh! Naaahh! But for those who did read the first post and those who are reading this one as well, my heart goes out to you because you care... hopefully.

Now, I was hoping to have some background information on our lovely jacket by now (-cough-Brittney!-cough-) but since we don't thought I would give you all an update on what I'm up to far as mission goes.

Yesterday, after receiving my call almost three weeks ago, I finally logged into my missionary portal. The first thing I saw was "You report in 104 days." Aaaaahhhh! That's it?!?! So yeah, guys, you have now 103 days left of this hot stuff so stock up on your Charlee time! I have also made a countdown on my phone so I can see how many days are left EVERYDAY! Ooh! Fun fact. The reason its taken me so long to actually sign into the missionary portal is because I don't have internet at mi casa (look at me speaking Spanish!) So I have to wait till we go to the warehouse to have internet. We go almost every weekday so I really don't have an excuse but hey that's mine. I also made my mormon.org profile! (Hi I'm Charlene Durfee | Student, Musical, Horses, BYU, Missouri, Family, Mormon.) Yeah, I'm Mormon! Ha...ha...ha... but that's all I have done and there's a ton more to do! No video games for you Char!

Another important thing! I have my big girl temple recommend! For those of you who are like, "whaaa?" Let me explain... No, no too long, let me sum up! When you go on a mission or before you get married, if a member of the church, you receive your endowments (special blessings) in one of the LDS temples. To go into the temple you need a special recommend to get in. So last Thursday I had my last interview and wore the Traveling Jacket and, because I did so I can say, "I passed! There are two of these interviews, one with your local bishop and then with your stake president. Each interview is about the same and they ask the same questions. Questions such as, "Do you obey the Law of Chastity?" "Do you live the Word of Wisdom?" "Do you believe in God the Father, his son Jesus Christ and the Holy Ghost?" ect. Pretty simple interview! Now this Saturday (tomorrow! Eeek!) I will head to the St Louis Temple (and wear the Jacket) and make big and special covenants and promises with my Heavenly Father. I am so excited and nervous! But I'm pretty sure that is a good thing at least being nervous. I will also have to now wear garments, special underclothing that Mormons wear. It will be a big change but not one I'm sure I can't handle!(:

The last thing I've BEEN meaning to do is attend my old Spanish I class. My awesome Spanish teacher, Ms. Madison err.... Mrs. Wattenbarger, in high school, offered to let me come, sit and listen to her teach the Spanish I students. How cool is that? And what an amazing opportunity to brush up on my Spanish before I go to the MTC. Unfortunately I've been sick for about two weeks now. One week with a weird stomach ache and then next with a really bad cold. So really I've gone only once. I do, however, plan to go more often as soon as I get better! Hopefully that is soon. BUT! I did just get a call (not two minutes ago) from the Provo MTC and they tested how well I spoke Spanish and I got placed in the Intermediate class! I remembered more then I thought! Its a step.

Just last night my mom threatened if I didn't get better she would take me into the doctor. I haven't gone to the doctor because I wasn't sick since I was like 7! Not breaking that streak now! Though there is this stuff she's wanting me to take. It's called thinkcher (spelling?). Its this nasty vinegar base concoction that reeks and tastes like old farts! O.o You want to know what old farts taste like? Take this stuff. I only took it once but she wanted me to take it every hour. Do you know how long it took just to get the courage to drink it? Yeah, well I went through hell and back before I got the nerve. Maybe it really will help though, if I let it.

Anyways, hopefully we can get some history about the Traveling Jacket for you soon! Until then bottoms' up!

The Not So Very Beginning

The first thing you should know about this blog is that it has five different personalities. Yes, it has DID (Dissociative Identity Disorder). Its run by 5 Durfee sisters (Brittney, Charlene, Josie, Alex, and Rosamund) and each at one point will make an appearance. At the moment its Charlene.

This blog is all about the adventures of that jacket (look to your left) So far its already had more then one exploit which stories will come later (later meaning the next post). All you need to know right now is that this wonderful jacket was bought in Romania while Brittney was serving her mission there. She has now handed it down to me for my mission to Denver Colorado and I in turn will pass it to Josie for her mission who will give it to Alex and end at Rosamund. All depending on if they go on missions of course. This created the title The Sisterhood Of The Traveling Jacket.

That's where everything comes together. I've been wanting to blog about my preparations for my mission and also thought a blog would be a good place to copy and paste my emails while ON my mission. So I came up with this wonderful idea while driving in my car... Okay, not funny, thought that was clever. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-u2XRop54D8) Watch and you will understand. Actually I was in bed reading my sister-in-laws blog and I thought, "Hey, I'm popular! People will want to read about me!" I could just picture you wondering what the wonderful Charlee (pronounced Sharlee) was up to and going straight to this fantastic blog... yeeaaahh... we know that's not the case. More likely you're here out of pity but I thank you none the less for showing your face and reading my post.

So the next few post will be made by me about how the prep for the mish is going and by the oldest sister Brittney about our lovely jacket's history.

Now click follow and hopefully enjoy!