Parent's B-Day Presents

My parents came up here for 17 days in March for the birth of little Ava. While up here, my dad has his birthday and I was finally able to give my mom her birthday gift, from January. Being the poor college student that I am, I had to come up with something creative and relatively cheap! The result was writing poems, and then printing them up on Vellum and putting them over a picture of myself with either my mom or dad. I then framed them and voila, gifts! I'm sorry if you can't read the writing, it's kinda hard finding a font to work on black and white photos!

I personally really liked them, and hopefully so did my parents! Plus it was fun to be writing again. I miss it.

Finals

I officially finished all my finals on this last Tues. and have been spending the past two days getting ready for my move! The worst part of the semester is the week building up to finals, all of the stress, studying, and pressure to do well. No wonder so many people have break downs! I am so glad I made it through in one piece! Now I have four days of freedom before I start classes for Spring Semester! Oh joy! :P On the plus side, it means I am finally starting my new major. Which means............NO MORE SCIENCE CLASSES!!!!!! English classes, bring it on! If I can survive Chem 105, I can survive anything! (Whether or not I survived it in style, or hanging on for dear life is a different matter...)

Anywhoo, I have been so very blessed the past few months. I was supposed to be moving to a condo with my current roommate Jana, but that ended up falling through and I spent the next few weeks stressing about what to do. I had signed a contract to stay at Alpine Court till the end of summer, but it just didn't feel right. Since I had to find a place for fall I kept looking around and ended up coming across Roman Gardens. I signed a fall/winter contract with them and really wanted to sign for spring/summer, but was told getting out of my current contract was impossible unless I found someone to buy it from me. If any of you know, selling a spring/summer contract here at the Y is near impossible since complexes never even fill up for those months. As I was talking to Jana about this she brought up the possibility of her sister maybe buying mine since she was going to be moving down here anyway. After a few phone calls, and constant praying and crossing of my fingers, she said yes! So I am now moving this weekend to my new place, and Jana's sister will be moving in here about a week later. I know that this is the right thing for me to be doing. Everything just fell into place perfectly. I will be saving money, living right across the street from Adam, and have the opportunity to meet new people!

In other news, Danny is engaged! He is getting married on June 18. When he called to tell me about it, I was rendered speechless. I knew it was coming, but just hearing those words from Danny was so strange I didn't know how to respond. This means that I get to go home in June for about 3ish days! I am so excited. I miss home and my mom so very much! Danny getting married is just icing on the cake! Plus I am getting another sister! This means the girls and guys will be even!On that happy note, life is overall pretty good and I can't complain because I have been so blessed. I am eternally grateful for my family and all they do for me. I could not of picked a better one to spend eternity with! I hope everyone is doing well and will do my best to post more often! Time to get back to cleaning and packing...

Still Alive...

I'm alive! At least I like to think I am, though sometimes I do question it...gotta love being a full time student and part time worker. That and getting one heck of a nasty respiratory infection! Yet life goes on, whether you are enjoying it or not. Anywho, short quick recap since I last posted. I turned 21 and celebrated it with two very important people in my life, Carrie and Heidi. I then got some pretty sweet extensions that I loved! (being smart like I am, I got no pictures of me with them...go figure) By this time it was December and crunch time at where I was working to get ahead for when I quit, plus packing for my move up here to Provo. I had my last day of work then it was Christmas! Such an awesome day :) Then it was time to move up here! I got all settled in and much to soon it was time for my parents to go back home :(. I started my classes and within one week knew that I would never survive in that major. Science and I do not get along at all. 6 weeks later still hating most of my classes, changed my major to English (and so excited about it!), needing to find a new place to live since my current place is upping rent :P, and just doing my best to make it through this semester! Thank heavens for my awesome roommate Janalynn! Best roommate I could ever want right now.

Lately my friends have been getting home from their mission in hordes it feels like! And to top it all off, all of the guys that are getting home that I met my freshman year are all younger than me, needless to say I am feeling very old. I've been thinking a lot about what I have accomplished in my 21 years 4 months of life and can't really think of much. I have so many things I want to do but I just don't do them. I'm hoping to change that! Starting with getting a degree! Once I get that out of the way (and yes I mean Out of the Way!) I will actually have time to do some of the things. Life truly is a precious gift and I am sick of taking it for granted and just sitting on my behind not doing anything. I am determined to become the woman the Lord wants me to and to live my life to it's fullest. I have some of the most amazing people in my life. My parents who are everything to me, my amazing sister who I can't begin to imaging a life without, my three silly older brother's who always keep me on my toes, my best friend Carrie who I miss like crazy and has helped me through some of the most difficult times, my roommate Jana who keeps me laughing, Heidi who always has something to say, my grandparents, my niece and nephew, my brother and sister-in-law and so many other people. With all these people and I have no reason to complain so much. My life is so great, and I know that!

On that note, I leave you with this picture that is an oldie, but reminds me of how much I have. I found it the other day and am so grateful I did. I love my father so much and I am so grateful for everything he has taught me.

California!

I told you all that my parents took me to California and Knotts Berry Farm. Now you get to see some pictures from it!My parents at Huntington beach. I am very much obsessed with this picture!Myself at the beach =)

The beautiful California beach.In honor of my big brudder :)
We have arrived!Very first ride of the day! It was so sweet! And my mother said, and I quote, "I almost wet myself!!" I about died laughing.We went on this ride second, I thought it was smart doing it early so we could dry off during the day. Bad idea, especially when you are wearing jeans and a white t-shirt!The end result, at least from our necks up!My obsession with the windmills finally documented!! Every time we drive this area I just stare out the window thinking how cool these things are and this time I finally took pictures!! Quite a few actually....
Well there is just a taste of what we did while we were in Cali. It was such an awesome trip and I am so thankful that my parents took me! It is definitely something I will never forget =)

Family Pictures

Story of my life: I go to make a post of our trip to Cali and guess what! The wireless internet is down (again) so I couldn't post any of them since those are all on my laptop and I have to post from my parents Desktop. Oh well, such is life. Instead you get to see our family pictures!

At the beginning of July we had a family reunion, first time in 5 years all of my family has been together! Of course we had to do family pictures, no way my mom wouldn't let us. During this reunion my parents, J, ZB, HY, Mini-E, AF, and his girlfriend Minders went to my grandparents cabin for two days. (Teacher, myself, JJ, and Big Sis couldn't go cause we all had to work) When they got back JJ and Big Sis got into town and then we went to Wicked at Gammage on Thurs.(as awesome the 2nd time as the 1st...if not better!) and then Friday was family picture time/birthday celebrations! By the time pictures were done, the kids were very ready to be done and go home and eat. Here are a few of the pictures taken.

Big Sis and JJ
The Three girls of the FamilyAll the girls in the FamilyThree Generation Shot

My beautiful ParentsThe Whole family together at lastAll five childrenTwo sistersAFTeacherMe and my sassy red shoesYes, I know they are adorableLove, Love, Love this photo!

The End.

Just a Few Things

Ok, I haven't done a real post in awhile so here a some pic's of what I have been up to. The pictures are backwards so if you want it done numerically then you need to start at the end of this post and work your way up :)

This is a picture of one of my favorite necklaces that I have had for years, I don't even remember where I got it but I have worn it to the point of it of being about ready to break as you can see! I need to find a new cord to go around it, but I don't know where to look. Anyone have any suggestions of a good place to start?

The what third hairstyle I have had since I cut it back in November? I am currently trying to grow it out into a shoulder length or just a bit shorter A-line bob :) I really like this style on me, but can't decide if I want to keep it short cause I miss my long hair...and ponytails on days I don't want to do my hair!!

You will have to forgive the immodest dress and no makeup, I always realize I meant to take a picture as I'm getting ready for bed so I take the picture then :) It just means you get to see the real me haha

The Saturday after New Years my mommy, daddy, teacher and myself went and walked A mount. This was my first time and it was cool to be up there and look around phoenix :)

On New Years Eve about 9 of us friends went and hiked Superstition Mnt. I can't remember where exactly. It was an interesting hike AF fell and sprained his ankle, Jules got really dizzy and almost passed out, two girls quit close to the beginning, and I got lost making my way back to the car. But while walking back I got some awesome pic's of the scenery. These are just a few faves.

Inside the Canyon looking at the rock formations.

This is all the way back at Thanksgiving right before Big Sis and JJ moved over to NM. Our last family event together! We spent it at Aunt D's house for a big family dinner and then home to relax and spend some quality time with the fam. This break AF also was able to pull of separating his shoulder playing football with his friends the day after Thanksgiving and needing to go to the ER.

My second hairstyle after getting it all chopped off! I decided to do the Alice Cullen flipped out look :) This is how I occupy myself while waiting for the food to be ready on Turkey Day.

My first style after cutting my hair, super cute and easy to take care of! My cousin is one seriously talented lady :)

Excuse the messy room, I'm pretty sure I was cleaning it when I decided to take pictures...

25 Things

Rules: Once you've been tagged, you are supposed to write a note with 25 random things, facts, habits, or goals about you.

1. I am addicted to Disney Channel and love Hannah Montana and Wizards of Waverly Place! (Yes I am a Miley Cyrus fan :) )
2. I am the youngest of five children, 3 older brothers, 1 older sister, and then brother-in-law and sister-in-law.
3. I am majoring in Clinical Laboratory Science and want to become a Phlebotomist. (that person who gives you shots, draws your blood and plasma for all of you wondering)
4. I love telling people that I am a BYU dropout.
5. I was a cheerleader when I was in ninth grade where I got my first (and only) black eye, messed up my knees royally, moved a bone in my wrist, and sprained my middle finger...I think that's all...
6. At the age of 19 I had been to 31 states plus D.C. and 6 countries other than America. I love to travel...
7. I met my best friend my sophomore year in high school at an Orchestra Dinner Concert when I told her to take her shoes off...Best Friends Since!
8. I have played the piano since I was 7, the violin since I was 10,and I love singing and have performed in all of these multiple times but still get nervous every time.
9. I have eaten mud when I was little cause my brother told me it was Mud Pie Ice-cream and wouldn't relent until I had tried it.
10. My favorite T.V. shows are: NCIS, The Big Bang Theory, House, and Hannah Montana
11. When I was in Second grade I got a round brush stuck in my hair and had to cut it off (waist length to chin) and have never had it that long since.
12. I am not a big fan of birthday's since I have only had probably one that is a good memory, all the rest weren't so great :)
13. I have broken my nose and baby toe on my left foot and neither one was my fault. I broke my nose in a car accident when I was two, and my brother broke my toe when I was in sixth grade by accidently kicking me while running past me to get my other brother. The pulled ACL on my right knee and moved bone in my ankle were my fault.
14. I have had a job since I was 14 except for the 8 months I was up at BYU. When I came home for Christmas vacation though I did have a job for two weeks...
15. I have had glasses since I was 7/8 (2nd grade) and got contacts when I was in 7th grade.
16. I am addicted to reading and would actually get in trouble when I was little for reading instead of doing my chores...
17. I have done some form of dance my entire life. Clogging is the most recent (last 12 years of my life) Yet I can't walk accross a flat service without tripping, heck I can't even stand without falling down!
18. I have never been to the hospital because I was injured, only for other people or to visit family members there.
19. I hated the color pink growing up because my favorite color was blue but since I was a girl everything was pink and the boys all got blue!
20. The first and only concert I have ever been to was the Weezer concert at the State Fair this last year.
21. I know how to knit, crochet, sew, and quilt. I'm currently in the process of crocheting an afghan.
22. My favorite fast food resaurants are: Sit down-Applebees (boneless hot wing baby!) On the go-Subway
23. I have a serious addiction to wheat thins
24. I have collected Porcelain dolls and snow (water) globes for as long as I can remember and have over 30 of each.
25. My dream vacation that will happen one day is to go to Australia and New Zealand and to go snorkling or scuba diving along the Great Barrier Reef.

I tag all those who read this blog!!

It's Been Awhile

It has been a long time since I have posted, a lot longer than I had thought actually. Basically the last month and a half my laptop has been on the fritz and not letting me do anything. I'm pretty sure that I had picked up a virus because I couldn't do anything with pictures, videos, and it was saying I had no memory space left. Finally this week I completely reconstructed my whole computer and put it back to all its factory settings and it is now working again! Only problem is I have to put everything back on it and I haven't gotten to my photoshop yet....that is the next thing I am working on but until then...these pictures are my next editing project! I'm exciting to see how they will turn out!

I also am planning and making a Christmas card to show my parents what they should of used!

The BIG 2-0

Today is my twentieth birthday! I made it!! I am officially no longer a teenager. After 17 1/2 years my mommy no longer has teenagers. I think she has earned it don't you. I mean 17 1/2 years of living with teenagers cannot be easy, especially during the 13-16 year old stage. I remember what I was like and wouldn't want to have that much time of me then. I'm not saying I'm no longer like that at times, but I'm working on it! What can I say, I'm a work in progress. The Lord is still molding me into the woman He wants and needs me to. It has been an exciting and adventurous journey so far and I can't wait to find out what else He has in store for me! I want to say thank you to all of my family, my wonderful best friend (who is basically my sister), and all my other friends for helping me get to where I am today. It is because of you I am who I am. Your examples, guidance, and directions have helped me through so many trials, difficult times, and times when I just needed an answer or someone to listen to me. You all have amazing patience putting up with me so thank you for everything you have and still do for me. I hope I can continue to grow and make all of you proud of who I am. And most importantly, I hope to be able to make my Father in Heaven proud to have me as a daughter so that when I meet him again I can look him in the eye and know I am worthy of the love He always gives to me.

Ze Pareents...

When trying to decide what to blog today I thought of my parents and how I haven't ever posted anything on them really and decided that it was about time that I did that, and this is what I got. I'm actually at my friend Aimers house with T.J. for a "girls night" since Aimers husband is out of town! woot woot!!! Anywhoo, I was teaching Aimers how to scrapbook and she helped with this specific page. I think it's really cute, let me know what you guys think!

This video is of my precious niece Mini-E singing the Snowman song while driving with my mother, me and ZB

Mini-E warming up

A Bit of France

So I just wanted to post some pictures real fast of the first few days we have spent in France... So this is the bathroom in the hotel our first night here, it was so stinkin tiny! You could barely turn around in it and the shower, you couldn't turn around! I don't even know how many bruises I got that first night :)
The bedroom, tiny as well of course. There was the bed, a small entertainment center and room to walk on either side of the bed but that was it
A very old catherdral we visted, not a long hike at all but very steep. My legs were shaking so bad I couldn't stand by the end of it.

One of the many small villages in France

My wonderful mommy and myself on our volcano hike :)

More pictures to come but I have to get off now cause we just got a converter that will work with my computer so AF is dying to get on and play around himself so I will post more pictures of our time here later!

California

Last summer my parents, teacher, and I went to California before school started. Something to do about teacher's graduating or getting a job or something, I don't remember right now. While there we took a tour of the Pixar lots and of course went down to the beach. On the beach there was a huge bridge like thing that went over the water and many people were fishing on. We walked out on it to the end and I got this picture. There were a ton of boats in the water and most of them were coming in for the day because nighttime was coming. We then went to Santa Monica Pier. Onto the ferris wheel we went. By this time the sun was setting and creating a beautiful sunset. And it was even colder and windier. This picture was taken on the ferris wheel, the head on the left is teacher's I believe. We were bother trying to get pictures while the parents just enjoyed the ride.

This picture was also on the dock, the sun reflecting off the water. I almost went blind taking it but I love how it turned out. It was so pretty out that day, just a little windy, as you can tell by looking at the water.

Anniversary

My wonderful parents have been married for 31 years!! Can you believe it, I can't even imagine getting married let alone being married for 31 one years with 5 grown up kids and two grankids. It's just amazing to me. This picture was taken last year for their 30th wedding anniversary. I made this collage of pictures for them of some of the things that have happened through the years. Pretty amazing how much we have all grown and changed isn't it. I am their baby and I am turning 20 this year, their oldest (seen in the top right with his wife ZB) is now 30. Where does the time go?

Homeward Bound

This is where I get to go in two days!!! I am done with school and officially moved out of my apartment! I had to stay up till almost three this morning but I got all my cleaning and packing done!! I am staying in Riverton with my Amazing sis-in-law ZB and my funny brother Big J, with my parents who are up here to pick me and for Big J's graduation on Friday. It's so strange to think that I am done with my first year of college, the time went by so fast and so slow at the same time. I made so many memories and friends that will last me for forever. This has been one of the best and worse years of my life and I am thankful for everything that has happened and the love of the Lord I have felt. I am excited to be going home but will look forward to coming back up here to my friends and everything that comes with it...for the most part :)

Some First Semester Memories

I absolutely love this picture because it was the epitome of our relationship. Blue Eyes and I met when I made dinner for his apartment because we (my apartment) were trying to get to know people and since I already knew J in their apartment it was perfect! Blue eyes and myself became fast friends and then it developed from there to being more than just best friends. We were always having fun, goofing of, and just being ourselves!! There was never a dull moment :).

This picture was taken the weekend of my 19th birthday. My Mommy came up to Utah to visit me and celebrate my birthday with me. This was the best birthday present a girl could ask for her first year away from home! My mom is my best friend and so that was on of the hardest things for me when coming up here was not being able to have our one on one conversations where we would just talk about anything and everything! I love my Mommy and thank her for everything she has done for me and taught me through the years. I wouldn't be who I am today with such a firm testimony in the gospel without her guidance and direction. THANK YOU MOM!!!

This picture was taken probably the 4th Sunday of school. These are my roomates C and Jay just before going to church. I had done their hair that day and we wanted to get a picture of all of us together.