I Actually Had to Dream of a White Christmas

As members of the LDS faith, we share a belief with many other Christians  that Jesus Christ was actually born in the springtime (April, specifically), and not in the dead of winter like we celebrate. I've heard that Christmas in December has something to do with ancient Pagan rituals and some king wanting to give Christians something un-blasphemous to do, etcetera, etcetera... But I think the REAL reason someone decided to celebrate the birth of Christ at the end of December is because winter needed a little light and joy. And oh how grateful I am to whoever made that decision! Christmas could not have come at a more perfect time this year.

After an extremely stressful semester and an extra few days of work to top it all off, I was nothing short of ecstatic to be home for the holidays. I honestly could have gotten dirt for Christmas and still have been perfectly satisfied. This Christmas, all I wanted was my home and my family and a break from the hectic life of work and school, and that's exactly what I got. My dad and the boys were off of school, Hilary and Brian were spending some time living in my parents' house while they were in-between places and Trevor and Sherstin stayed in Farmington for the holidays, meaning I got my whole family around me at nearly all times. We had the rockinest family Christmas party of all time with my mom's family (Seriously though. It was legendary.), we played lots of games, ate lots of food, made new ornaments for our over-sized Charlie Brown tree, and just enjoyed being together. I even got a bonus of being able to spend a lot of time with my best friend who is finally back in my life after two long years and his family. I didn't even mind that for the first time in my life (that I can remember anyway), the only snow on the ground was the occasional un-melted dirty black mound in a parking lot or on the side of the road. I didn't need a white Christmas--the amount of loving going on filled that void.

I will spare you the details of my winter break (at least for now) and simply state that I had one of the most wonderful and magical Christmases of my life. I probably would have (at least) come close to quitting work and school and life and resorting to being a bum for the rest of my life if it hadn't been for the perfect timing of Christmas. So thank you, Mr. King-man who put Christmas in December to show those dirty Pagans who's boss, you have made my winter a lot less bleak.

Happy Holidays!

Words of Wisdom

I had a great conversation with my mom today. It went something like this:

Mom: Girls are just mean. There's no way around it.

Me: Sometimes I wish I was a boy.
Mom: Then you would be dumb and insensitive.

Me: So mean and catty or dumb and insensitive are my only options?

Mom: Yep.

It's sad because it's true. I have to leave for class in a few minutes, so naturally instead of working on homework I'm listening to music. Here is my song of the day: (I don't know why it is so huge...)

 Low Rising by The Swell Season

I wanna sit you down and talk
I wanna pull back the veils

And find out what it is I've done wrong

I wanna tear these curtains down

I want you to meet me somewhere

Tonight in this old tourist town

And we´ll go

Low rising

´Cause we´ve gotta come up

We´ve gotta come up

Low rising

´Cause I fear we´ve had enough

Low rising

´Cause there´s no further for us to fall

Low rising

Oh for the love of you

I wanna take you to the rock

I wanna jump right in

And see what that big ocean's got

I wanna turn this thing around

I wanna drink with you

All night till we both fall down

Till we go

Low rising

´Cause we´ve gotta come up

We´ve gotta come up

Low rising

´Cause there´s no further for us to fall

Low rising

And I fear we´ve had enough

Low rising

Oh for the love of you

Low rising

´Cause we´ve gotta come up

We´ve gotta come up

Low rising

And I fear we´ve had enough

Low rising

´Cause there´s no further for us to fall

Low Rising

Oh for the love of you

For the love of you

Low rising low rising

I wanna sit you down and talk

I wanna sit you down and talk about it now 

I have a secret love for The Swell Season. You should check them out.

Here's another gem, shown to me by a good friend who doesn't realize just how great he is:

And...I still think "dumb and insensitive" is better than being a girl. Just sayin.

Ode to Facial Hair

Today, I saw a whole group of young men sporting very stylish mustaches. I smiled and thought to myself, "The world could always use a little more stache..." but then I was suddenly sad to realize that Movember/Noshember/Novembeard/No-Shave November is coming to a close. I will miss all the glorious beards, mustaches, and assorted facial hair patterns that have been so diligently groomed by classy men all over. So, in honor of the commencement of a glorious month dedicated to the growing of hair on one's face, I give you the one and only (AND the original)...


Beard Song.

(Rocky and Balls also came out with a song about mustaches specifically for the month of November. I don't love it as much as The Beard Song, but if you want to check it out, click here.)

Missing in Action

Sometimes--a lot of times--life gets crazy. And sometimes when life gets especially crazy and busy, I forget to take time for myself. My whole life lately has been devoted to school and work and everything else that goes along with that. Obviously, I have been missing from the blogging world lately. Now, I don't know what my excuse for summer was because all I did was sit on my butt for six weeks after I had surgery, but it has been quite a while since I have had a significant blog post. So here is a quick synopsis of my life as of late:


Summer
My summer was spent having and then recovering from re-constructive plastic surgery to fix my nose that I broke when I was about seven. The doctor reconstructed my nose to improve functionality (I couldn't breathe out of my nose for several years prior to surgery) and to bring it back to what it would have looked like if I had never broken it. It was probably the most painful experience of my life. I felt (and looked) like I had been hit by a truck. Want to watch what they did to me? Click here to watch the video of my surgery. I wouldn't recommend watching if you have a weak stomach. (The actual surgery lasted about an hour and a half. I'm just glad I was asleep for the whole thing.) I had black eyes for a couple of weeks, was miserable for a couple more, and took the full six weeks to recover fully. It will take a whole year for my nose to fully finish adjusting to the surgery.


Fall, Part One: Work
I got hired at the end of the school year to be an RA (resident assistant) for USU housing this year. I moved back up to school two weeks early for training. I was in training or working for 10 to 12 hours every day for nearly the full two weeks. Pretty much I hated my life. The job is going well and I'm finally figuring out how not to let it run my life. Living where I work has its advantages, but it also gets really hard. Luckily I've made some awesome new friends this year who provide a good means of escape. 

I have my name on my door. I'm so official.

 Fall, Part Two: School
I have been officially accepted into the Emma Eccles Jones School of Teacher Education and Leadership, changed my major to Early Childhood and Elementary Education Composite major (previously it was just elementary K-6), and will finally start the program in the spring. I am doing math and ESL (English as a Second Language) endorsements. I'm done with math and I'm  taking my first ESL class this semester which I absolutely love! Yes, I am taking on a lot with basically a dual major/dual minor, but I'm happy with it. It's a good thing I love school because I'm going to be in college for a long time!


Fall, Part Three: Fun!
College wouldn't be college without a little fun. Granted, I haven't had a lot of spare time this semester, but I still find ways to keep myself entertained. My best friends definitely help with that! Justin is also an RA and keeps me from quitting my job, my roommate Angie keeps me from murdering the rest, and Ellis keeps me laughing. 
This semester I have...


 gone fishing for the first time in my life (thanks to Ellis),

I caught one! Too bad it was a smart fish and broke free...

played with Angie in Shelley, ID (where she's from) and spent fall break shooting terrorists, warming up at Lava Hot Springs, riding four-wheelers through spud farms, eating way too much chocolate, visiting the Idaho Falls Temple, cruising around town in a big truck, and learning how to make funnel cakes,

Me and Angie on our way to Idaho

got caught in several rain storms and was reminded of how terrible our football team is,

Roommate Melanie, Me, Brady, Roommate Angie

enjoyed the fall colors and the beautiful mountains,

Logan City Cemetery

come up with the worst possible clashing of colors and patterns,

I tie-dyed that apron myself. I'm that cool.

welcomed  in the arrival of basketball season,

Our homemade game-day tutus

had a police officer show me what marijuana smells like, used a fire extinguisher, witnessed and helped monitor a hilarious week of campus-wide Human vs. Zombies, pulled a series of harmless pranks, sang the National Anthem at a basketball game (and no, I will not post the video), made new friends, got an old one back, and much more.


Go Aggies!

Five

Five years ago, you came into my life.

You changed everything.

I would not be who I am today if it weren't for you.

You never cease to make me smile.

I love to watch you grow and learn,

And through doing so, I grow and learn as well.

Thank you for the lessons you've taught me

And for the love you've so freely given.

Your life is a gift.

Every day with you is a blessing.

Thank you for the endless laughs,

Adventures, and tender hugs.

Most of all,

Thank you for always loving me.

Happy birthday, Baby Girl!

God made you my sister, and you will always be my best friend.

Dear World,

As of last night, Thing 2 is engaged.

To He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named.

I hope they make it.

Quotes of the Week

"She's the best lookin' red head I know. Wanna know why? 'Cause it's not natural."

-Shelby B.

"Oober and epic should never be used in the same sentence."

-Tate

"She's six feet tall and blonde, so where does she go? Tijuana."

-Daddio

Front Porch Sittin'

I always like to dream of the future home I will own someday. 

My idea of what I want changes slightly from time to time, but there's one thing that always stays the same:

I want a front porch big enough for my couch.

Now, I'm not meaning something fancy and expensive like this (although it does look quite nice and relaxing. And I'm a fan of the color scheme, but that's besides the point) :

No, I'm talkin' deep south, lemonade sippin', shot-gun shootin', lazy summer day porch sittin'.

Put a ukulele in my hands and a hound dog at my feet and I would be a happy girl for the rest of my days.

Oh yeah. That's what I'm talkin' about.

Note To Self:

When you have a broken nose, don't watch movies that make you cry.

Too bad that's pretty much every movie when you're on steroids and pain killers.

Oh Hey, Mr. Hamilton! How Do You Like My Pants?

Today, I pretty much got paid it spin around in my chair for 7 hours at work. It was really boring.

Highlight of my day: finding a ten dollar bill in the back pocket of my jeans when I got dressed this morning. 

I wonder if any of my other clothes have money hiding in them...

In for the Long Haul

This post has been removed by the author on counts of her own 

uncharitable comments, insensitivity toward the  subject, 

public humiliation of an actual person, and the future possibility 

of an untimely demise. 

Thank you.

Mission, Completion!

One time, I thought I was really funny so I joined one of those nauseating "We're getting hitched!" groups on Facebook (you know the ones-- where they ask for everyone's addresses) of someone I didn't know and knew wouldn't know me. Then I forgot about it.


Welp. Today I got a wedding invitation in the mail from someone I have never seen in my entire existence.


I should probably feel a little bad about this, but mostly I just think it's hilarious.

(**Note: Because I know I'm probably the only one who watches little kids shows, I thought I should point out the obvious fact that the title of this post comes from Playhouse Disney's "Little Einsteins." Just in case you were wondering. Great show. I highly recommend it for any preschool to kindergarten aged child. Or anyone, really.)

FYI...

Dead, soggy marigolds don't smell very pretty. 

And after dead-heading a couple dozen flats of them, you start to taste it.

I think my hands are going to smell like marigolds for the rest of my life.

(At least I'll keep away the bugs, right?)

Oh the joys of working at a nursery.

A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes...

I just suddenly had a huge craving to go four-wheeling. 

Through the mud. 

In Mexico. 

In the middle of the jungle.

I want to go back.

SO bad.

Boys Will Be Girls and Girls Will Be Boys

No explanation needed. Just watch and enjoy.

So true. And so hilarious.

Absence Makes the Heart Grow Fonder

Either that or it just makes you fat 'cause all you do is sit on your butt all day eating chocolate chip cookies or brownies that your mom makes because you have no friends.

I miss you all like a fat kid on a diet misses his twinkies and cake.

These Girls Are Hilarious.

Seriously. I wish I was as funny as them. And as talented.

...And this is what happens on a boring Monday night when Hilary's husband is out of town. Don't we make such a great team? There will most likely be more where this came from... Dun dun dun!

I Love This Boy

Meet Tate:

14-year-old junior high heart-throb with a melt-your-heart smile (and dimples!). Not only is my little brother a complete stud and extremely talented in many fields (not to mention quite a bit taller than me now), but he has the biggest heart of anyone you'll ever meet. This boy loves everyone. He looks out for his family, respects girls, and is protective of his sisters. He never offends and is always willing to help. Tonight he reminded me of just why I love him and look up to him so much. He would go to the end of the world and back to protect or defend my sisters and me if needed. He is sensitive and tries his best to let nothing offend the spirit. Tate may be messy and a bit of an air head at times, but this boy would save the world if he could. I love him and someday I hope to be as strong as he is. 

Thank you, Tate, for always being your best and making me want to try harder. I love you.

Double Take

Well... I did it. Finally. I have been saying FOREVER that I wanted to dye my hair red. One of my old friends from junior high and high school is graduating from beauty school in two weeks, so I decided I should go get it done while it was still cheap! Now I'm just bracing myself for when my dad comes home...

Wanna see what it looks like?

Crazy, huh? I just took this with my laptop so it's not very good quality, but it's definitely red! I'll get a real picture up eventually. (Maybe...) For now, I'm looking forward to the thousands of "You dyed your hair!" etc. comments that will shortly be coming my way. (Seriously. Why do so many people have to state the obvious?) 

Peace.

If I Were A Rich Man...

...Woman... maybe I could spend money without feeling totally guilty about it. And maybe I wouldn't get upset about being fined $15.00 for "holes in the living room couch" that I'm pretty sure didn't really exist. I also have this lovely list of things that I would really love to save up for... a really nice uke, a bike, a camera, maybe some clothes... (notice I didn't even include a car. Not even an option right now). BUT, alas, my perfect full-time summer nanny job fell through before it even started. So when I went shopping today for wedding presents (seriously--everyone and their dog is getting married this summer), I was spending the paycheck I won't be getting. Ouch.

Maybe I'll go sit on a street corner and play my ukulele.

New Layout

I'm working on a new layout for my blog. I want to experiment with a stretch template, so I'm trying this for a little while to see if I like it. I want it wider than the regular template, but I'm not sure I like that it goes almost to the edge of the screen. Let me know what you think! Your input would be greatly appreciated.

Two Homes

First off, I would just like to apologize to the blogging world for my lack of substance in my blog entries as of late. There has definitely been a lot to write about, but for some reason all that's been coming out has to do with nail polish, hunger pains, and creepy duck songs. I'll try to stay away from those topics for a while. 


Right now I really miss Logan. It's taken me this long for it to sink in that I'm not just home for a weekend or holiday. I miss being in the mountains. I miss the smell. (Not the cow fart smell you get in Nibley and Wellsville that sometimes wafts in on windy days. I'm talking about the fresh mountain air smell.) I miss Merrill Hall. I miss the cinder block walls (which you're not allowed to lick because they have lead in them) decorated with Post-It Notes. I miss finding a giant fuzzy spider with a hilarious note attached to it in random places. But mostly, I miss the people.


I miss running barefoot down two flights of stairs to just sit on the couch with Kelsey and Angel and Lauren, late night chats with Emily about boys, drama, and TV shows, falling asleep to the sound of Lindsay and Christine laughing at something completely random in the next room, going to church with the most awesome student ward that there ever was, walking to class with Andrew, snuggling with Brooklin when Spencer wasn't around, watching everyone flinch when Benson kicked the door as he passed, hanging out with "the boys," laughing hysterically with Sara about something that no one else saw or heard, and everything else that went on in our tiny little world.


But even though I hate that the people I'm used to seeing every day are now spread out all over the state, I do love being home. I love being with my family and sharing a room with my mom (her office and my bedroom got hitched). I love spending all day with the world's most beautiful little girls that remind me the world is fascinating and full of adventure. I love not having homework! I love having my meals cooked for me, not buying groceries, and knowing that when I put laundry in the hamper, it somehow magically appears clean and in my laundry basket in no time at all. (Thanks, Mom!) I love having a dishwasher and a garbage disposal and a microwave big enough to fit a full bag of popcorn. Most of all, I love that there isn't anyone here who I dread having to see. (Yeah, I know. I'm horrible and heartless. But I REALLY don't miss living with Thing One and Thing Two.) I love that this place will ALWAYS be my home.


I could keep going, but now I'm getting long and ramble-y. (Sorry. No happy medium.) I guess this is what happens when you have two places that feel like home. You can't be in one without missing the other. At least I know that Logan will still be there waiting for me in the fall. For now, I'm just waiting for summer to officially begin so I can hopefully have some adventures!

New Summer Goal

Become less severely handicapped with my left hand. 
I used to be nearly ambidextrous at one point. Not any more! 
Seriously. It should not take me this long to paint my nails.

I Should Be Sleeping.

It is currently 1:42 AM. I have seven pages of my essay written, but probably still have another three or four pages to go. I also have a math assignment to finish. Want to know what I can't stop thinking about? Food. All I want to do is eat. I'm seriously contemplating sneaking into Thing 2's bedroom and stealing the package of Double Stuf Oreos she bought yesterday. My mouth is watering just thinking about it! I wonder if she's a heavy sleeper...

Bad, Rachel. Bad.

This is For My Sister...

...Because we both have a weird obsession with duck jokes. And because I don't want to do my homework. Boo finals!

Obnoxious? Yeah. I know.

I love overhearing snippets of other people's conversations.

Thursday as I was walking to institute, I overheard this gem come from a guy talking to his friends: 

"Man, I want Brad Pitt look-alike sperm!"


Priceless. If only that's how it really worked...




Then during the sacrament in church on Sunday, from the family in the row in front of me:
Boy:(Excessive talking)
Dad: (mouthing) "Will you shut up?"
Boy: (still talking)
Dad: "Will you SHUT UP?! Really. Shut up."
Boy: "Dad don't swear! We're in church!"


I laughed. It was a spiritual experience.

Tastes Like Summer

Friday I roasted marshmallows over a fire in the canyon. Yesterday we ate dinner outside. Today (after a long afternoon of relaxing on the lawn), we had a barbecue at our 1st Counselor's house for FHE. I love the taste of summer!

Everything I Need to Know, I Learned from Dora the Explorer

This semester in Institute, I have been taking a "Writings of John the Beloved" class and we are currently studying the book of Revelation. Today when we were going through chapter 9, Brother Irwin* (name may or may not have been changed) got a little sidetracked and we began discussing emergency preparedness and what we would do if there was an earthquake. He then told us about a meeting he and the rest of the faculty had to go to where they learned that if there was a sniper in the building we were supposed to lock the door and hide behind the piano. It was decided that I was not allowed to be in charge if there was ever an emergency, because my idea was to have everyone stand in the halls and say "Sniper, no sniping! Sniper, no sniping! Sniper, no sniping!!" in hopes that it would make him change his mind.

I still think it was a good idea.

Oh, What a Day

Today I...

• was late for my first class for the 80th time in a row.
• lost my balance walking down the trecherous snow-covered sidewalks.
• walked under a tree at the exact moment that it decided to drop all of the snow off of its branches. Twice.
• hit myself with the door.
• tripped up the stairs.
• wore shoes that really didn't go with my pants.
• couldn't breathe out of my nose.
• unconsciously made many hideous faces at people while breathing out of my mouth.
• accidentally used shampoo twice instead of conditioner.
• cut myself shaving.
• spent way too long painting my nails instead of doing homework.
• ruined my newly painted nails by trying to wash my dishes.
• got caught staring at a boy out of my window as he walked down the sidewalk.
• failed an anthropology quiz.
• spilled chocolate on my shirt.
• tripped over myself. Several times.
• postponed going to the grocery store, AND doing laundry. Again.

AND...

• got a stomach ache from eating half of the brownie batter before Brooklin could get it into the pan.

BUT I...

• got to talk to my daddy, my mommy, and little Meka on the phone.
• ate brownie batter straight from the bowl with a big spoon.
• had a snowman doorbell-ditched on my porch.
• drew pretty spring flowers on my window with window crayons.
• listened to great music.
• walked through an awesome exhibit put on by Housing about prejudice and stereotypes.
• made a real dinner for the second night in a row. (Macaroni, yum!)
• got to dance the cha cha, the mambo, and the rumba.
• felt really good about the physics test I took.
• laughed.
• had a peanut butter sandwich with homemade strawberry jam.
• went to Institute.
• finished my assignment in time.
• remembered that Glee starts again next week.

AND...

• started my day by reading the Ensign.

I may make it through the end of this semester after all.

Sometimes someone else has already written my song

Song of the day: Too Good For You (So Sorry) by Sara Bareilles

(Sorry, no music video. Just a glorious song.)

You claim your innocence, but I blame your reticence
For why I never knew no, never knew how you play.

One love has two equal parts, but you leave your love with your mark
On your unfortunate prey.

But there is no excuse, I don't like being used.
And someday it's gonna get back to you.

You're so predictable man. You hit the ground and you ran.
Ran as if I, if I would chase you.
But your dear delectable prize 'neath your near electrical skies
Is damn near disappointment at most.

I didn't know I paid for merely a masquerade.
So I want my money back, hey.

You're sorry that you hurt me so bad,
Sorry if I thought you were madly in love.
You only just pretend to start something that you can end.
Sorry you're addicted to cruel.
Sorry has nothing to do with you

Go on play your games cause I'm sorry I'm too good for you anyway.

How is it up on your high horse
You know we miss you of course

But if a moment ever rolls around you may be interested in looking down
Cause you're not so far from the ground.

I was a fool for you but you were foolish too. And fools never get the last laugh.

You're sorry that you hurt me so bad
Sorry if I thought you were madly in love
You only just pretend to start something that you can end.
Sorry you're addicted to cruel
Sorry has nothing to do with you
Go on play your games cause I'm sorry I'm too good for you anyway.

You were an open book, but after a second look
I realized I was wasting my time.
I know how the story goes and everyone looks for a hero
And here we are one at a time, standing in line to tell you you're not mine.
But you're sorry.

You're sorry that you hurt me so bad
Sorry if I thought you were madly in love
You only just pretend to start something that you can end.
Sorry you're addicted to cruel.
Sorry has nothing to do with you.
Go on play your games cause I'm sorry I'm too good for you anyway.

Follow the Prophet

I love primary. Want to know why? For the past month, Diva's favorite song (which was of course quickly picked up by Meka) has been "Follow the Prophet" from the Primary Children's Songboook. I love this song, especially when it is sung by the world's two most adorable children, complete with hand actions and a little sassy hip movement on the line "don't go astray." But more than that, I love the eternal truth that is taught in this song: Follow the Prophet, he knows the way.

What a great song to have filling our house during Conference weekend. In our house, General Conference is almost as much of a celebration as Christmas. It is filled with family and wonderful food, but most importantly, it is filled with inspired words from living prophets who act as God's mouthpiece to the world.

I watched the final session of Conference* (for explanation, see below) with Diva in my mom's room. Coloring and doing puzzles and games in her new coloring book throughout the session, Diva wasn't really paying attention. Whenever President Eyring got up to announce the next section of the program, she would ask if it was over. When he got up and announced the final speaker to be followed by the closing song and prayer, I told Diva "The Prophet is going to talk, then they're going to sing a song and say a prayer and then it will be over." Satisfied by that, she went back to her coloring. But as soon as the Prophet got up to speak, she looked up at the TV screen and said excitedly, "Oh! That's President Monsonie!" I was surprised and touched that she recognized God's Prophet and knew exactly who he was. "Follow the Prophet" isn't just another song that she sings--it's a song with important meaning that she understands. I hope she will always continue to recognize the Prophet for who he is and always follow him.

Now we have a world where people are confused.

If you don't believe it, go and watch the news.

We can get direction all along our way,

If we heed the prophets -- follow what they say.

Follow the Prophet, follow the Prophet.

Follow the Prophet, don't go astray.

Follow the Prophet, follow the Prophet.

Follow the Prophet, he knows the way.

*Note: Twice a year, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints holds a General Conference which is broadcast to members all around the world. Each conference is divided into four two-hour sessions, two on Saturday and two on Sunday, with an additional two-hour session on Saturday evenings for priesthood holders. During these conferences, we are taught by general authorities and officers of the Church, or, in layman terms, the head haunchoes (the Mormon Prophet can be compared to the equivalent of the Catholic Pope when it comes to position in the church). We believe that their counsel and guidance comes directly from God as inspiration and we value the words taught in General Conference as scripture. To learn more about the LDS faith, General Conference, and what we believe, click here. Or to set up an appointment with the full-time missionaries in your area, click here or send me an email and I will be glad to help you set it up.

Blog of Note

Here is another blog worth stalking:

Check out Serendipitous, a blog of beautiful pictures and simple thoughts. It's kind of along the lines of a photo-a-day blog, but she doesn't post daily. Hope you like it! (And if you don't, I don't really care.)

Now it's your turn to tell me some of your favorite blogs!

Healing Words

Sometimes people don't say the right thing,

But I'm still glad when they say something.

Daddy's Rules

Everything I need to know I learned from my dad:

• Rule #1: Don't leave the cap off the fizzy.
• Baseball is second only to the church.
• Any day is a good day for a nap.
• There isn't anything a good action movie can't cure.
• No one can be better looking than Robert Conrad in his days of Wild Wild West.
• Everything's better with a little hot sauce and a whole lot of salt.
• Rub some dirt in it.
• I am most beautiful when my hair is in a ponytail and I'm not wearing makeup.
• Dessert first is always acceptable.
• Cats are nothing more than large rodents.
• Great life lessons can be learned from Indiana Jones and Star Trek.
• You can marry more in a minute than you can make in a lifetime.
• Always watch where you're pointing your gun, even if the safety is on.
• Rule #2: When skiing, "snow plowing" is never allowed.
• Real men have hair. Everywhere.
• You can't drink milk with pizza.
• If our house is ever on fire, he's saving mom first and then coming back for the rest of us.
• You can never stop learning from the scriptures.
• Always be true to the Home Team.
• There is no end to creativity.
• The Gospel is exciting.
• Rule #3: Never forget that Daddy loves you.

And last but not least...

• If you're not falling down, you're not trying hard enough.

Happy birthday Daddy!
Thanks for all you've taught me. I love you.

Hace Frío!

Today as I was walking from English to my political science class, I overheard a group of Asian students (As in they are students that moved here from China and Japan to come to school. Not just of Asian descent.) talking about the weather.

In Spanish.

I never thought I would see the day when I legitimately heard Spanish being spoken with a Chinese accent. My life is now complete.

I Relate Life Events to Harry Potter

If I could have just one single spell from the wizarding world at my disposal, it would be the summoning charm. That way when I'm in bed at night and realize I've forgotten something, I can just say "Accio [insert object here]" and it'll come zooming to me without me having to climb out of my warm comfy bed. That'd be the life.

A Little Spring, a Little Birthday, and a Whole Lot of R&R

(Pretend I wrote this last week.)

Well, I waited all semester for this, and now spring break has come and gone. It wasn't particularly eventful (no beaches, swimming suits, or sand dunes), but it was still a break and that's all I wanted. (Okay lies. I'm not going to say that I didn't want to go to Mexico or California, but a trip to Kaysville was good enough for now.) The break started off with a trip to Hale Theatre with my daddy for a production of Fiddler on the Roof. Definitely a great father-daughter show. Trevor and Sherstin came up on Sunday evening and brought Grandpa for dinner and an early birthday celebration. The nineteen mismatched candles that were crammed into my New York style cheesecake were blown out by Makenna before I got a chance to make a wish. I think that's probably a bad omen for the year. Birthday presents included a new set of scriptures, a paper cutter, and a whole jar of chocolate covered raisins! Mmm..boy! I also got a crock pot from Trevor and Sherstin (Recycled wedding gift. I was there when they opened it.) and some homemade headbands from  Hilary.

Everyone else had school all week, so the rest of the break was spent playing at home with Diva and Miss Meka. Meka is in the middle of being potty trained, so I had my share of trips to the potty, handing out lifesavers, and changing wet pats. Days were spend playing, making mints with mom, looking for jobs, digging up the garden, and being completely and blissfully lazy. Evenings were spent going to movies, wandering the neighborhood with dad, visiting wonderful friends, playing games, and staying up late watching Cake Boss. The week concluded with a trip to Provo to see my bff Jon perform in BYU's production of As You Like It. The weekend didn't end up as planned, but the show was beautiful and playing with Tressa all weekend was a blast! I finished up a blissful spring break by modeling for Hilary and playing funny, crazy games with the family.

I may not have had my turn to get sunburned over the break, but I loved being able to spend some time with friends and family, especially with my best friend Mom. Maybe next year I'll be able to afford to go somewhere adventurous.

Quote of the Day

"He always wears those bright shirts that just reel me in like a venus fly trap!"

-Brooklin

...I think Brooklin and I have been watching too much late night Discovery Channel.

Life is Ironic

Today Brooklin was in a really bad mood so she cleaned and organized her half of the room.

I came home and was in a really good mood, so I deep-cleaned the rest of the room.

I find that funny.

Speed Dial

Today, I called my mom nine different times. Nine. And then I talked to her on facebook chat tonight for another twenty minutes. She's probably sick of me, but boy do I love her! Thanks for taking care of me, Mommy!

Grateful

I think that sometimes God gives us trials in order to give other people the opportunity to serve us. What a humbling, filling experience it is. My heart is overflowing with gratitude for the many people who, even though they don't have much themselves, are giving what they can to help us do what we can't do alone. Thank you. May God open the floor of Heaven and poor blessings on you for years to come.

"For each new morning with its light,

For rest and shelter of the night,

For health and food, for love and friends,

For everything Thy goodness sends."

-Ralph Waldo Emerson

Ever Since Kindergarten, I've Wanted a Pet Elephant.

This is fantastic.