Hey I'm 20....weird.

So earlier this month I celebrated my last day as an official teenager, and my first day being 20! That's so weird to me, I feel like I've done too much in life already to just be 20. Not that I'm complaining about being young! So Megan and Brady invited us to their home for the weekend cause lucky enough our birthday fell on a Saturday. Not only was it an awesome offer because then we wouldn't be stuck in Provo doing nothing, but it was probably one of the last times we'll see them for a while since they now moved another 2 more hours away. Needless to say, it was a very wonderful weekend. 

Saturday, they had a yard sale, when it was 100+ outside, so we helped out with that and got to play with the kids. 

Brady and Tom had some fun boardin around

After the yard sale, Megan and Brady took us out for lunch and ice cream and we spent some time at home just hanging out, watching the Incredibles, and playing with the kids. 

Tom cleaning mommy's dirty feet

For dinner we made homemade pizza, and then brownies with cookies and cream ice cream - only the best! It was delicious to say the least. Then when the kids were asleep, Megan had some sparklers for us that we used to celebrate. 

We had a wizard fight.

On Sunday, we played in the morning (meaning I pretty much chased Tom around the house all morning), went to church, then played together some more and had dinner. 

Tom is getting really good at soccer

He also danced around for a good 20 minutes or so and that was so fun to watch

That pretty much sums up the birthday celebration! I don't feel any different being 20, but it's just weird to think that I'm just getting older and getting that much closer to when I'll be taking the next steps in life. Thanks Megan, Brady, Tom and Ella for a wonderful birthday. Love you guys!!

...My Boredom...and weekend

I've been really bored today. I've done nothing but homework all day and I feel like I haven't really accomplished anything. Don't you hate those days?  So, what did I decide to do? Procrastinate and catch up on my blog! Yay  =)

So, last weekend was MLK Day, and we had a three-day weekend. You know what that means-St. George! But this time, Margeaux and Steven were going to be there too, so it was going to be par-tay!

Tom was not very happy...

So Bridget and I got there Friday night and we just chilled with Megan and Brady till Margeaux and Steven got there around 12:30 in the am.  Saturday was fun. We made breakfast together, played with the kids, I did some homework, lammmmeeee and around noon we decided to go out. Over the weekend, St. George was celebrating its 150th birthday, and they had lots of events going on throughout the weekend. Saturday afternoon, they were handing out free rootbeer floats.  Mmmmm nom nom nom.  Tom was sure loving that!  Soon after we got back, we decided to go climb some rocks.  These are not just some little sissy rocks-they were big desert rocks. And it was a lot of fun! There's this one spot called the crack that gets so small that you barely have enough room to climb up sideways, with your back on one rock and your face against another. Margeaux went up to check it out. She wouldn't climb it just because that's not her thing, but I wanted to try it. So I climbed up a little bit, but once it got to the really small part, it was dark, cold, and waaay too much like a cave. I can do heights, depths, climbs, whatever. But I cannot do caves. I don't know what it is, but they just scare the heck out of me! So I didn't end up climbing the whole thing. Actually, hardly any of it. haha That night we played the Wii Just Dance game which by the way is so much fun and then when the kids were in bed, us 'adults' played some more games.
Sunday we just played in the morning, went to church, which was
good as always, and then chilled the rest of the night. After church, we took some family pics since all four of us girls were together for the first time in a little over a year. That's crazy.  Then on Monday we just hung out in the morning, then went out to get some lunch, then we had to leave. But it was a great weekend and it was so nice to have us all together. Now, check out these pics!  =)

Look at this boy!

at the opera house for rootbeer floats

"Cheeeeese!" 

                                     

                                    

Okay, I don't know why blogger is being dumb about my pictures, but I'm tired of messing with it so sorry it's not perfect. Here's the rest. 

Sister picture. Hey, that kind of rhymes.  =)  

Yup. That seems about right.

Well, that just about sums up my awesome MLK, three-day weekend, as well as my lame post that just seems so lame because lame school has drained every ounce of creative or interesting juice from my brain. Thanks school. I like you a lot.  Mmmmm...debatable sometimes...

...Being Home for the Holidays

I did some things today.

So guess.

Guess guess guess.

Time’s running out.

I did many things today. To start off my day, Valerie and Natalie came over, with Natalie’s little sisters, and we had a tea party. Mmmmhmmm. Complete with mini finger sandwiches and other splendid goodies.  It wasn’t our first tea party together, but it sure was a blast. in case you didn’t get my reference from the beginning, check this out and have yourself a good laugh  

After that, I went over to my missionary’s family’s house to see them and give them some Christmas goodies. I spent a good hour over there. Can I just say that I simply LOVE that family? Because I do. They are some of the sweetest, most kind-hearted, fun, and loving people I know and it’s always so great to be around them. Karch’s sisters are so fun-they showed me a preview of a movie they’re making to show they’re family on Christmas Eve – I laughed so hard! Then I chatted with his mom for a while, mostly about Karch and how he’s doing, his letters, and how he gets to call home on Christmas. He even gets to skype if he can get to a computer! That’s awesome!  She invited me over for when he calls so I could talk to him too, but I’m not sure if that’s going to happen. I would LOVE LOVE LOVE, more than ANYTHING, to talk to him-to be honest, that has been the only thing that I’ve wanted for Christmas ever since he left. But while I was at their house, his little sister has his phone, and she didn’t change the voicemail from what he had, so it’s his voice on it. So while I was over there, his mom called the phone so we could hear his voice. While it was only three words, “Hey, what’s up?”, it was the greatest thing I have heard since September 28 and I started to cry. So….I’m not totally sure how well actually talking to him, or even seeing him, would go over (if I could even get out of the house to do it).  It’s this awful battle inside of me! I don’t even know if it’s something he wants to do, but if it is, I want to so so so so so so badly, but at the same time I don’t want to make it harder on the both of us. I mean, it was hard enough to say goodbye the first time, and having to do it a second…I’m so torn!!!! Anyway, his mom and I had a good chat.  I simply adore this lady, and it really is just one of my favorite things to just be with that family-they basically are my second family.  

So after I get home, I’m chillin in the kitchen with Bridget right? When in walks Dad (more like stalks in) who starts shootin at us with what looks like a Nerf gun! No. Not a Nerf gun. Something even better than that. A freaking marshmallow gun! It was probably one of the coolest things we’ve ever had inside of our house. After the initial shock or realizing what this actually was, turns out he didn’t have just one, but four! There are four of us at home right now: Mom, Dad, Bridget and I.  War time anyone? That’s right, we played our own form of Capture the Flag, parents vs. kids. Each team had an object the other team had to get, but if you were hit with a marshmallow, you had to freeze and ‘recharge’ for 10 seconds, like Lazer Tag. So not only were we all sneaking around the house, loving the thrill of the game, but we had the Italian Job movie soundtrack playing in the background to make it that much better.  Mmmhmm. I almost guarantee my parents are cooler than yours.

We probably did that for a good solid 90 minutes, then went rabbit hunting, practicing our target shooting on cinnamon bunnies. Bridget was the champion in knocking over 12 using one round of ammo. Dad was a little disappointed. But all in good fun. Since then it’s been chill and I haven’t really done much, and I’m kinda really missin my boy. But it’s great because, even with how terribly I miss him and how being here at home just doesn’t seem 100% like home with him gone, it’s nice to realize that I only have to go through one more Christmas without him.  And while I miss him and do sometimes wish he was back home, the blessings that come from knowing he’s on a mission, and the joy it brings to me knowing that he chose to completely give of himself to serve the Lord and dedicate his life to what he believes in completely outweighs anything. I am so grateful that he chose to serve and I am so excited for the experiences he is going to have in Brazil and for this chance he has to serve, dedicate himself to our Lord and Savior, and to become the man the Lord wants him to be. Gosh I love him.

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On a COMPLETELY different note....

Wednesday evening, Bridget, Mom and I went to a cooking class done by Steven Brower, owner and caterer of Maverick catering. A.MAZE.ING. This guy really knows what he’s doing! When the class first started, he had made appetizers for us all (there were 8 of us) with red wine, and sparkling cider for those of us who do not drink alcohol.  Then we went to work. In our class, he taught us how to make a double crust apple pie, a pecan pie, and a chocolate caramel tart. Can you say make-me-die-and-take-me-to-heaven-in-my-mouth-delicious? Because that’s what it was, in a nutshell.  We were baking from about 6:40 to 9:40, after which he served us dinner that he had made earlier, and then we tried each of the desserts we had just made.  Seriously people, this guy is GOOD. If you live around the greater Spokane area, or pretty much any of the areas around Spokane, it’s totally worth the trip to go to one of his cooking classes. Or if you are looking for a caterer, he is your guy. My dad has had him do caterings for dad’s work several times and he will always make good food within your budget, even if it’s only $20 per person. Seriously, look. him. up.  Probably one of the best cooking experiences you will have.

That’s about all I have to say. 

...An Attitude of Gratitude

So here I am. On my way home from St. George and a wonderful Thanksgiving break. Seriously, it was so relaxing in every way, I’m totally bummin’ that it’s already over. Bridget and I drove down Wednesday morning, and made excellent time. And that’s not just because I might drive just a wee-bit faster than most people….not at all….Anyways, we get there and my nephew Thomas is so ready to play. For reals guys, he’s freaking adorable! Look at this boy!

So Wednesday we just played and held sweet little baby Ella, and started getting some things ready for the next day’s feast. Thursday was Turkey Day! We started cooking early and we were right on schedule with having everything be ready on time. Brady’s parents were there as well, and his brother Paul came later that day to join in the festivities. It was great to be able to have everyone there together, just cookin, and eatin, and havin a muy bueno time.  

                                                                  Bridget holding baby Ella

                                                     Me, Tom, and Brady's mom starting Thanksgiving   

This was probably one of the best Thanksgiving’s I’ve ever had. Megan’s turkey recipe far exceeded delicious and I would most definitely consider our meal a feast. Everything was perfect. Nom nom nom.  And the decorations around the house made the spirit of the holiday be that much more present and made the atmosphere in the home so wonderful- everyone was in good moods.

After dinner, it was nap time for everyone. Thomas practically fell asleep at the table, and that turkey had definitely started to take its affect on everyone. Later that evening, everyone gathered around the piano and we all joined in making music. Brady’s dad was on the piano, Brady on the acoustic guitar, Bridget on the bass, Paul and Brady’s mom singing, and the rest of us just enjoying the music, singing along, and holding the baby. We played for who knows how long, but it was wonderful. I love music. It really is something that can bring the family together, ease the stresses of life and the day, and bring a feeling to the soul that I do not think could come any other way. Music is truly one of my deepest passions, and it’s something I always want in my home. If you have a talent in music, build it. Don’t let it go. Use it regularly and allow the power of music of work inside your heart and soul.  If not, at least find a variety of music throughout your life that you can always rely on, music that you could listen to anytime, anywhere, music that will make you feel good and just make you happy. For me, that type of music comes from many sources: it comes when I take time to play the piano on my own. It comes from listening to Rocky Votolato and Led Zepplin, tastes of which I acquired through spending many days and hours with my favorite person ever listening to such music. Though the styles may be quite different, I can always listen to this music, and it always makes me feel happy.

On Friday, Paul and the parents left in the late afternoon, after Megan and Brady returned from buying a Christmas tree!  Those of us that were there that night jumped right in to getting ready for Christmas and decorated the tree and put up the decorations around the house, while listening to Christmas music, of course.

Christmas is by far one of my favorite holidays. Everyone seems to get into the holiday spirit, and while it can easily become stressful in the gift-buying, decorating, and traveling, it is such a special time of year as we reflect on the birth of Jesus Christ and the importance of His coming to this earth. During the next couple days, we continued in the Christmas spirit and the power of music, with playing Christmas music at the piano, Bridget  accompanying on the bass once again. It was a wonderful time to be with family and to get the new season started.

                                                               Just playin some Christmas music 

Saturday was just a fun play day. Bridget, Brady, Thomas, and I went to the park and then we just played at home. That night, after making delicious vanilla ice cream and pomegranate milkshakes nom nom nom we had a dance off using their Wii, and I am sad to say that I am supes (super) sore, but in my defense, Bridget and I played for almost 2 hours and it was intense!  But that’s probably not a very good excuse for just being out of shape…

                                                                                  Seriously guys. Sooooo much fun!!!

Now for a special word on Thanksgiving.  It’s typical that we all take at least a few minutes during this season to count our blessings and say what we’re thankful for. But something that has been crossing my mind over and over again these last few days has been: Why aren’t we this grateful every day?  Doesn’t our Father bless us every day with the things we need to get through the day such as breath, a home, food, clothing, warmth, a job, education, nature and the sun, family and friends, a feeling of comfort and peace, and so much more?  Every single day we are blessed with what we need to survive one more day, and not just to survive, but to endure well.  Why not make the spirit of thanksgiving we find during this holiday season a part of our daily lives?

In sacrament meeting at church, the speakers were talking on gratitude, and both of the adult speakers said something that has already made a profound impact on me. The husband of the couple that was speaking said this: “In today’s world in the areas of science, art, technology, and everything else, everyone always says ‘We did it’ and the individual, ‘I did it’ whenever a new advancement or discovery has taken place. No one gives credit to God anymore.”  Everything we have on this earth, everything that is a part of our lives, has been given to us by our Father in Heaven. Many people would argue saying, “I work. I make my own money. Therefore, everything I have comes from my own skill and work.”  But aren’t you given those skills and talents and opportunities to work by God? Don’t you have the means to work and the materials needed for these discoveries because of what people have done before you to advance this far, based on their means, materials, talents, and skills that were given to them by God?  If you really look at it, EVERYTHING we have comes from God, even the breaths we take:  Christ made this earth under the direction of the Father, and during the creation He created plants, and it is through plants that we receive the oxygen we need to breathe. And not only that, but God allows us to breathe every breath because we still have a purpose on this earth and our time is not yet up.  God’s hand is in everything. It truly is.  Take some time to really think about this. Take a few minutes at the end of every day to see where God has helped you during the day, and to see what you have been able to accomplish because of the gifts and blessings He has given you.

Now what the wife of the couple said in her talk had an even greater impact on me. She got this from a friend, but she said, “What if you woke up tomorrow with only the things you had thanked God for today?”  I wouldn’t have woken up with much…I would have my family, a few close friends, and really not much else. I would have woken up to have the atonement of Christ no longer affective in my life, which was a sad, honest, realization to me. Hearing that has completely changed the way I look at the world around me as well as the way I pray to my Father in Heaven.  But that statement is actually quite true. Why shouldn’t we thank our Heavenly Father for every little thing we have, because it is through Him that we have it, and, ultimately, He could make it so that we could wake up with only the things we thanked Him for. And wouldn’t that be an eye-opener.  Gratitude is not something we should make a part of our lives only during this holiday season during the last two months of the year. But instead, it should be something that is a part of us, a part of the way we live and who we are.                MY CHALLENGE TO YOU:  Take time to look at your life and the world around you, look at what you have, and really see what the Lord has blessed you with in your life.  Take time daily to thank Him for what He has blessed you with that day, and really thank Him for what you have and what you really are grateful for. If it helps, keep a gratitude journal, and just take a few minutes every day to write down some things you noticed throughout your day that you are grateful for. Doing this, I believe, really helps us to see how prevalent God really is in our lives, and I promise you it will change your life. It has already changed mine in ways I couldn’t even thing possible.  Let us be a grateful people, with an attitude of gratitude every day, even during those hard days. Be grateful for ALL that you have. And even if you have a crappy day, thank Him for it, for it is during those struggles that we are given the chance to change our hearts, and to grow and learn.  I am grateful for my own life, for a family that loves me and supports me. I am grateful to have the opportunity to continue my education at a University that has already given me opportunities to expand my future. I am grateful for parents who pay for my schooling, and for my scholarships, so that I actually can go to school. I am grateful for my job, which surrounds me with great people and provides me with the opportunity to provide the necessities for myself. I am grateful for my apartment, even if it does have problem after problem, for the food I have and for my roommates who keep me company and are examples to me daily. I am grateful for my missionary and the choice he has made to serve the Lord, for the blessing he has been in my life, and for the happiness he has brought to my life that I have never known before. I am grateful for his family as well, for the people they are and for accepting me so warmly.  I am grateful for the scriptures and for prayer, as a means to communicate with God, and I am grateful for the Holy Spirit that guides my life and has revealed unto me confirmations, impressions, and direction pertaining to everything in my life. I am grateful for a loving Heavenly Father, who knows me personally and has provided the means for me to live with Him and my family forever. I am grateful for His Son, Jesus Christ, who came to this earth to atone for my sins and to die for me because He loves me, and so that I can repent of my sins and draw nearer to God.  I am grateful that He sacrificed Himself in that way to serve as a mediator between me, and imperfect, sinful being, and my Heavenly Father, so that justice and mercy may both be served and I may still be able to live with my Father in Heaven. I could go on and on for what I am grateful for now that my eyes have been opened to the much bigger picture. Take time today to thank God for what He has given you, and tell Him what you are thankful for.