Life in 2011

When I do these questionnaires I feel like I'm in the old days of Myspace.


I like them though so I'm going to do this one along with the Christmas one I did. I got it from my friend Cheri's blog. 

What did you do in 2011 that you’d never done before? 
Moved away from home to Orem, UT.

Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I wanted to work out more. I did way good in the Spring and Summer and lost about 25 pounds but then in the fall, I failed. I hope to start it up again and lay off the soda (I don't think I can completely stop though).

Did anyone close to you give birth?
My friend Makenna did :) Kyler is a beautiful girl.

What countries did you visit?
I stayed in the wonderful USA!

What would you like to have in 2012 that you didn’t have in 2011?

A love life. Sounds stupid but I'm being for real. Go on dates. Hopefully my mission plans don't stop guys from asking me.

What dates from 2011 will be etched upon your memory, and why?
Moving to Orem. It was the most exciting moment of my life. That failed. I'm back in Cedar City. I'm glad though. Moving away made me realize how much I love my family and showed me things about myself I didn't know.  

What was your biggest achievement of this year?
Choosing to serve a full-time mission!

What was your biggest failure?
Not keeping up on working out. Jessica and I did so good. Jillian Michael's kicked my butt.

Did you suffer illness or injury?
Sure didn't. 

What was the best thing you bought?
I'm not sure about this question. I didn't really buy anything extravagant.

Where did most of your money go?
Good ole school. It will all pay off though-- can't wait to have that degree in my hands. 

Did you meet anyone new this year who had an impact on your life? 
I've met a lot of people and I feel like each person has impacted my life one way or another.
What did you get really excited about?
My twin sister is pregnant and I can't wait to meet little Judah.

And I started planning Spring Break for 2012 and I cannot wait. 
What song will always remind you of 2011?
Super Bass. For some reason I'm in love with this song. I can't keep up with the original version (although I love it so so much) so I listen to Tyler Ward's version of it. A lot. 

Compared to this time last year, are you: a) happier or sadder? b) thinner or fatter? c) richer or poorer?
a) Happier. Sadder isn't a choice. 
b) I lost weight but gained a little of it back. So both? 
c) Poorer. Typical college student. 

What do you wish you’d done more of?
Have more of a social life. I had one, don't get me wrong, but it would have been good to have gotten to know more people. 

What do you wish you’d done less of? 
Stress. Life is hard but I stress too much.
How did you spend Christmas?
With family. 

Did you fall in love in 2011?
Nope. I got out of the rut I was in with someone I fell in love with. So I fell out of love and couldn't be happier with that choice. 

What was your favorite TV program?
Will always be Grey's Anatomy

What was the best book you read?
I just read the Hunger Games. It was pretty great.

What was your greatest musical discovery?
I'm obsessed with "YouTubers." Tyler Ward, Boyce Avenue, Alex Goot, etc

What did you want and get?
A new camera. 

What did you want and not get?
A dadgum car

What was your favorite film of 2011?
Crazy Stupid Love

What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I woke up and went to breakfast with my twin sister at Denny's (build your own grand slam is free on your birthday), went to the lake for the afternoon, and my roommates threw me a birthday party that night. I turned 21.

What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Staying in shape

How would you describe your personal fashion concept of 2011?
Safe. I wish I would have been more fun though. I'm always following the safe trends but I want to try and find my own style this coming up year. 

What kept you sane? 
Prayer. Lots and lots of prayer. And friends and family.

Who did you miss?
My sisters in St. George. I wish I could see them more. 

Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2011. 
"Life is hard. But it's harder when you're stupid." Amen.

Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
"Mistakes of the past don't define you, they refine you."

I hope you all have a wonderful New Year! I know that I am. 

Already Planning

I know that Christmas was only yesterday but Jessica and I started planning Spring Break a couple days ago. I'm so excited. We were going to invite more people but everyone already has their own plans. That's alright though. We're going to have a blast.

We decided to go to California and go to Six Flags and the Beach!

Last time I did this was for my 20th birthday. I got my identity stolen. No joke. Everything was stolen; iPod, phone, wallet with my money in it, drivers license, debit card, and stupidly by social security card. I sort of forget to take it out of my wallet before my mom put it in there like two days before I left. This time, I will not lose sight of my stuff and not take it on the beach. Stupid move on our part. Oh well... we learn from our mistakes. 

Anyway, we found a super nice hotel for way cheap and it's only like 3 miles away from Six Flags. We'll go there Tuesday and I'm sure we're going to be taking many trips to the Beach while we're there. Then what would a trip be without going to the mall? I heard there's a gigantic mall near by that I want to go to.

If you can't tell, I want spring break here right now. It's going to be a fun trip to go on before my mission.

Are you guys doing anything fun for Spring Break? Let me know. I want to hear.

I got the first book to the Hunger Games series and I'm hooked. I can't stop reading. I keep telling myself, "one more chapter." Then I realized I kept going. What else am I supposed to on Christmas Break? Nothing. 

Merry Christmas!

My wonderful friend Chelsea put this questionnaire on her blog and I thought it would be fun to do the questions myself.

1. Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate?

Most definitely Hot Chocolate. Next time you have a cup of it, put a dollop of peppermint ice cream in it. Divine I tell ya.

2. When do you hang your decorations up?

Since I'm living away from family and don't have a family of my own, it's whenever my roommates and I can do it. However, my family have always done it sometime after Thanksgiving. Usually a few days after December.

3. Favorite holiday memory as a child?

I just loved being with family. For some reason I remember one Christmas specifically, and all us girls got a tea set that was passed down in the family. Mine was Humpty Dumpty theme. We all sat there and talked about family and then after playing with our new toys, we went to each of our families' house in Cedar to visit and have dinner.

4. What's on your Christmas list?

Honestly, I'm not really looking forward to anything. Money is tight right now with a lot of people so all I care about is being with friends and family and making it the best. Doing acts of charity is my favorite part of Christmas though (i.e, shoveling sidewalks, making candy for neighbors, etc,.).

5. What's the most important thing about Christmas to you?

Like I said earlier, being with friends and family and celebrating His birth. It's about Christ and I feel like a lot of it is about who gets what and we all get caught up in it. I like to step back and look at the true meaning of Christmas.

6. What is your favorite tradition? 

I always remember doing a Christmas dinner and making treats/candy. My favorite one though was making Wishing Dust. It was sparkles, rice, beans or whatever you want in it and before you go to bed on Christmas Eve, you make a wish and then throw the Wishing Dust in the air. I can't wait to make traditions with my family though. It's going to be great.


7. What is your favorite Christmas song? 


Right now, it's definitely All I Want For Christmas Is You by the one and only Michael Buble.

More traditional one though is Little Drummer Boy.

8. Does Santa wrap presents or just set them under the tree?


Santa definitely wraps them. I think it's more exciting. As a child, I remember my presents were on the right back side of the tree. So when I ran into the living room Christmas morning, it was exciting to see all the wrapped presents on "my" side of the tree.

9. Do you open gifts on Christmas Eve?


I don't ever remember opening them unless we asked our parents to. I don't think it was a tradition or anything. I love the tradition of opening PJ's on Christmas Eve though, so I will most likely be doing that one when I have my own family.

10. How long did you believe in Santa?


I think I was about 8 years old when I found out he wasn't real. Fun memory though; when my family lived out in Enoch, I remember doing the Wishing Dust and wishing to see Santa (just a glimpse). I didn't see him but my Dad got on the roof and ran across the entire house to make it sound like the Reindeer landing on the roof. It was spectacular. I made sure to keep my eyes closed tight and fall asleep.

Well I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday and safe new years!

Merry Christmas!!

I want to!

Today when I was cleaning the kitchen, I had the biggest urge to go camping! I have no idea why that came upon me.

Camping is one of my favorite activities to do. I wish I did it more. It's just something about the outdoors; the crisp air in the morning, camp fires, spending time around people you enjoy being around. Plus, s'mores and roasted starbursts! Mmm.

Then when you go to sleep and you can star gaze while laying in bed. It's the best.

Well for now, all I can do is dream about it. It's too cold to go camping. However, once it's warmer I'll be out and camping if anyone wants to join!

Side note: totally passed all my classes! Now I can actually relax without stressing. I hope you are all satisfied with your grades. 

Maybe

I might try and blog every day till school starts... maybe. It will be a little challenging saying that I have been home alone the last couple of days. It's a tad depressing. And lonely. Oh the life. I hope you are all having a fun break back at home. I sometimes wish I lived somewhere else than where I grew up so I could say, "I'm going home for Christmas!"

That's alright though. Has anyone done anything fun yet since the break has started? I finally got to see the lights on Temple Square! I was expecting so many more lights but I think they might have started turning them off because I was there for about twenty minutes then they were turning off. It was very pretty though. It must take them weeks to put those lights up.

Here are some pictures of the weekend:

To kill time, we went back to Wolverine Crossing
to reminisce the old days.  

401 is where it was at!

First time for me to see the lights on Temple Square

I love this picture. It's the best place to go to.

<3

The reflection pool was awesome

Driving home the sunset was amazing. I took a dozen of pictures
and this one was the last one I took! Cedar City has gorgeous
sunsets.

I'm so happy I finally got to see the lights. It was a nice getaway and it was always great to see Aubrie and her roommates. Thank, Aubs, for letting us sleep at your house.

Goodnight!

Help a sister out

So for my mission papers, I wanted a good picture to attach. Not one that I took of myself. My roommate, Samantha Peterson is a photographer so I asked if she could take a few pictures of me.

Needless to say, it turned into a photo-shoot. She's so talented.

Here are some of my favorites that I'm debating through to attach with my mission papers:

This is the only I'm mostly leaning towards. I'll
crop it from the logo up so it's more of a head shot

This one I just love all together but I don't know if
I should send it. 

Alright, I know that people have to read this. I know it's up to me which one to send but I just want some advice. I have some time to before I submit my papers with my physical being a few weeks away so help me. I have to look good for when they're praying ;)

Thank you!

Mission Update

Some of  you guys have been asking about my "paper progress" with the whole Mish thing. Well, I have one more dentist appointment (please, folks, remember to floss) and my physical which are both scheduled in January. Those Dr's. They are busy I tell ya. Then I have to go talk to my homeward bishop about finances and attach a photo. After that, they will be submitted. 

Isn't that so exciting? I'm getting quite nervous and Satan is really working hard to try and get me to back out of this decision. That man has got some nerves. 

Last night I was thinking about the sacrifices He made for us. Each and every one of us. He made a lot of sacrifices and I am so grateful for His willingness to do that for me. 

When I think about leaving my friends and family behind, I get so sad and can't imagine my life without them. My friends and family mean so much to me. The people I have met in my ward this semester have blessed my life tremendously. It's sad to leave them behind. Then my family. Did you know my youngest niece will be in Kindergarten and my oldest niece will be thirteen years old when I come back? Also, baby Jude will be almost two when I get home. I'm going to miss my twin sisters baby and all his firsts. 

However, those are all sacrifices I'm willing to to take. What's a year and a half compared to eternity? Also, when I'm on my mission I hope to grow closer relationships with all those who I'm already close with. It seems like that's how it works. 

After I think about all of this, though, I just try and imagine walking off of that plane seeing everyone when I get home. It makes it seem all worth it when I know that what I'm going to do is all worth it and while I have grown closer with everyone, especially the Lord, I get to come home to the best people. 

Good luck with finals and I will keep you up on the progress. 

Now, real quick, let's talk about dating. Let's say hypothetically speaking here, someone was preparing to go on a mission. Guys shouldn't be afraid to ask that girl on a date, right? I think they should go for it. After all, President Monson did say go out and date. I'm a huge fan of him. I like his advice and direction. Don't you? 

My kind of Saturday

As of right now, I am home alone. On a Saturday night. My roommates are doing fun things-- like I should be doing. 

My day has consisted of:

- Waking up at 5 to not see the Lunar Eclipse 

- Staying up to see it at 7:30 (which was blocked by the stupid houses around me). Fail. 

- Woke up again at 10 and studied

- Went and got breakfast/lunch with Lyndsey and Lindsay

- Showered

- Studied more

- Now I'm sitting here doing nothing

At least I feel better about my finals! Are you guys so excited for the semester to end? I am. However, I got emotional when two of my classes ended. I have learned so much this semester and it really showed me that this major is the right one for me. Did you guys have any classes you really enjoyed? Or am I just a dweeb? 

Now that the semester is coming to an end, my roommates and I had a Christmas dinner and did Secret Santa last week. Erin left early (got done with finals last week-- lucky) so she didn't make it to the dinner but she did do Secret Santa with all of us. It was a lot of fun! 

During the Christmas Dinner I went to my mom's to get my nice crystal and nice silverware set that I never use. We set up the table all properly and everything. It was great. I even went the extra mile and made homemade mashed potatoes. Yeah, I'm very domestic. 

We all dressed Sunday Best from the waist up!

This is our plate setting. Topped with a ring pop!

Even Sparkling Cider!

I was so excited to actually put these to use

Then last night we had friends over to decorate cookies.

Good luck on finals, all. You'll do great. 

p.s. I'm going up North next weekend to see Temple Square with the lights. I've never been! So be expecting a post about that. 

A little bit of everything

I miss blogging. I feel like I haven't been able to do a real blog for awhile now so I feel like there's no point. Stupid school taking all of my time. Nah, just kidding. I love school. This semester I probably went everyday writing a paper. I wrote my last one yesterday. Ahh yeah! So, from now, it's easy sailing except studying for the two finals I have. Hallelujah. I hope everyone else's loads are easing up on them. Such is life.

I have been meaning to post some pictures I have taken. So I'll share a few. They are random so they are from different times 

No editing done. I love my camera. It does great things.
I was playing with chalk with the kids and snapped it.

The girls all got Hello Kitty toys in their kid meals. 

I kept taking pictures of her just sitting there.
She got up and came back in the room doing this
and said, "Mary, you can take a picture now!"

Sophia and Sadie watching the Disney movies that were
playing on Thanksgiving morning. 

Just making thanksgiving dinner together!

Oh, dear. Isn't he so cute? I love him. 

Due 2.4.12. I'm so excited for another nephew!

Jennifer is never in these pictures. Sorry! 

My sister Kylie and I

Black Friday madness. I did get what I wanted fyi. 

Target on Black Friday. Boo yeahhh!

Well those are a few pictures I have taken! More on my Facebook. 

So here is a little rant that I have been on lately. No one ever has respect anymore. 

1. Leave people's personal lives alone. I hope you know that it offends people when you mess with it. Or at least be careful when you do it-- people may know the person you're talking about. 

2. Don't interrupt someone when you don't fully agree-- they may have not been done. You look like an idiot after you are proven wrong with the part you didn't hear. Wait your turn. 

Please just be careful. 

Other than that, I hope all is going well with school and preparation for finals! Good luck.

I'm going to share something with you

The lovely Pinterest is like an endless magazine with everything in it. I could look at it all day. So could my roommates. For Lindsay's birthday party we're having a game night with cupcakes! She found a great recipe for tie dyed cupcakes. So, I'll share with you how to make them (if you haven't already found them on the endless magazine)!

First thing to do is make the Vanilla Cake mix as directed: 1 cup of water, 1/2 of oil, and 3 eggs. Mix together and then separate into however many bowls of colors you want. We did 5: green, blue, yellow, pink, and purple. We kept it on the light side so we put 3 drops of each color into each bowl of cake mix.

So you take a spoon full of each and just pile them on top of each other.
Do NOT stir them together. When they bake it will move around.

This was the finished product. How fun and simple!!

We also made Dr Pepper cupcakes. I'm obsessed with
DP so I'm excited for these ones. There
are so many different ways you can make these
so just google the recipe or go to Pinterest.  

If you guys try any of these, let me know!

Good day!

They're good... real good

The advertisement business does bad things to me. I have never realized how much random things are floating out there; on pinterest, facebook, pandora. As I was listening away on Pandora, Zales was advertising wedding rings. It was late, homework was done, so I click on it.

I found my ring. So take notes, guys. Or girls. So if he doesn't do this blogging thing, you can tell him this is what I want. Oh and tell him to start saving up.

Is it too much to ask for? Oh man it's beautiful. 

                                                   
So moral of the story, don't fall into advertisements. That is their job, yes. But I can't do this to myself!!

Dear Santa, all I want for Christmas is... not this wedding ring. I want advertisements not be so intriguing.


That's all.


Con mucho amor (I oddly want to pick up on Spanish).

They're always right

Today as I was walking to class I realized I totally looked like a sister missionary (during winter time). Pea coat with a big scarf. Hey, at least I'll be a good looking missionary right? Oh and I shouldn't be sorry for posting about the Church all the time but you know, I am preparing to serve the Lord so I sort of live my life around the Gospel-- like we all should if we aren't even preparing to serve a mission. Right?

After I was baptized, the Elders asked me if I would go with them to talk to a girl that was less active. I was all over that opportunity. Afterwards, they gave me this:

They were so right!

They are right, people. About the Gospel and about my future as a missionary! Bah I can't wait. After walking home (looking like a missionary) I saw a friend and I shared my exciting news with her and then she asked me about my "story." Well, I actually had my conversion story printed off and was in my backpack. I gave it to her and told her to read it.

I am so good.

Here I am with my Future Missionary badge on:

Totally look like a missionary huh (not the best picture quality,
I took it with my phone)? Oh and Edward wanted to be
in the picture, too.

Have a wonderful weekend! I know I will + lots of sleep!

Proud of it, baby!

If you haven't read on my Facebook yet, four years ago today I was baptized. It seems like I have been a member for more than four years.

A lot has happened in four years being a member. It has been the hardest, yet best time of my life. I feel like Satan is nagging at me more and I have to work harder to get him to leave. Through those trials and nagging moments, I have built a bond with our Heavenly Father of trust and love. Kneeling to pray is the time I can feel His love the most. I often take it for granted. I try and take a few minutes in my prayers expressing gratitude towards the blessings I have received and for all my knowledge I have learned.

I was talking to a friend today. I was telling him how I used to do anything to get away from the missionaries. I am so humiliated to say admit that. I used to have the hardest time accepting the Temple. Through the last four years I have had many questions asked to me about the Church. Some I can't answer but some I can. The ones I can't though get my frustrated-- people criticize me for not knowing. Well guess what? I'm still learning and will continue to do so for the rest of my life. I have faith that everything is the way it's supposed to be. No matter what. The Church is my foundation and is what keeps me who I am today. The missionaries are the best people out there-- literally. Oh and I love the Temple. It's the most perfect place to be.

I have met the most incredible people by joining the Church. Some who will be in my life forever. I couldn't have asked for better missionaries. They were always straight forward, knew how to explain in a way I could understand, and were like brothers I never had. I still talk to them on a regular basis and hope that never changes.

I remember my baptism like it was yesterday. Actually, right around this time (4:30), I was getting ready for it. I was freaking out; I was going to be "re-dunked" over and over, I was going to fall backwards. Well Ron made my worries go away. We practiced for a good twenty minutes on what to do. It was great.

After I was baptized and confirmed, I had people leave my life for the choice I made. Do I miss them? Oh yes. It happens though. People come and go. I wouldn't change it for anything. If I had to, I would go through every single thing a million times fold.

Four years ago, I would have never thought I would be here. I never thought I would be serving a mission. I am and I couldn't be more excited. I can't wait to show those people who are ready the happiness and joy they are in store for.

 

Elder Carver, Me, Elder Trubey, and Elder Newsom

I look a lot different. Good thing; that's a horrid picture of me! Again, Elder Carver and Elder Trubey (Elder Newsom was only there for a few weeks but I still enjoyed him being there) are the best! Whoever had the chance to meet them are lucky!

The Book is blue.
The Church is true.
And God is Mormon.
                     - Elder [Josh] Trubey (told me that in his testimony-- I'm sure a lot of people say it?)

Happy Baptism Anniversary to me!

P.S. When I will have been baptized for 23 years, I'll still be celebrating. Just saying.

He has done it once again

Michael Buble will always have my heart. Sorry future husband, you have to share. You okay with that? You should be. It'll all work out. Plus, you'll be the one who has me for eternity. So it's a win win.

Have you guys heard his Christmas album? If you haven't, take a trip to Wal-Mart and purchase this fine CD. You wont regret it at all. You might get blessings from buying it. Just listen to it on Youtube and you'll be putting your shoes on in the middle of the first song.

This is my favorite song from this Christmas album (track 5 I believe):

Do you love it? I thought you would.

Enjoy it. Oh and p to the s. It's a big deal that I'm listening to it right now. I usually don't listen to it until December. Thanksgiving is pushing it.

Have a holly jolly... day.

M.I.A

Gosh! Sorry guys for not blogging for awhile (like anyone is really sad that I haven't blogged). I have been so busy with school with homework and everything. I'll give you updates on what's going on.

So quick story. On Wednesday I had a dentist appointment and while I was there they informed me that they need to take out my left upper wisdom tooth. Weird? Yeah, well I have an under bite so my bottom ones came in perfectly and the top right? She didn't say anything and I don't ask the boss questions. 

Halloween was fun! I didn't go to the Howl. Instead, I stayed home, did laundry and did homework. Then on Halloween night, I went trick or treating. Yeahhh! I didn't get as much as I used to but I got enough to last. I gave some to my sister because you know, candy is awful for you teeth, guys. You flossing? I am. 

While I was on the lovely Loratab (no judgment right?) Aubrie made sure to write down things I said. I'll make that for a later post because I have two more appointments that might require more tabbies.

We Aubrie made a bucket list for our little get together and we did succeed at most of them. 

• Nertz-- we substituted this for guitar hero and rock band
• Photoshoot
• Temple
• The play Les Miserables 
• Color water ballooning... fail
• Drive up the canyon... fail. Stupid landslide. 

I didn't take pictures of any guitar hero or rock band for proof but believe me we got our share of it. 

I will now let you look at the pictures. We took over a 100 pictures Friday night and Saturday. These are my favorites. 

We took many pictures while listening to Aubs play
the Piano. We're good listeners. And we look good doing
it.

Chili's baby back ribs.... barbecue sauce. People were
looking at me like I was crazy. I was a little out
of it. Not crazy.

Kenzuh, Maruh, and Aubruh. Yes, being part of the "uh" club
is high maintenance. 

Stupid pockets hanging out. Here's some of the photoshoot.
If it weren't snowing outside, some would be outside.

Oh I love this picture.

We decided to go visit Narnia

Good friends make their friends Mickey Mouse pancakes.
Oh and mango orange juice. Mmm.

Us Southern Utah folks are quite blessed to have
such a beautiful Temple near us.

Do I need to say anything about this one?

Best place on the entire planet. 

Why yes! Yes it does look like Aubrie is floating.
We thought the same thing. 

Blonde, brunette, and red heads! Yee yeah!

Halloween night. Yes, last minute costume for me. 

At the play. Les Miseerables. Amazing!

Best jumping picture!

Well that is all. I will try and be more active in blogging. I'm practically done with one class because I am done with the blasted research paper. Now a few projects, papers, and reading assignments and another semester is accomplished. 

[Mission papers are coming along. I have two more dentist appointments and then my physical. After that, attach my picture and it be on its way-- thanks for all of your guys' support. Wouldn't be here without you guys.]