Christmas time

Things I love about Christmas time:

1. Being home
2. Being with my family
3. Baking with Mom
4. Eating those treats we made
5. Christmas shopping
6. Wrapping presents
7. Caroling
8. Listening to Christmas music
9. Watching some of my favorite movies
10. Cuddling with my family
11. Rolling the windows down in the car because it is so beautiful outside
12. Skyping with friends that are half way around the world
13. Playing with my dog
14. Being a secret Santa to some special kids
15. Looking at all of the Christmas lights in the neighborhood

I love Christmas time. :)

The journey home

So yesterday I made the journey home.

I flew home and that is not something I usually do, so it was a pretty big deal.

The day before I was talking on the phone with my mom getting all of the flight details and we talked about how my flight was at 3pm. 

I had arranged with my dear friend, Kelly to drive  me to the airport at 1.

I was packing that morning, not in any hurry because I didn't have to leave for a while, right?

Well little did I know that my flight actually left at 1:30pm and was supposed to arrive at 3pm...

I look at my ticket at noon, realize my mistake.

Begin freaking out.

Worst feeling of my life.

I began to urgently call everyone I knew with a car.

Miracles of miracles I have the best home teachers in the world.

Seriously, those boys are AMAZING!

Scott drives me to the airport and I get there at 1:15pm.

Run to the security check and luckily there was no line and I was wearing my slip on shoes, but it still took a while to get through.

Run to the gate at 1:25pm. 

Talk to the woman at the desk and she says it's too late.

Begin teary eyes and worried phone calls to parents. 

Woman says I can get on standby for the next flight at 5pm and connecting flight in Phoenix at 9pm.

Still worried and frustrated for my stupid mistake, I begin to pray.

Continuing praying for 3 hours.

Finally able to get on to the 5pm flight 15 minutes before it leaves.

Let relief set in.

Until...

I realize I'm sitting next to the emergency exit.

Everyone around me is telling me what a good seat I got and all I can think about is the TV show LOST.

I keep thinking, "Oh my goodness, what if we crash and I have to be the one to open the emergency exit! Then what if we land on a desert island that has monsters on it! What if I have to fend for myself, I won't last a week!" 

So, basically I was freaking out again, which was completely irrational because it's not like we were going to be passing over any water from Salt Lake to Phoenix.

That is until we took off and then I was pretty much ok.

Then all I could see was a blanket of clouds and the tips of mountains. 

I arrived in Phoenix unscathed and completely fine.

From there I was able to get on the flight to Fresno.

I arrived in Fresno at 9:50pm, only 3 hours and 20 minutes behind my original schedule.

I'm just glad I made it home.

I guess you can tell I don't fly very often from my experience and I guess this is why I prefer to road trip every where. 

I hope everyone else is able to get to their homes a lot easier than I was!

Merry Christmas Everyone!

FREEDOM!

FINALS ARE OVER!

 I tried to find a song with the word freedom in it, but I just simply couldn't find one good enough. 

Instead I found this:

hahaha

This is golden.

I feel like the pop tart as soon as he is released.

FREEDOM!!!!!

Tomorrow at this time I will be at home.

Mmm lovely. 

I'm lame during finals

What did I do today?

Let me tell you:

1. Woke up bright and early at 7:24 for my 8am final.

2. Got ready really fast, which included a hat because I didn't want to do my hair.

3. Rushed to class with my obnoxious poster trying to not let my pictures/letters come off.

4. Make it to class, ask if anyone has a glue stick, creepy guy in front that always wears a leather jacket does and I borrow it from him to fix my poster.

5. Sit in class. Present my poster. Sit in class.

6. Get breakfast with Sian-Amy.

7. Spill hot chocolate on my pants (yes it really did hurt). 

8. Go to work with Sian-Amy.

9. Study at work  Go on Pinterest and read blogs at work.

10. Go home. Eat leftover chili that Katie made yesterday.

11. Study. Fall asleep. Study. Fall asleep. Study. Fall asleep.

12. Study break. 

13. Go to FHE aka eat free pizza from the bishopric! woo!

14. Study some more

15. Take New Testament test and rock it!

16. Take out trash.

17. Shower and sing my heart out, recent favorites: All I want for Christmas is You, O Holy Night, and The First Noel

18. Say I'm going to study and then somehow end up writing a blog post.

So basically that's my day. I'm lame, but whatever. I'm going to be home in 3 days!!! I might have 3 more tests too, but all is well because really I'm feeling pretty good about my classes this year. 

Hope your Monday was as eventful as mine!

For your enjoyment

This is cool.

Thank you Ryan for putting this on your Pinterest that I might view it.

10 things that distract me from finals

So it's been a while, I know. 

I've been busy with school and finals and stuff.

Just so everyone knows, I'll be back home in exactly ONE WEEK!!! 

All I have left to do is get through finals and I'm home free!

Anyways, 

Here is a list of things that distract me from finals!

1. Watching Little Women with Brooke and Katie
2. Watching Anne of Green Gables (first and second) with Brooke and Katie
3. Looking at vintage clothes online
4. Thinking of things I want to get for my family for Christmas
5. Seeing The Help again, but this time at the not-so-dollar-anymore-dollar theater
6. PINTEREST
7. Thinking of doing the crafts and projects I find on pinterest, but have yet to find the time (could be my own laziness?)
8. Did I ever mention that I like to make paper snowflakes?
9. Watching this and this
10. Looking at pictures of cute puppies

Snowflake obsession

This week I have found a new hobby/talent/obsession. 

You guessed it: paper snowflakes.

Thanks to Clarissa for showing me how to fold the paper.

(who knew you folded it in thirds at the end?!)

Thanks to Brooke for staying up with me to make even more snowflakes.

Thanks to Pinterest and Google for giving me patterns to follow.

Yep I love making paper snowflakes. 

It's my favorite kind of snow and considering we don't have any snow right now it makes it feel more like Christmas time in Provo.

 Brooke, Katie and I 

26 snowflakes and counting. Maybe I'll make some more....

Let's take a drive in the mustang

The day before I left to come back to Provo for the last couple weeks of the semester, my dad, Katie, and I took a drive in my dad's sweet mustang. 

We had the top down.

Driving fast.

Hair blowing in the wind.

Beautiful sunset.

Wonderful company.

It was just great.

 Best I could get with my camera....

 I was getting the most wind blown in the back.

I love these kids

Last night we went to visit my cousins Ryen, Peyten, and Camden. If you know me then you probably know that I talk about these kids all of the time. I love them so much. They just make me so happy. It is impossible to not fall in love with them as soon as you meet them.

Sorry for my awful videotaping. Regardless, I love these kids and they bring so much light and joy into my life.

Some pictures from Thanksgiving

Here are some pictures from Thanksgiving:

1) My mom cooking the deliciousness of Thanksgiving. 2) Turkey anyone? 3) My dad carving the turkey.
4) My cousin, Jessica's puppy, Mango. 5) Brendan photo bombing our picture. 6) Jenelle and I. 7) Brendan and Karlie creeping in the corner. 8) Pie. 9) Mom's beautiful apple pie. 10)This last one is actually from yesterday, but I felt like this picture would add some extra spice to this post. Who knew my brother could fit into a onesie?

Thanksgiving: best holiday

I love Thanksgiving. 

Seriously.

It's my favorite holiday. 

I love that Thanksgiving reminds me what is important in my life. 

I love that I get to eat delicious food. 

I love that I get to be with my family. 

I love being home. 

I can't think of anything wrong with this holiday.

I have so much to be thankful for and sometimes I forget, but I am glad we have a holiday just for this purpose.

To give thanks. 

Remember what you have been given and remember to thank Him for it.

What are you thankful for?

I'm thankful #6

Countdown: 1 more day!!!

(I'm leaving tonight, but I won't be home until tomorrow afternoon)

Today I am thankful for:

Family.

I Love my family! 

They are the best people I know. 

Here are somethings I love about my family:

 My mom is always willing to listen and always wants to talk. Sometimes I think she understands me more than I do. I hope to be as good a mom as her one day. 

My dad is hilarious. He has dad humor down and I love it. I seem to have inherited his cheesy jokes and silly catch phrases, which I love. Even when I am having a bad day my dad knows how to cheer me up. 

My older sister, Katie, is my best friend. I realize I talk about her a lot on this little blog, but we spend a lot of time together. She is such a good example to me and although sometimes it is hard to live up to what she has already accomplished, I still love being next in line because that means she is there to help me. Katie also has amazing style and I love that she shares her clothes with me. 

My little sister, Karlie, she is my other best friend. Although I don't get to see Karlie as much as Katie, I love every moment we spend together. She is silly and loves to do movie quotes with me and she is an amazing artist! I love to admire her works of art; they are beautiful. 

Last, but not least, is my superb brother, Brendan. Although Brendan can be a stinker at times, I love hanging out with him. He tries to look tough on the outside, but he really is just a teddy bear on the inside. He also wears really cool socks. 

I have the best family ever and I am so thankful to spend eternity with them!

I'm thankful #5

Countdown: 2 more days!

Today I am thankful for:

Music.

There is just something that happens when a really good song comes on. It touches the soul. It changes you. 

This evening my sister and I were talking about music and exchanging songs. It helped me remember why I love music so much. There are so many different kinds of music and they all have a purpose. Sometimes the only way to understand something is through music. For me, many times the things that are most precious to me are easily expressed in music when words can't be strung together. 

"For my soul delighteth in the song of the heart; yea, the song of the righteous is a prayer unto me, and it shall be answered with a blessing upon their heads." 

D&C 25:12

This is one of my favorite songs. It's beautiful.

I'm thankful #4

Countdown: 3 more days!

Today I am thankful for:

Church. 

I am thankful that I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 

I am thankful I was raised in the church. 

I am thankful I know that the Lord has a plan for me.

I am thankful that I know families can be together forever.

I am thankful for service.

I am thankful for the friends I have made within the church.

I am thankful for a loving Heavenly Father.

I am thankful for the sacrifice Jesus Christ made for me. 

I am thankful for that I am able to take the sacrament each week.

I am thankful for the blessings I have received through the church.

I am thankful I am able to attend a church owned university.

I am thankful for prayer.

I am thankful for the small promptings of the Spirit. 

I am thankful for the peace this knowledge brings me. 

This church brings me joy and happiness and I am thankful.

I'm thankful #3

Countdown: 4 more days!


Today I am thankful for:

Sewing. I'm thankful that I have a talent of making things with my hands. I love the feeling of accomplishment when I complete a garment. I love when people compliment me about something that I have made. This may seem like something insignificant, but when I think about how much sewing has changed my life then I realize how much I appreciate it. I'm thankful that I am able to sew as a hobby and hopefully one day as a career. I just love to sew.

I found this quote about sewing:
"Sewing is something you do to calm you, to relax you." 
~Lainie Myklebust

I'm thankful #2

Countdown: 5 more days! 


Today I am thankful for:

My job and my coworkers. I am thankful that I have a job on campus that helps me provide for the things I need.  I am thankful that I don't need a car to get to work. I am thankful that I get to dress up for work. I am thankful for the the people that I have met through work. I am thankful for the plays and performances I have attended.  Most of all, I am thankful that I get to work with some of the COOLEST people on campus. I love these girls. They are my best friends. We giggle and gossip like school girls and sometimes we get into trouble, but we always have fun.

I'm thankful #1

So remember when I said I was going to continue counting down until I left for Thanksgiving, but then didn't?

Well I am trying to redeem myself.

Only 6 Days (including today because it is still only 9 in the AM) until I leave for Thanksgiving break!

Because Thanksgiving is a week away I decided that I want to try and write on my blog everyday until Thanksgiving with something that I am thankful for.

Today I am thankful for:

My roommates. I have really amazing roommates. I am lucky to have such wonderful examples as my roommates. If you don't know who my roommates are let me introduce you:

This is Kenzie (and Steve, her boyfriend).

I had never met Kenzie before being roommates with her. She really is a great person. She is REALLY smart. She is a microbiology major and she studies in labs. Cool, right. Also she is a great cook! Although Kenzie isn't always around, I love having her around.

This is Brooke. Isn't she just beautiful! I just wrote about her for her birthday. She is really just wonderful. I honestly can't think of a single flaw about her. We have this special connection because we are both second born. Her favorite food is donuts. I just love her.

Last, but not least, is my wonderful, beautiful sister. Katie is my best friend and I love living with her. You would have never known that we hated each other when we were children because we do almost everything together. We love to shop together and to tell secrets to each other. I love my sister. 

I am such a lucky girl to have such wonderful roommates. Thank you for always being there for me and loving me regardless of how weird I am. 

Happy Birthday Brooke!!!

So I have this wonderful roommate and her name is Brooke! Today is her birthday and she is turning 22!!! I just love Brooke. I mean really I can't think of a bad thing about her and she is just an absolute joy to have as a friend.

Here are some things that I love about Brooke:

1. she has beautiful curly brown hair 
2. she is very clean and always empties the dishwasher 
3. she ALWAYS dresses really cute (inspiration: Kate Middleton)
4. she laughs at my jokes even if they aren't really that funny
5. she also enjoys my impromptu dinner and a show pretty much every night
6. she writes in her journal every night
7. she is such a good example and I find myself trying to be more like her everyday
8. she has a smile that lights up a room as soon as she enters
9. she eats her fruits and vegetables regularly (unlike me...)
10. she is the best roommate and friend anyone could ever ask for and I just want her to know that I love every moment we spend together 

Just saw this...

I'm SO EXCITED for this movie!!! 

Seriously can't wait until March 23!

Saturday To-do list

These are the things I need to get done today:

1. Get up early
2. Study, study, study
3. Take test
4. Study, study, study
5. Take another test (can do this on Monday if there is no time)
6. Write paper
7. Write another paper
8. Go to sewing lab (maybe)
9. Go to Joann's and pick up thread, buttons, and pattern
10. Stake Conference
11. Load of laundry
12. Reorganize visiting teaching assignments

Well we'll see how much I will get done. Here it goes. Wish me luck!

White Christmas + fire alarm = eventful night

Although I am generally morally opposed to Christmas things before Thanksgiving because I love Thanksgiving and it deserves to have it's time to shine, I decided to put that aside for the sake of seeing White Christmas. This is the kind of performance that I realize why I love my job because  IT WAS SO GOOD!

I loved it. 

I love musicals. 

I love Christmas. 

I love Christmas musicals!

Basically I don't think you can go wrong in this situation. I went with my friend Gentry, who also happens to love musicals. If you have seen the movie for White Christmas, don't expect this play to be exactly like it, but trust me you will still love it. I would highly recommend this play!

On a side note, the fire alarm went off in the middle of the first act. Yeah, crazy stuff. Apparently the smoke machine set off the alarm. So we were all evacuated and we had to wait outside in the FREEZING COLD, that is until they told us we could wait in the WILK until it was clear for us to enter the building again. All was well and we were able to continue the performance after a short, unintentional intermission. Unfortunately for me this means that work tomorrow is going to be a beast. Can anyone say refunds? Yeah that is what my day will be filled with. Oh and homework and a lot, a lot, A LOT of studying. But no worries, I will still have a fabulous day. 

On a side, side note, we have cleaning checks tomorrow and I don't want to clean. Why couldn't they have done it any other night? I mean come on! Give us a break! Couldn't you make it last week when I didn't have anything going on really? Oh well, I guess I better get going so I won't be up all night too late.

50

This is my 50th post! For some reason I am very proud of that. When I started this blog, I just hoped I would write on it occasionally, but it has turned into something that I love to do (and it's a great way for me to procrastinate).

Things I did this weekend:

• saw a really depressing play, The Elephant Man with friends from work
• flew a not-so-glow-in-the-dark, glow-in-the-dark kite
• ate at Pizzeria 712
• kicked butt at Boggle (which is why no one ever wants to play with me...)
• swung/swang/swinged on wet swings
• played hopscotch and four corners
• drank yummy hot chocolate
• watched "Say Yes to the Dress" with Ryan and Andrew (best part was Andrew's reaction to the prices of the dresses)
• sat in my bed a read a great book
• went to Costco with Katie and Brooke to get new tires for Katie's car
• found a child's hooded throw blanket that was perfect for Brooke
• also found a new reindeer for Elsa and Brian's yard
• watched 3 movies: Tangled, Swan Princess, and Glory Road
• talked with Katy for hours
• ate Pigs in a Blanket (my favorite childhood food)
• listened to an apostle of the Lord, Boyd K. Packer

Final Countdown!

I heard this song while I was at the sewing lab tonight and it made me remember that I only have 20 days until Thanksgiving break!!! I know I talked about it yesterday, but I thought I might as well continue the countdown when I write on my blog. 

Well there isn't really anything that exciting that has happened since yesterday, except that I am working on a men's dress shirt for my class and it is starting to look really good! I'm really excited about it. I'll make sure to do a post about all my sewing projects at the end of the semester. 

Also I came home to a sick sister. Katie came home from work early not feeling well. As I walked home from school I put on my Nurse Kelsie hat and got her Dayquil and Nyquil and now she is sleeping (hopefully) soundly for the night. Hopefully a good night's rest will make her feel better tomorrow. 

Anyway, the only other thing that is going on right now is that I am going to see The Elephant Man tomorrow at 7:30 and I need someone to go with me. If anyone is in Provo and they feels like being artsy with me let me know and you can come with me! 

In other good news, my friend, Briggs just got his mission call to Taiwan!!! I am so excited for him to go on his mission. He will be such a wonderful missionary and the people of Taiwan are lucky to have him. Congratulations Briggs!

Life doesn't get better than this

Now that Halloween is over I can prepare for Thanksgiving! Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. I mean really, what's not to like about being with family and eating food! Let the countdown begin!

21 days until I drive home for Thanksgiving!!!

I can't wait to go home. I haven't seen my family since June! It feels like forever!

Also today it snowed(ish)/mostly rained. Nothing says Hello November like a little snow. To "celebrate" the new month and the freezing weather, I got mint hot chocolate and wore my new boots today.

And to put the icing on the cake I got to listen/see the prophet speak today. I just love the prophet. His words bring my soul joy and comfort.

I would say this makes for a very good day. Days like this are what I live for. As my grandpa would say, "Life doesn't get better than this."

EDIT: A few things I forgot to mention. I got to work with some of my favorite people: Sian-Amy, Clarissa, and Ben (but Melinda we really missed you!) And my hair looked really great today! :) Thanks Ben for pointing these crucial moments in my day!

This is Halloween!

Happy Halloween! Although I am sitting here in my bed on Halloween night, I really have had a great Halloween weekend! Things I did this weekend:

• went to CPK for Katie's birthday
• went to SLC with my family because my grandpa was in town
• ate delicious German chocolate and bohunk bread from Siegfried's 
• dressed up as a dinosaur for our ward Halloween party
• wrote my talk for church and then gave said talk
• took a nice Sunday nap
• watched Once Upon a Time (I just really love fairytales... sometimes I wonder if this show is my life...)
• went to a Halloween dessert party!
• watched Hocus Pocus 
• wore my dinosaur costume again to school and work today
• ate lots of sugar and sweets
• and lastly I made this.

I would say this is a pretty successful weekend.