Elf Yourself

Thanks Michelle, for choosing the whitest picture of me you could possibly find. However, I applaud you for Rachels pic, it is quite appreciated.

Snow Day with Brin

Turns out this little munchkin loves the snow! After I finished my classes for the day I went over to Rachel's and we took Brinley out to play in the first serious snowfall of the winter season.

She's fallen and can't get up

"up?"

We weren't out for long since the snow was half as tall as she was, but it was great to see how she reacted to the snow and contemplated what on earth this mystical white wonderland was.
Now if only the roads were heated as to avoid driving in it....

Taste of Heaven

Last week, after a long and cold day at work, I got a little taste of Heaven as I was driving home.

apologies for the windshield bugs and motion blurriness 

The sun was setting and created a stunning view as the colors danced behind the mountain. It is the simple things in life that take me back, especially when it comes to the beauty of this earth, and I am grateful everyday to be a part of it.

Bath time with Brinley.

I know no one wants to see naked pics of my sweet and adorable little niece, but let's get real...these posts are for me to look back on and remember the good times anyway. On that note, Brin and I had bath time tonight while her Mom and Dad were running some errands, and we had so much fun that I had to take pictures to capture the moment.

As always, photos do not do justice of how adorable this little thing is, but they still make me smile :)

This is my FAVORITE picture ever. It totally shows how fun and silly her personality is.

And we of course had to end with a kiss-face selfie :*

The best part of the entire night, though, was when I was rocking Brinley to sleep. I was still singing her a song as she lay asleep on my shoulder for about ten minutes when she lifts her head to look at me with a BIG smile, whispers "hi", then gives me a kiss on the lips and lays her head back down on my shoulder. My heart melted! And this isn't uncommon for her. She is the sweetest and kindest little girl you will ever meet. She is the love of my life and I don't know what I was doing without her all those years before now.

Garth Brooks Concert

 Last weekend Tyson and I went down to Vegas to see Garth Brooks perform at the Wynn Casino. Tyson knew Garth Brooks has always been my favorite artist and seeing him in concert has always been a dream of mine, so for "our" birthdays (he says he got it for himself too) Tyson bought us tickets to Garth's last show. 

It was absolutely amazing and an experience I will never ever forget. Tyson, thank you so so so so so so much for making this weekend happen. Thanks to you another item can be checked off of my bucket list.

I want my life to be an 80's movie

"I want John Cusack holding a boombox outside my window. I wanna ride off on a lawnmower with Patrick Dempsey. I want Jake from Sixteen Candles waiting outside the church for me".

*In respect to my last relationship- it was full blown 80's romance and amazing in every way imaginable, unfortunately it wasn't the right move at this time in my life. But I'll keep fighting for it, I'll keep fighting for that love. And I won't stop until I get it... Until you watch that next 80's style romance and realize it was about my life. 

FUN @ FUN

Danielle was able to hook us up with some Fun tickets at The Great Saltaire this year, and thats exactly what it was. I LOVE concerts and it was when we were on our way there when I realized it has actually been a couple of years since I have been to one. 

They were AMAZING performers and I would definitely be okay with seeing them again.

Have you met my special friend Erin??

She FINALLY came back just in time from her mission to Thailand to come and play with us that evening.  Erin lived with Danielle and I two years ago and completed our trio. It was the most fun in an apartment I have ever had. Unfortunately she made some other friends on her mission and is now living with them, but we all know it is her loss ;)

The biggest event at the concert happened while we were waiting in the parking lot for over an hour just to leave. The gist: 

-We saw old friends

-We sang our hearts out

-We were PURPOSELY made to be the last car out of the parking lot out of spite from a big mean security guard

-Danielle entered the parking lot at age 28 and left at age 29

We ended the night with a healthy run to Denny's and made up for all those calories we danced off by stuffing our faces. Successful night? I submit yes!

Brinley turns 1!!

My sweet baby Brinley turned a whopping ONE on Saturday 9/7/13. We went over to Jesse's parents house and she opened presents and played in her cake.

Brinley has loved Mickey and Minnie Mouse from the get-go, so of course mom and dad got her a Minnie Mouse train, a Minnie Mouse cake, and I got her a Minnie Mouse stuffed animal that sings her favorite song.

 This is before the cake was destroyed.

I'd say overall she loved her presents! 

This little girl stole my heart a year ago and I cannot wait to continue to watch her grow and develop. Here's to the next year!

Mountain Biking class

 

The other day my friend Emily and I went Mt Biking up on Traverse Mountain to satisfy my homework and rode some pretty cool trails. She took me on these particular trails because she knew I would appreciate how smooth they were. The view was stunning and the trails were great, but when I say I have horrible balance, I really mean it.

The picture on the top is my thigh, and the bottom is my knee. I seriously wish the pictures did them justice, but alas, they do not. There are several more small bruises all over my legs but none seemed photo worthy.

How did I do that? 

While we were on our 2 mile climb my front tire was much too close to the cliff on the left, so instead of maintaining my composure and correcting it, I put on my breaks and immediately rolled right off that cliff. I was only on my second backwards summersault when luckily a tree stopped me and my bike from continuing down that hill. I pulled my bike off me and used other trees to climb back up the hill with my bike, and once I was finally at the top of our trail I examined the damage. Instant bruises. I am actually very lucky as it could have been much worse. I hope I do not add to these anymore as I now am headed to my Mt Biking Class!

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

It is now after my mountain biking class and yes...I fell again....down the side of the mountain. 

It sure is a good thing that right after I fell someone told me to fall uphill instead of downhill. Now I certainly know how to fall (I hope you are sensing my seriously sarcastic tone)!

Practice. Practice. Practice.

Mesa Temple

I saw the Mesa Temple earlier this summer for the first time and have to say it is stunning. I have seen pictures but they just don't do it justice! The grounds were also beautiful and gave off a serene and peaceful feeling.

Even though I took this with my phone it still shows how exquisite this place is.

I am so grateful for temples and the work that goes on inside of them. It is so wonderful that more and more are being constructed, and I cannot wait until the dedication of the old Provo Tabernacle next year!

Paradise Hike

A couple weeks ago my bestie and I, along with her Pappy, drove up to Paradise in Mt. Rainier Natl Park and went for an amazing hike. It was a 4.5 mile loop that went up the side of Mt. Rainier and was absolutely stunning. On the way up we looked out at Panorama Point and were able to see the tops of Mt. Adams, Mt. St. Helens, and Mt. Hood. It was all blue skies and gorgeous landscapes.

I spy with my little eye a Marmot. Can you see this little cutie?

 They are everywhere up there!

Very hard to see but this is the view where you can see Mt adams, Mt hood, and Mt St Helens.

We were 2 miles away from Camp Muir and 2.5 days away from the top of Mt. Rainier. This place is absolutely stunning and I highly recommend this hike to anyone who gives a hoot about the beautiful Pacific Northwest :)

Today's Project

Today I revamped a boring dresser and gave it a refreshing new look. 

Did I take a "before" pic? No.

But here are the afters...

I had to use a water-base paint because the particular color that I chose did not come in the oil-base can that I was hoping to get, so I just used a water-base gloss after. 

I chose to paint the handles a brassy gold by improvising with the colors that I had and mixed gold and black together. I think it turned out ok!

I <3 it!

Sad, but true.

Wish me luck on my first full marathon!!!!!

Just kidding. I'm on my fourth cupcake.

As we come to a close.

Anyone ever feel as if time runs circles around you? Where on earth has this summer gone, and what have  I been doing!?

I have been so grateful to be with my family everyday and spend time with them that I haven't been able to in six years- it truly has been a blessing. As the summer comes to a close I look forward to returning to Utah, but it is a bittersweet sort of feeling because I will miss the comfort of my own home and the great company my family is to me. 

Tyson was fortunate enough to intern at US Airways from June to August so we were able to take advantage of his flight benefits. I flew to Phoenix twice and Tys came up here a few times. He also flew to Vegas, NYC, and Mexico City for some great weekend adventures.

As summer grows shorter I think about the beautiful summer nights that I won't be able to see until next year, but am thankful for the ones that came and went this year. 

A few things that stand still: 

My family and friends mean the most to me.

Working hard is necessary, playing harder even more so.

Life is a beautiful gift.

The Gospel of Jesus Christ is true and the only way to receive full joy in this life and the one to come.

random

If only I had balance... and feet that actually functioned.

I would love to get into this.

Does anyone else ever feel like this is what real love is about?

#fatgirlproblems

Because it really would be a hit...

A Prayer

A PRAYER

Let me do my work each day;

And if the darkened hours of despair overcome me,

May I not forget the strength that comforted me

In the desolation of other times.

May i still remember the bright hours that found me

Walking over the silent hills of my childhood,

Or dreaming on the margin of the quiet river,

When a light glowed within me,

And I promised my early God to have courage

Amid the tempests of the changing years.

Spare me from bitterness

And from the sharp passions of unguarded moments.

May i not forget that poverty and riches are of the spirit,

Though the world know me not,

May my thoughts and actions be such

As shall keep me friends with myself.

Lift my eyes from the earth,

And let me not forget the uses of the stars.

Forbid that i should judge others,

Lest I condemn myself.

Let me not follow the clamor of the world,

But walk calmly in my path.

Give me a few friends who will love me for what I am;

And keep ever burning before my vagrant steps

The kindly light of hope.

And though age and infinity overtake me,

And i come not within sight of the castle of my dreams,

Teach me still to be thankful for life,

And for time's olden memories that are good and sweet;

And may the evening's twilight find me gentle still.

-Max Ehrmann

TGIF

After a cloudy day this girl knows how to bring some sunshine back into our lives. 

I ADORE HER!!!

On another note, in celebration of my day off Michelle and I went for a beautiful hike up Pinnacle Peak. 

It is a 3 mile hike that is completely vertical and ridiculously difficult, but we were up for the challenge! We were much too focused on our breath during the ascent to goof off, so once the decline came around we had all the time in the world to act ourselves. Unfortunately almost all the pictures/videos I have of our fun all include a fully naked rear-end of one of us. Bottoms up!

Although, my favorite part of the day included an early birthday surprise from my Tyguy! He sent a 1lb box of my favorite chocolate from Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory that he let me open early. Oreos, pretzels, and gram crackers. This boy definitely knows the way to my heart ;) Thanks again Tyson!

PS! If you want a good laugh look at Buzzfeed’s 50 Most WTF Animal Pictures of the Year   I truly enjoy these :)

Cuz you had a bad day.

There was nothing particularly bothering me today, and I have nothing to really complain about in life, but today just was a bad day. And I sincerely dislike having bad days because they make me feel unhappy and ungrateful. Sometimes though I don't think you should try to be anything you're not. If you're not smiling all the time or always happy-I don't think it matters. If you're having a bad day, such is life. Just be aware of those who are around you so you don't bring them down as well.

What I do find interesting are some techniques women use after a bad day. Here are the most common things recommended to a gal after a long and unruly day: 

1. Take off your shoes and your jewelry. Change into some comfortable clothes, and let your hair down. Tight hair ties and hairbands can pressure your head and give you a headache.
2.Get everything you need. Get some nice scented candles, get your favorite happy and calming music, scented soap, bubble bath liquid and a face mask made from mashed avocado and honey.
3.Prepare your bath and soak in it for as long as you want. Put a face mask on and relax, just enjoying your soak. If you don't have a bathtub, just take a nice, long hot shower.
4.Put some baby oil on and/or scented lotion when you're done with your bath. Comb your hair, do a manicure, exfoliate your face, etc.
5.Use the Japanese foot relaxation method. Soak your feet in a hot tub for a couple of minutes then dry them vigorously. Massage each toe 5 times in a clockwise and counter clockwise direction. Pull each toe out after you're done. Massage your soles with your fingers first, then. Finish by lightly tapping your soles.
6.Put on a nice, clean pair of pajamas, slippers and a dressing gown. Fluffy socks will do too.
7.Watch your favorite feel-good movie. It's good to read too, if you don't really want to watch a movie. This will keep your mind off of your bad day!
8.ake yourself a nice hot drink like herbal tea because this helps cramps, chocolate might make you feel bloated or bad. You may also try some instant soup.
9.Get some much needed beauty sleep and sleep well!

ME?? 

I just want to eat chocolate in sweats and an oversized tee and watch a gory movie while the man of my dreams rubs my feet, all while simulatneously dropping a few pounds. I mean, is it really too much to ask?? 

IS IT??

HERRRRR tutorials

Sometimes you just want to get your hair out of your face...especially when the heat of summer hits. A ponytail works its wonders, but can get bored really fast. Here are a few hair-do's :)

Braids:
* Mermaid tail braid
* Half-up braided crown
* Braided top bun
* Four-strand braid
* Braided crown
* Pretzel braid

Ponytails:
* Messy side ponytail
* Ponytail twist
* Sleek parted ponytail


Buns:
* Three twisted buns
* Top knot
* Rope bun
* Gibson roll
* Chestnut bun
* Messy French bun

Missing my baby B.

It has been ONE DAY since baby Brinley left to go back home and I am completely depressed. I was able to be with her everyday for 5 weeks and loved every second of it. While she was with us she grew and developed every single day and we got to see more and more of her sweet personality. She began to stand up on her own, makes "meow" noises when the cat is around, can make kissy noises, claps her hands, grew two teeth, loves popsicles and any cold drink, is fascinated with a hair dryer, and found a love for the trampoline. She would lay on me and make noises as I softly bounced the both of us every time. 

I miss this girl so much already, I can hardly stand it! I was able to Skype her today and see her bright smiles and funny faces. I guess I have no choice but to wait another month and a half until I get to kiss those big cheeks of hers!

HOT weekend.

This last weekend was so great- I had the opportunity to fly down to PHX to see my man and we then drove to Vegas for his sisters wedding the following day. Phoenix was great, but if I had to use one word to describe it...HOT. It was 120 degrees out! And here I was thinking I could lay out by the pool while Tyson was at work to get me a nice little tan going. NOPE. Air conditioned apartment was much more satisfying.

Come saturday it was Cydney's and Brady's wedding, and oh how it was beautiful! Cyd looked stunning and Brady never stopped smiling. The food was incredible and the dancing even more so. When sunday rolled around Tyson and I drove back to Vegas so I could catch a flight home, but as I was flying standby I had to stay the night in PHX one more night until I got onto the 730AM flight monday morning. 

Special thanks to Tyson for being so unbelievably patient with me as I tried on the entire mall to find a suitable dress for the wedding. I was the one who was flustered and stressed as he remained cool, calm, and collected.

  Me and JJ (Tyson's little sis)

PS- What is one supposed to say when their Filipino coworker offers them a FISH HEAD at lunch?! I simply said "no thank you"...even though it took three times. Nasty.

Do You.

THE MOST COMMON 

FORM OF DESPAIR IS 

NOT BEING WHO YOU ARE.

-Soren Kierkegoard

Heard that! Let those freak flags fly people!!!

Saturday Night Live

After an extremely belittling and exhausting day at work, I just want to kick my feet up and do absolutely nothing except shop online. I have every intention of doing so, except for the fact that I do not have what one would need to acquire such goodies...MONEY. If I didn't feel guilty about it I would undoubtedly buy this little gem:

Let me present The Espanola Palm Leaf Hat . They're hand-made and signed in Guatemala from palm leaves! Gimme Gimme!

Meanwhile, I am missing my Ty guy while he is interning in Phoenix for the summer. I am so lucky to have gotten work off next weekend so I get to see him in Vegas at his sisters wedding! Congrats Cydo and Brady, SO happy for you two.

I suppose watching a cheesy chick flick with my papa will keep me entertained for the rest of the night- what an adventurous and exciting way to start these summer nights! :)

 Buenos Noches!