Fine and Dandy Mandy

The Attitude of Gratitude

2011-11-02T14:12:00.000-07:00

"Gratitude is a Spirit-filled principle. It opens our minds to a universe permeated with the richness of a living God. Through it, we become spiritually aware of the wonder of the smallest things, which gladden our hearts with their messages of God’s love. This grateful awareness heightens our sensitivity to divine direction. When we communicate gratitude, we can be filled with the Spirit and connected to those around us and the Lord. Gratitude inspires happiness and carries divine influence. 'Live in thanksgiving daily,' said Amulek, ;for the many mercies and blessings which he doth bestow upon you.'^"

Gratitude: A Path to Happiness, Bonnie D. Parkin, April 2007 General Conference

Nov. 1 I'm grateful for . . .

1. naps
2. Julia. She's such a great friend. She takes care of me and shows me what it means to be a true friend. She's hard working, loyal, patient, and kind.
3. getting off work early

Nov. 2 I'm grateful for . . .

1. my dad. It's his birthday today. Because of his hard work, love, and example, I am the woman that I am today.
2.cousin emails
3. the girls at the residential treatment center I work at. I learn so much from them everyday.

Validation

2011-08-22T13:21:00.000-07:00

http://youtu.be/Cbk980jV7Ao

FLORIDA!!!

2011-04-19T22:12:00.000-07:00

This year, all of my coworkers and I got a spring break!!! So, obviously some friends and I drove 24 hours to spend the week at a condo down in Florida! The drive wasn't too bad. We all took turns. I've been in 4 new states (North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida) and after months of cold weather I'm finally enjoying the Florida sun.

adorable wildlife

Rented some beach cruisers for the week. So fun!

We're on the Gulf Of Mexico. The water is so warm, clear, and gorgeous! . . . lots of fish though which causes a lot of swimming away and screaming.

My BFFL Kathryn and me

Girls Getaway 2011

2011-01-30T06:29:00.001-08:00

For my 22nd birthday I was given a one night stay at the Cottontree Inn in Sandy. A couple weeks ago Carissa, Becca, and I cashed in on this great gift! I didn't have a ride up to Sandy, so I took use Utah's public transportation system all by myself for the first time! The bus stopped in Sandy not far from the hotel. I got off at the Trax station three miles away and walked to the hotel. As I walked I realized I could have gotten off at a stop right across the street from the hotel. ha ha! It was a nice walk so I didn't mind.
I always have so much fun getting together with my cousins. We're all grown up and in different stages in our lives, but whenever we get together nothing's changed. We laugh just as hard, do silly ridiculous things, and have a great time!

Some of the fun things we did . . .

Ate Chocolate from Cavanaugh's

Ate some delicious Italian food at Johnny Carino's

Went shopping at the mall and made a wish

Laid on the bed

Painted our nails

Went to the store in our pajamas (REBELS!)

Bought junk food to eat while we watched a movie

Swam and sat in the hot tub

Facials before bed

AND . . . . SLEPT!

I HATE BEING COLD!

2011-01-10T16:10:00.001-08:00

I feel bad for this guy . . .

I woke up this morning at 5:45am to get ready for work. It's bad enough I have to wake up so early, but what makes it worse is that when I wake up I have to get out of my warm blankets. Then! I have to go outside, scrape my car, and wait outside my work until someone comes to unlock the door. . . I guess this goes to show how spoiled I am! I just get into such a terrible mood when I have goosebumps that won't go away.

On a more positive note . .
I'm so grateful to have heat in my home, my down blanket, and multiple jackets that can keep me warm and comfortable.

PS HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY WONDERFUL COUSIN BECCA!!!

Some New Years Resolutions!

2011-01-03T10:40:00.000-08:00

Read The Book of Mormon all the way through again.
Read all of Jane Austen's published novels.
Run a 1/2 marathon and at least 2 5K's.
Write in my journal everyday
Move out of the house
Go back to college
Keep my room clean :)
Go to the temple once a week
Blog once a week
Drink more water

Quick Maine Catch Up

2010-12-28T19:46:00.001-08:00

While in Maine I . . .
spent an afternoon at Pemaquid beach

saw some more lighthouses

went on a lobster boat
worked at Applefest

went to New York City

Jared came to visit

ran a 5k

made new friends

had an 80's Thanksgiving

and celebrated my birthday . . . sadly I didn't take any pictures on my birthday, but I'm sure you can all imagine what I looked like.

That's my quick summary of my life in the fall. I am head over heals in love with Maine. I left my heart in Maine and I can't wait for the day I go back!

The Month of August Part 1 - The DC area and WV

2010-09-14T10:43:00.000-07:00

I went to Washington DC for my friends wedding in the middle of August. In DC I . . .

made some new friends
Got some AWESOME gifts . . .

Got a mani and pedi . . .

Saw the DC temple . . .

And had a great time! (I had my hair curled and it died because of all of the humidity.)

August was probably one of the most eventful months I have had in my life!

South Dakota

2010-08-19T03:00:00.000-07:00

Day #1

Driving and lots of it

Spencer was in charge of taking pictures while we drove.

We stopped in at Martin's Cove for about half an hour. We went into the visitors center, heard the history from the senior missionaries there, and then ate lunch at Independence rock.

MMM cracker sandwiches.

After 10 hours of driving we finally made it to South Dakota! Spencer and I . . . well, I got lost when we first arrived at our destination. . . but we weren't really lost. I just ended up taking the longest way possible to Mount Rushmore.

Day #2

Mount Rushmore!

Ranger walk with Oliver

Gutzon Borglum studio

We found a mammoth archaeological sight near Hot Springs, SD

Wind Cave

I thought that this was the dumbest pose from a mannequin I have ever seen!

My camera broke right before the tour. The pictures I did take didn't turn out too well. :(

DAY # 3

Remember how my camera broke? That's why I don't have many pictures of Day 3, but we went swimming at a nearby lake and pretty much just relaxed all day. Spencer made a cute little friend who helped us create a small lake and rivers of our own in the sand. Later, Oliver took us on a drive up Spearfish Canyon! It was absolutely breathtaking. I have never seen anything like it. Spearfish Canyon

Oliver's backyard.

Day #4

Goodbye South Dakota!

The drive home was quite an adventure. I was pulled over for the first time (luckily I just got a warning) and Jared's car broke down as we were almost to Casper Wyoming. It was SO hot and the car had overheated. We ended up spending the night. We arrived home Saturday afternoon safe and sound.

Spencer said that this was the best vacation he has ever had! I was so grateful that we could spend some brother sister time before I moved back east for 3 1/2 months.

Thoughts On Life

2010-07-31T22:42:00.000-07:00

I went to a funeral today. Funerals always put me into deep thinking moods. I think about my life, my family, my friends, the direction my life is taking. . . I think about the life lived by the deceased, about their family, their friends, what direction they took with life. I think about my funeral. Who's going to come? Who's going to cry? What are they going to say about me? Did I do all I wanted? Did I leave a good impression? Did I strive to always do what is right?
I thought about how lucky I am to have only attended a few funerals in my short life. I'm so blessed to not know what it feels like to lose someone so close to me, that my life is severely changed.
I was at a ward function the other week. People from my past and present were there. People that I have looked up to since my memories begin that have played such important roles in helping me become the woman I am today. My heart swells with happiness and love each time I see them. I feel their love reciprocated and am reminded once again how lucky I am to have so many wonderful people in my life. People that care about me, set an example, and serve me.
We get one chance at life. Am I living it the way I want to? Are my wants things pertaining to righteousness? Am I living my life so that each day I am striving to become more like the Savior?
I'm finding that as I get older, things that I once thought were important, no longer hold a place in my heart. I find that money doesn't bring happiness, and that if I'm not happy in the state I'm in, money will never change that. Cute clothes don't make friends, I do. Always having my hair and make up done doesn't define who I am on the inside. Just because someone thinks badly of me, doesn't mean that the whole world does. Just because love doesn't always work out, doesn't mean that it never will. Plans fall through, people disappoint you, life is rough, but all I can control is the way I handle it.
I have one chance at this life. It's about time I make the most of it.

I LOVE Tie Dye!

2010-07-11T16:29:00.000-07:00

My shirts! That was my first spiral!

Carissa's shirt turned out AMAZING!

I forgot to buy gloves. . .

One day Carissa and I wanted to tie dye together, so we did. It was very enjoyable! I was really pleased with how the orange and green turned out.
I learned how to tie dye while I lived in Maine. I was the tie dye girl. I would teach the kids at the camp how to tie dye about 2-3 times a week. I showed them the basic techniques and then set them free. You can be so creative with tie dye! You can never go wrong.

Evening With The Ladies

2010-07-09T20:52:00.000-07:00

A picture of Melissa, Me, and Pene at The Pie. I'm not sure why I always insist on opening my mouth when a picture is taken, but Sara says I look perfect when my mouth is open. She's such a good sister!
Pene, Melissa, and I (my oldest childhood friends) walked around Salt Lake City on Wednesday. Pene brought her camera to take pictures, we ate good food, and even got stalked by a man that thought I was cute. . . long story.
I'll have to find some of the pictures that Pene took and post them. She's pretty great!
We ended the evening at The Pie. SO GOOD! It's this underground pizza place right next to the U of U campus.
Very successful evening.

HA HA HA! So funny! Melissa was cold in the back seat as we were driving home. She decided to cuddle up next to a newspaper for warmth .

On The 3rd Of July . . .

2010-07-08T17:14:00.000-07:00

Spencer and I hiked the Y! I wanted to watch The Stadium Of Fire fireworks from the so, I dragged Spencer along with me. It was quite an adventure. I almost died, but with Spencer's support I made it!

A clip of me talking with fireworks in the background.

Starting out hike around 9:45ish at night.

Spencer acts as if nothing happened while I struggle for breath.

Some firework shots. . . not the best camera for the job.

I'm Running A 5K!

2010-07-01T10:26:00.000-07:00

That's right. You heard me. I'm running a 5K on July 31st. I've been training for almost 3 weeks now. I started running everyday at the gym for at least 15 minutes and now I'm able to run 20 - 25 minutes without stopping. I go about 2 - 2.5 miles a day. It's amazing how far I've come in the short amount of time I've been running. I actually enjoy it sometimes! I hope to become like my aunt and learn to LOVE it!
If anyone would like to run with me I would love to have you. It's for a really good cause. Checkout the website for more information.
http://www.coopersrun.org/

NEW BLOG NEW BLOG NEW BLOG!

2010-06-29T23:59:00.000-07:00

Carissa and I have started a new book clubbing blog!!!

Check it out

wereadbetweenthelines.blogspot.com

Reminiscing Again

2010-06-28T19:31:00.000-07:00

This was for my 16th birthday. All I wanted was to spend time with my cousins! We went and got scalp treatments, went out to The Pizza Factory for dinner, and then spent the night at Grandma's and Grandpa's condo in Provo. This is also the time Becca woke up in the morning and ran to the computer to talk to a boy she had a crush on. ;D

This is the poster my mom made to announce she was pregnant with Sara. What a great evening that was! I remember going to my room, falling to my knees (as I sobbed), and thanking Heavenly Father. I also read this scripture that night:
And now when the people had heard these words, they clapped their hands for joy, and exclaimed: This is the desire of our hearts. (Mosiah 18:11)

I was kind of OCD about cleaning my room back in the day. Do you see how my clothes are spaced pretty evenly. I loved living in this room. I loved my color scheme and it was hidden away in a nice little corner of the house that provided me a good amount of privacy.

This is a picture of my mom and dad when they first moved into our ward 25 years ago! Don't they look so cute and young? Who do I look more like? My mom or dad?

Draper Temple

2010-06-24T17:43:00.001-07:00

I was hanging out with my good friend Janelle this afternoon and we decided that we should go to the temple. After a delicious pasta lunch, made by Janelle, we headed up to Draper. Neither of us had done work there before. After a few wrong turns and a lovely drive we arrived. IT'S SO BEAUTIFUL! (obviously! Look at it!)
It felt so good to be doing work for others and to be in a house of God where the spirit is so strong. I am so grateful to have so many temples nearby. I hope to take advantage of such a great blessing.

Great Grandma White

2010-06-23T18:38:00.001-07:00

Grandma White's funeral was on June 12th. I walked into the viewing with my brothers and sister. The room was packed with relatives. I loved the feeling of seeing so many people I love all together in the same room. I hesitated before I went to view Grandma White. I wasn't sure if I was ready to see her empty body. As I walked up to her casket I saw how skinny she had become from those last months of not being able to eat much. Her hair looked nice and she was dressed in her white temple clothes, but Grandma White was gone. I tear up just thinking about how she won't kiss me on the cheek again, how she won't take my hand and look into my eyes with the love only a great grandma can radiate.
Grandma White never forgot my birthday. I could always count on getting a birthday card in the mail. In her home in Mesquite she had a birthday calender in her hallway. I always loved looking at her crocheted calender filled with birthdays of everyone in the family.
She had a candy dish in her kitchen. As a little girl I would take the strawberry flavored candy wrapped to look like a strawberry.
One year when I was very young, Grandma bought me two small dolls. Sadly, I made it very clear I wasn't impressed with these gifts (I could be such a brat!). She told me that she didn't have to give them to me, but she could give them to some little girls that came to visit her and they would be grateful. I instantly took back my words and felt the guilt for offending my sweet grandma and her love felt gift.
I remember being in her living room late at night as she sat in her chair and crocheted blankets. She made each of her great grand children a crocheted blanket for their birthday a couple years ago. Mine is keeping my feet warm as I type this.
Sweet and simple memories.

I am so grateful for the plan of salvation, to know that I will see my great grandma again, and that she is reunited with her family, friends, and loved ones.

My grandpa dedicated the burial site.

Grandma White's children: Grandma, Uncle Don, Aunt Geri

Grandma had a rock garden in the front of her house. She had collected rocks from all over the place! She was a great traveler. My siblings and I would jump from rock to rock and avoid falling into the gravel. We could do this for hours and hours. I loved her rock garden.

With Grandma White in front of her rock garden.

L-O-V-E

2010-05-31T10:39:00.000-07:00

I started this post in January and never published it.

Some things that I love . . .
- LAUGHING! I think its essential to laugh at least 20 times a day!
-Romance. <3 I'm a sucker for a good cheesy romance novel or a movie that makes you squeal in the movie theater which makes your friends pretend like they don't know you.
- Going on drives. After stopping off at 7-11 and getting a slushee, my dad and I would go on long drives around UT county. He would show me some of the houses he lived in as a young child, or we'd drive up the canyon and talk about me.
-SLUSHEES! I never tire of them.
-Swimming- Oh how I miss summer!!! I love the smell of chlorine and the way I feel when I dive into a pool or lake.
-Sleepovers! Friends, food, laughing, random activities, silly movies . . .

These are a few of my favorite things.

A TICK!

2010-05-31T07:25:00.000-07:00

(this is not my finger)

I found a tick on my back last night! They're everywhere around here and some of them carry the scary disease of lime! Luckily, I just had a dog tick, which does not carry this citrus illness. It's a good thing I've been in the habit of checking for ticks regularly. Now I just need to work on keeping my cool if I ever find one again. :)

Stick Safety

2010-05-20T04:27:00.000-07:00

Just a little somethin' we made while doing maintenance one day.

A Lovely Evening At Pemaquid

2010-05-18T17:36:00.000-07:00

My best friend Melissa moved out to Maine to live here for the next month. Pam and I thought Pemaquid would be a great place to go for an adventure for Melissa to get a little taste of Maine. Definitely a success!

Pemaquid is the nearest lighthouse to where I currently reside. It's probably one of the most delightful lighthouses I have been to since coming to Maine because of the rocks surrounding it. You can climb, jump, walk, sit, or even dominate them! The water is also very beautiful with patches of deep turquoise and large swells.

I have fallen in love with the ocean since moving out here. The scents, sounds, and views never cease to put a smile on my face. It's not an ocean you can swim in. It's more for looking and pondering over. Sometimes a girl needs a place to do just that. :)

Pemaquid Point Lighthouse

POSING!

Lifting the rock.

AMAZING!

Deep in thought

Another Great Weekend In Boston

2010-05-09T14:25:00.001-07:00

Oliver and I in front of our Duck Tour bus.

Old City Hall, the architecture is AMAZING! They don't make buildings like they used to.

This is the site of the Boston Massacre.

This is my friend Oliver. He's just jealous of Pam because she got to drive the Duck.

After much ranting, raving, and gnashing of teeth, he got a turn.

The Boston skyline
It was such a gorgeous rainy day!

Under the bridge

I'm Mandy Miller, and I endorse this Duck Tour.

Driving the Duck!

Another successful weekend in Boston. After taking the Duck tour, we went out to eat at California Pizza Kitchen. I was with Danielle, her brothers Nick and Rex, her mother, Camden (her son), Pam, and Oliver. Danielle, her brothers, and Oliver were going to the Yankees vs Red Sox game at Fenway, so Pam, Camden, Danielle's mom, and I went to Danielle's apartment and rested, then went to the mall.
After the game we met up at Tennessee BBQ for some grub! YUM!
That was my weekend in Boston. It was FILLED with great laughs, friends, food, and shopping! What else could a girl ask for?

I want . .

2010-05-02T21:23:00.000-07:00

to be done with school and loans.
to become better at focusing on what I need to be doing in my life and executing my plans.
to be better at scripture study. I want to apply it to my life more and not just passively read.
to be a mom. I love kids. I always have!
to be a morning person.
to increase my vocabulary so I can properly express whatever it is I need to say.
to color my hair, but I think I look better as a blond.
a pedicure.
to fall in love
a bouquet of flowers to put in my room (flowers always make a room look better!)
to laugh so hard I can't breathe.
to watch the sunrise on the Atlantic.
to be a better friend, sister, and daughter. To love, serve, and learn more.

Fenway Stadium

2010-04-20T13:19:00.000-07:00

I was in Boston on the 16th to see a Red Sox game at Fenway Park! It was such a neat experience to be able to watch "America's favorite pastime" in such a historical landmark.

The Green Monster

I was so excited to see this!!! It doesn't just happen in the movies.

I was an official Red Sox fan for the evening.

My friends definitely made this Boston trip well worth it. I went with Pam, Oliver, and Danielle. Danielle was kind enough to let us stay at her parents house and made sure we were all well taken care of. Oliver made sure that I understood what was going on with the game and showed Danielle and I an amazing BBQ place to eat for lunch. Pam kept the energy up during the game and also made sure all our needs were taken care of.
It was a great weekend!

Pam, Danielle, Oliver
ha ha ha I love this picture!

I LOVE MAINE!

2010-04-06T07:54:00.000-07:00

Words are not my forte, so I'll show you why I love Maine SO much!

Has Spring Sprung?

2010-03-06T17:49:00.000-08:00

The weather today was absolutely magical! I went on a long two hour walk that Elizabeth Bennett would have been proud of. The sun was shining and I just soaked in all the warmth that it brought. The ground is beginning to sprout some sort of green plant that covers the ground (not including grass) and the lake has begun to thaw out. We have a couple breaks in the ice where water is peeking through. I really hope that winter is over.

Damariscotta Branch

2010-03-01T12:09:00.000-08:00

This is the very cute building that the branch meets in. It's about half the size of the chapel back home.
The people in the branch are all so amazing and nice! It feels like home each week when I can feel the same familiar spirit even though I am so far away from Utah.

Chew on that for a minute

2010-02-28T20:00:00.000-08:00

Here are some pictures I kifed, (that's for you Becca :) off of Pam's camera. I thought you might enjoy!

At the Pony Express stop

Lake Michigan

My first night in Maine on the ice

Sushi! Leigh and Kelly

Gelato! Me, Leigh, Oliver, Kelly

Wind, Rock Climbing, Sushi, and Gelato!

2010-02-27T05:22:00.001-08:00

On Thursday night there was a huge storm! When we woke up Friday morning there were trees knocked over and branches strewn all over the roads and lawn. Because there was so much to clean up, we got the day off so we could be out of the way.

I went down to what is called the Buck and rock climbed for quite while. I'm not the best at it yet, but i hope to master the art by the end of my stay here. I even climbed what is called the vertical play pen!

The Vertical Play Pen

Pam and me at the top

For dinner I went out for sushi with a couple friends. YUM! I LOVE sushi! It could be one of my favorite foods. Then we got gelato next door for dessert. It was a great day!

MAINE!

2010-02-22T14:25:00.000-08:00

did it! I travelled across the whole country . . . pretty close anyway. I drove with two other people, Oliver and Pam. We left with a very full car on Wednesday around 7pm. Oliver drove pretty much all night. We stopped off somewhere to sleep, but I don’t really remember that because I was already sleeping, in fact, most of this trip has been such a blur because I’ve been sleeping a lot. I drove for an hour in Nebraska, but I got too tired. I know I’m a wimp. Oliver’s been good enough to drive the whole way. He doesn’t seem to mind, but he must be way tired.

The second day we stopped off at a pony express marker and took some pictures. I thought that was kind of cool, especially since I went on the pony express trail with my family for presidents day weekend in Utah.

We spent last night in Chicago. We stayed with a girl’s parents that Pam and Oliver know from Kieve. Her name was Esther and she was one of the sweetest ladies I have ever met. She was so hospitable and very happy to have us there. She had dinner ready for when we got there, set the table beautifully, and took great care of us!

In the morning she took us to see Lake Michigan. The house was only a couple blocks away from the lake! It’s probably only a 5 minute walk. It was absolutely amazing! You couldn’t see the other end of the lake and there were waves that looked like a ton of fun to go swimming in. I want to come back and jump in, in the summer. I can’t wait until the day I can spend more time in the places I’ve seen and passed by. There’s still so much to experience.

The next night we stayed at Oliver’s sister’s house in Pennsylvania. They were way fun to stay with and so nice! After a very delicious dinner and watching the Olympics Pam and I went to bed /talked until we fell asleep. In the morning I met their two little kids, a little girl named Lilly and a baby boy named Jackson. We played with them until we had to leave in the afternoon.

We made it to the camp around 8 or 9 at night. After moving in, Pam gave me a quick tour of the place and introduced me to as many people as were there. Everyone here is way nice! Then we all walked across Lake Damariscotta, which is frozen over and right next to the camp.

Sunday we went to church and the branch is so homey. I really felt at home!

The new states I have been in are Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Maine!!!.

It’s all been going great so far! I’ll keep you posted.

Just before we left.

I FIT!

Nebraska

A short hike we took at our rest stop in Nebraska

Goofing off while Oliver slept. :)

Pam, all cozy in the back seat.

The neighborhoods were so adorable in Chicago!

The room we stayed in in Chicago

Pam and Lake Michigan

ha ha this is the only picture I have of Oliver

Me in front of Lake Michigan

Chicago!

I walked across this lake to the middle island.

There is beauty all around!

Haircut!

2010-02-13T17:41:00.000-08:00

I was ready for a little change

BEFORE

AFTER

I'm going to Maine!!!

2010-02-09T09:44:00.000-08:00

I have been accepted as an intern to The Leadership School at Kieve!!! (pronounced Key-ave)
I'm so excited!
I'll be leaving either Monday or Tuesday morning. It's a 45 hour drive to Maine and we're going to take it at 12 hour increments. I'm sure I'll be so sick of traveling by the end of the week.
I have never been east of Colorado before so I'm way excited to see more of the country!
Here's a basic idea of what I will be doing at the school.

7:00 Wake up the girls
7:30 breakfast
9:00 The kids go to their classes and I go to a meeting til (:30
9:30 - 2:50 FREE TIME
2:50- I come back to help with snack.
3:20 - Choice time. I will be with my group or over one of the activities provided.
5:15 - DINNER
6:30 - Evening program. I will be involved with this too.
8:00 - Snack #3
9:00 - Showers/ getting ready for bed
10:00 bedtime

I'm so stoked! You can look at pictures of the camp at this link here. Photo Gallery

Pray 4 Maine!!!

2010-02-03T15:43:00.000-08:00

Some people become confused by this saying, but don't worry. There have been no earthquakes, hurricanes, tsunamis, tornadoes, or any other natural disaster in Maine. I have applied for a job in MAINE!!!! YES! I find out if I get it at the beginning of next week. If I get the job, that means I leave for Maine FEB. 15!!!! Talk about fast!
It's at a leadership school called Kieve. I'll be an intern and do fun things with the kids that come to stay! I think it'll be a blast!

Birthing 101

2010-02-01T18:52:00.000-08:00

SO! Last week, Jan. 26, I was able to watch one of my childhood friends give birth to her beautiful baby girl, Caydence. She weighed exactly 7 pounds and I think she was around 18 inches. I was so glad that my friend, Jessica, gave me the opportunity to be there to witness it. I was really worried about it at first and thought that I would just stay by her head the whole time, but I knew I would regret it someday if I didn't watch. I was front and center! I'm actually in her birthing video!
She had a very nice labor. She went into the hospital around 6:30 am that day, they began inducing her around 9:30, and I came to see her around 11:30. She had the baby around 4 in the afternoon. The time was going by so fast!

Some people thought this would make me scared of having a baby, but I'm so excited to be a mom someday! If anything, it made me less scared and gave me more of an idea what to expect. But, if I plan on it being good, it probably won't happen. Stupid planning curse.

Life is a miracle!

Waiting for the bebe

Jessica and her oxygen

Jessica and her mom.

Jessica's sister, Heather, and her kids waiting for the baby to be born.

Jessica and me after the baby was born!

aoven'anonein'knab'rea'dkln;alcnj o9e'aklnbfj

2010-01-24T23:13:00.000-08:00

I gave a talk at church today about missionary work with the full time missionaries. It's so weird to think that I used to look at missionaries and swoon because they seemed so old and mature. Now I look at them and think, "AW! How cute!" When did I become so old? The other day Anne was singing the song from The Sound of Music and she sang, "you are 21 going on 22" it really caught me off guard. WHEN DID I TURN 21? Where did all the time go. I still remember the time when I was so excited to get my license! I've been driving for five years now. I have friends that are married and having children! Guy friends from high school are coming home from missions and girl friends are leaving. I don't think I ever prepared myself for this time of life. In Young Womens we just talked about getting through high school and then we get married. What about when you're single and still trying to find out who you really are?
This seriously is the craziest time of life There are so many directions that I can go it can become very overwhelming. But I also love it for that reason. There are so many things that I can do and want to do.
Some of the things I really want to do . . .

To travel!!! I want to fill my back pack with necessary items, fill my pockets with money, and see how far I can get.

Go on a mission! To teach people about what I know that makes life so much more worth it!

Get a degree. Right now I'm thinking I want to major in Horticulture with the emphasis on floral design management.
Learn how to become a great cook!
Read 100 books in a year
Type 100 wpm
Hike to the top of Timp and watch the sunrise.
and other things that I have never done . . .

Doesn't that sound nice?

If I could go anywhere . . .

2010-01-16T16:16:00.000-08:00

Today I would like to go to Italy!
Why? First of all because my dad went to Italy on his mission. Second is because pizza is my favorite pizza! (HA HA HA HA HA! I meant to say pizza is my favorite food.) Did you know that Pizza was first made in Naples? AND! I just found out that Ice Cream is an Italian creation as well! What other excuse do I need?!?!?

Wouldn't it be great to eat some real Italian pasta while overlooking a vineyard in Tuscany, or to eat ice cream on one of their many beautiful Mediterranean beaches? Or to see all of the great architecture, history, and culture of a different country?

And doesn't it just look beautiful?

Whenever I think of Italy I always think of little old ladies, like this one, in the kitchen cooking up a storm for her family and friends. I imagine them giving each family member a big fat kiss on the cheek. Someday I want to be fed meatballs by a little Italian grandma. (well, I'll feed myself, but I'll eat the meatballs she cooks.)
Doesn't it seem like Italians are a very hospitable people? In all the movies I watch they always seem to welcome people into their home and they always seem to be having some sort of party. Maybe I watch to many movies. My dad says that they love to feed people and, I guess to me that means you're hospitable.

The Bad Hair Years

2010-01-10T23:14:00.000-08:00

I have been known to color my hair frequently and even let my roommates cut it in the kitchen. I know my old roommate Megan would NEVER stand for that. She gets her hair cut at a high end salon and pays like 60 + bucks!
I've never been one to do my hair or be picky about what hair cut I got. Growing up, my mom was lucky to even enough to brush it! Here are a few examples.
I think this is the time I cut my own hair, or Jared cut it for me . . .

(business in the front, party in the back)

This little freak accident happened when I was in kindergarten. My mom was cutting my hair and I think I moved. She had to keep cutting it to make it even and it got shorter and shorter.
I cried and cried and cried. "MOM! I LOOK LIKE A BOY! NO ONE WILL KNOW I'M A GIRL!"So, she told me that I could get my ears pierced so that people would know I was a girl. (but this was the 90's and a lot of boys had pierced ears. It's a good thing I didn't know that at the time.)

My planning curse (random ramblings)

2010-01-04T20:13:00.000-08:00

Its that time of year again. New years resolutions. Gag me. Every year I get so excited and make this huge list of all the things I would like to accomplish or become better at. Some typical examples are: begin running, read so many books, write in my journal everyday, become better at reading the scriptures, get a boyfriend, get straight A's, become a morning person, keep a clean room . . . They're pretty common and fairly attainable aspirations, but sadly, I usually never make it past January.

Its kind of a running joke with me and my cousins about how none of my plans seem to work out. There have been many sleepovers, lunch dates, and vacation plans that have been left as blue prints on my desk.

That is why I am asking the question, "Why?"

What is this unnatural phenomenon that seems to prevent my dreams to come true? Why is it that I always have to resort to last minute jumps into the dark for things to happen in my life? For example, when I went to California for spring break. That was a total last minute thing! I had casually talked about getting a plane ticket to California, but in the back of my mind I wasn't really planning on it. One afternoon my friend called and asked if I got it yet. When I told him I hadn't he said that he was going to stay on the phone with me until I bought it. Thirty minutes later I had a plane ticket to California.

Maybe its because I think things through way too much. Kind of like how I always end up over packing (there's nothing wrong with being too prepared . . . except when you have to carry your over stuffed bags around with you everywhere.) I spend way too much time thinking about a pool party that its already November.

Maybe its because I never really map out the whole plan. I always just jump to conclusions. I think of how fun a sleepover would be, what movies we'll watch, where we'll sleep, what clothes I'll wear, who I'll invite, but I won't think about how people will get there, if the weather will permit, or any of those necessary questions that logical people usually think about asking.

Maybe its because my eyes are brown.
Maybe my plans are just ridiculous and should never have come into existence.

Maybe its because my parents are secretly plotting against me.

Maybe its because I was exposed to high doses of alien radiation at a young age.

(This picture is supposed to be alien radiation)

Maybe its because I don't like to wear shoes.
Maybe its because I bite my fingernails.

Anyway, I think the whole purpose of this blog was to warn all you readers out there to be aware of *old, scary movie music, playing in the background* THE PLANNING CURSE

Reminiscing

2009-12-30T12:42:00.000-08:00

I was going through some old pictures on my laptop and thought I should share some of my favorites. . .

My friend Megan and I were hanging out really late one night. She did my hair and makeup, then she did hers, we dressed up, and took pictures. It was SO fun! I guess I never get too old for playing dress up. : )
HA HA HA! I just had to put this picture in. These are my friend Cortney's old FHE brothers. I had a crush on the top two boys. Needless to say, it doesn't mean much because I think I went through ten different crushes that semester!
The top boy asked me to go on the ski lift with him when I went snowboarding, but I rejected him because I just knew I would fall getting off and I didn't want him to see.
The second boy let me use his snowboarding pants. I didn't think this through all the way because, since I borrowed his snowboarding pants, he didn't come snowboarding . . .
ME AND CORTNEY! It was raining outside and I'm pretty sure Cortney was way excited to get to use her umbrella. Of course we just had to take pictures! Those were my new sunglasses. I was pretty obsessed with them. Another reason why this picture was taken.
At Cortney's 19th birthday party I threw for her! I really like my hair in this picture. It makes me wonder if I can really pull off being a brunette. . .
The cake I made for Cortney's 19th birthday party

Cute little Sara waiting for someone to come over.

At my dorm I scrap booked one of our walls with stars and an M. The M was because all our names started with M (Megan, Megan, Maria, and Mandy). I'm the fake M because I'm really Amanda . . . I was reminded of that on occasion.
BA HA HA HA HA HA HA! I am such a good example to my little sister! I couldn't help but stuff her! She looks a little confused doesn't she?
The grand finale! Me with a lot of butter on my toast . . . no wonder I can't seem to lose weight right! HA HA HA! I must say that I was DANG cute back in the day!

THE END

New Jacket!

2009-12-17T16:56:00.000-08:00

I have wanted a new jacket for the longest time! I've been keeping a look out for one, but none of them seem to strike my fancy. That is until today! I was at KOHL'S because they were having some amazing deals that I just couldn't ignore. I was about to leave with only a top and a pair of boots when this gem caught my eye.

Not only is it cute for everyday wear, but it will be perfect for my mission . . . if I need a coat for my mission. I hope I will. I wouldn't want to go somewhere where there weren't very many seasons. I like some variety in my life.

It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas

2009-12-13T18:52:00.000-08:00

I have always LOVED Christmas decorations. SO! Friday, I bought my very own little Christmas tree, ornaments, and lights! I've always wanted to have a little tree of my own. I also have a cute gingerbread house I made a couple weeks ago when my mom had YW at my house, and lights in my window. I am quite pleased with what decorations I have. :)

10 years ago today

2009-11-22T22:35:00.000-08:00

For my Introduction To Writing class last winter, I had to write a personal narrative about an event in my life that changed me for good. Ten years ago I was diagnosed with skin cancer. I am so grateful for this experience, my family, friends, doctors, and nurses who saw me through it.

Here is some of my narrative of that event.

I slouched on the cold, wax paper covered, leather bed that was in the exam room. I got the shivers each time I would shift my weight and the bare skin on my thigh would touch a new, cold section of the plastic leather. My short, 11 year old legs were dangling off the side. They were suspended a couple feet off the ground and swinging off beat from one another hitting the side of the dark veneered drawers that were below the bed. The paper underneath would make a crinkling noise like I was annoying it each time I made the smallest movement. My hospital gown was gaping in the back where the two shoe lace thin ties left football shape holes allowing wisps of a chilly breeze to sting my back and cause my body to break into goose bumps. I felt so vulnerable sitting there with nothing on underneath the thin, white, cotton, covering. I was nervously waiting for the oncologist (cancer specialist) to walk in the room. I was waiting for something I didn’t know was coming. This was my first cancer examination, and this is how I spent my eleventh birthday.

The petite and young looking nurse led us to my exam room with a smile on her face and skip in her step. It was the first patient room on the right. The wax paper covered bed was placed at an angle on the right side of the wall. The sink and counter were next to it with the doctor’s gloves and other instruments arranged nicely on the table top like an OCD man had just attacked the whole counter. Some smug looking locked cabinets held their place above the sink. The miniature tile was a sallow yellow, and even though I knew it had been cleaned and sterilized, the color reminded me of a public restroom. The walls were boring hospital beige and decorated with only a couple posters that illustrated the proper way to do a self breast examination. I was horrified that those would be hung up where people could see them! Some pamphlets were displayed just below on a table that was pressed up against the main wall. The pamphlets were all about different types of cancer and showed pictures of discolored and rotting flesh. My stomach got tied into a scout worthy knot and I had to look away. Subconsciously I knew that I couldn’t catch what they had just by touching their ink dyed pages, but I was still grossed out.

The very kind nurse smiled at me, handed me my hospital gown, told me to get undressed to the skin, and put it on. My dad left the room and my mom stayed behind to help me. She benevolently folded my clothes and tied the ties in the back of my revealing gown. I was humiliated. I had never been in such a vulnerable situation. I was shaking uncontrollably from the lack of insulation and fear of what the doctor would have to do.

Dr. Noyes trumpeted into the room with a nurse trailing behind him holding a clipboard and writing down notes. He was an older man with white hair, some defined wrinkles on his face, and smile lines around his eyes. He spoke with confidence and ease and I instantly liked my doctor. He briefly explained how the skin examination would go down. He had to check every visible part of my epidermis to make sure I didn’t have any other weird marks.

I laid my whole body down on the heat sucking bed. His cold latex covered hands tickled when they got to my stomach; they scared me when he had to touch me in other places. I held my mom’s hand and closed my eyes. He pushed in parts to checking for swelling of the lymph nodes (cells that help strain bacteria from the blood and become swollen when infected or cancerous). He narrated and commented as he went; trying to explain everything he was doing and why. I could tell he was trying to calm me down, but it wasn’t working. I could feel the tears want to come out. They were pushing against my tear ducts like a crowd of people racing to escape a burning building, but I would not cry in front of this man. I didn’t want him to see me lose any more of my pride.

When it was over, the doctor stepped out of the room with his tag along nurse trailing behind him so that I could get dressed. I thought that the worst part was over, but I was wrong.

Once I was dressed, Dr. Noyes stepped back into room with my dad and the small room suddenly became very crowded. He wasted no time.

“The sample that we got from your mole was an interesting one. We sent it to NY to be tested and the results came back Melanoma positive. You have skin cancer.”

I don’t remember much of what he said after that. I just sat there with the word cancer running through my mind. If my mind wore tennis shoes, the soles would have been worn down to nothing within minutes. The excited butterflies I had felt earlier in the morning, instantly died and dropped to the deepest pit in my stomach. Thoughts of death, family, friends, surgery, my birthday, and of the unexpected were a collage taking over my mind. I wanted to cry all over again.

As soon as the doctor left the room, the crowd of tears pushed their way out of the burning building. My sobs couldn’t be silenced. My parents were to my side, wiping my tears, and comforting me in an instant. They held me in their arms and gently held together my breaking spirit.

I had surgery the first week in December. The small scar in the middle of my left arm was replaced with a 3 inch gash. It looked like they had taken a scoop out of my arm or that a cannon ball had skimmed the top of my arm taking with it, a good sized chunk. In addition to that scar, I gained two new ones - one just below my arm pit and the other below my left tricep.

My life is a lot like those scars. I started out so naive and carefree. I wasn’t aware of life’s hardships, what was really important outside of my own wants and needs, or that life was not to be taken for granted. Just as my scar was small that day, so was I. After finding out I had skin cancer I was pushed out of that way of thinking. It was like a super hero pushed me out of the way of a speeding car. I grew, was strengthened, and turned my life around so that I was living it the way I knew it should be. Life’s lessons are learned in different ways. Often they’re learned line upon line, but sometimes they’re learned scars upon scars.

I hope they call me on a mission . . .

2009-09-20T11:39:00.000-07:00

Well, I've decided to start my mission papers. I'm now back at my home ward and waiting for my bishop to receive whatever he needs to in order for me to start this big step in my life.
I've been thinking about a mission off and on for almost a year now. I never thought that I would go on a mission. I always thought I'd get married, be a stay at home mom, and live happily ever after. I guess God has other plans for me.
I'm taking a Mission Prep class with the Orem Institute and we've talked about some very spiritually uplifting things that have been able to reassure me that a mission is a right choice. Sometimes when I think about serving a mission I get really nervous. I'm really going to have to step outside of my comfort zone, but I know I have to "trust in the Lord with all [my] heart."
I'm so grateful for all the support that I have received, for family, friends, and the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Work

2009-09-06T14:42:00.000-07:00

As some of you may know, I'm working at Joann's! I took Cameron's place once he went back to school a month ago.
Working retail is very interesting. You learn a lot about human behaviors. A lot of these behaviors really bother me.
1. When people don't put things back where they belong. What's really sad about this, is that most of the people that shop at Joanns are mothers. Don't they teach their kids to pick up after themselves? They should follow their own advice. While I was cleaning up after closing last night I found bolts of fabric on the jewelery isle, things taken out of their packages, random carts left all throughout the store, baskets full of random things left on the ground, bolts of fabric in piles on the ground, and the Halloween isle was torn apart!
2. When a customer makes a huge deal over saving a couple dollars! Sometimes a customer will bring in 2 of the same coupon and expect me to take them both. If they had read the coupon, they would see that it cannot be used with another coupon, and it can't be used on sale items. Grown women get so upset! They say biting remarks under their breath and leave giving me the silent treatment. Seriously? HA HA HA! I laugh at them when they leave.
3. When a customer is impatient. We are only allowed a certain amount of hours and employees in a day because of our current economic situation. So, obviously there are going to be longer lines and longer waits. We are working as fast and efficiently as we can to help all of our guests. Sometimes, while I'm at the cutting table, I can hear ladies waiting impatiently and commenting on the long wait. Sometimes they get so impatient they put their material they were going to have cut smugly on the cutting table and leave in a huff. We then have to take their material that they didn't put away and add that to our already long to do list!
From this job I am definitely learning how to be a better shopper. I can no longer go into a store and leave anything I've touched unfolded. Sometimes I'll even recover an entire isle while I'm just looking around. You have no idea how great it is to have a customer who respects us and the store that they are shopping in.
Other than some of the horrible guests we get in, we also have some wonderful people shop at our store. I cut fabric for a lady yesterday, she and her husband own the Missionary Mall and the Sister Missionary Mall. We had a good chat about my friend that was going on a mission, her mission, and my own thoughts of serving a mission myself. She left making me feel a lot better about my work and her few kind words made that hour go by a lot faster. I also love it when customers greet me warmly at the register. When they seem to understand the stress of the day and how long I've been on my feet. I especially love it when they're patient with me when I make mistakes, and I have made my fair share.
One day I had a lady come up to me and thank me for my work. It always feels good to know that someone appreciates what you do.
When I'm cutting fabric I like to ask what the person is going to make with it. It's so fun to see their faces light up and share with me what they're about to create. It makes me want to pick up sewing again! One time, this quilting teacher, showed me some pictures she had in her wallet of some of her quilts. They were absolutely amazing! So many creative people shop at our store.
One of the friends I've made is my manager, Janelle. We're going to start going to a mission prep class on Tuesdays at the Orem Institute! I've missed being in a religion class since I've left Idaho.

Thanks for reading!

~Mandy

Home Sweet Home

2009-05-25T22:09:00.000-07:00

I was able to come home for Memorial Day weekend. It was so nice to spend time with family and friends and to be surrounded by familiar faces. I love seeing those people who have influenced my life in so many positive ways and who have helped me become the young woman I am today. There are so many.
Home hasn't changed much other than the fact that two more people have moved out. Just the young half live at home now, but the older siblings were never home when I visit anyway. I'm glad that when I come home things aren't too different. So many things have been changing in my life lately that it's nice to come home and have things feel familiar. I don't think it will be like that much longer.
I did a lot of fun things with my family, I hung out with Anne, hiked the Y with some of the Mcintyres and my younger brother, had a family BBQ, and helped the grandparents move out of the house into their condo.

The most adorable kids EVER!

Jared doesn't like his picture taken.

While I was helping Grandma and Grandpa move I found this beautiful flower bush and just had to pick one. . . don't tell the neighbors.

On my walk with Sara. Look at those mountains in the background! I miss seeing mountains while I'm at school. Mountains always make me feel at home.

While Anne was trying on dresses for graduation I found this yellow dress and just had to try it on. I don't know if yellow's my color, but I like the dress.

THE Y HIKE!

William climbing on the Y

Look at our beautiful valley!

We're sitting at the very right hand side of the Y!

Me and Anne

Daddy Daughter moment. Aren't dads great!?

Spencer and Claire. What cuties!

What a tough guy! Didn't even shed a tear.

WE DID IT!

ICE BLOCKING!

2009-05-22T10:10:00.000-07:00

Back:Robby, Cortney, Gary Jake
Front: Mandy and Becca

Cortney and I were going to race, but my block got stuck on a rut.

I fell off my block and got a grass stain on my pants.

Jake, Mandy, Cortney, Robby

It was so fun to take a couple blocks of ice and glide down a hillside by the upper fields. I went with my roommmate's Cortney and Becca, Cortney's boyfriend Robby, our FHE brother Jake, and Robby's friend Gary. After ice blocking we roasted s'mores at Robby's fire pit, but my camera died before I could take pictures.

Here's a little clip for your viewing enjoyment.

Dress Up Week

2009-05-13T16:38:00.000-07:00

For Cortney's Fashion Design class, her teacher challenge her class to dress up for an entire week and they'd get extra credit for anyone who did it with them, so Becca and I took the challenge.

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY
So, I changed out of my clothes after class and I was too lazy to get back into my skirt for pictures, but this is what my make up looked like. I wore Becca's long green tiered skirt that looks like a hippie skirt with my black flats with white polka dots.

That's about it! I really liked dressing up and I even took extra time this morning for class. It was nice to wear jeans again though.

CALIFORNIA!!!

2009-05-04T17:00:00.000-07:00

For my spring break this year I did something I have never done before! I flew to California! I left April 10th from Salt Lake city and then had a 7 hour lay over in Las Vegas. I got into Fresno around 10pm California time. One of my best friends, Robby, picked me up from the airport with his best friend Steve. Robby is my best friend Cortney's boyfriend. We all became friends around the same time my first semester in Idaho.

On Saturday we went to Pismo Beach. It was windy and chilly, but I didn't care. I swam out in the ocean and used Steve's boogy board for a while. It was SO much fun! We ate lunch at a place called Splash Cafe and they have some of THE BEST clam chowder. We played Frisbee on the beach, climbed some rocks, and headed home as the sun set.

The next day was Easter Sunday. Robby wasn't feeling well so I went to church with Steve and his family. After church Steve and I went to the Sequoia National Forest and saw the biggest tree in the world, General Sherman. It was so cool! I have never seen such large trees. The climate is definitely not like Utah's so the trees had were covered with moss.

On Monday Robby took me around Tulare, CA and showed me where he used to work and we walked around a couple malls. I bought some new flip flops from Old Navy and new lip gloss from Bath and Body Works. That night Steve came over for dinner because Robby had BBQ'd some yummy T-bone steaks.

On Tuesday I woke up around 7am all by myself, which is rare. After getting ready for the day I hopped back in my bed and finished reading a book Becca gave me to read. Tuesday was a pretty relaxing day. I watched some TV with Robby's mom while Robby went out to get a haircut and when he got back we went and got tacos from Del Taco because it was Taco

Tuesday. I love tacos! We went again that night with Steve when he got home from class. We all just hung out on the couch and watched American Idol.

Wednesday was my last full day in California. For lunch we went out to Inn-N-Out. It was delicious! I had never been there before and so the cashier gave me some bumper stickers, a map showing every Inn-N-Out in the country, and some other sticker things that are probably meant to entertain the little kids. OH! and I got a hat that Robby and Steve made me wear.

It was a great week! I did a lot of firsts. I flew in an airplane, ate at In-N-Out, boogy boarded, traveled by myself, swallowed sea water, touched the worlds largest tree, and drove 5 hours straight driving home from California.

This is the memorial of where James Dean died. Pretty cool huh!

Sitting on a bench a couple blocks away from the beach.

A beautiful view from the rocks we climbed.

Me and Steve. I was so tired.

On the Pier at Pismo Beach. Isn't the water lovely?

We buried Steve's legs in the sand.

Standing by General Sherman. I even got to touch it!

Driving around Tulare with robby.

Smelling shampoos. . .

BEFORE

DURING

AFTER

Leaving California

So, if anyone's going to California and wants a traveling buddy, I'm game!

SORRY!

2009-04-24T09:32:00.000-07:00

Wow, I can't believe how long it's been since I last posted something on my blog. I blame it on my lame background. Please give me some good websites for me to change it.

So, here's a few pictures from my winter semester. I had a lot of fun . . . maybe too much.

Where I live.

Anne and Becca came to see me in February.

Becca and I cooking together while she was visiting.

My roommates and me at BRC (a frozen custard place) after FHE.

Me rock climbing for FHE

Saturday Fun!

2009-02-01T13:26:00.000-08:00

Megan in front of the construction by the Hart.A special moment with President Clark

At Wendy's with Megan

We found the cutest little baby pineapple at Broulim's (the grocery store)

My best friend!

Just hanging out on a Saturday night.

Isn't he so cute?

Apartment and Roomies

2009-01-18T22:50:00.000-08:00

Sorry it too so long Carissa, but I finally have some new pictures up!

This is our vanity after getting ready for church. Not bad eh? I'm so glad my roommates are tidy people.

My walk-in closet! That's one thing I used to miss about my room back home, but now I have one up here!

My room is finally all unpacked and fully functional.

This is my roommate Amber. She was the first one I met. She's so cute! She's from Utah and just got back from a mission to Peru in November. She brings such a great spirit to our apartment and is such a sweetheart to all of us.

This is Alyssa. She's from Indiana and only 18! I couldn't believe it when she told me that. She's such a beautiful girl and has quite a few boys barking up her tree. She's a lot of fun and I can't wait to get to know her more.

This is Kelly! She's from Oregon and is such a doll! She's so nice to me all the time and always asks me how my day is going. She plays the guitar and the ukulele . . . I think that's how you spell it.

I love all of my roommates! I have two more, but they were out of town for the weekend. Melissa is originally from California, but she moved to Washington when she was about 16. She's engaged and will be getting married right after the end of this semester in April. My other roommate is Megan. She was my first roommate my first semester and one of my best friends from high school.

My New Apartment!

2009-01-14T22:25:00.000-08:00

Sorry it's taken so long to get this posted, but my internet hasn't been very kind to me.

I love my apartment and my roommates. Stay tuned for further pictures.

SNOWMAN FOR CHRISTMAS

2008-12-25T13:30:00.000-08:00

I don't know why I do this to myself. My blog (other than Carissa and Becca) has some of my most embarrassing pictures. I didn't even put make up on today and I volunteered to have my picture taken.
BUT! I did have a lot of fun making a snowman with Sara. I don't think she's made one before. It was harder than I remember and the snow didn't hold together very well, but he turned out perfectly! Any name suggestions?

Cooking With Carissa . . . AGAIN!

2008-12-12T18:39:00.000-08:00

Our finished product

MMMMMMMM YUMMMY!

This was Carissa just before her date with Joe. Doesn't her hair look cute?

Last week, Carissa and I dared to do the possible. That's right! We made some spinach triangles! . .. well, Carissa made the triangles and I cut vegetables for our pitas we had with the triangles. I think our practice is really paying off. Our restaurant idea becomes more possible with each passing week, our pants get tighter, our cousinship grows stronger, and my family continues to beg for more.

2008-12-05T20:15:00.000-08:00

I found this adorable clip of Sara trying to read a book. I think it's upside down and she's not looking at the page half the time, but she's just too dang cute!

Sweet Little Sara

2008-11-15T21:43:00.000-08:00

My sleeping mask that she thinks is hers. She keeps putting it in her toy box.

Walking with her cousin as we waited for our family to come out of the temple.

Coloring on a white board in our closet.

Her Hannah Montana hips.

So serious!

She puts her dolls to bed each night.

Cooking with Carissa WEDNESDAY!

2008-11-12T20:46:00.000-08:00

We missed last week, but don't worry, we're back in business. Tonight Carissa and I made a Mexican dish, perhaps you've heard of it, TACOS! and 7 layer dip. It sure was yummy! Carissa wanted to cook the hamburger and chop the onions. I was more than happy to let her do that. It was definitely the easiest, cleanest and fastest meal so far. Stay tuned for next week.

Biology Major!

2008-11-11T21:58:00.000-08:00

I will register for my third semester of college on Thursday. I had no idea what classes I should take because I didn't really know what I wanted to major in. This was a problem. After looking at what majors were offered at BYU-Idaho, I wrote down all the ones that caught my eye. After researching them a little further, I crossed out the ones that didn't feel right.
Amazingly it came down to becoming a Biology major with an emphasis on Human Biology. Science has always been one of my best subjects and most of my favorite classes in school were Anatomy, Earth Systems, and Biology. Who'da thought?
After getting my bachelor's in Biology at BYU-Idaho I plan on getting my masters in occupational therapy. I know that it will be a lot of time and studying, but I know with a lot of hard work, prayers, and help from family and friends I can do it!

The Cabin

2008-11-01T09:05:00.000-07:00

Rachel and Anne sleeping

Hanging out at the kitchen table.

Sara, talking to me about something.

Spencer's new football he got for his birthday.

Webcam Pictures

Hanging out the kitchen table #2

Uncle Brad and Anne singing and playing the guitar.

Spencer's birthday cup cakes.

The little kids always swarm around the dessert.

Last Friday the Wainwrights, Mcintyres, and the Millers went up "the cabin" in Liberty Utah. It was a lot of fun. We played games, watched movies and celebrated Spencer's birthday. I went home early the next morning to go to the BYU vs. UNLV game with my dad, but I came home late Saturday night and left early Monday morning.

Cooking With Carissa Wednesday

2008-11-01T08:56:00.000-07:00

All of my pictures turned out really creepy this week.

the cheesy bread

manicotti and green beans staying warm

Carissa made the bread and the salad. GOOD JOB CARISSA!

Carissa and I have decided that every Wednesday we're going to practice our cooking skills. We're going to try to cook a variety of foods. We started with Chinese and this week we did Italian. This was by far the messiest meal I've cooked! We did Manicotti with cheesy bread, salad and green beans. It was really yummy, but I think we'll do something easier next week.

MY ROOM'S CLEAN!

2008-10-23T13:58:00.000-07:00

BEFORE - these photos are not for the faint of heart.

AFTER

I've been home from school for about three and a half months and I just barely finished cleaning my room. Pathetic. I know. I've even been watching a show on the Style channel called Clean House. I decided that if I was going to watch a show on being clean, I should be clean. I started to clean it many many times, but I kept finding other things to do, or got caught up looking through treasure's I'd find as I cleaned. One day, after my mom almost died walking to my closet, I decided I needed to just sit down and finish what I'd started. It's so nice to finally have a clean room! My mom sometimes even makes my bed for me in the morning (since I normally don't have time to make it before work) to try and keep it looking nice. (THANKS MOM!)

Cooking With Carissa

2008-10-22T18:00:00.000-07:00

Wantons!

Sweet and Sour Chicken

Carissa eating

Me eating

I was talking to Carissa on the phone this afternoon while my mom asked me what we should have for dinner. So, I asked Carissa and she said, "Sweet and Sour Chicken!" So, I went and saved Carissa from BYU campus and brought her home and we cooked dinner together. I cut the raw meat and she managed the stove. I think we make a pretty good team. We're thinking about opening a restaurant in the near future. We're still looking for a good name, so please give us your feed back.

Sleeping Out

2008-10-20T12:06:00.000-07:00

For fall break this year, my dad set up our big tent in the backyard. Brandon, Spencer, and Sara slept out there basically every night it was up, even though it was freezing in the morning! I slept out there one night. I can tell that I'm getting older because my back hurt the next day from sleeping on a hard camping pad. I used to be able to sleep on anything! My brothers and I used to sleep on our hard concrete floor in the basement all the time! aw, the good ol' days.

New Hair . . . again

2008-10-14T20:51:00.000-07:00

BEFORE

AFTER

This is my "What do ya think?" face.

My unsure face.

My umm . . . ya, you'll have to name this face for yourself.

I was so SICK of having blond hair, and my roots were showing way bad, so I went to my old hairdresser and old YW leader and this is what I looked like when I came out. I think I like it. My before picture was the best example I had. Sadly, it's a picture of me with a piece of floss hanging out of my mouth. Hopefully that can be overlooked. Let me know what y'all think!

Conference Weekend

2008-10-12T16:55:00.000-07:00

Megan, working on her Cinderella castle puzzle

My bed is the one that' made
The view from my window. Absolutely breathtaking.

These next pictures were taken by Darrell and Loretta Stacey, Megan's mom and dad. It was so pretty up there and I think they took excellent pictures.

For conference this year I went up to my friend Megan's cabin near Fish Lake with her mom, dad, brother, and cousin. It was so beautiful outside. The leaves were bright orange, red, and yellow. It even snowed a little while we were there. It was so nice to relax and listen to conference where there were no phones or other distractions.

Football Season

2008-10-11T12:33:00.000-07:00

At Spencer's football game.

Sara, playing in a dugout at Spencer's game.

Sara and I after half time

Spencer and his team in a group huddle during half time.

Lakeridge VS Wasatch

Sara and her friends. As you can tell, Sara isn't in the best mood.

Some darling girls that decided to be cheerleaders.

BYU VS Wyoming

The lovely view of the mountains from my seat.

Cameron, and his face.

FATHER! Checking out the game.

Cameron and Dad as we waited to fill up our water bottles.

Megan and Mandy

2008-09-19T15:48:00.001-07:00

I've been spending a lot of time with my first roommate Megan. Last night, after watching a Barbie movie, as she was dropping me off, we saw the sprinklers on by the stake center. So, Megan and I decided we'd run through them at 10:30 at night! It was so fun and I hadn't run through sprinklers in a long time.
A couple weeks ago, we were bored so Megan did my hair and make up and then she did hers and we went out and took pictures at 3 in the morning.

These kind of spur of the moment things make life so great!

The Ward Camp Out

2008-09-09T20:37:00.001-07:00

Spender, playing soccer with the volleyball.

Just some dead bugs on my dad's car.

Mckinlee, I baby sat her when she was just a baby! Now she's all grown up.

My best friend Melissa.

Sara and her friends making a sand castle.

Sara, getting water for the water castle.

This is Austin, and he was chasing me around with the stick! I was pretty scared for my life, I'm not gonna lie.

I went with my family to my home ward's annual camp out. I think it was somewhere around American Fork canyon. It was right by the freeway and at night you could hear the cars and trains blowing their whistles at 5 in the morning.
I hung out with a lot of the kids I spent most of my teen years baby sitting, and by dinner time, my best friend Melissa came up with her family.
At night, we got a group of people together to play glow in the dark Ultimate Frisbee. We had glow sticks around our necks in our team colors and a glow in the dark Frisbee. Sadly, I can't catch a Frisbee or throw one to save my life. My team members learned that pretty quickly. So I just spent a lot of time running up and down the field.
It was so cold that night! I was going to sleep under the stars with Melissa and her sister, but chickened out at the last minute. I stayed nice and warm in my grandparent's pop up trailer.
In the morning, I refused to wake up. It was my first chance to sleep in in weeks! I was amazed at how nicely I slept.
After a huge breakfast and some lounging about my decided to head home, but just our luck, the Suburban wouldn't start. After trying to jump start it we all piled into my dad's car and headed home.
THE END

My BEST Friends

2008-08-30T11:48:00.000-07:00

I am so lucky to be so close to my cousins. Even though I don't get to see all of them that often, whenever we get together we have a blast! We're always laughing, singing, or coming up with plans that never seem to come through. It's weird to think we're all beginning to go our own way and entering the adult world . . . SCARY!
I LOVE YOU GUYS!

My Life

2008-08-26T21:05:00.000-07:00

Wow, I can't believe I've been home from school for five weeks already. Idaho seems just like one long dream. Coming home didn't feel too weird except when it's time to go to bed. It was weird to not have a ton of girls talking out in the living room or having someone singing in the bathroom getting ready for bed. I miss having a roommate to talk to early into the morning.
Right now I'm working at the call center I worked at last summer. I'm so glad that I had a job to come back to right when I got home. I'm actually looking for another job at the moment. I only work from 8:30-12:30 and have too much time on my hands. Time that I usually spend napping or watching "What Not To Wear."
I got a gym pass a couple weeks ago and I've been fairly consistent with my gym attendance. I usually go with Anne or my old roommate Megan. It gives me something to do in my spare time and will hopefully keep me from becoming a couch potatoe.
On Sunday I was called to be the new visiting teaching supervisor and one of the family home evening group leaders. I'm excited to have an opportunity to get more involved in my ward and get to know more people. It's so hard going into a new singles ward when everyone in it has been there for a while and already know one another.
Other than that, life's going on like it normally does.

last night in Rexburg at the splash park

2008-08-09T09:04:00.000-07:00

On our last Friday night together my friends, mom, and I went to the splash park in the middle of Porter Park near my apartment to watch Sara play in the water. It looked so fun we couldn't help but jump in too.

back packing in Calf Creek

2008-07-27T19:01:00.001-07:00

The 4th of July

2008-07-06T00:20:00.000-07:00

Rob, Bjron, and Cortney at the parade.

Bjorn, watching the parade.

Bjorn at Rigby Lake.

Me getting dry.

Robby and Cortney!

Watching fireworks with my friends!

This was my first 4th of July away from home and it was definitely different. I actually slept in instead of going to my ward breakfast, went to a parade, swimming at Rigby Lake, and ended the day at a firework show in Idaho Falls.

GOD BLESS AMERICA!

Just some updates

2008-06-30T16:17:00.000-07:00

WOW! This semester has been going by so fast! I only have 2 weeks left and then I'm heading home. I'm probably going to be home on the 19th! HOLY CANOLI! I'm going to miss all my friends so much, but it will be nice to be out of school and not have to worry about homework for a while.
I colored my hair again a couple weeks ago. It's called a slice. I got some highlights and low lights put in to fix my old hair color because it was turning orange . .. gross!
Last Saturday I went hiking in Yellowstone to Union Falls. It was about 8 miles in and out. There was still some snow up there and we had to cross a freezing cold river! The falls were so gorgeous, but freezing because it was just snow run off. There were so many mosquitoes! Even with half a can of bug spray I was still eaten alive! But life's still good!

MY NEW PLACE!

2008-05-14T16:12:00.000-07:00

The Kitchen Table

The Kitchen

The Living Room

A bathroom with two sinks, what more could a girl ask for?

My New ROOM!

My Bed

Cortney's Bed

2008-04-27T18:15:00.001-07:00

My poor blog has been so neglected.
So, I moved out of the dorms this semester and I'm living in a nice new apartment. I have four roommates: Cortney, Taya, Brionna, and Tiffany. They're so adorable and great roommates. I'll have to post some pictures of my place later . . . when we've cleaned up a little bit.
School's going pretty good. I need to start buckling down more instead of playing. It's getting harder and harder to sit in class when it's so nice outside.

I'm a dying addict

2008-03-21T17:19:00.000-07:00

Before After

Last night my roommates and I were bored so we decided to try and get my hair darker. Well, it worked. It's definitly different, but I like it. We were going for a dark brown, but it turned out to be a little reddish brown, but you can't tell unless I'm in the light.

We can get a little messy at times

2008-03-18T01:19:00.001-07:00

This is what our dorm looks like before clean checks . . . speaking of which, that's this evening! No matter how much we would like to blame our mess on all the people that come over to our place daily, a lot of it's all on us.

More fun college pictures

2008-03-16T01:15:00.000-07:00

Cortney and Cami

Robby the liar.

Cortney and Me

Megan, Cortney, and Cami

David

Bjorn and Robby

Cami, Cortney, and Megan

Cortney, Maria, and Megan

2008-03-10T21:52:00.000-07:00

Wow, I can't believe I only have a month left in the semester. It seems like I've been here longer than I really have. I've been having a great time meeting new people and making new friends. I'm doing pretty well in my classes, but I deffinitly could improve on my study habits.
I hope you are all well. Keep in touch!

Random pictures

2008-03-07T18:00:00.000-08:00

Here you go Carissa.

This is Chelsea. Isn't she so cute?

Hanging out at BRC. Our favorite frozen custard hangout.

Robby and me and Nashville nights after Cortney sang her heart out.

Cortney and me after a snowball fight at the boys dorm.

A corsage I made in floral arranging.

Robby and his half cookie for his half birthday.

Our lovely Maria.

David on Robby's 1/2 birthday

Bjorn on Robby's 1/2 birthday.

Kirby Heyborne

2008-02-23T12:55:00.000-08:00

Kirby came to the bookstore and we took a few pictures. SO FUN!

My Place

2008-02-13T20:42:00.000-08:00

This is my apartment after clean checks! Isn't is to amazingly clean? I LOVE IT!

Having fun with Photo Booth

2008-02-08T17:38:00.000-08:00

Hanging out at my dorm

2008-01-28T17:16:00.000-08:00

Cortney

Cortney and Bjorn

ME, of course

Rob

My roommates and I had some friends over this Saterday to watch a movie. My friend Cortney used my camera to take some pictures. Rob and Cortney both tried on my glasses and posed for the camera. Fun Times.

My Lovely Roommate Megan

2008-01-28T17:08:00.000-08:00

College has really changed her. Her self esteem has risen to new heights.

My Homies

2008-01-25T00:21:00.000-08:00

Our two Megan's

MARIA!

MEGAN!

CORTNEY!

I am having a blast up here. I stay up all night hanging out with friends, flirt with all the cute boys, and still make it to class on time . . . a majority of the time anyway.

I miss you all and I can't wait to see you when I come home for President's Day weekend.

Dying My Hair

2008-01-20T23:04:00.000-08:00

Before

After

So, my roommates told me that it's tradition to dye your hair your freshman year. So I thought, why not. I've never done it before. As you can obviously see it's not that drastic and the lighting isn't the best, but I love my new color.

My Dorm

2008-01-08T15:00:00.000-08:00

Here are just a few pictures of my dorm. It has 2 bedroms, a bathroom, living room, dining area, and small kitchen.

Packing Up

2008-01-01T01:33:00.001-08:00

It seems like before I can make anything clean, I must first make a mess. My room is unlivable at the moment. I basically have everything packed, I'm just putting in my finishing touches and trying to fit everything I'm leaving behind on the top shelf in my closet (like that's gonna happen.)

The Car Test

2007-12-22T18:20:00.000-08:00

I'm a Ford Mustang!

You're an American classic -- fast, strong, and bold. You're not snobby or pretentious, but you have what it takes to give anyone a run for their money.

"Take the Which Sports Car Are You? quiz.

Swollen Cheek

2007-12-22T10:21:00.001-08:00

So, I got my wisdom teeth removed on Thursday. I was in a study @ Jean Brown Research and they're only allowed to take out two impacted teeth at a time so they just took out two wisdom teeth on my right side. This is the swelling after 2 days of getting them out. It's all cheek.
They were testing some sleeping drugs and there was a chance I could get placebo instead. As lucky as I am I got the placebo and had to go an hour without any pain medication.
The pain really hasn't been to bad thanks to my prescription drugs and I hope to be able to eat something other than mashed potatoes and soup for Christmas.

Family Pictures (they still need to be cropped)

2007-11-30T20:21:00.001-08:00

The life of a sample lady

2007-11-30T19:59:00.000-08:00

Today at Costco I was the sample lady for body butter and this lady came by with her teenage son and said, "Where are the toasters?" I stood there for a minute just staring at her and trying to think where the toasters were kept, and then the mother and son began laughing. I was very confused and just kept staring at them. What could be so funny about where the toasters were kept? Then, the son explained that it was a joke. I still didn't get why that was so funny until he explained their "joke" to me and said "toaster . . . toast . . . body butter . . . you put butter on toast."
After a quick laugh, the mother and son left me still wondering where in Costco the toasters were.

I've been dreaming of my true loves kiss

2007-11-25T17:56:00.000-08:00

OK! This song has been stuck in my head ever since I went to see the movie "Enchanted". I think that it's been in everyone's head. One time I was singing it in my head, and when I went into the other room my mom, aunt, or grandma were singing it also.
I really liked the movie and the prince, I have to say was so yummy. ;)

2007-11-19T11:40:00.001-08:00

Sara

2007-11-19T10:50:00.000-08:00

Isn't she so cute?
She is such a wonderful sister and a ton of fun.
We both enjoy watching Disney princess movies and singing along to the songs.
She loves to be outside and go on walks.
When its cold outside she likes to sit on the front porch, snuggle in a blanket, and look at the moon.
She is very sensitive to other peoples feelings and likes to give hugs and kisses.
I LOVE YOU SARA!

Welcome

2007-11-07T15:29:00.000-08:00

I've been looking at some blogs that have been made in the family and thought that it would be a great way to keep in touch with family and friends while I'm away at school. I'm sure that I'll become instantly addicted.
For those of you that don't know, I'm leaving for school in early January. How time flies. I'm really excited to go back to school, but I'll admit, I'm scared to be so far away from home. Luckily I'll have one of my best friends from high school coming up with me. We'll help each other adjust to college life. I just know I'll have an amazing experience.
I'm working two jobs to help pay for college and to give me something to do. When I'm not at work I'm usually at home hanging out with Sara, reading, hanging out with friends, or just . . . hanging around.
Can't wait to see you all again!