Summer. Woot woot!

It's official.

Summer is HERE baby!
Ah, I'm so glad.

It's going to be great!
I'm so glad.
Warm sun, relaxation, no homework.
I'm so glad.
Freedom!
Did, I mention I'm SO glad? :)

Alright I might be lying a little if I said this summer is going to be laid back and easy breezy. In fact, I'd be lying if I said I didn't have any homework. What do I mean? Well, here are some of the things that I get to look forward to this summer:

Music class

Yes, it's true. I am taking a class this summer. But I'm glad that I'm doing it. I have to take an "Elementary School Music (teaching)" class for my major, so I figured I might as well do it this summer. It's every morning for two hours, but it's over in 3 weeks. Totally my kind of class. And secretly, I'm really excited!

Pickleville Playhouse

Yes, I did give in and decided to do it one last summer. I had some other plans that fell through this summer so I chose to do something that I love once more. Performing is one of those habits that I just can't break, and I figure that while I'm single and able to do it, why not? I can pretty confidently say this will probably be my last summer doing the PVP thing, so I'm going to live it up for all it's worth! Trust me, mid-summer I'm going to be asking why I did it, but it's all SO worth it in the end.

Modesto, California

This is still a plan in the works. But my dear friend Camille (Bales) Griffin and her family moved out to Modesto this summer for her hubby to sell security systems. I have this serious travel bug right now and I'm dying to go visit! It's about an hour away from San Fransisco and she says it's a blast there. So I don't quite know when, but it's in my planner to take a mini vacation out there. I can't wait!

Admissions Office

This is the campus tour video on USU's website. I help with campus tours in the Admissions Office.
Recognize the voice of the narrator? :)

I'll still be living the dream in the Admissions Office this summer. It's such a fantastic job though. I honestly love it. There is not a day that I go to work dreading what I do or wishing I could work somewhere else. I'd argue that I have one of the best student worker jobs on campus. I get to meet a lot of fun people and I love the ones that I work with. It's super! So I feel very lucky that I get the opportunity to continue working and making money this summer. No, I'm not making the big bucks like some of those summer salesman, but it'll suffice.

My birthday

I will finally no longer be a teenager! To be completely honest, I feel like I'm turning 21, not just 20. But hey, I'll take 20 for sure. It's better than being a teenager. I went out with a boy yesterday day who is 25. We figured out that he was a freshman in high school when September 11 happened. I was in 5th grade. Weird. But totally okay now that we're both in college. So needless to say, I can't wait to be 20. It's just going to be one long year until I'm officially an adult!

Mmmmkay, so this isn't like the world's most exciting summer plans. I know, I know. One of these summers I'm going to leave Logan and have one heck of an experience. Mark my words. But I'm just excited for a little change. That's one thing I like about living the college life. Every 3 or so months, schedules are mixed up and changed around. It keeps life exciting and new. And it'll be time for the new fall semester before I know it. Oh boy, one more year closer to having to be a grown up.

So hooray for summer. Hooray for warmth. Hooray for fun. Hooray for reading books I never get to read during the year. Hooray for family reunions. Hooray for old friends coming home to visit. Hooray for the many weddings of friends happening this summer. Hooray for sand volleyball at nights. Hooray for fireworks. Hooray for barbecues. Hooray for baseball games. Hooray for tans. Hooray for boating.

This list could seriously go on and on...

Happy Easter

Happy Easter!

Today is one of my favorite days of the year. I love Easter Sunday. Easter baskets, eggs, gifts, and more are all part of the days events. Perhaps one of my favorite Easter traditions is that of getting a new Easter dress. Maybe it's because I'm the only girl, or maybe it's because my mama just loves me a whole bunch, but every year since I can remember, I have gotten a new Easter dress. This year was no exception. Tonight we have family coming over for an Easter dinner. I just love how the holidays make me feel.


But, as we all know, Easter isn't just about the eggs and chocolates and bunnies. It is about Christ and His resurrection. Really, it is a wonderful time to reflect on His whole ministry. President Thomas S. Monson said of His death and resurrection,

"For us our Heavenly Father gave His Son. For us our Elder Brother gave His life... At the last moment the Master could have turned back. But He did not. He passed beneath all things that He might save all things: the human race, the earth, and all the life that ever inhabited it.

As the result of Christ’s victory over the grave, we shall all be resurrected. This is the redemption of the soul. It is the celestial glory that we seek. It is in the presence of God that we desire to dwell. It is a forever family in which we want membership.

Of Him who delivered each of us from endless death, I testify He is a teacher of truth—but He is more than a teacher. He is the exemplar of the perfect life—but He is more than an exemplar. He is the great physician—but He is more than a physician. He is the literal Savior of the world, the Son of God, the Prince of Peace, the Holy One of Israel, even the risen Lord, who declared, “I am the first and the last; I am he who liveth, I am he who was slain; I am your advocate with the Father” (D&C 110:4).

Oh, sweet the joy this sentence gives: ‘I know that my Redeemer lives!' Of this I testify."

May we all remember the true meaning of Easter, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

I see the light...

I see the light at the end of the tunnel.

It is really dim right now, but in three weeks it's going to be shining bright as can be and I'll be saying PEACE to the tunnel. Three more weeks of escuela and it's summer break. Ask me how excited I am? Yaaaaaaaayy!

Or my favorite one of all...

Cute Jared. Maybe I should make this show up in the search results of Google images :)

Joy forever? Give me some of that, please.

A thing of beauty is a joy for ever:

Its loveliness increases; it will never pass into nothingness;
but still will keep a bower quiet for us,
and a sleep full of sweet dreams, and health, and quiet breathing...

from John Keats' epic poem, Endymion, 1818

This week I have been thinking about the beautiful things in my life and the joy that those things bring me. Everyday I could, although I don't always, find multiple things that are beautiful and realize how lucky and blessed I am. It's much easier to look at the things I would want to change or the things that bug me, but when I look through my optimistic glasses, it makes me so much happier. It brings me that joy that I can have forever and ever, if I just realize the things of beauty. So I want to share two things of beauty that have touched my life, specifically during this week.

So first things first, I finally saw the oh-so-highly-talked-about-cutest-movie-ever, TANGLED.

I am a big Disney fan and I had every intention of seeing this in theaters. Friends and family just praised and praised the show too. So with that kind of support, you'd think I would have seen it sooner. But every time I went to go, something else came up or plans changed. So last Friday, I went to dinner and a baseball game with some friends. There was a party going on somewhere else that night that I wanted to go to, but my friends wanted to go watch this movie. So I figured that missing the party wouldn't be that big of a deal. And boy oh boy am I glad I missed it!

In fact I loved this movie so much, I even shed a tear or two in it. Now that's saying something if you can get me to get emotional. So I went out the next day and searched Logan for the dang thing. Wal-Mart, Sams Club, Smiths Marketplace and Shop-Ko are a few of the places that no longer had the Blu-Ray is stock. So my friends, if you are wondering where in the world to get it (if the other stores are still out), the answer is...K-Mart. I know I know, it smells kind of funny in that store and there are some different peeps that shop there, but seriously, they have what you need sometimes. I have watched that movie multiple times since and have many more movie dates on my couch planned. I love it.

So here are just a few of my favorite parts of this movie. If you haven't seen it, you should probably get on that. You won't regret it. If you have, just enjoy :)

There are not many things that bring me more joy than a darling Disney movie!

So for the second thing that brought joy to my life this week is my sweet sisters from IWA. What is IWA you might ask? Institute Women's Association. It's a great organization for single LDS girls to be involved in. Basically, it is like a second group of sisters that does fun activities as well as increase spirituality. I have had the neat opportunity to serve as a member of the IC, the Inner-Chapter, and boy has it been a fun ride. I was not even a member IWA last year, so you can imagine my confusion/nervous excitement when the call was extended to me to be in a leadership position for the organization. The other girls and advisors on the IC just took me under their wings and led me along...something that I am so grateful for.

The IC officers and advisors (minus Amanda)

After a year of meetings, parties, stressful planning, dances, firesides, and more, we wrapped up the year last night with our Spring Banquet. What a beautiful evening it was. The food, the music, the speakers...everything was so delightful. "My Soul Delighteth" was the year's theme and I can truly say that my soul has delighteth in IWA, the people I have met through it, and the experiences that I have had.

Me, Tori and Amanda

The IC Officers

Me, Lauren and Taneesa. They sang and honestly have the voices of angels.

The IC officers and advisors

Torie Welsh. What an incredible friend :)

My IWA journey is very different than most girls. And if there is one person I hope to someday meet, that would be Natalie Jolley. She was the original PR officer on the IC. She had been battling cancer for the past few years and passed away last August. That is where I came into the picture. Where the other IC members were called in the spring and attended training and began bonding, I was still oblivious to what IWA even was. When I was called in August, it was a very touching experience. Natalie's memory and legacy lives on strongly through the other girls. She must have been one amazing person. I am grateful for her example and the contribution she made to IWA.

Beauty is an understatement when talking about the girls of IWA. There are immense amounts of joy in this organization. That is something that I will always hold on to.

Well, life wouldn't be life if there weren't a few little road bumps. Life is beautiful in so many ways. It's springtime now and that means sunshine, blossoms on the trees, birds chirping in the mornings, flip-flops and capris, right? WRONG. Try rain, cold and what the heck, why not throw a little snow in there as well! That is what Logan is dishing out this week. It is not even a funny joke. It's days like today that I would drop my life and move to San Diego. No question.

At about 3:00 pm on campus

Yes, it is April 7.

So Utah has bipolar weather patterns in the springtime. You'd think that after almost 20 years of living in it, I'd be used to it and maybe even embrace the fact. WRONG AGAIN. I ask myself every winter/early spring why I live here. But then when the snow finally does clear out and those birds finally do wake me up in the morning, I realize why. Logan is one of the most beautiful places in the world. Maybe I'm biased, but nothing beats a summer in L-town. Mmmm yes, another one of those perfect summers is almost here! And that, my friends, brings me so much joy!

Spring Break, baby!

March 6th, 2011 was the first day of one beautiful week. Three weeks ago today, I was driving for what seemed like an absolute eternity. Remind me to save up my mula and do the airplane thing in the future. However, I was riding with a pretty fun group of peeps so it wasn't as miserable as that long drive to San Diego, California could have been. Let me now preface the story:

At my darling friend Madi Dodd's missionary farewell the week before, I was talking to my friend Karen Schmidt about spring break plans. Most of my friends already had plans or had to stay in Logan to work. I had gone on the trip of a lifetime (aka: Hawaii) just a few months before, so I shouldn't have been itching to go anywhere. But for some reason, I HAD to get out of Cache Valley. I had to get away from my life here and just have fun. So, I was devising a few different options of potential Spring Break plans. When Karen invited me to go to San Diego with her and a group of friends, I had absolutely no hesitations. Put me on board! And get me to some sun and warmth. ASAP.

So, six of us took off in the "Burb". Karen's brother kindly lent his sweet car to us and we drove the 15 hours to Cali. The first day in San Diego was a little chilly. But after that, it was warmth and beauty. I could totally get used to living by the beach. I mean, don't get me wrong, I love me some Utah mountains, but I would give them up for a while to live on the coast somewhere. The lifestyle just seems so chill and laid back. I love it! Here are a few pictures of the adventures in Cali.

Loading up in the "Burb"

The gang checking out a cool battleship from WWII

Throwing our pennies into the wishing fountain

We found a carousel at Seaport village. Childhood dreams coming true :)

San Diego, CA. Watching the sunset from the pier at Seaport.

Pacific Beach

Playing football

Getting buried in sand...or even better stated, getting abused.

A perfect day at the beach

The best drinks ever. D-Lush.

Bonfire on the beeeeeach

Riding bikes at Coronado

The San Diego Temple

Our ouchies :(

After three fantastic days in the sunshine of San Diego, we packed up the Burb and headed back to Las Vegas. We stayed in the Excalibur on the Stip....real classy, I know. I'm pretty sure that half of Utah State was in Vegas that weekend too. It was the WAC Tournament so you better believe that we got our tickets and supported our Aggies! Best part of it? WE WON the tourney! I've never sung the Scotsman so proudly. :) We also did a lot of other fun things, including two broadway shows. Karen and I were totally the show junkies of the group. I'm glad that she was there to go with me. We saw The Phantom of the Opera at the Venetian and The Lion King at Mandalay Bay. I literally got chills during the shows. They were UNREAL! Here are a few photos (and a video) of our adventures in Sin City.

Watching the water show at the Bellagio

The Phantom of the Opera

After the semifinal game of the WAC. Aggies won.

Three of THE cutest girls I have ever met.



My dear friend Ryan Neeley LOVES to dance. He even won some sweet stuff in Vegas for winning a dance-off. While laying out at the pool, there was a little dance party that started in the corner. The dancing consisted of...well, mostly dirty dancing. So good ol' Ryan decided to show everyone the right way to dance. They didn't really know how to react to him haha. Please enjoy this as much as we did :)

Doing baptisms at the Las Vegas Temple

The crew at The Lion King

Rushing the court after a stellar win! WAC Champions!

Celebrating on the court with all the fans

The trophy, baby!

Needles to say, it was a fantastic Spring Break. It was just what I needed. A week away from reality with a new group of people. I had a blast. Sometimes I wish that I could return for just a few days. In a dream world, it would be Spring Break every week. I will say though, by the 6th and final day, I was missing my life just a smidge. I missed eating my mom's home-cooked meals. I missed my pops asking me how my day went every day. I missed my little brothers constant sports analysis and chatter/the never ending sound of basketballs in my house. I even missed my older brother quietly popping in and out of the kitchen and chatting with him about life, dating, the future, etc. I was happy to come back to good ol' Logan, Utah. After a week of sleeping in foreign beds and eating out, I realized just how much I love my home and family. Just like Dorthy said in The Wizard of Oz,

There's no place like home.

Musical Genius

Two words: Sara B.


Sara Bareilles is one of my favorite music artists. She is brilliant when it comes to music. She can sing flawlessly, play the piano like a pro, and even play the guitar. She is amazing. If I could have anyone's voice, she would definitely be in the running along with Celine Dion, Lea Michele, Carrie Underwood, Idina Menzel, Whitney Houston, and a few others.

Why am I going on about her? Well, because lately I've been obsessing in this cover she did of Coldplay's song "Yellow". It is so good. If I could half just a drop of the musical genius that she has, I'd be set for life. Seriously. Here is the video of "Yellow" along with another arrangements "Single Ladies" that she's done. You'll fall in love with her too. Watch out. And enjoy!

Puzzle Pieces

Have you ever tried putting together a puzzle? The very beginning stage can seem confusing with all of the pieces scattered everywhere. They seem to have absolutely no connection and make zero sense. But when the puzzle is finally put together, it makes sense. The picture is complete. Well, in a way, my post today is just that. It's a bunch of random bits of my mind being put together in an online journal. But when it's all said and done, these random bits all combined simply create me. And if anything, at least that makes sense to myself. :)

So first off, Hannah at Fashion Diary of a Mormon Girl tagged me in her blog post. So I am continuing the blogging fun! It's this little game called "The Handwriting Game" that tells a little bit about myself and shows my handwriting. Kinda fun!

The last step is to tag 3 other bloggers so they can continue to the game. I tagged my friends Lauren, Blair and Kelsey....all of which have darling blogs that I read on a regular basis. Thanks Hannah for tagging me and letting me be a part of the fun!

This past week was Sisterhood Week with the IWA (Institute Women's Association). This was mine and Sarah Smith's big project for the year and needless to say, it turned out pretty awesome! There were some fun classes including Zumba, Crepe-making and a dating class. Now, I was a little timid about having a dating class but holy smokes, it was a big hit! Brother Hunsaker, a teacher up at the Institute, taught the class and did a fantastic job. The main idea was living our lives by principle rather than by circumstance. Here are a few of the thoughts that I wrote down during his lesson.

• Do you carry the gospel or does the gospel carry you?
• The Spirit won't ever talk when it's convenient. He wants to see if we'll listen.
• Happiness comes when we choose to live by eternal things. Satan can't manipulate truth, because it is eternal.
• When you live by principle, you have power to do very hard things.

Now for the dating advice:

• Purpose of a date: to learn about your date and serve him
• If he doesn't call you again, you will be fine because it wasn't all about you.
• Don't connect the circumstance with the principle.

Finally, he ended by talking about getting our hearts broken, something that is a fear for everyone. I would absolutely list that in the top 5 things I am most afraid of. He quoted C.S. Lewis:

"To love at all is to be vulnerable. Love anything and your heart will be wrung and possibly broken. If you want to make sure of keeping it intact, you must give your heart to no one, not even to an animal. Wrap it carefully round with hobbies and little luxuries; avoid all entanglements; lock it up safe in the casket or coffin of your selfishness. But in that casket--safe, dark, motionless, airless--it will change. It will not be broken; it will become unbreakable, impenetrable, irredeemable."

Beautifully said. I firmly believe that everyone that has ever felt even a little bit of heartache has wanted to lock their hearts and throw away the key. I can only imagine what it would be like to have a major heartbreak. This quote is pretty awesome. True happiness comes from things eternal. Love is eternal, so why shut our hearts away from that thing can can bring us true happiness?

Alright now for a little weekly update. I will take care of this through pictures. Enjoy!

Visiting my cousin Melissa and her baby Max in the hospital.

Out with the family.

Once upon a time I blogged about a snowstorm. It happened again.

The last Utah State home game of the season.

With my cute friend Whitli.

I LOVE UTAH STATE BASKETBALL!

For my last puzzle piece, I have to make note of the thing that has brought me sanity this past week. Sara Bareilles radio on Padora. I'm not kidding, I have been listening to it on my computer, on my phone getting ready in the morning, at work...almost 24/7. I'm afraid that I'm going to have my 40 hours maxed out for March before this first week is even over. Might I highly recommend that station though. Other current favorite Pandora stations include: Adele, Glee Cast, and Disney. I'm always open to new suggestions too. :)

Well, this upcoming week is Spring Break and I cannot even express how happy I am for a week off of school. No scratch that, more like a week off of life. I love breaks and everybody needs one once in a while. Spring break: just one more piece to add to the puzzle of my life.