Royal Wedding, Disney style.

Alright, so the Royal Wedding is kind of old news at this point. It happened a while ago and the hype is dying down. Which means this is probably old news too, but my boss (who is OBSESSED in the Royal Wedding, in every possible way) emailed me this picture the other day and I was blown away. Let's just say that Disney is reeeeally good at what they do. Obviously. See what I mean?

This picture is awesome! And the Royal Wedding was just delightful. Kate Middleton is one darling woman. I think everyone has fallen in love with her. I sure have. Well done, Prince William.

Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Mother's Day to the most amazing and beautiful woman in the world.

I am so grateful for my mom and all that she has done for me. What an incredible example she is. I could go on and on about her. But, instead, I created this "Prezi" all about her. (You know how people ask, "when will I ever use this in real life?" about a school assignment? Well, this Prezi software is something that I had to learn in my Instructive Technology class last semester. So Professor Shelton, I am doing some real-life application now. He would be so proud!)

Here is the link to the Prezi. I sure think my mom is great! Hope you enjoy :)

http://prezi.com/4kuvn7_mjo-p/marja-a-mother-who-knows/

And here are just a few pictures (that are included in the prezi) of my mom that I just love!

Engagement photo!

Love you mom. Happy Mother's day!

Happy Be-Lated Birthday, Big Brother!

Happy Birthday Matt!

So I'm a few days late in posting this, but it's the thought that counts right? My big brother Matthew Greg Bagley was born 22 years ago on May 3. And what a great 22 years he has lived so far. He's a great brother! He truly is.

His birthday fell during finals week this year, so he was pretty swamped on his actual day. But the Sunday before we had a nice dinner at my grandparent's house, which kicked off the festivities. Then on his actual birthday, we opened a few gifts that night. A couple days later we went to Hamilton's for a legit birthday celebration. I'd say that spreading a birthday out over about 5 days is an awesome way to do it. I'm committing that idea to memory for my birthday this year! :)

Opening presents on Matt's birthday

Birthday dinner at Hamilton's

So in celebration of my awesome brother, I thought that I would post 22 facts about him...one for each year. I am the only person in this world that gets to experience being his sister [because I am his only sister] so that's pretty cool, right? I have the inside scoop that peeps wouldn't know about him. :)

1. He is super organized in every area of his life. I can't think of one "messy" thing about him.
2. He works at the Kater Shop, which is feeding his love for dress clothes. His newest obsessions are paisley ties and fitted, colored shirts.
3. Matt has always been a "man". Ever since he was little, he has been perfectly dressed, had a perfect smile and been on his best behavior. I don't think he's broken the rules. Ever.

4. He is going to South America in a month to study abroad.
5. He is so incredibly smart. And he studies faithfully. It's pretty impressive.
6. He loves basketball. This love began at an early age with the Utah Jazz. Back in the days of Stockton, Malone, Hornacek, and Ostertag. A piece of his heart died when the Jazz lost to the Bulls in the NBA Finals.

7. He is studying finance and economics at USU and will graduate next spring.
8. He is secretly RICH. He claims otherwise, but I know that he's got a stash of mula in his bank account.
9. It is funny to watch him prepare his food. He has a very particular way in which he does it.
10. He served his mission to the Tucson, Arizona Spanish Speaking Mission.

11. We share a bathroom. He freaks out when he sees hair, but I can't help it...everyone sheds, right?
12. He has a good voice, but he would never sing a solo for anyone.
13. He had a girlfriend named Veronica in high school. Thankfully, she died when he went on his mission. (If you don't know about Veronica, who isn't really an actual person, that's a story for another post).

This is NOT Veronica. No one knows what she looks like. But Matt does have a thing for girl friends. Not girlfriends. There is a difference. :)

14. He was the father of the "White Knight" in high school. This was his white truck that unfortunately is also dead now.
15. Once upon a time, Matt had a deep love for Abba and James Blunt.
16. He speaks in this real bizarre voice from time to time. If only I had a recording of it, because no one will probably believe this.
17. Matt knows so much about the gospel. Whenever I have a question about a gospel topic, I ask my dad. If my dad isn't sure about the answer, he asks Matt. Matt usually always has an answer.
18. He got a perfect score playing scripture baseball. I wouldn't believe it, but I was there.
19. He hates the games Phase Ten and Apples to Apples.
20. Matt is quite charming. Always has been, always will be.

21. He is going to be incredibly successful in life. I have no doubt about it.
22. Although he is not perfect, he's on his way. He's the best big brother I could have ever asked for.

Happy Birthday, Matt! Here's to another 22 years of an incredible life.

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!