Just Some Christmastime Pics

No More Counting Dollars, I'll Be Counting Stars

You know when Christmas comes around and all of the sudden you are faced with an even greater demand of your time? You have to find out what people want, buy presents, follow traditions, decorate, buy a tree, find time to listen to Christmas music, bake, and so many other “Christmas-y” things. I got caught up in all of the hustle and bustle before December even began. You see, I wanted to get everything done before I started my job. I bought all of the presents for my family and had them wrapped before December 1^st. I had it down. The 1^st is when work began. On the first day of work my boss gave to me the longest day of orientation you ever did see. Sad thing is that this song isn’t quite as fun as the original because the second day was the same thing. After two days of orientation I actually started work. Thursday I felt like I spent all morning in traffic. I was thinking how a lot of my paycheck was going to go to tolls and gas. I got to work, and I did not know what to do. To be honest, I barely made it to my office. I was shown so many rooms all over the hospital the day before, and it was a little overwhelming for me. Worst of all, I had to stay late on my second day of work. Can you tell I had completely forgotten the spirit and meaning of Christmas? That night was the hospital’s tree lighting. That was exciting, but before the lighting, I got to go around the hospital with Santa Claus and pass out presents to the patients. At four we started, and the realization that I was focusing on all of the wrong things hit me. Seeing the stars in the kids’ eyes, seeing them be so genuinely happy no matter how sick they were, seeing them be so thankful for even the smallest presents, hearing a mom say, “This is the best hospital ever!” and give us all hugs as tears filled her eyes, and being able to be a part of this made my heart grow three sizes. After going around with Santa, we had the tree lighting and then we had him come out and kids could come and sit on his knee. Kids from all over came to see him. Most of them gave him a hug afterwards and said thank you multiple times. I loved the smiles that came to their faces (except those that took one look at him and burst out crying). After they saw Santa they each got a stuffed animal. I got to be an elf and pass them out. Once again I saw the stars. Even the kids that were crying smiled and hugged tight to those stuffed animals. The stars in those kiddos’ eyes were so bright it was like seeing the Christmas star in person. That is what Christmas is all about. It isn’t about the presents, Santa Claus, or shopping. Christmas is about remembering the most wonderful gift our Heavenly Father could have ever given us. It is about Christ, about His example. It is about love and service and joy. He is the gift. 

Just Hangin'

What have you been up to? I get that question all of the time. I feel like people expect to hear something amazing, and usually I don't have an answer other than my go to: just hangin'.  I can never think of what to say when they ask, but I have been up to a lot. I finished all of the things I have to do before starting work including getting my badge, finishing the HR paperwork, and getting my blood drawn and a shot (and they didn't even give me a princess bandaid...). The next day I went back up to the hospital to shadow a couple social workers there. You know how my life is just too exciting for me? Yeah well, I blacked out after visiting a couple patients. If it weren't for the two nurses behind me I would have fallen right to the floor. I was fine right after, but it was weird. I went to meet my mom for lunch but went to the bathroom first where there was soap all over the floor thanks to a child whose owner was MIA. So, of course, I biffed it again and landed hard on my left knee. After lunch I went home because falling twice is my limit. Friday I got to go shopping at the Chi Omega Market with Mom and Lisa. It was weird without Ashley, but I had fun anyway. We bought some really great stuff, and we got wiggle racers for Ryan and me. Two big kids riding two small cars is a sight, but I love them! Saturday I got to go see Mockingjay. This is the first time I didn't see a Hames movie on opening night, but I enjoyed it just as much opening weekend. SO GOOD. What else have I been up to? Staying up late, waking up early, playing with, training, and spoiling my puppy, watching some of my favorite shows and movies, and helping a lady in my ward with a research paper she is doing for the online program BYUI offers. I should learn to answer people better.
Also, my room looks a lot like Christmas. I got a small Christmas tree at Chi Omega since my old one disappeared at school. We also go Vivien a stocking and a Christmas collar. With all of that, a few ornaments, paper snowflakes I made, and presents that I wrapped so I could get them out of my closet, Christmas is coming even if it is only coming to my room.

Thanksgiving Thankfuls

I feel like this month is flying by which means Christmas is getting closer and closer. Oh boy. I need to get going on the presents thing, but for now I am not going to let Thanksgiving pass by without my annual list of things I am thankful for. Some you may realize are the same from last year, but at least I am consistent. 

1. A family that loves me no matter what. I get them for eternity!!
2. My beautiful, ornery, and 100% sassy puppy.
3. The gospel that I can learn from, love, and live every day.
4. A testimony that is forever growing and changing.
5. All of the friends that are always there for me and have given me all those fun, wonderful memories.
6. My job. Even if it is only seasonal.
7. All of the experiences I have been given. Even the hard ones.
8. The colors all around me that I am able to see and enjoy.
9. My talents. Sometimes I feel like I have none, but I am talented in my own special ways.
10. My patriarchal blessing and the promises given to me if I keep the commandments.
11. All I have going for me right now. I mean, seriously, I am only 20!
12. My role models. Where would I be without them?
13. Inspirational quotes that make my heart smile.
14. Sunshine. I just has to be on the list.
15. Uplifting music. Any music that makes you feel happy and just alive.
16. A warm, soft bed because sometimes I just don't want to leave it.
17. Movies. I love them, and they are a part of me.
18. Comfort foods. Popcorn and chocolate milk anyone?
19. BYU. Being a Cougar today and a Cougar forever. Long live the spirit of the Y!
20. Books. The classics, cheesy romance novels, and all the others that I love to read.
21. Having a living Prophet and apostles on the earth whose words I can access at any time.
22. All of the teachers I have had throughout my life that have helped make me who I am today.
23. My most prized possessions that only have meaning to me.
24. Temples. They are beautiful inside and out and make you feel that way too.
25. Seasons because I like the hot and cold, but please let there be moderation in all things!
26. Food and cooking. I love both!
27. Kids because there is so much we can learn from them.
28. Pictures and artwork. I love captured moments that can be kept forever.
29. Those moments when you laugh so hard that tears come and you forget to breathe. I cherish those.
30. Moments, memories, and everything else that reminds me I can do hard things because I can.

I Don't Care If Monday's Blue

Sunday I tried another singles ward. That makes three now. I think someone should write a book about the life of someone in singles wards. Adventures and Mishaps in Singles Wards. Maybe I should write it. Maybe I will. Anyways, there were maybe 12 people there. And the Primary from the family ward before came in and did their program for us. And Sunday School consisted of a teacher without a lesson planned. And Relief Society was a girl reading from the lesson book and sitting on the table with an all too short dress so flashes of red underwear were quite frequent. Sadly, it was still better than the Arlington one.
Monday... Oh Monday... I felt like nothing was going right. I had a job interview, and I was stressed. Good thing I got the position. Otherwise I probably would have broken down in tears right then and there. I mean, the rest of my day consisted of not being able to print my resume, it finally printing but coming out on two pages instead of one, and Vivien eating the paper snowflakes I had taped to my window. But, like I said, I got the job! It is only a seasonal job, but it is something. And, maybe it will give me a foot in the door for a job when this seasonal one is over.
The rest of the week went as usual. Vivien being a terror even though she has been sleeping more because it is so cold outside, errands, paperwork for my new job, and most importantly, talking to my friends. Julie Anne even wrote me a poem. I love all of my friends, and now that my picture board has pictures of all of them I love going in my room even more than I used to. It got cold here which means I can bring out the 2/3 of my wardrobe that has been hidden in a drawer or in the back of my closet. Winter!! It's like Utah, and it makes me smile. Wow. I never thought I would say that. Except, my feet do get cold at night because I don't like wearing socks to bed. I wouldn't mind it if Vivien, who is a little space heater, would let me put my feet on her. It's just bad because every time I do so she growls at me. This week I have also been cooking dinner a lot. I have been craving Cafe Rio. We don't have those in Texas so I made their pulled pork. Oh my yum. Dad said if it didn't get me a husband nothing would. It was that good.
Ryan got off school early today. Which obviously means that we made a pan of brownies and at it with forks while watching a movie wrapped in a blanket and later eating leftover pulled pork. If you want the recipe here it is!

A Little Bit of Everything

I went to the Dallas YSA ward this Sunday. I actually enjoyed it. People seemed a little too friendly and happy which reminded me of BYU. I may keep going there. I don't know... I wish it was closer or not in the middle of downtown Dallas. I hate navigating all the highways. It felt good to be in a normal ward. It felt even better wearing a cute fringe shirt that I have been looking for (I found it this weekend and Mom got it for me) and my hair up in a cute headband. Side note: I wanted a fringe shirt so badly partly because I am a Project Runway fan and the guy that I wanted to win and ended up doing so made a collection with fringe and partly because I love the style from the 20's like in Downton Abbey. This Sunday was even better than the last week. I actually went to the right ward this time! No Spanish ward for me!

Also, my room and bathroom are done! I no longer feel like I am in the wrong place. I have a grown-up, sophisticated room, and I love it. The gray and yellow just make me happy, and getting ready with the red plum color on the walls makes me feel regal. Did I mention how much I love my room and bathroom now that they are done?

 After church and dinner on Sunday Mom took Vivien and me to the pumpkin patch. It is Vivien's first Halloween. I had to document it! I think I embarrass her sometimes, but what are moms for if not to love and embarrass from time to time?

 So, Happy Halloween week everyone! Eat candy and have some fun.

You Win Some, You Lose Some

I have been home for a while now, and I have only been to the singles ward once (well, now I have been twice). Why, you may ask? Let me tell you. I went with my friend from another stake because she wanted to try out a different ward. On the way, many of the streets were blocked off. By the time we got there, there was no parking in the lot which literally has like eight parking spaces. I had never been before. I didn't know there was another lot they use. So, I parked on the street. We walked in to this all too small building and there were no seats. We sit in the foyer because it has started. We see the weirdest of all weird people walk in and out. All we can do is look at each other and laugh. So, after an hour of not being able to hear the speaker it is time for class. We watched as people went to class because we didn't know where to go. It looked like they were headed for a little shed-like building outside. Heck to the no. We decided to call it quits and leave.

I finally braved the unknown again today. As much as I dreaded trying something else new I got a little excited and tried to look as cute as I could. Driving to downtown Dallas wasn't bad at all. A couple minutes from the building I entered the ghetto and got somewhat worried, but when I saw the building I felt better. Too bad when I walked in I was handed a program... in Spanish. I got the time wrong. Excitement gone, I tried to casually make my way back to my car.
Good thing I have a sweet puppy who will come curl up in my lap when I get home. She makes everything better! You win some. You lose some. I just have to wait to win some. I'll keep trying. I found all of the singles wards in the area. There has to be one with normal people. :)

I'm Wishing...

Mom said to work on my wishlist. I have no idea what it is for because I already got my Christmas present. Well, it was ordered at least. Anyways, I figure I can wish all I want so here it goes. 

1. A new pair of brown boots. I had to retire mine last year because they had holes in the soles from me wearing them so much. 

 2. A jumpsuit. Laugh all you want. I love them. One with sleeves would be better, but I can always find something to wear over one without.  

 3. Cute shirts. I am having a hard time finding cute shirts right now, and somehow I always find myself in need of more shirts.  

 4. Oxfords. Need I say more? 

 5. My quilt. Right now it is just sitting in a bag waiting to be sewn together and quilted.  If only I could sew.

6. And two books from the LDS bookstore. One is all pictures of temples around the world and one is called "It's Better to Look Up." Both look like real winners.

That's really it. I mean, I have the cutest puppy (proof below) and my class ring is the Christmas present that has been ordered. I really have it made!

Oh My Heart... It Just Exploded

Having a fur baby is a lot like having a real baby. She just has fur. I love every moment I get to spend with her learning about and from her, and I love watching her personality develop over time. Having Vivien has made me think a lot about when I am really a mom. I cannot wait to possibly have a baby who looks like me, but I also cannot wait to possibly have one that looks like my husband. Either way it is going to be an adventure. Last night, I made a few promises to my future kids. Here it goes.

I promise: 

To not name you something ridiculous.

To read to you and tell you stories.

To sing to you and dance with you.

To cherish every moment I have with you even if you're driving me crazy because those moments won't last forever.

To show you how to fly.

To teach you to love life and love each other.

To help you build your testimony.

To always make you smile.

To buy you cute clothes. 

To laugh with you.

To memorize everything about you and love you more than I can express.

To take fun pictures.

To let your daddy show you how much he loves you.

To let you know that although I am not perfect (as you will one day learn), I'm doing the best I can.

To teach you that you are a child of God.

To let you go on adventures.

To let you have a puppy. Because that's important.

To let you make messes.

To show you how special you are.

To let you dress up but teach you that even superheros and princesses do their chores.

And finally, to tell you that you are my happily ever after over and over again.