Positively Megan

Herrrrooww?

2011-02-13T15:54:00.000-08:00

Remember when I used to blog here? That was back when I was good at doing things like keeping up with two blogs, taking lots of pictures, doing all my writing, normal work stuff of course, working out, having a social life and all that other good stuff all at once. Apparently my multi-tasking skills have decreased with age. Who knew turning 26 was going to take such a toll on me ;)
I blog tons...like every day at munchercruncher.blogspot.com, so if you're going through withdrawals head on over there. I even do giveaways and such every now and again. I promise if something super cool happens I'll try and be better about blogging here too. This interweb stuff gets overwhelming! SHEESH! ;)

Mary did you know?

2010-12-12T10:35:00.000-08:00

There are two Christmas songs that I don't like...
1) Mary did you know. Lindsey and I always laugh when we hear it together because both of us hate it and we hear it ALL the time.
2) The Christmas Shoes. Just give the kid the shoes already you greedy store keeper! Sheesh. The ultimate in depressing.

Anyways. The Christmas celebration continues.
December 6th: We had Christmas FHE at our Bishop's house. We went around the circle and told some of our favorite memories of Christmas, and fun traditions that we do. I told The Dollhouse Story, which is one that I will never forget. Oh you sneaky family you. It still makes me laugh. It was so fun to just go around and hear all of the fun and Christmas-y things that people do. It really helped to bring the spirit of Christmas. The only qualm I had was my seating location. I was sitting next to their revolving tree that had a reindeer that was just at my eye level. Every time the tree revolved around the reindeer stared me down...I made Brady take a picture with it.

I don't think this photo does it justice.
December 7th: A VERY busy day. My goal for the day was to read Luke 2 because I knew that there wasn't going to be much time for festivities. Benita (FINALLY) came home from NY, so her Sara Beth and I ended up laughing our heads off on my bed until like 12:30 AM. I had to be up for work at 5:00 AM, so I ended up going to bed. What is more Christmas-ish than laughing with friends, anyways?
December 8th: Ginger bread houses! SO FUN!!

Alex's "Falling Water" inspired by the late Frank Lloyd Wright, and my classic house.

My house and Mark's "pyramid."

Moss did some great work with his assistant Sara Beth. They built in the rich neighborhood.

Rodney's duplex's and Benita's extremely stable floor plan.

Ryan Moss, Dean Peterson, Benita Bates, and Alex Merchant. Rodney Hansen, Lance Moses, Sara Beth Johnson and Mark Keller.

The Pride Family Christmas House Decoration Contest. (We missed you Lola and Ryan!)

December 8th: Christmas Music Day. Nothing but Christmas Tunes...allllll daaaayy longggg.

Favorites as of right now?

- Christmas With The Rat Pack

- Nsync Christmas, still...it's hard not to love it when you know every word to every song.

- Glee Christmas.

- I'm ok with Jessica Simpson's new Christmas album. She still kinda bugs.

December 9th: Ward Christmas Party. Always a good time.

December 10th: Elevate Christmas Party. I love the people I work with!

I hope your holidays continue to be festive and fun!

Fa-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la

2010-12-05T21:29:00.000-08:00

I had to sing that a lot of times in my head to make sure I got enough "la's." This December has turned out to be extremely awesome thus far, and here is why.

I decided to do something "Christmas-y" every day until Christmas. I, unfortunately, hate winter. So, I decided to make this winter AWESOME. It's all in your attitude, right? This is what I've got so far...

December 1st: Baked gingersnaps and gave them away to hungry neighbors. What smells more like Christmas than gingersnaps?
December 2nd: Made a count down to Christmas, paper Chain and watched the classic clay, stop-motion film, Santa Claus Is Coming To Town. "Just put one foot in front of the other..." Did you know that was made in 1970? No wonder why it feels like Christmas when I see those. I've probably watched it every year of my life since I was BORN. I love them. It was more like Ryan made the paper chain while Sara Beth and I exchanged Christmas music and watched clips of Conan O'Brian wearing jeggings. Worth it.

And voila...the final product...
(and of course more phone pictures...)

December 3rd: I drug my friends to the live nativity at the Provo Tabernacle. They are good sports. It was quite humorous...Basically there was a 40 year old recording that the "cast" mouthed to awkwardly, a chinese Angel Gabriele, two individuals having a sign language battle, and a baby Jesus that almost crawled off the stage. Needless to say we were trying to hide our laughter 90 percent of the time. Oh, and I forgot to mention the live animals outside. Oh hello Sally...

We ended the evening with some warm soup at Gloria's Little Italy, hot chocolate, and a showing of How To Train Your Dragon. That movie is precious.
December 4th: Christmas Gift Planning and Sara Beth and I participated in some ABC Family Christmas Movie Marathon...Hello Harry Potter, which we later drug our neighbors in to as well. I also met up with Janae for some frozen yogurt, which was SO fun. I feel like frozen yogurt can be holiday-appropriate for any holiday of the year, or any non-holiday.
December 5th: Read two Christmas talks. Roxanne and I are trying to read a Christmas themed talk every day (I had to catch up from yesterday, so I read two today.) It has been awesome to help get me in the right spirit of Christmas. Today's talk was exceptionally great. What are you going to give Christ for Christmas?
Church was really AWESOME today. It was definitely decked with holiday cheer, and the Christmas devotional was great as well. President Uchtdorf is awesome.

So far I feel like the month is off to a great start :)
Oh and yesterday I received the BEST news ever...The Fitches are moving back to Utah!!!!!!!!! Oh my gosh. this made my day.

My last thankful day.

2010-11-30T21:57:00.000-08:00

November 30th. Although some of my posts have been pretty scarce, I have loved the thought process of having to evaluate my day each day and think of what I am truly thankful for. I feel like I could probably go for a year of posting something daily, and I would still be coming up very short. I purposely saved my most thankful thought for the last day because It is by far the most important. Today, and every day, I am thankful for my Savior, Jesus Christ.

I am a basket case a lot of the time, let's be honest, but the one thing that keeps me grounded is my faith in Jesus Christ. I am so grateful for his atoning sacrifice in my behalf. I am eternally indebted to him for that. I am grateful for his capacity to understand and know us each individually. I am grateful that because of that capacity, He is able to help me with His grace. I am grateful for the knowledge of the gospel I have, and for the plan of salvation; knowing that because of his atoning sacrifice I will get to be with my family forever.

I don't know if there is a better way to say it than through these words...

I know that my Redeemer lives.
What comfort this sweet sentence gives!
He lives, he lives, who once was dead.
He lives, my ever-living Head.

He lives to bless me with his love.
He lives to plead for me above.
He lives my hungry soul to feed.
He lives to bless in time of need.

He lives to grant me rich supply.
He lives to guide me with his eye.
He lives to comfort me when faint.
He lives to hear my soul’s complaint.
He lives to silence all my fears.
He lives to wipe away my tears.
He lives to calm my troubled heart.
He lives all blessings to impart.

He lives, my kind, wise heav’nly Friend.
He lives and loves me to the end.
He lives, and while he lives, I’ll sing.
He lives, my Prophet, Priest, and King.
He lives and grants me daily breath.
He lives, and I shall conquer death.
He lives my mansion to prepare.
He lives to bring me safely there.

He lives! All glory to his name!
He lives, my Savior, still the same.
Oh, sweet the joy this sentence gives:
“I know that my Redeemer lives!”
He lives! All glory to his name!
He lives, my Savior, still the same.
Oh, sweet the joy this sentence gives:
“I know that my Redeemer lives!”

So much to be Thankful for...

2010-11-29T22:35:00.000-08:00

I could go on. It's amazing how sitting to think and pick one thing that I am thankful for from my day has really caused me to reflect on how many blessings I have in my life. I think that the holidays can really make us take a look at what is important in our lives. Today I am grateful for tender mercies. I am amazed at how clearly I can see the Lord's hand in my life when I am looking for it. The tender mercies that occur happen so frequently. When you look at it in that respect, you can't deny the truthfulness of this gospel. This year has been a really challenging one for me, and it continues to be so. I have several things that I look at from the forefront and think...how in the world is this going to work out? However, I know that it always does. I know that every single thing that we go through is not without purpose. Our job is to find the lessons in our trials, and learn from them. It is the tender mercies that we experience each day that remind us that we are going to be ok, that we have someone looking out for us.

1 Nephi 1:20 - "But I Nephi, will show unto you that the tender mercies of the Lord are over all those whom he hath chosen, because of their faith, to make them mighty even unto the power of deliverance."

Bless you daddy-o

2010-11-28T23:02:00.000-08:00

We left AZ at 8 AM.
What should have been a 9.5 hour drive turned into a 12.5 hour drive...Looks like the weatherman was a little off on the great blizzard of 2010.
Lots of snow.
Lots of cars.
Not a lot of speed.
Today I am grateful for answered prayers and dad's who drive like Greg Biffel. Way to go daddy-o.

Deck The Halls...

2010-11-27T23:02:00.000-08:00

Christmas lights really are magical. Today I helped my mom put up Christmas decorations, and it just makes me smile. There is something about those lights that just makes me happy. Throw in a little green and red glitter, and some fancy schmancy ornaments and I'm a goner. I love Christmas!!

It is always fun to help my mom with holiday things because she is so dang good at it. She has so much attention to detail, and she is so creative. I followed her around all day today. I'm pretty sure I have been following her around since I was tiny, and what a great example to follow. She is absolutely amazing. One of the most positive, upbeat, genuinely loving people I know.

(One day the phone photos will stop...that day is not today)

Today I am grateful for examples. It's been fun to be here with the Barney family, and get to hang out with Nichole, as well. Watching her with her kids, friends, and even strangers I am always amazed because she is just such a positive, fun, optimistic person. Everyone loves to be around her. I have always looked up to her, as well as my big sister Lindsey, who was kind enough to let me mimic her my entire life...She is another great example of someone who I want to grow up to be like! I am so blessed with awesome friends and family members who I look up to so much. I am not ready to go home. I just keep getting texts about how cold it is, and dad and I are supposedly driving through a storm tomorrow. Wish us luck. I'll miss you AZ sunshine. xoxoxo

Black Friday

2010-11-26T23:19:00.000-08:00

People are crazy. I rather enjoyed sleeping in and going to the gym when I woke up this morning. I just don't have that desire to fight the crazy crowds to save a buck I guess. More power to ya for those that do. Today's events included...
- a mid-morning trip to the gym (it's always more fun to work out when you're with people you love)
- an afternoon trip to Target, the one place we decided to brave on this chaotic shopping day
- going to see Tangled. SO cute. I loved it. We saw Unstoppable last night and it was awesome as well.
- dinner at Dayna Park (a collaboration of Paradise Bakery, Pei Wei, and Sauce)
- games at the Barney's, always a good time.

We had so much fun, and it was a beautiful day. 70 degrees in fact. The sun was shining and the sky was gloriously blue. Today I am grateful for the sunshine. It really just makes me happy. I hope that Utah decides to treat me right when I return on Sunday.

Full and Grateful

2010-11-25T22:24:00.000-08:00

I'm stuffed. Today has been such a great day. My mom and I went to the gym this morning. I came home and dyed my hair, and then the cook-off began. We were in the kitchen cooking and prepping for a good part of the day. It was so fun. I loved being along side my mom helping out. She is an incredible hostess, and she puts such detail into things, which just makes it really fun. After dinner we went to see Unstoppable, which was great. Then it was back home for dessert. I am so happy to have been able to spend this time with my family. Today I am grateful for traditions. Some of our standard Thanksgiving day traditions are;
- Dad cooking the Turkey
- Mom's Rolls
- cornbread stuffing, I am not a huge stuffing eater and this stuff is good.
- mom's cinnamon apples that nobody likes
- kids making gumdrop turkeys
- candy corns under the plate for the prayer
- saying three things we're thankful for
- lots of leftovers
- pumpkin pie
- going to see a movie
- watching Home Alone (miss you linds)
- lots of laughing

What a good day :) Happy Thanksgiving!!

Turkey Day Eve

2010-11-24T21:14:00.000-08:00

Today was a solid day of favorite things. We woke up and picked up Nichole and headed to Last Chance. Love that place. I walked away with some gold Sperry's, and cute sweatshirt and some Betsey Johnson tights. I felt good about the purchases. I did not, however, feel good. I started feeling sick on Monday night, back in Utah. It got worse yesterday, and my mom was kind enough to send me to bed pumped full of meds, like a good mom should. I woke up this morning still feeling not myself. It's amazing how even your favorite things seem like a chore when you don't feel good. After we went to Last Chance we headed over to Fashion Square mall which is AMAZING. It just seems to keep getting bigger, and better. We ate at The Pita Jungle. I wish they had one in Utah. It's so good. My mom and I split a turkey pesto pita, and it was SO good. After lunch we went to H&M and F21, two of my favorites, and I was ridiculously unmotivated to shop. I was absolutely exhausted, and didn't even care to look much. What?!? That is not me.

After we got home my mom and I decided to get some of the baking done for tomorrow. She made a pumpkin cheesecake, and I made my healthy pumpkin pie and some healthy oatmeal pumpkin chip cookies. That took us a while, and by the time we were all done we were hungry for dinner again, so we went and ran some errands and picked up some Paradise Bakery soup and salad to go. Another place I love with my whole heart. We came home and my mom and dad did some more cooking prep for tomorrow while I blogged and sang Christmas music :) I feel WIPED. It's super annoying. It made me realize how grateful I am for good health. Today I am thankful for a healthy body. It's amazing how much I take it for granted. I do so much in a day; work, lots of working out, normal day to day functions, sleep, and hardly ever take the time to realize how amazing the body is for doing all these great things. What an incredible blessing.

Total unrelated side note:
This morning I get the following text from Benita...

Benita: You missed a real floozy. (This is the view of Highland Park from our apartment, post last nights "snowpocolypse")
Me: hahahaha I am so lucky. I don't think I would have made it out of our parking lot.
Benita: I knew it was a hoax.
Me: The Blizzard of 2010...one for the books. We will be telling our grand kids about this one.
Benita: I am a survivor.

We make me laugh.

It's the end of the world as we know it, and I feel fine.

2010-11-23T19:23:00.000-08:00

Get out your 72 hour kits. The snow hype today in Utah was CRAZY. I swear I never remember hearing anything like this before. It seemed like we were living in Arizona and this foreign element called snow was going to be coming. Everyone was leaving work, school, and whatever else they were doing. Wait...haven't we had snow every winter...ever...in Utah? Calm down everyone.

I was at the airport and my plane was delayed a couple of hours, but I made it to Arizona just fine. I guess after my flight left they pretty much canceled all other flights, so I was extremely glad I made it out OK. I am anxious to hear how this storm really goes down. Keep me posted UT peeps, k?

Today I am thankful to be home. I love being home for the holidays. I can't wait to hang out here for a few days. I wish the whole fam could be here. We will definitely miss them!

So long. Farwell.

2010-11-22T22:15:00.000-08:00

I've seen enough of these faces for the week.

The dog days are over. Thanks again to Benita for saving my scared little hind. The dogs randomly started freaking out at three in the morning last night, which threw us both off a bit...we scare easy. Turns out everything was ok...as far as we know that is.

I go to AZ TOMORROW. Yessss....I really can't wait. It's going to be awesome. I think I've talked to my mom like 6 times on the phone today. You'd think I never get to see her...sheesh.

Our pilot light in our house is SO annoying and won't stay lit. Our landlord was supposed to fix it like last year, but hasn't. Sometimes I'll come home in the day, like today, and our house will be colder inside than it is outside. It's amazing the difference it makes as soon as it comes on and it's warm again. Today I am thankful for a warm place to live. I can't imagine what it would be like to be cold all the time. I think of the pioneers and realize I would have probably died, or been purposefully left behind for my complaining. I don't know if I could hack it, seriously. I know there are people who don't have warm beds to come home to, and that breaks my heart. I feel very blessed.

Countdown until I'm in AZ: one day.

2010-11-21T19:10:00.000-08:00

I countdown to my vacations funny. Or so I'm told. I don't count the current day, and I don't count the day I leave. It's closer that way. I talked to my mom tonight and I'm even more excited to go. Why do I love being there so much? Oh wait I know...while I am there my life consists of sleeping in, playing with my family, working out, following my mom and sister Nichole around, making Kiley hang out with me, playing games with everyone, going to movies, shopping, eating lots of frozen yogurt, going to dinner at all my favorite places, laying out, being warm, sunshine...sounds rough huh?

Sundays really are divine. Benita and I woke up early to dogs panting outside the door of the room we are sleeping in. Yep, I'm still dog sitting. Benita has pretty much saved me by coming and staying the night with me. I don't know what I would have done with out her! I decided to make some muffins for ward council because I had the time...and then we had a great meeting. Our bishop talked to us a lot about how much we can make a difference in the life of one person. It kinda lit of fire under me. It was great to hear.

Church itself was great as well. A bunch of us in the ward, (mostly my good friends, coincidentally) were assigned to a dating class. Today we talked about what girls and guys hate about dating and it was pretty dang funny. The conclusion: guys shouldn't talk about themselves, girls should be more honest with their interest levels, guys shouldn't take girls on marathon dates, girls need to give guys more of a chance, girls and guys both just need to be patient. "It all works out." Marriage really is a miracle. Oh dating...isn't it so fun? I can't wait for the day when I look back on the dating years and think...how funny...why did I stress so much about everything? That day will come, right? Today I am thankful for this stage in my life. Hard as it may be. Frustrating as it may be. I am constantly learning and growing, and I know I definitely have a lot more learning and growing to do.

I wanna be just like Dorothy

2010-11-20T23:34:00.000-08:00

Who doesn't love sparkles? I remember being a little girl and seeing the glittery red mary jane shoes that looked just like Dorothy's shoes from the Wizard of Oz, and drooling all over them. Benits fulfilled a childhood dream and got me these bad boys for my birthday. Glitter, Toms, and Black. All of my favorite things combined.

(Don't judge the fact that my left ankle is still twice the size of my right ankle. NBD.) Just like I thought...it started snowing tonight. Goooooooooo. It's happening. However, it makes me realize that today I am grateful for clothes and shoes to keep me warm in this wintery weather.

November 19th and All is well.

2010-11-19T23:15:00.000-08:00

It's almost the end of November. How in the world did time fly by this quickly? I mean...I'm stoked that I'm three days shy of departure to AZ. I can't wait for sunshine and warmth. It's starting to get cold here, and I don't like it. I think I get less and less resistant to the cold every year. I am not really cut out for these temperatures, this smug sky, and these white skin tones. I like warm, and tan, and happy. But...it's amazing that we've made it this far with out any insane snowstorms or anything. Today I am grateful for 60 degree weather on November 19th. Who would have thought? I'm sure tomorrow will be 30 degrees colder and full of snow, but today was nice. At least I know I can make it until tuesday, and then the warm will be right ahead.

Betty Crocker

2010-11-18T21:59:00.000-08:00

Baking is like therapy for me. I love creating things in the kitchen, and the smells warmth that comes along with it. Tonight we had enrichment with our bishops wife and she showed us how to make pumpkin pie from a fresh pumpkin...pretty awesome. The whole time we were there I was just reminded of how much I like baking with my mom. She is such an awesome cook, and I feel like I've learned SO much from her. I made these yummy Cinnamon Sweet Potato Muffins tonight. They are healthy and SO delicious.

Today I am grateful for my love for baking. I can't wait to have a family to cook for one day. Did I mention that I am dog-sitting right now? One of my clients went to Mazatlan and, so here I am. Bless Benita's heart for keeping me company over here. I owe her...

"You just need to have more faith."

2010-11-17T22:38:00.000-08:00

That is what my mom told me last week when I was talking to her on the phone. Mom's are so smart. Such a simple phrase, but %100, completely true. I was reading my scriptures today when I came across this verse.

Ether 12:4

"Wherefore, whoso believeth in God might with surety hope for a better world, yea, even a place at the right hand of God, which hope cometh of faith, maketh an anchor to the souls of men, which would make them sure and steadfast, always abounding in good works, being led to glorify God."

Believing in God = surety and hope for a better world.

hope comes from faith.

faith helps us to be sure and steadfast.

As I read this over a few times I heard my mom's voice in my head, "You just need to have more faith. Everything will work out."

And I realized she was right. I need to have more faith. When we believe in the Lords power to aid us, in his Grace (divine means of help or strength) everything does work out. Today I am grateful for the scriptures, and the simple, yet profound, truths they teach. And of course for moms who know everything.

Huppy Burt-day! (said like GusGus from Cinderella of old)

2010-11-16T16:20:00.000-08:00

Benita Marie Bates is 25 ladies and gentleman.

It is true. She did it.

Today I am 100 percent grateful for Benita. She has been an amazing friend to me. She lets me hang out with her all the time, and doesn't even care that I sing the end of my sentences sometimes.

She is genuinely caring, hilarious, and loyal. She is loved by everyone she knows...that just sounded like a sentence from a eulogy...but it's true. She is one of the greatest people I know, and I am SOOO glad we're besties.

(Here is a throw back photo for ya...) Happy B-day Bernice. You are the cheese to my macaroni. Although I don't really like cheese or macaroni. You are the granola to my frozen yogurt. There we go. Now, That is love.

Surprise Surprise Puppy Surpise!

2010-11-15T15:56:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow Beans is 25. (Beans is Benita...cute nick-name, huh?) We're all really glad it stuck. She isn't so glad. I have been up late trying to get all the b-day prep in order, so from the second she wakes up she is celebrating. Tonight I have wrapped 25 presents/thoughts/surprises for her to wake up to.

I have them all timed out for her to open one an hour. I can't WAIT for her to wake up. I feel like a parent on Christmas Eve...not that the surprises are that great or anything, but I just get giddy when I think someone is genuinely going to be surprised. I hope she likes them!

A lot of the surprises have to do with funny memories, or inside jokes that we've had in our bazillion years of being best friends. I did some good reminiscing while putting this all together. Today I am grateful for memories. The best times in my life have been shared with the people I love, and thinking back on them makes me incredibly happy.

Lotsa love up in here.

2010-11-14T22:14:00.000-08:00

This has been a raiiiny Sunday. I'm glad it was rainy today though, one of those days where you're not too sad to be inside wrapped up in a blanket. I can still hear the rain outside my window, and I hope it stops by tomorrow. Please Mother Nature? Thank you.

Today in Relief Society we were talking about visiting teaching, and taking the time to look out for each other as sisters. A darling girl that I adore raised her hand and said that she was so grateful for me reaching out to her when she came into the ward. I didn't deserve an ounce of the nice things she said, but it made me think a lot about my last calling and what a complete blessing it's been in my life. As I was sitting through the rest of church I thought of a couple of instances where I had some sort of interaction with five or six girls over the past couple weeks that I became really close with when I was the RSP. They were girls that I maybe wouldn't have got to know so well otherwise, and they are SO incredible. I am thinking back now and my calling came at such a crucial point in my life. I had just moved away from being with Benita and Roxies, and I felt super lonely. My calling forced me to get out and get to know people, specifically the amazing girls in my ward and I gained so many new friends. I was one hundred percent blessed. It was amazing to sincerely feel so much love for all of the girls I was serving. Although, I received more love than I knew what to do with, and I know the girls in my ward did a lot more for me than I ever did for any of them. It made me realize how the Lord's hand really is in every detail of our lives. Today, and everyday, I am grateful for callings in the church. I am grateful for the way they make us stretch, for the people they mold us into, and for the blessings that come from serving in whatever capacity you are placed with all of your abilities.

On our own we may not be capable of much, but with the Lord working along side us, leading us along, and pushing us from behind, we can accomplish more than we would ever imagine.

P.S. Our Trip to Park City was so much fun...

We stayed in a suite at the Westgate at the Canyons

Had some dinner at the Main Street Pizza & Noodle.

Did a little hot tubbing, both outdoors and in.

Drank some sparkling cider whilst playing card games. Uno gets craaazy.

And Laughed a LOT.

My friends are pretty dang awesome.

Everybody's Working For The Weekend

2010-11-13T19:17:00.000-08:00

I love Saturdays with no agenda. I woke up, went to the gym, came home and had time to clean my room and bathroom, do laundry and get ready. It's just nice to not have to be anywhere specific. Today I am grateful for weekends. Don't get me wrong, I love my job. I like feeling productive, but I also love to have some time that is schedule free. Tonight we are heading up to Park City for a night of fun and adventure, but for now I'll leave you with some photos from Ryan's B-day yesterday.


Ryan's B-day Dinner with the Pride at Tucanos.

Ryan got all his b-day wishes as far as treats were concerned. Lola made him a bloody zombie cake, Benita and I made him a Lady cake, (Pamela) and he got his specialized B-day sugar cookies. It was a celebration indeed. We sang to him three times, once of which was to Fifty Cent's, "Yo Shorty, It's your birthday..." What can we say, we like a good dance party.

Celebrate Good Times, COME ON!

2010-11-12T23:43:00.000-08:00

I actually hate that song. For the record. But it was just so fitting.Today was the fabulous Ryan Moss's B-day. I actually do have more pics to post, but for now this photo of our B-day cookies for him will have to do.

My mom instilled the love for sugar cookies into us as kid's I'm pretty sure. We made them for every holiday. I have mentioned before my mom's love for holidays in general, and how much that has rubbed off on all of us kids. I realize this more and more as time goes on. I pretty much think any holiday is great. Who doesn't enjoy celebrating, no matter what the occasion? It gives me something fun to look forward to. I'm so glad we got to celebrate Ryan's B-day with him today. Today I am grateful for holidays. Another chance to celebrate life and smile. :) (And bake of course...)

Sleeeeeepy

2010-11-11T22:08:00.001-08:00

Today I am grateful for my bed...I don't think that even needs an explanation.

My lil' baby Mac

2010-11-10T20:36:00.000-08:00

I got a laptop computer my second year of college, we're talking 2004 folks. It was like a dream come true. I used it faithfully all through my college years. We laughed together. We cried together. We wrote lots of papers, emails, and facebook messages. We listened to a lot of music and watched a lot of shows on line. We talked on MSN and Gchat a LOT. We stored a TON of photos. We wasted a lot of time online...I'm sure.
Then one day I graduated college, and though my once new electronic genius, was growing older and slower by the day, we still hung in there together. We would patiently wait 10 minutes for it to turn on. We laughed and cried a little when it started sounding like a spaceship was taking off, or a vacuum whenever I used it. We got annoyed when it decided to randomly turn off because I'd been using it too long and it overheated and gave up, but we were patient. We had been friends for a while, remember? Friends are friends for a reason.
And then I began saving my money...secretly so my lifelong partner in cybercrime (not real cybercrime...figuratively speaking of course) wouldn't know. 5 years old in computer years is like 200. My little dinosaur had seen better days. Finally, about a year ago this time I had enough to buy a new computer and the lil' baby macbook was born.

Life changing I tell you. Sadly, I never opened the other computer again. Sometimes relationships are like that ya know, you just have to move forward and not look back...or you'll turn to salt, or something. Because of this lil' guy I have been able to do so much more with my fitness blog and my (work in progress) website. I don't think I could have even attempted working on either with my old computer. Yikes. Today I am grateful for my laptop. I am a convert to the Mac family. Once you go Mac you never go back.

Daddy-O

2010-11-09T21:18:00.000-08:00

This man is the best. For reals.

I don't know how many of you know Les, but he is awesome. One of the kindest, most hard working, loving, genuine, Christ-like people that I know. He was an answer to my prayers today, and believe me it wasn't the first time. I love him OH so much. Today I am definitely grateful for my dad!

Call all that you want, but theres no one home, and you're not gonna reach my telephone...

2010-11-08T15:11:00.000-08:00

Oh Lady Gaga...I just love her. If you have no idea what the title of this post means please watch HERE and come out from under that rock you've been hiding under. Sometimes cell phones are annoying. Sometimes all you want to do is throw it as far away as possible, so nobody knows where you are. BUT, then there are those times when you are beside yourself and all you want to do is talk to your mom, and you know you can reach her because she has her cellular device, and you can talk to her right that second and it's allll better. Today I am grateful for my cell phone, and that my mom still picks up when I call. :)

And yes, Lady Gaga is completely insane, but she gets me every time.

Come Fly With Me, Come Fly, Let's Fly Away...

2010-11-07T11:25:00.000-08:00

Linds, Trav, and Colston flew back to Austin this morning. It was so fun to have them here for the weekend. I still don't quite know how to deal with going from seeing my sister Lindsey just about every other day, for pretty much my whole life, to only getting to see her a few times a year. I don't appreciate the 1,400 miles that are between us. I'll take whatever I can get though! Today I am grateful for airplanes. For bringing this lil' guy to me this weekend...

Don't judge the phone pic. Isn't he adorable? He is a little fireball, and I love every ounce of him.

Saturday Sweat Fest

2010-11-06T20:41:00.000-07:00

If you didn't know I'm somewhat of a health nut/exercise addict. Read HERE for more info on that.
My Saturday workout today went a little something like this...

Janae's Spin Class (Oh how I love both Janae, and her class. Love. Love. LOVE.)

30 mins on the elliptical
45 mins of lifting

It felt GREAT today. Some days are rough, and it's hard to get to the gym but it always feels SO good after. Exercise is what keeps me sane. It is what gets my mind off of all the craziness. This past month has been really rough on me because I haven't been able to work out as hard as I'm used to due to the torn tendon in my foot. I am pretty much only able to do the elliptical, and spin as of right now. I was thinking today how not being able to do my normal routine has made me really grateful for good health and what I can do. Exercise is something that I need in my life and I don't know what I'd do without it. Today I am grateful for exercise. I may not always be so enthused about working out, but I feel so good when I do.

Where can I turn for peace?

2010-11-05T15:54:00.000-07:00

I had a bishop a few years ago who challenged us as a ward to do what he called, "The List." It was a list of what we should be doing on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis to have the spirit with us. The breakdown was something like this...

Daily:
Kneel in prayer morning and night
Study the Scriptures
Read a conference talk

Weekly:
Attend all church meetings
Write in Journal
Spend time serving, doing your calling

Monthly:
Attend the temple
Read Patriarchal blessing
Do home and visiting teaching

I took the challenge from the bishop and tried to implement these practices into my life and I really feel like I grew, and my testimony was strengthened more than it had ever been up to that point. I have maintained these habits, and I am so grateful for them. During this time I decided that I needed to try and read my scriptures in the morning, so I could have a better start to my day, and hopefully begin with the spirit as my companion. I now love to read my scriptures while I am eating my breakfast. I have really grown to love doing this. I mean who doesn't love breakfast already...add in some spiritual nourishment and you're golden.

Today I was eating my lunch and I was starting to stress about somethings that I am going through and have on my mind. I started to get that helpless/hopeless feeling that Satan throws as us to try and bring us down, and I looked up and my scriptures were still open from where I had been reading earlier that morning. A rush of calm came over me and I was instantly wanting to read and feel that peace. I have been studying the topic of light, and it has been fascinating. I truly believe that satan wants us to feel dark and alone, but the second we let even a glimmer of Christ into our lives the light that comes with the spirit will flood through all the darkness. Today I am grateful for my scriptures and the peace they bring. I have sincerely grown to love them and the truths they teach.

When You're the Best of Friends

2010-11-04T11:03:00.000-07:00

Tonight I was able to go to dinner with some friends that I have had for over 10 years. Amazing. That is a long time. Benita and I met up with Chels, Ally, and Emmie and It was SO fun. So good to see them, laugh and catch up. Way to get us all together Chels, cheers to you. I wished I had a photo now...oops. On the way home I was thinking about how blessed I have been my whole life to have AWESOME friends. So, today I am grateful for friends. We all know I can be straight up crazy at times, and I have always been so lucky to have people close to me that love me for who I am, crazy or not. I consider it one of my greatest blessings in life. Thank you for being such good friends to me.

I have pretty amazing friends.

The Music of My Heart

2010-11-03T12:44:00.000-07:00

As I am sitting here doing some work on my computer I have my Itunes playing and some songs that come on just instantly lift my mood. It made me realize that today I am grateful for music. It is such a big part of my life. I have always had an obsession with finding new music. I don't know if that comes from dancing all my life and loving moving to music, and now loving to workout to all my favorite songs. I think I love it because sometimes it can say exactly what is coming from your heart when you don't really know how to put it in to words. It can evoke such strong emotions and memories and I love that.

I feel this way with church music. I'm always so touched by the spirit when I hear our whole congregation singing my favorite hymns. I will almost always be brought to tears when I hear THIS song.

I will always want to get up and dance when I hear THIS song.

I will always start laughing when I hear THIS song.

I will always think of my dad when I hear THIS song.

THIS song is keeping me going at the gym for the past month-ish.

My current new favorite is THIS song...or maybe THIS one. I think I like too many to pick just one.

I think THIS song will be one of my all time favorites forever.

What would I do without this little gem? I have NO idea.

I could go on and on and on. I really could. I think that my love for music has also created in me a love for silence and the time to ponder with out noise. As much as I love to roll down my windows and let the music blare while i sing my little heart out, (thinking i can sing of course,) I sometimes love to drive in silence just as much to be able to have the time to just think and ponder.

For Christmas I got a guitar, and I've LOVED learning to be able to play and make my own music. There is something therapeutic about it to me.

Oh what a beautiful morning, oh what a beautiful day.

2010-11-02T22:59:00.000-07:00

Today I am grateful for the Sunshine. I have a hard time with this whole winter business. I like warmth and sunshine and tan skin...

You know...the kind of sunshine where you have to wear a hat and glasses because it's just so pleasant and sunny. Can you tell I'm missing the warmth of summer already? True story. Today was a very sunny day, and I loved it. Trying to soak up all the Vitamin D that I can before we go in to hibernation mode.

So Grateful.

2010-11-01T20:05:00.000-07:00

September 12th? Really? That was the last time I blogged...Awesome Megs, way to keep up with the times. I've since been to Lake Powell, went to the B.O.B/Jason Derulo concert, tore a ligament in my foot, went to AZ, turned 26, had visits from the family, had a housing debacle, got a new roommate, gotten colder, and here I am. (Super good catch up...yep.)

I've decided I'm going to do a post on what I'm grateful for every day in November. After a month and a half hiatus from blogging I kinda have to come back with a bang right? I'll try and incorporate some pics from what has happened in the last month and a half of my life...

Today I am thankful for... FAMILY

Oh how I love them. I do.

Our AZ weekend as seen from my new phone

2010-09-12T14:39:00.000-07:00

Road trip. Again.
Well, the good news is I got a new phone. My old one was a reaaalll strugglefest at this point. I got the Blackberry Bold which I'm loving so far. The other good news...Elaine and Les followed suit. That is correct, they're super high tech these days. We're a Blackberry family now.
My dad was going down to AZ for labor day, so I decided to come along. Some friends of mine came to meet us too!
Here is the weekend, as seen from my phone.

The warm weather felt perfect as long as we were poolside.

Nichole showed us a new favorite place to eat called, The Pita Jungle. I really think if we had it in UT I might want to eat there every day. Across from it is swirl it a delicious frozen yogurt place which we managed to make it to for dessert. So good.

Sunday we had shishkabobs for dinner. Very tasty. One think I miss most about being with my family on Sundays is the yummy Sunday dinners.

We also managed to fit in a lot of "Just Dance" on the Wii. It is so much fun. We even got Les and Elaine to participate.

A quick weekend provides for a whole lot of this as well. Who knew there was a place called Bumble Bee?

Not Pictured?
- Shopping in Scottsdale
- Dinner at Oregano's
Two of my other favorite things, that is for certain.
Thanks Mom, Dad, and Barney fam for letting us come crash your laborday weekend!
xoxoxo

It's like...whatever...

2010-09-11T18:54:00.000-07:00

What the September?
Seriously...how did this happen? How did we bypass August with flying colors and land ankle deep in football season-ish weather? This summer was so great, I'm sad to see it go. It's a good thing I love October so much.

Things to look forward to...
*Note: This is more of a self-reminder than it is telling you, cause I'm sure you really don't care.
- October trip to Powell
- My b-day...(although I'm not excited about the progression in age I still like birthdays.)
- Halloween, duh. Who doesn't like Halloween.

Also...
Once upon a time I wrote THIS post about the letter my 9th grade self wrote to my future self, which I received a few months ago. Extremely embarrassing if you haven't had a chance to read it.
In it I said,
"I would also either like to dance or sing professionally. I love to do both. I would really just like to be a part of MTV."

Well, some dreams do come true I guess.
Yesterday I filmed with MTV for a reality TV show they are doing that starts this fall. That sentence made it sound like it's a lot more of a big deal for me than it is. I don't think I'm allowed to give details...something about some waiver I signed ;), But it was legit, I was mic'd and everything. Don't worry I'll keep you posted.

The Good News

2010-08-30T17:06:00.000-07:00

Good news first...
THIS girl is back. Hallelujah. We've missed her.

The Bad news?
That means summer is officially coming to an end.
This summer has been phenomenal. For reaaals. I'll have to do a summer highlights post or something, so I don't forget how much fun I've had.
I guess with all this talk of school we got an itch for new school supplies or something...which resulted in an evening of finger painting.

Which seems to always lead to someone getting their body painted...

Ryan is always a willing candidate.

Mark deemed his painting the winner. Bad Boys for Life.

And Roxies return resulted in a 3-person sleepover, as Jan would call it. We weren't mad about it. Just like bugs in a rug.

The Hot Pockets

2010-08-22T13:35:00.000-07:00

"Bandannas are mandatory." That was the only instruction we received before we got picked up to go on our adventure Thursday night.

A conversation from a few hours previous went as follows.
Dean: Hey guys are we going to the hot pockets tonight?
Ryan and I: ...snickering...
Dean: What?
Me: The Hot Pockets?
Dean: Yeah, what? Wait...
Ryan: Dean, they're called Hot Pots. Although we could eat hot pockets while we are in the hot pots.

So, off we went on Thursday night...headed to the hot pockets in Spanish Fork Canyon. We drove up singing our hearts out, as is the norm.

After about 30 minutes of hiking in the dark we started to smell sulfur and we knew we were close.

After getting in we noticed our neighbors in the next pool over started freaking out a little bit, so I ventured over to see what the deal was. Turns out they were getting bit by these swimming beetles. NASTY. I was pretty much done at that point.

Good times. Always.

California Love

2010-08-20T13:00:00.000-07:00

Hemet, CA. That is where darling Lola's family resides. Never heard of it? Probably the case...I hadn't until I met Lola. She had to trek down to Cali for a wedding, and so, of course, we had to join her. We love our road trips. We drove down on Thursday and spent the evening cruising the fine town of Hemet.

Friday it was off to San Diego.

Don't worry, Lola and I brought our Jellies. Flashback to 3rd grade? I hope so.

Are you wondering what the BEST PART of the trip was?
I GOT TO SEE ROXIES!!!!
We have spent the whole freaking summer apart due to her stellar internship in San Diego, so I was so excited to see her!! She hung out with us all weekend which was awesome. Much needed.

We played at La Jolla beach in San Diego all day Friday, with a short break to eat at Wahoo's, which was not bad. :)

We drove to Carlsbad for dinner Friday night, and finished off the evening with a trip to Oceanside Pier before we drove back to Hemet.

Saturday we went to Salt Creek Beach at Dana Point. It was BEAUTIFUL. We had such a great time there.

Can't you tell?

This picture might just be the best photo I've ever captured. Every time I look at it I laugh so hard. Each person really pulled their own weight to make this shot happen.

I have some seriously awesome friends.
Lola, Benita, Ryan M, Roxies, Me, Ryan S, and Mark.

Benita even let us bury her in the sand.

After we beached all day we casually made our way in to the Ritz Carlton that is located on the cliffs at Dana Point. We interested ourselves in a little hot tub/pool/fireside nap action. It was awesome.

I love these girls with my WHOLE heart.

We made our way to Pat & Oscars for dinner on Saturday night and it was back to Hemet.

Our trip wouldn't have been complete without a stop by H&M on the way home to break up the drive, and play dress up of course. We had such a great weekend. Thanks Lola!!

Mother Nature: 1 Us: 0

2010-08-16T18:37:00.000-07:00

Camping. Not something I'd put at the top of my resume, but whatever. My friends take good care of me, and I love sitting by the fire listening to our favorite tunes, laughing, and getting away from the usual scene.
Last week late Sunday night we packed up and headed up Provo Canyon. No, it was not a holiday come Monday. It was in fact a normal work day. This is why I love my friends. They start your week off right.

Brad and George came and picked Benits and I up, and we met the rest of the crew up at our campsite.

It seemed a little colder than usual but the fire distracted us, and we wrapped right up in our blankets.

George kept us full. He literally packed an entire duffel bag full of sandwiches, cut up fruit, and other treats. Love that Georgey.
*Please note Ryan's Velcro grandpa shoes. He get's a pair every year for activities such as these.

When we go we all sleep under the stars, which is pretty amazing. I love being able to see the sky so brightly, being away from the city lights. Unfortunately for us at about 4:00 AM it started raining. This happened the last time we went camping, so our initial response was to wait it out. I sound super legit right now right? Sleeping under the stars in the rain..I know. I'm a natural born camper. (No, no, I am not.) After about 15 minutes of, "waiting it out," AKA hiding under our blankets, we realized it wasn't going to let up, and that we were actually SOAKED. We cleared the campsite in about 3 minutes, and stuffed our wet selves in our cars to head home. You win mother nature. You win.

Oh Mona.

2010-08-11T18:45:00.000-07:00

One of Utah's mecca cities resides about 30 minutes south of Provo just off I15. How I've made it through my entire career of living in Utah and never experienced the rope swing in Mona I will never know. Luckily, Lola, Mark, and Ryan showed me the way.

Unfortunately, the weather was a little colder that we anticipated. Ryan came prepared, wet suit in hand. (Yes, child-size wet suit.)

Mark and Lola ventured into the lake to swim across.

Due to inclement weather I didn't actually get in the lake...next time Mona. Next time.

Awkward service, awkward statues, and awkward movies.

2010-08-09T17:20:00.001-07:00

We like to eat, we do.
So, on Friday night we ventured up to Midway to eat at Cafe Galleria. It is a quaint little Italian restaurant that my parents rave about, so we decided to try it out. The food was good and all, but we all agreed on the fact that it must have been the most awkward dining experience of our lives.

The awkwardness began when we couldn't find anyone to help seat us, and finally we were told to just find a table, and someone would come find us. So, we walked around trying to find a good spot. We ended up on the porch of the building, most people eat outside, and we pulled an extra chair around so all 5 of us could have a place to sit. As we were starting to sit one of the workers came rushing over to us telling us that we couldn't sit there because it was against fire code. Instead of helping show us to another table she walked away leaving us stranded and table-less once more. We found another tiny round table we could all huddle around, and then we sat there for another 10 minutes while we wondered if someone was actually ever going to help us. Finally a little tiny girl who spoke hardly any english named, "Ivy Joan," (psssh, yeah right), came and took our orders. She looked like she might burst into tears at any time, and she couldn't understand a word we said. It was rough...

We followed up our dining experience with some gelato at Zermatt.
This is what happens when I tell everyone to "get together for a photo." Thanks guys.

If you'd like to catch us in action however...

Again, soooo cooperative.

We finished off the evening with Step Up 3D. A bad idea. I have loved the other two because although the storyline is usually lacking, the dancing always makes up for it. Not so much in this one. The storyline was awkwardly awful, albeit nonexistent, and the dancing was all computerized, so it wasn't even real talent. LAME. Still a good time though.

You spin me right round baby right round.

2010-08-07T23:39:00.000-07:00

80's Dancing. I recommend it.
We got a group together and headed up to Area 51 for a Thursday night of great music, great outfits, and above average dancing.

Let's be honest, I love to dance anyways, but there is just something about the beats of the 80's that makes the moves unstoppable. We didn't get up to the club until about midnight and we danced straight until 2 in the morning. Yep, you bet I was exhausted for my early morning clients, but let's be honest...so worth it.

I still can't stop singing, "Send me an angel." Good times.

Sun, fun, and water. All favorites.

2010-08-01T15:06:00.000-07:00

Last week I went to Lake Powell.
It was glorious.
Every year I usually go with the Safford Family. It is a tradition of about 8 or 9 years. Much to our dismay, the family that had the houseboat the week before our planned trip, drove it over a sand bar causing a lot of damage to it and canceling our trip this year. I was very sad indeed...until my friend Ryan Moss invited Benita, Mark and I to go with his family.
Some of the high lights of the trip were...

1. The Moss family. They were awesome, and SO welcoming to let us invade their vacation.
2. The diving board off the back of the boat.
3. Laying in the sun all day. No concern for time or schedule. We put a lot of good hours into the flotation devices we bought.
4. Laughing...a ton.
5. Playing with Ryan's nieces and nephews. His 4 year old niece Bella called Benita and I "The sisters," and was convinced that we were twins. Mark played with Ryan's nephew Tanner for the entire trip. It was adorable.
6. Morning runs. Benita was a good sport and appeased my exercising addiction. We got up a few mornings and went running in the dried riverbed's and through the trails by our camp.
7. The Luau. The Moss family has a theme day every year. This year's theme day was Hawaiian, and both the boat and the vacationers were decorated from head to toe. The day was full of games, tribal tattoos, Hawaiian music, and a dance party.
8. We ended each night with a campfire. It was so amazing. The weather was perfect and we sat by the fire and laughed and talked for hours.
9. Sleeping under the stars. One thing I love about Lake Powell is sleeping up top underneath the stars. The sky is always SO beautiful.
10. Midnight Tiki Torch Hike. On our last night there we realized there was a lot of oil left in the tiki torches, and we figured what better use than a midnight hike through the red rock. It was awesome.
11. Wakeboarding.
12. Trying to explain to the Moss family that I don't like meat. (Ryan's dad is like the CEO of the meat portion of Albertsons or something...needless to say they eat a lot of meat.)
13. Brian, Ryan's brother-in law's, amazing nightly homemade frozen yogurt. Fat free of course. I was seriously in HEAVEN with this one. Yes please.

It was such a good time. I really do love Lake Powell.

now that's talent

2010-07-20T16:36:00.000-07:00

Preface:
If you haven't seen the Old Spice commercials on TV you need to stop what you're doing. Go to You Tube and search for Old Spice. I PROMISE you won't be disappointed.

Now why do I even bring this up? Because my dear friend Stephen Jones took it into his own hands to help BYU create their own commercial parody spoofing the Old Spice commercials, and it is pretty dang good if I do say so myself. It's worth your time. I promise.

It's pretty amazing actually. This video was posted 6 days ago and already has well over a million hits and was featured on CNBC. No big deal Stephen Jones, no big deal.

Slip Sliding Away

2010-07-19T11:28:00.000-07:00

I have lived in Utah for a large percentage of my life. I always find it amazing when people tell me about these fun things to do that I have never heard of. The natural water slide in Alpine being one of them. I just heard about this last week from one of my clients and mentioned it to my friends, so we decided to make a Saturday of it.

It was about a 20-25 minute hike up to the waterfalls. They were SO beautiful. We hiked up and around them, and of course went on the slide.

Kiley, and her friend Kacie, got done with EFY Saturday morning so we got to hang out all day Saturday. It was so much fun having my lil' kiki with me! (She's not so little anymore...probably about three inches taller than I am, and DANG that girl is beautiful!)

After we went down the rock slide we hiked over to a pond close by where some boys had built a bike ramp coming down from a huge hill. The bikes were strapped with life jackets so they would float and they'd ride the bikes down and jump off into the pond. My friends, of course, wanted to try it. It looked way too scary for me!

It was so much fun! I can't wait to take my fam there. :)

Drivin' in

2010-07-18T21:18:00.000-07:00

100 degree heat? NBD.
We decided to beat the heat by taking a group up to Salt Lake to the Drive In Movie, a guaranteed good time. Did we beat the heat? No...turns out we sweated to each other on love sacs and created a dire need for ice cold slurpees post movie, however...still a great time.

We were fully equipped with about 6 love sacs, tons of blankets, and an air mattress. We saw despicable me, which was fantastic. It was adorable in fact.

Although the air mattress seemed to be a good idea at first these folks, ended up watching the movie on the pavement due to deflation...oops, sorry guys.

4th of July weekend = complete success

2010-07-05T16:37:00.000-07:00

I only have one complaint. I don't know where my camera is...
So, I only have two of my own photos documenting this whole weekend. Oh...and then one that I stole off of the old FB.
The weekend went something like this...

Friday: I worked all morning, with the pleasant thought that a three day weekend was ahead. Glorious. That put a little skip in my step. Even at 5:30 AM.
I made it home from work and went straight to the peaks with Ryan S., Mark, and Dean. A guaranteed good time. I wanted to get as much sun as possible this weekend...duh.
We floated the lazy river to our heart's content, and then I came back and went to the Freedom Festival Gala with Trevor, one of my favorite people in this world. We went with his whole family, who I love in it's entirety. The gala was good...a little lengthy...but, I guess that is what is expected at anything called a gala, no?

(Pretend there is a picture here of Trev and I all gussied up)

I came home and went to get my favorite frozen yogurt treat with Mark, Matt, and Benita, and then we sat on Ryan's porch until about 2 AM. This is becoming a habit, and I am not mad about it.

(Insert photo of all of us in our chairs on the porch laughing. a lot.)

Saturday:
I slept in until 10 making me miss spin, which I was very sad about. BUT, Benits and I still managed to make it to the gym. Post gym we ran to the store to get some stuff for the BBQ later and to get a flotation device for the river. *Note to self. Don't get flotation devices at Smiths. They aren't adequate. We did however, run into this lil' gem of a patriotic celabrator...

After we met up with our friends and floated down the Provo river.

(Insert Photo of the group FREEZING/laughing/panicking)

It was absolutely freezing. Still fun though. We came home and got ready and went to a BBQ with all of our friends, and a lot of our ward. It was SO nice outside, and it's always fun to get together and eat, right?

(Insert group photo @ BBQ...wow realizing all the photo ops missed...boooo...)

After the BBQ a bunch of us headed up to the temple hill to watch the stadium of fire fireworks.
guess what...here is the stolen FB photo...

This was followed by a few more hours of porch sitting. Glorious. I ended up falling asleep in a camping chair around 2 AM. I feel like that is talent.

Sunday:
Meetings meetings meetings. Church...all good stuff of course...
Come home from church, sit on a blanket outside. Take a little nap. BBQ at Sam's with a little bike ride and some bocce ball mixed in. All good things.

(Insert Photo of BBQ group #2)

Next, we piled Benita, Me, Lola, Ryan M., Dean, Mark, and Eric all in Lola's car and headed up to Park City for some more fireworks. All I can say is...WORTH IT. It was so awesome. We hiked a little up Park City Ski resort so we were able to get a good view and we all snuggled together to avoid the chill. The fireworks went off RIGHT above us. With the way the mountains are situated up there it made the echo's of the explosions even louder. It was awesome. I'll be back Park City, I'll be back.

(Insert Photo of the coolest firework show EVER.)

We made it back down to P-town around went to the local 7-11 on University to say hi to some friends. It was as crazy as was expected with all of the local hoodlums getting ready for the parade in the morning.

(Insert photo of Megan, Benita, George, JMan, Brian, Cade, and Brad)

After we met up with some friends to watch Sherlock Holmes...and by watch I mean totally fell asleep after like 10 mins. Surprised? I am not good at staying up late...

Monday:
After sleeping in a little Benita, Lola, and I rode our bikes to University to meet up with my family for the Parade. A definite Smith Family tradition. As per usual we were sweaty, thirsty, and all up to quota on our high school band/city royalty sightings. I always love seeing my fam though, and it's fun to see how into the 4th Provo gets!
Guess what...Photo #2

Darling Savy. I could just eat her right up. Although the photo was taken with my phone, and is clearly blurry...I still love it. My mom made her adorable tank top, and she looked so cute in my glasses i couldn't resist. With a little photo shop touch it looks so vintage. Darling, she looks just like her mom.
Post parade Benita and I rode our bikes to Pizza Factory for lunch. Nothing better than riding bikes and the salad bar at PF. Pure happiness right there.
We got home just in time to meet up with all our friends at the peaks, and we spent the afternoon lounging in the sun.

(Insert photo of Benita, Megan, Ryan M., Mark, Dean, Court, Lowell, Tyler, George, Drama, and Scotty enjoying some poolside fun.)

I'm sad to see this weekend go...real sad. It was such a good time. Happy 4th of July everyone!
p.s. Can we have more three day weekends please?

Pedicures on our toes toes...

2010-06-28T17:34:00.000-07:00

Flip flops are a staple in AZ.
So, naturally, pedicures are a staple as well. We usually hit up our favorite nail salon for fancy designs, but we decided to take matters into our own hands this go round.
We sprawled out all over the kitchen.
We soaked, we buffed, we cut cuticles, we lotioned, we painted, we glittered, and we top coated.
All the while quoting this...

Kiley is pretty dang good at it, I must say.
"Hawnay you liiiieee krytow jaaaow fo yo naaaow?"

It may have taken us about three times as long as a normal pedicure would, and maybe they don't look quite as professional...but...it was a heck of a lot more fun! :)

Poolside

2010-06-27T21:40:00.000-07:00

I could lay out professionally. I'm sure of it.
This was reassured to me as we did just that on Saturday.
The Barney's just finished their backyard and pool, so we took full advantage. It was pretty much necessary due to the fact that it was about 110 degrees outside!

We entertained ourselves by tubing down down the slide and jumping off the trellis.

Ki gave me a great action shot. This is real live fun...in action.

Ki and I managed to make a much needed stop to our favorite local Circle K for some refreshment. mmmmmmm...

Please note Savy giving Kiley the evil eye in this pic. Sooo funny.

Fun in the sun for sure.

A fine welcoming indeed.

2010-06-27T20:55:00.000-07:00

There are several things I am not mad about.

I am not mad about flying to Arizona to help my sister Linds/her kids/Grammy Elaine drive back to Utah to visit ME.

I am not mad about being greeted with the news that we are headed to Yogurtland after stopping at Urban Outfitters.
I am a connoisseur of frozen yogurt at this stage in my life and Yogurtland is ranked at the top.

I am not mad about experiencing the Soda Shop, which was our next destination.

I was not for a second mad about the fact that this darling shop had isles and isles full of sodas in all sorts of old fashioned glass bottles. It was an awesome sight.

I wasn't a tad bit mad when Nichole and I found our Diet Cokes. Something about drinking it out of a bottle made it that much more fun...we later decided it didn't taste quite as good, but...still fun.

I don't think these boys were mad about their bottled Orange Crush.

I wasn't at all mad about later getting some dinner at Paradise Bakery. One of my favorite locations.

Let's face it. I'm not mad at all. In fact I'm QUITE happy to be here.

Home Schweet Home.

2010-06-27T15:14:00.000-07:00

I love Sundays at home. I mean, don't get me wrong, I love mornings filled with meetings and all ;) but...sleeping in, reading, and going to church with the fam is pretty nice too.

"Some blessings come soon, some come late, and some don't come until heaven; but for those who embrace the gospel of Jesus Christ, they come."

- Jeffery R. Holland

If you're looking for a little Sunday inspiration...read THIS talk. It's amazing, and very inspiring.

MOAB. It's hot there. Reaaalll hot.

2010-06-20T19:32:00.000-07:00

Truth: I am not a camper.
A bunch of our friends, and about 300 other peeps from the Provo area decided to head on down to Moab this weekend for the "Massive Moab Trip."

Good times were had by all. The friends I went down with are some of the funniest people I know. I think I laughed for a solid 24 hours. The activities actually began Thursday night at about 11:00 PM when Mark, Ryan, Benita and I decided that if we were going to do this we were going to do it right. So, it was off to Walmart to purchase some new white hanes v-necks and some spray paint. The next 3 hours were spent in pure creative genius, ending up with some group trademark tattoo's all around.
*Please note everyone's white v's in various pictures...sheer genius.

After we pulled into Moab we went and hiked to Delicate Arch which was really pretty.

Post arch hike we went to eat at Pasta Jay's and headed back to the campsite. I don't know why Benita and I were under the impression that we didn't need to prepare much for camping out, but needless to say, we didn't. Benita borrowed some sleeping bags from her sister, and that was all we had. I ended up sleeping on the dirt in my sleeping bag, no pad, no mat, no nothing. Just me, the rocks, and the bugs. Luckily everyone around me was in just as much discomfort, so we we spent the night pretty much wide awake talking and laughing our heads off. The stars were beautiful. The bug bites all over my arms are not. I think we topped out at about 30 mins of sleep. Not a joke.

The sun decided to rial us up at 5 am...perfect...where we were quickly reminded of just how uncomfortable we were. The day started off with some rock climbing. The guys are all really good, and they were very patient with people like me...totally afraid of heights. I loved climbing up. That part was really fun. It was the leaning straight back and repelling back off the side of a cliff that scared the crap out of me. Still way fun though.

I have never been to Moab before and I couldn't believe how beautiful it was.

The trademark tattoo. Lightening bolts all around.

Saturday after we went climbing we ended up at Ken's Lake which was WORTH IT. Childhood inflatables? Yes please.

Sunburns, sing alongs, laughing, endless jokes, Mash, the suburban, maverick frozen yogurt, rock climbing, hiking, cold water, the samuri, the chastity sack, nick names, glow sticks, dance parties, bugs, the throne, hanes v-necks, spray paint, lightening bolts, etc. etc. etc. good times.

I like to ride my bicycle

2010-06-02T14:36:00.000-07:00

3 day weekends are great no? I never complain about them. I had a great one, and I hope you did too. Several things made it great...

Benita has officially moved back to P-Town. Best news ever. She moved into my room with me for the time being, so we could get her here ASAP. I love it. It's like a slumber party all the time.

Also, my mama cita was in town which made things just that much more fun. I loved having her here and getting to hang out with the fam a bunch! On Monday we took a picnic up Provo canyon. We hauled all the bikes up to Vivian Park in Dad's truck and then rode all the way down the mouth of the canyon. It was to die for. I loved every second of it.

I didn't have my camera, so these photos are courtesy of Ty's Iphone w/a little photo shopping action. Isn't Harper darling?

Doesn't that just look awesome. It should, cause it was. I'm game to go with anyone that wants to.

Also...on other notes.

I finally, made it to the hospital with some friends who go all the time to eat. I don't think it's so much my style. I didn't eat, but it didn't look like all the rave like everyone says.

Our friends had a BBQ on Saturday that was phenomenal. I usually go to BBQ's having eaten beforehand because I know that A. It won't be healthy and B. It won't be good. I was proven wrong on both accounts. Teriyaki shishkabobs, grilled pineapple, grilled corn on the cob. It was good. Well done Whit and Jimmy!

I went to the new Cafe Paesan in Orem. I LOVED it. That might just make the rotation. I got the salad with grilled veggies and the balsalmic dressing...mmmmmm...If you haven't gone yet do it. I feel like it's going to get real busy...real fast.

We spent an entire meal with friends developing a show for MTV where Rob Dyrdek has a midget that dresses up in costumes and rides the mini horse. I think this could be a money maker.

I watched the movie The Dead Poets Society. I don't think I liked it very much.

Benita and I watched the Bachelorette last night via hulu. I don't know about this Ali girl. Still undecided. I don't have a favorite just yet, but seriously...Craig M? A complete tool? Yes. The weatherman...a flamer? Yes. I don't know how I get roped into these shows.

I can't wait to get to St. George tomorrow night. The weather here is making me feel like I live in the Truman show, and someone is playing a joke on me. Not funny. I need some sunshine. I'm ready to ride bikes to 7 peaks and lay out.

It's almost July...which means my WHOLE fam will be here. This is great news.

KBizzle

2010-05-23T18:41:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to one of my favorite people in this world.

Miss Kiley Barney turned the ripe old age of 15 yesterday. How did she get that old? I have no idea.

This girl has been my BFF since she was born. I really just love her to pieces. Is she not just darling?

She is so happy, optimistic, kind, and lovable. She is always surrounded by friends because people are drawn to her goodness and warmth. I seriously could hang out with the girl all day...and sometimes I do!

We're a good time. Can you tell? Shopping, music swapping, watching all our favorite shows, laughing at pretty much everything...I just love this one. Happy 15th kiki. XOXOXO!

Love that Les

2010-05-23T18:31:00.000-07:00

I have mentioned before how much I've loved having my dad close by, and this week, my mom too! This summer will be fun when they are both here for a while.

On Friday night I went to Bajios with a bunch of friends and we got there to find my mom and dad and all their friends just finishing up their meal. My dad asked if I went through my garage. I told him I hadn't because I just went out through the front door...how come? He told me there was a surprise waiting for me.

What to my wandering eyes did appear?

This little beauty.

My sweet, darling, generous, kind, adorable, dad knew that I've wanted a cruiser for ever and ever. He found a great place to get them and surprised me with it!

WOW. I can't even tell you how excited I am.

The remainder of my evening, upon finding my surprise, was spent with friends cruising all over Provo. It was amazing. I see a lot of summer bike rides in my future. Now, if we could just get a little warmth...

Thank you Daddy-o! You really are the greatest. I LOVE YOU!! XOXOXO

a small sample...if you will

2010-05-14T16:45:00.001-07:00

Roxanne emailed this to me today. It made my day (times 1,000). It all started with a post on Roxies facebook wall the day after we spent a night playing night games with our friends in a bark filled playground. What happened to sand?

This is said post...

Megan Smith: night games

The following thread ensued...

Roxanne Hutchens:
I love night games. We should wear smarter shoes next time and maybe
the bark won't get the best of us. Marco?

Megan Smith:
POLO! not to be confused with Pollo...spanish for chicken. Let's be
clear I'm NOT calling you a chicken. Although I feel like chicken is
all i hear about these days with Oprah basically throwing KFC in
everyone's faces. I don't even like KFC. I think the fact that an old man named the colonel is frying lots of chicken is a little sad. Maybe there are labor laws against things such as this. But him
teaming up with A&W...now that was a good idea. Rootbeer float ice
cream cones, to die for. Not as good as our frozen yogurt
though...yummm...frozen yogurt. And this is proof that I can tie
anything back to frozen yogurt. ANYTHING. Marco?

Roxanne Hutchens:
Hmmmm. Impressive. Very impressive. Not as impressive as the time that Benita and I decided to create the greatest fast food meal ever. True or False: we called in pizza to Papa John's. Better Ingredients, Better Pizza. As we were picking up the pizza, we cruised right on over to Little Caesar's. For the crazy bread, obviously. Pizza! Pizza!By then we assumed our cinnamon sticks were probably ready at 5 Buck Pizza. How can you beat great pizza? Great price? Now if someone other than Ben and I would realize the potential available here, we would really be on to something.

Megan Smith:
I do recall this evening. I came home to find garbage from not one,
not two, but three different pizza establishments. I don't know if you call this impressive or indecisive. Still up for debate. HOWEVER. I completely commend your diligence and drive. If it's worth doing, it's worth doing right and that was clearly your motto as you accomplished this feat of the tri-pizza meal. I feel like your game might have been stepped up a little had you ordered from a 4th establishment and had it timed to arrive right as you pulled in from your pickups. At this point I'd feel like you were really pulling from all of the pizza fronts. All this pizza talk is making me wish i had a frozen totino's to throw in the oven. That is good pizza.

Roxanne Hutchens:
Instead I will settle, only once, for pizza flavored wheat thins. Now for sale at an on campus vending machine near you. Also, Diet Cokes and peanut M&M's will probably be the main food group for me for the next 7 weeks. Since this is my 5th hour of class so far today, I have eaten/drank everything in my suitcase purse. Gatorade. Water bottle. Peanut M&M's. Wheat Thins. Fiber One Bar. and Two pieces of Sugar Free Gum (Thanks Jillian and Bob).

Megan Smith:
mmm...diet coke and peanut M&M's. That sounds like a meal fit for a
king. I'm going with DDP and carrots dipped in ranch as we speak. The carrots don't quite hit the spot the way those peanut M&M's do. There is such a thing as pizza flavored wheat thins? what will they come up with next? Are crackers supposed to taste like a full fledged meal? That is a trick. It reminds me of the gum violet chews in willy wanka and the chocolate factory...."By gum it's gum...Wrong.It's the most amazing, fabulous, sensational gum in the whole world....What's so fab about it?...This little piece of gum is a three-course dinner. Tomato soup. I can actually feel it running down my throat..." True or False: I have seen that movie way too many times for my own good.

Roxanne Hutchens:
True. But to counter your over-viewing I have never actually seen that movie in its entirety. Something strange about a man in a purple velvet suit that takes children into his alternate world. Not to mention some don't even make it back out and no one even really seems that concerned. This to me is far more perplexing than a wooden puppet just trying to make friends.

Megan Smith:
I think the whole Idea for the movie was a government funded scare
tactic for children. Good little children get entire chocolate
factories for themselves with little people who do all their work for them, all the candy they want, and they actually speak to each other in song. Bad little children disappear...where they go, nobody knows. A wooden puppet trying to make friends scares me. Puppets shouldn't be venturing into the social world if you ask me. It's like animals talking...you know how i feel about that.

Roxanne Hutchens:
these government funded movies have really got me confused. Like
Wall-E. Opened up a whole new world for me. At first I just watched
the movie like a four year old. Completely entertained, and no idea
what's going on. Like Benita*. Talking animals, puppets wanting to be real boys, extremely good looking men who age backwards, or spiders instilling values into little pigs. Just to name a few.
These things are purely fictional, no politicking, and a few good
morals. which is more than I can say for Gene Wilder. Who is just
scary. You just have to question the intentions and integrity of
people like him and Johnny Depp. Dr. Frankenstein? Pirates? Willy
Wonka?

(*Benita once told us that she could watch the same movie over and over again and be completely surprised at the ending every time. I don't know if that is talent or if we should have her memory checked.)

Megan Smith:
oooh the backwards aging man. I had that happen to me one time*. I woke up in the morning and ran a marathon and then by the end of the night i couldn't walk, resorted to crawling, needed assistance being fed,and only wanted to curl up in my jammies and watch disney films. If only brad pitt had been there to experience it with me...

(*referring to THIS DAY in my life.)

Roxanne Hutchens:
Ohhh...like Benjamin Button. But in reverse*.

(*referring to THIS episode of The Office.)

Now, maybe you don't find that funny. It wouldn't surprise me. We often joke that people probably don't find us as funny as we find ourselves. A friend once told Bentis, Rox, and I that he understood about 3% of what we were talking about most the time because we speak in our own language of inside jokes...oops. (He did say that the 3% he understood he found very funny.)

I'll love you forever I'll like you for always...

2010-05-09T10:20:00.000-07:00

As long as I'm with you my baby you'll be...

I can remember my mom my reading me that book all the time when I was younger. Reading to me as a child is one of the hundreds of things that I can list of the things that my mom has done to help teach me, and shape in to the person that I've become. She always tells me that I was her little sidekick when I was younger because I was the caboose. I am sure I just followed her around talking her ear off, asking endless questions, wanting to have my hands on whatever she was doing....oh the patience she must have had. (Let's be honest, the patience she must still have...I think I still bug her at LEAST once a day about something!) She has done such an incredible job raising us kiddies.

I am constantly amazed at how much energy she has. She is like the energizer bunny. She is so creative and is always working on a million projects. She is one of the most thoughtful people I know. Her attention to detail is a gift that makes every thing she does extra special. She has instilled a love for holidays in to each of us kids that makes life so fun. It is a true testament to how she lives her life. She makes each day a holiday. She is always so happy, positive, and supportive. She makes me feel like I can do anything. She shows me that anything really is possible if you put your mind to it.

She has such a strong testimony of the gospel. She shows it in how she lives her life each day. She treats people like the Savior would. She is so full of genuine love and charity. She always thinks of others before herself.

She has the ability to turn any situation into a positive one, and reminds me that life is meant to be lived happily and full of joy. Her smile is contagious. I hope I can be like her when I grow up. :)

Happy Mother day to one of the most beautiful women I know...inside and out.

I love you mom!! Thanks for being the best mom in the whole world!! xoxoxo

She's all Gradumanated.

2010-05-03T21:34:00.000-07:00

Congrats to this girl. She did it. (She actually finished last year, but wasn't able to walk until this past friday.) Doesn't she look darling, and oh so, sophisticated?

Taking her glory walk.

Rox and I are like two proud parents. NBD.

SO proud of you Benits. You are amazing! Such an awesome accomplishment!! :)

Sunday Excuses

2010-05-02T18:27:00.000-07:00

I haven't blogged in like a week.

I have my reasons.

I wanted to spend allll my time playing with Roxy Roo before she left me for the summer.

Rox, Benits, and I put in some good time, let me tell you. It was a busy, great week.

Monday: Lots of work. Frozen Yogurt with my cute friend Jessica who left on her mission last week. Day 1 of my Interval Challenge Workout with Benita. It was HARD, but good. I'm way excited about it

Tuesday: Work in the morning. Trail running with Cody in the mountains...it was awesome. Cokes with Roxies. Baking for Jess's going away party. Dinner with Daddy-o at Jason's Deli. I love that I get to see him all the time. Bake off with Benits and Becca, (details to follow), and going away party for jess with all our friends. (So fun!) Benits slept over too. Love when that happens!

The Bake Off

Benits is learning to cook more. We always joke around with her because she is so funny when she messes things up or stresses out about when things go wrong. Our friend Becca is the same way. They decided to prove us wrong and cook a meal for us to show their skills. The only rule was that they weren't allowed to ask anyone questions. It was SO funny. They made Rotisserie chicken, garlic mashed potatoes, asparagus, and peanut butter truffles. Since I had already eaten, I just had bites of the meal and I was super impressed! (Don't worry, although it looks like Benita is baking a baby in the photo above, it's actually a loaf of bread.)

Wednesday: Workity work. Spinning. Hip Hop...SO fun. Hanging out with Roxies.

Thursday: Work. More interval workout. I was so sore! I am loving it though. I was able to play with some friends around here. We went to Carrabbas one last time with Roxies. I paid some visits to some neighbors. I love where I live. The evening ended with Rox sleeping over.

Friday: Work. Benits graduation. YAY! So proud of you ben. I got some way cute pics i haven't put on my computer yet. I'll get there. Finishing helping Rox pack up. Dinner at PF with Rox and Ben...so dang funny...I swear we just laugh all night when we're together. I realize we have a LOT of inside jokes, but at least we think we're funny, right? We watched the Jazz game over at a friends house, made our way to yozone and then came back to my house, only to stay up until 3 AM watching Youtube video's with Jan.

Why are ridiculous things so much funnier at 2AM?

Saturday: Woke up without enough sleep to say my good byes to Roxies, and head to Spin w/Janae followed by another interval workout. We were exhausted, but it was SO fun I love that girlie! Spent the day catching up with cleaning, laundry, errands. Met some old friends Mark and Matt for a little afternoon rekindling, and came back home for a quick cat nap. Dinner with George, JMan, and Benits at Zupas. Benits and I then spent the rest of the evening shopping and laughing our heads off. Easily entertained. I'm telling you.

So proud of Benita! It was so fun having her sleepover this week...Can't wait for that to be permanent! So sad Roxy has left me for the summer, but I'm way excited for her. She is going to do awesome in San Diego.

I just love Sundays. Church was awesome. We made dinner for all our friends, and I just skyped with my family back in AZ. They make my day.

My only qualm of the week? It's may. Why is there snow?

This is me right now...

2010-04-24T20:26:00.000-07:00

I am on the plane waiting to take off right now...and I feel just like this. :) Bon Voyage.

Austin take 1

2010-04-23T19:58:00.000-07:00

Day 1 in Austin. Such a good time. We did some shopping, ate some frozen yogurt, and eventually made our way to this hot spot for some delicious mexican food.

After Papasito's we headed to Congress bridge in downtown Austin to see the bats. It was crazy. I felt like we were in a halloweenized version of "The Birds." Apparently there are about 750,000 bats that reside all day underneath this bridge. At dusk they all wake up and come flying out from under the bridge. Pretty insane. Nich and I are waiting for the bats...also waiting for the humidity to stop making our hair massively curly.

I know. I have some mad frizz going on.

Nichole, Mom, Linds and I.

I was walking behind Savy and Mom as they were skipping and singing. Pretty darling, I must say.

This is a bat. 1 of 750,000. I don't care what Edward Cullen says or looks like...They are gross.

Oh the joys of traveling

2010-04-22T20:27:00.000-07:00

I flew to Austin last night to come and visit my darling sis and her fam. My mom, Nichole, Bryson, and Bronson flew here from AZ as well. That's right folks, It's a party in the USA. The airport always makes me laugh. I am a total people watcher/observer of ridiculousness, and let's be honest, the airport is PRIME for such activity.

If I could give you a taste of what I experienced...

I get to the Salt Lake International Airport in perfect time to check in, grab a Diet Dr. Pepper, and hop on board my flight to Phoenix. Due to the strugglefest that is flying these days, I

carried on, and was extremely proud of my packing skills, might I add.

I learned this trip that I'm a smiler. I didn't realize it until I was smiling at people; the front desk lady, the security guard, the "go ahead and walk through the metal detector" guy, the gate checker, you get it. I was laughing at how my smiles have turned so apprehensive. Was that too much smile? Do they think I'm hiding something? You saw my bag was clean right? Have a good day...but not in a, "like it's your last day," way. Sad that the world has come to that, right?

My seat happens to be at the very back of the plane. I get to the back trying to figure out where I can fit my bag in the overhead bins. I hate that game. Try and shove your bag in without stopping and holding up the line, and don't make it look like a struggle or the flight attendant will make you check your bag. Bad idea.

I sit down next too a rough looking gentleman and a young girl who screamed "Zoobie." I also learned that I am not much of a plane talker. I don't have a problem with talking to strangers, and I genuinely actually like to get to know new people, however...I had been up yesterday since 5ish in the morning, and I was tired. I wanted to sleep, not shoot the breeze. Well, the guy next to me had to have been the chattiest guy i've seen in a long time. We (the surrounding plane passengers) quickly learned that the zoobie had just been proposed to on the way to the airport, precious. Single rough looking guy, didn't seem to mind. The two strangers chatted it up the entire flight. I tried to sleep, and when sleep wasn't coming I pretended to still be asleep to not have to be subject to stranger interrogation. These were among the questions that the zoobie encountered...

"So do you go tanning? Your skin can't be that color naturally. I mean, I'm darker...but..."

"Are you ticklish? What would happen if I tickled you right now?" (really? interesting)

"Have you been to Hawaii? You really need to go. It's where I live. (wink)"

"Can I have one of those Now and Laters? I haven't had one since high school."

"So do you like those boots you have on? Is that what is in style in UT?"

"Have you ever heard of a Halibut? I deal with fish. I make a lot of money. I have everything I could ever want." (Who hasn't heard of "a halibut" like it's some rare fish? And thanks for throwing in your financial status, about 5 times to be exact)

"Where is your connecting flight? Too bad you can't reroute that to Hawaii. That is where I live" (double wink.)

"Don't worry you can grab on to me if this turbulence scares you." (The first 30 mins of the ride was straight up turbulence.)

And on and on and on. It was bizarre. Do you see why I kept, "sleeping." Well, the pilot announces our decent in to Phoenix, and I start to hear the zoobie freaking out. Lots of heavy breathing/moaning, tears, "I'm really nauseous," breathing into the barf bag...you get the point. Well, Mr. Chats-a-lot starts to fan her off with the inflight safety guide, and then yep...she pukes. Awesome. I was leaning as far into the isle, "sleeping" as possible. It was gross.

I get off the plane and am walking to my next gate, and I see the zoobie walking on the moving walkway, and Chatty trying to keep up on the isle next to her. Wow. Humorous.

So, I board my next plane, which I'm pretty sure was handcrafted by Matell and purchased in the Barbie section at Toys R' Us. It was MINI! (don't let the all caps throw you off. we're talking small...) I felt like I should be wearing plastic heels and talking to Ken about our Barbie Corvette. Luckily, unlike the Barbie jumbo jet, my plane did actually fly. I made it safe in Austin, to be greeted by my fam and matching PJ's for all the girls from my mom for mothers day. Could she be any cuter?

So glad to be here. My hair is not glad...but I am. :)

The 50 most influential people.

2010-04-20T14:27:00.000-07:00

So, you know how Time Magazine put's out a 50 most influential people issue? I feel like I could do an issue of my own. There have been a countless number of individuals in my life that have had an incredible impact on how my life has turned out thus far. There have been so many friends, family members, teachers, leaders, and even strangers have been extremely influential to me; a lot of them probably more than they even realize. About a week ago I went to lunch with one of my bestest friends Emilie (was Wilson & now is Nuttall). It was so much fun.

Side note: You know you have good friends when you can go for a while without seeing them, and when you do get together it seems like you've never been apart.

We met up at the Pizza Factory, and she brought her two DARLING little girls; Claire and Lucy. Did I say they are darling? Cause they are... Em's mom Leilani and one of our friends Lisa Mckell ended up coming to meet us there as well, and it was such a good time. We went up to Em's mom's new house after and just hung out and chatted for a few hours. I loved every minute of it.

After I left it really made me think about how Em and I became friends and what an impact she had on my life.

It all began here...

Yep. Timpanogos High School Drill team. I was a brand new little sophomore and Em was a Jr. My family had moved into our new house in Cher Apple a few years before and Em and I were in the same ward, but it wasn't until drill that we became super close. We were pretty much inseparable. We're talking Sunday dinners, school night sleepovers, and family trips. The both of us were blonde haired things and people always said we looked alike (believe me, i wish!)

So, why do I bring this up? Well, after hanging out with Em last week I got to thinking about what an impact she had on my life and although she probably doesn't realize it, I attribute a lot of who I've turned out to be to her.

You hear a lot about "what high school is going to be like," as your going in as a sophomore. The fun new senior boys, going to dances, driving, etc. I distinctly remember someone telling me how high school was the best because you got an hour and a half for release time, a.k.a seminary, and you could just leave and go get food and nobody cared. Ummmm...amazing. I signed up for seminary as my last class period of the day so, duh, I could leave school early. Now, don't get me wrong, I was a good little girl. I haven't ever been much of a trouble maker, and I liked church and all that. My thoughts of not going to seminary had nothing to do with not wanting to be there, but more so to do with the fact that I could leave and go play if I wanted.

With that being said, back to Emilie. Summer drill team practice was intense. 6:00-9:00 AM M-F with some Saturday practices as well. So, Em and I, (and the rest of the team) became super close over the summer. I remember when it was time for school to start Emilie had me come with her to the seminary open house. She said she knew my teacher, and he was awesome and she wanted me to meet him. His name was Brother Bartholomew, and she was right. Em took me in to meet him, and it was amazing how sincere and genuine he was right from the beginning. I was intrigued by the relationship that he and Emilie had, and how Em talked so much of how she loved seminary. Remember, at this point I was still thinking seminary took place at Einstein's Bagels down the street.

Long story short. Brother B and I became very good friends as well. He taught me so many things that year. I feel like I really learned what it meant to live and love the gospel. Emilie's example and testimony was a huge part of that as well. My sophomore year was a great push in the right direction. I had so many good influences in my life. My group of friends were all really good kids that had so much fun without making dumb choices. I saw firsthand what the power of a good example was. It was such a great spring board to where I have been led today.

Emilie is amazing. She is one of the most kind, honest, genuine, beautiful, driven, charitable people I know. She really has a light around her, and you can see love in her eyes. I will be forever grateful to her for her friendship and example.

Love you Emmie!! xoxoxo

Favorite things as of right this moment...

2010-04-10T11:57:00.000-07:00

My new shoes

I know, I know. I have more running/workout shoes than most people have normal shoes, BUT I wear them everyday all day. I needed some new ones really bad. (Really bad in my terms...) Aren't they cute? :)

My Guitar

Not drying my hair

The Book of Mormon:

Super nerdy I know, and I (of course) always love it. BUT our stake challenged us to read the BOM from the end of January the April 10th (Today). I have 4 pages left until I'm finished, and it has been such a great experience. In our reading we were supposed to underline all of the references to the Savior. It has been such a testimony builder that The Book of Mormon, really is a testament of Jesus Christ, and how we need to remember Him in all things.

The sunshine...I think spring might actually come. Maybe.

Maverick fat free soft serve frozen yogurt

Crest Diet Cokes

Joshua Raidin's song; Paperweight...listen HERE. I can play it on the guitar :)

President Uchtdorf's talk from the priesthood session of conference; Continue in Patience

Read HERE or listen HERE

This YouTube video. I just love this song anyways, but this video rocks.

Sweet Potato Fries: Recipe HERE

Having my dad living 5 mins from me. (Can't wait until Mom is here too!)

This photo my sister posted on my FB wall

How can you just not want to eat that right up? 10 days until I'm in Austin!!!

THIS blog post.

Spinning. Always.

My awesome family, friends, and ward. I must admit, I am very blessed with LOTS of favorites.

Road trips are just delightfully delightful

2010-04-06T20:59:00.000-07:00

Departure: Thursday April 1st, 2010; 4:30 PM. Off we went. Lola, Benita, me, Rox, and Court piled into Benita's car and we were off. After we stopped at Crest for diet cokes, of course. We had a great lil' car ride down. Lots of singing and laughing, as it should be. We made it to AZ around 2 AM and hit the sack.

Friday we were greeted with 80-ish degree weather. It felt so good! The day was composed of, lunch at Oregano's...(We were in HEAVEN. 32 oz diet cokes w/to-go cups? Yes, please.)...

Some Afternoon Shopping at San Tan Village...A trip to Swirl It for some frozen yogurt...an evening move...(Miley Cyrus makes crusty faces, and does not deserve to be put on the big screen)...a trip to Circle K for more Diet Coke...Homemade Guacamole...and some intense Gaming.

Let it be known; "Truth be told; when I think of Roxanne, I think of stretch pants."

Saturday proved to be JUST as beautiful. I got a morning run in outside, and it felt so amazing. We listened to conference, and sat by the pool at Tracey's house. Thanks Tracey! I think I could have died there, it felt so DANG good. The sun just makes me so happy.

Some afternoon bike rides were in order followed by the dying of easter eggs.

The boys went to priesthood, and then we met up at Brio for dinner. SO delicious!

Post Brio, we went to Nichole's and played outside for a while like 10-year-olds, it was awesome. We, of course, concluded the evening with more gaming, and then it was time for everyone to go to bed, so we could set up easter. :)

I was so excited for all of my friends to experience our family's Easter tradition of, "following the string." Basically your easter basket is hidden somewhere, and there is a kite string attached to it, unwound all over the house. To find your basket, you have to wind up your string. It is so much fun!

We had our traditional Danish Pancake breakfast/feast, and listened to some more conference, and then it was time to be on our way back to P-town. Until next time AZ. I sure do love you. Thanks so much mom and Nichole for taking care of us. It was SO much fun!! xoxoxo

Time for Inspiration

2010-03-30T22:26:00.001-07:00

April General Conference is so refreshing. With the spring, and then sun, and Easter. Everything is new. I am feeling like I am more than ready for it this year. I need some divine guidance, some inspiration; The kind that comes when you're able drink in two solid days of prophetic counsel.

The beginning of 2010 has been kind of a roller coaster for me. Stability and consistency are not two words I would use to describe how i've felt for the past three months.

The beginning of January brought a surprising shift in my vocational segment of life. Unfortunately the man I was working for didn't come through as was promised, and suddenly I was only left with my part time training.

Panic initially set in. Stress is what I do best in these types of situations.

Lots of prayer happened. I didn't know if this was a good time for me to make a clean break from Provo, and embark on some new territory. I'd always considered grad school as a great option, but I knew that deadlines would be fast approaching, and I didn't even know if there was a program I'd want to apply for.

More prayer.

My first Sunday back to the 203rd ward, post Christmas break, answered question #1. I was called as the Relief Society Pres. I'll take that as a...I'm supposed to be here answer.

I felt really good about that part.

Now what?

I decided to take matters to the temple. I went every day for a week. More prayer. Lot's more prayer.

In looking through grad school options I found a program that had somehow slipped my searching. A masters in Exercise Science, emphasizing on health promotion. Music to my ears. Deadline for entry: Feb 1st, 2010. Is that some sort of a joke? No. It wasn't.

The day after I found it I went to the professor over the program and talked to him about my chances of getting in, my options, was I crazy. He didn't think so. "Take the GRE," he said. "Go for it."

More prayer. It felt good. It almost seemed to fit too well. With my only working part time I'd be able to spend LOTS of time studying for the GRE. I planned to take the GRE the last week in January, and submit my application on Feb 1st.

Scary. YEP. Lot's of work. Yes indeed. HERE GOES.

Spoke with Cody at Elevate about the possibility of going back to training full time. Absolutely she said. She let me know I'd be her first priority as far as new clients went, until I was full. Cody is awesome. I really do owe her.

SO...I studied my guts out.

Tried to squeeze in some hanging out with Linds time before she moves to Austin.

Scrambled to get my application all ready. Letters of recommendation? Done.

Took the GRE. Hated it a lot, but managed to pull off a decent score. Applied.

Waited.

As soon as I was done applying my client schedule picked up. It was like clockwork it seemed. I knew then and still know now that my Father in Heaven was looking out for me.

Waited.

LOVING. Being back at the gym full time. It seems like I almost had forgotten what it was like to be full force focusing on what I love, what i'm good at. I have had the opportunity to work with an even broader range of clients. I've been able to teach classes. I've been able to really sink my teeth into my area of expertise. That feels good.

Still waiting.

Finally, received and email that told me that..."We regret to inform you that the Exercise Sciences MS program has not recommended you for admission for Fall 2010...." Wait...what? Reread. Yep, it really does say that. "Has not?"Heart sinks a little.

Ummmm...now what? All that perfect timing? All that clockwork? I'd just assumed with how perfectly everything had worked out that it would happen. Apparently the number of applicants increased by 40% this year. Hmmmm....

And here I am.

What now?

I'm not doubting my experiences and promptings thus far this year. I truly believe that the Lord is guiding me to be in whatever direction He wants me to be in. It's just kinda hard to sink my teeth into it. I worked really hard for it. I missed out on lots of hours I could have been playing with Linds.

I can't think of it that way...I know. I have been guided. Guided to where I am now.

I love work.

I love my calling, and my ward, and the people I get to interact with. I feel like the sisters in my Relief Society are some of the most amazing girls I've ever met. I can honestly say that I have such a huge amount of love for each girl. I feel like they are all my close friends.

But I don't like this, "what now?" feeling.

I had a conversation with Rox tonight about where we're headed in life. What lies in store. What our goals are, and where we want to be. She seems to have some sort of plan. I don't. Mine plan got dashed...I've learned over the years that, that seems to happen more often than not. (I get it, I get it...I am not the one steering here.)

Don't get me wrong I LOVE my job. Like I really really LOVE it. I know not many people can say that. Why else would I get up at crack of dawn? It's funny because it almost seems like a lot of people around me don't think that my current job is good enough. My wanting to go back to school, came because I want to keep progressing, not because I don't like what I do. I know education is important, and empowering.

I want to keep improving myself. But, If I do it I want it to be something I feel good about. Something I love. Something that for some reason i just can't seem to put my finger on. I feel like I've searched a lot.

I'm trying to take that step in to the dark knowing the Lord will eventually light the way. But what about when I don't even know where to begin stepping?

Like I said...I need conference.

More Praying.

xoxoxo Megs

Banana Pancakes, Insomnia, and LOTS of Chalk

2010-03-27T22:18:00.000-07:00

Goodbye Saturday. I love Saturdays...have I mentioned that before? I get so excited for them to come, and with such good intentions of accomplishing a million things, but they seem to go by FAR too quickly. Sigh...oh well.

This post actually rewinds to last night. At around 1:30 AM Jan proclaimed his hankering for some IHOP which was echoed by Brian and Alex, and the persuasion of trying to get us there began. I lovingly declined, but with the promise of homemade whole wheat banana pancakes...better anyways, right? I look out for the health of my friends. What can I say? ;) So, by about 2 AM we whipped up some of these guys...

Whole Wheat Banana Pancakes

1 cup whole wheat flour

1 TBS brown sugar

2 tsp baking powder

1/4 tsp salt

1 cup skim milk

2 egg whites

2 TBS applesauce

2 bananas (overripe/mashed)

1 tsp cinnamon

*optional: Chocolate chips

Combine wet ingredients, and then add dry ingredients

Now, I don't usually stay up very late. Not at all actually. So, you'd think that when I finally made it to bed I would have crashed. False. I decided instead to lay awake ALL NIGHT LONG. I literally checked my clock about 12 times during the night, and then decided just to lay there some more listening to Benita sleep so soundly. She slept over. :) At 5 AM i contemplated going to the gym, but decided against it since I knew I wanted to go to Janae's spin class. So, yep, I just kept on lying there wide awake. LAME. I feel for you insomniacs out there. No freaking Bueno.

After an amazing morning of spin, and some lifting I came home with the intentions to do the following; clean the kitchen, eat lunch, shower, take a nap (because after the gym I was exhausted), and go to the temple.

I made it to "take a nap," when Brady persuaded me to go with him to the Hari Karishna, Festival of Colors. This is a festival that happens every year. For a sample of what the explosion of colors looks like click HERE. It's one of those things that i see posted all over everyone's facebook walls after it happens, and I think to myself, "one day I want to do that." It's on the same list as the Provo River Christmas Cruise. If you haven't had the chance to brave that one, please do. It is a delight.

So, after Brady persuaded me that I was still going to "a temple." I gave in to peer pressure. A bunch of us suited up, and off we went.

It is a pretty spectacular sight. From the second we got there we had strangers throwing colored chalk at us and wiping their colored hands all over us. We were instantly greeted by some friends who thought we were far too clean. Green chalk in the mouth. Delish. I realized pretty quickly that I'm not really one that loves to get dirty. Despite that, I had a lot of fun.

One thing that I thought was so funny was the fact that we kept running in to people we knew, but because everyone is just smeared in color it's hard to even recognize people you know really well.

After the countdown to the actual chalk throwing it is like a dust bomb cloud of color. I can't even explain it, so crazy. I couldn't even see the people standing next to me for few seconds.

I can finally say that I've experienced the festival of colors. I can also say that I blew my nose when I got home and it was purple. TMI? I've never been so excited to shower in my life...we finished the evening off with some Pizza Pie Cafe. Not bad if you ask me. Not bad at all. I never did get my nap though. I'm more than ready for bed!

Sheeeeesh

2010-03-25T23:29:00.000-07:00

Dear Megan.

Go to bed.

You're going to hate yourself in the morning.

You will still love that bowl of Kashi...as per usual.

But you'll hate yourself & will be DYING for a nap all morning long.

Facebook is NOT that cool.

Nobody's blog is worth your sleep.

The new music you keep digging for will be there tomorrow.

Buenos noches.

Love, self

p.s. I keep not drying my hair (meaning it's air dried) and letting this curl come through. Easy? yes. Lazy? probably. Bad idea? I don't really care. :)

N.I.C.H.O.L.E.

2010-03-24T22:14:00.000-07:00

Remember doing these in elementary school?

(I can't remember what they are called.)

N - Nicest person I know. Genuinely. Nice to absolutely everyone.

I - In great all around shape. Physically, spiritually, mentally. She just has it together.

C - Christlike. She has always been so giving and selfless to me and to everyone around her.

H - Happy. Always smiling and laughing. Her happiness and optimism is contagious.

O - Outgoing. Never afraid to talk to anyone. Famous or not. ;)

L - Love. She shows so much love to her family & friends & we all love her SO much!

E - Energetic. She always has so much going on, but she always rises to the occasion. She amazes me with all she gets done!

Let's be honest. That doesn't even BEGIN to describe how amazing Nich is. She has been such a great role model for me. I love spending time with her, and I am so grateful that to have her as my amazing big sis.

I thought she'd really appreciate this hot photo from our Christmas Ugly Sweater party. Let's be honest. She still looks rocking, ducks and all.

I wish we were all in Cali still right now. Newport Cost Villa's anyone? Yes please.

I look a little creepster.com in this pic, but...deal with it.

I love this pic of us kiddies at Thanksgiving this past year. Let's play soon family. k?

Anywho...Happy B-day Nichole. You are one incredible person. I look up to you so much. You have always been such a great example to me. Thanks for all you do for me. I hope to be like you someday when I grow up. xoxoxo

Benita ate chickpeas. The weekend recap.

2010-03-23T20:44:00.000-07:00

This weekend was fun. Very fun indeed. This picture was actually from Whit's B-day last weekend, but I just thought it was cute.

Thursday was the ward talent show. Let's be honest you hear those words put together and you shudder a little bit. Krissy and I commented walking in that it was going to be awkward. It just was, regardless of if the talents were great or not so great, it was going to be awkward. We knew it was bad news bears from the beginning. Some of the highlight were newsies reenactments, awkward commentating, and throw up to say the least. People come out of the woodwork on these things. If you'd like a detailed version, I'd be obliged. I promise you'll laugh.

Benits came and slept over on Friday night (like she sometimes does) and it was just like old times. Room-er-ooskies.

We did our usual Friday dinner and hang out with friends. I proceeded to give Benita the full Talent show synopsis over some Zupas because she wasn't able to attend. She quite enjoyed it. We laughed pretty hard.

Saturday we woke up and went to the gym. Came home and made a delicious lunch. Shredded chicken, diced tomatoes, avocado, chickpeas, topped off with some mango salsa. Now let me just back up to the chickpeas.

Benita is learning to like food. True story. I'm so proud of her. When I first met her she was straight up Easy Mac and Peanut M&M's. Now she eats veggies...all kinds. It's crazy. So we start making our salads and the conversation goes something like this.

Me: Have you ever had Garbanzo beans?

Benita: What?

Me: Chickpeas? These? (Show her the can) They look like...(Little Brains. I actually didn't finish the sentence. I didn't think she'd try them, and I knew if I said that it wouldn't help the situation)

Benita: (With a very disapproving look on her face) aaahhhm. No.

Me: They're good. Promise. They don't really have much flavor. It's what hummus is made of.

Benita: oohhh. (Looking very skeptical)

Me: (Finish making my salad. Watching Benita finish hers as she purposely passes over the chickpeas.) Are you going to try the chickpeas?

Benita: Ummm. They look like little brains.

Me: Bah hahaha. I knew you were going to say that. Just try them.

Benita: Ummm...OK. (Nervously plates them up.)

Me: (Very impressed she was trying them.)

Good job Beni. You did it. I seriously love that girl. Do I say that enough. She cracks me up.

After lunch we went to the temple and then ran some errands.

We came home and made some YUMMY BYU mint brownies. (At least I hear they were yummy, we made them sans nuts. I think nuts ruin baked goods. Yep, I'm one of those.) We took them over to our friend Chris' where we watched the sad BYU game with a ton of our friends. It was super fun, despite the loss. Good times had by all.

Side notes:

- I've been talking to my mom and dad on Skype all the time as of late. I love it. They are adorable.

- Daylight savings rocked my world. I seriously hated it. Wow. I mean I love having longer, lighter days, but wow...both me and my clients struggled.

- I am ready for warm weather. Not this trick stuff. Real warm weather.

- I have been obsessively looking at cooking blogs. All I want to do is bake and cook. I in fact wish I could just do it all day. Is that weird? Probably...

Like only true T-wolves would...

2010-03-17T21:09:00.000-07:00

I can hear you now. "That's soooo high school." Yep, it totally is, and I wouldn't have it any other way. One of my bestest friends from high school, (and since I was 12 basically...), Trevor is in town from NY this week, and I love when I get to hang out with him. His one request? That we take a trip to classic skating, naturally.
So, Trev and I ventured up to Sandy to meet two of our other T-wolves, Lisa and Kate. Let me just say. The night was more than successful.

Kate and Lis came adorned in matching MJ gear, which started the night of right. We were all looking pretty divine with our skinny jeans tucked into our skates. Trev was sporting a sweet sunburn from a day on the slopes, and we were pretty much all smiles. Who knew so much fun could be had for $2.00?

I think this photo sums the night up pretty well.

(This might just be the best photo i've ever taken.)

I love these people more than words can even describe. We seriously laughed so hard my stomach hurt. I think it is so unique that we have stayed in touch for so long. Even if we go weeks without talking it's like we never missed a day when we eventually do catch back up.

Counting down...

2010-03-10T21:38:00.000-08:00

I'm ready for this.

Now.

I want to lay in the sun and listen to Bon Iver on my ipod while sipping on some Diet Dr. Pepper.

Would anyone like to join me?

Happy and Blessed

2010-03-08T20:47:00.000-08:00

Beni, don't be mad. I chose the pic with the ponytail showing ok?

I love these two. With the classic self-taken photo of course. These girls make me laugh so hard every time we are together. Without fail. It's hilarious. I am so blessed to have such great friends.

I think life hands us ups and downs. Highs, lows, times of feeling so positive and blessed, and times where you wonder just about how much you can handle. When I have those low points I like to try and remember all of the great things in my life that make me happy...well maybe not all...but a lot of them.

In case I need to be reminded soon...

The gospel. My savior, Jesus Christ. My family. My friends. A job that I love. Amazing clients. The scriptures. A warm, extremely comfy bed. Clothes. A healthy body. My computer. New music. My Ipod. My cellphone. All my favorite foods...cereal, diet dp, pizza factory salad bar, frozen yogurt, peanut butter and honey sandwiches. Sunshine. My car. People that care about me. A great ward. A calling where I get to serve amazing women of the church. The Temple. Mid day runs for soft serve cones with Roxies. Good books. Popcorn and Matinee's with Benits. Target. Playing with Lisa. Cologne scented hugs from George. Pictures. Spinning with Janae. Inside jokes. Road Trips. My Fitness Blog. Running. Cooking. Bath and Body Works Wallflowers. Lake Powell. Hanging out at home with M&D. Playing games with my family. Being able to watch morning television while I work out every now and then. The local Crest station. Cruiser Bike rides to Yozone. Spring...summer...being tan...(sigh)...Disneyland. Having a clean house. Weekend shopping and Bajios with Linds. All of my nieces and nephews. Singing in the car. The music club, (Trev & Kate.) This could probably be a LOT longer...I'll spare you.

An Earl Update.

So you recall the situation with sweet lil' Earl I mentioned last time. I have a follow up that might just melt your heart even more. At ward prayer last night he talked to me for a bit and told me that he was having a better week, and that he decided that the girl who was mean to him was probably just having a bad week. He told me he wrote her a letter to tell her he didn't mean to make her feel uncomfortable and that he was very sorry he made her feel uncomfortable, and that he wouldn't bother her anymore, but he hoped she had a better week. Unbelievable, right? Talk about turning the other cheek. So, he asked if I would walk over with him to deliver the letter to the girl's friend so that she could give it to her. (He didn't want her to feel uncomfortable.) I was once again blown away. He had such a concerned and unselfish outlook. He was respecting her wishes, but wanted to make sure that he apologized and that she knew he was just trying to be nice. Pretty amazing.

12 days until the first day of spring. :)

Lesson Learned

2010-03-02T19:22:00.001-08:00

Tonight I was caught off guard. I went to institute to with Whitney and President Barry was teaching, so we knew we were in for a great lesson, which we definitely got. The greater lesson, however, came for us on our way out the door.

There is a guy that comes to our ward activities named Earl. He has been coming to them for the past year, and we never really know what his situation is to be honest. Earl is different from you and I. He has some sort of learning/social disabilities. I am not exactly sure what. I do know that he is always happy as can be and loves to give everyone hugs. He also loves to "chat," as he calls it. He will pull you aside and keep your attention for quite some time. I will be honest, I probably have had some instances where we were on our way out of ward prayer and I wasn't dying to stop and chat it up with him, or when I wasn't as willingly friendly as I could have been.

So, tonight as Whit and I were leaving institute we said bye to some friends, and we were trying to rush out the door so Whit could get home to go meet her mom. We knew Earl was coming up behind us, and because we were trying to rush out of there we started for the door. We heard him calling after us, so we stopped and turned around. This is about how the conversation went.

Earl: "Can i ask you girls a question?"

W & M: "Of course."

Earl: "Why do I make people feel uncomfortable?"

W & M:....speechless....at a loss for words...umm....finally..."What do you mean Earl?"

Earl: Pulls a letter out of his pocket and hands it to us.

I don't remember the exact wording, but the letter was a full page long with phrases like this:

"Earl, Could you please not come and sit by me at institute? It makes me feel really uncomfortable. I don't like it when you hug me because I feel very uncomfortable. I don't want you do do that anymore. When you come near me my friends won't talk to me, so I don't want you to come and stand by me anymore. etc. etc. etc."

It was awful. A full page of typed awfulness.

I was absolutely speechless.

I looked up at poor Earl's near-tear filled eyes, as he explained to us that he didn't feel like he had any friends in the ward.

Whit and I reassured him this wasn't the case, and that he shouldn't let this one heartless person make him feel like he didn't have friends.

It was so heartbreaking.

I was appalled that anyone could be so terrible, especially a college-age individual. I was mad at myself for initially attempting to rushing out the door without being a friend to him first. I felt glad that he trusted Whit and I enough to come to us for some consoling.

I felt like I was a little kid in elementary school again, being reprimanded for being mean.

I definitely learned my lesson.

Although I still am so sad that Earl was so mistreated, I am very glad that I had this reminder...a reminder that we all need to be a little more Christlike. A reminder that we are all children of our Father in Heaven, and our purpose here on earth is to love each other. A reminder of how easy it can be to offend, and that we could probably all be a little more careful.

I think we all have days when we ourselves are, "Earl's" and we know how it feels to be in need of a friend. On that same note, we all have "Earl's" in our lives that we can be a little kinder to as well. I guess we can all just remember that a little kindness can go a long way.

Church-a-thon

2010-02-28T21:32:00.000-08:00

Today was a very very good day. Sundays are a lot of work for me these days, but they are so fun and always very rewarding. We had ward conference this week, so the day started off with meetings with the Stake Relief Society Presidency, Ward Brunch, actual church, Fireside, and ward prayer.

All of our meetings today were really amazing, and it was one of those days where I felt like everything was exactly what I needed to hear. I love those days. It makes me feel like i'm being watched over.

Emily Freeman was the speaker at our fireside tonight, and she talked a lot about having joy in our journey. It made me realize that there is something that we can take positively from every situation we are in. It is possible to have joy in everything that we are doing, but it requires some effort on our part. It gave me new resolve to really try to apply optimism in every situation I am.

Roxy is a champ. I have to give her a shout out. I like to call her my RS-AP. She really is my "assistant to the president." She helps me 100% with everything I have to do for Relief Society, and she is always so willing to attend all the activities I have to go to. I don't think she realizes what a help she has been to me throughout all this craziness! Despite her support she is just a great example and a great friend. She even made me delicious curry for dinner tonight.

I remembered how much I love pictures last night. They are such incredible keepsakes. Benita and I looked through all our old pictures last night from as long as we have been besties, and we were laughing so hard we were crying. It was SO funny. We have had some hilarious, crazy, funny, good times, and i LOVE that they are all documented. Benits took this picture of my mom and I when I was home over Valentines Day weekend. I love it. My mom is the cutest little thing there is. Seriously. I just adore her.

Thoughts for Thursday...

2010-02-25T22:26:00.000-08:00

- I am glad it's Thursday. I love weekends. I am happy with the week and all...but I love weekends. (Minus the fact that my sis Linds is gone. She and I did weekends quite well together.)

- I feel so blessed with how great work has been going. I have picked up a ton of new clients, and they all seem to just fall into place in my schedule. I LOVE being at work, and the people that I work for. It is pretty humbling to see how the Lord is taking care of me.

- I found a DELISH new Healthy Cookie Recipe today, and made them. YUM. Posted HERE.

- I am in LOVE with the show Friday Night Lights. If you haven't seen it. I highly recommend it. For those who watch...I have Four words: Tim Riggins, Coach Taylor.

- I am about a month (or two) past ready for spring. I am ITCHING for sunshine, swimsuits, and windows down.

- I did my long run today & i'm tired. Very, very tired.

- I am going up to SLC tomorrow to see Nichole and Denny. Although the circumstances aren't the greatest (Denny was hurt snowboarding on Wed), I'm always so glad to see them!

- I wouldn't mind being in Disneyland right now.

- I think my ward is awesome. I am frequently reminded how many great people I am friends with. Definitely blessed.

- We had ward temple night tonight, and dinner at our bishop's house after and so I went over there with wet hair. It dried on it's own...a few of you know what this means. I like to call it my "Diana Ross," look. I had several people tell me I should embrace my curls...hahaha.

- How great are the Olympics? Seriously.

- I have a bunch of friends going 80's dancing right now, and they tried to get me to go...but I have to get up at 5 AM...dang it. I do love 80's music, and dancing. Rats.

- My arm became sore from playing the Wii too long. That is embarrassing. I work out a lot I promise.

- I should be asleep right now. I would just rather be sitting her computerizing with Roxies. When in the world are we going to be roommates again? That means you too Benits.

- Farr's frozen yogurt may have slipped into first place in my ratings book. Dang that stuff is good.

- I think I will get to go to spinning TWICE this week. Do you realize that is like Christmas for me? Janae's spin class makes me happy. Very happy.

- I hope my family is planning a trip for the summer. I feel like we are all so spread out all of the sudden. Let's fix that, even if it's just for a week.

- February is almost over. Bring on March. Bring it.

- Night :)

Love: Arizona Hate: Tires

2010-02-22T21:19:00.000-08:00

I ALWAYS have my camera. Like, always. I went to Arizona last weekend, and guess what? I forgot my camera. Super lame...I had so much fun being home for a bit. Benita and I decided that we'd take advantage of the long weekend, and head to the warmer weather.

We left for AZ on Friday and I dropped her of in Sedona at her sister's house and continued on to Gilbert. It felt SO good to be home. I just love being around my family in any situation really. I got in to my parents house around 11:00 and watched the rest of the opening ceremonies with them, and then hit the sack.

Saturday we went to Bryson's basketball game, went shopping in Scottsdale, ate dinner at Gecko (one of my favorites), and came home and watched more of the Olympics and played Canasta.

Sunday we went to church, I got to sit outside in the 80 degree sunshine for a bit, went and picked Benita up, had a delicious family dinner with the Barney's, and then went over to the Barney's to watch, "This is it." If you haven't seen that...make it a point to do so. It's pretty incredible.

Monday we went for a run outside, amazing. Went to Sprouts Market, to pick up some of my favorite things, not sold in Utah. (Yes, I cart things home...I like my food.) Went to get pedicures. Ate lunch outside at Paradise Bakery, and then were on our way.

This is the point in the drive home when we were still happy, and making great time.

You see we had a bit of a mishap. Now, I'll need to back track in order to give full justice to the story. The week before we left I had my tires rotated. I'd like to think I'm responsible like that. When we were driving to AZ on Friday my tire pressure light came on, weird, and annoying. So we pulled over and checked it twice along the way. All seemed ok, so we continued on our way. We made it there all in tact. Come Sunday I go out to my car and the tire is completely flat. Awesome. So, Les made an appointment Monday to have it fixed before I left. I go, get it fixed...something about a slow leak...as i'm leaving I say, "Now i'm leaving right now to drive home to Utah. Do you promise I'm ok? Good to go?" To which Mr. Tireman says, "Yep, it's all fixed. Travel safe."

After about an hour of driving the tire pressure light comes on AGAIN. We check the tire. It doesn't seem flat. We continue on. About 1/2 way through the drive we decide to check it again, and it turns out the tire is almost completely flat again. Perfect. Well the rest of the drive goes as follows.

- repeated calls to Les and Elaine with updates, complaints, questions...etc

- pulling off the freeway at what I swear was every 30 mins to fill up the tire and check the PSI. (If any of you are concerned about your tire pressure, I know own a tire gage and know how to use it. Benita and I will fill up your tires like pros. We should probably be working for Nascar at this point.)

- Benita and I joke through pure fear of never making it home, that we are never going to make it home. I think we said a lot of prayers too.

- Benita and I become really good at approaching strangers for help

- Benita and I cheering as we pull in to Provo. I am going to have to say that was a first.

Wow. What a nightmare. I'm still so glad I was able to go home though. I do love it there!

ohhh this is good.

2010-02-19T23:58:00.000-08:00

Flashback about 1 month ago. I get a text from Chelsey asking me if I had received my letter from my 9th grade self. I told her I hadn't, and she proceeded to tell me some of the highlights from what hers had said. Funny stuff. I figured mine was probably lost in the mail somewhere due to the fact that my parents had moved, and forgot about it. Well, last week Miss Hill, now Mrs Houghton, found me on FB asking for my address, and today I received this little gem in the mail.

Flashback January 6, 2000

*DISCLAIMER: I realize that what you're about to read is completely ridiculous, however, I found it so dang funny that I felt like I had to share. Don't you worry. I didn't change a WORD. So, don't you dare judge me...here goes ;)

"Right now I am in 9th Grade at Oak Canyon Jr. High School, and I am the secretary on the student council. I take dance at the dance club, and I am on Superstars. I am also doing a trip with Christina Halls and Tiffany Christensen. Synda Schultz is our teacher. I have 3 brothers. Jason who is married to Tamra (no kids yet), Tyler who is married to Nancy (no kids yet), and Set who died in a car accident a few years ago. I also have two sisters. Nichole is married to Denny Barney (They have 2 kids, Kiley (4) and Blake (2). Then there is Lindsey. She isn't married (Yet!!) She goes to UVSC, and lives at home.

People in the world are just starting to get over the whole Y2k hype. It was really a lot of talk for nothing. There wasn't any problems. Bill Clinton is the pres. of the USA, and Gordon B. Hinkley is the president of the Church. Technology is getting better! DVD players are getting more popular, and computers are getting better and better everyday.

Right now in the music business the Backstreet Boys are the biggest pop group in the world. They are for sure my favorite group, alright alright...I have a small obsession over them, but what can I say I just love them. Two of my walls are covered in pictures of them and I could tell you every one of their, full names, ages, favorite colors, food, you know, all of the good stuff. I went to their concert 3 times in one month last October. Someday I will meet them!

I have lots of plans for my future. I have two plans for what I am going to do when I grow up. I am going to graduate from College, or high school with one year of hair school done. Then I want to move to california and do famous people's hair. Then you know, I could have the hook ups and marry a famous person. No really though, I love to do people's hair. I am already like the family hair stylist.

I would also either like to dance or sing professionally. I love to do both. I would really just like to be a part of MTV. I want to et married int he LDS temple to someone who loves kids and me. I want to marry someone athletic, and that will be able to provide for me, and my kids needs. I want to be a good mother, and i also want to keep in touch with my friends forever!

I have like a group of seven close friends right now. Chelsey Ashman, Liz Olson, Jessica Rogers, Jaclyn Dodson, Jade Silva, Cassie Montgomery. We have a lot of fun together. We have so many inside jokes with each other. I never stop laughing. Well I guess when you read this you will know what a dork I was in 9th grade, but hey, I love it! BSB forever!

Megan Smith"

There is is. In it's unadulterated form. Horrible sentence structure and all. I'm going to have to say my favorite line is "I would really just like to be a part of MTV." What can I say folks? I had had some big aspirations for myself. Not everyone dreams of being a hairstylist to the stars...

Happy V-dizzle!

2010-02-14T12:36:00.001-08:00

Happy Valentines Day!!

My apologies if you don't watch LOST...and you don't find these funny. Just know that I love you and want you to have the best Valentines day EVER.

xoxoxo

A to the Z

2010-02-12T23:32:00.001-08:00

Benita and I do road trips like babies do formula.

We drove all day.

Made it to AZ.

I'm tired...but SO glad to be here.

Love me some 80 degree weather.

2010-02-08T23:15:00.000-08:00

I would like to be here right now please.

or here.

or maybe even here.

any takers?

Pray for Baby Bronson.

2010-02-07T23:14:00.000-08:00

My mom called me tonight, and told me to read the story about baby Bronson.

I don't even know this baby.

But I read THIS story, mostly in tears, and couldn't believe how hard this must be for their family.

I am reminded once more that I am so grateful for this gospel, and for the Plan of Salvation.

I will be keeping baby Bronson in my prayers.

You should too.

I am sure they will take all of the prayers they can get.

as Justin Timberlake would say..."Bye, Bye, Bye"

2010-02-05T11:01:00.000-08:00

It actually happened. They moved. I guess deep down I didn't really think it would happen, but the Fitches took off on Tuesday to the great state of Texas. I am going to miss them SO much! We have had some good times together...

clearly...

Linds has taken care of me since M&D took off to Arizona. She is amazing. I'm going to miss our shopping/dinner dates, Sunday meals, trips to the gateway, craft sessions, watching her kiddies, playing games (Trav and I are great competitors!!) and just hanging out!

I am excited for their new adventure, and I know they are going to have a great time in their new place! I can't wait to visit!!

Roxypants had a B-day

2010-02-02T16:51:00.000-08:00

This delightful little thing that I L-O-V-E turned 23 last week. She deserves an ode. Let's be honest she deserves more than an ode, but for now...

Roxers is one of the most genuinely caring people I know. She is always looking out for me, and for all of our friends. She is smart, beautiful, and extremely funny. We always joke that if people don't get our humor it's because they aren't funny, cause we sure are. ;)

Roxanne is extremely ambitious, and everything she does she does well. She is a great example of Christ-like love, and leads by example. She really lives what she believes.

She brightens my day, and I know I can always count on her for diet cokes, frozen yogurt, or some retail therapy. I miss her as my roomie, that is for sure! Love you Roxers!!

We celebrated at one of our favorites, Carrabbas. It was divine.

Cupcakes and ice cream to follow, with all our friends.

Birthdays are so fun because they are a great excuse to get everyone back together again. It has been especially fun to get to see Cami and Tanner. I just love them!

Happy B-day Roxypants!! LOVE YOU OH SO MUCH!

(AKA: Ox, Hoops, Dr. Quinn, Rosie...you choose.)

yikes.

2010-01-27T20:08:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow Morning.

9:00 AM.

GRE.

Scary.

But I'll be glad to be done.

And back to my normal blogging, non-boring, self.

I can't wait for my answer to NOT be..."I can't, I'm studying..."

Wish me luck.

We're a good time. We just are.

2010-01-24T22:33:00.000-08:00

We have favorites. We have things we do. It's just us, and we love it. We had a good weekend. It went kind of like this. I spent lot's of Friday studying for the GRE. I needed a break. Of course Benits and Rox came to the rescue, and of course we went to Carrabbas. I don't know why we love that place so much, but we just do. We love it to the point that we are on a friend basis with more than 1/2 of the servers. Is that embarrassing? I don't think so. We just know quality when we see it. Nothing makes me happier than a bowl of Carrabbas Minestrone soup, some warm bread, and bottomless diet cokes. Good times. At one point in the evening Benita lost her phone. Rox, being the good friend that she is spent about 5 mins under the table in the dark trying to find it for her when it actually was just next to Benita in the booth. Here is evidence...

Saturday was pretty much a repeat. I love Saturdays...Rox and I had our morning long run, and then I decided to take the rest of the day to get some practice tests in. (Countdown 3 study-able days left until GRE day. GROSS.) Come dinner time another break was in order and tonight it was our other fave. Pizza Factory. What began as me Rox and Benits going to grab some quick salad bars and diet cokes turned into a group of about 20 people who met us there.

The three of us were pretty hyper for the rest of the night, and the next two hours, post dinner, turned into a dance party. Many of our friends fell victim. We weren't mad. We laughed So dang hard. I love these girlies with all my heart, and I don't know what I'd do without them.

Snug-a-luphogus

2010-01-15T10:04:00.000-08:00

Current temperature reading on my Mac 21 degrees. 21 only sounds good if you're playing cards, or if you're an underaged drinker anxiously awaiting the golden legal b-day. I do not fall into either of those categories. As was before mentioned in previous posts, My darling brother Tyler gave me an unexpected Christmas gift (pictured above.) I've been studying for the GRE non-stop on my computer, and that mixed with all this 21 business means that Mr. Snugs has been put to good use. I still think they are atrocious mind you, but nonetheless, SO functional.

On another note. Let me just say how much I LOVE google reader. I would look at about .01 % of the blogs I look at without it. It's just so easy. If you don't use it...please start. BUT, I'll be honest I'm a bit disappointed in myself. I used to be a great commenter. I love your posts. I think you're hilarious, and adorable, and creative, and inspiring. The problem is when I read them from my reader I just flip through them so fast. SO...I apologize. I'm going to be better at commenting. If I like it I'll let you know it, and you should do the same.

Lastly. I've started to pick up my schedule back at the gym, so I'll hopefully soon, be back to Training full time. I couldn't be happier. I forgot how much I love to be able to completely be involved in all that is going on there. I get to help people realize how much potential they have. How awesome is that? It is what I love. THAT is for sure.

My Word

2010-01-10T16:06:00.000-08:00

Not to be confused with, "oh my word." I mean it in the possessive form. Like my actual word. For the year that is. My older sister Nichole, who is incredible, has this equally incredible friend named Shawni.

I read her blog, cause i'm a blog stalker like that. Don't act like you don't do the same.

Well, every year Shawni picks a word for the year. This words sort of becomes her theme.

I copied her last year and my word for 2009 was LOVE. It was a fun one. It was something I thought about a lot. Love towards my family, my friends, strangers, etc. etc. etc. It really helped me to have a focus, and a reminder.

I have thought a lot about what I want to focus on this year, and I am excited with my word for 2010.

I think that service is something that I could really use some improvement on. I know that I can definitely be more mentally service oriented. More apt to serve, if you will. So, I've decided to make it my word. Lucky for me I got a new calling today that should help me right along with this. :) I love this section from President Monson's Talk from last conference entitled, "What have I done for someone today?"

"My brothers and sisters, my heart has seldom been as touched and grateful as it was when Sister Monson and I literally spent hours reading of these gifts. My heart is full now as I speak of the experience and contemplate the lives which have been blessed as a result, for both the giver and the receiver.

The words from the 25th chapter of Matthew come to mind:

“Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:

“For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:

“Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.

“Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink?

“When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee?

“Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee?

“And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.”12

My brothers and sisters, may we ask ourselves the question which greeted Dr. Jack McConnell and his brothers and sisters each evening at dinnertime: “What have I done for someone today?” May the words of a familiar hymn penetrate our very souls and find lodgment in our hearts:

Have I done any good in the world today?
Have I helped anyone in need?
Have I cheered up the sad and made someone feel glad?
If not, I have failed indeed.
Has anyone’s burden been lighter today
Because I was willing to share?
Have the sick and the weary been helped on their way?
When they needed my help was I there?13

That service to which all of us have been called is the service of the Lord Jesus Christ.

As He enlists us to His cause, He invites us to draw close to Him. He speaks to you and to me:

“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

“Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

“For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”14

If we truly listen, we may hear that voice from far away say to us, as it spoke to another, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.”15 That each may qualify for this blessing from our Lord is my prayer, and I offer it in His name, even Jesus Christ, our Savior, amen."

Resoluty-toot-toot

2010-01-07T19:24:00.000-08:00

2-0-1-0. Shouldn't we be driving around in hovering cars or something. How did time fly by so quickly. Yowza! Nonetheless, here we are. I was just checking over my last years resolutions, and I actually did better than I thought.

I accomplished the following from my 2009 list...

Run a marathon – a full one. I am planning on the Salt Lake Marathon in April. Cross your fingers for me. (So glad I was able to do this one! It was an awesome experience)

No candy until March 1^st. I’ve already started this one. I’m doing it with Lisa Watkins. As of Dec 26^th I have had no candy or treats. This is hopefully going to help with #1. I've done this before with my mom and sister and I love how good I feel when i don't eat treats and crap. (Still on this one!! Wahoooo.)

Write in my journal weekly. I love when I can go back and read my journal entries of past, and laugh at how ridiculous I am 90% of the time. Ok…95%. (I had a few weeks where I slipped up, and I still think I can be better, but overall I did pretty well.)

Start the BOM over again. I just finished it today. I’ve been reading it with my breakfast every morning and writing down my thoughts in a scripture journal. It’s been a great way to start my morning. I want to keep doing it, but I am trying to find another angle at which to study.

Go visit teaching every month. Make it a point to become friends with my girls, not just a message visit.

Read more. Complete at least one book a month. FYI...I just read a book called The Hunger Games that was SO awesome. I definitely recommend it!

Go to the temple twice a month.

There were plenty that I didn't accomplish unfortunately, but i'm glad to see that I was able to do some of the things that I was working towards!

My Goals for 2010

1- Apply for Grad School. If possible start fall 2010.

2- Attend the temple weekly. For the weeks I'm not able to do this double up the next week.

3- Become published.

4- Finish Mom & Dad's life history.

5- Run another Marathon.

6- Be very diligent with morning and evening prayers.

7- Finish the following books: Les Miserables, Mere Christianity, & Jesus the Christ.

8- Do something, "pictureworthy" every week.

I think that is it for now...for now, that is.

Last year I decided my "word of the year" was LOVE. I think I know what I want this years word to be...more on that next time.

I choose warm weather for 500 please.

2010-01-06T13:50:00.000-08:00

My list for Wednesday

A. I'm pretty sure the pilot light is out again. My house is approx 5 degrees. Do you burn more calories when you're freezing? You know, due to the body having to warm you up? I sure hope so...i better be getting something out of this. (Enter Snuggie...Thank you Tyler for the phenomenal Christmas present.)

B. My life is crazy right now. The kind of crazy where things that I did NOT see coming keep happening. Chaos. (Pronounced Chay-o's) Right Roxypants?

C. I have seen Benita consecutively for 7 days. It's almost like we're roommates again. Love that.

D. Roxy FINALLY came back to Utah. I repeat. FINALLY. I missed that face!

E. Mom and dad, I wish you would have taken me back to AZ with you. I had WAY too much fun with you.

F. I have New Years resolutions and such. I'll blog about them. All in due time folks.

G. Three things I'd be ok with if i never had to use again: Ice scraper, Uggs, and my North Face. I mean I love the last two and all, but it's becoming a bit of a uniform.

hmmm...also...considering taking the GRE on January 30th. Any thoughts for me?

xoxoxo megs

A Very Jolly Holiday

2010-01-01T15:52:00.000-08:00

Christmas was VERY merry. I snagged some pictures from Nichole's blog of our Christmas eve activities because I managed to forget my camera all day long. My mom and I went with the Barney family to volunteer at the food bank on Christmas Eve day. It was a great experience to be able to do some service, and it was so fun to be able to do it as a family.

We were able to help sort through cans that are distributed throughout the area.

It was fun to see how into it all the kiddies got.

We went to see Blindside in the afternoon. It was my second time seeing it, and I re-loved every minute of it. It is such a great movie, and I highly recommend it if you haven't seen it yet. It's a good one. For Christmas Eve dinner we decided to go to Brio. It was delicious, and fun to just get to hang out stress free for the night. (Again...thanks for the pics Nichole!)

Christmas morning was so much fun. I slept in and woke up to my mom's darling hot chocolate bar. Delish! She even had sugar free stuff for me.

We sipped hot cocoa and opened presents. I couldn't believe my mom and dad. They are way too good to me! I'd have to say my favorite presents were my guitar and my new ipod. I was totally surprised by the guitar, which made it even more exciting. SO fun! After we finished opening up presents we went over to the Barney's for our traditional Danish Pancake Breakfast. We have been doing that for as long as I can remember.

Ki and I are going to start a band, no big deal.

After a pretty chill day of lounging around we went back to the Barney's for our fondue Christmas dinner. We spent some quality time playing the Beatles Rock Band. Loved it.

Dinner was so yummy. Cheese, and broth fondue for dinner and chocolate fondue for dessert. It doesn't get much better than that. We finished out the evening with some games and a whole lot of laughing. It was a great day!

Christmas Eve...and the random thoughts that come with

2009-12-24T23:16:00.000-08:00

What a great Christmas eve. I'll have to review the days events later. Right now I can't help but be so grateful to have the opportunity to spend another Christmas Eve with mom, dad, & the Barney fam. I can't help but feel overwhelmingly blessed to have such an incredible family that I love so much.

(This is a quick video post movie, pre dinner tonight. We had a great time.)

I also can't help but feel so grateful to my Savior for His life, His teachings, and His sacrifice in my behalf. What a blessing it is to have the gospel in my life. The hope that comes to me from my knowledge of the Plan of Salvation, and the love that I feel in my life daily is something that I cherish more than I can explain. I know that my Savior loves me. He loves each one of us. So much that He died for us, and He did it willingly. He did it knowing it would be hard, and painful, but that it would save us pain and hardship. He did it because He wanted us to be as happy as we could possibly be. The gospel really is, "good news." Striving to live as Christ did is what will bring us happiness. I love this photo from the new Reflections of Christ series.

I hope everyone has a VERY Merry Christmas. I love you all!

And now I think I'll fall asleep to, "The Christmas Story." I'm pretty sure this is the start of some 24 hour marathon. I can't wait for Christmas morning to see if Santa still visits 25 year olds. ;) One can only hope...

A Valiant Effort

2009-12-23T23:00:00.000-08:00

December 23rd: Christmas Adam. One of my clients told me that one of her families favorite traditions is to celebrate, "Christmas Adam," on December 23rd. Because Adam came before Eve. Cute eh? So Merry Christmas Adam to everyone! This morning Denny, Kiley, Blake and I went to the Mesa Temple to do baptisms. Unfortunately for us about a zillion other people had the same idea, so we ended up walking settling for taking a lap around the grounds and heading home. You can't be mad that the temple is overflowing with people wanting to serve now can you? Pretty cool if you ask me.

The Christmas spirit is definitely in the air. We passed this sweet house on our drive back, and Kiley and I had to circle back to do a double take...and by that i mean i had to snap some photos. Seriously...check this out.

On the way home we stopped so Denny could drive their electric car home. It was hilarious. With he and Blake all dressed up, and his sunglasses on it looked like he was some CIA agent on special project to keep something secure. They were maxing out at about 24 MPH, no big deal. Super funny.

Kiley, Mom, Nichole, and I went to Crackers for lunch. I had never been there before, and it was yummy! After that Mama Cita and I did some shopping, and headed home for the day.

I'm loving being able to just hang out with the fam. It is something that i don't get to do all the time, and it's great to just hang out and relax together. I can't believe tomorrow is Christmas eve already!?! Where has this year gone?

This is the way we bowl, we bowl.

2009-12-22T19:11:00.000-08:00

Joggity jog jog jog. This morning started off with a run with my sis Nichole. I love when I get to go run with her. She is in such awesome shape, she definitely keeps me motivated. It is so fun to just run and chat all along the way. We ended up running a little over 7 miles, which felt so good.

We decided to make a little afternoon outing to the local bowling alley to show off our intense bowling skills. It was super fun, and I definitely proved some mad skills with my total score of 73 points.

So much fun.

This evening's plan consists of Diet Dr. Pepper, Oregano's, and the Cougars. Good luck boys!

Home, Home on the Range.

2009-12-18T23:00:00.000-08:00

Oh to be home. Happiness.

Thanks to Linds who was kind enough to dine with me, Gateway with me, and chauffeur me up to the airport. It's official. I can't get enough of her little kiddies. They are just so dang cute.

I sat next to an adorable girl from my ward on the plane. So fun!

Across the isle from me was a very good looking chap. I wasn't mad.

Les and Elaine picked me up from the airport, and without any if's ands or but's we pulled into Yogurtland.

Doesn't that just look delicious? Well it was.

I came home to a divinely decorated house. Straight out of catalog I'm pretty sure. So much Christmas in this house. I love it.

My parent's were opening Christmas cards they received in the mail today. All of the sudden my mom is opening up one from Mitt Romney. I was pretty impressed, and then I remembered that my parents know the Romney's from when we lived in Boston. It reminded me that I wish he was the Pres. not the Obaminator. Just sayin'

I am all unpacked in my room, snuggled up on my bed, watching Christmas Vacation.

A very good kickoff to the Holiday. :)

The answer is an astounding, YES.

2009-12-17T23:52:00.000-08:00

Yes, Yes, and then some.

Yes, I can't stop thinking about the fact that at this time tomorrow I'll be nestled all snug in my bed at home in AZ.

Yes, I am ready to not be ankle deep in snow. (Uggs or not, it's not my favorite.)

Yes, I am SO excited that Christmas is a week from today. I am a 5-year-old at heart I tell ya.

Yes, I am STOKED that THIS GIRL started blogging. Love her, with all my heart. It's so great when people jump on the blog-wagon.

Yes, I am pumped to spend some quality down time with the fam in AZ...reading, shopping, eating, working out, Christmas-ing...and blogging of course. You haven't heard the last of me yet!

Yes, my friend Brady and I continued our now 4 year tradition, and watched one of my favorite early 90's classics, "All I want for Christmas," tonight. Nothing like Kevin Nealon and a bunch of other no name actors to get you in the real Christmas spirit.

-sidenote: If you haven't seen this film, and most people haven't. Watch it. It's golden.

Yes, I secretly, and now openly, loved sleeping in today, not working, getting in a nice workout, doing some Christmas shopping in my gym clothes, and getting ready to go home tomorrow...I'm really good at being a scrounge.

Yes, I need to sign off FB chat. Why are people up so late? Why am I up so late?

Yes, I am going to miss all my besties while I'm home.

Yes, I still have Christmas stuff to do. Wow, it snuck up on me this year, no?

Yes, I still love my new computer.

Yes, I'm currently in LOVE with photoshop and learning all the fun things I can do with it. I'd show you some of my latest creations, but it would ruin some Christmas surprises...later. Later.

Yes, I am CRAVING Yozone's peppermint frozen yogurt right now.

Yes, I was thinking today about how much I love my family...and how much i'm going to miss having a certain sister 5 mins from my house. :(

Yes, I need to go to bed.

Night.

Oh Christmas Tree

2009-12-14T19:44:00.000-08:00

Garlands all the way down the stair case railings. A super tall Christmas tree with twinkling lights. What seemed like hundreds of collected Santa's of all sorts throughout the house. That is how I remember our house growing up, all decorated for Christmas. I remember loving helping my mom set up the boxes and boxes of decorations. The house felt so warm and friendly. A hard day's work rewarded with night coming, and all of the lights being plugged in. It always seemed like it turned everything into magic, and the Christmas season was really beginning. Although, I have about 1/100th of the amount of decorations that my mom has I still get excited to put them all up. Here is how the holiday decor turned out this year...

Rox and I had SO much fun hunting down our fun decorations. We seriously spent a whole Saturday going from one store to the next finding all sorts of cool decorations. So fun!!

Holiday Partaaaay

2009-12-13T22:04:00.000-08:00

We wish you a Merry Christmas. I love Christmas. Have I mentioned that before? This year my friends and I decided that we needed to celebrate the holiday season on our own time, so we did.

The evening was complete with. LOTS of food, treats, and some fantastic white elephant gifts. We laughed a LOT. It was so fun to be all together and get to feel festive! I have some great friends. That is for sure.

Megan's Currently

2009-12-09T22:16:00.000-08:00

I love Cami Wells. I was just reading her blog and she had a "currently," post...I thought it was cute, so I copied her.

Currently I am...

Sitting at Roxies house.

Stealing bites of her Dreyer's Slow Churned Mint Cookie Crunch.

Playing guess the top songs of the 90's via...Brian Turner.

Watching J-Man try and fix my ipod, and sing Boys II Men.

Drinking a Crest Diet DP.

Playing on Photo Shop.

Dreading the thought of walking back to my apartment in the 1 degree weather. Yes, my weather forecast on my computer is telling me that it is one degree outside. ONE.

Still in my gym clothes from spinning...oops.

Still stoked about my Mac.

Making my Christmas wish list.

Working on secret Christmas operations.

Excited I don't have to work super early in the morning.

Tired, and ready for bed...

Also...My mom posted this pic of my dad and I on her blog, and I love it. Precious.