.:sorry it's been a while... lots to catch up on:.

Lots has been happening. I have been enjoying my time at home and away from college. So much that I just don't know when I am going back... I know... I am a slacker. Had a boyfriend but sadly that ended. Its for the best though so I am doing just fine.

My singles ward had a Christmas dance and it was Hollywood themed. So I went as Taylor Swift...I know I don't look like her but hey I tried. Directly below is a picture of my baby sister Natalie(far left) and Ashley Capistran and myself. We are cool.

Natalie and I completed the first annual Parma Holiday Bust Your Bells 5K. It was freezing... and I walked most of the way but at least I did it. My dad, who was directing traffic took this beautiful pic at our first turn. Haha looks like we are working hard right?

.

Well that's basically my life in a nutshell. It's been great. I will try to be better at keeping you all updated.

.:peace&blessings:.

This is my second attempt to recreate something from pinterest.

1: Wavy, messy hair.

My attempt. Win?

.:i accept your challenge:.

Okay, so I know that I am not the only one out there obsessed with pinterest. I love everything about it and have basically planned my future wedding, house, yard/garden, closet and children's closet from it.

Well as I have gone through some pictures I have decided to give some a try of my own. So naturally I am going to blog it. I hereby accept the pinterest challenge and will try to recreate what I see.

1: I saw a great idea for my bedroom so I tried it and succeeded.

Here is my re-creation. My sister and I share a room so I built two beds. Hooray for palette beds!

.:Me and My Crafty-self:.

Well this month has been a crazy fun one! Two

weddings 3 receptions, lots of family and I got a job!

My cousin Amanda got married and the very next day my brother Blake

and my dear friend Nicole got married! Such an amazing weekend.

So for Blake and Nicole's wedding reception here in Parma

I made them a cute little sign that hung on a cute aqua colored door. It was

Awesome! I have just been so crafty! It's been fun!

Here is the sign I made.

Then one day I was browsing around on pinterest and saw the cutest bed made

out of palettes. So I decided to make one. My sister and I share a room

so I made us kind of a couch bed thing. I turned out great. I painted a wall in our room aqua

and the rest of the walls are yellow! It's really great if I do say so myself. Still

trying to figure out something great for the big blank blue wall.

So if you have any ideas please feel free to share.

Peace&Blessings

.:Update Update Update:.

This has been a crazy fun week! Let me give you a quick recap.

SUNDAY:

Chelsi and I went to the park and met Brando there and played some frisbee (threw the frisbee around) and took some great... ok they were mostly not great pictures. Then we decided to make brownie waffles... didn't work so well but still delicious!

MONDAY:

Chelsi and I went to the car wash! We loved it! Like being a kid again and Chelsi's car looked beautiful. Then we came home and skipped FHE. We all hid up in my and Dawna's room until the coast was clear. Then Dawner, Cello and I road our bicycles to The Cocoa Bean and got some delicious peach frappes. Then Sky high came over and made a bowtie and also attempted to teach me how to tie one... not a success.

TUESDAY:

Was a lame day. Everyone had to work... so I sat around doing nothing... my life = lame without Cello and Dawner.

WEDNESDAY: Everyone worked again so I patiently waited for my friends to get home from work.

THURSDAY:

Party! Chelsi didn't have to work! Woo Hoo! We attempted to go bridge jumping in the middle of the night which... we all chickened out. The water was moving very fast and it was dark... not a good combo. So then we went on a walk along the river and as we were walking we hear a big splash and I took off running which in turn made everyone else run, except poor little taylor... he wasn't wearing shoes and the road was very rocky... we got to the car and picked tay tay up and then we went to investigate the noise from the safety of our car... and eventually turned around instead... we drove home and had some scares... mostly just me screaming(literally screaming) at random things. Truth or truth was our game of the night and let's just say there are no secrets between us.

FRIDAY:

Baby Grant came to visit! We went to the farmers market and the Sand dunes! Dawner, Cello and I went to the Rexburg Farmers Market and stalked to corn boys as per usual. Then I changed Dawner's tire for her. I am pro. Then Dawner, Cello, Tay Tay, Noc, BBlake, Baby Grant and I had a bonfire! So much fun! We jumped over the fire, roasted mallows and took pics! Also Dawner and I went and jumped off the dunes! We are the only fun ones. YAY!

SATURDAY:

Bridge Jumping. We had lots of fun and some very scary times... for me at least. When i jumped off I got caught in the current, and couldn't get out and kept trying to get to the shore and i tried to stand up but the rocks were slippery and the water was too strong. Finally the water pushed me into a little eddy and i was able to climb out. SCARIEST thing ever! I almost died, for real. Definitely will not being doing that again soon. then we got ice cream, and just hung out like cool kids.

SUNDAY:

I spoke in church and did amazing. then we hiked "our" mountain. It was soo great! It was a really fun hike, pretty tough but fun! At the top Dawner, Cello, Tay Tay and I had a little picnic and chatted and had a great time. Speaking only in our accents of course! We are the best! Later we set up the hammock between a tree and my truck and chilled out there the rest of the night. We are the best!

It was one of my favorite weeks ever and it makes me really miss this place already. I will miss you Cello and Dawner and even Tay Tay.

Now people. I am tired of getting more text messages from facebook than from real people. It's not cool and makes me sad. I think ya'll should fix that for me...mmmm kay?

Peace&Blessings

.:all good things must come to an end:.

My final semester here at BYU-Idaho is winding down. I am excited and scared at the same time. Making new friends is scary! I like to think I am a fairly friendly person and that I have a great personality so it should be pretty easy right?

I am going to miss the people here though. For example Chelsi.
Oh Cello. We have been roommates forever and now I am abandoning you. Please forgive me. You are my most favorite. We have made some great memories and I look forward to the future when we marry hot twin brothers and have kids all the same ages! Life will be fantastic. We can teach at the same school and be everyone's favorite teachers and we will have the same last name so it will be fantastic! Haha... someday!

Dawner. You are awesome. Not only am I leaving you, but you are leaving me. So it's fair right? You have been one of the greatest friends a girl could ask for. Me you and Chels have done some crazy great things!! What am I gonna do with out you and your amazing southern accent to complement mine? It's like my world will end. I hope we stay in touch.

Oh Nocle. It looks like I am never getting rid of you now. ;) I am so incredibly happy that my plan worked! haha. There is not a person in this world that I would want my brother to marry other than you! You are so beautiful and seriously so nice and my family could use a heavy dose of both! I love you so much and am so excited to be Aunt Lissa to your kids one day!!

Emma Rae. I am going to miss you. But no worries. I will still run baby names by you of course. And as soon as you have children I am coming to visit it ASAP!!! You always make me so happy and give the greatest advice! Being one of my only married friends I know straight where to go to get relationship advice! I hope to continue to seek your advice in the future.

To all of my family. You are never getting rid of me. I can't wait to be closer to you! It's goin be fun!!

To my friends I met recently. I am sad at our timing. Thanks for spending time with me even though I know you couldn't resisit me. :) We had some great times while it lasted and I promise to visit. Please don't forget me and keep in contact. You know who you are.

LeAndra Ruth Lee. So soon I will be able to visit more often and be a bigger part of your life. You helped me through so much and I owe you big time for that. Someday our kids are going to be best friends just like us. I love you girl!

Well, I guess in just a few short days I will be starting a whole new adventure! Wish me luck! I am going to need it!

Peace&Blessings.

Oh the fun I have had this semester. I had some really great roommates and met some really great people. I don't know if I can handle starting over...

Here are some pictures of us celebrating Dawn'a day of birth.

We love to party.

Chelsi is so gorgeous!

I like to pose with traffic cones.

As you can see we also love to document our adventures. please enjoy!

.:Hot Dang:.

Well good news everyone! My freshman fifteen is finally gone! And can I tell you I feel great! I am ready to get toned now! Man I am gonna be sexy haha.

This semester is coming to a close and I am sad to see it go. I have met some incredible people and had some amazing adventures with my friends! Now on to a new adventure and I am so nervous. What if I don't find any new friends at BSU?? I am not exactly the most conversation savvy person in the world. I haven't had to find all new friends in sooo long! I am tempted to just stay in

Rexburg and figure something out here... but that probably won't happen.

Blake and Nicole are getting married sooo soon! I can't believe it! I am so excited to have her as a part of our family! It's gonna be soo fun!!

.:FUNNIEST PRANK I HAVE EVER PULLED OFF:.

So here's what happened.

We were on our way home from FHE in Idaho Falls and stopped to get gas. Dawna got out to clean the windshield. I thought up a brilliant plan. I was going to crawl through the seats and hide in the trunk and Chelsi was going to drive away like she left me. And that is exactly what we did.

At first Dawna thought it was gonna be a pretty funny little thing until Chelsi just kept driving away. And then she started getting worried. I sent her a text message and said, "did you guys leave me?" and she replied, "oh... crap" so I replied you guys are d bags. Then Chelsi came back to the gas station to get me. At this point I had started to crawl out of the back which Dawna failed to notice. So I just kind of sat there and she called me wondering where I was. So I answered and she turned around and screamed. I would call this a success!

.:welcome to the family nicole ann:.

Ok ok... they aren't married yet! But congrats to my brother and my friend Nicole! You are getting married!! I am so excited and happy for you guys!! Who would have thought that my brother and my roommate would get married? Well I sure hoped for it and now it's really happening!

It seems like everyone is getting married these days. Seriously every other post on my facebook is about someone who just got engaged or married. If it's not someone getting married it's someone who is having a baby.

And what am I doing with my life... nothing. I am not married, I am not pregnant, I am not even dating anyone. Ok I am a full time student and I try to work hard in my classes, but sometimes I would like to have a boyfriend, is that too much to ask for? I am a reasonably attractive girl, who loves sports and the outdoors. What more do they want?

I guess for now I will be complacent with my glorious single life... but if you know anybody who is single and looking I am ready to be found... haha

.:It was nice growing up with someone like you - someone to lean on, someone to count on... someone to tell on:.

Today my little brother left to serve a two year mission. It definitely is a bittersweet day for everyone in my family. It hasn't even been a day yet and I miss him. I know that he is going to be an amazing missionary and will be watched over but that doesn't mean I can't miss him.

We have always been a close family. My brothers were and always will be there for me no matter how far they may be. I know that Devin will always be my baby brother that took care of me at our new school. Luckily for me I have two other brothers here who will take care of me.

Devin and I had many adventures together. Let's just consider them on hold for the next two years. I am sad that I didn't take advantage of the time that I had with him. Instead of living at home I chose to live in Rexburg. I had fun but it makes me sad that I didn't take advantage of the time that Devin and I had left.

Family trips will not be the same, but we will make the best of them. I know that he would want us to have fun. I just can't believe he is so grown up. It seems like just yesterday we moved to Parma and I was a senior in high school and he was the baby sophomore that had to take care of me.

I know that you are going to be an amazing missionary Devin. I am so proud of your decision to serve the Lord so willingly. I know that he will take care of you just like you were so willing to take care of your sisters. Thank you for being the amazing example that you are. You have taught me so much and I know that each one of our siblings is proud of you. I love you so much baby brother!

.:The love of a family is life's greatest blessing:.

I love my family.

No "ifs" "ands" or "buts".

They have gotten me through everything.

I could not be more blessed.

I am grateful for my siblings and for my parents and the courage to have us all within six years.

It must have been a crazy time but we are all as close as siblings can be.

I have been blessed to always have friends. I never had to go to school without a friend because my siblings were there.

Whenever I needed a friend I always had one. I am so grateful for that! I couldn't have asked for a better family.

I am grateful for the gospel and for the knowledge I have that I get to be with my family forever! I am grateful for my father's example and for my brother's and for the willingness they had/have to serve the Lord. Thank you! I love you boys!

I love my momma too! She has worked so hard to teach us how to be good people! I am the person I am today because of her. She has been the greatest role model for me!

Last but not least, my baby sister! I love her so much! It has been so fun to have her in my life! She may be my little sister but I look up to her so much! She is the greatest little girl in the world!

I love you family!

.:when life hands you lemons:.

Today was a little bit of a crazy day. I went to my academic advisor to make sure I was on the right track to graduate and low and behold.... my major..."Health Education" no longer exists.

SAY WHAT!

So now I am a little distraught as to what to do.

But never fear, I talked to my mother today, who is always there to help me and we decided I might as well just finish my associates and transfer somewhere else. Sounds like a solid plan to me. So I will officially be a graduate of BYU-Idaho December 2011.

I have grown up playing sports and that is what I am good at. So why not be a teacher and a coach? Now to decide where to go when I transfer? Any ideas? Anyone?

That's basically what has been happening in my life.

Until next time.

Peace&blessings

.:Ah, summer, what power you have to make us suffer and like it:.

~Russel Baker

Ok so it's like maybe 50 degrees outside, but it feels so glorious! So I put on my shorts! Haha Maybe it's just wishful thinking.

I am ready for summer. Summer is definitely my favorite time of year. Here's why:

-warm weather

-swimming

-tans

-playing outside

-camping

-bridge jumping

-rafting

-boating

-picnics

-fourth of july

-family reunions

-naps outside under a tree

-playing at the park

-night games

-bon fires

-trips to the mountains

-hiking

-sno cones!

-water parks

-lagoon

-thunderstorms

-star gazing!

-so much more!

The sunshine makes me happy! I also love a good summer rainstorm! Bring me summer!!!

.:Early to bed, Early to rise; makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise:.

-Benjamin Franklin

My dear roommates and I have decided to do an apartment biggest loser. None of us really need to lose a lot of weight, but summer is upon us and we have got to look fantastic in out

bathing suits.

My goal is lose about 15 pounds and tone up my muscles. High school was a while ago but man I was in good shape then. I know what I need to do to accomplish this. Eat better, sleep better, & work harder. Easier said than done for sure.

School is coming up fast. I need to get into the habit of going to bed earlier and waking up earlier.

Or the first day of school might just be a nightmare!

I know I can do it!

I get to move into my new apartment next week! I am so excited! It is going to be heaven on Earth! Come visit anytime! You are more than welcome!

That's all I really have to share for now!

Peace and blessings!

.:Truly great friends are hard to find, difficult to leave, and impossible to forget:.

Oh the adventures of friends.

I like to think I am a pretty lucky person, two of my most favorite people

are also my cousins. Boy was I born into a good family!

Amanda, Chelsi and I got to spend three semesters together & we sure had

our share of fun!

We also liked to document our adventures.

Sand Dunes.

No idea what was happening here.

Now we are growing up and Amanda is gone, graduated & best of all engaged!

I am so excited for her! Weddings are the best!

This post is to commemorate all the good times we had

& so many more to come!!

.:life is either a great adventure or nothing:.

Blog title quoted from Helen Kellar

This winter has been crazy fun! It started off slow and I didn't meet a lot of new people but I definitely had a good time with the people I care about most!

Before I moved back the Rexburg, over Christmas break I got to have a wonderful little reunion with my dear friends from Caldwell High! It had been so long since I had seen them! It was definitely a joyous day!

Once the semester began we got to celebrate the wedding of dear Emma!

It was soo much fun! I am so happy for her and Jameson!!! Also we got to meet Emma's brother Mike aka Captain Pike and his friend Zane.

The next adventure was Valentines Day! It was a pretty great night! Full of food, friends and fun!

Then came one of the best parties of the year! My, Chelsi's and Nicoles Birthday Bash! What's better than mocktails and mustaches... I say nothing!

We had some sexy staches at the party. Who do you think should have won the contest?

My brothers and Blakes roommates got us the most hilarious cards in the world! I laughed for a long time after opening mine!

We decided once upon a time to make a late night trip to denny's in our pj's and top knots. What an adventure!

After denny's we were trying to find a place that sold ice cream late... well this is what we found instead... awesome!

I got to go home and visit! Went to my Grandparents house and my grandpa told us his conversion story! I am so grateful that I was able to be raised in the church thanks to him!

We are good looking!

I have had a lot of fun and can't wait to start a new adventure this coming spring semester! Now on to following the prophets and apostles counsel... time to get married haha...

.:No man is happy who does not think himself so. -Publilius Syrus:.

This week past week has had its up and downs. I have definitely not been feeling the best.

I have been sick for a while now, not sure with what. I have been to the doctors a few times.

The most recent trip I was prescribed antibiotics for an infection and some pain killers... you

can guess what for. I am hoping but that this will solve the problem... but I have a hunch it won't

as this problem has been going on for a year... but we will see.

I watched Biggest Loser today. So inspirational. I need to be as motivated as them. I want to get into shape. I want to have a great body! I am officially starting a workout routine. Now I have committed to all of you, so maybe you all can get after me for it.

I also have a job interview Friday! It's with a hotel here in town called the Marriott. I am pretty excited. I believe it is something to do with breakfast which will be nice, then I can do it before school and come home and do homework. So I am keeping my fingers crossed for that.

Also Friday is my first day reffing! I am so excited! It's going to be so fun! I grew up watching my brothers play sports and as many of you know I am an avid sports participant, so anything revolving around sports will be a great time for me!

Went to the Body Exhibit in Idaho Falls today! It was so amazing! The human body is the most marvelous thing in the world. I can't believe all the intricacies. Our Heavenly Father sure knew what he was doing. There is no way that we came to be by accident. It isn't possible, after seeing every detail of the human body I could never wrap my mind around the idea that we came to be by some mere chance. Such a great experience. I recommend that all go and visit the museum.

That's all for now! I will keep posted on my fabulously glamorous life!

One of the first things I look at when I am walking past a boy is... his shoes. I can tell a lot about a guy through his shoes.

Nikes (Or other nice tennis shoes): Generally to me means you are somewhat of an athlete.

Like to be comfortable but still has a little bit of style.

Leather Shoes: Worn with the right clothes these shoes are killer! I love a man that can knows how to wear some sexy leather shoes! This to me shoes you are serious about your day. You are all about business and getting it done. So kudos to you sexy man in the leather shoes.

Vans: So hot right now! haha. Like the most chill shoes you can own. They are fun and comfortable and just shoes that you are totally relaxed, still want to look good.

Velcro Shoes: If you are over the age of 5 and under the age of 80 there is no reason on earth for you to be wearing velcro shoes. This to me shows you are lazy. You just couldn't muster up enough energy to tie your shoes so you opted out for velcro. Not cool or attractive. It's just sad.

.:back to school, back to school, to prove to my dad that i'm not a fool:.

Well it's just about that time again. I just registered for classes! I floundering between 15 & 18 credits at the moment. I will probably stay in the 15 range just so I can have a little social life over the summer. I can't believe how fast this winter has gone.

I had a job interview today for the YMCA. It went really well and I should hear back from here tomorrow or Monday by the latest! It will be a fun job and will give me lots of experience for the future. I would be reffing little kids flag football! It seems like just yesterday I was watching my little brothers team play!

I am excited for warm weather, it is nice and sunny today, a little windy, but I broke out the sandals none the less. Work at the call center has been alright. How great can it be when you are talking to mostly grouchy people all day. But I am grateful for the money.

I am also excited to move into my new apartment. Almost all of my favorite people will be living there. Its gonna be a fantastic semester!

.:kites rise high against the wind, not with it:.

Thank you Winston Churchill for the title of this post. Just what I needed.

Life has been good. I got my classes figured out and I am all registered. I have a job and a paycheck. I have the best friends a girl could ask for! I have the most amazing brothers and sister in the world & the most wonderful parents.

Lately I have been sick. Not just regular cold or flu, more I want to die haha. I have had a terrible headache, been lightheaded, almost passed out(again), terrible pains in my kidney and stomach area and just generally feeling great.

I went to the Dr. and good news I am not anemic or having kidney problems. G0t an ultrasound to check my gallbladder which is what both my Dr. and mom think is bothering me. Should find out tomorrow if they saw anything on there. I am just hoping they can figure it out and make it better.

All of this has happened before and I would prefer it stopped happening. I know that it will get taken care of.

.:cash$$money:.

Sometimes I hate that my life tends to revolve around money. But alas the bills must be paid so I must go to work.

Right now I have to sources of income. It's not much but I am grateful for them. Plasma and the call center are my life source. Oh how I dislike them both. Both are fairly easy money so I am grateful for that.

I submitted my resume for a reffing job with YMCA in Idaho Falls, I was emailed back today and asked to tell a little about my experience with sports and reffing! I hope I can at least get an interview!

At work today the phones stopped working at 5:30... after an hour of them trying to fix them and everyone just sitting there, they sent everyone home. Bummer for them. If I were in charge I wouldn't have had my employees sitting there for an hour doing nothing and getting paid. Their loss I guess. I am grateful for it.

My baby brother Devin is here visiting! I love him! I have some of the greatest siblings in the world!

.:There is nothing wrong with change, if it is in the right direction:.

I officially made it to 21! Now on to 22! With this milestone, I have started to consider my life and what my plans are... and I have decided to make some changes.

1. I am changing my major. I loved communications and all but I just couldn't see myself doing that as a career... so I looked deep down, read through my patriarchal blessing and prayed a little and decided I need to be a teacher. Major Selection: Health Education with a minor in Exercise and Sports Science, now if that doesn't scream perfect fit, I don't think anything will.

2. I am going to start to set goals. Big ones, small ones, long term, short term, any shape or size I am going to start. I have a busy semester coming up and I need to start learning now how to prioritize and schedule my time and have goals. Wish me luck!

3. Read my scriptures everyday. I know I should be doing this already but I have been slacking off. I know that it is for my benefit and that it is what the Lord wants me to do.

4. I am going to be nicer. I am not a mean person, but I could be nicer.

5. I am going to save all money not used to pay bills.

6. I am going to learn to cook... well... someday.

Also I am giving up fast food and soda for lent. I am not catholic but hey why not!

.:happy:days:are:here:again:.

Well everyone! Exciting news!

I got a job! It's at the Rexburg Call Center.

I set my own schedule and can work as many hours as I want!

I am excited. The work won't be that much fun but I am excited for a paycheck!

So now that I have a job, on to finding me a man.

Anyone know any secrets?

Also, my birthday is coming up! I am going to be 21!

Me, Chels, and Noc are gonna have a huge party!

I am excited! I need to find a party dress!

Nicole's birthday is on Monday, a little day otherwise known as...

Valentine's Day! It just so happens that only Chels has a real Valentine.

Me, Noc and Dawn all got Valentines, but we had to ask them.

My two brothers and Blake's roommate Grant.

Aka. Baby Grant

It's gonna be fantastic, mostly it's just gonna be Sunday dinner.

Those boys are lucky that we are cooking for them!

I need gift ideas for Noc and Chels.

I want them to be great and meaningful. So if anyone can help,

I would appreciate it.

I will keep you all posted on the boy situation.

Hopefully things go well!

Gotta accomplish my goals!! :)

3...2...1... Blast-off!

Life has just been so eventful... what with not finding a boy and my unsuccessful job... things couldn't get better. Haha. Actually life isn't too bad. I love being here in Rexburg! I have had some great times with some great people! I wouldn't trade this time for anything... well maybe a job... haha. I know that in due time I will find a job. I just need to keep trying and keep my head up! I just know that things are gonna work out!

...same old song & dance...

My New Years Resolution this year is to get a boyfriend. I think I was taught that I should set attainable goals. What was I thinking. I have only 50% control over this goal. I have no idea where to even start... any assistance would be much appreciated.

Other than that I have been job hunting! It is my least favorite thing in the world! It seems like no one is hiring! I desperately need job! I am looking everywhere and have applied everywhere! So I am keeping my fingers crossed that I can at least get an interview! Who knows... its a tough world out there.