9.30.2009

September in Review...

So maybe September flew by and I've been kinda horrible on keeping up with my blog.
September hasn't been too bad of a month. I've gotten to see a lot of friends again (some after 2 years), the weather has been nice (until today), and school wasn't too stressful (for the most part)
So here's a little rundown of my life:

Late night walks with friends around Provo.


First home game of the season.
Spending time with family visiting in town.
Attending my first state fair ever.
Spending time with friends randomly stopping through town.
Dance parties with my favorites.

Almost all of us (from freshman year), plus some new, reuniting at Red Robin.
Having my best friend come visit for a weekend.

Cheering on the cougars.After 2 years, finally hanging out with my best friends again.

Movie Nights outside.

Getting messy at FHE (messy twister: involved chocolate ice cream-yuck, strawberry syrup, oatmeal, and flour... yum)

And just recently, my cousin/best friend- came to visit for the day. So great to see her! She's going to ROCK San Francisco!

So Provo life has been treating me pretty well. It's nice to be back in Provo and get back into the swing of things.

Upcoming events I'm looking forward to:
-More friends Visiting within the next few weeks
-General Conference (beyond excited for this... can't wait)
-Visiting Family in Denver for my cousins farewell
-Halloween... really, I cannot wait. I already have my costume.

counting my blessings..

I hate when tragedies need to happen in order for me to re-examine my life and really count all the blessings I have. It makes me realize how selfish I can be when I really have it pretty good.
Today, I was informed that one of the boys in my group from EFY in 2008, Scott Gillen, had passed away last night. He was training and working out to earn his fitness badge for his Eagle, when he had a heart attack at the track of his high school last night.
My heart goes out to his family and all the people he has touched; I know he has touched and changed my life.
Scott was an outstanding youth who had so much love for everyone he came in contact with. Every time I'd see him at EFY last year and this past year, he was always able to bring a smile to my face. He was full of happiness and love... you could see it in his eyes. He always made people feel good about themselves and was just the most kind hearted boy. He was a great kid and I know that I have been changed for the better because I knew him. I feel so blessed that I was able to get to know him while he was here on this earth- he has touched my life. I'm so grateful for the gospel because even though I may be hurting right now, I have the comfort of knowing where he is. I can't even imagine what I'd do without this gospel. It's such a blessing to have in my life, especially in times like these. His mission on earth was short, but complete and now he is up in heaven working on a greater mission.
I love you Scott. Thanks for being a part of my life and changing it for the better. Keep on smiling up there and changing peoples lives. You were a great young man and will be missed dearly.
God Be With You Till We Meet Again.


9.11.2009

Lake Powell

Can words even begin to describe how much I LOVE Lake Powell? No, not really.
It was so fun to be with my family and some close friends for Labor Day Weekend. I just felt like the trip wasn't long enough! I guess there is always next year!
Here's just a few reasons why this is my most favorite vacation spot ever:
1. It's gorgeous. Seriously, I'm just blown away by what I am surrounded by everyday.
2. I get to sleep under the stars...and I love stargazing.
3. You are disconnected (literally) from the world... no phone, no internet, no T.V., no newspaper.. nothing. It's just you, and the lake. It's the best.
4. Total relaxation.
5. No makeup, no doing your hair, you get to be in your swimsuits all day long... enough said.
And if that doesn't convince you, here are some pictures.
(I feel like pictures speak louder than words sometimes.)
Prepare to fall in love:








After we survived a very long day...
I was so happy I got to spend the weekend with the 2 most adorable cousins EVER!

Our houseboat...Something Divine.
Wakeboarding. I don't do it as often as I'd like.
The college crew
Rinsing off dishes.. maybe not my most favorite part.
early morning ski runs


Hiking up to Indian Ruins
boat rides.
jumping off cliffs.
Playing Taboo against the Parents- one of my top 5 favorite games now.
Tube tanning
Card Games.
Family time.
The meal spot.
Jet Ski Runs.


And to answer your question... yes, I am OBSESSED with Lake Powell.
Is it time to go back yet?

Back to school, Back to school...

School is back in full swing!
Here's to a new year! :)



9.10.2009

Never Forget...

I can't believe it's been 8 years ago since tragedy struck America.
Last year I was able to go to New York City with my family and we went to a Ground Zero Museum Workshop. At the museum, there are photographic images by the Official Ground Zero Photgrapher and photgrapher, Gary Marlon Suson, as well as artifacts from the recovery, items worn by recovery workers, actual tools used to dig, etc.
I was able to see things such as WTC Glass windows, steel, and other artifacts recovered from that day.
It was one of the most emotional and humbling things I have ever experienced.
I will forever be grateful for all those who lost their lives on September 11,2001.