No Jinks Here.

I can honestly say I am happy and content with where my life is at this very moment.

I know I should be careful in saying that because it almost feels like I'll jinks myself, but I am blessed and I am grateful!!!

 Last Monday night I went and played soccer for the first time in over 8 years with Cec and Angel.

I'm not even going to try to explain how sore I was and how bad my foot/ankle/calf hurt from all that kicking! 

BUT I LOVED IT!!!! I realized just how much I've missed it and it made me sad that I ever stopped.

 I'm LOVING my job working for Castle Medical, it is a great job that is rewarding in so many ways! One of the ways being this beautiful scenery! I know I've said it before, but with each year I feel like my eyes are opened to more of the treasures of this world!!! The Lord is good!!!

 Thursday and Friday night we performed at Hurricane High's "Broadway Magic" Grad Night fundraiser show and then had the pleasure of stopping by Calum's house Friday night to drop off checks. Calum was asleep, but it was a treat to see his family!

 Saturday morning we had my parents over for a waffle, scrambled egg, sausage breakfast and the waffles may or may not have followed us the rest the weekend. MMMMM :) they were whole wheat in our defense haha.

 Sunday I taught the combined YW lesson and put A LOT of time and thought into it. (I should not be allowed to teach, because it takes over my life and I am too OCD.) On the bright side, I loved putting thought and time into the lesson and I learned SO much through the process. 

I gave the young women this "DREAM HOME - PLAN OF SALVATION" family home evening lesson plan and puzzle and thought I'd share.

PLAN OF SALVATION DREAM HOME FHE

• Have any of you thought about your dream home??? 
• What do your dream homes look like??
• Like any great and beautiful home we need a plan or a blueprint 
• Without a blueprint, nothing would be done correctly and buildings would be off balance and unsafe.
• Blue prints lay out exactly what needs to be done in order to build a sturdy, solid, beautiful home that won’t crumble or break with rain, wind, snow, etc.
• Make sure your blueprint plans are thorough and well done for the best results and most satisfying outcome.

• Like the Earthly dream home we have hopes for, there is a Heavenly Dream Home that puts our earthly dream homes to shame. Just like the blueprints for our earthly dream home, heavenly father has provided us with a plan or blueprint to building our Heavenly dream home.
• “Like the designers and builders of our time, our loving and kind Father in Heaven and His Son have prepared plans, tools, and other resources for our use so that we can build and frame our lives to be sure and unshaken. The plan is the plan of salvation, the great plan of happiness. The plan lays out for us a clear picture and understanding of the beginning and the end and the essential steps, including ordinances, which are necessary for each of Father’s children to be able to return to His presence and dwell with Him forever.” -By Bishop Dean M. Davies

• The plan of salvation teaches us where we came from, why we are here on earth, and where we will go after this life. It maps our eternal journey through premortality, mortal life, death, resurrection, and to our life in the eternities. The plan also explains what our loving Father in Heaven does to help us make this journey successfully so that we can return to His presence and become like Him. The plan focuses on the mission and Atonement of Jesus Christ in overcoming the effects of the Fall and making eternal life possible for us.

Do the puzzle and learn about the plan!

• If we want to have a beautiful home in Heaven we need a plan or a blueprint 
• Without a blueprint, nothing would be done correctly and buildings would be off balance and unsafe.
• Blue prints lay out exactly what needs to be done in order to build a sturdy, solid, beautiful home that won’t crumble or break with rain, wind, snow, etc. (Also known as trials.)
• Make sure your blueprint plans are thorough and well done for the best results and most satisfying outcome. To reach your goals you need to do your best, use your agency wisely and be thorough.

SHARE YOUR TESTIMONY AND CLOSE :) 

Prepare "NOW" to have that beautiful Heavenly Dream Home "LATER."

Again it was a great week and I hope everyone has a wonderful week!!!

Uplifted in so many ways!

My life is so great!

 Remembering Angel and Cecilee's fiesta makes me smile! This tradition was really cool...Starting with the groom's parents, the bride and groom are handed down to dance with all their friends and family. The family members that have danced then get in a circle around them and sway. At the end of the dance everyone comes and pins money onto the bride and groom for their future.

This was them by the end! It was fun to pass them down through friends and family and get to have a second to talk to them. They of course ended the traditional dance dancing together!

My FAVORITE part of the fiesta reception was the dancing! Believe it or not, I talked Jeff into dancing with me!!! I'm not talking about boring slow dancing...I'm talking about fast, salsa music type of dancing where you just move to the beat. Jeff knows I love dancing so he danced with me for a good 5 songs and made my whole night (and life) if you can't tell by my smile.

 Every time I pull in home I feel like I'm pulling into a fairytale with all my luscious flowers and greenery. I love it so much and can't help but take TOO many pictures!

 If you don't know by now, I LOVE GARDENING! I just picked up my tulip bulbs today (that will need to be planted Fall time to bloom in Spring time) and am already planning for my Fall and Winter flowers that I will be changing out in October.

 Jeff and I have had a lot of conversations lately about the future, and it's scary! This was the pop-up thought of the day and it brought me peace so I thought I'd spread that peace. I don't know about you, but I want GREAT!

 My mom is the greatest and is always getting us Tuacahn tickets. We went and saw Sister Act on the third row this last week and let me just tell you...I LAUGHED THE WHOLE TIME! I loved this play and the main girl was amazingly perfect for that role!!! If you get a chance, GO SEE IT!

 It was fun to go with my parents and Syd (not picture because she went to the bathroom all by herself, she's growing up hahaha).

 Jeff is coaching the runningbacks at Dixie High School this year and is having a blast! I went and watched the end of practice and it was fun to watch him do his thing, and let me tell you, he looked good doing it! This is such a great opportunity for Jeff to get out of his comfort zone and to challenge himself. I'm excited to go cheer him on as he coaches, I always love me some Friday night lights!

 If you weren't aware, Cec is in hair school and we are in HEAVEN! Jeff went in for his long awaited hair cut and was not disappointed! This was her first of MANY haircuts and it turned out so handsome. I always knew Cec was meant to do hair, but I am BLOWN away by how amazing she really is! If you are looking for a great hair stylist and if you want to go on her hair school journey with her call Evans Hair College and make an appointment with Cecilee, you will not regret it!

Also, look her up on Instagram @hairschoolwithcec and see what I'm talking about.

 This picture and room may not look like much, but last Friday I spent 3 hours finally organizing our little office. It is not complete yet, but you can sit on the couch, you can see the floor, there is stuff on the walls (they aren't straight but they are up) and my desk top is clean! 

It's amazing, since being organized, we have spent WAY more time in there and now feel like we have another little escape in our home!

 Our stake had Stake Conference this last Saturday and Sunday and we had the blessing of having an apostle of the Lord presiding at it, Elder Bednar and his beautiful wife. 

Saturday night this was the beautiful view we walked out to; I LOVE LIVING IN THE SHADOW OF THE TEMPLE.

This conference was just what I needed. I learned so much, felt overwhelmed by the spirit, was overcome with peace, received answers, and had my fire lit to being my best. 

I can't even try to summarize what I learn into a couple sentences because I learned and felt SO MUCH, but one thing I want to share is that I am so grateful for living prophets in these latter days. I'm grateful for their testimonies and examples that encourage me to be my best. I'm grateful for their counsel in helping me along the path, and I know that they are truly men of God. Elder Bednar is no exception and he holds a dear spot in my heart. He has changed my life multiple times by reminding me of who I should be and who I can become that person through. I love the gospel of Jesus Christ of latter-day Saints and I am grateful to be a member!

Okay, I'm done. I have to stop cause I could go on all day long! Hahaha! Anyway, IT WAS AMAZING!!!!

 Sunday my mom showed me this treasure that Trevor sent and it made me laugh so hard. I love this goober and I miss him so much, but am so grateful for his example of faith and hard work! I hope this made you smile like it does me every time. Shake it Trev!

 Sunday we went and dropped off the check of money we raised at the car wash for Nicole. She looked adorable and is doing better! I love being a part of Kalamity.

Speaking of Kalamity, we have our last benefit concert for Kycie this Friday! It's going to be a wonderful evening filled with love; there is truly something for everyone...bake sale, silent auction, Hungry Howies, Waffle Love, singing, dancing, laughing, it's all there! Get your tickets from me today for $5, all the money raised with go to Kycie's family!

I hope to see you there!!! If anything, it's a night to get away from life's stresses and remember the importance of service and thinking of others!

This morning after dance practice I had the blessing of going and doing family names. It was just what I needed to start an awesome day and this place always calms my heart. I am always overwhelmed by it's beauty and I of course have to take a picture every time.

I love my life and am grateful for this week and what I learned. 

I hope everyone has a wonderful week! I hope to see you Friday!!!

Back to reality...and it was good!

Back to reality, real life, no more vacation...and it was good!

We have been gone constantly for the last month, so it was nice to just be home and back in routine for a minute!

 Monday was the first night of our Kisses for Kycie Pizza Pie Cafe fundraiser and it was a blast! Of course we had to go flash mob and eat as a team!

If you weren't able to make it to the fundraiser, here is what you missed!

 I really enjoy cooking but I don't always enjoy cleaning up the messes I make. I thought this lunch meal for Jeff was picture worthy! I have never been a salad girl, but when you add enough yummy things to your salad it's bound to be delicious right??? I also LOVED this pineapple habanero glaze on the salmon! My mouth is watering thinking about it now. I also like to make my plates look good, cause you eat with your eyes first right??

 This calm week was accompanied with calm (not blazing hot) weather and cotton candy skies. I'm a sucker for nature's beauties.

 Every Wednesday night you know where I'll be, ADULT HIP HOP at The Vault!!! No matter what I'm frustrated with, how I feel about myself, or whatever lame thoughts are filling my head, I always leave adult hip hop happy and free! Cheap therapy ($3) and IT'S A BLAST (a sweaty blast haha)!!!

Thursday night was the last night of our fundraiser for Kycie, so we HAD to go again! It was a fun night full of laughter and pizza!!!

 After Pizza Pie Cafe I got spoiled :) a new watch and three pairs of shoes all under $50!!! Can't beat an Anne Klein watch for $20!

 Friday I was Cec's practice dummy for her first set of acrylic nails! They turned out great and she is blowing my mind with how talented she is with cosmetology, this really is her calling!

 Saturday morning our beautiful cause, Kycie Terry, passed away in her fathers arms with her mother by her side. I am so heartbroken for her family but so thankful for the Plan of Salvation and the knowledge that FAMILIES ARE FOREVER possible through our Savior, Jesus Christ!!! It's truly amazing to think about all the lives she touched in her short life, she changed so many lives and even saved lives through her story. She is amazing and I am grateful for the strength and faith she has given me. We will be putting together a benefit concert for her within the next month, so I'll keep you posted and hope to see everywhere there!!!

I wouldn't have known or been able to serve Kycie if it weren't for Kalamity! I'm so grateful for the blessing it is in my life! If you don't know what Kalamity is, watch this short video to get an idea of why I love it so much! PLEASE IGNORE MY HIDEOUS HAIR IN IT HAHAHA.

I know I haven't mentioned it before, but Jeff talked me into getting a gym membership and we've been going at 6 in the morning together for the last 2 weeks. I've always exercised through dance and sports but I haven't worked out in a gym since my sophomore year of high school. It's been fun to challenge myself again and remember all the different workouts I didn't know I knew. However, my favorite part is coming home after and seeing my beautiful flowers waking up. 

I'm grateful for the Lord's creation of nature, flowers, grass, trees, etc and for the blessing it is to play around with nature and create something beautiful! I really can't tell you how much joy it gives me :)

Well I hope everyone has a BEAUTIFUL week! Squeeze your loved ones a little tighter, forget offenses, be quick to serve, and give your smile freely, I know that's what I'm going to try to do this week!!!

It's a BEAUTIFUL life!

This week has been a blast, it has really reminded me of how beautiful my life is...
Although school has been kicking my butt with homework due every night, I feel refreshed and renewed in life.
If that makes any sense...
Here is what got me feeling this way...

I get to do what I love :) I love being able to use creativity and rely solely on myself! Sounds silly but I LOVE IT!

I got to take Cecilee and Angel's engagements! I'm so excited for them and this fun stage of life.

When I look at this picture I see the little girl I grew up with. I love my sister so much, she is truly my best friend! Her and Angel have a happy future!

This picture is just gorgeous, look at the beautiful couple and the beautiful world behind them!

Life is truly beautiful in every way!!!

 Last week my mom, Syd and I went dress shopping! I hit a hole in one with this dress and jewelry combination, literally this was the first dress I picked out. Syd was hesitant saying, "I am not trying that dress on, that color won't look good on me."

I quickly combatted her remark telling her that she couldn't be more wrong, that color was made for her! 

Long story short, she tried it on, LOVED IT, and we had her whole getup for $70!

Dance day came and Cec and I forced ourselves on Syd, SHE DID NOT LIKE IT AT ALL DURING THE PROCESS (we heard a lot of sassy comments). 

However, when she looked at herself in the mirror she couldn't stop smiling.

Cec did her hair in a fishtail half up hair do and I played around with a natural yet elegant make up look.

Last night we went to visit Britton at the Acute Rehab and he is so inspiring!

I've never seen anyone with such a strong spirit and determination, we were only there 10 minutes but in those 10 minutes I was simply amazed and inspired. His journey is so amazing and I feel blessed to have had the opportunity to serve him back in November when we did the benefit concert for him. It was such a small service in comparison to the service he has done for me in keeping me in perspective focused on the miracles possible through faith!

While preparing for our upcoming concert this Saturday, we put together this music video to spread the message that "YOU CAN DO WHATEVER YOU WANT" because you really can!

Click on the picture to see the video! If you want to keep up with Kalamity, follow the blog here!

To sum everything up, cause I know it was a little scatter brained, IT'S A BEAUTIFUL LIFE!

Enjoy it!

Weekly events...

Weekly happenings...

Our goal for the Lindsey was to raise $5,000 so she could get a kidney transplant, but we exceeded our goal and raised $6,150!!!! It was awesome!

After the concert on Monday we performed at the Tuacahn pre-show it was a blast and I love these girls!

After practice on Wednesday I came home to hot oatmeal chocolate chip cookies and ice cold milk. I've got the best husband ever...

 Friday we headed up to Timpanogos to do the videography for a wedding, on the drive up I captured this awesome picture! I love nature.

 Gorgeous.

 These doors are magical!

 Beautiful!!!

 Jeff looking adorable hard at work! It's so fun to be able to do something we enjoy together!!!

 After the temple pictures we headed to a lovely luncheon at the White Willow.

 Isn't it charming?

 I love the feeling of this beautiful old home.

 After all the wedding madness we stayed the night at family's house then left early this morning, BUT not without a Krispy Kreme stop. THEY SERIOUSLY MELT IN YOUR MOUTH!

 Our whole drive home was in pouring rain, it was so scary, but it made for really pretty pictures.

And I am glad to say that we made it home safe!

The older I get the more I realize just how beautiful life really is! We are blessed with beauty all around in all aspects: relationships, nature, food, weather, feelings, hopes, dreams and so forth.

I LOVE THIS LIFE!!!!