My 2011

I was reading my last post of there year here. It’s awesome to look back at the goals I made and see the many different changes I made… so to keep with my tradition I’m going to fill this out but 2011 style! Honestly I didn’t keep a lot of my goals I’m a tad pathetic, but a lot of GREAT things happened to me so I’m not complaining. Happy New Year, may 2012 be totally fantastic!

1 . What did you do in 2011 that you've never done before?
I went to Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon, Zion’s National Park, and New Mexico. Rode on the smallest plane I think you can commercially fly on. Fell in love, went to a BSU Football game, had a surprise party, saw Wicked, rode the X2 at Six Flags Magic Mountain, saw the amazing fireworks in Idaho Falls, lived by myself, and I’m sure a ton of new things I can’t really remember!
2. Did you keep your New Year's resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
This is sad… but no. Ok maybe one but it was joking, like oh Savanna maybe in 2011 you’ll actually go on a date… and well lucky me! But I didn’t even come close to reading 52 books, saving my money, becoming a teacher, OR going on cruise (even though I did vacation!)
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
I had a cousin that did, BUT both of my sister-in-laws are pregnant. That’s very exciting!
4. Did anyone close to you die?
Close to me personally? No. To others yes.
5. What countries did you visit?
Do you consider California a different country? If so then yes! Along with most of the western states!
6. What would you like to have in 2012 that you lacked in 2011?
Faith, well more like having faith that God knows what he’s doing with my life and I have to trust Him.
7. What date from 2011 will remain etched in your memory and why?
I don’t have specific dates really. My birthday was awesome, December 2 – a pinky promise was made, and June 24^th that’s when Emma joined our family officially.
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Patience, and trusting myself enough to know what I need and want. Oh and sticking with that B kid!
9. What was your biggest failure?
Letting some friendships suffer, not being 100% committed to everything in my life.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
I’m still recovering from 2010 but I am feeling better. Hooray!
11. What was the best thing you bought?
2011 was the year I bought my very first Coach Bag, my iPhone, and tickets to Wicked!
12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
My brother Hyrum, I wish I was more like him. Jenn because she’s a straight shooter but still loves me. B because well he just makes me laugh and loves everyone.
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
Boys can make you feel funny things I’m sure of it! I had my fair share of roommate and friend drama too!
14. Where did most of your money go?
Travel expenses, Bills, and always clothes… And eating out…
15. What did you get really, really, REALLY excited about?
Hyrum’s Wedding, Seattle, California, New Mexico, and seeing B for the first time after 3 months!
16. What song will always remind you of 2011?
Super Bass – Nicki Minaj, Africa – Toto (and all of its forms), and anything Justin Bieber!
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
Happier? – Yes
Thinner? – Yes
Richer? - No
18. What do you wish you'd done more of?
Easy… Sleep. I rarely did that in 2011.
19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
Spending (always), and worrying
20. How did you spend Christmas?
With my family of course, we missed Hyrum and Emma!
21. How will you spend New Year's Eve?
With B and his extended family. I’m quite excited for this epic game of Murder in Dark I keep hearing about!
22. Did you fall in love in 2011?
Yes I did. It’s been a crazy, emotional, but extremely fun road. I’m super excited for 2012!
23. What was your favorite TV program?
The Sing-off, Modern Family, Jersey Shore, American Idol, BSU Football, and the X Factor
24. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
Hate is such an ugly word, I don't hate anybody! There are people that I have drifted apart from, or have chosen to not be a part of my life. I guess that’s just how life is sometimes.
25. What was the best book you read in 2011?
The last book in the Vampire Academy series was awesome, I also read Mocking Jay, and I’ll count Harry Potter 7…
26. What was your biggest musical discovery?
I feel in love with hip hop music all over again thanks to B’s amazing car stereo… and my iPhone and iTunes.
27. What did you want and get?
If you look at last year’s post I put Boyfriend for the below question. Funny right? So I guess that’s my answer for this year!
28. What did you want and NOT get?
To get out of debt
29. What was your favorite film of the year?
The Help was phenomenal and I also loved Harry Potter
30. What did you do on your birthday, and how old did you turn?
My fantastic friends threw me a surprise party and I loved every second of it. I turned 27 wow only 3 more years!
31. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Having my own house, and making more money. HA!
32. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2011?
I allowed myself to dress up more, and not put my lounge clothes as soon as I came home. Having a social life also helps in that aspect.
33. What kept you sane?
God, Prayer, Family, telephone calls, text messages, and Skype
34. What celebrity did you fancy the most?
Fancy? Zac Efron hands down, and I love the Biebs. I discovered Jimmer this year too!
35. What news story stirred you the most?
Casey Anthony. I’ll never know how she got away with it.
36. Who did you miss?
My family, I always miss them and Jenn. I missed B a LOT in the summer when he lived in Texas and Utah.
37. Who was the best new person you met?
I had a LOT of fun with a LOT of amazing people this year, of course B he’s number one I knew who he was before but of course we started our friendship on New Years Eve 2010 and I haven’t had a dull day since!
38. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2011:
Patience really is a virtue, don’t judge a person until you’ve walked a mile in their shoes, and communication is the only way to be happy!
39. Favorite play you saw:
Hands down WICKED! I loved every second of it!
40. What is your goal for 2012?
I am tearing up all my credit cards so I can get out of debt, go on a cruise, read my scriptures every day, get to bed at a decent hour, focus on my long term dreams, be happy, and enjoy life with those I love…. Oh and lose more weight of course!

Now that I look back on 2011 I did so many fun things. I went on a lot of vacations and spent most of my time laughing. Even though I had an emotional year I wouldn't trade any of it. I've learned so much about myself, and who I want to be. I'm so blessed and I'm so excited for this next year and what it will bring!

Lunch Surprise

Not to be one of those girls who always gushes about how perfect their boyfriend is or anything because well I’m not like that. My relationship isn’t perfect; I don’t think a real relationship is. It can’t be. To say I have a unique situation is fair, and we are older so we’ve had our fair share of life experiences to bring into this fantastic B & S thing we’ve got going on. Last night was no exception. It’s just one of those times where you say something stupid without thinking or maybe you should have said it a little different and well it just ruins everything. Then it tail spins into bigger issues and well you leave thinking I should have totally just kept that to myself, but on the other hand it had to come out sometime. Anyway, I’m blabbing, because mostly well it’s crazy how a little act of kindness can make everything seem better, or maybe it’s just my love language of gift giving and service that comes out. Either way, look at what my lovely did for me today:

I know it doesn’t seem like a lot, oh lunch from Jimmy John’s… but actually it made me burst into tears. I’m a girl (that’s B’s excuse when I complain about certain things, he’s always like oh you are such a girl), and I was still kinda upset from last night, and you know my thoughts had only gone to the worst. Plus well, work is extreme slow, but I’m here by myself so I wasn’t going to get a lunch, and I just mentioned it to him. Next thing I know there’s Jimmy John’s with lunch, and my name on it. I’m sure the Jimmy John’s delivery man thought I was weird because I’m sure he’s never seen a sandwich makes someone cry before, then when he pulled out the Diet Coke I really started tearing up. Honestly though it was one of the nicest things he could have done for me today short of showing up himself! He really knows how to knock me off my feet sometimes…

Christmas 2011

There's a lot I have to catch up since I've been on my break. So try and keep up! I'll start with my adventures before Christmas and then well hopefully I can get caught up to present day!

Thursday was my work Christmas Party. This year I had exceptionally good looking date, and he was the life of the party per usual. He always has everyone cracking up. I'm so glad he got to come, mostly because now he can put a face to the names I talk about often. Thanks for coming with me B, and he even got some Alaskan King Crab. Delish!

 

Friday after B helped me pack up and clean the house (bless him for that really, he's a saint), I headed home. Mom met me at the mall, and seriously that place was NUTS! The traffic was unbelievable I swear I parked an hour away. It was good to just finish up though and chill with my mom, she's one of my most favorite people to shop with! I didn't get home until late that night so I didn't get to see Austin, Kenz, or Liam until the next day. That night we did some last minute shopping (yeah Mariah way to wait), and then it was time for some Christmas dinner. It was ham and funeral potatoes and just chill. I like that just my family and good food!

 So yummy, my mom decorates it so pretty!

 Maddie is totally ready to eat!

 Pretty sure my sisters are gorgeous. Honestly I love them, and they are so funny.

 Ry and I decided to do our hair curly the next day so we both put it up for Christmas Eve!

After dinner my mom brought out the PJ fairy and we got to put them all on. She made everyone's PJ's except Maddie's. They are awesome. So comfy too. Bless her heart she was sewing them right up until the festivities began.  She's crazy! Maddie and Mariah really loved theirs! 

 

 Liam wanted a ride on the Zebra of course!

 OK this kid is adorable. And he's so funny. I caught him telling me no (his new favorite word, hello terrible two's)!

We had a white elephant gift exchange but the gifts had to be something from around the house. It was so funny. Kenz got this doll head my mom has had forever, of course Maddie got Dad's (something from Parma Company), and I got gopher poison. We laughed a lot. Then we read some stories and of course the Christmas story.

  

 

Ready for Santa!

We got up and went to church at 9 which wasn't that big of a deal since Mom always makes us get up early on Christmas anyway. It has to be dark outside when we open presents! Since it wasn't this year we had to put a blanket over the door. So funny!!

Here is my pile! I got a lot of clothes, shoes and a good stash!

This was my present from B! I love love love them! Houndstooth Toms. He's so sneaky...

Here we are opening presents. Can you see Liam?

I had a great Christmas. It was so good to be home once again. We missed Hyrum and Emma. Hopefully next year we can all be together! We will have two new grand kids too! I love my family and the happiness they bring to me. I can't believe Christmas is over... I'm excited for New Years though, I love to party! 

Humblebrag

I love the end of the year, all these great "lists" come out. You know the ones where it's like oh the Top Celebrities of 2011, or Best Movie posters, or my personal favorite "Word of the Year". The debate is among Occupy or Humblebrag. Since I think the "Occupy" movement is totally dumb, I vote for Humblebrag. Pretty sure that this Twitter feed and articles about said phenomenon are funny. I think I love it mostly because celebrities think they are soooo cool. Rappers are the WORST! Don't get me wrong, I'm a celebrity junkie, but it's good to see them get made fun of. Yes we know that you have a private jet, and we know that you email Kanye West regularly, no need to pretend that it's "weird" or "unbelievable". That's like me saying "Got called the most beautiful women ever alive by 100 different people today #somepeopleneedglasses"… See I sound ridiculous! Here is what urbandictionary.com says:

Humble Brag
	A form self-promotion where the promoter thinks he is, almost subliminally, bragging about himself in the context of a humble statement or complaint. Everyone listening thinks he is an idiot. Example - I am exhausted from my two week vacation to Hawaii. I need a vacation… or The referee tripped over my feet last night AT THE LAKERS GAME, man I should have worn tennis shoes.

That's probably why I find these articles hilarious. Honestly just brag about it, out with it already, you're beautiful, rich, and yes we all want to covet your amazing life. Facebook is famous for it too, no worries. Now that I'm totally conscious of it, I find them everywhere, I'm sure even I have had my fair share. In fact the other day I saw one and bust up laughing so hard, not to mention her status has like 20 likes, oh laws!
Here are the famous Humblebraggers I've been talking about. Just a warning there is a little language in some of these articles; nevertheless, it's funny. If you are on Twitter you should totally follow @humblebrag too… just for kicks and giggles!
Top Humblebrag of November

Humblebrag Hall of Fame

Totes McGote, the Famous Humblebragger
Today is my last day of work before Christmas! I'm so ready for my vacation! On that I will leave you with my own Humblebrag for the holiday season:
I just don't know what to do with all these gifts I just don't have room in my car to fit them all #need an SUV…

Almost There…

Phew it's over, my work events for December that is. This month has got to be the craziest out of all of them. We are booked solid with events, Christmas shopping, and sending out Christmas cards. I'm always exhausted by quitting time. It's like my body and brain know that I'm going to have a vacation soon because they are seriously worn out. I'm so exhausted when my alarm goes off in the morning, it's like I'm ready for bed before even getting out of it. So here's the question I always pose to myself, how can I balance everything out without feeling overwhelmed and underappreciated? Christmas isn't about that at all, but that seems like all I have been feeling lately. I feel so discouraged like I don't have enough time to dedicate to everything or everyone. That's why last night was so great, I went and yelled and cheered on B's cousin at a basketball game. What a great outlet for getting out frustrations. We yelled at the referees for their horrible calls, jumped up and down when she made a winning shot, and laughed really hard at Madison's lesbian coach. Then we rocked out in the car to Backstreet Boys (B's so good about letting me be the DJ), it was just what I needed. Then we went and had ice cream and watched Columbiana. You know that movie is all about violence, HA, it was great. I'm sure if I knew how to play Call of Duty I would have played with B last night too. It helps that they let me laugh a lot.

Don't worry I'm still stressed out a little because I'm not done Christmas shopping, and I need to still pack and organize my life and room, and well try to still finish up last minute things at work. Isn't it funny how we wait all year for Christmas, and then it's here and quite frankly it is a whirlwind of tasks and to do lists. Life is funny that way.

Funny thing is today is the Winter Solstice. Which means the days officially begin to stay lighter longer. Booyah.

Magical Lights!

This weekend was super fun! I thoroughly enjoyed myself even though I am still exhausted from all the shopping and walking I did this weekend. Friday B and I went to see Sherlock Holmes but it was sold out by the time we got there. BOO! So we went to see New Year's Eve instead. It was actually pretty good. Oh Zac Efron was definitely good looking!
Saturday we got up super early and headed out to SLC for the day. We got there around 10 so I showed B around. Not like I am a pro or anything but he hadn't ever ridden the Trax, so that was super fun. We saw a man walking in his socks carrying his shoes, hello it's cold outside! There were a TON of weddings that day too! Then we were off on a marathon shopping spree at Gateway Mall. It's funny when you are shopping for someone else you always find something for you. I exercised great control by not buying anything for myself (ok except at Old Navy, oh well). We went into a jewelry store where B tried on a $15,000 watch and I got to try on a $60,000 3-karat yellow diamond (yeah I can't even imagine how big Kim K's was, because that thing was HUGE). We had to much fun, mostly people watching. The things people wear these days, I mean honestly! Also, it always blows my mind when people wear 6-inch stilettos to shop. HELLO? B's sister Lakesha met up with us for some lunch at California Pizza Kitchen. We had a lot of fun, and then decided to shop some more. That B he was a trooper the whole day, even carried my bags, impressive I know! We laughed a lot, and that was probably the best part.

 B sitting in his chair, I think it fits him well!

 I definitely look good too!

 In front of the tree! 

Here we are at lunch!

We met up with Dani and Anthony and headed back to Temple Square to see the lights. It was so beautiful. I love seeing them. We had a lot of fun, and I love the spirit that is on Temple Square especially at Christmas time. We took a lot of fun pictures, you know me, I have to document my life. B is such a good sport, and secretly I think he loves taking pictures too, because he'll be like oh let's take a picture here. Love that!

 Lakesha looking super cute riding the Trax. Love the gloves!

 Dani and Anthony!

 I totally love this picture, even if we were semi in the road! 

 B got on one knee an the people walking past were like Oh MY GOSH he's proposing, then Lakesha yells "Don't worry he's my brother".... FUNNY!

 Oh hey!

 My new favorite picture of us, I just think it's so darling, and well look at the scenery! 

 Look I got my picture with the Taylor's I am special. I hadn't been up to see this in a long time! Loved it!

 Ok so we decided to do our Precious Moments picture because we are also making fun of those statues. Well this is the end product, but below you will see I about fell in the fountain. Scary.

HAHA!

After Temple Square we headed back home and made a stop at Lava Hot Springs. That felt so good after a whole day of being on your feet. I want to take my family there, I think they would love it!
I can't believe it's less than a week until Christmas and sadly I'm still not done shopping… WHAT??! I know, and I'm a little upset my family is doing the annual dinner without me… just saying that it's a little unfair. I guess that's what happens when you grow up and have a real job. I guess I'll have to make B take me out to dinner. Ha!

FriDay!

I'm excited for this weekend, for starters B is finally done with school for a couple weeks. That also sucks because he can play while I still have to work. My vacation consists of a whole 3 days. Oh the working life. This weekend we are planning some movie time tonight and then we are headed Utah to see the lights on Temple Square, do some shopping, and try to see friends and family. I know that I'll be exhausted, I can already tell. I really feel like it isn't Christmas yet, which is so weird, so I'm hoping the lights and the shopping will make me feel better. I just love the way it feels on Temple Square at Christmas, even if it usually is FREEZING! Like I said, Christmas around here at work is CRAZY, see just look at my office!

Looks like the Elf's workshop. Packages to be sent and shipped. Downstairs is even crazier. I actually don't mind it, it's fun in a way to send gifts, after all I LOVE Christmas!
It's hard to believe that I'm not even half way done with present buying. That's bad I know, but hey, that's how I'm rolling this year, plus I've got a new sister in law to pay for!
Have a great weekend, I'm sure I'll have a TON of pictures to share!

Awkward and Awesome Thursday

I can't believe its Thursday already. Time needs to slow down JUST a little. I mean there's only 10 days left until Christmas and I am only half way done. That's scary. Here is my awkward and awesomeness for the week!


Awkward:

• Seeing an "ex" in public, with your significant other… oh haha…
• Not prepping myself for a weekend with no indoor plumbing. I'm so grateful for that modern invention.
• Oh you know when you feel like you have a 2^nd mother. Hello I'm 27 I can make my own choices, no need to boss me around.
• It has started, ice season, I had an excuse yesterday though, I had heels on!
• You know that moment when someone has the most awful outfit on that you feel awkward for them? Who EVER said that cape, or bright red snow boots were acceptable?
• Seeing or listening to other couples fight. It's just awkward. I also find it awkward when a parent disciplines a child in front of you. Not like I won't do the same but still… HA!
• I have lived in Rexburg for 10 years. And for those 10 years I have shopped at Broulims. Well they've expanded their store and I can't find ANYTHING. It's so awkward seeing the same people over and over again because I can't find the DANG olives!
• A sacrament meeting talk in which I felt like I was being yelled at… people just stand up there and speak no need for dramatics.
• Couples at church, OK yes I know I hold my boyfriend's hand, and he'll put his arm around me, but there's no need to be laying your head on their lap or laying all over them as if you've been sitting for 700 hours. This is church, just sit and listen, not lay down in the pew.

Awesome:

• My cabin and snowmobiling adventure in Island Park.
• Giving Christmas early to B, and him liking every gift!
• Delivering gifts to those who wouldn't have a Christmas otherwise. It really puts my stresses to a minimal compared to what they go through.
• This new Facebook timeline, this is a good change this time. I was just looking back at how I used Facebook back in the day. Nerd alert!
• Prayers, and the health of my loved ones, thanks to modern medicine.
• Pictures. I just love them. I love how I can document my life!
• Knowing someone that can pretty much finish my sentences at this point… I love it.
• My awesome Bishop and his wife. Seriously they are like my 2^nd parents. They are so funny, and cool.
• Several times this week I had to pinch myself to make sure I wasn't dreaming. That's a lovely feeling!
• My sister Mariah, she's just so funny, and I'm really going to miss her being up here this winter. It will be the first time I won't have a sibling up here since moving!
• Singing at the top of your lungs… in the car…
• I love love…

First Winter Activity!

It is December which means that life in general is CRAZY. That's ok, I would rather it be that way. Especially because right now at work we are doing my favorite thing all year, Christmas for Families. We adopt several families and give them a Christmas. It's really an awesome expierence. Anyway, that's what I've been doing the past several days. As far as my life goes, it's fantastic. I love this boy named Brycen. We spent the weekend with one of his best friends in Island Park at his family's cabin. I was not prepared for the pipes to be frozen so no running water. It felt like camping that's for sure. Luckily B was kind enough to drive me to lodge when nature came calling.
We arrived Friday night, late, after a rough day at work. It was all good though, because I felt like I was getting away from it all. There were two other couples there and their kids. You have to snowmobile into the cabin so getting on a sled that late at night with my work clothes was freezing! It was fun though! We just chilled that night, and played Rockband, which I haven't played in forever! I even had time to read some of my book. Which is a great accomplishment these days!

I about DIED when I saw this painting of a Wiener Dog... named Zak of course.

It's the Jersey Shore phone... I should have stolen this. I wanted it so bad!

This was the stone over the mantle. As you can see, B is pointing to were we currently were at!

The next morning B and I sort of corralled the children in the main room and babysat them while everyone else got breakfast ready. Then it was time to go! B and I took a sled out and found this awesome part along the river. It was so pretty, the mountains in the winter are so magical. I'm sure we'll visit there again in the summer and it's a great little swimming hole too! The water was so clear, and the snow was so pretty. I don't know why I get so nervous around water in the winter, it's so funny. I'm a good swimmer. It just must be all those Rescue 911 shows I watched and the people died of hypothermia because of the cold water. I then got to drive it and I'm not as good as B but I'm learning, just takes practice!

 The river, isn't it magical?

 B, you sure are good lookin'!

 B and I. We had a lot of fun!

 Checking for fish? Or just look like he knows what he's doing?! HA!

The awesome river!

We rode around and then came back for lunch, and then waited our turn. When we went out again, we went all over the place. It was so much fun. B and I had a great time, and it actually wasn't even that cold. We were on B's brothers sled, and that thing can go super fast. So of course there were a couple times were I was holding on for dear life, still fun though! I can't wait until we can go again, that's one thing that's fun about the winter up here!
Here are some pictures of our adventures!

 B on the sled. I love this picture!

 Getting ready to sled. My jacket is ginormous on me!

 Eating Orange Leaf, who knows what is in that bowl?

Mine is cohesive, with chocolate and more chocolate...

Awkward and Awesome Thursday

I have had a crazy week. A lot of awesome moments and scary moments, and yes awkward moments… so without further ado…
AWKWARD:

• Ok so mostly I have a story. B and I were in the Dollar Store trying to find some handouts for Relief Society. Just so happens this "cougar" decided to interrupt our conversation. Asking if she can help us find something, (mind you she doesn't work there) and I am polite to her, but I say that I'm OK. I don't know what it is about B, but anybody will just talk to him, and act like they are best friends. So she proceeds to show us this lipgloss she's picked up… and it's like a nude color. This is how the conversation went:
  Lady –"Look at this lip gloss, looks like a poop color. I don't need poop on my lips, my breath smells bad enough…"
  B – "Oh yeah? (insert awkward laugh)"
  Lady – "Here I'm going to put it on, what does it look like"
  Me – "Yup it's clear alright. Brycen lets go to Wal-mart"
  Lady – " Oh my gosh you have to smell this…" She then proceeded to shove her finger right up to B's nose. So of course he smelled it and then she made me smell it, and then I was like oh ENOUGH. We ran out of there as fast as we could, pretty sure she was still trying to talk to us when we left the store laughing hysterically.

• The incident in the work parking lot this morning in which we thought it was a homeless man living in his car. Come to find out he's just an older brother providing transportation. Eeks…
• The way you feel after someone tells you, that you are in fact doing something wrong.
• The way you feel when you find out someone you love is talking behind your back.
• Testimony meeting in a Singles Ward… This month we had someone quote Elf, and mention the House of Wax. Yeah awkward.
• Facial hair that looks well awkward. Eww just get that Chia Pet off of your face.
• Pretending to be OK

AWESOME:

• Pinky Promises. People those things are legit.
• Crying in the bath after a long hard day… I will add crying in the shower too. I don't know why, it's just the best place to do it.
• Catching up with old friends.
• Being surprised, I love being surprised.
• Finding the perfect Christmas present.
• The way I looked this morning when I woke up. Hair is every direction, blood shot and puffy eyes, and a frog in my throat. It was so awesome (ok so I'm being sarcastic here).
• Rocking a totally cute outfit like 3 days in row. Booyah.
• Finally getting my work Christmas cards sent out. What a relief.
• A good foot rub after working in heels all day.
• My garage, Pearl loves her new home.
• Cuddling on the couch.
• An amazing chat at Dairy Queen...
• Having an awesome spiritual experience in answer to my prayers.

My Yellow Brick Road

Today and this weekend I have been thinking A LOT about the path my life has taken. How the Lord has directed me in certain things and let learn things along the way. There are so many times I would just be like "this isn't funny anymore" or "what else do you want from me", but you know you continue to persevere and hope you're doing what's right.
Do you ever wonder what would have happened if Dorothy had chosen the red bricked path instead of the yellow one? Do you think she still would have ended up at the Wizard? I think that every time I watch that movie, go ahead and watch it, you'll see there are two different colored paths. Naturally she took the yellow brick one, because well she one didn't know where to go in the first place and two because everyone was telling her to follow the yellow brick road. All during her journeys and trials she never strayed from the yellow brick road, except one time, in the poppy field, and look what happened to her then. I guess what I'm thinking about is my own yellow brick road… I know where I'm supposed to go, and I've been told to follow it, but will I end up at the Wizard who will help me get to Kansas? I think that's where my red slippers come in; they always seemed to keep Dorothy on track. So having faith that my "slippers" will keep me on track I most certain, oh and have a scarecrow, tin man, lion, and Toto to help me to, I don't want to end up in the poppy field. So looking back down the path its funny how things just turn out in the end. That I wasn't convinced I was on the right path, but actually I was the whole time!

That's where the faith comes, if you know you are supposed to follow the yellow brick road, well then, FOLLOW IT, and of course don't doubt it. Dorothy never once doubted the Good Witch or the Munchkins. She knew they would lead her to happiness. So have faith, then act upon it. Bring it on Wicked Witch, I am on the right path!
Decisions are going to be made, and doubt will come, fear will try to push me away, but I know that if I follow the yellow brick road, my life will be easier.
I'm off to see the Wizard, and if you want you can follow me, I'll most likely be the one with dog, friends, and those awesome slippers!

Awkward and Awesome Thursday

It's been a couple weeks since I've compiled my awkward and awesome moments. Don't worry, I have some good ones!
AWKWARD:

• I don't know if it's just me, but when someone cuts in line (no matter if Black Friday or a line at Subway) I just want to yell "BACK OF THE LINE BUDDY". Didn't you go to elementary? The only kind of cutting I allow is behind me. So when Mom and I were waiting in line to go into Target on Black Friday there was this lady begging people to let her cut so she could go to the bathroom, and I quote "I have to pee so bad and the police won't even let me in, please let me just go and relieve myself"… OK 1. If you've been standing here this long you could have found another bathroom by now, 2. Bed, Bath, and Beyond is right there and there's not a SOUL in there, and they have bathroom. Seriously lady you are LYING!!
• Arty at the Subway in Burley. He LOVED his job, and he made sure Mariah and I knew it. Don't worry I made up a song for him via the T-Pain App, I try to post it somewhere. He especially was excited when Mariah chose a cookie over chips. He made us laugh… but in an uncomfortable way. HAHA!
• Old women at JoAnn's during Black Friday. Seriously they are hoarders of all things flannel. They are also vicious. They have to stock up on their baby quilts for the year I guess. They don't have agile skills like me though, I beat them all to get a number to get my material cut!
• Boys who are awkwardly cuddle or hold hands. OK so a HUGE pet peeve of mine is when a couple is holding hands and the girl is in front. Not natural, and the boy looks totally awkward. There are just some boys though that make you feel uncomfortable when they flirt (shudder).
• When someone comments on a status that has nothing to do with the previous conversation or actually doesn't make sense. Totally obvious you were Facebook stalking me…
• My password to pretty much everything is pretty funny, and when I have to give it to someone their face is like uhh ok. Hello I made that password up in high school OK!
• People who quote themselves on Facebook. Example: "Be who you are and love it" – Savanna J Blaylock. Isn't that totally weird? You are updating your own status, we know who you are, no need to be quotes around what you say, like hopefully it'll end up on Pinterest or something.
• The things people ask me on Sunday in my home ward. "Have you thought about a mission?", "Saw you were dating someone, when are you getting married?", "So and so was in town this weekend we should have had a get together… (yeah because I loathed her in High School why would I want to hang out with her?)"… people honestly thanks for your concern but a simple "Good to see you, how are you?" will suffice.

AWESOME:

• Being home for Thanksgiving and catching up with my family. I love them so much. Especially that nephew of mine.
• Black Friday with my mom. We are hard core, and I love it. She pulled an all-nighter with me, props to her! There is also no greater feeling than scoring that item you wanted through all the madness!
• Skype and Facetime.
• Seeing B after a week of NOT seeing him and the way he jumped off the couch when I surprised him…
• Family pictures. Always an ordeal. First of all what to wear? Then how to pose? Then making sure people have their eyes open etc… love it!
• The small things. From a super cute text message, to a smile, to a simple compliment, randomly going bowling, and even a small present. Love it. It's the actions that prove how you feel often more than words.
• My iPad. I am officially in love with it. It has done most of my Christmas shopping too!
• Hearing people talk about you when they don't think you are listening, in a good way of course.
• Skyping a dear friend before she leaves on her mission.
• Chocolate milk. I love that stuff.
• Getting to see Jenn even if only for 15 minutes!
• Christmas shopping. I love it. I love trying to figure out what to get someone else.
• My Christmas station on Pandora. Ugh I'm in love with it.
• How much I laugh these days…
• My boots. I think I've become addicted. I just want more and more of them.
• Holiday treats. I can't wait to start making them!
• Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. One day I will see that in person!
• Hooray for it being December and my favorite time of the year.
• Being able to park in my garage… FINALLY. I love that!

Thanksgiving 2011

My Thanksgiving was wonderful. It was full of family, laughing, and fun. It's so good that both of my brothers now have houses in Parma so whenever I go home they are there. It will only get better once they all start having more and more children. Mariah was in a hurry to get home for break so we left after work to head home. I don't like leaving that late, but she drove half of the way so I slept. That night we just went to Austin's because we wanted to see Liam (OK and everyone else).
Wednesday was chill. I prepped for Thanksgiving by pre-making my rolls. I also went shopping with my mother. I slept a lot on Wednesday, I knew my body needed it. I party WAY too much and definitely don't sleep enough (that's ok though). Hyrum and Emma came over and we made turkey's courtesy of Pinterest.

Cute Turkey's!

 Skyping with B!

Mom's photo that she thinks is hilarious!

Thursday was turkey day. In the morning we had the 1^st Annual Turkey Trot. It was a good time, a genuine 5K. My mother and her friends are crazy about running, and so I have a feeling this will be a bonafide tradition from now on. I better get on it to train for next year. We had cinnamon rolls and hot chocolate after (like I was going to have any room later). Since we missed the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade (which is my all time favorite) I watched what I missed on the DVR and finished up on the rolls. By that time it was time to eat. I am always emotional at Thanksgiving. It's that overwhelming blessed feeling I am sure. Especially when we go around and say what we are thankful for, it's hard narrowing it down to just a few small things. The food was so good per usual. My mom is an amazing cook, and so is the rest of my family. After we slept and vegged out we made our game plan for Black Friday. This year the stores opened at midnight, so it was going to be an all-nighter for us.

 Getting ready to run in the Turkey Trot

 The table!

 My rolls! Yummy carbs!

 Liam and Dad checking the turkey!

 Here's Liam ready to help. Mom had her apron on so he had to have his on too!

 Carving the turkey!

 My sister and me. We sort of color coordinated!

 Mariah getting tipsy before the dinner?

 YUM! Time to eat!

 Black Friday ads and Christmas list making time!

Liam just being cute!

Mom and I left at 11:15 p.m. and headed to Target. It was funny because B called me and he was getting ready to go to bed and I was just getting started. The line to get into Target wrapped around the building, it was nuts. Suprisingly enough mom and I have done this enough time we have a system. I wait in line she finds what she needs, or vice versa. It's pretty amazing. She totally got what she needed and we were in and out in 20 minutes. Next was Old Navy but the line was a 45 minute wait just to get in, uh no thanks. Then we went to Walmart and it was a ghost town and I still got what I wanted there. I guess the craziest place was JoAnn's! I had to fight off the old ladies for what I wanted there. Good thing I went and grabbed a number so we could get our numbers so we could get our material cut fast! Mom and I didn't arrive home until 8:00 in the morning. Talk about a marathon day. But it was a lot of fun. I slept the rest of the afternoon.
 The rest of the break I just chilled. I really needed it. I slept and just had a good time with my family. We played a lot of games and of course Liam entertained us. Oh and we took family pictures for our annual Christmas card. When I get those I'll post those as well. I love my family! I'm so thankful I had the opportunity to go home!