Mr. 21st Ward

For FHE last night my ward did a pageant for man who wanted to show off their manly skills and be crowned Mr. 21st Ward. I laughed....a LOT... and I was really proud of the guys, they did it all by themselves, no help from the ladies at all. There were four portions of the pageant:
1st - Winter wear.

2nd - Talent competition. Some were serious but most were funny. Anthony's camera has a lot of the talent video but here are some. A-town rode his tractor in a "sexy" manner for his talent. B did some hip-hop dancing along with a "magic trick", that kid has some MOVES. Jason and Elliot did speed walking, extreme yoga, and then some kind of dinosaur!!

 3rd - Question and answer portion. B good answer (considering I'm Relief Society President)! And A-town's was just as funny!

4th - Evening wear. Seriously need I say more, these boys have got it going on! I love them!

Oh Anthony and Brycen! Studly and manly for sure!

Hare Krishna!

Last year I attended the Holi Festival of Colors and it rocked my world. This year, even better! Probably because I knew what to expect, and it felt more like a rock concert than anything else. I took a half day on Friday (best thing ever), to try and pack and clean up my room and house a little bit. That is one thing that always seems to get pushed to the back! Anyway, Friday B and I left around 3:00 to head down to Utah. We wanted to do some shopping before everyone else was going to meet us later. So we tackled the Gateway Mall, and had a great time, there are so many interesting people who shop there! Also, can you believe that I didn't buy one article of clothing? I know, a miracle. Later that night we met up with the BFF Jenn and her brother Cole, and the rest of the crew consisting of Anthony, Brittany, Hyrum, and Emma. We just went to some island grill restaurant and then decided to go "clubbing". OK so mind you that I'm old, and the boys are a year older than me, so they are REALLY old (jk)! Brittany is 2 months shy of 21, so of course we have to go to a club that accommodates 18 year olds. Area 51. HAHA, looking back on it now, it was comical, but I had a lot of fun. I am so glad I got to see Jenn even for a little bit! I could never see enough of her! We would have stayed a lot longer if they played something other than techno music! We then headed to Provo to stay with my brother Austin. We had a full apartment with all of us staying there (including Mariah and Maddie). It was an adventure that's for sure! B had meetings with Pinnacle all day Saturday so he took off, while the rest of us got ready to go to the Festival. We had plans to go to the 1:00 throwing, but had to wait for the bus, so we waited around for the 3:00. There were so many people there, and we were there for the burning of the witch, I loved it! The Festival of Colors is nothing like I've ever experienced, it should be on everyone's bucket list for sure. After the throwing we went to wait back in the line for the bus. There were so many people coming and going we decided to just walk the 3 miles back...I however wanted to hitchhike (another bucket list item), so I found a pickup that was willing to give us all a ride. GENIUS! What fun! That night we all got de-colored (messy for sure, thanks Kenz and Austin), and then Anthony, Brittany, and I headed back up to SLC to meet Brycen. B suggested we go to Tucano's. I've heard so much about it, and decided that I really wanted to eat it. Heather, Matt, and Cliff met up with us and we ate so much until we couldn't eat anymore. So good. I loved their pork and also their cooked pineapple! Thanks B for the amazing dinner! Afterwards us four headed up to temple square for a quick jaunt around the place, it was so peaceful and quiet because there was no one there! I loved it! We then headed home because we all had meetings the next day (we are also so righteous)! We hit a snow storm in Malad Pass and the snow was so trippy! Good times though. Sunday we were all pretty much exhausted but made it for all of the meetings! Below are some great pictures, I had an amazing time! Who knows if I'll be able to do it again... but if you have the chance spread the love and peace and throw some colors!

 Maddie, Me, Mariah 

 The whole crew who celebrated with the Festival of Colors! We had way too much fun!

 Most of my siblings (and in-law of course)! Love them!

 I love Emma's face!

 The aftermath!

 Heather and I

 My siblings after the throwing, now we all really look alike!

 I loved the green!

 My hot outfit, because you know these clothes are ruined!

 Hitch hiking in the back of the truck!

 At Tucano's!

 Kober sure loved that shrimp!

 B realizing that he had been using his tongs to eat his pineapple instead of his fork. So funny.

Temple Square with some of my most favorite people!

Guitar's Unplugged - Alumni Style!

I can't believe I haven't documented my past weekend. I post pictures, but there are always stories that accompany them correct? This weekend was all about Guitar's Unplugged. Matty's friend Cliff was preforming so we went to support. First and foremost I love Guitar's Unplugged, went every semester when in college. Now our little crew (all of who are BYUI Alumni except maybe like 2) found it entertaining that we were all back in the same ol' stomping grounds! I love it! So enjoy the pictures below, and a surprise video of my most favorite act of Saturday night the one and only rapper Big Bird!

 Half of the crew at our Institute Luau, such a good looking bunch I would say!

 Other half of course, looking good.

 My precious roommate Monica. She's so funny! Love her!

 Matty, Heather, and Home teacher (Matt is his real name, that's his nickname of course!)

 This was our third attempt at this picture, we were laughing, and talking. Finally I made us get serious and stop and take a decent picture!

 Most of my crew, give or take a couple people who were out of town or you know going to the bathroom. HAHA! All either going to BYU-I or you know graduated (ages ago!)

 Riana worked her connections to get Jimmer on the big screen that girl is straight up crazy for BYU sports, during football season though I have no room to talk becuase hello, BSU Football!

A-town and Me... bless his good soul. It's alway a party when he's around!

This is Big Bird, and I mostly am in love with his gold chain, and his sweet dance moves. I also love that he chose to rap to this song. HAHA! Eminem watch out, Big Bird is coming for you! Also don't mind the camera shaking a little, I was either laughing or dancing. Oh Bless!

And this is seriously .2 seconds long, but this is the moment when you are trying to take a picture and you realize it's on video instead of camera. Go ahead and laugh everyone has done it! HAHA!

Eunice

My BFF Jenn just kills me, seriously cracks me up. She has an alter-ego named Olivia, and man Olivia is good... today I was "talking" to Jenn about my weekend I complained about the things I need to work on. She committed them to memory and then promised to remind me to work on them, OR she's like just blame it on your alter ego... so I did.

Eunice is her name and she has issues. She loves to over analyze every situation, and she loves to be the boss and be in control. Oh how Eunice loves to be in control, how she loves to just take a situation and make it her own. Eunice is good sometimes when it comes to being a leader, she can always handle the situation at hand, but Eunice hates when the plan is not exactly right. Drives her nuts actually, to the point where she can't have fun because well then she's feels out of control. Oh Eunice. She also cares a lot about how people think about her, she doesn't want people to judge her even though she judges other people. Eunice expects others to know exactly how she's feeling and expects them to fix it. She's rude, impatient, and has zero compassion... well in a sense she's selfish!

Most of the time Eunice is sleeping, because well she's gets bored. Only sometimes does she make an appearance, and when she does I kindly but firmly tell her to SHUT UP! It's hard sometimes, but she's got to learn she has no place in the world, I think she should hang out with Olivia more often! They can be BFF's and leave Jenn and I alone!

Miserable at Best...

If you're looking for a themed post this isn't it. Just random thoughts that have been floating through my head:

1. Hyrum and Jenn love Mayday Parade, I've never really listened to them. But this morning my iPod was on shuffle and their song Miserable at Best came on. Um hello, what a song... I have now listened to it probably 10 times today. I don't know, it just speaks to my soul today. 

2. I've discovered I work for the weekends, I work to play, I work because I have too... if I could be rich college kid the rest of my life (minus the school work) I would be. That makes no sense but it totally does.

3. I love Emma Kempton, good job Hyrum, I'm so happy she's going to be my sister.

4. I have some of the greatest friends in the world, no lie, they fulfill my life and sacrifice much on my behalf. I feel like I don't deserve such great people. I am definitely loved and blessed, and when I'm having one of those days I will try and remember what I just said.

5. Thank you modern technology including my beautiful cell phone and text messaging... also my MSN Messenger (oh bless), email, and Facebook.

6. I'm so ready for spring/summer whatever Eastern Idaho wants to call it. Just as long as that white stuff melts, and it doesn't fall from the sky.

7. Yesterday I hit my 50 pound weight loss. 40 more to go... it's starting to get hard now. 

8. It's much more fun being happy than sad. Even though sometimes it's easier to be sad. Being happy is the only way I'm going to make it through anything. Put on a happy face!

9. I belong... and so do you :)

Let's Give A Yee-Haw Birthday to Hyros!

Last night we went to celebrate the birth of one of my most favorite people in the ENTIRE world! Hyrum Pierce Blaylock. I love this kid, he's not only my brother, but BFF. Seriously, I wouldn't have made it through half of college or adult life without this kid. He's now all growed up and got himself a future wife, and I'm passing the "taking care of him" torch to her, it's a sad day but it's only appropriate. Since Hyrum wouldn't be in town today for his actual day of birth we went last night to Texas Roadhouse and to the movies. We started a little late, but nonetheless we will always have a good time. We had a good time with our waiter who bless his heart, thought Hyrum's name was Hyros...which only made it that more difficult to be loud and crazy during his birthday festivities (because we were laughing so hard). Oh I just love that restaurant! We then went to the movies, we were going to see the Adjustment Bureau but it was a showing for the deaf so we opted out and went to Unknown. We had about 30 minutes to kill so B came up with an idea to split up and go to all the different theaters, sit and watch for 10 minutes then report back on what we saw. First theater I walked into was previews so I passed. Then Heather and I went into theater 5 and low and behold who do we see watching a film with 3D glasses on? Well B of course. don't worry there was not a soul in any of the theaters. Then it was my mission to find Justin Beiber's film. I have been wanting to see it for some time, but haven't had the chance so even if  I got to see him for 10 minutes it was better then nothing. So we searched every theater until we found it, #11. I don't think it was 3D though because we had our glasses on, and there was no extra dimension to speak of. I really didn't want to leave that movie, but already bought tickets for Unknown so we headed that way. What a trippy movie, seriously it had me guessing the entire time. We didn't get home until late but what a great night it was, of course I documented our excursions...

The happy intimate gathering at Texas Roadhouse :)

Presh...

The happy couple!

Matt deciding to make himself at home!  Cute Heather and Brittany!

B enjoying Mom and Mars (or whatever it is called) in 3D

B insited that he keep his 3D glasses on until the last possible moment, just in case there was something else. What a dork!

Happy Birthday Hyrum,  I sure do love you! I know this year is going to be so great for you, lots of changes but a lot of happiness, and well you deserve it!

"Look at my Glow in the Dark Watch"

I had a stellar weekend. Seriously though, it was so good. Here are some of the amazing highlights

1. My mom seeing me for the first time since losing all my weight, her reaction, WHO ARE YOU? Super model gosh! Dear Mom, I love you!
2. Maddie not knowing her clogging routines and us laughing at her, I mean she did GREAT. But still, that's why she's the baby so she can get picked on.
3. Izzy having Taco Bell for the first time.
4. Family clogging session in my living room
5. Watching Brycen and my dad try to figure out how to put my TV stand together... 10 minutes turned into 2 hours, but they got it figured out (why didn't I take pictures).
6. Trying to cuddle with Maddie while sleeping... sorry girl!
7. Shopping with my mom is Porters is pretty funny to watch. 
8. Finding some amazing decor for my cute little apartment.
9. Having to upgrade my Dish so dad can see Jimmer play.
10. Mom and dad reminiscing about the good ol' Ricks College
11. World's Largest Dodgeball game, and a girl wearing Ugg's to play and a guy who danced like no one was watching.
12. My amazing dad who will hang up things on my wall and make sure they are perfect... Dear Dad I love you too!
13. No matter how rough of an experience you've had, nothing compares to my mother being in labor for 17 hours.
14. Walking into Yummy's and seeing a 3 year old strapped to a back of one of the Chinese woman.
15. Brycen trying to talk in Chinese then giving up and just using an accent.
16. Izzy with a thick German accent trying to talk to the waitress with a thick Chinese Accent is quite humorous.
17. By the Chinese Zodiac I am a rat.
18. I love Lazy Susan's at a restaurant, best idea ever, easiest way to share food!
19. My mom being so proud of her glow in the dark watch, she made Brycen make sure it was legit. So funny.
20. Driving all over Rexburg to find the movie Interspace...thank you Mike's Video!
21. Heavenly Hash ice cream is almost as good as Rocky Road.

That was just Friday and Saturday. Sunday was a great day as usual. Sunday's usually fly by as did this one. I love our game nights, we just have so much fun with each other. Those alone are worth quoting. Thanks Dad, Mom, Maddie, and Izzy for the visit. It was just what I needed!

Below are pictures of us at the Dodgeball game, and a video of the madness and the girl with Ugg boots (don't mind our commentary)!!

Random

I'm so ready for spring to get here. Part of living in Iceburg, Idaho is the unfortunate arrival of a late spring. Seriously there's still feet of snow here...so rude. Last night it actually rained causing even more puddles which resulted in Lake Superior in my driveway. Awesome. Anyway, my mom, dad, Maddie, and Izzy are all going to be up here this weekend for clogging competition! I'm so very excited, I haven't seen them since Christmas (oh I lied, I saw my dad the end of January). I remember when I was in Middle School clogging competition in Rexburg was the highlight of my year. I would be so excited to actually stay in a hotel (with my friends). stay up late (you know 11:00 p.m.),and swim in the cool pool. I am such a nerd.

My lesson that I've learned throughout this week? Patience in the Lord's timing. I know it's easy to say hard to do. Oh and to serve others when you feel overwhelmed, sad, or just in a funk. This happened to me on Tuesday and I had an ah-ha moment, stop thinking about yourself and try and find someone who needs you. And the moment I looked I found it.

Fun little tidbit... I sent 2300 text messages this month. WHAT THE? I'm like my sister Maddie, jesh a texting fool!

Here's to a safe and great weekend! Hopefully I'll get some sleep too, I'm not doing enough of that lately :)!

Who needs sleep... I mean really!

After a few of my faithful followers nagged me for an update here it is. My weekend was fun... I jam packed a lot of things into it, that's for sure. I have some amazing friends, it's hard to find people that you really connect with, and that's probably why when you do connect with them you can't seem to get enough of them. Ok sorry on to my weekend. Our crew went to Driggs and we had some dinner (homemade pizzas), some Cookie Monsters, watched a movie, and played games. We played Battle of the Sexes. Usually the girls win everything, but I was quite impressed with how much the boys really do know! Here are some fabulous pictures:

Ashley, B, A-town...Those boys are great dough makers or more like they like to pretend to be.

Ashley and Heather. Two girls who I love very much.

Oh Hometeacher!

Brittany & Tippetts

Whilst the others were watching a movie we decided to play!

Isn't she just adorable?

Matt and one of his red sweaters, mark my words this kid is going places!

Matt, Ashley, Me! Precious!

Our mantle photo with complimentary Teton's in the background!

Riana, Ashley, Brycen, Me, and Anthony

I pretty much love these kids, we have way too much fun together!

On Saturday Anthony and Brycen took Ashley, Riana, and I out shooting (after watching Jimmer play of course)! It was a lot of fun, and good to get out some of my aggression, ha! I even shot a clay pigeon go me! The snow is starting to melt in Rexburg, thank goodness, but that also makes for a muddy, slushy mess. (One of these days I'm going to do a post about my driveway, aka driveway from Hell because of all the melting snow). While driving out to go shooting we saw good ol' Fish and Game stuck in the snow. Bless B and A-town. They shoveled and pulled and that truck wasn't moving. Then Anthony's truck got stuck so Brycen's brother Kyle had to pull us both out. I enjoyed that adventure very much, and I sat in the truck most of the time, or pushed the accelerator! I know helpful!

"Don't mind us boys, we'll just sit in the truck!"

Backseaters!

B hard at work!

Kyle hard a work getting a manicure or something!

Kyle's truck pulling Anthony's and Ranger Joe's

Seriously, don't mess!

Gangster? Especially with those sexy boots!

Seriously, I mean business!

Again, gangster? With those boots?

Sniper extraordinare!

Freezing, but still having so much fun!

Life is crazy, but really I wouldn't have it any other way. I have some amazing people in my life who support me, love me and make sure I am enjoying life for this I'm so grateful!