BBQ BSU Bash and Beats... for Ms. Blaylock!!

I had the BEST birthday! My beautiful friends surprised me with a BBQ BSU Bash at the Bishop's house. I thought we were just going to have dinner at Craigo's and do something after, but they sure fooled me. When we pulled up to the house I thought maybe something was up, but I didn't see any cars, so I was like oh I'll just run in there and grab something. Those tricksters! They popped up from behind the counter, and I was so happy to see my old and new friends all there. They all lied to me, and really I didn't think they cared that much about my celebrations, but they did! They've been planning it for weeks. Love them. Mariah was the best liar though, telling me she had a group project that girl! The food was so good, and everyone was dressed in blue and orange, that also made me VERY happy. I wore heels because I thought we were going to dinner, and my roommate Brittany brought me a BSU shirt, so we were good to go. It was so much fun, and I throughly enjoyed myself just hanging out with some of my most favorite people in the whole world. They sure fooled me, those little tricksters... it's hard to surprise me, because well I usually have to have a plan, and know what's going on. So love them!

 Ms. Mariah and me... I think it is crazy how much we look alike!

 Look at those cute decorations. I didn't capture the blue and orange balloons, but they were there. The bishop's wife did SUCH a good job.

 B and me, we look so good in blue!

 My life long friends, I was most surprised they were there! I love them!!

 B enjoying feeding me, on my BIRTHDAY! 

 Most of the posse who came to my celebration! 

 I told them to be silly, some people have problems with that!

I love this shot because we are all randomly laughing, and Leroy is chowing down on his food.

 Bishop Kunz who I love so much, seriously his yard is beautiful, and he's just fantastic.

 Kober, Me, and Ry... this was before my BSU shirt arrived. 

 Love this kid... I mean seriously.

 Oh my BFF Sarah...

Thanks to my princess she threw this amazing party for me, I owe her. Plus she looks FAB in Bronco Blue.

 I got so many wonderful gifts from my friends. Brycen however went and got me something that I've always wanted but never have thought about buying for myself. Dr. Dre Beats. I seriously about DIED when I opened them. I remember the first time I met B he pulled them out and I was like you OWN some Beats? Of course he did, and now I have my very own pair. They are a beautiful cherry red, and seriously I slept with them last night. HA jk! He sure surprised me that's for sure. Thanks B, you're amazing!

 My red velvet cake, it was so good!!

 Riana testing out the Beats, she was impressed with how amazing they are.

 I will use them as an accessory I think.

 Lookin' good B. Now you can wear yours and I'll wear mine!

Riana got me a singing Bieber toothbrush. Yeah pretty epic.

Thank you to everyone who not only spoiled me on my day but thought of me and gave me cards, greetings, text messages, Facebook posts etc... Last night I was re-reading all the birthday cards and greetings I got and was so overwhelmed by everyone's thoughts. I truly have the best friends and family around. Speaking of family. This weekend we are headed home for conference and the BSU vs Nevada game. I'm so excited, as it is part of my birthday celebrations. We've got seats in the end zone so that should be fun! I do love Parma and of course BSU.

Yeah... It's My Day!

Picture on the left is from last year, picture on the right is from today! Isn't it crazy how different I look for one? Second, I cannot believe it has been a WHOLE stinkin' year. I'm old. I was talking and reflectiving with my Lo about the changes I've made. Never in my whole 26 (well now 27) years of life, has so much happened to me in one year. It really is nuts! I not only changed physically (yeah I'm about 60 pounds lighter than last year), I found a whole new group of friends (including boys), jump-started my career, moved 3 times, and accomplished 3 things on my bucket list. Say WHAT?! Pretty insane year. I've felt love and heartache and I've laughed and cried more this year than ever (more laughing than crying). Oh and I got an iPhone, ha! 27 seems so old to me, but at the same time, I'm still young (I'll let you know when 30 comes). I also feel like I emit this glow on my day of birth, because well I usually do. I woke up smiling! Today I've realized how much people love me, not just like, but love. And really do KNOW me. See this is why I love my birthday, this is why God gave us birthdays... it'sYOUR day to feel loved (and eat whatever you want). Embrace it! Happy Birthday to Me!!

Birthday Eve

Here is my new hair. Yeah it's dark super dark... It will fade but I love the face people give me when they are like whoa look at your hair.

 

Birthday Eve celebrations going on tonight yo! I am excited my birthday week hasn't been the best (mostly due to work) but you know me... Nothing will stop me from celebrating my birth. The real reason I love it? I just feel love and appreciated by so many people it's addictive. Tomorrow is the day and I think this year it is going to be pretty low key, just me and the crew. Yeah, I can totally handle that! 

Lessons and Quotes

What a crazy weekend. OK so I really didn't do anything that crazy (besides watch a documentary on Lions and Tigers.. and Ligers exist just saying, oh and Gossip Girl), but once again I learned a lot about myself. It surprises me actually how much I am learning about myself and relationships with other people (like this experience). Probably because I've been a little too selfish so the Big Guy upstairs likes to shake things up a bit.   I guess at 26 (ok so 27 in three days), I figured I had most of it figured out, I mean that's who I am. I plan things, I take control of the situation, and I try to mold it into something but that's not how it really works I guess. I'm so grateful for friends who teach me so much, who listen, who support, make me want to be better, and who most importantly understand and don't pass judgement.
Last night we also watched this movie:

Source: deseretbook.com via Christi on Pinterest

Seriously, this movie changes you. It moves you. This was the 2nd time I had watched it, and it still had the same impact. I knew what was coming this time so I had even a better grasp on what was happening. There are so many life lessons the Pioneers can teach us. I walked away with a sense of wanting to be better, and wanting to have faith like they did.

Sorry so much of my posts lately have been so serious. I guess that's OK, life isn't always rainbows and butterflies. Don't fret though, I laugh a LOT, here are some funny quotes of the past few days...

" I am righteous hear me quote" (You know instead of I am woman hear me roar)... so funny. Thank you Singles Ward testimony meeting for giving us entertainment.

"If you are asleep, you need to wake up because I have something that needs to be said, and believe me you'll want to hear it"... and then proceeds to talk about nothing for the next bazillion hours and totally has no idea what he's quoting or saying, and rambling. Good thing I woke up for that :). Yup, testimony again.

"You can judge someone by their righteousness if you get into their car and they have NO music playing"... HAHA, uh really? So funny.

"She's interested in things like Playboy... OMG I meant GAMEBOY'S, you know like gaming..." Uh yeah that would be me saying that, in WARD COUNCIL. So funny, and it got everyone laughing pretty hard. I was mortified. Also I am pretty sure Gameboy's haven't been around since 1990.

I also love when singing in church and it's just the women's part that a total off key man sings, and LOUD. Seriously, makes my day, only in church.

And to end this totally random post I have discovered that it's the most incredible feeling when you know you can trust someone and they can trust you. No matter what you say or do, they'll listen and love. Yeah, that's pretty cool.

My Life is like The Hills

I mentioned this in my last post but honestly I feel like my life is like The Hills. Minus the clubbing and drinking, and being uber rich.
I am Lauren... call me Savy B.

Source: iheart-stolenimages.blogspot.com via Savanna on Pinterest

Of course I am her, hello this is my life, so I'm going to be the main character. I wish I had hair like her. I wish I had her dream job, but it's cool, I love my life.

I have my own Justin Bobby, you know the boy who you never really date but you both love each other anyway? That person in your life is who brutally honest, listens to all your girl drama and makes you feel like you can't live without them. Minus the whole disappearing for days act, and the whole not showering thing. You know that you're Justin Bobby will more than likely forever be in your life, some days more prominent than others. Will always meet you for "drinks", and will always keep it real with you, because well Justin Bobby does NOT mess around. He may not purposely hurt you, but he does because well its JB, and he's a bad boy. Now I know that Lauren never dated Justin Bobby that was Audrina's avenue, but hey cut me some slack.

Then there's Brody. Granted my Brody and I we never dated, but let's face it, Brody is a little heartless at times, and does what he wants to, but secretly really cares a LOT. I do not care if he dates my friends, and is quite frankly a serial dater. We always rendezvous back to discuss our love lives. How many times did Brody have to tell Lauren about Stephanie? But still Lauren did her own thing. Totally the same in this situation. We have a good time together, and I would do anything for him, but we'll never date, and we both have to approve of our significant others. Brody doesn't care what others think of him, and often times he's making the same mistake over and over again.

Oh my Lo. My Lo lives in a different state, but she's the one who has been through everything. It's that friend that no matter where you go in life they will just always be there. Lo is the best listener, and just goes with flow. She knows you better than anyone around, and keeps it real but supports you through all of your mistakes. Knows exactly what you need and want, and loves to gossip with you. Hello!

Audrina. You know that secretly Lauren didn't like Audrina, just had to be her friend for the show. We all have an Audrina. That person that hangs with your girl but secretly you CAN'T stand. You know she knows way too much about you, so you can't just walk away from her, you don't what she would say. Ok, so I don't hate my Audrina, it is more like I can't trust my Audrina. She's someone who I love, but can only really count on for 50% of the time. Get my drift. Everyone has an Audrina, male or female.

Heidi, yes I have a Heidi. That girl that you've got a serious past with, and sometimes you run into them. You loved them so much but they've hurt you so bad you can't ever be friends. You can be nice and cordial, but you'll never be the same. It hurts to much to be friends, and you'll support them through life but you won't know anything about them. It hurts to see Heidi because you miss what you had, but really, it was time to move on.

Whitney. Your work BFF. Whitney knows EVERYTHING about your life, and I mean everything. You spend the most time with Whitney because well you work with her. The nicest girl with the best intentions, and really I wouldn't love work if I didn't have my Whitney. You know that you may not work together forever, but you'll always be friends.

Isn't it crazy? I just totally put myself in a TV show. Last night we were out eating and we were talking about someone and how crazy they are I totally was like, this is The Hills, where are the cameras? Except my drama is real, and I am a believer in that The Hills was real for the most part, because well I live it.

Love a Little Too Much...

What a crazy bunch of days I've had. I have learned the following things:

• I miss college, and yes even some homework. OK so I miss learning new things.
• I may or may not learned some accounting and found it interesting, WHO AM I?
• You really don't know what someone is going through, so smile once in awhile. It changes lives people!
• Might as well be yourself, and love it!
• I really enjoying laughing, like full out, can't breathe, kind of laughing.
• Inside jokes are my favorite!
• Telling people your goals is the best way to make sure you stick to them. Espcially with my friends, they LOVE to remind me when I'm not up to par. But hey, that's why I told them in the first place.
• I love to cook (ok so I already knew this), but really I love cooking for others, just cooking  for myself is BORING!
• BYU Football I mean really. Everyone should just bleed blue and ORANGE. It's the only way to go.
• My family is incredibly supportive and incredibly loving. Ok so this isn't something new.
• Is it bad that when I'm praying I tell God "really this trial isn't funny anymore, please send help, ASAP"?
• Netflix is the best invention ever... thank you Austin & Kenzie
• My birthday is FAST approaching and I still have nothing planned. I'm starting to freak out a little.
• I might have to start being a little more heartless... sad but true.
• Surround yourself with people who lift you up, make you want to be better, understand your weaknesses, and most importantly make you laugh... A LOT.
• Either you're moving forward or backward, standing in the middle doesn't count.
• Isn't it amazing when you find people who know how you feel without even saying anything? Yeah, that's pretty cool...
• My life is like The Hills... no seriously, it is. I have my very own Brody, Justin Bobby, Lo, Heidi, and Audrina. I'm currently trying to avoid finding my Spencer.
• Actions speak louder than words, so recognize WHAT you're doing, AND what your saying.
• It's ok to build other's egos. They usually need it.

9 days until I'm 27, 10 days until I am in Parma. I love having something to look forward too.

PS - Listen to Natasha Bedingfield -"Little Too Much" that song speaks more like YELLS at me.

Birthday Wish List Part 2

I've added a few more things to my birthday list. It's just the closer I get to it the more things I resist buying at the store because I "might get that for my birthday", however, if I do not tell anyone of my findings I will not get it. So here they are:

- Toe rings, I've lost 2 this summer, which was a real tragedy, I've had them for so long it was like a part of me died with them. Silver please. And nothing too flowery, that's not how I roll.
- The Hills Season 4 or Season 5 Part 1
- Philosophy Foundation - medium beige
- Perfume
- Gift card to CosmoProf
- Queen bed sheets (I know now I'm old)
- Flowers

I've totally added a ton more to this list too:

http://re.pn/b/B9Yt

Ok, that should be everything I think I have forgotten. I have less than two weeks now and nothing planned really. I really need to get on it.

I just re watched Laguna Beach Seasons 1 and 2... so fantastic. I sometimes wish my life would be filmed like that, then I could look back at myself and laugh at how ridiculous it all is. We have all started getting back into The Hills and I find it fascinating how so many situations on that show relate to my life. How I also relate to one person on that show (I like to think of myself as Lauren). Last night I went to dinner with B and Ry and I was like this so feels like The Hills because we were talking about relationships, and eating. We just needed some music and awkward pauses.

This weekend I plan on watching football and possibly riding in the combine. Should be epic. Hopefully I can get my trusty old camera back out and document my life, goodness me. Here's to hoping my weekend is fun and drama free... hey I said HOPING! :)

Change.

Source: muchlove-anna.blogspot.com via Savanna on Pinterest

Unconditional Love

Ever have an experience where you walk out of it thinking "wow I was way off"... Then you feel completely ridiculous because you were being so selfish about the whole situation? I think as humans we are inclined to be selfish, and certainly now that I'm old and single I have a tendency to think a lot about "me". The past few days all I have thought about is me "why can't things be different?" or "why do I have to go through this?", but last night I kindly but firmly was reminded most of life is about other people. Everyone has their own trials and problems, and part of life is helping people get through them. It might go unnoticed and at times seem unappreciated, but I learned, especially last night, that you should always trust yourself and your "gut" (or as I would say the Spirit). Sometimes people just need to know you care, and sometimes it takes swallowing your pride and hurt and saying that no matter what I'll always care about you. Having an unconditional love is hard to come by, but I realized that for some people it's just there. You laugh when they do and when they hurt, you hurt 10 times more. It's worse I think seeing someone suffer than going through it yourself. When it's you, you just take it in stride, but watching someone else go through it just makes you feel so helpless. I think too that sometimes people want you to give up on them, because well it's expected, but I also learned that you can't give up. If I give up so will they. Things change, people change, relationships change, but caring about people, and making sure they know they are loved, and you're their #1 cheerleader, that should never change. After all, the Savior never will give up on me, so why should I give up on others? So I'm here, when you're ready to talk, or even if you never really want to talk, just know that I'm here. I can make a mean cinnamon roll, or even just drink with you (Dr. Pepper that is). I'm a great sympathy crier, and really no matter what has happened it won't stop me from caring about you or loving you. After all, that's what I am here for, to help you. In the end though, I'll be the grateful one because I will have learned so much more about unconditional love and patience.

Never Forget

Yesterday whilst cooking in the kitchen and making my famous salsa for Sunday dinner I turned on the BYU Channel to find this playing:

I

Not only did it touch my soul but I realized I was crying (and I wasn't even cutting the onions). I love how music can soothe my soul, and make me feel emotions I didn't even know. I cannot believe it has been 10 years since the attack on the World Trade Center, yesterday we all were reminiscing about where we were when it happened. I remember exactly how I felt, and how I cried then too. Then I remember how I felt something I really hadn't felt before, the love I had for my country. I didn't realize how blessed I really was, and how the human spirit really can prevail over anything with the help of God. May we never forget those who have lost their lives, and how we as a Nation can rise above anything!

Fair Time!

Last night we went to the Eastern Idaho State Fair. Oh it was quite the adventure! First of all Brycen knew every soul there… but that's expected because you know he's from Rigby. It's like when I go to the Canyon County Fair, I know a LOT of people there. Plus I'm used to it because no MATTER where we are my dad knows someone. No kidding, we could be on a remote island in Bora Bora and he would find a farmer he works with or something. Anyway, I was mostly excited for the fair food. I saved my carbs and calories for such an event. I split a prime rib sandwich with B (ok so not split, he ate most of it), funnel cake, and 2 lemonades. Later that night we got Tiger Ears! I searched and searched for the fried twinkies but couldn't find them, UNTIL we were leaving and everything was closed. Dangit! Anyway, we made our way over to the animals, and that always makes me think of Parma and FFA. Brycen gave me a lecture on the process of breeding cows and it was quite intriguing actually. See I learn something new every day. After making our way through all the animals (and I felt like a country girl again). Kyle even stuck his finger up a pigs nose… HA! We made our way to the photography and then more food. I know! Riana and Lauren had to leave early so we decided to go ride some rides. Seriously, I am a thrill seeker, I will ride anything, but I am terrified of the Ferris Wheel. Maybe because it's high and slow moving? The boys thought this was quite entertaining! We also had a good time trying to find the "best looking" Carnie! There are also so awesome looking people just at the fair… loved it!

Mariah is officially back in Rexburg and I'm very excited. Now I'm not going to be alone anymore. She also brought all these tomatoes and such so I can make salsa. Done and done!
I also just finished watching Season 1 of Laguna Beach… oh.my.gosh. I forgot how much I love Trey and loathe Kristin.
I guess this post has become more of a random one… but I'm so excited for the weekend. College football, catching up on my DVR (hello I still haven't seen Jersey Shore this week), and finishing unpacking my room. OH and maybe I will just take a ride on the combine, courtesy of my dear friend Anthony. And sleep. Always sleep.

Labor Day Weekend

I had quite the journey trying to get home for the Labor Day Holiday. I had moved two days before I was set to leave, and then I had to clean my entire old apartment. So I had little sleep under my belt… PLUS I had the worst toothache EVER. I was beyond stressed. So on Wednesday I just went into the dentist and he just had to pull it out (don't worry it's my wisdom tooth). Thank goodness Brycen was just going to follow us to Parma on his way to Washington, so he offered to just drive Riana and me there. Bless his heart. I was in a lot of pain. It is always so good to be back in Parma. Now that my entire family lives back there, it is just so good to be with everyone. I was just excited to relax and spend time with my family. Riana was catching a flight in Boise so she got to see the infamous Parma, ID. On Thursday we went shopping, and Friday was just a lazy day. That night we went to the first home football game and to watch Maddie cheer! I always love football games, and it's funny that I will still enjoy watching them at PHS 10 years later (I know I'm old). Saturday we all went over to Grandma Blaylock's house. My dad is redoing her kitchen and it is going to be a family event. We mostly cleaned the outside and everything. While the boys demolished what was left of that OLD kitchen. Then we went and walked around the barn. I have SO many childhood memories at that place. From the swing set to the old green house. It's just crazy. What's even crazier that not much has changed since then either. The old milking barn is just exactly the same as it was when I was kid. Sorry there's my nostalgia kick for the day. Saturday afternoon/night was time for college football. First BYU than BSU, both awesome games. I love college football and more importantly BSU Football. Sunday we had a big family dinner and then seriously stayed outside ALL day under the tree. It was so relaxing and fun! That night was our annual kickball game. We added new members this time around with Emma, Fletcher, and Brycen. It was super fun, afterwards we had a fire in the back yard. Monday we went back to grandma's to sheetrock and paint. Brycen and I had to go back to Rexburg and I was sad to leave! Good thing I'll be back for my birthday!!

 Liam and Mariah at his first PHS football game!

 Ry and Me at the game. I love that we match.

 Grandpa and me! I love him!

 Cute little cheerleader Maddie

 BSU game time!

 Ry is ready too!

Liam wants to play more than watch the game! He's so cute, I love him so much!

 I am the star player... pitcher and first baseman!

 Someone takes this game a little too seriously!

 The winners, but I think they cheated!

 Team Neon, definitely the best!

 Typical Austin always being the funniest!

 Nice pose Hyrum!

Here we all are! Seriously so fun!

Beach and Crabs

Finally! I can get around to our last day in California. We decided to go to Huntington Beach. I just love the ocean so much. I've never really ever swam in the Pacific Ocean because whenever I am there it's just too darn cold. Not this time! The other girls just wanted to lay out, but Brycen, Me, and Anthony all decided to swim of course. The boys even went and got boogie boards. They could have played for hours out there. It was pretty crowded, and I'm pretty sure I almost got decapitated twice by a surfer! The waves were big though and that's always the best part.

 Here we are at the ocean. I just love this picture!

 Ok and I love this one too. It was such a beautiful day!

 Anthony on his board! He decided he was a pro!

 Hello ocean, how I've missed you!

 Sun-bathing beauties!

 Look at these hard core boarders, I mean honestly.

 We are the swimmers of the bunch!

 Hey ocean!

 Of course it's only tradition to have a "jumping on the sandy ocean pose!"

 Brycen and I attempting such pose, I will blame it on him.

 See, told you it wasn't me. These two seriously.

 Oh hey Huntington Beach Pier!

I loved Huntington Beach. I had never been there. We had a great time. It was time to then catch airplanes and such on our way home to Idaho. We wanted some sea food so we stopped at Joe's Crab Shack. I love crab legs so much, and lobster. So I decided to get that, not knowing they give you a WHOLE lobster! Thank goodness B was strong enough to kind enough to help me eat it all!

 I am ready for my crab, bib and all!

 Riana and Monica

 Look at that sea food!

 So good!

 B on the way to the airport, trying to hide from the police!

 Riana enjoying the calendar?

 Riana and her crab legs!

Yay for good food!

I can't wait to go back to California and spend more time there, it was so fun!!