Birthday Bash

This last weekend, Me, my cousin- Chris, and my friend- Jason had a combined 18th birthday party. There were over 30 people present, and we all had a blast. (These are SOME of the shoes...)

We played some Wii, ate lots of nachos, played some ping pong, watched 'Eagle Eye', and had lots of laughs.

My favorite part was the cake, though. If you notice, there are MORE than 18 candles on it....more like 18 for each person...18x3=54!!!!!!! Hehe, too fun (and OH SO TASTY)!!!!

Singing 'Happy Birthday'....
Left to Right: Jason, Chris, Me :)

...and blowing out the candles!!!

Yum!!!

Ping pong-

A little partyin', a little dancing....

I'm so grateful for the amazing friends I am blessed with.

Monday, my friend came over and spent the day with me. We played Wii, made homemade ice cream, and watched an adorable movie- 'Tammi and the Bachelor.' I love my friend and the moments like this when you know the Lord is mindful of all your needs.

The song from the movie is my favorite. :)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oYymDZtJvgs

My thoughts and feelings of the day

There are the overbearing changes in life- the ones that make themselves boisterously pronounced, and then there are the discrete beauties, full of simpleness and grace that silently change you forever; the ones that mold you detail by detail, without your smallest notice. Every conversation that strengthens or alters your way of thinking, someone's smile that casts a joyful outlook on your day's events, the tiny, unnoticed and yet most influential moments of life that get fogotten. I'm so thankful for those. They remind me of the angels in my life, my potential for good, and more than ever, the love of my Heavenly Father. The simple things in life are a testimony to me of the goodness and constant, watchful care of my Father in heaven, and leaves me with a desire to do nothing more than share that love with everyone I see.

One year older, and wiser too!!! Well, maybe..... :)

After weeks of unexcitement for the upcoming change, I thoroughly enjoyed my 18th birthday yesterday!! I have SOOOO many wonderful friends and such a great family. I'd like to thank everyone that wished me a happy birthday and thought of me!! :) I'm so grateful for amazing people in my life that make every day a new reason to smile.

Last day being 17:

First day being 18:

I love my brother!!!!!

'Awake' by Josh Groban

I love this song!!! The lyrics are so true about life.

A beautiful and blinding morning
The world outside begins to breathe
See clouds arriving without warning
I need you here to shelter me

And I know that only time will tell us how
To carry on without each other

So keep me awake to memorize you
Give me more time to feel this way
We can't stay like this forever
But I can have you next to me today

If I could make these moments endless
If I could stop the winds of change
If we just keep our eyes wide open
Then everything would stay the same

And I know that only time will tell me how
We'll carry on without each other

So keep me awake for every moment
Give us more time to be this way
We can't stay like this forever
But I can have you next to me today

We'll let tomorrow wait, you're here, right now, with me
All my fears just fall away, when you are all I see

We can't stay this way forever
But I have you here today

And I will remember
Oh, I will remember
Remember all the love we share today

Gingerbread and flames

Sky and I decided to light the gingerbread house on fire as way of disposing of it.....rather than smelling like campfire afterwards, we smelt like an accident in Mrs. Clause's kitchen!! Yuck!

Have a beautiful day!

All my love!

May the Lord bless.

"...My future seemed to stretch before me like a straight road. I thought I could see along it for many a milestone. Now there is a bend in it. I don't know what lies around the bend, but I am going believe that the best does. It has a fascination of its own, that bend...."

-Anne of Green Gables

Thoughts for the day

My thoughts for the day:

"There is one responsibility that no one can evade. That is the effect of one's personal influence."

-President David O. McKay

"'In the world to come, thousands may call your name blessed, even more than the people you serve here. They will be the ancestors and the descendants of those who chose eternal life because of something you said or did, or even what you were.'

Two things in this quotation strike me: 1) The type of person you are can influence whether or not othe rpeople choose eternal life. 2) When you use your influence for good, you bless not only those whose lives you touch but perhaps even their ancestors and descendants as well."

-John Hilton

Those are two of my favorite quotes. When you realize who you are and that our lives on earth aren't just free for alls- that we have responsibilities to ourselves and others-life, in general and everything about it, becomes more meaningful. You gain a deep desire to be something wonderful and change who you are according to the way the Lord would have us be.

GIRLS night!!

Us girls decided to have a girls night and it was so much fun! We watched Steel Magnolias and then decided to finger paint (aren't we great artists?!?). It was soooo different than what I'm used to- always hanging out with the boys everywhere I go and in everything I do- sometimes it's nice to have a night with just the girls. :) I love you, girlies!!

Christmas festivities

If I'm not mistaken, I do believe this is what they call a white Christmas....Despite my fondness for snow, Christmas was wonderful. It was full of smiles, love, family, food, and caring neighbors. We all got everything we had asked for and more. How blessed we are to have the opportunity to be together on such a special occassion and share it with those we love.

^^ My feet, haha....Ashley's venturing just off the front porch, right before she turns back around and makes a b-line for the front door....

2009, Here we come!!!

Wow! I think we can all agree that the year went by far faster than is ever expected at the beginning of a new year. 2008- it started wonderfully and ended beautifully. Much of which I owe to my Heavenly Father, my family, and my friends. :) Thank you!!

For New Years I had a blast with my friends first at Ethan's house then at the New Years Eve dance. May 2009 prove to be a year full of happiness, new adventures, love, and those small things that make all the difference in our every day lives. I love y'all. :) Take care.


Back (left to right): Kyle, Adam
Front (left to right): Ashley, Katie, Kara, Ethan
Behind the Camera: Alex :)

Y'all are the best!!!!!