i can't grow a mustache

I just got back from spending a fabulously, relaxing weekend at my grandparent's cabin in Overgaard, AZ. I love going to the cabin!! I spent all weekend doing basically nothing and it was wonderful. It was just what I needed. It's nice to go up to the mountains, away from the normal daily stresses. I always feel so rejuvinated after going to the cabin.

Friday night after work J.R., Esther, Barbara and I drove up. Mom, Dad, Faith, Faith's friend Selina, and Julia drove up separately. We had dinner and watched the new Disney channel movie with the Jonas Brothers (or to those who know them well, "The Jonai") "Camp Rock" . After the movie they debuted their new music video. I can't wait for their new album (August 12!!).



Saturday I sat on the couch and wrote all day! It was great! Dad, J.R., Esther, Barbara and Julia went fishing.

The mighty fishers and
a sink o' fish...

Sunday we watched some General Conference talks on DVD, then played Phase 10 for HOURS...seriously. I was on phase 9 for SIX ROUNDS!! I hate that game. Although we did learn that Esther likes to cheat and look at other people's cards. You gotta keep your eye on that girl...

And now some pictures of the cutest baby ever!

And here's a picture of my mom taking a picture of me taking a picture of my mom...

the ants go marching two by two...

I know you know the song. Sing it with me:

"The ants go marching two by two. Hurrah! Hurrah!
The ants go marching two by two. Hurrah! Hurrah!
The ants go marching two by two. The little one stops to ties his shoe.
And they all go marching down, into the ground.
To get out of the rain.
Boom,
Boom,
Boom..."

Only this time...they aren't marching into the ground. They are marching around on our kitchen floor. And in our cupboards. And on the countertops. We have swept and swiffered, sprayed and set traps. I've killed dozens of them with papertowels, but everytime I open the cupboard...THERE THEY ARE AGAIN!! They just keep coming! And the problem is...we don't know where they're coming from!

I HATE ANTS! AHHH!!!

On to better things...
I went to F.H.E. tonight--don't act all shocked. Occasionally I do go to an activity. And I'm really glad I went to tonight's. We had a guest speaker come so it was really more of a fireside than and F.H.E. The speaker was Bro. Larry Chesley (the author of "Seven Years in Hanoi"). He was a POW in Vietnam and is a phenomenal speaker! He told lots of stories and related a lot of the experiences he had, but these are the things that stuck out to me:

1. When you pray keep it simple but specific and the Lord will answer.

2. You cannot judge God.

3. When God shuts a door in your life, don't just stand there looking at the closed door...start searching for the window He's opened up in your life.

hope

Hope: One of my favorite words, and also something I've been struggling with lately.

Have you ever felt like you're sitting on the side of the road watching everyone else you know pass you by? That is what I've been feeling like the last week or so. I don't know why. I have a job that a lot of people who are searching for work right now would kill to have. I live in a nice house with 4 great girls. I have a car that gets me everywhere I need to go. I have a family that is close by and who loves me unconditionally. I have a good education and was able to earn a Bachelor's degree. I have the gospel in my life and a testimony that keeps me afloat. So why do I feel like I'm sitting in a pool of stagnant water watching as life passes me by?

It's days like today that just reaffirm to me that the Church is true and that Heavenly Father knows who I am and knows the struggles I am going through. The talks in Sacrament Meeting today, as well as the lesson in Sunday School were all about the Atonement. Normally this is one of those topics that I tend to tune out becuase of how often it is talked about. But not today. Today the things that were said touched my heart. Today was focused more on the Atonement as a way to overcome the trials in our lives and allowing it to help us have faith and hope in Christ. As Collin so elequently put it, "The Atonement is where we allow His grace to be sufficient." And it hit me that, I just need to have the courage to give my worries and concerns to the Lord and allow the suffering that He's already gone through to be enough. I don't need to be sad and discouraged. I don't have to be disappointed that my life hasn't exactly turned out the way I thought it would. All I have to do is have faith and hope in Christ.

However, this is easier said than done, but I know God's there. And I know He knows who I am and what I am struggling with right now. I know that as long as I keep putting one foot in front of the other and continue to do the things I should that He'll be there to help and guide me. Life may not always turn out the way we plan, and we may hit a rough patch or two, but in the end everything will work out. And if it's not working out...that's only because it's not the end :)

a great frickin' day

Today was awesome!

Usually I spend Saturdays sleeping in (trying to catch up on the sleep I lose during the week) and being lazy around the house but this weekend I wanted to do something different. Something more. Something...fun. Here's what I ended up doing:

*Woke up at 6am to go to a ward service project at the temple. We helped rake out and mulch the flower beds around the front of the temple. It was fun. Yea for the temple! And yea for service!

*Went to breakfast with everyone from my ward that came to the service project. We went to IHOP and can I just say that I'm pretty sure breakfast is my most favorite meal of the day. See, they have these new pancakes there--Kansas Carrot Cake pancakes. Seriously thought I was in heaven they were so good. Then add in a couple of scrambled eggs, some bacon and hashbrowns (P.S., remember how hashbrowns are one of my weaknesses?) and you've got one totally awesome breakfast. Plus it was fun talking and laughing with everyone.

*Came home and took a shower. I bought some new body wash at Bath and Body Works last weekend: Midnight Pomegranate. Yeah, it's my new favorite. It makes me happy :)

*Went to the mall to A-return a bra that I bought last week at Victoria Secret and which broke (sad day) and B-buy some new work shirts and something cute to wear when I'm in San Diego next month. (You may be asking yourself..."self, how does she have the money to do this?" The answer: my economic stimulus check. Thank you President Bush. Now if you could just do something about the price of gas...) I returned the defective bra, bought 4 new shirts, a pair of shoes, and two new bras. It was a successful shopping trip.

*Came home and watched the season premier of America's Best Dance Crew. I started watching that show last season because one of the judges is a boy I've been in "L" with since...oh...high school. The one and only, Mr. Hottie himself, JC Chasez (from N SYNC). I love him. He makes me happy (like carrot cake pancakes...only different). But the dance crews this season are REALLY GOOD! It's going to be a good season.

*Went to see "Kung Fu Panda" with my roommie Elaina. It was funny, but if you are wanting to see it I suggest waiting to see it in the dollar theatre.

Can't wait to see what happens next weekend!

"not funny!"

Pretty sure this is my favorite video! It makes me laugh everytime I watch it!!



Oh, and P.S. I am addicted to Reece's Pieces right now. "Justin Case" you were wondering :)