Alex

My brother Alex left on his mission, and he is doing very well! We all miss him and his comments so much, but it is great to know he is doing so well. Ever since he left, it has been very quiet around the house and I am not used to it! It will be a very long two years for us, but cannot wait to hear all of the great stories he has from Louisiana.

Last Sunday, my friend Ryan and I went to a homecoming in Spanish Fork and decided to stop in Provo to visit my other friends Rachel and Nicki. On the way home, we missed the turn to head towards the freeway and ended up at the MTC. How ironic! It just so happened that all of the missionaries were coming back from the temple, so we sat in a parking lot and watched for him and after about ten minutes he came walking up! It was so thrilling, because we couldn't let him see us, but so fun to see him! It was an adventure that was meant to be!

Baby Girls

I took my sister's family pictures, and they turned out really cute! Her girls are absolutely adorable.

Jane was not too happy after, and did not want to take any by herself.

Abby had a great smile!

Sophie kept jumping in on every shot. She was born to pose!

Sometimes the hardest thing

and the right thing

are the same.

Nothing Better...

There is nothing better than the feeling of finishing the last final. Complete relief and stress literally lifted off of my shoulders!!

My last final was exercise physiology (I know, sounds painful) and I studied for the LONGEST time!! When I left my test, I did not want to throw away my flash cards because I grew so attached to them. How sad is that!? After the final, my friend Masha and I were so ecstatic, we couldn't even believe it! I had a grin from ear to ear for about an hour after I finished.

This picture reminds me of how I feel during finals, a little bit frazzled with what is going on.

It is so interesting how finishing a test can bring the greatest joy to my life. Thank you school.

My Sweet Baby Oliver

On November 23, 2009, my Sweet Baby Oliver passed away. He was not acting as he normally did, so we took him into the vet, and they told us he had cancer, and he had about two to four months to live. We later found out that he also had cancer in his liver and spleen, and if we didn't put him down soon, his spleen would rupture, and he would bleed to death. So, we made the decision while in California to put him to sleep. This decision was so hard knowing we would not be able to see him one last time.

Oliver was the GREATEST dog that ever lived. Even though he had a mind of his own, and was sometimes a little brat, he was the cutest dog ever born. He ruled our family with his adorable looks and loving personality. Even though he hated to cuddle with me (and most of the time I would force him to), I know he truly cared about me. Whenever I would cry, he would lay by me, letting me know he was there for me. Whenever I would come home from the Deeg, he would sleep on my bed. We also always took random naps together. He was always the best napping partner. Even though I annoyed him so much, because I always wanted to be holding him or putting costumes on him, I know he loved me deep down.

Right before we left to Cali, I spent 3 nights at home. I would not have normally done that, but I decided to that week. Oliver and I spent a lot of time together, taking naps, watching movies, or just laying by him. I know I stayed home those few days because he was about to leave, and Heavenly Father knew I needed more time with him. I noticed he was so sad, so during those couple of days, I fed him a lot of cheese which I know he loved. When my dad took him to the vet, for some reason it was so hard to let go. Now that I know that was the last time I saw him, I know everything worked out how it was supposed to. He lived a wonderful life of ten years making every day more exciting than the day before. He was loved by many, and I know many people were hurt by him leaving. But, I know his cousin Toby was in heaven waiting for him, and he is more happy than ever. My mom says we have him as a special angel to watch over us as we are still down here.

I love you Oliver, and miss you so much. Thank you for all of the fun memories!!

Why-Rascal Flatts

It must a been a place so dark, couldn't feel the light
Reachin' for you through that stormy cloud
Now here we are gathered in our little home town
This can't be the way you meant to draw a crowd

Oh why that's what I keep askin'
Was there anything I could have said or done
Oh I had no clue you were masking a troubled soul, God only knows
What went wrong and why you'd leave the stage in the middle of a song

Now in my mind I keep you frozen as a seventeen year old
Rounding third to score the winning run
You always played with passion no matter what the game
When you took the stage you shined just like the sun

Oh why that's what I keep askin'
Was there anything I could have said or done
Oh I had no clue you were masking the troubled soul, oh God only knows
What went wrong and why you'd leave the stage in the middle of a song

Now the oak trees are swayin' in the early autumn breeze
The golden sun is shining on my face
The tangled thoughts I hear a mockingbird sing
This old world really ain't that bad a place

Oh why there's no comprehending
And who am I to try to judge or explain
Oh but I do have one burning question
Who told you life wasn't worth the fight
They were wrong
They lied
And now you're gone
And we cried

Cause It's not like you to walk away in the middle of a song

Your beautiful song
Your absolutely beautiful song

In the Life of Dallas

I went to Dallas to visit my sister and I had so much fun! I was so lucky to be able to go down there and just hang out with the girls. I actually miss being there, because I love them all so much.

Jane was adorable! She is talking a lot more now (even screaming!) and was so much fun to be around. She is so sweet and the cutest girl ever!!

Sweet little Abby is always a fun time! She has quite the mind of her own! I seriously think she is smarter than I am. With her praising the Lord songs and giving me advice how to slow down my prayers, she was such a joy to be around.