M is for monkey

A wonderful day today! My stake offered a Book of Mormon challenge to complete it by April 10th. So jake and I started reading it everyday together, but it was a lot to read together and we got a bit behind, so we download the "bom" off of the LDS website so we can have audio to listen to. So today I got to sleep in, woke up and drove for about two hours and listened to some scriptures. It was great! I never realized how cool the church website is and all the great tools and resources they have on it. Really neat! Then went to FHE and to the rock gym. Ohhh how I love rock climbing! Jake got a pass now, I am really happy about that, so hopefully we can start going more often. Then Jake and I made staceypants a funny blue alien "avitar" movie. I think she is going to love it! Today I am grateful for people working hard to plan activities and going the extra mile.

Tender Mercies

I love, love, love Sundays! This morning I woke up to my phone ringing, and it was Jake and he told me I should come down stairs to my apartment to let him in. He had brought stuff to make my favorite breakfast! He made me choclate chip pancakes! It was such a fun Sunday morning breakfast. Then Jake went to his ward and I started working on a project for one of my classes. I looked outside and it was a beautiful snowy morning! The snow shall be so good snowboarding tomorrow! At the beginging of fall Semester President Thomas S. Monson came and spoke to us on campus. He talked about his gratitude of everyone of the prophets that had previous served in the church. He told a cute story of how he gained his testimony of each of them, what he remembers them eating in the church head quarters, their favorite hymn, and how they each helped significantly, and so differently for each to contribute to the church. I loved the talk because it hit right on to how I was feeling and how my mind set has been on the importance of legacies. It also made me really want to study more about each of the prophets of the church to learn from their examples and teachings. The talk was so fantastic and I couldn't figure out how to attach a link, so for future reference in case anyone or myself wants to look at this talk, go to http://speeches.byu.edu The talk is from Thomas S. Monson given Sept. 15, 2009, and the talk is titled "Principles from Prophets" and was a BYU devotional. This talk really inspired me and has been on my mind, so when I heard for one of my classes the requirements for what we had to do for a final project for our class, I knew I wanted to study about all the prophets, and make a book about them on Shutterfly. This morning I started to do a bit of research on the biographies of some of the phrophets lives and downloading pictures of them for hte book. When I was doing some things on President Hickley, I could not help but cry. I miss him. He truely was such an amazing man, and left a great legacy to follow. I feel like all day tender mercy after another keep heading my way. In church, all of my favorite hymns were sung today. "I know that my Reedemer Lives", "How Great Though Art" "Jesus once of Humble Birth." I was really overwhelmed with such great feelings of love for our Savior Jesus Christ. I am so greatful for music and the influence it can have. Its neat how music can really speak to us in a completely different way than words. During church I saw Jake when he got done with church, and mine was switching meetings. We both had written notes for each other without knowing each other wrote one for each other. We exchanged them. It was fun. I have the sweetest boyfriend. Later we ate left over Indian yummy food and talked to Jake's parents on scype. That was great! Went to a fireside tonightt by a pianist man named David Hatch. He was a neat character. Listening to piano made me really want to get back into playing violin again. Its been to long since I have played it regularly. Playing an instrument can be so calming and relieving at times. I love how the gospel just makes sense. It just proves to me over and over how true it is. For refreshments after the fireside there was a ton of fruit, cookies and meatballs! It was great! Then went to ward prayer and had more candy! Yes, I feel like even if food was not a big part of my life, it is always around me and in my face its not possible not to be. Sadly. haha. Since Joesph was not home on his birthday when Stacey and I were able to go over, we went and brought him his pink snuggie over. He loved it, and is so excited for the picture to get printed on it asap! We sang happy birthday to him in man voice, and sang him a hannucah song. He put the snuggie on right away and talked to us in for at least 30 minutes. Today was absoultley fantastic! I love life! Today I am grateful the little subtle blessings that come our way, and lots of yummy candy to eat on Sundays. Also, Hayley I am so happy you love that I love to blog now. Its so fun for me to know you know whats going on in life and having you be more of a part of it! I have the greatest family of all time!

Saturdayness

Well, my blog has been becoming my new source of journal writing. I usually write in my journal each night, but instead have been blogging. Its kind of fun to do this though because you have the option of putting pictures with your writing as well. neat! This morning I had to take a test for college. It was great being able to take it online at home, because I was able to have lots of furry friends help support me while I toke the test. After taking my test, went rock climbing with MJ. Ahhh how I love rock climbing. Today while climbing I felt on top of the world. I feel rock climbing is a great hobbie for any age, any skill level. Jake decided today he is going to get a pass to the rock gym! I am so happy about that because that means I can start going more and he can join! And we can also start attending Yoga classes together. Wahoo! This is fantastic news! Then I got to go to the temple. My roommate Stacey was going, so I got to go join her as well! While waiting, I was reading the Book of Mormon, in 3Nephi 18:15. It reads, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, ye must watch and pray always, lest ye be tempetd by the devil, and ye be led away captive by him." I thought this was a great reminder that the little things count in life, and it will help us stay on track. After the temple, Jake and I drove to meet up with his brother, wife, and baby at the "Bombay House, Indian Cuisine" for a birthday dinner for Jake. Jake had brought a treat for the drive, of an amazing creation called a Pecan Roll. Jake's parents make them every Christmas holiday and it had the chewiest, softest caramel, neugut and pecans. YUM! Jake's parents have a super cute tradition for the kids that are out of the house, to send them gift cards to a restaurant of their choice for a birthday dinner on them since they cant physically be there. I thought that was a great idea! and I got to join, so thank you Sue for a fantastic dinner! This was my second time having Indian food, but it was fantastic! I loved it! We got mango and rose petal tasting drinks, yummy rice and sauce meals, and pigged out. The best part about it is, there is left overs for dinner tomorrow to! It was fun to play with some of Jake's family as well! I love playing with other peoples families. Jake had a fever by the time we got back home so he went home and went to bed. So, I had some time to catch up on some laundry and make some crafts. I worked on finishing up some fabric flowers and putting them on clips and head bands. Today I am grateful for great examples in my life, and how those people make you want to suceed and do better in life. Quote of the day "I love making up nicknames for people, especially myself- Staceypants)

Its snowing! Its snowing! Its SNOWING!

Woke up this morning at ten and stacey and I got ready to go snowboarding. We went to are all time favorite "great harvest" to start the day off right and get energized with pumpkin and chocolate for the mountain. We found a trick though that if you buy something then you don't have to pay for a slice of bread, so its cheaper to get a treat than buy to slices of bread. So, they had snickerdoole cookies today, which they have never had so we got one. It was super soft and chewy which was perfect, but it had sugar crystals on top, so that was not my favorite. But it was an ok cookie. "Paradise bakery" and "sweet cakes" in Arizona I would say have awesome sugar cookies. Snowboarding was awesome today! It has been way to long since I have been. I need to stop being a snowbum slacker and not going. Stacey has gotten so amazing! I feel her riding is flowing absolutely amazing! She a blast to ride with! Fridays are our date night on the mountain together. Its the greatest! Then went to a yoga store to pick up some things for stacey and came home. I really want to start doing yoga. Its sounds so amazing! And peaceful. At the rock gym and the regular gym I go to they have classes. I need to go to them. Then stacey and I went to club "walmart" to get our friend joesph a snuggie for his birthday tomorrow. We are screen printing a picture with all of us on it doing the "live long and prosper" sign. A favorite greeting of all of us. The snuggie is hot pink. I think he will love it. We are going to kidnap him at midnight and take him to "krispy kreme donuts" because stacey and I always dumpster dive in that dumpster and drop of donuts to Joesphs front door. Since its his birthday, I guess he deserves fresh donuts? Stacey and I went to "jamba juice." I got the berry fufilling with granola on top, truly the yummiest combo possible. Well, Joesph ended up not being home and was on a date so we dumpster dived and got bags of donuts and put them on his front door. Then we all went to walmart again to look for plastic eyes for Jake and my piggy banks and the game "jenga."

Next we went to "farrs" icecream to give it another shot. Jake and decided we still like "yozone" better despite everyones obsession with "farrs." At walmart, we saw this awesome Chia pet! I wanted to get it, but then I remember hearing about this super cool one that is President Obama, and his hair grows. I need to look online for that prize possession. Today I am grateful for beautiful snowy days, and warm jackets!

Jakes Birthday

Today started bright and early! Woke up at five and made cupcakes for Jakes birthday! I put 30 candles in one baby cupcake. I was so excited they all fit in one! Then went to Jakes to wake him up and sing happy birthday. Since all the candles were on one cupcake it was like a ball of fire to blow out. I am sure Jake probably thought his room was in fire being so abruptly woken up. Then some of my friends were waiting since four in the morning, while it snowed outside, waiting for the new "rubios" to open. They were handing out a years freeness of rubios for the first 50 customers. But for some reason they came out around nine, and said that they were not doing the promotion anymore. That was a bit upsetting. I was excited to eat fish tacos everyday! There was a lady that was about seventy or so and there was some serious feary in her eyes. I would probably be that way to. I went home and ate cupcakes instead. It was a joyous morning. Nicole and I have been in a competition to see who can go the longest without washing their hair. I broke down and showered today. I don't know why I dislike showers, but I do. I think maybe conserving water is the issue? Ok, not really. Hair school is good. Went to a high school for a career fair, and then we ate at a fun cafe called "model a cafe." Its a cute little joint full of home cooking. Philly cheese steak and fries is what I got to eat. Yum. The ice in the glasses was the best as well because it was the little ice crushed like at sonic. The waiter said one of the most sold sandwiches here was the "hot beef." Ok, my sandwich was not so good. I was disappointed. Maybe because the smell of A1 sauce makes me a bit woezy. I bet if I liked sauce I would like it? Went back to hair school, did cutting class, talked to my sister Cameron and dad, then went to Jakes! I picked him up to take him on a date for his birthday. We ate at his favorite "macaroni grill." He loves the bread there and always orders the "penne rustica" with wheat noodles. I tasted it and it was yummy with the shrimp. I got the "mama trio" which consisted of lasagna chicken and a ravioli type thing. It was great. The lasagna was different tasting than my moms, but it was still good cause it had lots of meat in it. We had a blast writing on the table and playing the dot game. I probably should of let Jake win because it was his birthday. Then we left and Jake was locked out of the car so I told him his only way in was to climb threw the window. That was funny. We both were laughing so hard. Then got amazing dark chocolate caramels at "rocky road mountain factory." Jake didn't love it because its a bit more of a hard caramel, but I love them. Next we went bowling at "fat cats." A girl that worked there had the same name as me! I think being on a bowling league last semester helped my game. After that we went to the amazing dollar theaters to see team Jacob, also know around the nation as "new moon." Stacey sang Jake happy birthday in beast voice and brought him candy for his birthday. I think beast voice singing was defiantly a highlight of the day. Today I am grateful for Jake.(its his birthday!)

Wild Wednesday

A great day today! Got to sleep in, go to hairschool and college. Jakes a jem and came to class and a review study with me so he could help me study. That helps out so much. Then went to a new yogurt shop called "spoon it up." I don't think I tried the right flavor so ill have to go back again and give it a whirl, but they did have baby chocolate chips and nectarines pieces to put as toppings so that was a plus. Then got the delicious subway buffalo chicken sandwich. Sooo yummy! Its great with jalepenos and banana peppers! Yummy! Then studied a bit for class and watched princess diaries. Stacey and I have become really good at pranks lately. Only nice ones though......her and I have way to much fun! College life is the best. Stacey taught jake and I how to skin a buffalo. She said sometimes their skin is so soft you can rub your hand down their fur and the skin will come right off, and because the friction from your hand to the meat, warms it up, so all you have to do is pour buffalo sauce on it and you have buffalo wings! She said the buffalo will still stay alive if you skin them this way, unless you pet them to much. You pet the buffalo to death. Stacey is such a great educator. She unravels so many of lifes mysteries to me, like where buffalo wings come from.

Wonderful people

You know those days when you feel so blessed to have run into so many amazingly nice, thoughtful people? Today was defiantly one of those days. At hair school this morning, the lady that owns the school brought be a bunch of trim and fabric that's she had because she knew I would have fun making headbands or something with it all. That was really thoughtful and sweet. I am amazed how people go the extra mile to do something so kind for someone else. Hair school was good but long long long, and when I came home my roommate Stacey had gotten me a slice of pumpkin chocolate chip bread from our favorite "great harvest." And to top this all off, dad sent me flowers and the nicest note. I really do have the sweetest, most loving father of all time. He always gets me bright, colorful flowers because he knows there so fun and I love them that way! I am so grateful for people showing love to others. It really makes me want to step it up and make sure I make and find opportunities to serve others and show them I really do love them by my actions. I am so lucky to have such great people like this in my life. For some reason lately I feel really dehydrated, and I happen to no longer have water bottles, so I went to the lovely "target" to get a few. I am so excited to use them! Next, got my yogurt fix at "yozone." My favorite yogurt shop around here. Toppings of brownies, cookie-dough and baby gummy bears, you can't go wrong. Then went to Jake's and we watched LOST and The Bachelor. It was a fun time. I just finished up some homework and am off to never never land. What a great day! Today I am grateful for thoughtful people, beanie baby unicorns and a cozy Yoda backpack. Also, Jake's mom sent him a yoda action figure and he is letting me borrow it to play with! Thanks mama Harris!

Memorial day

Holidays are great! Memorial day, what I think is known as every Monday off school, is also called Presidents day in this case. I need to learn more about America. Stacey and I woke up to go snowboarding, but we were to lazy to go so we watched "tarzan" and "princess diaries" and then ate at Carrabbas. The bread and herbs are fantastic there! Soooo yummy! The soups are great to! Perfect for a rainy day, which it was! Then we went to the "great harvest" and got our all time favorite, pumpkin chocolate chip bread! Its so moist, and anything with chocolate in it is most likely yummy. Then made some fabric flowers. Jake let's me model flowers on his hair to see how they look. The we played donkey kong on nintendo. I never realized playing that game as a child how high stress it is. All the random jumps and animal blocks can really make one anxious. It was still really fun though. Next we read some books. We were reading one called "what's your poo telling you." It is quite a humorous book, full of loads of facts. When I got to go home 2 weeks ago, I saw my mom got one of the books and loves reading it. A fun, comical book for all ages and breeds. Then ate j-dawgs. The best hot dog stand in the world. If anyone ever comes into town, the first place I would take them if the liked hot dogs is to j-dawgs. Magical is the only word to describe it.

Happy single awareness day!

As my roomate said to me today, "happy single awareness day! -staceypants" I was laughing so hard! She is the funniest girl ever! Well what a wonderful day! Sabbath day festivities have been awesome! I loved how sacrament meeting focused on love for the Savior and how we can grow a stronger love for Him. I love when people share their testimonies on Christ. I thought it was fantastic. Then staceypants gave the relief society lesson. It was on agency. I love that we are studying gospel essentials. I can always use those fundamental lessons we learn. It has been great. Then stacey and I went to temple prep class. It was great. I love Sundays! Jake made me dinner of chicken alfredo and it was so yummy. He even made me a cute valentines card. Then we watched some tv show episodes and a funny comedian. Then I came home and my roommate Emily had cute cupcakes and candy waiting on the kitchen table, so of course, ate lots! Then Stacey and I tried to see how high we could raise our eyebrows and discovered we have zero control over those kinds of things in life. Stacey and I are now going to terrorize the streets of the town. We only talk in man voice and rap as we drop off valentines on peoples doors. Then we ate more candy and pizza. College life if is really healthy. The turtles have been a blast! Every morning when I wake up they are so entertaining. This morning the 3 baby turtles were sitting on top of Mr. T. By the time I took the picture most of them jumped off the pirate dock and so I only got a picture of Herbie and Alfredo. I love baby turtles! Today I am grateful for baby turtles, great weather, Sunday treats, and warm winter coats.

Saturday sleeping

Slept till 7pm. Went and got ice cream at the new ice cream place Farrs, ate chickafila, started to make some flowers for headbands, played with fire, spray painted more on the paper macsahe piggy banks, fed the four TMNT baby turtles, ate little ceasers yummy pizza and breadsticks, and watched the one and only original "20 thousand leagues under the sea." and yes, fell asleep through that. Sleep is good for you.

The Melting Pot

Its always a great day when its Friday! Well, went and did a bunch of paper work at college today to find out how I can finish up to graduate next fall! Ok it will now be next winter. Oh well, Wahoo! My uncle works on campus so I went and said hello to him! He is an amazing uncle! Its so nice to have family around to be with and know that are there! I am so grateful for family and how no matter what, they are always there for you and love you. Jake and I are celebrating valentines day today, and all weekend so I heart attacked his room! I cut out a couple hundred hearts and wrote funny inside jokes on them. I felt like there were so many hearts, but when they went up on the walls, not so many. Ha ha then put all his favorite candies next to a giant stuffed animal squid I made for him last week. Every Friday I go snowboarding but I seem to be sick a lot latley and I threw up so, I thought it may not be the best idea to go. So I have been a bum, lounging around, eating starburst jellybeans, watched "encino man" and Dr. Oz. He kind of looks like my uncle I visited today. But I learned that if your tired or fatigued, sniff a lemon scent, do not push the snooze button, just get up and take a daily vitamin before a big meal. I also learned its important to wear sunscreen, a daily moistureizer and sleep on your back to stay looking younger longer. I also think drinking lots of h2o should be on that list. Jake came over after work and he brought me flowers! He got me gerber daisies, and didn't even know that they were my favorite! And he got them all in my favorite colors. We then did another layer of paper mashae on our piggy banks and started to spray paint them fluorescent pink! I usually spray paint things inside because I am scared to go outside by myself but since jake was here I opened the window. Bad idea, spray paint dust went everywhere and on everything so it created and unnecessary mess on my part. Then we went to the "melting pot" for dinner. It was a great time of cheese, meats and chocolate! We got the turtle chocolate fondue with dark chocolate and it was fantastic!