Adventures with Maddie 1.

(Note to the reader: I found this post whilst looking through all of the entries this year I haven't posted. I know it is old, but I couldn't figure out why I didn't publish it at the time. This year I began mentoring a little girl at an elementary school near by. I have had so much fun and learned so much from her. I plan to write more about my adventures with Maddie, however this was our first so I feel I need to post it :). )
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men⋅tor /ˈmɛntɔr, -tər/
–noun
1. a wise and trusted counselor or teacher.
2. an influential senior sponsor or supporter.


Alright, alright, by no means do I fill the role of the actual definition of the word "mentor." But I did agree to start mentoring a first grade little girl, Maddie. Tomorrow is my first day and I am really excited and a little nervous, what if she doesn't like me???

For one of our activities (I can't decide if I will be patient and wait till next Friday, or just do it tomorrow...) I have a really fun Halloween themed session! I can't wait. One of my girl's goals is that she wants to be able to read better, so I found the cutest beginner book called the "Wild Witches' Ball!"



It is adorable! After we read the book I thought it would be fun to draw (with Halloween colored crayons!) our own witch ball dresses and other Halloween themed things. Along with designing our own witches ballgowns I am bringing gold and silver Mardi Gras type masks that we can glue sequins and plastic jewels on to! I really hope she has fun with it! I am also bringing her a little goody-bag with candy corn, pop rocks, a witch sucker, and a little pumpkin toy. I really hope she likes it!

Words From A Very Wise Woman

Thank you for the letter Maya Angelou! Your words meant a great deal to me. :)

Sincerely,

A most grateful daughter

If anyone is interested here is a link to order her book:
http://www.amazon.com/Letter-My-Daughter-Maya-Angelou/dp/1400066123

Lets Avoid "Yoga Toes" Before They Happen.....

(Let it be known that I was highly debating publishing this post. Most of the time I am pretty grossed out by feet, but I think that is both really funny and somewhat relieving that they make a product such as this.)

Whilst I was stretching today my mother walked by and mentioned, to my great horror, that if I kept this up I was going to get "yoga toes!" Curious as to what this frightening statement meant, I Googled the term and found out that people who practice yoga often end up with REALLY gnarly toes. GROSS!!!!

Fear not! I was relieved to find during my Googling that there is a cure and solution to the problem. And that solution is...

(Original name huh?)

Apparently, they also relieve the pain one gets after wearing high heeled shoes all day. If they work I am game. Really though my main concern is keeping my toes straight! Yuck...and here I thought I was doing my body a great favor by doing yoga. I suppose that is what I get for trying being healthy.

A Break from Midterms.

It has been awhile since I have harnessed my creative energy into a sewing/craftsey project. Well actually, with this semester's emphasis on GE's, political sciences, and international relations, it has been a while since I have harnessed my creative energy at all in the field of art. (Part of the reason I needed to look through images to get my creative juices flowing. (If you don't know what I am talking about, read the post directly below this one.))

To help let off some steam in between my studies, I decided to start sewing a dress I have wanted to make for quite sometime now. However, because it is the season of midterms (Yay...) it will probably be a while before it is complete.

Gold Rush

Today I was looking through images to help inspire me. While I was browsing it soon became apparent that my muse was suffering from a case of gold fever. Everything that stood out to me consisted of orange, gold, and black. I have never done any pieces with emphasis on any of these three colors before so I am really excited! I am not sure what I am going to do yet, but I think it would be fun to start dark and work from there. Perhaps I will use a dark card with a gold color pencil? I also have a bunch of gold leaf oil paint that I have been itching to use!

Awhile ago I found this note while browsing through a book store. It was crumpled up on one of the shelves. Reading it, I was struck by its content. There have been many times in my life when I have been faced with the uncertainties expressed in this piece of paper.

Though, I try to stay away from the fear of success (What good does it do the world if we shirk away from our capabilities and be little ourselves?) I couldn't help wonder what it is that makes us fear success and happiness sometimes as much as failure? Does it tap into human's natural fear and excitement of the unknown? Or is it because that life teaches everyone of us ( I say that with confidence) that what goes up inevitably goes down? After all, the fall is greater when you are "on top" than if you stay where you are. Perhaps it is both or neither of the two scenarios I have stated?

Either I Am Really Immature...Or This Is Really Funny.

When one walks into the girl's bathroom in the Cafe Rio in Orem this is exactly what one finds. I almost died when I walked in and saw this. The restaurant has quotes of customers and crictics painted all over its walls. This just happens to be the one (and only one) in the girl's room, and it just happens to be slapped directly above the toilet (In the color brown no less...). Am I the only one who finds this hilarious?

....I Can't Believe It!

Well, I suppose after five years of dating and almost a life time (so far) of friendship it was about time we "officially" welcomed John into our family. Congratulations John and Shelby!!!!!!!!!!!! I am so happy for you! Shelby was ravishing, and the ceremony and the reception were absolutely beautiful!

It was about this time when every girl in the brides maid party started to get misty eyed.

During the vows and after they kissed physical tears were shed, it really was so beautiful.

Here is my favorite picture of Shelby and of course most of her a-m-a-z-i-n-g bridesmaids (I'll post another pic with crystal in it). In order from left to right: Cassandra, Brenna, Shelby, Me, and Dana

Here's Crystal!!! (From left to right: Crystal, Brenna, Cassandra, Me, Dana)

Hmmm...There are so many pictures I would like to share maybe I will just make a slide show and post it.

I Am Repenting Of My Blog-slacking Ways!

Yes, I know that I have become the entity of the term "blog-slacker." I suppose I just got really bored of writing about me all of the time. A consistent blogger really cannot help but feel somewhat narcissistic at times. So I needed a little break.

However, this evening my family and I went and saw the movie Julie and Julia. It was such a darling movie! After watching it I was reminded of how much fun blogging is! ....And also of how much I love food and butter, ha ha! I know that I may not be a cook like both of the Julies were in the movie, and seldom will I blog about recipes, however, I am throwing my "blog-slacking" ways to the wind!

I hope I can offer my readers more stories from my often crazy life and thoughts from my even crazier mind :).

Happy Fathers Day!!!

Dad, I know that you and I too often clash heads, but thank you so much for always being there for me. You are the one who taught me that magic is everywhere and all you have to do is look for it. I have had a lot of good memories with you but I will always treasure the memory of you reading Lord of the Rings to me at night when I was a little girl and falling asleep to the sound of your voice.

I love you Dad, I hope you had a great Fathers Day!

I Love To Ride My Bicycle!

(No, sadly this isn't my bicycle. Yes, Tanner, I did steal this from your blog: http://tansbeachcruisers.blogspot.com/. Hook me up I want it!!!!)

After I finished eating dinner (that I made for once) I headed out on my bicycle and zipped through the neighborhood. It had stopped raining and was pretty decent outside so I had to jump...or bike (I am so clever, ha ha) at the chance. It was so much fun! On my expedition I passed a house that had such pretty rose bushes planted towards the edge of the yard. There was one bush of roses in particular that I found fascinating and beautiful, it did not consist of one main color, but three! The centers varied between vibrant yellows and oranges, and the middles and the ends contained explosions of pink. Not only was this unusual rose bush colorful, but the flowers were gigantic and smelled divine.

I can't wait to see what treat I will discover on my next bicycle adventure! :)

Happiness is a Milkshake!

For as wonderful as it feels to wake up early every morning and do pilates and yoga, let me tell you, it feels just as wonderful to run down to DQ at nine o'clock at night, order and completely devour a milkshake! .....................It may feel a little bit better:P

Its Thunder Cake Time!

"As summer clouds drift low over the fields..."grandmother looked at the horizon, drew a deep breath and said, "This is Thunder Cake baking weather, all right. Looks like a storm coming to me." - Patricia Polacco

Greetings everyone, from where I am reporting from it is the first major rainstorm of the summer! ha ha. I just came in from...thoroughly enjoying it, and although I took time to first change into warm pajamas and wrap myself snug in a quilt I am still simultaneously shivering as I type.

When the storm started I was leaving the movie theater parking lot. The rain hadn't started to fall yet, but the wind violently whipped my hair about in every direction as I ran to my car. In the distance I could hear thunder, and was reminded of an old children's book I used to read (and actively participated with) during the rainy season in Arizona when I was little.

The book was Thunder Cake by Patricia Polacco. It is a story about the author’s own childhood, how as a little girl she was terrified of thunder and how her grandmother helped her overcome her fear by baking cakes. When the little girl, filled with fear of the lightning and thunder hides under her bed, the grandma coaxes her out and tells her they need to "prepare the cake before the storm arrives, or else it is not a real thunder cake." She then tells her how to gauge how far away the storm is by counting seconds from the flash to the boom. They undergo different tasks to complete the cake while counting the storm's approach. When they get back to the house and place the cake in the oven the grandmother tells the little girl how brave she was for walking outside and completing each task as she did, and that she should no longer be afraid of the sound of thunder. As they pulled out the cake and began to slice it the rain started pouring down on their roof.

It really is such a cute story, I wish I still had a copy of it. As a child, I was never really too frightened of thunder, however, I loved learning how to measure the distance of a storm and practice such a unique way to bake a cake. (The back of the book gives instructions and a recipe to make "Thunder Cake.")

Anyway, back to the parking lot...As I was walking to my car when I heard the thunder I watched for the lightning to appear. Instantaneously when I saw it flash across the sky I began counting. "...One Mississippi, two Mississippi... and so forth," until I heard the loud roar ripple across the sky. It was my immediate reaction to count that reminded me of the book I had read so often in my youth. Although, unfortunately I did not have time to prepare a cake, I did race the storm to my neighborhood, I drove up aways to a road that is high in the mountain and over looks the valley. The neat part is that the counting worked as I parked my car the down pour started. I got out of my car and let the rain soak me as I watched the spectacular light show in the sky.

I cannot wait for the next storm to pass through. When it comes I am going to make myself and all who wish to join me a real thunder cake! I used to do it all the time, and I plan to do it with my kids someday, who knows perhaps it will help them overcome their fear of storms.

"As rain poured down on our roof, Grandma cut a wedge for each of us. She poured us steaming cups of tea from the samovar. When the thunder ROARED above us so hard it shook the windows and rattled the dishes in the cupboards, we just smiled and ate our Thunder Cake. From that time on, I never feared the voice of thunder again."

I've Become One Of "Those" People...

Yes, I am starting to wake up early and practice yoga. There is something about combining stretching and meditating that is so rejuvenating! It makes the rest of my day go so much better! Once it stops raining and my lawn dries I am going to start doing it outside in my backyard.

Right Now...

I just got out from the shower and am taking a break from blow drying my hair. I have all of the windows open in my house and am listening to the wind rustle the leaves around. My cat Figaro is on the bed alert as the edge of the storm approaches. Right now I am waiting anxiously for the rain.

Sorry to Everyone to Whom This Applies....

I realized yesterday, how bad I am at accepting compliments. To everyone who has ever thrown me a nice word or praise I apologize if I have seemed rude in my response. I just never know quite know how to respond when someone praises me. Instead of a polite thank you and a smile, I somehow manage to butcher my response. I don't want to seem arrogant or rude so instead I just get really shy and awkward. What is up with me that I handle negative feed back so much better than positive feed back? Something seems very sad in that. Oh well life is a learning process right? I just need to work on it I suppose.

A Date To Be Marked On The Calendars!

After spending an entire day parading around Utah, roaming many a model home and various home goods stores looking for inspiration and materials for my new room. I ended up at my Aunt's house exhausted and tuckered out. Much to my happiness and surprise Debbie (One of the many Mother figures in my life) walks in with two boxes of warm donuts, and excitedly explains to us that today is "National Donuts Appreciation Day!"

It made me and my very, very sore feet happy to (finally) sit down with my family and eat a nice warm batch of donuts while watching Lost.

So may everyone have an excellent National Donuts Appreciation Day!

P.S. Thanks Debbie for the boxes of Donuts!

Yesterday...

I cleaned my room! It feels wonderful! I didn't just pick up clutter, I full on vacuumed, dusted, organized, wiped things down and gave things away. (Not to mention I plugged in a wallflower that makes my room smell like "shore breeze". Thank you Bath and Body works!) I love having a clean room. I feel refreshed, and productive. Does anyone else feel this way after they clean their room?

Right now if I could hang out with anyone it would be...

Karen O. Thats right the Yeah Yeah Yeah's crazy vocalist. Here are some of the few reason's why I really would like to befriend Karen.

• She is one of the few artists that is truly original.
  
  
• Like her or not she is who she is, and she isn't afraid to show it. I really admire that.
  
  
• She has so much energy. (need proof? Watch her performances...)
  
  
• She puts her whole heart into things.
  
  
• She has her own sense of fashion (oh where to begin with her fashion), many things she actually made fashionable.
  
  
• Of course she has a stellar voice.
  
  
• She is so interesting I would love to talk with her, hear her views and outlooks on life.
  
  
• And lastly she is a fellow lover of twirling. In her own words:
  "I used to twirl around all the time when I was three. I’m still always twirling on stage. I’m just a grown-up kid — the sandpit is where I want to be the whole time. I have the right career for it."

Easter and Gavin's Baby Blessing:)

Sorry I know this post is really late, but I couldn't find my camera...And what would a family gathering post like this be with out pictures? ...My point exactly. Anyway sorry it is late I hope you enjoy. Oh and Happy Late Easter! :)

(The photo above is of me, my cousin Brooke and little Gavin. He is so cute!!!)

This Easter was a special one, because it was also the day that Gavin Scott Macdonald had his baby blessing. Because of this, the ritual Easter Sunday dinner at my Aunt's house was super packed this year. Not only did we have the majority of my Grace family (this includes the Donahues, Woolstenhulmes, and Graces) attending, but we also had all of Legrand's (Brooke's dad/Gavin's Grandpa) side of the fam, and Jimmy's family (Gavin's dad) there. All of us brought a dish to add to the dinner, so it was great! The desserts were amazing. There was one, (kutos to who ever made it) that really made my month. For starters it was a peanut butter cookie...but it also had like a weird chocolatey peanut buttery supprise in the center. Uh, I am drooling just thinking about it! I tried to eat one of each of the desserts but I couldn't make it this year sadly :(.

(Here is a picture of our amazing banquet. I know this photo makes it look like it wasn't that crowded, but it was taken when we were getting everything set up.)

After the Easter festivities, Heather, Becky, Lacy, Brennard, Brenna, Eli, and myself retired downstairs where we played Super Mario on the Super Nintendo. I was quite impressed with Eli and Brennard they did really well. There are a few rights of passage to get into my family, knowing how to play super Nintendo is one of them. Ha ha just kidding, but you get serious brownie points!

The Prettiest Bride

My best friend Corinne was just married last Wednesday to the other love of her life....after me.... Derek Rawle. I was lucky enough to be her maid of honor :D. I just cannot believe that my friend no longer lives across the street, that she is actually married! She was a breathtakingly beautiful bride! The entire ceremony was stunning. I loved the colors she chose, they fit her personality like a tailored glove. It was fun to see Derek light up when she walked down the isle. (That really is my favorite part of weddings. Watching the groom's faces when the bride walks in.) He had every right to light up, after all he was getting married to the best woman in the Universe. You were so beautiful Corinne, I love you so much and congratulations!

The Bright Side of Intrusive Crappy Weather.

Photo by Victoria Potter

For the first time in a long time I am actually going to be able to get a good nights rest:). And even though I was a little bit bummed that the weather decided to pull a complete 180 degree turn on what had been a beautiful spring day, I am happy that I get to fall asleep listening to the rain beating against my window and roof. It is a beautiful natural lullaby. :)

These are some of the reasons I am itching for warm weather!

1. Rollerblading
2. Hiking
3. Boating
4. Sleeping out under the stars
5. Along with the top statement; Camping!
6. Bicycling up the canyon, and around town. (When I cycle up the canyon I always like to stop at the Sundance resort and eat at their sandwich/bakery place :) )
7. Painting on my back deck.
8. Swimming
9. Wearing short sleeves and shorts.
10. Snowies (I have almost tried every flavor), slushies, and the like.

I L-O-V-E This Add!

Alright two things, one I know this add is old and two I know I have few things I need to catch up on. You can expect a happy Easter/ Bryce baby blessing post from me very shortly. But every time I watch this add I just light up inside. It is by far Gaps best add, and it is adapted from one of my favorite movies! So I decided to finally post it!

The blossoms are always so lovely this time of year. Today as I sat under an apricot tree in full bloom, a perfect temperature spring wind brushed my face, the scent of the intoxicating blossoms were all it took to take my mind on a journey back in time to that warm clear night when you and I fell asleep under your blooming apricot tree. You and I were both so young, that night we talked about our dreams, hopes, and where we wanted to be when we grew up.

I then allowed myself to daydream about the present. That I wasn't sitting alone but you were there with me. We laughed when we realized how different our lives turned out to be, we agreed that chasing after our dreams was so much easier said than done. Then we began to just talk like nothing ever was wrong between us. Pride no longer mattered.

In short, today as I sat under those white blossoms I realized how truly and desperately I miss you. Friendship and Forgiveness are beautiful and delicate things.

I'd Be Ariel Or Belle.

Cinderella:
[ ] One of your parents is dead
[X] You are expected to do a lot of chores
[X] You love to dress up
[X] You love animals
[ ] You are waiting patiently for your Prince Charming
[X] Your mom is really strict
[ ] You have sisters who seem kind of jealous of you
[ ] You’re afraid to speak your mind sometimes
[X] You have left your shoes at a friend’s house before
[X] You have blonde hair
TOTAL: 6

Belle:
[ ] You’ve kissed someone your friends didn’t like
[X] You’ve been lost in the forest
[X] You love to read
[X] You are not shy at all, and not afraid to speak your mind
[X] One of your family members is a bit weird (That'd be me)
[X] You have done volunteer work
[X] You have a wild imagination
[X] You love to take care of people in need.
[X] You’ve had guys like you only because they think you’re pretty
[X] You’ve rejected at least one person when they’ve asked you out
TOTAL: 9

Jasmine:
[ ] Your dad is very rich/important
[ ] You are clever
[ ] You’ve been with someone way different from you
[ ] You’re unique and different from everyone else
[X] You’d never marry someone just because they were rich
[X] You have set a lot of goals for yourself
[X] You don’t have a lot of friends
[ ] You’re independent
[ ] You are wealthy
[X] Your parents try to control your life
TOTAL: 4


Ariel
[X] Your parents expect a lot from you
[ ] You really try to follow the rules, but it’s hard for you
[X] You’re a bit of a trouble maker
[X] You’re the youngest in your family or in the last 2
[X] You have a lot of sisters (3 or more) - (My cousin's count...)
[X] You collect something
[X] You have/had long, hair
[X] You have/had a pet fish
[X] You’re extremely curious
[X] You believe everything people tell you/you’re a bit gullible
[ ] Your middle name is Ariel
TOTAL: 9

Snow White;
[ ] You know that you’re beautiful
[ ] Sometimes it seems like your mom is jealous of you
[ ] You’ve almost been killed
[X] You have at least seven good friends
[X] You’ve had food poisoning
[X] You have/had short hair
[X] You get along with almost everyone
[X] All of your friends are different
[X] You love to have a good time
[X] You’re happier when you’re out of the house than in
TOTAL: 7

Mulan;
[X] You can be a tomboy sometimes.
[ ] People wish you could be a bit more girly
[X] You’ve pretended to be someone you’re not
[X] You’ve had a physical fight with someone
[X] You have/had considered running away from home
[X] Your parents try to plan your life out
[X] A lot of your friends are boys
[ ] You sometimes find yourself in bad situations
[X] You love your family so much that you’d do anything to protect them
TOTAL: 7

Aurora;
[ ] You live/have lived with someone other than your parents
[X] You almost died at a very young age
[X] You are gentle, loving, and/or thoughtful
[X] You have a decent singing voice
[X] You like to sleep in late on the weekends
[X] You spend most of your time outside
[ ] You’re adopted
[X] You’re very romantic
[ ] Pink is a color you are ok with
TOTAL: 6

Pocahontas;
[X] You love to walk around and explore big cities
[X] You are more spiritual than religious
[X] You’ve been in an interracial relationship
[ ] One of your family members is dead
[X] Your parents are very protective of you
[X] Someone you know has been in war
[X] You love nature
[ ] You have/had black hair
[X] You would love to move somewhere exotic and beautiful
[X] You’re very adventurous
TOTAL: 8


Take the princess’s name that you got the most in and repost…if you have more than 1, play eeney meaney myney moe with them until you get an answer and…
Repost this as, If I were a Disney Princess, I’d be...

A Little Early...But Happy Easter!

(The Egg I am holding is not sporting a bow tie, although if you look closely Ben's is ^^. It is a boom box with lighting and music coming out of it...It's pretty much sweet.)

Last Sunday was so much fun! I started the day out by going to my Grandparents on my mom's side to meet my cousin's new girlfriend and to celebrate Aleta's birthday. Shortly after that Ben and I headed up to my Aunts house for the beginning of our Easter Festivities.

My cousins Brooke and Becky are in town because (I would like to think me, I mean come on, who wouldn't travel thousands of miles to spend a week with me right? lol.) Brooke is blessing her baby, Gavin, next Sunday. Anyway, this Sunday we painted Easter Eggs up at my Aunts house. I have never truly understood the traditions associated with Easter, Rabbits and eggs, painting the eggs no less, it seems a little random to me. But it is always fun none-the-less. One of my favorite Spring activities is painting Easter Eggs with my family and friends. I must say we had some pretty "designer-fashion" eggs this year, as well as some pretty creative eggs too. (Check Colby and Malea's blog out I am sure they will post their eggs.) Despite how fun and creative we were this year, I found myself a little disappointed of the lack of the crappy egg. Every year we have at least one butt ugly Easter Egg that someone makes. Should you be the one to find this nasty looking egg it is supposedly bad luck for the rest of the year ha ha. Or at least a bad omen or something like unto those two scenarios.

Hmm... After reading those last sentences I cannot help but wonder: "How warped am I?" that I actually miss the demonic egg that bestows ill wishes upon its finder. So scratch that... Good job everyone who participated for not messing up on an Easter Egg this year!

AH! TOO CUTE!

Oh my gosh I saw this picture posted on my cousin's blog of little Penny and I almost died. She is sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo cute!!!! This weekend my cousin Chelsey and her husband Daniel came into town for a little bit. I was really sad that I didn't get to see them that much, from the looks of the background of this picture my family was up to something fun. Then again it is always a party of some sort at my Aunt's house.

Seriously...I see that Joan's bag and I am jealous of whatever they were concocting.

I love it when things like this happen!

You know those fantastic moments when you find a twenty dollar bill wedged in a couch cushion, or hiding in one of your pockets? I had one of those moments today just not with money. Whilst cleaning my room and sorting through dressers I found a coupon for a free guitar lesson! Oddly enough it hasn't expired yet either!

Weekends and What Not...

Hey everyone! Sorry that this year I have sucked at keeping posts, ha ha, I guess I have been to caught up with living my life vs. documenting it. I will try to be better though I promise!

Anyway, this weekend I had a blast! I refused to touch any of my school work and just partied. This weekend served as a much needed break and I loved every second of it! Last Friday was my friend Corinne's Bachelorette party. Where planning it sucked... the actual event turned out great and we all had a grand time. By the end of the night...er..morning, I think I made myself sick off of mixing pina coladas and strawberry daiquiris. Saturday my friend Joe and I went to the Festival of colors, afterwords we played miniature golf, ate at the Pennyroyal cafe and then ended the night by watching a movie at his place with his sister Amy who is also my really good friend.

For those that do not know what "Holi, the festival of color" is here is a clip I found from a previous year. Enjoy. When watching this video and seeing all of the colored chalk in the air I worry for everyone's lungs ha ha.

Little Things I Love About Spring

1. Bicycles

2. Everything smells and feels fresh. There is a new and clean feeling in the air.

3. Colors- Spring is full of so many bright and vibrant colors.

4. I can pull out the mini skirts from out of the back of my closet!

5. Baby birds (or animals in general)- I woke up this morning to little birds chirping in the tree by my window.

6. Warm weather, not hot and not cold but "warm."

7. Blossoms and flowers, I absolutely adore them!

Love Birds

Arguez

This picture is corny I know, but it makes me smile. I think I need a little bit of "corny" in my life:).

Three Things About This Picture.

(I saw this on another blog and I thought I would do my own adaption of it:) )

1. The lovely piece of art you see in my hand I got for free. It was one of many left overs the Visual Arts Department was giving away. Sadly, I am a succor for freebies, when I heard someone say that they were giving art away I immediately took a "restroom break" from my class and went and skimmed them over.

While I was bent over with one hand full of these small prints and the other hand fishing through the rest of the box (a glutenous pose most sensible people wouldn't want to be caught in) a girl from my class hunted me down and asked me if she could do a documentary on me.......I swear when you hang out in the HFAC or any art building you are setting yourself up for a situation similar to this. I didn't know what to say (I'm not that interesting), an immediate "no" seemed rude, but I really am not that good in front of a camera either....I still need to give her an answer...but I am at a loss as to how to respond:(

2. The blue necklace I am wearing was made by a really cute little girl who lives near my house. It is really cute! She was 10 or 11 and the painting of the bird is really accurate. Who needs diamonds or pearls? Things that are made with love (and with taste in this case) are always the best:).

3. My friend Derek took this picture of me when I was unaware, ha ha I was making a funny face at him and before I could pull back the flash errupted from my camera. I can't be too upset though, I did ask him to take pictures of me for my oil painting class but I ment pictures I was actually ready for ha ha.

Fun:)

As of late I have been somewhat addicted to the online blogger known as Brigitte Dale, her episode this week was actually really fun, normally she doesn't do crafts on her video blog (Is that what it is called? I am not sure of the technical terminology.) now I think she should more often.

I know that I find myself repeatedly faced with the predicament she mentions in the beginning, every freaking laundry day to be precise. So next time when I am trying to get ready and am just staring at an over sized t-shirt I know what I am going to do. But please for all those that watch, don't use the stapler it is just as fast and it looks better if you hand sew the sides!

List Time: My Day So Far

• I Slept in w-a-y too late, I hate the day light saving transition! It throws off my biological clock every time! Seriously I cut it pretty close...
  
• I cut out the pattern pieces of my shirt and began sewing it:)
  
• I was interviewed for the job I applied for, hopefully I get it!
  
• Worked on my research paper regarding Hypericum Perforatum and its effectiveness with Depression.
• I am going outside to enjoy this fabulous warm(well it is a heck of a lot warmer than it has been....anyway), sunny day and am going to enjoy every second of it:)
  

A Special Day for Lucy Grace Erickson

Sunday was the newest girl of my family's baby blessing. Little Lucy looked so precious in the blessing gown my grandma sewed for her. She has stolen my heart and I just know that I am going to spoil her rotten as she grows up. After her blessing we headed over to Patti's and Marty's for an after party-dinner. Where Tyler and I both ate one too many Johnson Chocolate Easter Eggs...

(My Aunt Patti was rounding me, Lacy, Brenna, and Heather up for a picture when all of the sudden we hear Brenna scream then shout "Ah Jennifer Lopez wasn't lying in her movie!!!" The heal of her shoe had gotten stuck in the air vent and she almost twisted her ankle. Oh my gosh it was so funny (not the fact hat she almost twisted her ankle), we spent forever trying to get her bloody shoe out of the vent!)

Possibly A New Tradition?

(Ehem...don't ask about this picture...lol)

Last Friday my friend and I went to the Provo gallery stroll, an event that takes place the first Friday of every month. It is free and consists of live music, food, and various fine arts. Often you get to meet the artists themselves. It is a side of Provo most don't see and it was a blast! This month even had belly dancers at the Provo Community Church. (Yes for those wondering, of course we stopped and watched this.) I had never been to the "stroll" before this trip, and I really only went because my friend Allen had his work displayed in the clothing boutique Mode. It really was a blast! I am definitely going to start going every month! While embarking down University Avenue I even discovered a new favorite spot to eat and hang-out, maybe I am becoming trendy but I definitely want to make a few stops at the new Pennyroyal cafe, I liked the atmosphere of it and the people who own it are nice too:)! Apparently they are going to start trying to have dances there, which is icing on the cake:)

I'm really sad that I didn't take more pictures of this event. At the time I wasn't sure if we could or not. However, I found various pictures online of previous gallery strolls to post for you:) I tried to my best to source all of these correctly let me know if I screwed up.

(This is the Pennyroyal cafe)

(Here is where Allen's work was displayed.)
the photos above were posted by: http://gallerystroll.blogspot.com/

(I love Coal Umbrella:) )

Photos posted by: http://coalumbrella.com/blog/