Countdown Soon Approaching

Let me just start off with a disclaimer.. I'm horrible at keeping this up, but really, I'm a busy girl. You just don't even know. I mean come on. I'm 20 years old (now), two jobs, and a social life. Shoot.. I just barely called my parents up after weeks of no contact. So.. back to updating.

As you know, I've been living in Milwaukee for the past 4 1/2 months with my sister and her family. It has been nothing but an amazing time, and I'm so sad to see it coming to an end soon. I've met amazing people, I've absolutely LOVED my jobs, and I really feel that I've grown up a bit here. Sure, I'm still the fun loving person, but I feel that things that really used to be a big deal to me, really aren't so big anymore. I've become more confindent in myself and my abilities as an individual. Being here has really given me the confidence to know that I can only go up from here.. Corporate America better watch out!!!

Aside from dominating the corporate world, I have enjoyed spending time with Hallie and Hunter. Man.. Do those two kids know how to melt my heart. Hallie is hilarious.. and Hunt-man. ugh.. he kills me.. When he smiles at me, he can have the world if he wants it.

Leaving them will probably be one of the hardest things. Not because I don't think I'll see them.. But just because I know that I will remember and cherish the time that I've spent with them forever, where they're at the age.. where they won't remember that I was with them for 5 months everyday. That's kind of heart wrenching.

As far as the people I've met here, I can't even begin to say how thankful that they took me in and accepted me into their group. If I didn't have the church in my life, moving places would definitely be a harder transition. Here, I felt like it wasn't really a transition at all. So to Kara (my friend..not sister), Sarah, Scott, Bryce, JB, Jared Mc D, and everyone else.. Thank you for EVERYTHING! My time would have been alot different without you guys. You are all so amazing! (I'm not really saying goodbye yet, but it could be a while before I post again.) ;)

I know that I haven't really posted many pictures lately.. but right now I'm in the process of compiling and collecting all of the pictures that I've taken or have had taken of me so I can have a full blown spread on here. It'll be fantastic, I can just imagine.

So for now, I suppose that will be all but I'll leave you with a few highlight points. (Not all. That would take FOREVER!)

Highlights:

• Being the new girl in the ward. ;)
• Spending countless hours with my family here
• Having my mom and Marva (Steve's mom) come and visit while Kara and Steve were in Peru
• Wakeboarding with the Tyson's and other great families here
• Trips to Sams Club/Mayfair mall with Paulina and Kara
• Another countless times of get togethers with friends
• Temple trips
• Running a 5k for my birthday. (Pictures to come)
• Ward Halloween Party (Again.. Pictures to come)
• Fiasco in Ikea with lost keys and two children.. (who weren't lost)
• And probably one of my favorite things.. spending time with Kara (my sister.. who is also my friend.. Who would have predicted that? ;) I've loved our late night talks together.

Until next time..

My life.

My life has been absolutely fantastic. It was a tiny bit rocky not having anyone that I really knew out here, but after being in the new ward for a little while, and making some new friends, I absoutely love it here. I love my jobs, I love my ward, and I love living with Kara and Steve.

They have made it so nice for me to be out here. I love the fact that I get to wake up to Hallie sometimes in the morning telling me I'm going to be here for her birthday, and then Christmas! And I love coming upstairs to see Hunters happy little face looking at me. I feel so at home here and I've only been here a short amount of time.

I love the fact that I'm getting real world experience just after my freshman year of college that I can take with me throughout my career, and the fact that I have a job that is fun and allows me to socialize.

I'm so glad that I made the move here. Like I've said multiple times, I'm definitely meant to be here at this point in my life.

It's definitely going to be hard to go back to how my life used to be. It'll be a definite pay cut, and the friends and people I've met here are going to be hard to leave. I feel as though I don't get enough time to get to know them before I have to go back to my old life.

But for right now, I'm having the time of my life, and enjoying the beautiful weather and sites here in Milwaukee!

Until next time..

Jobs, Jobs, Jobs!!!

One of the main reasons I moved out here to Wisconsin was to find me a job. I was expecting to fill out tons of applications, go in for multiple interviews, and so on. I was ready. I had it in my mind that that's why I am so I'll do what ever it takes! Well let me tell you what.. I'm definitely meant to be here. My sister called me while I was still in Denver telling me that there was a position open at the Corporate Headquarters of Kohls (same place my brother-in-law works). It would be a real life corporate position. I was so excited when I heard about it. I left Denver on Monday morning, had an interview at Kohls on Tuesday, had my second interview with them on Wednesday, and found out that day that I got the job. I would be coming home with enough to pay for all the things I need to this upcoming semester plus more. But I wanted to come home with all of it, so I decided to try and get a second part-time job. I had applied to both Gap and Gap kids before I left on my trip. My sister knew a girl that worked at Gap kids and told me they were hiring. I called about possibly interviewing for a job, and we set one for this upcoming monday. I also had called on the Gap (adult) and they had me come in for an interview on Thursday. I went in we had a really short interview and he offered me the job on the spot!!! Now I can use my Gap money that I earn for everyday stuff, and save all of the Kohls! I'm so glad I'm came here.. I'm going to be a working girl!! (and the fact that I get 50% off at Gap!! Whoop Whoop!)

Denver: Leg One

After driving hours and hours (13 to be almost exact) I ended up in Denver, Colorado! I was able to spend some time with my brother Nathan and his family. Here are some pictures of our adventures! I had so much fun! Thanks everyone for having me and I'll see you on the drive back... And Skype of course!

Tomorrow

Tomorrow is the day that I leave the nest yet again for a new adventure! Tomorrow I will be leaving at 6 (hopefully) and drive 14 hours down to my brother's down in Denver en route to Milwaukee to live with my sister for the duration of my break from school. 

I've never driven more than 5 consecutive hours. Did I mention that Denver is only halfway to Milwaukee???? Well, it is!! So I will be driving approximately 28 hours. Crazy I know.. but hey, that's my life!! Wish me luck! I'll need all the help I can get!

I'm so excited! Can't you tell?

Great words of advice..

My brother Nathan gave me some great insight today.. He said, "Where would faith be, if we knew tomorrow today." Man.. Nathan in all his balding wisdom, (his words.. not mine). 

Thanks Nathan for the balding wisdom. :)

Catch up pictures!!

Sunday Rain!!

Ward Boating Party!

I dominated.. I never fell off!

Roomies. Brennan

Me, Brennan, and Michaela

That's Right.. I'm In a swimsuit.. Boo ya!

Sleeping on our couches.. Outside on our porch, 

My best friends. 

Couch on the porch again. :)

Gotta love the Macbook Photobooth. :)

Aww.. Reminiscing on a semester with great friends, and great fun!

Coming to an End

As I contemplate all that has gone on this past year at school, I am truly grateful for all that has happened. I may not see the outcome of it right now, but I know that everything will be ok and that everything happens for a reason. I think of my first night up here, and how excited I was for everything to begin.. My new life. And now with only a few days left, I think of yet another chapter I'll be starting away from school, and even away from my home. I'm so excited to be able to go and live with my sister. We've had our ups and downs, but I really feel that me living with her will give me an opportunity to see her not just as my older sister, but as an amazing mother and wife. It'll be fun to see her in her element, in her atmosphere and for me to be apart of her and her family's life for a few months. I hope more than anything, that what I take away from this experience is a new found love and respect for her, and that she feels the same for me.

I'm ready to get away from all the things I feel are holding me back. I've grown so much since I've been at school, and I feel that I can only continue to grow.

I'm not really a home-body, and never really have been, but this semester, these past few months especially, have given me a new outlook on what I have. I don't know if I've ever really told my parents, how much I've appreciated EVERYTHING that they have done for me in life, and recently. I bore my testimony in church and completely choked up taking about how much I love and appreciate my family. (I felt like a complete dork).

But to all of my family, all of my siblings and their families. I love you all. Thank you for being there when I've needed it the most. Whether it be advice, or even just a listening ear. I want you all to know that it's because of all of you that I'm becoming the person I want to be more and more each day. And I want you ALL to know, that your little sister is growing up, and hopefully making all of you proud.
I love you all, thanks for all of your support and love.

Venting

I've really tried to keep all of my posts about happy positive things, but I just feel like I need to vent. I won't go into a lot of details, I just am so frustrated right now and it feels like I need to re-evaluate what I'm doing. I have a couple classes that are kicking my trash, and it feels like no matter how much time and effort I put in, it doesn't help. 

Another thing is the fact that I feel so stressed about things that I shouldn't be stressing about. I'm young and shouldn't be worrying about certain things. I should have time to grow and have fun at school. And yet I feel like I'm the bad guy. 

I'm not sure what I'm going to do this summer. I feel like nothing I do will ever pan out. 

Sorry about venting.  :(  I just really needed to. 

Recap.

Once again I find myself away from my blog. I know it's shame on me. Anyways, just to recap what's been going on, I finished my first semester of college with a 3.92 GPA (dang science B+). So even though I got that grade, it was still a pretty successful semester. On the last day of the semester, my best friend Steph went back home, I got a job, and I was called to give the prayer in front of the student body at Devotional. And it just happened to be the first one, so it was definitely a packed house. That went ok, I was nervous as heck, but I didn't trip so once again, another success story. But after the semester ended I went home for a week. I spent some time catching up with friends and family. I was able to spend some time with my mom. Her and I made a dress and two pillow cases together. All I might add are DANG cute. Unfortunately when I was home I also caught the bug and was sick for a day. Horrible day. So Sunday it was back to school. I came back home and started a new semester this Monday. I'm taking 16 credits, 2 which happen to be clogging. I love it! And then the unfortunate and heartbreaking news, Tyson and I ended our relationship, so you will no longer be reading about him or seeing new pictures of our adventures together. But I do know that in time, all things will work out how they are supposed to work out. I'm trying to keep positive and have a good time while I'm here. Once again, I'll try and do a better job of keeping this thing updated.. but hey.. I'm in college!! I have no time!!

Oh my word.. I almost forgot!! Steph and I had the opportunity to go down to conference this past April. I had never been before and it was one of the coolest experiences ever!! We went just her and I and went to my cousin Lindsey's house.. We stayed there and were able to see not only Lindsey, but also her husband and my aunt Roxy. It was such a good time. It was amazing to be in the same room as the Prophet Thomas S. Monson, and all of the other general authorities. It was a great experience that I will never forget. 

Beginning of our roadtrip

Sitting in the conference center

(Yes, we're both blurry. The camera decided to focus on the pipes)

I love this temple!

One of my best friends. I'll miss her. 

Ok, now I'm done. :)

Winner, Winner, Chicken Dinner...

On Sunday, Stephanie, Tyson and I decided we wanted some real food. So real food it was. Grilled chicken on a bed of romaine lettuce topped with Italian dressing. Delightful. :) We couldn't stop smiling during the whole dinner, and hours afterwards. 

I want a George Foreman so bad!!!

Sparty Hair!

My roommate Stephanie is on the Spartan swim team here at BYU-I. I never realized how spirited swim teams were until I started going to the meets. They all dress up in crazy gear (Spartans are green), so there's lots of green everywhere.. We were walking in Walmart and EVERYONE knows how early they put out the upcoming holiday decorations, and we saw a bunch of St. Patrick's Day stuff. Bright green stuff galore! We rummaged through it all and found the perfect accessory to go with the "Sparty Party" get up. An emerald green wig! Perfect. We had a lot of fun with it. But one person in particular enjoyed it a little too much.....

(Here are a few more pictures from undocumented activities.)

Curler Party! Yay

Dead Fish. (I learned it from Kara) This is almost an everyday occurrence.

Jackson Hole! It was a blast. (Sorry for the picture quality. It was cold and we didn't want to take a whole lot of time.) 

Me, Tyson, Sara, and Derek

Yay for college!

Just a few..

Here are just a few pictures I've taken for the Scroll. 

One's photo shopped. :D Obviously 

(They're not great, but hey, it's a start!)