Grandparents

Pattsy and Jack Dayley

Hazel and Jack Gilson

I am very fortunate because I have been able to get to know all of my grandparents. I don't see them as often as I would like these days, but I have wonderful memories of them all. Each one is so special to me and I am grateful for their lives and the lessons that I have learned from them. There will always be a special place in my heart for them. There is nothing like the love that you feel for your grandparents. It is different and special.

Fun Facts

My roommate Marissa did this on her blog, so I thought I would follow suit. Kinda fun. Here are a few random facts about me . . .

Four jobs I've had in my life:
1. Cashier at Rite-Aid
2. Old Navy
3. Madsen DryCleaning
4. Teacher

Four movies I can watch over and over again:
1. The Wedding Planner
2. White Christmas
3. State Fair
4. Emperor's New Groove

Four Places I have lived:
1. West Richland, WA
2. Provo, UT
3. Auburn, WA
4. Rexburg, ID

Four T.V. Shows that I watch:
1. The Office
2. Smallville
3. Heroes
4. The Biggest Loser

Four favorite activities:
1. Spending time with fam/friends
2. Bowling
3. Playing games
4. Shopping

Four places I have been:
1. NYC
2. Ecuador
3. Seattle
4. My grandparents' house (I really need to go on vacation more. I can't think of anywhere else I've been).

Four People who e-mail me (regularly):
1. People from work
2. Weekly email from Marcus
3. Junk email from everywhere
4. Roommates

Four of my favorite foods:
1. Pizza
2. Pasta
3. Mexican
4. Chips and Salsa

Four Places I would like to visit:
1. Spain
2. Hawaii
3. New York
4. South America

Four Things I am looking forward to this year:
1. Peng's Halloween Party
2. Becoming a runner
3. Thanksgiving
4. Christmas

Elder Holland Fireside

I went to a fireside up at the University of Utah Institute tonight. Elder Jeffery R. Holland spoke to us. He started out by telling us about President Hinckley. It was really neat to hear him speak about our prophet in the same revering way that we "normal people" do. He was talking about how President Hinckley is amazing because he still gets up and goes to work every day. He is the first one there in the morning and the last one to go home every night and he is 97 years old. And the most amazing part is that he does it for me and for you. Elder Holland said that he is just like we all think he is and I loved hearing him talk about him.

He also spoke to us about standing firm in the Gospel. He was so animated as he spoke; the Spirit was so strong. I am so glad that I was there. It is nice to get a push in the right direction every now and then to remind us of how well we are doing and/or where we need to improve.

Photo Shoot

I spent the day with Aimee and Cole yesterday. Both of them weren't feeling up to par, but it was good to be with them. Poor Cole didn't nap more than an hour yesterday and he was so tired. We had a little photo shoot to keep him entertained. Here are a few of the cute pictures. He is so beautiful! He looks just like his momma!

Look at those eyes!

The State Fair

I can't believe I almost forgot to write about the State Fair. Growing up, my sisters and I always watched the Rogers and Hammerstein movie "State Fair." It was definitely a favorite (I need to look for that on DVD to add to my collection). Well, I went to the fair with friends on Friday night and it really reminded me of the movie. They had so many of the same games that they did on the movie. I love that some things never change. It makes me think that life would be so nice if it were always that simple.

Adam showing his strength

So as everyone was getting on the flying ride, they loaded me up with all of their stuff

Peng and Vanessa are getting ready to fly

Marcus

So I am not very good at writing my little brother on his mission, but there are times when I really miss him. I was just thinking about him tonight and how much I want him to come home. I look forward to when he will be here in Utah going to school and I will get to spend time with him. He is such a great guy and I really do miss him. In many ways, I don't feel like I know him very well because we are so far apart in age, but I admire him a lot and am very grateful that he is such a good example of a Christ-like person. I can't wait to spend more time with him and get to know him better when he gets home! Sorry mom, but I am really happy that he is going to be down here.

Black-and-White Party!

This weekend was my roommate Christi and her twin sister Kelly's 30th Birthday! We had a Black and White party in their honor and it was a lot of fun. We had a great turnout with a lot of great food! Our friend Peng, let us use his brand-new house out in South Jordan. It is such a nice place and it is great for parties. We had dancing, karoake and chocolate fountains. It was a great night!

Peng and Me

This is Marissa, Sue and Me dancing!

My attempt at a 4-layer cake!

Roommate picture--Christi, me, Holly and Marissa

Kelly, Suzie and Me

Matt and Me

Gardner Village

My sister Aimee, my two aunts, Patsy and Ruthie, and I went to Gardner Village again yesterday. I love going with them! We get together and go to all the shops and the best part is lunch. We always share the fried green tomatoes. It is something that I really enjoy doing with them. It's a fun chance to just be with the girls.

While there, I bought new bedroom furniture. Kind of a big deal, and I am really excited. It will be delivered in 6-8 weeks. Just about the time my Aunt Ruthie is going to have her baby. So I'll be getting new furniture and she'll be getting a new baby, sounds like an even amount of excitement to me! What do you think?! :)

Labor Day Weekend

Camping at Albion Basin

I love Labor Day Weekend! The weather has been perfect and it has been the nice little break from work that I have needed. My friends and I went camping Friday night and it was a blast. These are the people who were left Saturday morning, but we had several more show up just for the fun on Friday night.

Also, I'm in a new ward and it has been a rough transition, so my roommates and I decided to have a "break the fast" potluck to meet new people. It was a hit. A lot of people showed up and I even met a few of them, if you can believe that. It was a lot of fun and the party lasted a few hours. Hopefully, this will help us be a little more social in the future and feel a little more comfortable meeting the masses in our new ward.