I should be doing homework BUT...

I decided that I'd rather update my blog. Since school is just about over (one more day to be exact) I thought I'd show you some of my favorite places to walk when I'm school.
#1
This is just a random hallway at UVU that eventually leads to the Institute. I love it because its SO random. Its long with no design but the walls are the neatest thing because they have lights in the weirdest places & I used to think for months that it was naturally lite. I was wrong. haha.

#2

The next place I love is the picture below, which just so happens to be the place that you enter as you exit the long hallway (the previous picture). It is a spiral staircase and do you what it reminds me of? The lighthouse in Pete's Dragon. I know, random BUT its so neat! The walls are all windows and the center of it is metal (as you can see). I love climbing this staircase so much. Its just fun.

Then the other day I was walking home from the bus stop & I saw these beautiful flowers at this park that I walk thru. It was just a nice way to end a day at school because it reminded me that summer is just around the corner. Plus it reminded me that spring is all about new beginnings and everything is fresh and new. I sure love spring and I love summer even more. Ah, its SO close I can smell it!

And a walk from the bus stop to my house wouldn't be complete without seeing cute signs on the sidewalk from a family that I love so very much. These messages just make me laugh.

"You're my Charlie Brown"

I wasn't familiar with these term until two weeks ago when I attended my cousin, Ashley's wedding.

The day started out

something along these lines. (see photo on the left). Have you ever had gummy sharks? They're quite the catch (no pun intended) for $ .50. And then with gummy worms, peach rings, circus peanuts, etc. AND my family, a 4 hour road doesn't seem quite as long anymore.

My cousin Ashley is such an amazing girl. From as long as I can remember, she was always so kind, loving and one major thing that we have in common is that we both have red hair. (yes!)

Her and her husband are music majors and play SO extremely well together.

And this has got to be the cutest wedding cake topper I have ever seen (hence the title of these blog). It was so detailed you can't really tell from this photo but the dress matches Ashley's dress. It was adorable. And I think Jacob (my little cousin) found it adorable as well because before the reception, he stuck his finger in the side of the cake. I don't really blame him though because whelp it was one delicious cake. Props to Brolum's (a store that I wish we had here in utah...maybe one day).

And then during the reception I would occasionally peek into the nursery room and this is what I

discovered, granted Keaton caught me capturing this but hey its still cute & super precious! ( in case it doesn't load correctly, it is a video of Keaton and Jacob playing dinosaurs in the nursery.)

Then to top off the night of fun. Rowan had a "slight" accident and as a result had to wear Tiffany's coat. He looked like a total pimp and you could tell he was proud of it.

And out of no where he started to charge at Skyler and ram him in the thigh.

Skyler naturally played along but this picture above is priceless.

I wonder what Rowan was thinking at this exact moment because the look

in his face is so determined and focused. Oh I sure love my cousins. What cute kids. And lets not forget their parents. I really had such a fantastic time catching up with them. Even though most of them are older than me, they always make me feel included and loved. They are each such great examples and I wish we could all get together more often. But when we do get together, it makes it that much sweeter.

I almost forgot to mention that on Saturday we also celebrated Parker's B-day. He had an incredible Harry Potter cake from my Aunt Shelda and he was so thrilled to see it. His face was priceless when he first saw it, too bad I didn't capture that moment. Overall, this trip was so relaxing and there's nothing like spending time with family that you love.

Spring Break & then some...

During Spring Break some of my high school friends and I were able to get together for a wonderful evening of food and catching up.

Its always so nice to them and hear what exciting events are happening in each of their lives.

During the evening Lance, Nate & I also made delicious cake balls (as you can see above).

These are by far my new favorite treat, even though they are extremely rich.

I think they had a tad too much fun making them, which...do you blame them?

Heavens no. Life is meant to be FUN!

We missed out on seeing Lauren because she had to go back to USC early

but I hope you had a wonderful b-day my dear friend. Sure love ya!

Also during the break I was able to work up at This Is The Place Heritage Park for the yearly Relief Society Celebration event. I portrayed a women named Jane Richards Synder and it was such a wonderful experience to share her life story with hundreds of women. I'm very excited to have summer begin so that I can be up at This Is The Place even more. If you haven't been up there recently, I highly recommend it! (just thought I'd advertise it a little).

However, Spring Break had to come to an end. I am now back to school and reading this "little" book until it kills me. Its a history book on the deaf and its fabulous and all but you know how history books are (rather boring at times).

But my classes are going well and the semester will be over before I know it. Don't get me wrong, I love school & institute BUT...I'm ready for summer! I will however miss the everyday BOGGLE games on the bus with my lovely bus buddies....and occasional strangers.

Grand Adventures...

Ok...so you know how I promised that I would post lots of pictures of the epic adventure to Ogden well don't be mad but I only took a few and really only one is worth posting PLUS one I copied from google. BUT the ride was everything I imagined & better! We sat on the second floor and it was such a blast.

The Ogden station has incredible architecture and Ogden has such a fun atmosphere about it. Sam took Cameron and I (megan wasn't feeling too well that night so she couldn't join us) BUT he took us to this place that had indoor surfing and skydiving. It was the neatest thing to watch. We didn't experience either one because they were both expensive but that's alright because we went to the Ogden temple beforehand and man oh man that was the neatest experience. Cameron and Sam both had the opportunity to administer the ordinances. It was neat to watch my friends magnify their priesthood and feel of their spirits.

On the way home, Cameron and I played a dice game called Farkle. Then he also showed me the nifty bathroom that they have on the train & whelp...I couldn't resist to not take a picture. happens. Cam and I sure had a great adventure on the way home that's for sure.

This is the last night we all spent together as Bus Buddies.

Cameron is now serving a Church History Mission in Salt Lake.

We are SO happy for him & even though we miss him on the bus & institute,

we know that he is doing the Lord's work and is being an instrument in His hands.

So...if any of you go to the Family Church History Building,

up at Temple Square to do genealogy, make sure to ask for Elder Lyon :)

Grandpa Bennett would be PROUD.

Two weeks ago Beau, my Dad & I went range golfing at Mulligans. It was the perfect day (minus the wind) and it was such a blast. I used what some would call "miniture" golf clubs but they fit me perfect. That doesn't make me miniture though so don't get confused ;)

I do have to say that I don't have the best etiquette while golfing. The quietness kills me. I'd much rather golf with some Ingrid Michaelson playing in the background or

even some Jason Mraz.

Also the concentration that goes into golf just kills me. I much rather just look at the ball & then BAM hit it. Plain and simple. Beau & my Dad had golfing gloves (ya they're legit) and due to the fact that I don't golf that often, I didn't use a golfing glove & boy did it hurt after a while. After hitting at the range for a bit, we went to to the punting range and basically just goofed off for a bit. Lesson learned...next golfing trip I need to concentrate more & take it more serious (someday)

Tender Mercies on the 817

The Lord truly is aware of each one of us and I truly have come to know that these past few months. You see, each semester I carry a prayer in my heart hoping that I will be able to make some new friends and meet those that the Lord would have me meet. Well, the Lord has surely done that this past year.

You see...last Fall, I had a class with each one of these lovely people to the left. I had institute with Cameron (who is on the far left). I rode the bus with Sam (who is in the middle).

And I had a class with Megan and rode the bus with her when occasions would permit. They are such remarkable people and I often reflect on how lucky I am to have them in my life.

This past weekend we went to Ikea, mostly because Cameron and Sam haven't been there before (I know, crazy right?!). We had such a blast looking at things, especially Megan and I. And if you saw us interacting together, you probably would have thought that we grew up together but really, we've only known each other for maybe 5 months, if that. We all have institute together and then some and we always ride the bus together. It is such a grand adventure every time we ride the bus. We whip out mine and megan's itouches/phones and play Boogle and Farkle. We have such a wonderful together and now when people see all 4 of us get on the bus, they almost expect us to start playing those games.

They truly enrich my life so much and I know that the Lord was a major role in me becoming friends with them.

One thing we enjoy doing is going to the temple every Friday. This Friday we plan on riding the Frontrunner up to Ogden and then we'll go to the Ogden temple (hopefully) :). Riding on the Frontrunner will be such a blast compared to riding the typical UTA buses BECAUSE it has wifi, a bathroom, tables, 2 levels to choose from and so much more. It shall be such a life changing day so there will definitely be pictures to post after that.

And I don't mean to turn this in to a serious post but I know, from the friendship I have with these lovely people, that the Lord is SO aware of us and blesses us with wonderful people if we will just simply get out and be willing to meet new people. These kindred friends will always be in my life and I'm thoroughly convinced that we were kindred spirits in the pre-mortal life.

I sure am thankful for Bus Buddies!

A New Beginning

It has been a while since my last post and I apologize.

My life is taking a different turn (don't worry, its for the better),

but for the last little while, my body has been freaking out on me.

who knows why....well ok, I know why BUT that's in the past now.

And because of some past events and what not, I now have a confession...

I have situational anxiety.

I have never struggled with something as hard as I have with this.

I've had a bone graft, a tooth implant,

I've had my wisdom teether removed,

I've had stitches but NOTHING...

I mean NOTHING

can compare to the pain of anxiety.

It feels like you're having a heart attack because of the chest pressure,

as well as many other things.

AND THEN, when you have anxiety,

you over analyze every pain that you may have in your body.

For example, in the past month I've thought I've had the following:

a kidney infection

breast cancer

a heart attack (like a mentioned earlier)

appendicitis

pneumonia

an ear infection

and the list could go on and on

now I may sound crazy but if you've suffered from any type of anxiety, you understand.

However, despite this difficult month, there have been

many tender mercies in my life that constantly

remind me that things are going to be alright.

In fact, life is fabulous & will continue to be so!

I've personally come to learn that the Atonement of Jesus Christ

isn't just for sins and your struggles, its also for your sicknesses and

its a great comfort to know that my Savior understands how I feel.

SO...starting today I am not going to let my anxiety get the best of me.

I've recently read a scripture that has renewed this faith in me.

Its in D&C 6:36 & it says,

"Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not."

Therefore, I will not fear because whelp, I have nothing to fear.

I know that my Savior is aware of me & loves me more than I will ever know.

And because I know this, I know that I can get through anything.

Things will work out if I simply just put my faith in my Savior.