Two Days

It's funny how time can sneak up on you.

I've been looking forward to this week for months, and now it's here! I never thought I would be this excited to get back to Utah. It's not that I'm ready to leave home... but I'm ready to be in Utah. (I know.. kind of an oxymoron.) But at this point in my life, BYU is definitely where I'm supposed to be.

I am really excited to unpack everything in my apartment. I know that seems weird, but I can't wait to decorate everything and turn it into my home for the next year. Then to be reunited with my roommates.. :) It'll be fantastic. I'll have to introduce them to you soon.

This was a good week though. Lots of sleeping in, and finishing up little projects around the house. My good friend, Tyler Bean, came home from his mission this week. He served in Mexico. It was good to see him, and hear him speak today. (His accent is priceless.) I was looking at my brother, Tyler, and Ryan Hawkley all talking together and was thinking how crazy it was that they are all home. I know it's brought a tear to our mother's eyes as they realize their kids are all growing up.

Not a bad group, eh? 

Two more days of craziness. I'm a pro at procrastination, so it shouldn't be a problem ;)

Texas & the Week Ahead...

Went to Texas for the weekend with Sydney, Mom, and my roommate Jessica! My aunt Jenn had her baby! His name is Brody Scott Krueger and he is adorable.

While in Frisco, I saw my other roommate, Madison! We all went shopping at the outlet mall, and scored some awesome deals. Then, of course, I saw my Texas besties - McKall and Mallory. Hoping to squeeze one last trip in before I go home, but... I think it's time they make a trip up to Oklahoma now :)

I'm not sure if you know this or not, but I have an older brother coming home this week!! Brando will be home Thursday.. yes, Thursday. I am so proud of him. He had to come home for 3 months for knee surgery, and still went back out. That's not an easy thing to do, but he did it. He was an amazing missionary; he shared the gospel with more people than I could have ever imagined. Ah..  I've missed my big bro. 

 April 2010

 Easter 2010

 My 17th Birthday

Sending him back out after surgery, Nov. 2010

So much has changed in the last two years! But, I can't wait to have the family all together again :) He gets home, and then we leave Saturday for Seattle, and hop on a cruise Monday to Alaska! We're going with Orr side of the family for Grandpa's 80th. This week will be super busy.... but very fun.

This week..

Hello everyone!

If you've seen the TLC commercial, where a guy says he's "crafting his (ace) off"..well, that's been me this week.  

Here is what I've finished..

This is my favorite.

 I found some wood at the farm, painted it, outlined the state with nails and then wrapped string all around it! And... Voila! :)

I can't take much credit for this one, but I have been helping mom with it. It's all of my high school t-shirts, into one big blanket. I love it!! Mom has done an awesome job, and I can't wait to have it on my bed at school next year.

I've also finished a total of 4 aprons.. I have 2 to finish this week. So I'll post a picture once I finish all 6 of them. These are for myself, and my roommates! Then I'm working on this frame with the home states of all my roommates. It's going to look pretty neat; I just need to take the time to finish it.

Other things of note this week..

• I loaded up on stuff from my great-grandma's house, who passed earlier this year. I'm really grateful that I'm going to be able to use a lot of her stuff for my apartment! Kitchen supplies, a TV, etc. My roommates and I are all very excited to not have to worry about purchasing these things. It's been quite a blessing. 

• I have a new baby cousin! His name is Brody Scott Krueger, I'll hopefully be heading down to Dallas next weekend to see him.

• I was able to listen to Ryan Hawkley's homecoming talk! He served as a missionary in Brazil for 2 years, and it was really cool to see how it's affected his life. He seems a lot more confident in himself, and much stronger in his testimony of Jesus Christ. It's truly amazing what missions can do. 

• Speaking of missions... Brandon will be home in 11 days! :)

A quote I read in the book I'm reading, that I really liked..

"There's a big confusion in this country over what we want versus what we need. You need food, you want a chocolate sundae. You have to be honest with yourself. You don't need the latest sports car, you don't need the biggest house. The truth is, you don't get satisfaction from those things. You know what really give you satisfaction? Offering others what you have to give. Devote yourself to loving others, devote yourself to your community around you, and devote yourself to creating something that gives you purpose and meaning."

-Tuesdays with Morrie

Wedding

My cousin was married yesterday. I don't know what it is about weddings, but they always make me look forward to my own special day.

My cousin Devin, and his beautiful bride, Kim. 

I have been asked many times since being home if I found a "special someone" while at BYU. I'm sure it's just because of the reputation BYU has for girls getting married their first/second year out, but to answer your question.. No. There is no boy I am dying to get back to in August. Sorry to disappoint all of you :) 

In dating LDS (Mormon) guys, there is one thing that can be kind of difficult... they all go on their missions when they turn 19. Because of that, I think it's always in the back of your mind when you start to date someone that hasn't served their mission yet. If you lose sight of that, and get too close to someone it can be really hard when that boy leaves for 2 years to serve the Lord. But, it is such a great thing for these young men to do, and it's truly a blessing for me to watch so many of my friends leave everything behind to serve different states or countries around the world. These guys come home two years later more mature, and (more importantly) stronger in their testimonies of Jesus Christ. 

Anyways.. back to weddings... my cousins wedding was really nice. Most all of the decorations she made from Pinterest! It was pretty cool to see an entire Pinterest board come together to make a beautiful wedding. I definitely will keep some things in mind for my reception down the road. And when I say down the road... I mean, dooowwn the road. :) I am in no rush to put a ring on it, and can't wait to spend the next couple years with my roommates in our apartment... 

It's gonna be awesome.

Heard this quote today... and I love it. 

"Dance with God, and He will let the

 perfect man cut in."

But until then, Roommates.... here I come! :)