the good.

On Friday, I had 15 of my very best friends come over. Friends I have known for at least 8 years but most of them I've known around 17 years. Let's just say, they're more like family and I love them to the moon. We played games, ate (a lot) of food, and laughed our heads off around a campfire. When the party was over and the house looked more disastrous than it ever has, I thanked the Lord for the 15 blessings that had just come over. I don't know why He blessed me with them but, I do know they have each been a rock for me throughout my life and I'll be forever grateful I have them in my life.

On Saturday, I surprised Jared with a date to the Dew Tour. We watch BMX and had a lot of fun trying to get some cool videos and pictures. On Sunday, we made beef roast and homemade mashed potatoes and had friends come over to join us for dinner. Like I said, this weekend was full of wonderful, beautiful moments. I am so happy the Lord blesses us with moments like that. That is what life is all about, the good.. and the bad, it's makes the good that much sweeter. :)

I didn't take too many pictures at the party and I didn't get a picture of everyone. I really wish I would've gotten a group shot with everyone but, the sun was going down so we had to act fast! ;)

The Buhler's brought along their three girls and after dinner, we played in the park. :)

This is the best picture ever. Talk about a thrill! Haha!



a welcome to the weekend

My weekend started 5 hours early today, thank goodness. :)
I'm looking forward to:

-going to the Salt Lake Temple
-being with family from Colorado
-photoshoots
-hiking
-a beautiful wedding
-a surprise date for Jared :)

I also have (a lot) of editing to do.. Fortunately, my desktop is being repaired as we speak and I can ditch my lovely laptop. I'm excited to turn on some music and edit my heart out! ;)

Have a wonderful weekend!

Be Still my Soul

"Sometimes God calms the storm...
Sometimes He lets the storm rage and
Calms His child."       


-unknown

an invitation

"We become what we want to be

by consistently being what we

want to become each day."

-Elder Richard G. Scott

I'm so thrilled about new goals, our dreams, and our future. So glad to have my love as my teammate and best friend. He's pretty wonderful..

Remember when I made a goal to read this book? I haven't been doing it as quickly as expected but, I have been consistent. My life has been so richly blessed ever since. Has it been perfect? No. Have I had trials? Yes. But, within these trials.. I see how they refine me and help me to grow. Life..every aspect of it, has been blessed.

I invite you to read this book. It's life changing. If you would like a free copy, please click here.

yes, I do reward myself with ice cream..

weekend happy list (despite my pain and agony of a toothache)

going to lunch with my cousin Austin, Mom, and Aunt Deanne
going to Coldstone to reward myself for surviving another day of pain :) haha.
spending time with Whitney, laying on her bed and looking through her mission memories
going to a Bee's game on a double date
a lazy Saturday
soup and salad at Red Robin
going to the movies on a double date
a neighborhood BBQ
watching movies with Jared
my root canal!! (I can't believe this is on my happy list.)
rewarding myself with a strawberry cheesecake shake from Arctic Circle

& now for pictures..

 at the Bee's Game

watching the game :)

my first time making deviled-eggs. YUM.

Our neighbor, Jon, made delicious fried-green beans!

Call me cheesy..

..but, this is the inspiration I've been needing. Yesterday was rough for me. Anxiety. For no reason. Does that ever happen to you? I felt things weren't going like they should and frankly, I didn't have the motivation to change it. Today has been a new day.

This morning, with resolve, I decided to start the Book of Mormon and hopefully finish it in a month or so. It's been a while since I've read it all the way through. This book, my friends, will bring you closer to God and it will bring you peace.

I've decided that even though I'm discouraged, I will continue pursuing my dream.

I think I've have found the motivation to be healthy :) in the way I work out and the way I eat.

My favorite lines from this quote:

-Do what you love, and do it often

-If you don't have enough time, stop watching TV

-Live your dream and share your passion

Northhead Lighthouse

There is something so beautiful about lighthouses. Such a big part of the Oregon Coast. I remember coming here with my cousins when we were little. There were yellow flowers everywhere and it was so chilly, I wore a blanket around with me. We were able to climb to the top, back then, admire the glass and the view of the waves. Years later, I'm bringing my husband along and he is apart of my family. Life is grand.

This picture was right after Jared pretended the umbrella was a baseball bat and the top part flew off of the cliff. :) Ooops! Oregonians don't use umbrellas, anyway!

My cousin, Austin, who just returned from a 2 year mission. This picture showcases how different he is now, in a good way. He's fantastic and I love him.

Jeremy, who will be 17 next month. I can't believe that. (Isn't he so photogenic?)

This is one of my favorite pictures from the trip. I love my three boys. They are the world to me.