happy birthday... McKENNA!!

This alone is probably why we are friends:

Thanks for blog stalking me :)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY.

Mug shots?

I tried my eye/finger at street photography. I was a little hesitant to ask strangers but, surprisingly, most people were willing to get their picture taken. I thought it was really fun and I'm pleased with the images. I will be doing this again.

This is actually my Grandpa Hall, I took it last weekend when I was in Utah.

Ellie is always a good model/ good sport for my photography. She was my moral support for this shoot.

Grandpa Hall

Would you let a stranger on the street take your picture?

Which one is your favorite?

Happy {late} Birthday Ellie...

As you know, I love birthdays.

Ellie, It's just plain sad that you don't.

Love or hate, it is still your birthday today or in this case... a few days ago.

I think it's funny how different we are.

I love that when we go out you wear a blazer :) and I wear tie dye.

I love that you are organized so that I don't have to be.

If you didn't know this, I love your laugh- It's contagious.

I love that you are a perfect model. Even more then that, I love that you will always model for me...even after you get your wisdom teeth out.

We had the best summer together. I miss those nights.

I'm glad our friendship didn't end when I left for Ethiopia but grew instead.

Like it or not not, I'm thankful you put up with my love for old people- for hanging out with 89 year olds and going to senior citizen dances with me.

I'm SO happy we both got into BYU. But I hate that I have to make the decision of being left behind by my best friend or pushing for my Ethiopian dream.

You have made my life epic.

Our friendship is so unlikely- we met the end of my senior year, I left for almost 6 months, and we are so different from one another. I'm so grateful that we did find each other and that we did become best friends.

Happy Birthday Ellie.

getting in touch with my inner cowgirl...

The day actually came.

I started my artificial insemination class.

I pulled on my coveralls and rubber boots and out to the barn I went.

I'll spare you the dirty details.

In short, I hesitantly tugged on my shoulder high glove and tried to act tough through the ordeal.

I quickly realized this class is going to be hard.

"Darker then an inside of a cow" has a whole new meaning to me.

Locating reproductive parts inside of a cow and maneuvering things around is a lot harder then one might think.

The cowboys like to make jokes about "the nurse" but are very nice and helpful otherwise.

Sadly, the cutest one in there is married.

I probably will never think of a cow the same... and I probably will never smell the same either.

The things I have to do to be a cowgirl.

I took this the first day of my class. It seemed... fairly fitting.

Meet George...

It's time to admit it...

there is someone in my life.

We've been seeing each other for a month now.

I study his structure, worry that I might forget a part of him, we've stuck it out through thick and thin, I spend day and night thinking about him, he even forgives me for calling him mean names.

This might be love right?

Meet George....

Aren't we cute together?

George is missing his proximal, middle and distal phalanx but I don't mind.

Having a corn dog dinner together... so romantic!

percentages.

Test scores are back...

90% on anatomy lecture exam.

87% on the skeleton bones.

all in all, I'm happy.

just a few more test to go this week!

oh, by the way, I had a fabulous three day weekend.

will write about it soon with pictures.

This may be me attempting to study in the library...

camera thingys built into computers are way too distracting.

Today.

Today I have some goals that need to be accomplished.

1. Use time wisely.

2. Get an A on my anatomy test.

3. Review and master skull bones- including spelling.

4. Study arm, back, and finger bones.

5. "Get swept away by love".... actually that's what my Dove Chocolate just said.

mothers make the world go round.

I don't know what I'd do without my Mom. She puts up with a lot; my crazy quirks, messy room, photo shoots, grumpy moods, and she does it all lovingly.

This past week, me and my Mom had a big misunderstanding, to say the least. Things were said, feelings were hurt, walls were built. Slowly they are coming down. Isn't it funny how we humans hold on to things. Cling and attach ourselves to life and situations that really don't matter. Life goes on. Ultimately, we will be happier if we can learn to just let go. It's a hard lesson to learn.

I'm grateful for my sweet Mother. For putting up with me, encouraging me, cheering me on, volunteering for photo shoots, giving advice, and being a close friend.

I love you Mom.

A Night Full of Senior Citizens.

After having dinner and watching, "The Snow Ball Express" with Melvin (Our 89 year old friend we hang out with every Friday) Sam, Ellie and I ventured our way to Roberts to find a dance, knowing full well it was basically for senior citizens. My uncle, Bryant, has a friend that plays in the band that was putting it on. Thus, my parents and grandparents both came too. How fun it was to see them make their way around the dance floor. I even danced a few songs with my Dad and Bryant. It was refreshing to be part of something... uplifting, if you will. Almost unbelievable that a dance void of flashing lights, deafening music, and grinding still exists. I enjoyed watching these older people laughing, singing to the music, and dancing every song. Happiness and love still remains. I took the chance to snap away photos for an assignment focusing on motion. Truly, a priceless experience.

We are all ridiculously good dancers.

Dancing with my Pa, or at least trying to.

My cute parents tearing up the dance floor!

did and to do's.

Yesterday: Church, take bridal photos?, worked, studied, pillow became wet, anger, and new walls.

Today: Endured a boring lab, was very productive studying in the library, stayed awake during Anat. lecture, trained 2 people at work, wished a lot, read chapter 4, memorize bones.

Tomorrow: Get ready for the day, be on time to class, take a test, splurge, get cancer, photoshoot, study leg and feet bones.

For the bird nerds...

When I say "For the bird nerds" I mostly just mean Grandma and Sophie.

Enjoy this gem.

Good news!

Today Is my 5/12 birthday.

I'm going to celebrate.

The groundhog DIDN'T see his shadow.

Hello early spring.

Already half way through the week.

I'm excited for Friday.

February 1st.

PINCH and a PUNCH for the first of the month!

{NO} more one mores.

There are {NO} more one mores!!

Going to that office one more time..

Getting that one more paper...

Having one more stamp...

Just getting that one more picture...

That one more signature...

The one more after one mores finally, paid off.

and now there are {No} mores.

The kids are officially adopted.

As time went by, the one mores did add up and end in a lot mores.

A lot more tears.

A lot more frustrations.

A lot more time separated from family.

But now with the {NO} mores a lot mores will add up too.

A lot more smiles.

A lot more patience.

A lot more trials.

A lot more gratitude.

and for Alyssa and Wes, a lot more kids.

but we couldn't be happier.