Month: May 2013

iPhone anyone?

May 31, 2013 — Leave a comment

Yesterday was one of the greatest days ever. I got an iPhone. Is it pathetic that it was one of the happiest days ever for that reason? Perhaps. But whatever, it’s fine, I’m happy and life is GOOD.

So I discovered a few wonderful things about my iPhone very fast. I can do group messages with 2 of my best friends. I can talk on the phone THROUGH my car speakers (drive safe folks). I can have an INSTAGRAM (see my contact info to follow me!) I can have my music AND Pandora on there. I can have my CAMERA ready to snap ANY picture for the blog, Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. I have my scriptures RIGHT THERE whenever I need them. I could go on and on. Basically, I’m in love.

His name is Rajah, after the tiger on Aladdin. I have an obsession with Disney, it’s fine.

So if you have favorite apps, helpful hints, or tips, PLEASE comment or contact me! I would love help milking this iPhone for all it’s worth!

So all my dear friends, expect more photos, more posts on social media, and good things to come for this blog. It’s going to be grand.


My home screen. AWWWWW:)


First selfie ever. Don’t expect too many of these. I hate taking pictures of myself.

Also, it’s the last day of May today. Bring on June! I’m heading off to see some old teachers today, and then to deliver invites to a bridal shower I’m throwing next week (expect an entire post on how to do it. Now that I’ve thrown two, I think I’m a pro. I’m not, but still.)

Happy Friday everyone!

News May 31, 2013

May 31, 2013 — Leave a comment

KSL Headline: US woman facing drug charge released in Mexico

Arizona mother Yarina Maldonado was released from the Mexican prison where she was being held today. Maldonado was accused of smuggling drugs after 12 pounds of marijuana were found under her seat in a passenger bus back to the U.S. She was held in a Mexican jail, but after her accusers failed to appear in court and a surveillance video showed her carrying only a blanket, purse, and water bottle, she was released and is now traveling home.

Click here to read the full story.

New York Times Headline: Universities Show Uneven Efforts in Enrolling Poor

Affirmative action opponents have found a new target of what they call “reverse discrimination”: money. These opponents argue that universities give a leg up to poor students. Educators however, argue with this, even presenting the evidence that getting poorer students to college costs more money. They point out the need to find, recruit, help them apply, and even after all this money of getting them to college, they still need financial aid to stay there. The Supreme Court will rule soon over a similar case, and both sides are eager to see the outcome.

Click here for the full story.

News May 30, 2013

May 30, 2013 — Leave a comment

New York Times Headline: A Deal That Could Benefit Mobile Users

A Japanese bank is looking to buy considerable stock and invest millions of dollars into Sprint communications company. This considerable increase of money would make the communications industry more competitive by making Sprint phones cheaper, and with higher broadband.

Click here for the full story.

New York Times Headline: Assad Says Syria Has Received Advanced Missiles From Russia

The President of Syria announced on a television news conference that Russia has delivered the first shipment of missiles to his country. This move implies, says the President’s opponents that neither Syria nor Russia were serious when saying they would like negotiations before a war broke out. 

Click here for the full story.


Phone Dump

May 29, 2013 — Leave a comment

So I finally figured out how to load pictures from my phone onto my computer. Yes I could send them to facebook or my email, but that took FOREVER. So I got a micro-disk adapter and popped those babies into my files. And you HAVE to see some of them. They are too great.

On the bus to 7th grade!!! AHHHH

Ready for sophomore prom

Bandy with my dinosaur at the Senior Carnival

Randy at Menchie’s the summer before we started dating!

Carla and I at the annual summer photo shoot with Russ

Ash and I at that same photo shoot. It was 7th grade people.

Car….

Ash…

And Morg at Park City for Carly’s birthday. 8th grade.

Sleeping Rachel

Mr. Rice duct taped Taylor Russel’s mouth shut one day. That was fun.
It’s funny to see pictures and things from the past. How lucky I’ve been to have had the life that I’ve had. It’s made me who I am today. And I’m pretty happy about that. 
Happy Wednesday everyone! 

News: May 29, 2013

May 29, 2013 — Leave a comment

New York Times Headline: Anti-West Hard-Liner Gains in Iranian Race


Saeed Jalili has emerged as the front-runner in the Iranian presidential race. This is unsettling for Western countries as he has said he will have “no compromise whatsoever” with the West on matters such as nuclear weapons and Syrian involvement. 

Click here to read the full story.

KSL Headline: Family claims mother held in Mexico for smuggling pot was framed

An Arizona mother is being held in a Mexican prison after officials claim they found marijuana under her seat in a bus. First authorities claimed the money was under her husband’s seat, then changed the story to say the 12 lbs of drugs were under her seat. Arizona Senator Jeff Flake is monitoring the situation.

Click here for the full story. 

Birthdays and more

May 28, 2013 — Leave a comment

I have to give a shout-out to two of my sisters. One is really my sister, the other played my sister in Fiddler on the Roof.

Kira Holmes is one of the most unique people I know. She is 100% herself, she cares about others and she is one of the kindest people that I know. Kira makes me laugh and always makes me feel like I am so important to her, which is a wonderful feeling. So happy birthday baby Kira….you were just a fetus when this happened;) I love you!


We totally won Scattergories against the rest of our family. Regardless of what they tell you, we won.

And now for my actual sister. Olivia. She is seriously so amazing. People say we look alike, but she’s probably 100000000 times more beautiful than I am. She is smart, adventurous, kind, funny, and so sweet. She goes for what she wants, and is AMAZING at everything she does. She forgives easily and doesn’t stay mad, she loves laughing and doesn’t let the drama of high school get to her, instead she just laughs about it until it’s not a big deal anymore. She is sensitive to what people need and always makes sure that she is a good friend/sister. I am lucky that she’s one of my very best friends. I love you Liv, and I hope you have a great sweet sixteen!

Ahhh sweet sixteen. First date, getting a driver’s license, all that good stuff. My first date was legendary. I went with Brandon Carling to a concert. He called me and asked me to go to Keith Urban on a Wednesday night, the day after my birthday. And I said yes. We got to the Energy Solutions Arena and were walking around. Brandon’s best friend’s mom had gotten him the tickets, and they were waiting at the Will Call in front. So we went up there, and got our tickets. An usher than went to show us to our seats. We walked in a lower bowl door, and kept walking. Down, down, DOWN INTO THE SEA. No but really. We kept turning to each other and saying “Where are these seats??” Then…we stopped. Front row. Dead center.

I touched Keith’s hand. I got a guitar pick. It was the best first date known to man.

Here are a few of my favorite dates that I’ve been on (besides the concert. which was INCREDIBLE)

  • Picnic. Honestly going on picnics and then playing at the park is SO fun. Trust me!
  • Making dinner. It’s so fun to cook and make something together! You could do this with dessert too.
  • Ice skating. Need I say more?
  • Classic Skating. There are bounce houses, roller blading, arcade games. It’s a good time.
  • Laser tag. Get that competitive side out!
  • Dinner and a movie. Classic for if you are dating or know each other really well. Still a really fun date every time!
  • Hiking. Just make sure you bring lots of water!
  • DI shopping spree. Have a competition, make each other outfits, anything!
  • Put notes in the books at Barnes and Noble. It’s really fun. Promise.
  • Chili’s chips and salsa and molten chocolate cake. Ten dollars of deliciousness. Trust me.
  • Finger painting. Or just painting. Do something crafty. It’s fun!
  • Gingerbread houses. You can get all the supplies for not too much!
  • Go to a concert, show, or game. Whether it’s high school or professional, it’s always really fun to go out and see people show their talents!
  • Star gazing. Hot chocolate and a blanket and you’re set!
  • Go to the zoo, aquarium, or planetarium. These are all really fun, not too expensive, and will last the whole day!
  • Paintballing or shooting. Just make sure the girl is up for the challenge!
  • Rock climbing. Real or fake rocks, it’s fun to see how well you do.
  • Swimming or a waterpark. Better if you know each other well enough to see each other in swimming suits!
  • Scavenger hunt. Plan a scavenger hunt for each other and end with a yummy treat!
  • Make a movie or music video. Better for a group date!
  • Window shop in Salt Lake or any other big city.
  • Fishing. Just get some fishing licenses and a pole!
  • Museum. There are lots all over. Just pick one!
  • Bowling. Yes. Just do it.
  • Walking and talking. These kind of dates have turned out to be some of my favorites.
So those are my little date suggestions for today. 
Happy Tuesday everyone! 

Memorial day and Star Trek

May 27, 2013 — Leave a comment

So we celebrate Memorial Day like most families. Watching Star Trek: Into Darkness.

Kidding. Most families don’t do that. But mine does!

We also had a BBQ and are celebrating my sister’s birthday (stay tuned for her birthday/sweet sixteen post TOMORROW) and going to the cemetery to remember those who are no longer with us.

But we also went to see Star Trek.

In a word. It was fantastic. Mind blowing, relevant to the old ones and yet had a fresh new spin. If you are not a Star Trek fan, shame on you. Become one. It’s worth it. If you are a Star Trek fan, this movie does not disappoint. Go see it, soon!

Now for a more Memorial Day appropriate post.

I am so grateful for those who have come before me, who have served our country and those who haven’t. Memorial Day was originally for those who died serving our country, and has now been made to honor all who have come before. I have always thought I had an appreciation for my country, but it wasn’t until I was in a small, American cemetery that I really came to appreciate our soldiers.

I’ve already blogged about the wonderful things that happened to me there, and you can view that post here.

So today I just want to say thank you to those who will never read this blog. Those who are gone, in a better place. I am so grateful for the comfort my religion brings me about eternal families, and the chance I will have to see those who are gone again.


Image courtesy of Cherry Hill

Happy Monday and happy Memorial Day everyone!

Extension of yesterday’s post……!

May 27, 2013 — Leave a comment

Alli Yost got called to Milan, Italy. She’s one of my best friends and she’s going to do amazing! Love you Al!! She is such an example to me and I am so proud of her.


My cute cousin Kelsey gave her farewell today. She’s headed to Lima, Peru in a few weeks on her mission. She is going to convert so many people with that strong testimony of hers. I love you Kels!

I’m still figuring out what I am supposed to be doing, and this kid in Japan really knows EXACTLY what to say, even when I don’t tell him what’s bothering me.

After telling him about different mission calls, and mind you, I didn’t say A WORD about how I was feeling about any of it, he sends this.

“I still feel the same about you going though. I don’t know. Don’t feel like you’re choosing wrong paths. Cuz you’re not! You’re doing great things. I really hope you’re happy hon.”

Yup. He lives in Japan, had no idea what was up, and still managed to know exactly what I needed to hear. That folks is inspiration.

I couldn’t be more proud of my missionary friends, and I couldn’t be more proud of my engaged/married friends, and I couldn’t be more proud of my home girls who are in the same boat as me. We all have different “missions” and I am so lucky to know the people that I do, who are doing the great things they are doing.

Happy Sunday everyone.

Post-collegeitis

May 26, 2013 — Leave a comment

I haven’t had the energy or desire to blog about news or anything lately. I’ve been finding myself in a strange May rut. Everyone around Kaysville is graduating or going on missions or getting married, all of my college friends are getting married or going on missions or live impossibly far away, and my best friend lives in Japan. So all of these things added together, plus extensive work hours that somehow still leave lots of down time in my day, and unlimited Netflix, have left me in a May rut. I’ve been doing my Grasp the Moment Challenge, which has semi helped, but realistically I’ve got a serious case of the post-collegeitis. It’s that moment when you realize people are going on and doing crazy things with their lives, making huge decisions, and my decisions consist of what I’m going to eat for lunch and if I’m going to wear a red or green shirt to work. I realize I’m probably not alone in my sad state, but I sure feel like I am.

It’s not that I’m bored. I have lots of work, fun time that I spend with my mom, time that I spend with my sisters and dad when they get home, friends to talk to and go out with, books to read, letters to write, but there’s still this sad feeling of “No, I’m not getting married or going on a mission.I actually have no clue what I’m doing with my life.”

So that’s been the past few days.

And then I realized I needed to stop moping, stop feeling sorry for myself, and stop being silly. All of the things that I’m doing are important. A letter from my favorite missionary helped me realize that.

So if you are also suffering from post-collegeitis just remember that life can still be good, what you’re doing is still so important and wonderful, and that there is a plan for YOU. And this time is for you to figure out what that is, and how your decisions play into that.

The only big decision anyone needs to worry about is if they’re becoming who Heavenly Father needs us to become. Right now, me becoming who Heavenly Father needs doesn’t involve a mission or marriage, it involves working at Cherry Hill and BYU, getting ready to apply to my program, spending time with my family and friends, writing my favorite missionary, studying my scriptures and growing closer to Him.

So who are you really becoming?

Happy Saturday everyone!

Dat’s gonna be espensive….

May 21, 2013 — Leave a comment

So I am SO behind on blogging. I am so sorry. I am going to play a big game of catch-up right now so be prepared for a long post!

First of all. Shout out to my home girl LAUREN FABER who is going to SYDNEY AUSTRALIA on her mission, leaving OCTOBER 9TH!!! This girl is one of my best friends and I can’t imagine a more perfect mission for her. I am so lucky to know her, and so lucky that I get to spend time with her. She’s a wonderful person and is going to be an amazing missionary. Go convert those kangaroos Lau, I LOVE YOU!

Ok so once upon a time we went on a road trip. To Idaho. And it was one of the funniest things that has ever happened to me. Here are a few highlights from our trip:)

  • Finding Pride Rock, for cows
  • Listening to/discussion Les Mis for a good portion of the car ride
  • A gas station called the Garden of Eden, complete with giraffe or tiger spandex and enough stuffed snakes to make you wonder which one really was Satan
  • 100% boy. Need I say more?
  • CAN WE STOP AND GET SOME WINE?
  • TYSON THE LANE IS OVER
  • Hugging people that I’ve been away from for far too long
  • Chick-fil-a twice. In a two day trip
  • It’s my pleasure….oh Mindy. 
  • Lauren making faces at dogs in the drive through
  • The car next to us asking for an Oreo, and us throwing them one
  • The VERY friendly people at the stores we went to
  • Garrett. Seriously the cutest kid EVER
  • Josh at Lucky Fin trying to get fired 
  • The greatest buser EVER named Rachel
  • Wondering if Rachel really worked as a mermaid dancer
  • Being at Jack’s house with his sisters and learning that he loved Mulan and the Aristocats.
  • Huns.
  • Sitting in the back of the truck and realizing that was the most fun thing to do in Idaho (I’m kidding though, Idaho is great)
  • Holocaust references 
  • Racist references all around
  • Dat’s gonnnn be ESPENSIVE.
  • Ya’ll have the same last name? That’s lucky.
  • Just Tyson and his black woman impressions in general
  • Disney and Harry Potter Scene It (Snitch, please)
  • Jack/Rachel/Dylan’s AMAZING families
  • Sleeping in Rachel’s huge bed.
  • Crepe Saturday morning
  • Laying outside in the sun.
  • Billy’s mom and laughing way too hard at her house
  • Getting attacked on the trampoline
  • It’s just a number…
  • Pulled pork sandwiches
  • Table Rock and the AMAZING sunset
  • The Newlywed Game (Jack, we rocked it)
  • Dinosaur language
  • Dylan’s wonderful talk
  • Kurtis being free out the back of the truck
  • Screaming girly songs all the way home
  • Tyson singing London Bridge
  • Flying down the freeway being sad that we had to say goodbye
I’m probably forgetting some things….but I’m sure Olivia or Kurtis or Lauren or Tyson or Rachel or Jack will remind me;)
Anyway. It was an amazing weekend and a good reminder to me that I am pretty blessed with some great friends:) Thanks for making this weekend perfect guys!
Happy Monday everyone!