Life

I know all I talk about is school but seriously it is my life. Pretty much my entire life. I am so thankful to be able to be going to school, but sometimes I just wish I was doing something else. Sometimes I feel like my twenties were spent studying. At least the last 4 year of it. I am exhausted 95% of the time and so drained that I rarely am out having fun. Most people who are around me say that if I'm not working, then I am studying and if I'm not studying than I am working. I NEED to have an outlet. I am so burned out. I stay up til 2 sometimes 4am to study and not because I have procrastinated but because I literally study all day, all night and into the morning. I'm not sure if I am just not that great at school or if my classes are THAT hard. But I'm worn out. I don't want to come off as being whiny, that is not my intention. I AM grateful to be going to school, I enjoy learning, I WANT to go to school so that I can have a good career and provide for myself one day, but sometimes I just question what the heck am I doing this for??? And is it worth it? I really hope it is, but sometimes it is hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel when you're right in the middle of it. Plus I just have to get this off my chest...it is ridiculous that people can graduate with C's and go on to become teachers...but I have to get straight A's to clean teeth! Seriously???? UGh. Maybe I should seriously consider being a teacher. I came across a good quote recently and read over it often.

We must be willing to let go of the life we have planned, so as to have the life that is waiting for us. -joseph campbell

I love it. But it takes a lot of courage to actually act on that. Not sure I have it.
Well....here's to my first final tomorrow...hope all the studying was worth it. Time for bed!

Grandma Reeves

Sometimes there are people who you can never forget. Ever. My grandma Reeves is one of those people. I miss her everyday. I see her in my mom, my sister, my brothers and my cousins. She had an impact on people like no one I have ever known. My Grandma Reeves loved unconditionally and had a heart full of charity. A trait I try to work on everyday. My grandmas home was clean, warm and always smelled of a home cooked meal. It was full of laughter and love. I can still remember the feeling of her soft gentle hands as she would lovingly rub my eyes and get me to relax and feel better. She was patient, kind, understanding, not perfect and never claimed to be, but always trying her best. She worked hard everyday of her life. This woman was not lazy :), she was always doing. Grandma would send you home with some sort of trinket left behind by someone else. She would cut a rose from her garden or a slice of chocolate cake, or the last $5 she had in her pocket, you never left her home empty handed. My grandma loved her children, her grandchildren and even her great-grandchildren, pretty much anyone who walked in her home, but the one who she loved most was her husband. I loved to see her love grandpa. I am grateful for her example and for her love for me. I have been very lucky to have had the grandparents that I had. I miss them all, and I learned so much from each of them. Today is my Grandma Reeves' birthday and I miss her. I am so grateful to know that I will see her again. That families are forever and that we will be together again one day. Happy Birthday Grandma. I love you.

Elf

It's that time of year again...
Wanna laugh....click on "Elf" to see me dance :)

Best wake up call

This morning I was woken up by this cute picture....this little one was on her way to Disneyland, Minnie Mouse and all :) So cute! Can't wait to hear all about it!

It's ELKE's birthday!!!

ELKE!!!! I am so thankful that you are my sister! Happy birthday I miss you! I hope today you will eat lots of yummy food, take a nap, shop at all the good stores, and know how wonderful you are! I remember when Alan started dating you! I am so glad I was around to watch some of that and see how not only Alan, but the rest of us fell in love with you. I love how you laugh at everything, it makes everyone feel so funny and good about themselves :) We know we'll always get a good laugh from you. I love your creativity, your hard work ethic, your love for your family and your honesty! I always wondered if the girl Alan married would ever feel like my sister and I can definitely say you feel like my sister and I cannot imagine my life without you in it! I love you Elke and I wish you the happiest of birthdays today! Now....go check your email for your present... :)

Happy Birthday Kendra

Kendra, I love you and am so glad you are a part of our crazy family, I cannot think of a better caboose than you! I remember the day you were born, crazy to think how fast it has gone and I cannot believe how old you are. You are a beautiful girl and I miss you all the time. I remember when I was in high school and had your carseat in the back of my car and would drive you around while I babysat you. I really can't believe how grown up you are. I love you and Happy birthday!!!

Ella the big Kindergartener

Not sure if I'm aloud to post the proof. But hopefully this isn't illegal. LOL. How cute is she! I cannot even believe that she is already taking kindergarten pictures! I know all I do is blog about all my nieces and nephews but I love to brag about these gorgeous kids! I just LOVE them!

Proud Aunt

I love being an aunt! Today I am especially grateful! I have prayed for this little one for months now. Prayed that he would be healthy, prayed that he would come when it was his time, prayed that he would know as soon as he entered this world how much his family loved him and how much I already loved him as his aunt. I have been waiting anxiously all day to hear about his little entrance. I am so glad he is here and can't wait to love him to pieces just like I do my other 18 nieces and nephews. I am so thankful that I get to be an aunt to these wonderful kids. They mean the world to me! So...until you are named little one....I love you "baby boy!"

I love them

Homesick for....

home.
football games and the smell of dusty pom poms.
everyone talking at once in the kitchen.
holding baby nieces and nephews.
padres games.
jumping off the deck.
grandma reeves Saturday morning scones.
the smell of grandpa jacks red sweater and sound of his "hole in the head"songs.
reading scriptures around the couch.
someone laughing during prayer.
the sound of the wheat grinder in the garage.
the pit.
hiking the rock.
alans red truck.


Growing up I took so many things for granted. Being away from them I sometimes find myself so homesick for them. Life is good and there are a million things I am grateful to have in my life now and I am not saying I don't enjoy living in this moment as well, but when I have a moment to stop and think about everyone and everything back home I simple miss things. Tonight is that moment. I just think it's important to remember memories that helped shape me into who I am today. I am grateful for them. I am grateful for the chance we have to make memories in every year of our lives. I'm sure in the future I will look back and be homesick for the memories I am making now....but today I am enjoying thinking about home.

Happy Birthday Dallin

Dallin!!! Happy Birthday!!! This little man is a ball of energy! I had the opportunity to babysit him for a little less than a month last year and he kept me on my toes. However, I managed to fall in love with this little guy because he really is the sweetest kid! At the time he loved to lick...and he would lick me any chance he got...makes me laugh thinking back on it. He also loved to run, he kept me movin'!! Dallin and I would play cars and sing songs. I miss those nights when I would lay in bed with him singing primary songs trying to get him to fall asleep. He became my little buddy. I miss you Dallin, but I hope you had a very happy birthday! You are a wonderful little boy and my buddy! I can't wait till I get to see you again soon!!!! here's a little song for you because I know you love it!

Special Luke Day!

This little guy is getting baptized tomorrow~ I cannot believe he is already old enough to be baptized! Luke is such a tender sweet heart of a boy! I love this kid! He is S.M.A.R.T! He knows what he is doing and how important this day is for him. I am so proud of you Luke and I know that everyone who came to visit and be there for your baptism loves you and is proud of you too. I wish I could be there. Please know I will be thinking of you all day tomorrow. Remember this day, it is a special one, try to remember the feelings you felt and if you get a chance, write them down. I still remember the day I got baptized. It was a very special day that I will never forget. I hope tomorrow will be that way for you! I love you Luke! Happy Baptism day!!

Thursday April 8th is my brother Johnny's birthday. Here are a few reasons why i love him

-he listens with love

-he is the best person to have at a get together with our family because he gets everyone laughing, for as long as I can remember he has been the comedian in our family!

-he ALWAYS wants to do everything to the best of his ability. This is a great example to me!

-he loves kids! And is a great father, very hands on and always wanting to teach his kids by example.

-he has a green thumb...pretty much the only one in the family!

-he is really good with money....I remember he could save better than anyone else...when he was younger he had this big glass apple juice jar full of pennies

-he LOVES grape soda, candy, and junk food! This is one of my favorite things about Johnny...he is truly a kid at heart and it makes me laugh sometimes at the things he feels are special treats....and he is as skinny as a rail which makes it awesome that he can eat this stuff...BUT he also loves to try new things and loves healthy food too. His wife is an amazing cook...he really lucked out

-not only is his wife a good cook...but so is he! Johnny is someone who can do pretty much anything. He can even braid hair! When I was younger I remember him braiding my hair. That's just how he is...he likes to do EVERYTHING and learn EVERYTHING. i love that about him

-Johnny loves the gospel. He has a true testimony of it and lives it!

-Johnny loves family

-he loves to sit and reminice with his mom and enjoys their moments together...she likes it too

-Johnny is smart! he is good at dedicating himself to learning

-he has a very tender heart

Johnny is someone who I admire not only for his strength, but also for his love of life. One of his favorite sayings is "Carpe diem" seize the day....and that is exactly how he lives his life. I love you Johnny and I could list 1000 reasons why..but I won't embarrass you. I just want you to know that you make my life better because you are in it! Happy birthday Bishop....I hope you get to relax today! Thanks for being my big brother! Love ya- nat

I can make this...right?

I really am falling in love with this headboard....and maybe even the dash of blue color to add to my bedroom look...what do you think? I was blog surfing and came across this awesome blog: http://www.remodelaholic.com/you have to check it out...it's amazing! Anyway, I totally want to do this....

Headboard instructions:

Supplies needed:

2 - 4 old kitchen cabinet doors

Various 1 x __ Mdf boards (size depends on cabinet doors!!)

(we used: 1 x 3's approx 16 linear feet, for the bottom rail and all vertical stiles

1 x 6 approx 12 linear feet, for the top rail and top shelf)

9 linear feet of small base board molding

1 -8 foot 4 x 4 cut in half ( I had Home Depot do this)

3 - 8' long 2 x 2's

(optional: to hang on wall an 6' long 2 x 4

cut in half on a 45 degree angle on a table saw)

Tools:

Miter box and saw

Screw driver, drill bits and screws

Hammer and finish nails

Nail set

Sanding block (or sanding paper wrapped around a piece of wood)

**Measurements are all relative for this project.

They depend on a number of things, like the size of bed you have,

the size of doors you find, how many doors you use etc.

So, I have attached an image with a few of our our measurements called out

so you can get a better understanding of scale, just keep in mind you will have to make it

according to your supplies.

*TIP*

When you buy MDF boards the length wise front edges are chamfered (or rounded off on corners) So, in order for butted edges to look clean, and well planned, after cutting all the vertical stiles to length, sand the top flat edge to match the horizontal edges. That way a straight angular end won't butt up to a curved edge, instead both will be rounded off and look even, and well planned!

To better understand the headboard, and see clearly what is what,

I color coded an image, and called out some things on the next.

To hang this on the wall attach the bottom half of the optional 2 x 4 that has been cut in half at a 45 degree angle to the wall like so. The other will hold the headboard to the wall!

This project can easily be customized. I saw a headboard online while surfing that could be made using these instructions. See, you could easily make the headboard below as well, by only using two large doors, and aligning the top of the posts with the top of shelf and attaching that top shelf all the way across.

(source E-how here and here)

I must tell you that we actually spent much less than $30.00 on this project by using old scraps from other projects. That price is more likely what you will spend buying all the wood etc. But, I thought it would be fun to give you our cost breakdown anyway, because honestly I am such a deal lover that it is fun to share.

Our Final Cost Estimate:

$8.00 - 4 Kitchen cabinet doors

$7.00 - 8' long 4 x 4 (we have scraps and an AWESOME project planned for these!!!)

Used old wainscoting molding(from Asheville Kitchen Remodel)

Used old 2 x 4's cut to 2 x 2 (from Asheville Kitchen Remodel too)

MDF (left over's from our Screen making tutorial)

Screws and nails from our stash

Tools already owned

Paint (left over from Laundry room remodel)

Caulk (laundry room remodel left-overs)

Plaster for patching (left over from our unfinished column project)

Grand Total: $15.00

A MUST SEE

My brother Benny has done videography for years, for as long as I can remember he was filming and editing everything. He is a natural and can capture memories like no one else. I am constantly amazed at the work he does and how much he loves it. I have watched him capture moments of pure bliss on a grooms face as he is watching his new bride, catch the moment of surprise on a toddlers face as they met Santa Claus for the first time, create touching dvds that seem to take a mom down memory lane as she watches her children grow up one home video and picture at a time, and he always finds the best music to coordinate with each of these projects that tug at your heartstrings. I am not just posting this because he is my brother, but because I believe in his talent. He is the best at what he does. Check him out by clicking here: www.bennyek.com

Souvenir Spoon Display

Ok, so here's my dilemma...I collect souvenir spoons. Yes, I am totally dorky like that. But I really don't like the ugly wood display racks. So right now they are all in a pile in my junk drawer. I have been having the hardest time finding a display rack that I like. I have searched and searched and they are all so masculine and boring. I have toyed with the idea of making one myself, but I don't know how to do the little notches that hold the spoons in place. I would love any ideas if you have any.......would it be cute to hang them from ribbons? Maybe a white beadboard backdrop? Use molding to help the frame look a little more feminine? Fabric backdrop? Try making a horizontal display instead of vertical display? What are your thoughts?

See what I mean...ugly

Oscars

ok, so here's my take on this years Oscars.....

George Clooney- man you are a good looking one, but why the too cool attitude tonight?

Miley Cyrus- Cute dress...but don't ever talk you just don't sound smart

James Cameron- your date is anorexic and your ex-wife is so much better looking...loved seeing her sit in front of you all night and oh yea...beat you in both best director and best picture

Sandy aka Sandra Bullock- you are just straight up classy and deserved that win! Your acceptance speech was the best and I'll admit I teared up

Interpretive Dance crew- started out thinking it was weird but ended up thinking you all pretty much rocked! Seriously talented

Horror montage- uh since when was "Twilight" a horror film...oh yeah scary vampires and wolves.

Zac Efron- sorry...he's just hot

Sarah Jessica Parker- uh..too much fake tanning girl. Matthew Broderick looked seriously pasty next to you...not good

Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin- well done.

There's more but I'm tired and going to bed. What were your favorite Oscar moments?

Currently

Saw this on a friend's blog and thought I'd copy it since I truly feel like I have nothing to blog about.
So, here it goes...

currently...


I am thinking...... about how dumb the Bachelor is and how for some reason I waste 6 Mondays, 2 hours each week, watching these people over and over chose the wrong girl. And how I actually took my Microbiology test 2 hours early to watch it. Probably missing a few questions that I could have answered correctly if I had studied a little bit longer. Although, the company of watching it was way worth it. And how I am constanly missing my neices and nephew these days even though some of them only live 5 miles from my house. I am learning how to put my life priorities first, but it usually means missing out on times with those i love most.

I am wearing....my boring pj's and thinking that i need some cuter spring pajamas to slip into even though no one sees them but my roommates, a good pair of pj's always makes life better :)

I am creating....nothing at the moment. Just finished a fun project out of 3D cardboard letters and scrapbook paper and ribbon that says "simplify" and is currently hanging above my dresser....it's pretty cute!

I am reading.....well about to start reading "Dear John" by Nicholas Sparks, but I've been putting it off because my mom says to see the movie before I read the book so I won't be disappointed, since the book is always better than movie.

I am hoping....that I can actually someday see the result of hard work and have someone to share it with. And if not, then just be filthy rich and buy happiness...LOL! just kidding..but for real I hope someday it all pays off!

I am hearing....the sound of the heater...it's loud but is really soothing when I'm falling asleep. Other than that my TV is on mute and my roommates are all asleep....so it's pretty quiet.

Around the house....it's dark and quiet

One of my favorite things....when my nephew Matt runs upstairs, stopping his Wii game, just to give me a hug. He is a wonderful kid! And.......not having a test for another week! :)

My upcoming plans........?

what are you doing currently......

Adios February...hello March

ugh...I never like the month of march...for oh so many reasons! But I decided to add a new post because i felt like my last one was a little negative to look at ...so I welcome March with open arms this year! :) Things are going good here in Utah. Works good, schools good, lifes good. It keeps me busy, but I'd rather be busy than bored. Im still not sure what this summer holds for me. Maybe school...but I would really like to take a few months off after this past year. We'll see. Anyway, although March is a hard month for me generally I thought I would focus this month on a few of my favorite things. I love reading about other peoples favorite things and if anyone is still following my blog (i am awful about updating, I know!), then maybe this will be a fun post for you!


These little goodies that I got as a surprise for Valentines day from my dad! They are about to be thrown out and Im going to miss smelling them each day. I decided that the pink ones smell the best and really remind me of both my grandma's rose gardens!

I have really enjoyed this years olympics! Especially the snowboarding. I like to fall asleep to the tv and so it's been nice having that on in background lately..I'm going to miss it.


Uh...yep!


I liked the old stuff they used to have but this comes in first now...I have searched high and low for a good mascara...tried all kinds of ones people suggested and still have come back to the good old maybelline!


MY ALL TIME FAVORITE ITEM!!!! And scent for that matter. This thing rocks. It is the best car freshener I have found! LOVE IT! $5 at Bath and Body works!

Lately I've been really into crafts...its been a fun hobby to pick up. I don't necessarily craft martha's stuff...but sometimes she has some cute ideas.


I love my house to smell good. I feel it's extremely important! :) No joke! And I am a scentsy fan! I have tried everything and this is the one product that actually works throughout the whole house. I love that I can leave it plugged in and turned on for hours and it's not dangerous. LOVE THAT! And they have so many good smells.....if anyone has one...leave a comment about your favorite scentsy scent.



Well...there you go...that's about all I can think of at the moment. But Happy march to you and I hope it's a good one this year! :)

DONE!

I think something's wrong with my brain! I cannot concentrate today! Basically I'm just DONE! Remember when Monday was supposed to be the day that I was starting over and it was going to be a beginning to a better week....HA! who was I kidding?!

Need your help....

Two good friends of mine are getting married in a few months and have asked me to help them find a few things out for the wedding...I figured the best way was word of mouth! So I need your help....does anyone know any great and reasonably priced photographers, cake people, and caterer and invitation ideas? If so please feel free to leave a comment I would really appreciate it!