Blogs, Names, Breaks

ATTENTION ALL BLOGGER FRIENDS.

I have created a new blog. A "future" blog, you could say.

I'm not really sure when I'll start updating it. And if I'll keep this one.

It's all up in the air.

But the URL for the new one is...

katieandtysonperkes.blogspot.com

Yes, folks. It's a married person blog. OR an almost married person one.

I promise it will still be super cool and hip and not too ordinary. We'll spice it up. Maybe we'll get Tyson into blogging a little too! Ha.

But it'll be goodness, because there is something so joyous about hearing my name as Katie Perkes! Like a little school girl feeling come true. :)

Katie Perkes

Katie Ann Perkes

Katie Ann Clyde Perkes

Katie Clyde Perkes

Katie Perkes

Katie Perkes

Katie Perkes

I love it!

Anyway, just a heads up on the new blog in my life. I'll let you know when it officially is up and running!

Happy finals week to those of you taking finals. I can't wait for Thursday! I'm going to be doing some SERIOUS celebrating. Probably like, Christmas shopping and Laundry. But really, T and I better have some Martinelli's and notebook burning or something. A break from school is always much needed and this time, nothing is different!

Yay for Christmas. Yay for Christmas Break. Not yay for the snow, but we'll deal. Beggars can't be choosers. Right?

Life is good! Actually, SO good. I find myself thinking that every single day. There is something that keeps on reminding me how good I have it, in little sneaky ways. I'm so glad too, because sometimes I temporary forget. So it always feels so good to get those reminders.

I'm so pleased with life! I can't wait for the future, but I'm really content with the present.

There isn't much more to say but that life is good!

Stay tuned for Christmas events and future happenings the exciting life of Katie Ann Clyde (almost Perkes)... :)

Below: my thoughts on finals and school at this moment in time.

BOOOOO!

BUT, I still am loving life. See?

Long Overdue...

Here's the thing. I know this is long overdue (hence the title). But I wanted to share some pictures and tell about our adventures from Thanksgiving weekend.

I had an EXCELLENT Thanksgiving weekend. So good, that I didn't even have time to blog.

Okay, that is probably a lie. I know I time, but I was relaxing and being lazy- therefore, I didn't blog.

BUT today I am with several items. Mostly with one last gratitude post and some pictures from the weekend!

Our weekend had the following things:

- Lots of good food, including a homemade turkey dinner by my momma that was delish.

- The movie The Blind Side (go see it. so good)!

- Chilling/Sleeping in/Naps: it was a vacation, technically, so that's all allowed.

- My old roommate Hannah's wedding reception, so nice!

- BYU vs Utah game. Including sideline passes 3rd quarter. It was awesome! (Right T? He loved it too!... Thanks Dad!)

- The whole fam gathering for a picture and some steak dinner.

Overall, it was a way fun weekend! I loved the break. It was much needed!

So since I missed my gratitude post the last few days of the month, I'll do a summary of a few things I'm sincerely grateful for in my life:

- Family. My own and my future in-laws. They are all wonderful and loving people! I'm excited to spend some more quality time with them over the next big break!

- The Gospel. It is my saving grace and my true happiness. I love it. Click HERE for more.

- Tyson. The best fiance ever! I don't just say that. He's the greatest there is! I'm a lucky gal.

- Photography. I love taking pictures. I love looking at pictures. They capture the good times in life. The happiness we all feel! I love it.

- Blankets, pillows, socks, coats, sweats, heaters, slippers, snuggies, etc. I love to be comfy and during this winter months, WARM. I'm grateful I get to be warm whenever I want to be!

- Music. It makes me really happy! Whether it's an 80's classic, a christmas tune or a hymn.... I love it all! They are all the best.

-Sunshine. I love when the sun shines. I love summer. I love being warm. I love everything about the sun! It is greatness.

-FOOD. It's just so good. I love it. I really do. It's a problem, I'm a food-aholic. Too delish!

Okay, I know there is a lot more that I am grateful for, but that's all I'll share. Those are the main ones anyway! :)

It was a great break from school. Luckily, only one more week! Just gotta ace those finals and then I'm on to enjoy a long, luxurious Christmas vacation! It won't be warm, but will be solid.

Life is good. The end.

Some Photos....

Post BYU Domination.

Yep. Sidelines passes- third quarter.

Tough Guys.

Sisters on the sideline.

Tyson's first trip to the Brick Oven.

PiePiePie.

Favorite jello.

Turkey Time!

Hannah's wedding and the old roomies!

The real end!

Lucky Ducky Me.

I have the best fiance ever.

Not just saying that. And I know everyone thinks that. But I really do have THE best one.

You know the kind who will drive out to see you when you are sick, bring you a heating pad and who will practically hold your hair when you are hunched over the toilet throwing up? He's right there behind you flushing it down and making you drink water to hydrate.

Seriously. The best one ever.

Thanks T, for being my personal nurse last night.

Merry

Thank you ShopKo, for these stylish 'staches making us look just like mario and luigi.

It has been way to long since I blogged.

This weekend was really good.

I'll tell you all about it. Ready? Okay, good.

Friday.

-Went to lunch with my love.

-Spent the afternoon baking: cookies and muddy buddies.

-Packed up and met at the church to head up to Bear Lake for a fun overnight activity with my ward. {Tyson and I are on the activities committee together, so we made sure it'd be extra super duper fun}.

-First of all, this cabin was AMAZING. I was so impressed and I want one when T and I are richie riches one day. {Far away, obviously. But still, I can dream about it!}

-Ate giant pizza. Played lots of games. Laughed. Slept less than 5 hours (not cool part. i think the universal rule should be that you can't wake up before 8 a.m. on a saturday. just saying).

Saturday.

-Spent longer than expected trying to leave, getting stuck in the snow, pushing the car, and finally finding a better route out. I still spent time with my head in my hands chanting in my head over and over again "please let us make it up this hill. please let us make it up this hill."

**Which reminds me, word to the wise people of bear lake: plow your road when there is snow! Unless you want to be sued for stress.

-Saw New Moon {Dear Jacob, you are in REALLY good shape. I approve of the person who decided it was a good idea to make you not wear your shirt most of the movie}.

-Went to Panda for dinner with T.

-Went to an exciting USU Hockey Game with a sick ending, basically it was like a movie.

-Attempted to watch The Dark Knight, by this time the less than 5 hours of sleep had REALLY caught up to me. Thanks T, for letting me always use you as a pillow and sleep during nearly every movie we watch. :)

-Sunday was fabulous. Just the usual. Church-nap time-excellent dinner made by my future mother-in-law (I look forward to it every week!)-and games slash chatting slash planning at the Perkes house.

Successful weekend.

Gratitude post for the day {because I must not forget! thanksgiving is in T-minus 3 days!}

I am grateuful for Christmas Music.

I know this is a shallow and silly thing to be grateful for, but I think it's valid.

If mood rings really worked and if I owned one, then when you turned on Christmas music my mood would go from whatever it was to extremely happy. It makes me giddy.

It reminds me of being a kid and sneaking into the living room to see what Santa brought at 5 in the am and then falling back asleep on the floor until everyone else woke up. It reminds me of Christmas Eve's spent at Grandma Clyde's house. It reminds me of always having to make, eat and clean-up breakfast before we could open our presents and how killer that was! It reminds me of spending time with family with our house fully decorated in green, red and gold and Christmas music flooding through the stereo as Christmas approached.

I love it.

I love Christmas.

Holidays bring out that child in me!

I'm excited to spend them with Tyson and one day {very far away}, with our children!

It will be blissful!

Life is good! I love the Holiday Season. Thanksgiving and Christmas.

They mean food, family and no school. Honestly? Nothing is better.

Have a great day everyone. Hugs, Love and Christmas music. :)

Gelato and the Gospel

This is what I've been missing lately....

Gelato. From ITALIA.

The one and only best place to get the real deal gelato.

I am grateful I got to experience gelato from it's roots. Not only gelato and not only being able to experience Italy, but also, Greece, Switzerland and France. This summer was amazing. It was hecka hard somedays {believe it or not}, but it was sooo worth it.

This weekend I did some reflecting on my European adventures a couple of different times.

It was an incredible experience for me. I know I've blogged about it a time or two, but it really was SO amazing.

This Sunday we were talking about Modern Day Revelation in Sunday School. We got on the topic of the church being the same every where in the world. I wanted to share, but I never did.

This is what I wanted to share:

I know for myself how true that is. The gospel of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is the same all around the world. I never really knew how much that meant to me until I was in a foreign country with people I didn't know too well, away from loved ones and home. Although I became more familiar with the places I spent my time and the people I was with, Sundays were always the best days in Europe. They were a safe haven for me. They brought peace and familiarity into my life! They made me realize that although the people sitting in those Sacrament meetings spoke other languages and lived in an entirely different culture, they were children of God. They were members of the church, just like me. It was so comforting. They were so loving too! And took great care of us.

I felt just what I needed to feel while I was gone on Sundays. At church. The gospel is the same, no matter what you are. And it's perfection. I love it. With all my heart. My testimony grew immensely while I was gone! I encourage anyone to experience the world outside their comfort zone, in any way. It will truly help you see what you have and realize how much gratitude feels your heart! I know that's what this experience did for me.

So, today, I am grateful for peace, and being able to find it around the globe worldwide through the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It is TRUTH. I know that. It brings many blessings. You just gotta live it. And when you do, you will love it.

PHOTOS from the AMIGA weekend!

Girls gone Wild [Animals]

Mary-Kate and Ashley, our favorite twins!

Handsome Headbands

Us with our crafts- we were really happy.

Kraft Korner

Future House Decor. :)

What a lovely weekend. I had a b-last.

Stockings and NOT the Christmas kind

I have another obsession. Yes, another one.

This one is kind of more minor. I don't think I need any help either, because, I like this obsession.

It's a little something we all own. Some of us own multiple pairs of these. We wear them daily {unless it is summma time}. They keep us warm. They bring comfort to our lives. So why not let them LOOK fun?

You guessed. My obsession is SOCKS.

I love them. I feel the need to buy a pair (or two, when they are buy one get one half off) every time I go to my favorite store, Smith's Marketplace. Sometimes, I do buy them. Which is great, because they make me happy and warm and I love building up my collection!

So it may seem silly, but today, I am ever so grateful for socks. Mostly for the primary reason that they keep you warm, especially when you live in the coldest place on planet earth aka in Utah, Cache Valley.

You gotta have some socks when you live here. Not just some plain white gold toe ankle socks, but some COLORFUL christmas/halloween/checkered/tye dyed socks.

It is a must.

So, I have a few pairs. Here are some photos to share with you some of my collection, my plethora, my surplus of comfy, cozy, colorful, crazy cool SOCKS.

I heart you sockies. You+Me+Winter=Forever. :)

My Kindred Spirits, My Confidantes, My Homegirls

This weekend, two of my besties came up to visit me. Talia and JBod.

It was a really fun weekend!

We did a LOT of laughing and reminiscing, as usual, and I loved every minute of it.

Some of the things we did this weekend:

- Food. And LOTS of if. (Namely, The Beehive Grill, Charlie's, Homemade breakfast, Juniper Take-out, Pita Pit and junk food. All within less than 48 hours).

- Some Wedding website searching. Blog stalking. And such. Because I'm getting married and all, so of course we had to do that kind of stuff! It was really fun. I can't wait to do some more planning and scheming with the gals.

- Movies (The Wedding Singer, Love Happens, Our Lips Are Sealed, Holiday in the Sun {possibly Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen movies. We were just reliving our great childhood!} and Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants- dos.) Winter and Snow usually = movies.

-Laughing. So. Much. ("So, warlocks?" "No way!" etc.)

-CRAFTS. This was the highlight. We spent over an hour in the craft store on Saturday. (Sorry, Tyson- again). Craft stores are a little bit like Heaven. There were so many options, that was the problem. We finally got our craft ideas and supplies and headed out. We ended up making some really cute stuff. Mod Podging and Headband making. I was really pleased. So were Tals and Bod.

Overall, it was just a fun and relaxed weekend. We just spent time together, something we hadn't done in far too long. I miss those girlies. I love them too! And all my other besties.

So, surprise, surprise, today my gratitude post is on Friends.

I have some of the best ones.

We've been through thick and thin together.

We've experienced childhood, puberty, Junior High, High School, College and everything in between together.

We have endless memories together.

We always have a good time and we always laugh until our stomaches hurt.

Not only do we have a good time, but my friends are inspiring and amazing people. They are righteous. They are so ambitious. They are independent. They are beautiful. They are just plain awesome. They are GREAT friends. And I mean that, sincerely. I wish we could play more often. But I think this way, our limited time together makes it a little more special.

Friends are great. Mine are the greatEST. I love them. I'm lucky, once again. Thanks girls for an EXCELLENT weekend! Success.

{pictures to come} ASAP.

The Little (and not-so-little) Ones!

I know today I should be grateful for all the moisture.

But truth be told, I'm not. I'm actually a little bit reverse grateful (ungrateful, I guess would be the proper term) for this weather. Snow is yuck. I like it for a limited number of things:

- Christmas time. You have to have snow falling on Christmas Eve and a large blanket of white snow outside on Christmas day. You just have to. It completes Christmas. (Which I love so so much).

- Sledding. I do love to sled, so the snow is acceptable for this activity. Mostly because you have to have snow to sled. If there was any other way, I'd probably consider it.

-Snowboarding. I'm a beginner when it comes to this, but last winter I started to really learn how to snowboard by taking a class. I didn't know I would fall so in love with it, but I did. It put me on this adrenaline rush like nothing ever has! It was incredible. I am excited to see how much I suck this season since I'm definitely out of practice. :)

- Honestly, that's all I can think of. So without further ado, I'll right this note and end this topic.

Dear Snow,

I do not like you. You might be pretty sometimes and required for some things, but you are cold and get dirty and stay for far too long.

Sincerely,

Katie

Okay. Now I better show some gratitude and love for the beautiful things in this world.

Today's gratitude post will be on...

Nieces and Nephews.

This might seem kind of broad, but I am SO grateful for those little rascals.

I love my nieces and nephews quite a lot. They are not only ADORABLE, but also quite hilarious. I can't believe how old they are getting. I love that I've been able to see them from birth to where they are at in their lives right now. They really are the cutest kids around and I love them so much. I'm kind of obsessed. Just slap that on my obsessions list.

As well as my original nieces and nephews, I'm inheriting 9 new ones. I can't wait.

I thought the cutest kids on the earth were already discovered, but then I realized I was missing out on 9 of the OTHER cutest kids on earth. I'm so blessed to be getting such great in-laws with such cute kids! I love them too.

My nieces and nephews really like Tyson. They've already dubbed him in as the other favorite uncle, along with Brandon (since there are SO many other uncles on that side. :) Just kidding. These guys are great and they'd be the favs no matter what).

Anyway. I don't have pictures of ALL the nieces and nephews, but I will post what I do have.

(Sorry Casselman's and Baby Easton!)

I love these kids. They are great. They are funny! And they bring such liveliness and joy to my life. I think they help me maintain my kid-like attributes. They're so fun! And so full of love.

I love them! My (almost) 16 (2 on the way) nieces and nephews rock.

They're the best ever.

And here they are....

Ryan

Emma Lou

Joshy

Clairey

Baby Lauren

Isabel

Brooklyn

Baby Hunter

Parker and Alana (and Tyson, one of the kids too:)!)

Missing: Connor, Chase, Abby, Easton, Baby Spence and Baby Henrie!

I'll get on that, as best I can. :)

T.

Warning. This post may be cheesy. It's all true sincerity though. It's goodness.

This one time, this summer, I studied abroad. I was in Rome for four weeks, Athens for one week and Switzerland/Venice/Paris for a week. It was an incredible experience. I learned more in the those six weeks than I ever thought I would! More than I ever had in six other weeks in my life.

I could really go on and on about the things I learned. The places I went. The food I ate. Etc. Etc.

But for my gratitude post today, I will say this:

I am grateful to not be in a long distance relationship.

I am grateful I get to see that boy every day! We haven't missed a day since I saw him at the airport on August 18th, welcoming me home from my trip.

I am grateful that we don't have to rely so much on the World Wide Web, just on Face-to-Face communication. It's the best kind, just so you know.

And I am grateful for these lyrics by an amazing artist {who I wish I could have play at my wedding} Kalai.

"In these crazy days, far away as you are, you will be my only one. So when everyone doubts and I am living without, you give me everything I need. And the one I lack, you can give me right back. When you tell me you're happy and you tell I'm kind. You tell me your faithful, and I trust that you're mine. After the laughter but before the storm, I can breathe easier, I can stay warm loving you. Loving you. Loving you. Baby, I'm loving you now."

GREAT lyrics. SO cute too. Obviously.

I have a distinct memory to do with this song. I was on a ferry ride in Greece. We had just gone from Athens to visit a little island close by. I sat on the top as the wind was blowing through my hair and the song was playing on my ipod. Of course I thought of T the whole time. I remember missing him a lot. I remember thinking of my love for him. And I remember being really excited to see him once again. I also remember just feeling so blessed, because having that experience in Europe taught me SO much. Like I said before.

It also really strengthened my relationship with T. Which is now short-distance, thankfully. We've come a long ways together! I know that will benefit us a lot in our marriage. We have a tight bond. We're best friends. Seriously.

He's the one I want to turn to when I am sad.

He's the one I want to tell when I trip up the stairs on campus numerous times in one day.

He's the one I want to make plans with.

The one I want to have adventures with.

The one I want to grow old with.

He's such a cool cat. Really. I'm lucky! What an excellent future husband I'll be inheriting.

I'm excited.

I'm happy.

I'm blessed.

I'm grateful. For T.

I knew I'd write a gratitude post on him sooner or later, but I didn't know it'd be quite like this. So here it is. Take it or leave it.

I'll take it. And one fantastic fiance, please. :)

three hundred and sixty-five.

In October, I took this photography class from a lady here in Cache Valley. It was AWESOME.

So inspiring. So helpful. It was just overall, SO great.

Anyway, I was reading her blog one day and I stumbled upon this awesome post. It completely inspired me. You see, I'll let you in on a little secret of mine {if you don't already know}.

I want to be a photographer. As of right now, I'd love to be a lifestyle photographer {like Brooke Snow, an amazing inspiration to me.}

I keep getting side tracked. Back to the point of this post. 365 days. In the post I referred to earlier, she discusses a journey which many embark on to take a picture every single day of the year.

I am setting the goal for 2010 to do Project 365. I am going to start now, trying to take a picture ALMOST every day. I want to get a feel for what it's like and how much time it takes and get some ideas flowing.

2010, here I come. Pictures every day! Love it.

I'm excited. I want to really improve my photography. I know this will help. I am determined achieve that goal! To be a lifestyle photographer. To have my own business one day. I don't care if I'm successful or not, as long as I please myself. One thing I'm excited for is the day when I can take pictures of my own children! Ah. It will be fabulous.

I heart photography. I'm not the best. I don't have the best camera ever. BUT I sincerely love it! I have a passion for it. I want to improve. I want to continue to do this. I want to reach my goal!

I know it's possible. Anything is!

So today, I am grateful for the ability to capture beautiful things through a light capturing device. I am grateful for photography and photographs and the beauty they hold.

Here's a picture for today. Might not be the best ever, but I like it.

Lay-Z Girl

So I have a problem. I'm willing to admit it, because I know I need help. Especially before I get married to Tyson, who has maybe a similar issue.

Alright. SOMETIMES this

happens to my room. I don't know how. Actually, scratch that.

I always know how.

It starts simple. Like maybe one or two items of clothing. Then I decide by making a small pile, I'll be able to clean it up later. Well, it always seems to turn into a heap of clothing and shoes and hangers and movies and anything else that seems to seep it's way in.

Basically, a tornado hits my room. This could be a problem when T and I get married, because we might have clothing clusters and tornados hitting our room left and right.

Especially considering we both have a problem with clothes placed on the floor rather than in the closet or drawer.

Oh well. I'll put it on the list of things to fix/do along with getting my ipod fixed and studying for my Natural Disasters test. Put in small font, because I don't wannnna do it.

Time for some gratitude! :)

I am grateful for Lazy Sundays.

Sometimes the weeks are just too much. Too much homework. Too much errand running. Too much worrying. Too much stressing.

Sundays are blissful. I always thoroughly enjoy church. It hits the spot. :)

I always enjoy a nice Sunday meal, wherever I am. Very delish.

Naps are a must. It feels nice to just forget all the week worries and just be lazy.

This may seem like a small/little/dumb thing to be grateful for, but seriously. I just love Sundays. They are not only filled with rest, but always peace and great reflection.

They are good days.

I am grateful for Sundays. Lazy ones, too. :)

Lastly.

This picture makes me sooo happy.

We have a {superb} future father on our hands here. And possible Napoleon impersonator as well. :)

November=Gratitude

Do you ever have those days when your mind just races and races? About dumb things.

Things that don't really matter.

Things that are out of your control.

Things that really are just distractions from your happiness.

I know I do.

So tonight, after a day where my mind has been racing, I am filled with gratitude.

I am surrounded by beautiful things. Beautiful people. And beautiful blessings.

I really can't help but be grateful. Especially with Thanksgiving coming up this month.

I don't want to just be grateful for one day. I want to be grateful for the WHOLE month.

So my goal is to post something almost every day {because I'm oh so interesting and have so much to say} and I want to include something I am grateful for.

There are a ridiculous amount of things I am grateful for. But today, it will be something basic and broad, but very important.

I am grateful for life. I am grateful I have the opportunity to live the way I do. To breath fresh air each day. To live healthily. And to live happily. I am extremely blessed!

I am also wonderfully happy. If that's even a phrase. I just made it one, if not.

There is so much goodness out there. Grab it, hold onto it- especially during those times you feel it slipping out. Grip it with all your might. Because nothing can stop you from being your happy self. You, being completely happy and being completely yourself.

What could be better? Nada.

I have this quote that I like to remind myself of frequently. It always applies and it always makes me hopeful, no matter how I am feeling.

I suppose I'll share it.

"Life is hard, but life is simple. Get on the path and never, ever give up. You never give up. You just keep on going. You don’t quit, and you will make it.

There is only one way to happiness and fulfillment. Jesus Christ is the Way. Every other way, any other way, whatever other way is foolishness."- Elder Corbridge

Life. It's beautiful. I have a great one. It's so good. I am grateful.

Happy November {month of gratitude}. Actually, I guess every month should be one filled with gratitude. BUT you know what I mean. :)

This is happiness.

I love life!

:)

NOT Fred Meyer

I have an obsession. I think it's safe to say that's what I've been diagnosed with. It's more than just a like or a love, it's definitely an obsession. With my favorite store ever, Smith's Marketplace.

I think I realized this the most tonight when I was just stopping there to pick up some face wash for Tyson. Of course I couldn't just get face wash. I also couldn't leave the store without making my rounds, checking out the sales and paying my favorite aisle's a visit. It's a routine. It has to be done. Every time. And it always leaves me pleased!

You see, I started shopping at Smith's MP (also known as SMP for shortest terms) last year. It was just down the street from my house and it was convenient. I liked it alright. I had transitioned from Lee's to Smith's to SMP. At first I was just fine and happy with it. Getting to know the store, where everything was located, how to organize my grocery list, etc. etc. I think this "getting to know you" game lasted all of last school year. Sometimes you have to create a real bond with something in order to really love it!

Well, needless to say, I missed my SMP this summer while I was studying abroad in Italy where finding a store like SMP was impossible. The grocery store was sufficient enough for the four weeks I was in Italy, but it was nothing like my beloved SMP.

This year I came back up to school and was so pleased to still be living so close to SMP and able to shop there. Tyson has tried to convince to shop elsewhere--aka Wal-Mart (gross), but I just can't do it. I went to Wal-Mart in an attempt to switch and I was so lost. I couldn't get my list organized. I couldn't feel the warmth and homey feeling that SMP always gives me. So I think I'll stay at SMP.

Now, before I conclude this little post, I will tell you why I heart SMP so much. (Actually, it's a big post. They always are. I'm just too wordy).

I love the sale bins. This might be my favorite part. Walking in the door to all those items on sale! They are always great too! Although I sometimes feel like I need to buy at least one of every item on sale, then I remind myself I already have that same oatmeal or I would never eat 4 for 10 Blast' O Butter popcorn. Still, seeing those bins makes me happy. I also love that it's not just Smith's, so if you need a good pair of socks or some housewares items or shoes, you can have it all. SMP offers everything, just like Wal-Mart, but definitely more personable and better. I love the way I know the store and the route I always take. I love the people that work there. I love the no lines. I love the lighting in the store. I just love it all.

See? This is why I'm obsessed. SMP is the place. Check it out if you haven't been there yet. It will not disappoint!

Blingin' Ring and Happy Faces

Two posts in one day. Maybe a little bit much, but that's okay. The 3 blog followers probably won't mind. :) Plus this post might be the best one yet! So feel lucky and be glad you chose to read it.

Love. It's really a WONDERFUL thing. Everyone should be able to feel love. To be loved and to love in return. I won't go on and on about cheesy love advice, but that's just the truth.

Well, to go along with love, I have a little story.

Warning. This post is a little lengthy, but also full of goodness and joy.

October 30th, 2009. {truly a day to remember}.

It was just after 1:00 p.m. as I was sitting in my Family Finance class. I was already somewhat anxious to go, because it was a Friday and I was ready for Halloween weekend to begin! I was doodling on my notes when I got a text message from Tyson. Our plans that afternoon had been to drop my car off to get the oil changed and head over to the D.I. to get some last minute items for our Halloween costumes.

The text read: "Change of Plans! Go straight home after class. Don't leave early! There will be something waiting for you on your pillow."

Of course, I read the message and flung my phone at my friend Teri to read. In my head, I thought, he's proposing! The day is here! I cannot wait. These 20 minutes BETTER fly by!

As I sat in class for the next 20 minutes my mind was racing with possibilities of what he could be doing. I also kept secretly yelling at my teacher in my head to "STOP WITH THE CHARTS AND GRAPHS. IT IS FRIDAY. NO ONE IS LISTENING. JUST STOP LECTURING NOW, SO WE CAN ALL GO HOME." I was super anxious.

After class I bolted out of my classroom and ran to my car. I jumped in and raced on home to the surprise awaiting me on my pillow.

It was note. It talked about going on a scavenger hunt that will take me on a "blast from the past". The first clue was to the place where we first met, our friend Kenzie's old house just a couple blocks away. At that destination, I received my next clue and a bottle of root-beer (inside joke). The next clue told me to go to the place where we spent quite a few nights when we were first dating, the parking terrace on campus. There I found another clue and a bag of Laffy Taffy's, something we also enjoyed as well as conversation in my car those nights at the beginning of everything! That clue took me to the place where we first kissed, my old house. There waiting for me was a bag of Hershey's kisses and the next clue! {Good thing I love candy. :)} This clue took me to the place we first said I love you, at the mouth of Green Canyon in North Logan. There waiting was a bag of bubble gum, where we also attempted a bubble gum blowing contest that same night, and my final clue. This clue was the best one in my mind. It told me to go to my final destination, the Logan temple.

My mind was racing as I was driving to the temple(and my foot probably was a little as well). I got a little emotional as the Shania Twain song, "You're Still the One" played in the background. Even thinking of those thoughts makes me a little teary! I couldn't help but think that this is it. I was about to be proposed to! By someone I never imagined I would be marrying. Someone I didn't even know 8 months ago. Although in the past 8 months, as we've gotten to know each other, we've had the opportunity to fall in love. Since he came into my life, he has changed it completely. He has taught me so many great lessons! Especially the lesson of true love. I thought about how lucky I was to be marrying such a wonderful, spiritually strong, ambitious, kind, loving and great person! I thought about how my heart would never be broken again. I was also grateful it had been broken when it did, so I could find the one who would handle it with care. I was overwhelmed with love and gratitude for Tyson. I had reached an ultimate high in life! It was such a wonderful and peaceful feeling.

As I approached the temple, I saw him waiting on a bench just across the street. I approached him and gave him a big hug. My emotion had become pure excitement and happiness. We sat on the bench for a minute and Tyson suggested "should we just go now?" I laughed at his statement and my attention was caught by a towel on the ground just a few feet away. Tyson then explained there was something very important under this towel and to lift it up and keep my eyes closed until the towel was to my waste. I then proceeded to lift the towel up with my eyes closed and felt around where the towel was for whatever was under it. Nothing. He then told me I could open my eyes. I saw that nothing was there, but I did turn around and see him on one knee. He then asked if I would marry him. I said yes and we hugged and celebrated the first few moments of our engagement! Then I made Tyson and my ring have a photo shoot at that very special location. It was great fun. Luckily Tyson likes photo shoots, because we'll have many I'm sure.

It was a very memorable day! I am very excited to marry Tyson on March 12, 2010 in the Timpanogos temple! Best friends uniting in marriage. What could be better? Married life, here we come!

The Location

Here she is!

We designed the ring and I LOVE it.

The happy couple!

When I Grow Up...

Princess. Dancer. Diva. Singer. Teenager. College student. Mom.

I'm pretty sure I wanted to be all of these things (and maybe more) when I was little.

I'd say that a couple are still true.

I still want to be a mom.

I AM a college student.

And being a diva might be the best job yet. Too bad the major isn't offered at Utah State.

But really. I still aspire to be some things. Of course this HAS to complicate my life and my major choice and make me think about it over and over again.

THIS is what I want to be:

A Wife. I already know this one will come true. March 12, 2010. My big day with my best friend, Tyson Scott. We're pretty excited. (Stay tuned for the engagement story and pictures).

I am just excited to cook meals for Tyson. I am excited to do our laundry together. I am excited to go to bed at 10:30 if I please. I am excited to start preparing for a family together and to just LIVE our lives together. It'll be amazing!

A Momma. Oh. Man. I am SO excited to be a mom. Not SO excited that I will be one anytime soon. I still need a few years.... but when the times does come, I will be excited and hopefully ready! I can't even fathom how beautiful it will be to be a mother. I hope I am a good one too! I love kids. I'm kind of a kid sometimes myself. This is good, because we can just play together and have so much fun all the time. Of course there will be long nights of crying children, scraped knees and not so fun times. BUT you've got to have the bad with the good. So you can fully appreciate the good and how rich and beautiful it is. That's just how life is! I could go on and on about being a mom and my excitement, but I will move on.

A Photographer. This is my absolute dream job. This might be the one that is holding me back from being so sure of my current major. It constantly is on my mind. I see things or places and I automatically think "That would be such a good place to photograph a senior for senior pictures!" Or "I have GOT to come back to this spot and take a picture of those sunflowers, they're just gorgeous." Beautiful things need to be captured! More importantly, REAL, beautiful things. That's why I want to be a Lifestyle Photographer so much. I took a class this last month that taught me more about how to use my camera and it has completely inspired me. This one is going to take some serious work and money, but I WILL get there. Just because I've never been so motivated when it comes to a career.

I just want to be kind to everyone. No matter who they are. No matter how they've influenced my life. I just want to be friends with everyone. The past is the past. I want to be known and remembered as a good, kind person. This one might be on my mind even more than photography. I'm pretty self-conscious when it comes to what people think of me. Mostly because, well, I don't know what they think of me! But I want them to think good of me. As far as I can control, that is. I'm working on this.

Altogether. These are my dreams. I don't care about dancing or singing. I don't care about materialism. I care about the people I love. I care about making a difference. I care about living life to it's fullest and capturing all the beauty I can, anyway that I can. Life is good. Life is wonderful. I am blessed! Always. I can't wait for the future. I hope some of these dreams come true and I can be all I hope to be!

{Of course this doesn't mean those of you who still aspire to be a diva shouldn't want that. Go for the gold! Fulfill those dreams. Anything is possible!}

I don't like the taste of my foot in my mouth...

You know that feeling when something bothers you? Not just a bothersome thing, but something that overtakes your body with emotion. You get so worked up and no matter what the circumstances or consequences are, THAT matter which you are so worked up over is the most important thing. Nothing else matters. Nothing you say will ever be regretted. You feel so much rage and passion for that one thing that you know you can say whatever you feel and be fine with it, one hour later, one day later, or one week later.

The only problem is. Whatever you do or say always matters. You are always racked with guilt and regret and this big matter you got so worked up about really doesn't matter too much. You just made a big deal out of nothing and an even bigger idiot of yourself.

Well. I know the feeling. Oh too well.

You see, I haven't taken the full blown color code test- but I have taken mini tests that correspond. My results tell me that I am a blue person. This means a lot of things, but one thing that is somewhat parallel to this post is blue personalities are very much emotion driven.

Oh this is SO me. I completely let my emotions overcome me. It can be terrible. Namely, in situations like the one listed above. I can't even control how I feel and I just know that I am right, no matter if I hurt someone or not.

Here's the thing. Hurting someone, never right. Someone you love, even more wrong.

So I'm setting a goal. To THINK before I FEEL. Not always, but mostly. So I avoid awkward and awful situations and I don't have to get myself out of any holes. Well, or just less holes.

The biggest problem is, I also have this slightly stubborn side. You could at times call me Stubborn Sally. So once I do commit these awful transgressions, I struggle with facing the consequences laid before me. That should probably be another goal, to be less stubborn.

Change is not easy. But sometimes necessary. The world sure as heck doesn't revolve around me. I am still alive. Still just fine. I just need some patience. Less stubbornness. And maybe more tact. Just for some prevention against nights like these.

It's probably better to not cry over things that don't matter in the first place and definitely not TWICE just because you made yourself cry for being dumb. I do this to myself. Oops.

So dear person who I accidentally became enraged at, I publicly (as public as this blog is) apologize to you. I know you know this blue attribute I have, so please forgive me for acting that way.

Try to remember I'm very much so, well, a human being.

Not an excuse, but still. I am working on it. And I'm very excited. REGARDLESS of anything else.

:) You know what I mean.