Milestones

Milestones.  Everyone has them.  This was a big one for me.  Two Associate degrees down, one Bachelor and Credential program to go.   I am so grateful to be finished with Butte, and I am loving my time at Chico State. 

Happy Birthday Haley!

I can't believe that you are 14! I hope that you have the most amazing birthday. I love you!

Ahh Alana!

This is what I found on my phone when I turned it on the other day. I love this kid, she makes me laugh!

It's Official!

So I'm assuming this means I'm official! Now let's hope that I can get the next one from Chico State!

December 7, 1941

This is my handsome Grandpa. Albert John Ewald. He was stationed at Pearl Harbor on this day, 70 years ago. He saw things that I can never imagine seeing. He saw his best friends die. He lived through this tragedy, and while it was a part of who he was for the rest of his life, it never defined who he was. He was resilient. I've learned a lot from my Grandpa. This is just one of those lessons.
“Yesterday, December 7, 1941—a date which will live in infamy—the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan… No matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated invasion, the American people will through their righteous might win through to absolute victory… With confidence in our armed forces-with the unbounded determination of our people-we will gain the inevitable triumph-so help us God. I, therefore, ask that the Congress declare that since the dastardly and unprovoked attack by Japan on Sunday, December seventh, a state of war has existed between the United States and the Japanese Empire.”
-President Franklin D. Roosevelt on Dec. 8, 1941
Tragedy is a part of all our lives. It is what we do with that tragedy that defines us. My Grandfather is an example of this. I want to be an example of this. I love you Grandpa!

Happy Veteran

I am so grateful to the Veterans that have served our country as well as those amazing men and women who currently serve our country. They sacrifice so much for us, and so do their families! It was my pleasure to honor them by going to this parade yesterday!

So not Sleepless in Seattle!

Val and I drove up to Seattle last weekend for a much needed trip! We were so excited to see Ali and Dan! I can't believe how amazingly beautiful Seattle is, and all of the amazing things that are there. It was such a short trip, but so worth the drive, and Ali got to come back with us for a few days!


Ali and Val standing in front of their grandparent's house in Oregon on the way home.
Cheering at the Seattle Sounder's game!
If you know me, you know that I don't love soccer,and I usually only go to support those that I love who play the game, but I had the best time at this game. It was super exciting! The goalie, Kasey Keller, is seriously amazing! 4 saves in a row. And they won. I just may turn out to be a soccer fan, you never know.
Val and I snuggling up because it was FREAKIN' freezing there!
Before all of the festivities began!
Pike's Market was so much fun, and we didn't even see a third of it! I love Dan's face in this picture! So great!
I couldn't believe the flowers there! These amazing bouquets with orchids, and gerber daisies, and all kinds of beautiful flowers for only 5 bucks! I wish I could have gotten them home without squishing them!
Downtown Seattle before the game. We went to the most amazing Crepe place, but dumb me, I didn't take any pictures there. They were so yummy, and the people that owned it/worked there were so cute!
The Sounders warming up.
Outside view of Pike's Market!
Val was so excited to be in Seattle and be going to the game!
Dan took us to Amazon, and this is what we found there! Ping pong, light saber fights and a ton of free books! Amazon is awesome, and it almost makes me want to work there.
I really hope that you can see the fish flying in the back ground. I really wanted to see them toss some fish, and we almost missed it!
More light saber fights!
The view from the 11th floor in the Amazon building! Dan said that you can go out there and work. So beautiful. I even saw a plane land on the water. It was super cool!
Two of my favorite people on the planet! I love them so much. Amazing women with whom I can share just about anything. I'm so glad that we had the opportunity to spend the weekend together and explore!

When it rains, it HAILS?

We experienced our first big storm over the last couple of days. Yesterday the sun came out, and I thought that it was over. Yesterday afternoon black clouds rolled in, and brought this lovely icy white stuff. As I was driving in it last night, I could barely see because it was coming down so hard, and the hail was so big! I should have pulled over, but because I'm a dingbat, and had to get to mutual because I was in charge I had to get there.

A Great Weekend!

It was a great weekend! Courtney came to stay with me all weekend, and went to church with me on Sunday! Here are a few highlights! I loved that Courtney came, and the opportunity it gave me to spend some one on one time with her. She is such an amazing girl, with such a sweet and gentle spirit. What a blessing she is in my life!




Morning Thunder! How I love this place, and the girls loved it too! Haley came to stay Friday Night too, so we had to go to breakfast the next morning!

Courtney went to the General Relief Society Broadcast with me on Saturday night! It was so amazing! I loved all of the talks, especially President Uchtdorf's. I could feel the power and the authority that he has as he spoke. The Spirit testified to me of the truthfulness of the things that he said. I am so grateful for living Prophets and for the sure knowledge of the truthfulness of the Gospel, and that I know and feel the Savior's love.
Like I said, it was a GREAT weekend!

Caitlyn had a birthday this weekend!  I made this fun cake and cookies for her birthday!

Happy Birthday to my sweet nephew Travis!  He turned 8 today and
asked if his Aunt would make his birthday cake.  I was happy to do it!

She's Still Crafty!

I love Sunday afternoons! I love that I have the opportunity to relax and to do things around my house.

I have been wanting to make this Welcome sign forever, and I finally finished it today.




















I saw this cute little sign, and thought, "hey, I can make that!" Super cute!






















We made lanterns for the Young Women for their girls camp. I thought they were super cute, but I wanted to put my own little spin on it. It's not completely the way that I want it to be, but it's on its way. I have a few things that I still need to add to it.

The Nail Files!

If you know me, you know that I love to paint nails! My specialty are toes! I love to paint a flower on the big toe. If you know me, you also know that I love to blog surf. I came across a blog yesterday that was pretty cool. Look here to check it out! I came across the idea of water marbling, and thought that I would try it out. Much to my surprise, they turned out the first time. I'm super impressed with myself, even if nobody else is!

Winner, Winner, Chicken Dinner!

I made the best chicken for dinner last night! Usually when I cook chicken I always, and I mean always cook it too long, and it's super dry, and not any good. Not this time buddy! I got a new recipe and I actually grated lemons, chopped Italian parsley, and chopped garlic for it. It was DELISH! I was pretty impressed with myself, and I promise, all of you would be too!

Free, Glorious Free!!!!!!

I L.O.V.E. coupons! It's always amazing when you can save money, but when you get it all for free...IT ROCKS! What's better than that you ask? I was able to replenish our pens in our Young Women's closet and it didn't come out of our budget! Target coupons are the best! I told y'all that I was hot on the Krazy Coupon Ladies heels!

Happy Birthday America!

We set off fireworks at Val's house again this year thanks to Trevor! I was so glad because I got sick and missed out on fireworks on the 4th.


Some of the gang! They were so excited to get started!



Dallin's ghost picture. It was a little creepy!