writing my story {one day at a time}

VWB Giveaway. You know.

2011-12-07T09:27:00.000-08:00

In case you were wondering...

True story. This girl is so cute, has a fun personality, and has an adorable shop. I own a few of her handmade items, and have more coming! Please don't enter, because I really want to win!

My heart longs for Utah

2011-09-27T20:27:00.000-07:00

I have this new obsession called Utah.

I had been once in my entire life, and after next weekend, I will have been up three times in the past six months. I can't get enough of it!

I went up with my family for General Conference in April.

Then, Celeste and I took a trip in July.

This Thursday, Celeste and I are escaping up to our beloved Utah yet again. Meeting up with friends, hanging out at temple square, conference, ladies night at Deseret Book in Utah where famous people (in the LDS world at least) go. Yeah. Can't wait!!

And now I must get back to the mountain of homework I have to get done before escaping to my other mountains....hasta!

Ben

2011-09-25T23:11:00.000-07:00

Let's just talk about this guy.

Meet Ben.
Served his mission in AZ. Adored by my family. Love him.
Ben's birthday was yesterday.
Ben's golden birthday was yesterday.
So I wrote him a poem.
Observe.
It's been some time since I first met you.
A lesson on charity; Paxman was there too.
Five years have gone by, and as you could guessed
Many memories have been made in the time that has passed.
So since it's your birthday and we're far apart,
My gift to you is simple, but comes straight from my heart.
A list of the fun times you and I have shared,
A fun way to measure how our friendship has fared.
Slurping milk off the fireplace, receiving mailed birthday cards,
Apple Store stop-ins and eating chicken hearts.
Marching band videos and play dough ice cream,
You and I make quite the hand and foot team.
Escaping to Gateway on a cold April night,
Looking through telescopes at some stellar sights.
Hiking Camelback Mountain and getting lost in the dark,
Crown Burger, Burger Bar, frisbee in the park.
Cookies on a cutting board and drycleaing suits,
Awkward activites with YSA groups.
April Fools jokes and wedding lines,
'I love the Lewis'' hundreds of times.
Airplane museums and matchmaking skills,
Scorpions in tupperware that had yet to be killed.
Long conversations and This Is the Christ,
Christmas light necklaces and skating on ice.
See what I mean?! Lots of good times!
And most of them didn't even cost us a dime.
That being said, I think our friendship is priceless,
And you, Ben, are for sure the nicest.
You deserve the world and then so much more.
It's people like you, Ben, that I truly adore.

The end!

Slowly, but surely...

2011-09-22T20:36:00.001-07:00

Guys....This pleases me.

I have the best friend ever.

2011-09-18T08:18:00.000-07:00

Let's just talk about this chick.

That's Celeste, my best friend. We are attached at the hip, not even joking.

Celeste and I went to the same high school, had multiple classes together, and even sat right next to each other in those classes. One semester, in our CP Writing class, she edited and proofed all my papers...But we were never friends outside of class. It's crazy to think that just a few years later, we would be as close as we are now. Celeste and I became friends during our first semester at ASU. That was a dark semester for me, and probably one of the hardest changes I've experienced. Starting at ASU, knowing noone made me feel so alone and so lost. I went from a close knit group of friends to hang out and eat lunch with in high school to zero friends, zero acquaintances, and zero lunch buddies at ASU. It was awful. I cried a lot during that first month of college. But I also prayed a lot. One of the things I prayed most for was a friend. I cannot tell you how alone I felt, and all I wanted was someone to talk to and hang out with, you know, all that friend junk. I prayed and prayed and prayed and prayed for a friend. Not long into the semester, I was walking around at Institute trying to find a place to sit when I ran into Celeste and her friend, Bonnie. I remember getting this huge smile on my face and feeling so relieved. So I sat and ate lunch with them that day and soon we were good friends. Celeste and I quickly became real close, and I am so glad. We are now roommates, and are quite literally together 24/7.

Now to prove the title of this post, let me tell you three things about Celeste.

She makes my bed.

Not every day, but probably a couple times a week. It means the world to me. I can't even tell you. I am so not a believer of making beds, but it does feel nice to walk in my room and see that my bed is made. Yeah, she rocks.

She puts up with my crazy.

She deals with the boys, the mood swings, the stressed out version of me. She asks me lots of questions to get me thinking, to help me sort out my feelings, to help me figure out what I'm feeling...She's good at decreasing my stress level and making me realize that it's not the end of the world and that everything is going to be ok.

She waits up for me at nighttime.

She listens to my stories about dates and my day and junk. This might sound normal, but guys...Unless you've talked to me, you don't know how long my stories are. Like really, the stories I tell could probably be told by a normal person in like two minutes, but I take thirty. Not even joking. And she listens to it all. She's fantastic.

These are just a few of the reasons why Celeste is the best friend ever. Lucky me, huh?!

A nonhairproductuser's new favorite hair product

2011-09-15T10:04:00.001-07:00

Suave Dry Shampoo.
Basically, this stuff is bomb. Let's talk about it.
You spray it on your roots, do a little one-two poof, and wahlah. Your hair is oily no more.
It's fantastic.
Seriously, for someone like me who has to wash her hair every single day ...this stuff is the greatest thing known to man. Well I guess in this case, woman.
Anyway. Go pick yourself up some. $2.74 is a small price to pay for all sorts of amazing.

Everyone deserves a day to be lazy.

2011-06-22T13:00:00.000-07:00

This morning I woke up at 6:40.
What should have happened: get up, shower, clean bathroom, clean room, finish reading my book, buy myself a cupcake, swim and sunbath, eat dinner, institute, play with friends.
What really happened: caught up on Pretty Little Liars, watched an entire mini series of some other show on Hulu, entered online giveaways, checked out some Etsy shops, played on facebook, watched this video on YouTube, continued exploring YouTube, thought about getting up and doing something, didn't.

Now it's 1:11 in the afternoon.
I have been awake for...7 1/2 hours folks.
Have I moved from my bed?
Nope.
I did get up to use the restroom twice.
Awesome.

I finally get an entire day to get stuff done, and what do I do?
Lay in my bed.
Good thing that's allowed every once in a while.

We may be crazy...

2011-05-18T13:19:00.000-07:00

I was looking through my pictures this afternoon and found these lovlies...

I concluded, after looking at these pictures, that we (as in my family) are a bit wack-o.
It's a good thing I'm okay with that...cause I'm stuck with these guys for forever...

...and I wouldn't have it any other way.

Question Answered

2011-03-24T14:56:00.000-07:00

I was just asked by my dear friend, Celeste, why I haven't updated my blog in so long.
This was my answer to her, and this is my answer to all of you precious ones that read this thing.

I'm stressed out!

School has momentarily taken over my life.
That's all.

Over and out.

Mr. C turns 3!

2011-01-30T21:33:00.000-08:00

M Rudd's nephew, Cayden, turned 3 today! That means I have been hangin around los Rudds for 3 whole years now. Holy. Smokes.
Dear Cayden, I have known you for basically all of your life. This is crazy to me. Thank you for being so good when I've babysat and for always making me laugh. Sometimes, I know I shouldn't laugh but you are so dang cute (not to mention smart) and I can't help it. Love you C!!
Love, Kymber

Here are some pictures from the night...The quality is horrible, I know. And yet, they are priceless.

Blast. I hate it when pictures upload in the opposite order you intended them to upload them in. Too bad I'm too tired to go and fix that! That's right...OCD Kymber is NOT caring. Boomshakalaka.
P.S. I think that C and I ROCK at taking pictures together. Really?!

Why today was a great day.

2011-01-27T20:14:00.000-08:00

Today I woke up on time. Sign numero uno that today was going to be fabulous....And it was.

Somehow took forever and a day to get ready. Took my sweet little time or somethin. Now running late. Celeste is here to pick me up. Shoot. I still haven't eaten breakfast, brushed my teeth, ditched my slippers for shoes, gotten my things together, finished my makeup, or made a pb&j for lunch. Awesome. Grab things, including breakfast, and run out door. Spill orange juice all over hand whilst speed walking. Get in car. Drive to school. Talking to Celeste. Spew spit while talking. Multiple times. Get to school. First class canceled. Score. Play Skip-Bo at Institute, just like old times. Chit chat with Bro. Bawden about the "Guild of Roses" coughakatheguildofpansiescough amongst other things. Go downstairs (still in Institute) to retrieve scriptures from newly discovered scripture cabinet of convientness. Serenade Celeste with "I Saw the Sun" while walking through the parking garage to her vehicle. Focused on dramatically singing. Turn around, wildly throw arms out, and jump 500 feet in the air due to near collision with concrete pillar and pole. Walk back upstairs to go to New Testament class. Re-telling Celeste for the bajillionth time the story of when I fell up those same stairs. Instead of retelling, almost end up reenacting, barely catching self. Nice save. Walk back into Institute. Bro. Calton, sees us and quickly turns and pretends he's going to take off running in the opposite direction. Think he's going to run toward us. Freak out. Through arms out in preparation to run away. Punch Celeste. Run two steps before realizing a) I'm about to run into a wall, and b) I am running from nothing and no one. Go to New Testament class. Trip on my jeans/leg/feet/whoknows on way to seat. Look over to see Bro. Calton is a witness to my gracefulness. Fast forward. Downstairs at Institute eating my pb&j with C and JB. So hungry, literally drool on my face. Look over and see kid I had met last week standing across the foyer. Said kid and I had since had a conversation about our name remembering skills. Wave obviously. Kid waves back. I yell, "Do you remember my name?" Kid says no. I point and say, "Mark?" Kid says, "No. John." "Oh. I don't know you." Kid and everyone else around laughs. Facepalm. Introduce self to John. John knows Mark and says it's the hair that causes confusion. Go to classes. End of school. Walk to Celeste's car. Start hearing random slamming. Can't figure out where said slamming is coming from. Secretly scared. Slamming stops. Then continues. Freak out and jump 500 feet in the air for the second time today. Figure out slamming is car doors on first floor, not kidnapper. Arrive at Celeste's car. Get inside. Begin talking to Celeste. Spit some more. Verbally admit issues controlling saliva today. Leave school. Arrive at Milano's. Serenade Celeste in piano methods section despite other customers nearby. Memorize Lean On Me. Work. YattaYattaYatta. Come home. Find Celeste at house. Do schoolwork. Have fun with webcam. Blog. The end.

*author realizes many of above experiences may fall under youhadtobetherekindofmoment category*

And now the dirty work is done.

2011-01-02T21:30:00.000-08:00

Dear (Elder) Andrew Walker,

Hi. Your most favorite person ever here. Remember that one time before you left on your mission when you thought it would be funny to get into my room and plaster pictures of yourself all over my walls? Remember how I never got you back for that? Well, Senor, you come home this week. And I have waited 2 years for some sweet revenge. I suppose I should have warned you before you left that I can play your game because chances are you aren't expecting any form of payback. Hate to break it to you dude, but you are so wrong. Hahahahaha.

Love,
Kymber

P.S. Welcome home!

Reverting back to childhood...

2011-01-01T09:10:00.001-08:00

You probably don't want to ask.

My Totally Cliche 2010 Recap

2010-12-31T19:49:00.000-08:00

I lived out loud. I learned what it means to have hope. I appreciated the Atonement. I stayed busy. I realized how much I love my family. I went to a rodeo. I managed to get 2 traffic tickets in one week. I tied together loose ends. I fell in love with Josh Duhamel. I hung pictures and things on my walls. I had a blast in summer school. I stayed up for 40 hours straight in order to participate in the madness that is Black Friday. I became fascinated with people and the mind. I admitted I needed help. I swore I'd never again buy a Dell. I was introduced to the goodness that is Sprinkles. I discovered the much more convenient Sugar Mama's Sweets. I was crafty. I kicked booty in my classes and got awesome grades. I found a fish tank that whose occupants matched those in Finding Nemo. I joined a gym. I got a couple credit cards. I realized my fear of credit cards. I was surprised at how ridiculously awesome my mom is. I missed people I once was close to. I shot a gun. I started sleeping through alarms. I bought me an Xterra. I attended many a haunted house. I watched everyone and their uncle my age get married or engaged. I got 2 more semesters of college under my belt. I went through 3 phones. I almost overcame my chocolate milk addiction. I was responsible for someone elses' children for an entire week. I bought a new swimsuit. I loved my job. I ran down the up escalator. I memorized the entire Taylor Swift Speak Now album in about 2 days. I sang my heart out. I drove to California at 3:30am with 2 of my best friends, played in Six Flags all day, drove home, and was back by 3:30am the next morning. I focused on me. I experienced missionary work. I missed snow in Arizona. I played in quicksand. I bought (and fell in love with) an iPod touch. I cut off 6 inches of my hair. I began to develop patience. I realized I still had a long ways to go when it comes to having patience. I started a fabric flower business. I broke hearts. I had mine healed. I bought cute shoes. I . I received some extent of closure. I loved learning. I grew a whole lot. I was me.

French Toast Lovin

2010-12-30T11:23:00.000-08:00

Meet Erik, the 12 year old brother.
This morning, I half jokingly told Erik that he could make me some French toast for breakfast and I'd be perfectly okay with it. I was shocked when homeboy enthusiastically said, "Okay!" and whipped out the bread, eggs, and pan. That right there, my friends, is true siblingly love.

Needless to say, I was a very happy Kymber. P.S. Erik, you rock.

Inspired.

2010-12-29T08:02:00.000-08:00

My name is Kymber and I am a blog stalker.

One of the blogs I faithfully read ever day is that of Nat-uh-lee. I love her humor, her photos, and her honesty. Oftentimes, I am inspired by her faith. This morning was case in point. To quote today's post:

"Regardless of what people think, Heavenly Father has a plan. A perfect plan for every single person. And it will go on whether you believe in it or not. I love that. It comforts me to know that I don't need to worry about what I want, because it will work out in a way that gives me exactly what I need - which is ultimately (and eternally) what I want.

I love that as we live and learn to serve others, we are reciprocated those blessings ten-fold.
I love that trials of our faith simply reap a greater understanding and testimony of the Savior.
I love that the the blessings of the gospel are conditional - merciful yet just."

I love how she says that she doesn't have to worry about what she wants because she has faith enough to know that in the end she will have exactly what she needs. I have never thought about my life, my hopes, my dreams, my desires in that way before. Definitely a light bulb moment that put things into perspective.

I also love the point she makes on trials giving us a greater understanding and testimony of Christ. Reminds me of this post.

I appreciated these small reminders today, and to add my testimony to Natalie's, I know the Lord has a plan for each of us, tailored to meet each individual's needs. Each plan is flawless because He sees the bigger picture and has our best interest at heart. He loves us more than we know and wants us to return to live with Him again. To live with Him, we need to be like Him. Trials help us reach this point. Through trials, we are given the ability and the opportunity to grow, to become more like our Savior, and to feel more and more of His endless love for us. For me, it is during these hard times that the Atonement is most real and most personal. He is very aware of us, of our longings, and of our needs. Most importantly, He loves us, and that is what it all comes down to.

Thank you, Natalie, for helping me start my day with a comforting peace that comes from feeling of the Savior's love for me.

Happy Wednesday :)

Obsession of the Week

2010-12-27T12:35:00.000-08:00

Organization.

I share a room with my 15 year old sister. Um hi, that's two teenage girls crammed into one pretty small room. All of our clothes, shoes, and just things made our small room even smaller. You see, before college, I was a neat freak. My side of the room was rarely a mess. Enter college, the stage of life when you no longer have time for anything outside of school. The tidiness of my room ranked last on my priority list and it (my room) got out of hand real quick. Imagine how bad it was after a semester. Yeah, not okay. I was losing my mind because of the chaos that was my room. The week after school was officially over for Christmas, Celeste (bless her heart, love her dearly) and I spent 10 1/2 hours tackling my monster of a room. Yes, I just admitted that. 10 1/2 hours folks. Granted, we did do some assembling, some rearranging, deep cleaning, organizing like mad, and took a lunch break. It wasn't until after we were done that we decided we should have taken before and after pictures. Blast.

Anyway. Here are some of the things I now (or have) used to keep my room a lot less messy and a lot more organized.

A color coordinated closet. I've been using this trick for quite some time. It makes finding something to wear SO much faster and easier.

I have to show you the special skirt hangers. These lovely things were introduced to me by my dear friend, Hannah Gunderson. They...are the best invention ever. Just sayin. You can hang six skirts up with one hanger! And it takes up like no room in your closet! Seriously. 6 skirts on a special skirt hanger = 1 dress on a regular hanger. Best. Invention. Ever.

I used to keep my necklaces in a box until a few years ago when we moved into our new house and my mom bought Kelcie and I this shnazzy little thing. World. Of. Difference. Goodbye tangled and knotted chains!

My bracelets have now resumed the prior home of my necklaces. Tada.

This...is my bookshelf. Secretly, I wanted to post a picture of it so you could see my super cute ridiculously awesome painting that is my most favorite ever. And my birds and birdcage, duh. So my organization strategy (a.k.a. my excuse for this counting as organization) is my little candy bowl right there! I don't touch the thing much; it's mainly just used for bribery :) Muahahaha.

Once upon a time, I went through an earring phase. A couple years later, I went through a ring phase. As a result, I have 1,000 pairs of earrings and 100 rings. Thank heavens for earring holders and jewelry boxes! As you can see, it's getting pretty full all up in there so I was super excited when Mom and Dad Rudd got my a new (and super cute!) jewelry holder for Christmas! Observe.
See? Super cute, huh? I need to get some shelves put up in my room so I can start to fill it!

Ah, the nightstand. I love my nightstand. My perfume tray...is fabulous. My mirror...is fabulous. My birds...are fabulous. Those hope blocks right there are what made me choose "hope" to be my word of the year. Oh yeah, this post is about organization. Helloooooo. Perfume tray. All perfumes and smell good things in one spot. The end.

Behold the shelf part of my nightstand. Little basket for school supplies and things and a piano pen holder. Cute! Milano's baby! Aw yeah.

And these...are my shoes. Kept nicely underneath my bed. Those long Tupperware things that are perfect for under-the-bed storage and can work wonders. Lovely!

Oh wait, I have more shoes! My shoe fetish was (is?...nah) getting a little out of control because I was (am) getting more shoes, with no room to put them! When I found this awesome little shoe rack, I was extremely pleased. AND...it's expandable. It can get to be over twice the size you see there, so I'm good for another year or so :) P.S. Those nude heels right there in front are the Steve Maddens I mentioned in the previous post. We have a love/hate relationship, those shoes and I.
So I have like 50 scarves. I love scarves. I used to have them on hangers in my closet, but they were taking up way to much room. Then last week I had the brilliant idea to get over-the-door hangers and store them that way! Can I just say that I'm a genius? P.S. Lame-o Walmart does not carry over-the-door hangers, and they're not going to magically appear even if you walk up and down the aisles for 30 minutes looking for them. Thank goodness for Target.

Another something I did was take all my movies and put them in a CD/DVD case. It takes up SO much less room. And yes, they are in alphabetical order.

The end. Hooray for organization!

Things I learned this semester at ASU

2010-12-27T10:17:00.000-08:00

Bikers are inconsiderate!
Birth is a beautiful thing to experience, not to watch. Future husband, please no videos.
Institute is where it's at.
Taking a test when friends are around is not a smart idea. Distraction anyone?
When one alarm doesn't wake you up, set two.
When two alarms don't wake you up, set three.
When three alarms don't wake you up, stop using your phone as your alarm.
Registration is the biggest headache EVER.
I'm growing up, and despite my mindset, I am not 15 anymore. People are jumping on the engaged/married band wagon like it's nobody's business. Stop that.
Maybe student wards really aren't that bad. And for the record, student wards and singles wards are totally different.
It's okay to ask for help.
Cupcakes make everything better. The best way to reward yourself is with a red velvet cupcake topped with cream cheese frosting....And now my mouth is watering. Good thing I got a gift certificate to Sugar Mama's Sweets for Christmas!
If I marry a blue-eyed boy, my (our) kids have a 50% chance of having blue eyes.
There's a method to the madness.
Emma Smith was older than Joseph Smith.
"Processes" is apparently pronounced "process-ease."
The service corner at Institute rocks.
Wearing, standing, and dancing in 5 1/2 inch Steve Madden heels for 7 hours will cost you the feeling in all of your toes for approximately 2 1/2 weeks.
If you rearrange the letters in "prenatal," you get "parental."
I'm a bit of a perfectionist.

When words fail...

2010-11-28T21:33:00.000-08:00

...music speaks.

If you like that quote, you can stop by Milano's and pick up a sweet magnet with that precious gem on it.

This is my shout out to the LMM ladies.

Today, I am grateful for music.

I was able to go the Tempe Institute Choir Christmas Fireside tonight with some friends. Afterwards, we went to the temple lights. After walking around for a bit, and losing a few, the four of us that were left found a spot to sit and started singing Christmas hymns. It was a really neat experierence, I thought. Can I just say that music brings the Spirit in a very special way? I felt it all night, from listening to the choir to trying to pick out harmonies with some friends.

I love music. I work at a music store for crying out loud. And. I. Love. It. I love when people come in and play on the instruments downstairs or when people try out music in the studios. I love blasting music in my car and singing at the top of my lungs. Just ask my friends. I love sitting next to my sister on Sundays and singing different parts with her. I love accompanying choirs and other musicians. I love messing around on the piano and playing new pieces.

Music is one of the greatest blessings in my life. It has the ability to change my attitude and my feelings. And as cheesy as that quote is, when words fail, music really does speak.

Meet Jannae.

2010-11-21T20:17:00.000-08:00

This is Jannae.

I moved into Jannae's ward when I was 14. Jannae was...12?
Fast forward a couple years and we had become best friends.
I love this girl.
So I asked Jannae some questions, and this is what she said...

Who do you look up to most and why?
I look up to Joshua the most. aw. precious, I know. shut up. anyways....He is A) hilarious B) as dorky as me and C) my best friend. the end.

Soundtrack to your life right now. Name some songs.
That is so easy. Taylor Swift "Speak Now" the songs Last Kiss, Better Than Revenge, Ours, and If This Were a Movie have the best lyrics. I mean, all of T Swift's lyrics are the best, but these are extra dear to my heart :) especially Better Than Revenge...i mean....it's genius.

Give us your best joke.
hahahaha my best joke?? ok I butcher jokes but I do like this one: a little boy runs up to his dad and goes "Daddy, Daddy!!!! There's a gay cockeroach is my room!!!!!"...now the dad was a bit surprised and replies " how do you know it's gay, son?" to which the boy responds " Because it came out of the closet..."

What are you looking forward to most about the holiday season?
I am looking forward to being cold and listening to the Josh Groban Christmas Cd... "Oh Holy Night"....brings tears to my eyes, no joke. OH AND CHRISTMAS LIGHTS!!!!!!!! Hello, It's the epitome of a perfect night. twinkly lights, temple, apple cider, and cuddling with boys.... oh wait boys are stupid so scratch that last one.

Favorite place to shop. Spill.
Charlotte Russe. I have an addiction with everything there. The only down side to this is the stupid sales ladies. They spend so much time obsessing over you while you shop and then when it's time to check out they all of sudden have to use the restroom and are no where to be found. It ticks me off.

Which celebrity do you find most dreamy?
I am madly in love with the guy on When In Rome. No, I don't know his name. But do you know who I DO know the name of? Josh Turner. Is he a celebrity? He is in my book. Oh my gorgeous. Plus he has the sexiest voice ever to grace this planet. Who cares that he's married and has kids and is like 12 years years older than me...no big deal. we can work it out. that's how strong our love is. Jealous? you should be.

What is your favorite restaurant?
Olive Garden. Need I say more?

What is the most gutsy thing you've ever done?
ha...gutsy...not my forte. um. I think the gutsiest thing I've ever done is give a talk in front of like a hundred gazillion people. Oh wait, that was 2 weeks ago. I have no life.

Your favorite movie quote is...
"You keep on using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means" - princess Bride
" 6 people died of smoking during traffic lights today"- Italian Job
" Sometimes you make me so....ugh you make so ....ANGRY! ahahaha I'm angry!"- Enchanted

Tell us why you rock.
I rock because I do what I want when I want and I don't care about stupid people. Mostly it's because stupid people are stupid. Also I secretly dance in my room while I get ready for school, and I write my friends letters of recommendation.

You see? Jannae is a doll.
Don't you love her?
She is always so positive.
Her wit and her oblivion and her blond moments crack me up.
She is so fun to be around, and is super chill.
Love you, Nae!

On Trials.

2010-11-10T08:42:00.000-08:00

I get emails from the Church throughout the week called "Daily Gems." All it is is a short quote from a Church leader.

These are a few of the quotes I've gotten lately.

"As we pass through the trials of life, let us keep an eternal perspective, let us not complain, let us become even more prayerful, let us serve others, and let us forgive one another. As we do this, 'all things [will] work together for good to [us] that love God' (Romans 8:28)."

{James B. Martino, "All Things Work Toge...ther for Good," Ensign, May 2010, 103}

"Turn to the Lord. Exercise all of the faith you have in Him. Let Him share your burden. Allow His grace to lighten your load."

{Donald L. Hallstrom, "Turn to the Lord," Ensign, May 2010, 80}

"Our Heavenly Father, who loves us completely and perfectly, permits us to have experiences that will allow us to develop the traits and attributes we need to become more and more Christlike. . . . As we understand this doctrine, we gain greater assurance of our Father's love."

{James B. Martino, "All Things Work Together for Good," Ensign, May 2010, 101}

"We will each face times of difficulty, and the question is not when we will face them but how we will face them."

{James B. Martino, "All Things Work Together for Good," Ensign, May 2010, 101}

"In the most difficult circumstances of life, there is often only one source of peace. The Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ, extends His grace with the invitation, 'Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest' (Matthew 11:28)."

{Donald L. Hallstrom, "Turn to the Lord," Ensign, May 2010, 78}

"Our understanding of and faith in the Atonement of Jesus Christ will provide strength and capacity needed for a successful life."

{Richard G. Scott, "He Lives! All Glory to His Name!" Ensign, May 2010, 77}

These are just a few of the quotes I've gotten, but I've noticed a trend in topic for several of the emails.

A good chunk of them are about trials, about holding your head high in the midst of adversity, about turning to Lord when faced with challenges.

Funny how little things like that come at just the time you need them.

This year has been a rough one.

But I can definitely say that I'm walking out of it with a lot more knowledge and understanding and hope than I had this time last year.

Many trials have come, and life has not been too easy.

(I think that I'm speaking for everyone here).

In a funny way, I'm grateful to have been through what I've been through.

If I hadn't had to face certain experiences, it could have been a long while before I really realized the following things:

{there is light at the end of the tunnel}

Life is hard. Like, really. It's hard.

It's easy to feel lost and confused and alone.

It's easy to forget who you are and what you know.

It's easy to want to throw in the towel and just give up.

"Pressing forward" is tough.

Sometimes, it doesn't feel worth it.

But it is.

In the words of Michael McLean, "Hold on, the Light will come."

Better days will come.

And I believe that the more rough days you have, the better the better days will be.

{trust in the Lord}

Remember that He sees the bigger picture.

Remember that there's a reason behind a trial.

There is something to learn.

I know that's cliche, but it's true.

Sometimes it's a matter of wanting to learn from trials or not.

You're much better off trying to find and improve something than you are wallowing in depression.

Been there, tried that.

{it's ok to ask for help}

Talk to your friends.

Talk to your parents.

Talk to your bishop.

Helping you is their job.

Really.

Why do you think the Lord has placed certain people in your life?

To give you somewhere (besides Him) to pull strength, courage, and comfort from.

I'm the kind of person that likes to do things on my own.

I hate asking for help.

I hate it.

Oftentimes, no matter how stressed out I am, I cannot bring myself to ask anyone for help because I want to prove to myself that I can do it all on my own or something.

This year, I've realized that idea doesn't always work.

You can't do it alone. You just can't.

You need help, and guess what? Hard things are easier when you have help.

Don't be too stubborn or prideful (like me) for way too long and think that you can sprint through life's trials on your own.

It's not supposed to be like that.

Ask for help, pray for help, and you will be happy you did because help will come.

{rely on the Lord}

Pour your heart out to the Lord.

He knows what you're going through.

Pray harder than you ever have before and see what happens.

Remember that Christ is your Savior.

He can and will save you from the depths of your sorrow.

Let Him.

There's a song on the CD, Nashville Tribute to the Prophet, I believe, that has some of my favorite lyrics.

"From the Garden to the Cross, He walked a mile in my shoes."

Remember that as you learn to fully rely on Him.

{the Atonement is not just for sinners}

The Atonement can heal heartbreak.

It can heal wounds that have been open for far too long.

It can heal you completely, and if you let it, it will change your life.

Believe in the power of the Atonement.

Believe that Christ suffered for you.

Because, really, He did.

{you will be better because of this}

What doesn't kill you makes you stronger?

I believe it.

No pain, no gain?

Mhmm.

I have noticed a huge difference in the person I was before my bout with trials this year and the person I am now.

I can see myself becoming the woman I want to be.

The change is real and the difference is huge.

I can definitely see how the Lord uses trials and hardships to shape us, to mold us into who He knows we are and who we can be.

Let the change happen, and it will.

And soon, you will be awesome.

{happiness is a choice}

It's much easier to be happy than it is to be sad.

It's more fun to be happy than it is to be sad.

It's healthier to be happy that it is to be sad.

So why choose to be sad?

Yes, crappy things happen.

Yes, being sad or upset for a little while is expected and normal.

But moping around for days at a time is not going to do you any good.

I would say that tragedy is the only exception to this rule.

If you want to be happy, you have to choose to be happy, despite all the not-so-happy things that are happening in your life.

There is always something to be happy about, always.

You just have to find it.

{the Lord isn't going to stop loving you}

No matter how worthless and helpless and small you feel, the Lord's love for you will never end.

He loves you more than you know, more than you will ever know.

Pray to feel His love.

Especially when you're having the hardest time.

Pray for it even if you don't believe it or if you don't feel it.

He loves you. He loves you.

And that...will never change.

Trials are real, but so is the Atonement.

Heavenly Father's love for you is real.

The power of the priesthood is real.

Pray is real.

I know it.

Watch this please. And love it.

2010-11-06T21:33:00.000-07:00

The Adventures of Frances & Geraldine: Part 1

Featuring Kymber & Celeste.

Hot off the camera, folks.

This is what college students do on Saturday nights.

Obsession of the Week

2010-10-31T20:31:00.000-07:00

Let's talk about Taylor Swift.

Let's talk about Taylor Swift's new CD that came out this week.

Let's talk about how awesome Taylor Swift's new CD that came out this week is.

Now, she's not my favorite singer, but probably one of my favorite songwriters, especially since she writes all of her music herself.

Talent? Yes.

Genius? Yes.

Yes, I'm one of those crazies that went and bought the stupid CD the day it came out.

I even debated going to get it before school because I was so excited.

Did I mention I leave for school at 6:45am?

Yeah, I decided I could wait until after school.

But...the second my last lecture ended, I was on my way to Target, because you know, Target has the exclusive Taylor Swift Speak Now CD that comes with 6 bonus songs, the "Mine" music video, and 30 minutes of behind the scenes footage.

I don't do less-than-the-best, folks.

Back to the CD.

It's awesome.

Every. Song.

So awesome that I may or may not already have the entire CD memorized.

No, I don't have an overall favorite song.

Yes, I have a favorite song of the rightthissecond.

And right now it's "The Story of Us."

And "Back to December."

The fact that the majority of the songs on this album are about celebrities is hilarious.

Priceless, really.

My mom and I had quite the time trying to guess who each one was about.

We came to the conclusion that we like Miss Swift because she's so sure of herself and so well-grounded.

I may have stole those words from my mother.

Some of T Swift's lyrics on this album make me laugh every time I hear them.

Some make me sing at the top of my lungs right along with her.

Some make me nod my head in agreeance.

Some make me bust out my killer dance moves, making all those privileged to witness this occurence mildly jealous.

Taylor Swift's new CD.

You should probably go buy it. Like now.

Because it's awesome.

And you will love it.

Answers to "You think you know me?"

2010-08-22T22:28:00.000-07:00

1. If I could go anywhere in the world, where would I go?
[a] Spain
[b] England
[c] Italy
[d] Australia
Correct answer: [c] Italy. Rome, Venice...the works.

One day...

2. What is my favorite restaurant?
[a] Logan's Steakhouse
[b] Olive Garden
[c] Texas Roadhouse
[d] Outback

Correct answer: [b] Olive Garden. I love me some soup, salad, and breadsticks for $6.95.

Chicken gnochi...de-to-the-lish.

3. What is my dream vehicle?
[a] Chevy Yukon
[b] Toyota Tacoma
[c] Ford Expedition
[d] Nissan Titan

Correct answer: [d] Nissan Titan. Four door, dark silver, rims, and a pomegranite air freshener.

4. What is my favorite TV show?
[a] Biggest Loser
[b] Hannah Montana
[c] The Mentalist
[d] House Hunters

Correct answer: [a] Biggest Loser. I CAN NOT wait for the new season to start.

Hurry up dang it.

5. If I had $5,000, what would I buy?
[a] a trip to that place in the world I would go to
[b] shoes & clothes & things
[c] braces
[d] a new car

Correct answer: [c] braces. Totally would. I want them sooo bad.

6. Where do I want to study abroad?
[a] England
[b] Spain
[c] Mexico
[d] Ireland

Correct answer: [a] England. I want to go somewhere with history, but not where I'd have to use another language...Yes, I would rather be lazy and all touristlike instead of being hard core and immersing myself in Spanish.

7. What does my watch say?
[a] dream
[b] believe
[c] hope
[d] the time

Correct answer: [c] hope. Also my word of the year. Fo'rizzle.

8. What is my favorite scripture?
[a] Alma 37:37
[b] D&C 84:88
[c] Psalms 62:8
[d] All of the above

Correct answer: [d] All of the above. So go read them. Pronto.

You can thank me later.

9. What is my new favorite sandwich at Sweetcakes?
[a] the club
[b] BLT with avocado
[c] French dip
[d] peppered turkey

Correct answer: [c] French dip. Best. Sandwich. Ever. And it has to be one of the most expensive sandwiches on their menu dang it. I blame Leah for my addiction.

Delicious. But don't try it.

Cause you'll get hooked.

Consider yourself warned.

10. What song do I listen to over and over and over again?
[a] Nothin' On You by b.o.b.
[b] Airplaines by b.o.b.
[c] If I Die Young by The Band Perry
[d] Magic by b.o.b.

Correct answer: [d] Magic by b.o.b. Yes, I have all the words memorized. Yes, I listen to it so much that my 3 year old brother has the words memorized. Yes, one of my hidden talents is my wicked ability to rap like a black man. Yes, I will prove it to you.

Awesome...

2010-08-10T23:05:00.000-07:00

t-shirt revamp

2010-08-03T22:40:00.000-07:00

Remember that plain pink t-shirt featured in yesterday's post?

Well....Tada!!
This was super fast and super easy and it's super cute!!
Super!!
{check out this tutorial to make your own}

Imma tell you a secret.

2010-08-03T00:16:00.000-07:00

Falles Paredes is where it's at.

Here are my (and my sister(a.k.a. the lovely model below)'s) treasures from this place I dubbed the Mexican Ross.

The top of this is actually tanktoplike and all lacy and cute.
Notice the shortness.
We plan on taking the top portion of the dress off and making the bottom portion a skirt.
Easy.
And super cute.
Don't you love the yellow roses on the black?
Fabulous.

We got 2 of these shirts because I have an idea in mind of how to up the cuteness.
Stay tuned for that one.
I ♥ pink

This shirt is actually a brand from Target.
Love it.

Secretly, Kelcie is holding a bunch of extra dress behind her back because, secretly, this dress is a XXL.
And unsecretly, I am no XXL.
Lucky for us, this dress is super easy to take in.
We plan on doing just that.
Fabulous.

I swear this dress did not look as cute on me as it does her.
I semi don't like her for it.
Psych.
P.S. This number was actually $1.00, not $3.00.
Belt not included.

Nothing like a cool t-shirt, right?
FP's gots lots.

Yet again, another shirt from Target.
Same everything as the pink one above but the fabric.
Love.
Love this one more actually.

Just another cute, comfy shirt.

Yeah, we kinda hit the jackpot.
FYI you can too.
Mesa Dr. & Brown.
Get there.

Popsicleness.

2010-08-01T22:49:00.000-07:00

Tonight, I had a popsicle.

Yes, it was delicious.
Applicious to be exact.
And now for your entertainment...

Some have shelf butts. But I...I have shelves elsewhere.

You think you know me?

2010-07-31T17:52:00.000-07:00

Quiz yourself. I dare you.

1. If I could go anywhere in the world, where would I go?

[a] Spain

[b] England

[c] Italy

[d] Australia

2. What is my favorite restaurant?

[a] Logan's Steakhouse

[b] Olive Garden

[c] Texas Roadhouse

[d] Outback

3. What is my dream vehicle?

[a] Chevy Yukon

[b] Toyota Tacoma

[c] Ford Expedition

[d] Nissan Titan

4. What is my favorite TV show?

[a] Biggest Loser

[b] Hannah Montana

[c] The Mentalist

[d] House Hunters

5. If I had $5,000, what would I buy?

[a] a trip to that place in the world I would go to

[b] shoes & clothes & things

[c] braces

[d] a new car

6. Where do I want to study abroad?

[a] England

[b] Spain

[c] Mexico

[d] Ireland

7. What does my watch say?

[a] dream

[b] believe

[c] hope

[d] the time

8. What is my favorite scripture?

[a] Alma 37:37

[b] D&C 84:88

[c] Psalms 62:8

[d] All of the above

9. What is my new favorite sandwich at Sweetcakes?

[a] the club

[b] BLT with avocado

[c] French dip

[d] peppered turkey

10. What song do I listen to over and over and over again?

[a] Nothin' On You by b.o.b.

[b] Airplaines by b.o.b.

[c] If I Die Young by The Band Perry

[d] Magic by b.o.b.

You want answers?

That post will be sometime next week.

Bahaha.

Secretly, I think no one reads my blog...

2010-07-30T23:44:00.000-07:00

But I keep getting texts telling me to update, so I figure it's time.

But secretly, I don't know what to say really.

So I will resort to pictures.

In the past few months, I have...

{become a pro cupcake decorator}

Observe.

This is my striped cupcake and my airplane cupcake and they are bomb.

I give you permission to be jealous.

{graduated to a Mega Moo Mixer}
Recall this post.
I have moved on to bigger and better things in the Moo Mixer world.
These days, chocolate milk is as good as ever.
Except as of Wednesday, we are out of Nesquik at my house.
This is tragic. Seriously.
Am I still an addict?
The correct answer would be yes.

{earned the title of "World's Best Bowler"}
Psych.
Yeah right.
I've never played a game where I actually scored triple digits.
P.S. As far as face making goes, I taught my sisters well, don't you think?

{made me some bomb birthday cupcakes}
So maybe we tried making our own frosting and it didn't look like enough.
So maybe we decided to triple the recipe and make more.
So maybe the frosting expanded and we had a huge mixing bowl full of what looked like marshmallow creme and was secretly sicknast.
Maybe.

My birthday cupcakes were a big deal. For real.

Also, I want everyone to know that I made these mostly by myself kind of.

I am capable of kitchen-make-food stuff!!

K yeah maybe not.

{completed Biology in summer school}

Where we learned about plants and animals and stuff.

And where I got to go to the zoo for a project.

Which is where I took this picture to put on the cover of said project so my teacher would remember me forever.

{fed a horse even though I was scared he was going to bite my hand off}

Meet Rusty.

Yes, we named him.

Secretly, he thinks my fingers are carrots.

And he wants to bite them off.

{discovered Navel Lane in Belly Button, AZ}

True story.

Nuf said.

{turned into a hippie that likes to wear big flowers on the side of my head}

Welp, that's all folks.

Peace.

School is...

2010-05-11T22:57:00.000-07:00

OVER!!!

Photo Giveaway

2010-05-09T23:40:00.001-07:00

Check out this giveaway.
http://www.jylare.com/
That's all.

Out with the old, in with the new

2010-05-04T00:56:00.000-07:00

Goodbye, Ida. Riding with you has been swell. I will not miss your hotness in the summer, nor your sometimes squeaky breaks. Or your coupe-styleness. You have been a good first car, and gotten great gas mileage, but alas, it is time I bid you adieu, and I do so with pleasure.

Hello, Xandra {X-ann-druh}. Hello to feeling safe and like I'm not sitting on the ground. Hello to 4 doors and 5 whole seats. Hello to a stereo I won't have to replace and real cup holders. The only thing you are missing is an iPod jack and a moon roof, but somehow I think I'll manage. I look forward to our drives ahead.

I have a feeling you're going to outshine Ida. But that's just our little secret.

What's a girl to do without her....

2010-04-23T10:11:00.000-07:00

Last weekend I bought some new shoes. Observe.

Pair #1: Kohl's. Hated them the first time I saw them. Went back 2 weeks later and immediately fell in love.

Pair #2: Hottie. Clearance. Bow? Super classy. And burgundy? Loooove it.

Pair #3: Hottie. Clearance. Reptile skin. Square peep toe. Awesome.

Pair #4: Target. These ones are CHUNKERS. Huge. Love them.

I think I might have a shoe problem.

The good news is that it grows back...

2010-04-23T09:28:00.000-07:00

I had my mom chop my hair off Wednesday morning.

Don't mind the groginess of the before picture...I was/am sick.

Obviously, from the second picture, I'm not so sure how I feel about the short hair thing yet.

And it's a little shorter than it looks like it is in the after picture.

Awesome.

That's all.

What's My Problem?

2010-04-17T01:09:00.000-07:00

Right now, I really don't want to go to sleep.

The problem is, I really need to because tomorrow is the most dreaded day of the year at work.

At least, for me it is anyway.

Tomorrow is the beloved A.A.M.F. aka a huge music judging festival thing upstairs at Milano's.

Awesome.

It makes for a long and crazy day.

The kind where your feet hurt like nobody's business by the time it's over.

Really, it'll be alright since I don't have to dress up and be a room captain.

Instead I actually get to do my real job, the one that I enjoy, and help people find their music.

Awesome.

So what I'm saying is that I really need to go to sleep because tomorrow I need to be not tired.

But I really don't want to catch my z's.

Don't ask me why...because I don't know.

I just don't.

The end.

P.S. Sometimes, when you don't want to go to sleep, you get really bored.

Obviously.

Ahead of Schedule

2010-04-12T13:36:00.000-07:00

This week, I have a paper due, 4 tests, and a presentation.

I've been stressing out about this week...since last week.

This weekend, I wrote down my schedule of what I had to get done on what days this week so that I would finish everything on time...3 times.

I woke up today and worked on homework for 4 1/2 hours.

But guess where that hard work got me?

Ahead of schedule.

It. Feels. Awesome.

Ladies, please.

2010-04-11T19:04:00.000-07:00

Every summer, I have the worst luck finding a modest swimsuit...So I never get one.

I haven't gotten a new swimsuit in 5 years.

My last swimsuit was a Speed-O from Costco {this is my shout out to Hannah}.

This...is ridiculous.

This summer, I decided, would be the summer I would get a {long over-due} new swimsuit.

I've never once found a cute modest swimsuit in a store in summers past.

So this time, I skipped that step.

Thank goodness for the internet.

These...are the sites I found that were actually legit.

Enjoy :)

Lime Ricki

This is my most favorite one, and since I found it first, I have dibs :)

But don't worry, this site has TONS of cute swimsuits.

Cute one pieces too!!

Land's End

Not many super cute ones on this site, but still a few.

I love the way this one ties in the back.

And the pink.

I. Love. Pink.

L.L. Bean

Again, there weren't TOO many on this site...Only about a handful.

I like the bold bright print of this one.

Super fun.

Hapari

I would switch out the brown polka dot bottoms with solid brown.

What I really like about this site was that their tops come low and their bottoms come high, so you're guaranteed coverage :)

This is my second favorite.

Down East Basics

DEB, the good ol' stand by.

This one...I didn't like on first. But alas, it grew on me. And now I'm in love.

In love enough to call it my third favorite.

Delia's

I like the zebra....a little sas, no?

Diviine ModesTee

Loving the light teal. And the square halter deal.

And so, the swimsuit ordeal is no ordeal this summer.

Hopefully, if you've found yourself in the same swimsuit boat I've been in for the past 5 plus years, these wonderful websites will help!!

Crooked Pinkies & Speed Cameras

2010-04-10T22:01:00.001-07:00

The following is a little taste of tonight's adventures...

I walked in the door and Kelcie tells me that I should take her to the scrapbook store. Awesome. So we went...to the scrapbook store. I went in and out of that place...And. Bought. Nothing. Thank you, thank you. I know, it's a miracle. A once-in-a-lifetime miracle. Seriously.

Then, I went with my aunt to the mall. The purpose of our trip was to get Baby Elizabeth's {aunt's baby, my cousin} ears pierced. My heart broke when we got there because I realized that she was probably going to cry. Dang it. And she did. But only for like 10 seconds. Serioulsy. She rocked.

After the ear piercing, I voted that we should swing by the Cheesecake Factory that happened to be right there and try some of this red velvet cheesecake that I've heard SO much goodness about. Let me just tell you...Red velvet cheesecake is the business. I'm all about it. I mean, combining cheesecake and red velvet cake?? GENIUS. It is...to die for. Please go and try it. And take me with you.

While at Cheesecake Factory, my other cousin, Jacob, who is 4, was seriously out of control. He's pretty funny though. For instance, we're sitting there eating and out of nowhere Jake throws up his pinkies and yells, "Look at my crooked pinkies!!" HILARIOUS. And they're full on crooked!! The most crooked fingers I've ever seen.

Example 2 of Jacob's hilariousness: He's being obnoxiously loud, as 4 year old boys are, and so I look at him and say, "Hey Jacob, let's play the quiet game" to which he yells, "What?! I can't hear you!!" I about died.

Then, I came home. Oh, and on my way a speed camera flashed me. Awesome. Are you kidding me?! Gah. Michael Rudd would probably die laughing right now because he's been flashed many a time.

Now, I'm going to take an online test to try to "get ahead" for next week. Ha.

Oh, and P.S. Don't go to the Cheesecake Factory on a Saturday night. That place is a zoo. Probably didn't help that it was some school's prom night, but it was hectic either way. And....the service was extremely slow times like a thousand.

How did you spend your Saturday night??

I Taste Summer

2010-04-05T07:41:00.000-07:00

This morning I was on ASU's website because I had to take a test.

After I aced the said test, I was checking some stuff out on ASU's website.

I came across a schoolwide schedule of upcoming events...

I looked at April - not much going on.

Then...I saw it...

May. 4th.

Last day...of classes.

BEAUTIFUL.

I knew the end was coming quick, but seeing the actual date kind of burned that idea into my mind.

One. Month.

I only have to go down to that campus 8 more times...

Today is a good day.

To Linton-Milano Music {aka Milano's}

2010-04-04T22:39:00.000-07:00

I love my job.

I love the girls I work with.

I love the extremely difficult customers.

I love repricing music.

I love the layers of dust on the filing cabinets.

I love getting the Sweetcakes craving every day.

I love taking lessons payments.

I love calling "not it" when our "favorite" customers come in.

I love mailing music.

I love the jam-packed & intimidating composers section.

I love how we can go from angrily ranting about whatever to answering the phone angelicly in a

split second.

I love unpacking music.

I love getting new EZ Play issues & having to move everything.

I love the Saturdays that drag on and on and on. And on.

I love the one kid who is an amazing pianist that doesn't have a piano at home, so he comes &

plays in one of our studios for hours.

I love finding projects in the office so I can hear amazing pianist boy play.

I love that I get to see all the new music that comes out.

I love watching/spying on people downstairs.

I love closing.

I love singing obnoxiously when you think that only employees are in the store, only to turn

around & see that you have an audience of 1 or 2 customers.

I love finding books in my section that are 10 years older than I am.

I love retrieving the water bottles that get stuck in the dang vending machine.

I love leaving work & seeing people getting pictures taken by our music wall outside.

I love the extravagant decor in the hallway.

I love the students & parents that I've become friends with.

I love the little green golf cart men that have given me a dozen parking citations.

I love the way all of us LMM girls talk the same & use the same phrases & such.

I love the understock drawers that refuse to stay closed.

I love the aspiring musicians who grace everyone with their marvelous talents by obnoxiously blowing horns & saxophones & blaring amps. Bless their hearts.

I love the aspiring musicians who grace everyone with the marvelous talents & who actually know what they're doing.

I love the customers that sing while they look at songbooks.

I love knowing exactly what music people are looking for when they don't even know

themselves.

I love the inside jokes that we LMM girls have.

I love the army of gnats or fruit flies or whatever the heck they are that have chosen to abode in our lovely working place.

I love running things across the street to the piano store.

I love the teachers & all their coolness.

Yes, I love my job.

Girl Dates

2010-03-16T09:07:00.000-07:00

**Please note: This post was written on Monday, March 15th, but was never published due to the crashing of my laptop. Cute.

I love girl dates, and lucky me gets to have many this week. Let me make you a little jealous...

First of all, my friend, Leah, and I are gym buddies. To the gym together, we go.

It. Is. Awesome.

Biking...is bomb.

On Tuesday, I get to go to Olive Garden with Hannah, Mia, Rachel, and Brenna...girls I have been friends with since elementary, junior high, or high school.

I love me some soup, salad, and breadsticks from el Gardino de Olivino.

Oh yeah, and some catching up with mis amigas.

On Thursday....I will treat my toesies to a pedicure at my dear Darling Nails with my dear friend Jannae. I love pedicures....Like really. They're one of my top three favorite things.

Dear Darling, I love you.

Also on Thursday, I will be going to Sprinkles with Leah and Katy.

It will be DELICIOUS.

Red Velvet, watch out, because I'm coming for YOU.

P.S. If you ever are fortunate enough to go to Sprinkles, do not eat the cute little thing in the middle of the cupcake. Sick to the nast.

Girl Dates...are wonderful. If you want to go on one, let me know. Because I will go with you.

The end.

One Week and Counting

2010-02-15T19:55:00.000-08:00

In a week from today, I will be at the airport seeing Michael Rudd off.

I think that will be a sad day. But a happy one as well.

I am so grateful for him and the example he is to me.

He is seriously the greatest guy ever...Everyone thinks so.

I am one lucky girl.

And the people in the South Dakota Rapid City are some lucky folk.

And now I'm going to stop before the tears start.

The end.

P.S. Michael Rudd's farewell is this Sunday at 8:30am at the building on Harris north of Brown. Yeah, I know it's way too early to be at church, but he's worth it :)

P.S.S. I have gotten comments, texts, and VOICEMAILS about how I could only think of 19 reasons why I love Michael Rudd. FYI I stopped at 19 was because it was his 19th birthday. As Spencer would say, that's uh-lair-ee-us.

Ode to Michael Rudd

2010-02-15T07:15:00.000-08:00

The following is a list of 19 reasons why I love Michael Rudd for his 19th birthday.

1. He always always opens my door.
2. He follows me home to make sure I get there safely.
3. He doesn't take the gospel lightly.
4. He doesn't stoop to lower levels to get revenge, etc.
5. He sees the positive in EVERYTHING.
6. He has the desire to serve a mission.
7. He is always encouraging.
8. He is always the first to offer to help out.
9. He has a strong testimony.
10.He is more patient than anyone I know.
11. He has high standards.
12. He is always up for any crazy ideas I come up with.
13. He is my personal chauffer.
14. He has a great sense of humor.
15. He works hard at whatever he does.
16. He updates my iPod with the newest music & lets me use his when he breaks mine.
17. He pushes me to be a better person through his example and high expectations of me.
18. He makes delicious delicious food.
19. He treats me like a queen no matter what.

This post was supposed to go up yesterday...oops!! But anyway. Happy birthday, Michael Rudd. Thank you for all that you do for me. You are the GREATEST.

Green Thumb {Not}

2010-01-31T19:05:00.000-08:00

This...is what happens when my mom tries to plant a garden.

She mutates the strawberries.

The end.

Más Fotografías

2010-01-30T07:31:00.000-08:00

Movie Junkie

2010-01-30T06:10:00.000-08:00

Anyone who knows me knows I rarely go to the movies.

They know this because I never know what movies certain quotes come from and what not.

Well.

In the past two weeks, I have seen three movies!!

In a movie theater!!

I think that's some kind of record.

Anywho.

Last night, Michael Rudd and I went and saw When In Rome.

I have been dying to see this since I saw the previews for it when we went and saw Sherlock Holmes {this is my shout out to Whitney and Kirk}.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4G0J6GC4Pbo

It was HUH-LAIR-E-US.

And super cute.

LOVED it.

Ugh so good.

It met all my expectations and I would go see it again if anyone asked me to.

Or by myself.

Please please go see it.

To Linton-Milano Music {aka Milano's}

2010-01-29T17:47:00.001-08:00

I love my job.

I love the girls I work with.

I love the extremely difficult customers.

I love repricing music.

I love the layers of dust on the filing cabinets.

I love getting the Sweetcakes craving every day.

I love taking lessons payments.

I love calling "not it" when our "favorite" customers come in.

I love mailing music.

I love the jam-packed & intimidating composers section.

I love how we can go from angrily ranting about whatever to answering the phone angelicly in a split second.

I love unpacking music.

I love getting new EZ Play issues & having to move everything.

I love the Saturdays that drag on and on and on. And on.

I love the one kid who is an amazing pianist that doesn't have a piano at home, so he comes & plays in one of our studios for hours.

I love finding projects in the office so I can hear amazing pianist boy play.

I love that I get to see all the new music that comes out.

I love watching/spying on people downstairs.

I love closing.

I love singing obnoxiously when you think that only employees are in the store, only to turn around & see that you have an audience of 1 or 2 customers.

I love finding books in my section that are 10 years older than I am.

I love retrieving the water bottles that get stuck in the dang vending machine.

I love leaving work & seeing people getting pictures taken by our music wall outside.

I love the extravagant decor in the hallway.

I love the students & parents that I've become friends with.

I love the little green golf cart men that have given me a dozen parking citations.

I love the way all of us LMM girls talk the same & use the same phrases & such.

I love the understock drawers that refuse to stay closed.

I love the aspiring musicians who grace everyone with their marvelous talents by obnoxiously blowing horns & saxophones & blaring amps. Bless their hearts.

I love the aspiring musicians who grace everyone with the marvelous talents & who actually know what they're doing.

I love the customers that sing while they look at songbooks.

I love knowing exactly what music people are looking for when they don't even know themselves.

I love the inside jokes that we LMM girls have.

I love the army of gnats or fruit flies or whatever the heck they are that have chosen to abode in our lovely working place.

I love running things across the street to the piano store.

I love the teachers & all their coolness.

Yes, I love my job.

Sneak Peek

2010-01-23T18:47:00.000-08:00

A couple weeks ago, Michael Rudd and I got our pictures taken by the famous Busy Bee Lauren.

After axiously waiting and waiting some more, she posted our sneak peak!!

Sadly {and much to my disappointment}, she only posted 2 of our pictures...

which means we get to wait even longer.

Oh well...

Here are our dos pictures so far.

Me gusta, me gusta!! Can't wait for the rest!!

Today I...{Take 2}

2010-01-18T20:42:00.000-08:00

...got frustrated when Blogger messed up my post I had spent 45 minutes working on and decided to not even bother fixing it.

Today I...

2010-01-18T19:54:00.000-08:00

...woke up half an hour before my alarm.

...found out Ida's tires were extremely bald and coming apart.

...made breakfast with Chef Michael Rudd.

...almost threw up when my mom showed me the hair she had pulled out of the shower drain.

...saw the hugest RV I've ever seen in my life.

...envied Momma Rudd's $2.50 Down East Basics dress.

...couldn't laugh at any jokes.

...had to fork over $230 for new tires.

...enjoyed my favorite kind of weather - wet cold.

...realized the weather matched my mood.

...wanted to talk about things that are making me sad, but was afraid to.

...cleaned my room.

...started homework (sick).

...got a really bad headache.

...listened to everyone in my house sing and dance like General Larry Platt.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tMwhl4IrPNc

...missed Michael Rudd.

...mortified my cousins with the idea of pazookie.

...put my clothes away instead of throwing the neatly folded pile on my chair.

...cried a lot.

...got my privacy invaded a little when my mom read a love note to me from Michael Rudd.

...held my mom to her promise to play Skip-Bo with me.

...didn't come to terms with the fact that I have to go back to school tomorrow.

...realized didn't go as planned.

How Pro Chocolate Milk Makers Make Their Chocolate Milk

2010-01-07T20:57:00.001-08:00

Behold, the Moo Mixer.

Step 1: Pour your milk...into your Moo Mixer.

Step 2: Throw some Nesquik...in your Moo Mixer. Do not stir.

Step 3: Press the button located on top of the cow-like handle...of the Moo Mixer.

Step 4: Count to 2 Mississippi & watch in fascination as your chocolate milk does this ^....in your Moo Mixer.

Step 5: Enjoy your delicious chocolate milk in a matter of seconds...thanks to...your Moo Mixer.

Let's Play a Game {Take 2}

2010-01-05T13:12:00.000-08:00

Remember way back when I posted about the toilet in the middle of my backyard? And how I made a game out of it? Yeah we're doing that again. Ready...go.

What's out of place?

I'll give you a hint. It's not the games.

Maybe a close-up will help...

Say hello to Jerzee.

I went to get a game out of my parent's closet yesterday afternoon...

I climbed up there and screamed when I unexpectedly came eye to eye with this gato.

That's all.

Sorry, but this is all I got...

2009-12-30T23:21:00.000-08:00

So...Tomorrow night I'm working a catering with los Rudd's.

It's an LDS mid-singles New Year's Eve party.

Basically, we will be working 8:00pm - 1:00am.

I'm not too good at staying up late...I think we all know that.

And besides...I'm already dog tired because yesterday I worked my booty off at work {this is my shout out to Katy} and then went and climbed a mountain and then went and walked the mall{stories and pictures to come}{hopefully}.

I topped all that off with a horrendously horrible night's sleep.

Seriously, I can't remember a night that I slept worse.

Oh wait. That one time I was locked out of my house and had to sleep in my garage.

Yep. That one wins.

ANYWAY.

So. I'm already super super tired. So I figured I could go to sleep early tongiht {at least compared to the new usual} and then maybe sleep in but probably not and then be all rested for tomorrow night. So I came home, got in my jammies, layed down in front of the tv {because a) that usually puts me to sleep really fast lateish at night and b) my brother is sleeping at my cousin's and my sister was asleep upstairs and there was NO WAY IN HECK I was sleeping in our basement alone...no. thank. you.}.

ANYWAY {take 2}

P.S. You know you've gone on a rambling rant when you have to go back to the top and re-read everything you've written. Story. of. my life.

So. I layed there. For two hours. Wide awake. Watching HGTV.

And then, I got bored.

So I devised a new strategy. Twenty minutes ago.

It is {drum roll please}...Stay up until 1:00 and then sleep in all I want {which still probably won't be much}{curse you internal alarm clock}. Then, I'll be used to it kind of and can do it all over tomorrow night at the catering!! I...am a genius.

So.

That is my plan.

And that is why I'm blogging this late at night or whatever.

Because I have nothing else to do.

Hopefully...strategy #2 works.

The bad part is...my head hurts from lack of sleepage.

El. Fin.

By the way...

2009-12-18T10:06:00.000-08:00

Ladies, please go buy this eye shadow.

Everytime I wear it, I get a thousand compliments.

It's wonderful.

Maybelline. Velvet Crush. #20.

Love it.

Today I love...

2009-12-18T09:59:00.000-08:00

Youtube.

Because it showed me how to curl my hair with a flat iron.

It turned out super cute.

But I ended up putting my hair up, so you can't even really tell it's curled.

Anywho.

Youtube is a wonderful thing.

And that's my story.

Dang Mall Kiosks

2009-12-13T20:33:00.000-08:00

Um hi.

The other day, I was walking Mills Mall with my aunt because she wanted to throw herself into labor...when we came across a tank full of adorable adorable cute cute cute...baby turtles...at a kiosk. So...I bought not only one...but two.

Say hello to Alfred and Hal.

{Al and Hal...after 2 of the main music publishers}

Fast forward 2 hours.

I remember that I don't like pets so much and I decide I no longer want Al and Hal.

Too bad all sales are final on baby turtles from mall kiosks.

Don't worry. I ended up giving Al and Hal to my prego aunt.

And now I'm out $40.

That's right.

I dropped 40 bones to walk around a mall for 2 hours with 2 cute little baby turtles.

Good one, Kymber.

Called to Serve

2009-12-11T09:07:00.001-08:00

Last night, Michael Rudd got/opened his misison call.

He got all choked up when he opened it and started reading...It was very sweet.

Here it is...all official and signed by the prophet and everything.

I wish the picture wasn't so blurry {I took it with my phone because I forgot my camera...GOOD ONE, Kymber}.

This is going to sound like I'm his mother, but I'm very proud of Michael Rudd. He is such an example to me. The gospel is not something he treats lightly, and I am so grateful for that. He makes it easy for me to uphold my standards. He makes me want to be a better person and helps me strive for that. He is so caring and has such a tender heart. He is an awesome young man, and I am lucky to have him in my life. I am sad that he's leaving, but happy at the same time. I definitely would not have it any other way. And, of course, he's ecstatic and can't wait to get out there and serve.

Oh yeah. Michael Rudd got called to the South Dakota Rapid City mission and reports on Februart 24, 2010.

Dear Sydney and Jerzee

2009-12-10T13:26:00.000-08:00

This morning, my mom found our cats here

under our Christmas tree.

They must think they're all that and a bag of chips...acting like presents under the tree.

Ok that was a lame joke.

But I don't care if it wasn't funny.

Finding our cats under the tree was.

So you should laugh at that instead of at my attempt to make a joke.

The end.

Piano Recital Presents

2009-12-09T22:58:00.000-08:00

Today, I put together my Christmas presents for my piano students.

I got grand piano ornaments from Milano's.

Then I used my snazzy Cricut to personalize them with their names in white vinyl on the side.

I think they turned out SUPER cute!!

SCHOOL IS OVER

2009-12-09T14:25:00.001-08:00

'Nuf said.

Attempting the Impossible...

2009-12-04T10:32:00.000-08:00

Tonight, I am going to attempt to get all of my Christmas shopping done.

I know that's probably an umrealistic goal, but I figure that if I set my goal high, I'll get more accomplished.

That's kind of how I work.

That's how I'm spending my Friday night.

How are you spending yours??

The most random post ever

2009-11-30T20:41:00.000-08:00

First of all, my blog has been Christmas-fied!!

You like??

So. For the random.

Last week, I made this wreath for my madre.

I think it turned out super cute.
If you like it and you want one, I'll make you one for like 15 bucks. That's just cost of materials. Just let me know.

Love it.

This is my friend, Cayden.

Secretly he is Michael Rudd's nephew.

The other day, Momma Rudd, Whitney, Cayden & Riley (Whit's kids), and I went to this mongo boutique in Scottsdale. The drive was too much for this kiddo and he totally zonked out. Like this.

It was so cute.

Saturday, I was leaving work at approximately 5 pm. I walked outside to find this...

I love the weather that we've had the past few days.

The wet cold...It's wonderful.

Especially in the morning...the air just feels so crisp and clean.

Maybe I'm just weird.

Last but not least {for tonight anyway}, also on Saturday night...Kelcie and I were driving to Hobby Lobby when I looked at my speedometer and saw that it was a pattern!!

I thought it was cool.

And that's all.

XXXUnder ConstructionXXX

2009-11-25T15:13:00.001-08:00

Don't mind my blog right now.

It's temporarily under construction.

For some of us, it's been a LONG day...

2009-11-22T17:28:00.000-08:00

When me and my mom got home from visiting teaching, we found Spencer in the hall like this...

Oh Spencer....

P.S. That was over an hour ago and he's still there.

Things that I love...

2009-11-19T12:45:00.000-08:00

roller coasters {I'm craving them pretty bad}
Biggest Loser parties {They are the BEST}
cute hair accessories {Too bad my collection is now significantly...depleted}
cold minty breath {like right after you brush your teeth}
road trips {especially to California}
Owl City {Please love them with me}
caramel {caramel anything...yum}
piano {yeah kind of a big thing}
Nissan Tital 4 doors {love love love them}
Hollywood Tower of Terror {gah...right up there with roller coasters}
making jewelry {with the one and only Lauren of course}
driving with my windows down {especiallly just after it's rained}
fall {when it feels like fall}
new jeans {especially the clearance but still super cute kind}
things that sparkle {everything that sparkles}
shoes {they're kind of like a drug}
blog stalking {yeah...I do it}
broccoli {delicious delicious}
hayrides {coupled with caroling}
Pride & Prejudice {I made this list before our conversation, C & B}
conference issues of the Ensign {please read "That Your Burdens May Be Light" from the latest issue}
my owl keychain {gracias Old Navy}
Polly my Pink PC {thank you Zoe for the name}
Subway {I love me some chicken bacon ranch}
pink {so what if I'm girly}
my bed {warm and comfy...me gusta}
quotes {please share any good ones}
scarves {even though I'm kind of retarded at wearing them}
my owl necklace {goes with pretty much everything}
strawberry lemonade {mmm mmm mmm}
little little babies {so sweet}
clouds {if only we could have them every day}
bubble gum {but not the sugarless kind}
pedicures {being pampered is excellent}
card games {hand and foot with the Rudd's and Skip Bo baby}
flowers {smell yummy and look pretty...hey, they're like girls!}
chocolate covered strawberries {mouth. is. watering.}
soft tissues {that don't make your nose raw}
Saturdays at Milano's {probably the best day of work ever...love you Linton-Milano girls!}
the beach {my heart longs for California}
the gospel {duh}
asparagus {ask me about the side effects...nonetheless, delicious}
taking pictures {and having pictures taken...actually no. just the final product part}
french silk pie {good ol' Village Inn}
Christmas music {it's almost time!!}
fake nails {dear DoeDoe...}
homemade tamales {heavenly...I wish I was Mexicano for this reason}
no school {3 weeks left}
boutiques {so fun!!}
my Cricut {my craft sidekick}

Bam.

2009-11-19T09:01:00.000-08:00

Tonight, I'm going to my first midnight showing ever...to New Moon of course!! I'm not so much excited for the actual movie {Twilight was super lame}, and I probably won't be able to stay awake through the whole thing. I'm not good at staying up late. Seriously. Last night, I was falling asleep at 9:45. I'm so going to crash. But I don't care because it will be super fun. And I will finally be able to say that I, Kymber, have been to a midnight showing. It will be excellent.

HUH-lair-e-us

2009-11-17T14:01:00.000-08:00

Please youtube Tim Hawkins.

He is SO funny.

Right now my feelings are torn...kind of.

2009-11-17T09:08:00.000-08:00

Last Thursday, I didn't have to be at school til 3:00, so I decided to play with Spencer.

We wanted to go to Seagull Book, so we did. Well. Spencer saw the temple on our way there and was all cute-like and said, "Kymbalee, I wanna go to da tempool."

It was the most precious thing ever.

So we went.

Yeah he's cute. But you know what's not so cute? When he decided to take all my flowers that I wear in my hair...and flush the down the toilet. Yeah. Not cute. Too bad it's next to impossible to be mad at him because he's so stinkin' cute. Curse you cuteness. But I mean, I guess it's alright.

Ugh.

I've got a bone to pick with blogspot.

2009-11-17T08:59:00.000-08:00

So basically here is my excuse for not blogging for a long time.

I really really really want to change my blog background but...{insert long story here}...I can't. And I don't know why I can't. But it's not working. So I have been frustrated with Sir Blogspot and decided to boycott for a little while.

That's all.

So if any of you are technical geniuses and can help me out...that would be great and I would appreciate it mucho.

And now I will blog about random things in random posts at random times in my day. So to the like 5 of you that read my blog, I hope you like you some random.

The end.

Hello?? It's NOVEMBER!!!

2009-11-02T20:12:00.000-08:00

Um hi.

It's November.

In case anyone wasn't aware.

You know what the problem is with this November?

It's 94˚!!

Um excuse me.

But 94˚ is NOT fall weather.

It makes me somewhat angry.

Because I have a super cute jacket and super cute scarves.

And guess what?

I can't wear them.

Because it's 94˚.

In November.

Ridiculous.

I am grateful for my bed.

2009-10-25T09:29:00.000-07:00

Usually when I come home at night, I go through the back door, which is usually unlocked unless it's late-er. Well. Friday night when I got home, the back door...was locked. And of course, I didn't have my keys with me because my car was in the shop, so why did I need my keys, right? Yeah I didn't even think about taking them with me on my night's endeavor's {aka bead party with Haley Stew and friends}. So. Plan B was to go through the garage {where the spare key is}, which I really didn't want to do for fear of waking the whole house up. At this point, I was out of options {or so I thought}, so I reluctantly punched in the garage code, crouched under as soon as I could, and bolted to the button thing to close it again so that the noise would last as not long as possible. I go to get the spare key, and guess what's not there? Yeah. No spare key. Go figure. So. I knocked on the door for a good long time, hoping someone would hear me {even though everyone upstairs sleeps on the other side of the house}. Ten minutes later, no one has heard me yet and my knuckles {that's a weird word} are starting to hurt. So...me and my locked-out-of-my-house self have no idea what to do. The ONLY thing I could think of to do was to just sleep in the garage. I looked around and found one of our old couch pillows, 3 baby blankets, 2 towels, and 2 sweatshirts, with which I made a "bed."

And that's how I slept. I kept thinking as I laid there trying to fall asleep about 1) how I wished I had a couch in my garage like Bonnie Leman, and 2) how grateful I was for my real blanket and my real pillows and my real bed. And for not-motion-censored-lights. I swear I woke up at least ten times because every time I moved, the light would turn on!! Anyway. It was cold, I was exhausted all day at work the next day, and the side of my leg is bruised from laying on my side on the concrete for so long. But hey, I guess it makes for a good story.

On a happier note...

2009-10-23T15:38:00.000-07:00

Don't worry.

My mom just called.

She is coming for me.

And a tow truck is coming too.

In 70 minutes.

As in over an hour.

But all is well.

Because Mom and Mr. TowTruckMan will save the day.

And I won't be stranded at Institute anymore.

And I can go to work.

And stock my sections.

And goof off with Savea.

And just not be here.

(Don't get me wrong, I love love love Institute, but I am here 6+ hours a day. Come on.)

I just have to wait for 70 minutes.

Seriously right now?

2009-10-23T15:31:00.000-07:00

It's Friday.

Late afternoon Friday.

Where do I want to be right now you ask?

At work.

Stocking my sections.

And goofing off with Savea.

Where am I instead you inquire?

Stuck.

At the Institute building.

Why you wonder?

Because.

I will tell you.

Ida, my car, is being lame-o.

She's doing that the-alarm-is-going-to-go-off-non-stop-and-drive-you-crazy thing.

Again.

When this happens (fyi this is take 2), I cannot drive her.

So here I sit.

At Institute.

Stranded.

All alone.

On a Friday afternoon.

Really?

When Wisdom Teeth Decide to Move

2009-10-18T20:34:00.000-07:00

You can use orajel.

{For the record, it's really NOT pleasant tasting.}

You can use ice packs.

And heating patches.

You can gargle warm salt water.

You can take ibprofen.

And Alieve.

And Excedrin.

And you can press your jaw really really hard.

And it will still be the most pain you've felt in your entire life.

Unless you've had kids.

Because that probably hurts worse.

Michael Rudd's Surprise

2009-10-14T10:20:00.000-07:00

P.S. Michael Rudd's surprise for me was tickets to Jon Schmidt's Christmas concert!!

Gah!! I'm soooo excited!!

Thanks, Michael Rudd!! You're the greatest!!

I think I might be a math nerd...

2009-10-14T10:17:00.000-07:00

Because I bought this shirt. And am wearing it. Right. Now.

Math book: "I got a problem"

Calculator: "Yo! I'll solve it!"

That's all.

Things I'm Excited For...

2009-10-13T13:36:00.000-07:00

1. To graduate from ASU. Blessed day.

2. Haunted Houses. Like this weekend. Anyone want to come???

3. To be married. But this one, I can wait for.

4. Christmas break. Again, blessed day.

5. Halloween Parties. Family, Elementary school, ward. They will be great.

6. To raise a family. For this one, I can wait longer.

7. Next spring's baseball season. I love going to DBacks games.

8. Tonight's episode of The Biggest Loser. Go home Tracy.

9. To read Busy Bee Lauren's next blog post. Funny, cute, and entertaining. Check it out.

10. Game/Cookie party at Celeste's on Thursday. Love her.

11. The weekend. 'Nuf said.

12. To buy Kelcie's birthday present. Muah-ha-ha-ha.

13. Doe Doe to have her baby girl. I heart itty bitty babies.

14. Go shopping manaña. It will be excellent.

15. Work Friday and Saturday. I love the girls I work with.

16. Wear big jackets. I jumped the gun and wore one today. It wasn't too bad until noon when it was bloody hot. Dang Arizona.

17. Chelsey's wedding. Pretty dress, pretty decorations, Christmas time, and Dip 'n Dots. Good one.

18. Dinner tonight. I don't know what we're having. But I'm excited for it. (No pressure Mom).

19. To get my nails done. Perhaps tonight??

20. To hold Baby Riley. What was that about hearting itty bitty babies??

21. Michael Rudd's surprise. He says he has one for me tonight. Gah the suspense is killing me.

22. To go to sleep. What? I relish in a little shut eye.

23. Playing at institute with Celeste on Friday. Fridays are my extrememly-boring-I-want-to-rip-my-eyes-out days and the past couple weeks, she has come and saved me and it has been excellent. Bless her heart.

24. Chocolate milk when I get home. Every day, my friends, every day.

25. Christmas music. Or Chrismas in general. For lots of reasons.

26. An updated iPod. I'm slackin' on the tuneage.

That's all.

Road Trip to Gilbert

2009-10-10T21:25:00.000-07:00

So. Tonight I drove to Gilbert to get my cousin, Lacey, so she could come hang out with my little sisters and stay the night at our house. On the way out there, we {Kelcie, Brylee, and I} stopped at In 'n' Out and got chocolate milkshakes and french fries. Then we proceeded to la casa de Lacey. On the way home, they {Lacey and Brylee} were CRACKING me up. Here are some of the funny things they said. P.S. Lacey and Brylee are both 9 and are like BFFAEAEAEAE. Aaaannnyyyywhoooo....

Lacey: Oh my gosh! In my class, if we get a 90 or above on our times test, we get to eat lunch in the classroom and have an ice cream party all by ourself!!

{Party? By yourself? Sounds SO fun....?}

I told them their milkshakes had to be gone by the time we got home.

Lacey: That's OK. Just drive slow.

{Yes ma'am.}

Brylee: {in regards to the french fries} These are fresh potatoes?!

{My car is too low to see the stellar potato cutter thing the In 'n' Out-ers have. Obvi.}

Lacey: Umm something's in my straw. I can't get anything out.

{Nope, Lace, it's just thick.}

Lacey: All I'm getting is whipped cream.

{She was halfway through her shake. And they don't even put whipped cream in those things.}

That's all I can remember. But there was a ton more. Lacey is hilarious. Obvi.

That's all.

Forgive Me

2009-10-10T08:31:00.000-07:00

Don't worry, Michael Rudd.

I have a bigger crush on you.

Mhmm...

2009-10-08T20:55:00.000-07:00

I have a crush on Michael Bublé.

That's all.

Today I Love...

2009-10-07T20:00:00.000-07:00

Sweaters, pea coats, and other jackets...Observe.

{delias.com}

{oldnavy.com}

{oldnavy.com}

{oldnavy.com}

{oldnavy.com}

{delias.com}

{deliahs.com}

{delias.com}

{aeropostale.com}

Fluffy Whiteness

2009-09-30T21:38:00.000-07:00

I drove the whole way to school this morning with my sunroof open.

It was marvelous.

Well.

I was at a stop sign and I looked up.

And this is what I saw.

No one was behind me, so I decided to take a picture.

I love clouds.

Afar off, there was an abundance of gray and purple clouds and I thought, "Perhaps this might be rain!!"

But twas not.

And so my hopes were shot.

But don't worry.

Tomorrow it's only supposed to be 88˚.

It will be excellent.

Hooray for almost fall weather.

The funniest moment of my day...

2009-09-28T21:43:00.001-07:00

That is definitely Spencer...with a plunger stuck to his belly.

He figured that one out all on his own.

It's reasons like this that I love him so much.

Ah, man, is he a handful.

Why I Love Haley Baley

2009-09-26T17:51:00.000-07:00

This is why I love the Haley Stewart.

Because she is silly with me at work.

We're friends.

That's a fruit roll up by the way.

My Current Craving

2009-09-25T12:55:00.000-07:00

I have been craving Olive Garden for 3 weeks now...

Their salad and breadsticks.....MMMM.....delicious. I could fill up on those and call it good. YUM.

And their lasagna.....My favorite. Too bad I couldn't find a mouth-watering picture. Just imagine it in your mind. I'm sure if you think about it long enough, you'll want Olive Garden too. And then we can go together. It will be great.

And now my mouth is watering.

Why you shouldn't run up the stairs at institute...

2009-09-24T08:44:00.000-07:00

Because probably you will trip over your flip flops and fall on your face in front of everyone just like I did 5 minutes ago.

Fall has arrived!!!

2009-09-23T08:47:00.000-07:00

Fall is officially FINALLY here!! I love fall. And here...is why.

1. Cute Cardigans

Sweaters fall under this category too. But I like the word cardigan better. I heart cardigans. They are adorable and ugh just super cute. Hooray for fall being cardigan season.

2. Fall Food

I don't know about you, but that turkey, broccoli, and fruit salad are looking mighty delicious.
I don't even like pumpkin pie, but by the looks of that one right ther I could go for some right about now. Hooray for fabulous fall food. YUM.

3. Not 115° Weather

This picture (minus the fluffy white clouds) is what it has been like for the past like 4 months. Can I just tell you how nice it is to be able to go out in the morning and not be pelted with heat the second you step foot out the door?? Ah, fall. Your hotless days are going to be wonderful.

4. Hot Chocolate

Mmmmm...Hot chocolate. I like to make mine with soft candy cane sticks and mucho Cool Whip. Ah...Delicious. I love chocolate drinks aka chocolate milk. I have 3 cups a day. One in the morning, one when I get home from school, and one before I go to bed. It is delicious. But I only like the Nesquick chocolate milk stuff. None of that Hershey's chocolate syrup. No thank you. Gross. And now, due to this wonderful fall season, it is almost time for my chocolate milk days to temporarily come to an end. For the next 4ish months, I will be drowning myself in hot cocoa instead. And it will be wonderful, I tell you. Hooray for hot chocolate. In fall.

5. Fall Trees

Sure, we don't have many pretty trees like this in Arizona, but a girl can dream, can't she?? I love fall trees. And in my head, Arizona has fall trees. And I love fall trees.

6. Ginormous and Ridiculously Comfy Hoodies

I do not heart ASU. But I do heart big comfy hoodies. They're great. And I love them. I have like 10. Just ask my sister. They take up half our closet. But I love them so much. I also love fall.

7. Caramel Apple Cider from Starbucks

Yeah, yeah. There's probably coffee in that cup. But let's pretend it's caramel apple cider. Because that is delicious. Thank you Leah for introducing me to this sweet and yummy goodness. I heart caramel apple cider. And fall.

8. Crunchy leaves

Mostly I just like to jump in big piles of leaves. It's super fun. And it makes me feel like a little kid. I also like stepping on leaves and hearing them crunch. Fall leaves are just fun. Yes? Fall is fun.

9. Haunted Houses

I love haunted houses. And they are only around during the fall. The one at Schnepf Farms is my all time favorite. Only one more week til October....and the official haunted housing will begin!! All thanks to fall.

10. Anti-Shaving is allowed

Why? Because I'm always wearing jeans. Thus no one sees my legs. Until Sunday. So I only have to shave once a week. But shhh...don't tell. P.S. Those are man legs. But not just in fabulous fall. That's all year round.

11. Scarves

OK so I only have like 3. But I still love them. And I still think they are super cute. Especially in fall.

Oh, fall. You are wonderful. You are my favorite and I just love you. You make me happy inside. Aaannnnddd you're pretty great.

The end.

Why Michael Rudd is the greatest

2009-09-13T08:45:00.000-07:00

In reaction to my last post, Mr. Amazing, I mean Michael Rudd, decided to get me a pedicure!! Little did I know this guy was getting one too!!

What a guy.

Check out all that hair. Woah.

Wonderful? Yes.

Spoiled? A little.

Thanks Michael Rudd!! You're pretty great :)

Sick Nasty Gross Ew

2009-09-10T13:52:00.000-07:00

This is the current status of my poor feet.

Yeah. Gross. Maybe I wear flip flops too much.
However, my sick-nasty-gross-dinosaur-scaly feet will not stop me.

Now that I've grossed you all out...Anyone want to go get a pedicure??

Let's Play a Game...

2009-09-06T20:04:00.000-07:00

What's wrong with this picture?

Can't tell?? Let's take a closer look...

Closer you say?

You think you know? One more picture just to make sure...

Ding, ding, ding!! Yep. That is definitely our TOILET in our BACKYARD.

I found this hilarious, so I had to share.

No worries, it was later moved to the porch.

The end.

Alas

2009-08-29T18:04:00.000-07:00

Finally, my pretty pink Dell laptop has come.

Oh, she is wonderful. And boy is she pretty. Ah.

Long, tedious school assignments, bring it on. Breaks in between classes + this baby = less homework (knock on wood).

P.S. She needs a name. Any suggestions??

Dumb Day 2

2009-08-25T21:22:00.000-07:00

So today was SUPER overwhelming. English 101 is going to be TONS of work and I am really regretting that I didn't get that over with in high school. My instructor is very blunt and harsh. He seems cool, but he is super strict. My U.S. history class has 379 people (the majority of which are freshmen) in it. My professor for that class has a super cute personality. I admire her for teaching a class that size. I think that will be a fun class. Intro to Art was next. Only 179 people this time. Ha. My professor there is super super nice. She's from London and has an awesome accent. She said herself that this was going to be an easy class. Thank goodness. Basically, English 101 is the only class that stressed me out. However, other factors made my day not so great. Ironically, I am in a really good mood.

Day 1 Down

2009-08-24T20:19:00.000-07:00

So I survived my first day of college. I found all my classes just fine, and even managed to remember where the library was. I'm not sure what to think of it yet...I know that once I start getting loads of homework, I will be way overwhelmed. Definitely not looking forward to that one. But as of right now, it's OK. Today, I had institute, world geography, and precalc. I went to Homecoming junior year with my institute teacher's son, so I already know and like him. My geography teacher repeats everything he says in five different ways and laughs at his own jokes (which, of course, are not funny). He seems nice, though. My precalc teacher is super laid back. That's all I had today. Tomorrow, I have English 101, institute, U.S. history, and art. Stay tuned to see how that goes.

I'm SO enthusiastic about college. Can you tell?

A Day in the Mind of Me

2009-08-23T20:27:00.000-07:00

Today, I've thought a lot about random things. Here are some of them.

I'm growing up. This morning, I went to one of my good friend's farewell. It's super super weird having your friends get their calls and leave on their missions. Every time I hear about someone that I graduated with getting their call, it's another slap in the face, as if to say, "You're getting old!!" It's so weird. Everyone is growing up. And it's all happening so fast. And it's not just the boys. A that I had classes with throughout high school is engaged and getting married in NOVEMBER. What the. She's my age. 18. That's like me getting married in a couple months. I think she is LOCO.
Spencer is probably the biggest 2-year-old-that-can-get-away-with-anything-because-he's-so-stinkin'-cute on the face of this planet. He definitely keeps us entertained. Today while the sacrament was being passed...He was HILARIOUS. Definitely NOT the most convenient time ever. It's extremely hard to be reverent when you have a super cute big blue eyed little boy doing things like singing the eensy weensy spider and making various bodily noises without a care in the world. He was just so funny and my mom and I could not stop laughing. If you want the story, I will tell you. Ah I love him.
Missions change people. They transform silly boys into spiritual giants. Today in our ward, we had 2 brothers speak. One is leaving on his mission in a month. The other just got home. It was super cool to see how they interacted. It was also cool to see how much the RM had changed. Both of their talks were awesome...very heartfelt.
Jannae Jestes is a beautiful young woman. She is one of my best friends and I love her to pieces. I love listening to her stories and hearing her laugh. She is always so happy and she is definitely an example to me.
Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing is a great hymn. It is my new favorite, even though it's not in the hymnbook. It was played today during Relief Society (see, I really am old). The 3rd and 4th verses really hit home for me today.

(V. 3) Jesus sought me when a stanger,

Wand'ring from the fold of God;

He, to resucue me from danger,

Interposed His precious .

(V. 4) O to grace how great a debtor

Daily I'm constained to be!

Let Thy goodness, as a fetter,

Bind my wandering heart to Thee.

(Chorus) Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it,

Prone to leave the God I love:

Here's my heart, O take and seal it,

Seal it for Thy courts above.

Blog things are confusing. I can't figure certain things out and it's extremely frustrating. That's my story.
I am very greatful for my piano-playing skills. They have definitely come in handy and have served me well. However. My music collection is boring to me now. Any suggestions for good piano solos??
I am in dire need of a haircut. I have split ends out the wahzoo and it is no bueno. However, I am attached to my longish hair, even though it lays limp and flat and stuck to my head, no body or volume in sight. Sigh....
Broccoli is delicious. Especially when it has melty cheese. Yum.
I might lose my mind in the upcoming weeks. School starts tomorrow. I work 4 days a week and teach piano the other 2. Squeeze in studying and school work, and that equals no social life. I'm really really hoping this is not the case. However, it most likely will be. To all my friends, I am sorry and I promise I still love you mucho. That goes for my familia too. They're going to get to put up with the stressed-out-to-the-max-running-around-like-a-chicken-with-it's-head-cut-off Kymber, and from what I hear, she is no fun, and I believe it. Lo siento.
I really dislike taking out the trash. It's one of my beloved household chores, and I really do loathe it. My poor mother has to tell me 42 times to take it out before I actually get around to it. Half the time I forget. The other half, I just don't want to, so I put it off until I forget. She just hollered from the other room asking if I had taken it out yet. No, no I haven't. Don't worry, Mom. Just as soon as I finish this post...
Fuzzy aloe socks from Bath and Body Works are the best. Wear them for a couple hours, and your feet are smooth as smooth can be. I have 3 pairs. They're wonderful.
Prayers are answered and peace will come. Plain and simple.

Well. This is all for now.

New Phone At Last

2009-08-19T15:38:00.000-07:00

Today I got my long-awaited-for new phone. Behold, the LG Dare.

It is magnificent.

It's all touch screen, and I am in love.

My favorite part is the drawing pad, which lets me draw awesome pictures like this.

Pretty cool, I know.

My phone. It's a beautiful thing.

College Joys

2009-08-18T22:10:00.000-07:00

Today, Katy took me to ASU to find all my classes and walk me through my schedule. Pretty much, it was scary and overwhelming, but deep deep deep down I know I'll be OK. Seriously, I don't feel old enought to be going to college. I felt so little walking around on that huge campus. Since when am I a college student?! I'm not old enough for this!! These were the thoughts racing through my head for those three hours in the 117 degree heat today. Ah!!!!! In less than a week, I will be thrown out of my sheltered bubble and into a world of immodesty, immorality, homework overload, loco professors, and stuff. I am not ready for this!! Mostly, I am not looking forward to not having a social life. I will be stretched and pulled between school, homework, studying, work (p.s. I got my job back at Milano's!!), and don't forget teaching piano. Hopefully I can find time to breathe. Saying that I will be busy is definitely an understatement. Sigh. Well. Only four years til it's all over. Blessed day. I miss high school.

Thanks Katy for taking time out of your day to take me under your wing and show me the ropes!! You're awesome!!

After Months of Neglect

2009-08-03T16:08:00.000-07:00

So pretty much, it's summer and I've been a) busy or b) out of town. As a result, my room turned into this.On Saturday, I finally decided that this was completely unacceptable, especially since I'm pretty good at keeping my half of the room clean. I locked myself in my room with a dirty clothes hamper and two trash bags, not sure where to start. Four hours later...

I'm not a believer of making beds. Maybe when I'm older. While I was cleaning, I realized how small and storage-lacking my room is. I threw a lot of stuff out, thinking it would give me more room. Wrong.

I don't spend much time in my room, but now at least I don't have to dread going in there for fear of stepping on something or guilt for not giving it the attention it was in desperate need of.
Yay for cleaning!!

Girls Camp

2009-07-31T18:45:00.000-07:00

This week, I went up to Camp Lomia for s camp!! It was my last year, and I was on Junior Staff. It was so much fun and I had a blast!! I'm pretty sad that I won't be going back, though...at least not until I'm married. Camp is the highlight of my summer every summer. There is such a special spirit on those grounds that you can't find anywhere else. I am definitely going to miss it.

Anyway...On a happier note, here are some pictures!!

Me, Rachel Ray, Karissa Galbraith, and Jannae getting ready to load the buses.

The day after we got to camp, the 3rd years hiked East Rim. Here are all of the 34th ward s that went on the hike (girls, YCL's, leaders, and me).

Me and Kelcie on the way back down.

The hike wasn't as bad as I remember it. I was dreading it big time, but it ended up being the best/most fun hike I've been on. That's saying A LOT, seeing that I loathe hiking.
I was really glad that I got to hike with Kelcie.

Intense, I know.

All of the Junior Staff s.

Tuesday night was the spiritual program. Junior Staff put on a skit. Basically, it was about how everyone has different trials, big or small, visible or behind the scenes. But no matter what, Christ, the Savior of the world, know what we're going throught, and how it is our responsibility to give our burdens to Him so that He can bring us peace and comfort.

The setting was at a get-together in the backyard of one of the JS s. In the skit, Rachel Johnson was the main who was in a rough patch in her life and felt like no one understood what she was going through. The rest of us JS s, who played her friends, told her stories of real and personal trials that we've been through and how we got through them by relying on the Lord. Several of the JS s sung solos to go with their stories. The finale song was "For Good" from Wicked.

The program was AWESOME. We performed better than we had ever rehearsed and the spirit was SO strong. I didn't think too many s were super touched until the closing prayer was said. There were constant sniffles. After the prayer, s flooded the stage and everyone was crying and hugging and it was just so cool. Seriously. It was amazing. s that I've never seen cry before were bawling because they were so touched. It was seriously the coolest thing EVER.

Late Tuesday night, after the rest of camp had gone to bed, JS caught a bat!! With the help of Uncle Phil of course. After we caught it, we found out it was a mommy bat and it was carrying a nursing baby!! It was so itty bitty and super cute. We gave it to the nature lady.

Wednesday, I went lling with the 3rd year s. It was a lot of fun, but I got sunburned :(. We got all the s to go down but one. This was my 3rd time lling and I love it!!

Those were all of the major points, I think....

Girls camp was SO fun!! I had the time of my life on Junior Staff...We were spoiled like crazy, stayed up late, had dance parties in the lodge, and pretty much anything else we wanted to do. We decided that we flunked Junior Staff so that we would have to come back next year and do it all again. I got to know these s and our stake leaders on a whole new level and I loved every minute of it!! I love s camp!!

Family Vacation Pictures

2009-07-23T09:32:00.000-07:00