Lesson's Learned

The Amazing Dave Ramsey

2012-01-29T20:14:00.008-07:00

So one of my New Years Resolutions was to budget my money better. So far.....not so great.

But my Dad made a suggestion, he is a big Dave Ramsey fan and one of his techniques for becoming better at budgeting was using envelopes.

Each month I will divide up my paycheck into 4 different envelops, each with different amounts. Monthly Payments: phone and insurance on my car = $35. Get It? And then whatever is left will go into the bank.

For the next few months I am going to try this and then I'll let you all know if it really works. Well, I know it will because if Jeff Ward taught me anything it was that "Dave Ramsey is AWESOME!"

-tlc

P.S. I finally finished my book boxes and now I have a cute little "book nook" :)

Do Not Open Until January 2013

2012-01-03T22:34:00.003-07:00

I try to do this once a year, and the years that I have done it have proved most interesting.

Each year I write a note to my future self talking about what has happened lately, what I am looking forward too doing, my goals, and random updates on friends and families. Corny yes, but it's nice to have a reminder each year of how things have been and how quickly everything can change. It also can be a "slap in the face" sometimes when I don't accomplish things I knew that I could have.

This years letter included my New Years Resolutions, missionary updates, and family updates. Along with an "inspiring message" to myself in the hopes that I have changed and can look forward with a positive attitude. Can you sense my sarcasm?

But really, it is a nice refresher for my attitude on things.

Recommend that you try it! The hardest part is keeping it closed until the decided date ;)

-tlc

Before the year ends...

2011-12-30T22:34:00.010-07:00

Lots of news to share with my "faithful followers"

I finally grew up and did something that I've wanted to do to my hair for quite sometime now. I dyed it! Not super dramatic but still, it's different. For those of you who know how my mom is, you understand how big of a deal this was. She basically has had “rights” to my hair since I was a little girl. Never wanting to cut or change it in any way. But thankfully, she likes it but is hoping I don’t keep it like this and go back to my natural color (which is not happening anytime soon!)

Next was Christmas

This year was more on the spiritual side for me. Which was perfect and just what I needed. It reminded me what I need to do to get my life back on track. A few of my friends and I went up to Temple Square (which was packed! To be explained in a later more “vent” like post) It was gorgeous, as always, but I wish there could have been some snow on the ground. (STILL WISHING FOR THAT) But anyway, it was a great night. I always love being so close to any temple but the SLC temple has a soft spot. My parents were married there by Gordon B. Hinckley (before he was a prophet), two of my brothers were married there and one day I hope to be married there. It has always been my favorite temple and getting to make a wish in front of it in the reflection pond made it even more special.

*photo credit K. Lani Staples :)

(Preston, Rob, Ali, Me, K Lani, Karenna & Austin)

I have always dreaded having Christmas on a Sunday. Yes I realize this makes me sound like a terrible person- ok I guess dread is the wrong word. But you all know what I mean. Anyway, this year was different. Presents and trying to see what Santa brought was the furthest thing from my mind when I woke up that morning. I went to my homeward where we celebrated not only Christmas but the 50^th anniversary of our building. This was especially tender for me because my grandpa was one of the many men who worked so hard on the building our beautiful church (complete with amazing stain glass windows which are sadly gone, but the "bishop killer" remains) and my mother attended the first meeting at the age of 11. They finished and dedicated the building on Christmas Eve.

I owe a lot to that ward and the people in it. Also have some fond memories at that church…. My fellow E-4 wardies will understand….

-passing notes in Sunday school and eating cheerios snuck from my house

-sneaking into the tunnel during the Christmas party

-(Bruce will only get this one) M.R. ;)

-convincing the primary kids at the 24^th of July picnic that the stage at the bottom of the hill was haunted

-and my favorite…meeting at the “corner” on the nights after mutual exchanging our “deep dark secrets” such as who do you like? Who would you date in the ward? Who do you want to date at school? Etc. They never really got anywhere but were always juicy!

(*the official secret session rules, with sara's amazing art skills)

Then came the actual Christmas celebration with my family. My parents and I returned home to see what Santa had brought me. Mostly books and silly gag gifts along with a Kindle (which I didn’t even know I would want/like) Then game the presents from under the tree. My mom immediately threw 3 at my feet, which is odd because we usually go in order from oldest to youngest starting with my dad. But she said it didn’t matter. So I proceeded to open the following…car fresheners, snow/ice scraper and then in the last box, obviously if you couldn’t tell where this was going, was a pair of keys to MY “new” ford explorer! Found it in the driveway and was so excited!

Now all I need is a name for him/her……

One of Santa’s spoils was all 7 of the Harry Potter books and the Hunger Games trilogy which I have been wanting to read for a while now. Well, I finished the first book in 3 days and I. AM. HOOKED. I’m already 10 chapters into the next one and cannot wait until the movie comes out this March!

Now I get to feel like a cheesy boy crazed girl but I love these particular boys so here ya go...

Missionary Update!!

Austin – leaves for Ghana in about 20 days

Robert – leaves for Benin 2 days before my birthday, March 17^th

Matt – leaves for Brazil Sao Paulo (spell it right cakes?) in June(?) or is it May

Preston - ???? we find out next week! I’m betting Poland or Russia, somewhere cold that needs his peppy attitude desperately.

Love them, they are going to make incredible missionaries!

Now for the songs that I have murdered the replay button on

**Safe & Sound – Taylor Swift ft. The Civil Wars

-written for The Hunger Games and it fits perfectly.

SPOILER: I think it was for when Rue dies and Katniss is covering her in flowers in the meadow-it seems like a spin off the lullaby she sings to her

-If you are a Hunger Games fan, listen to it! I want to know your opinion

Dancing Away with my Heart – Lady Antebellum

-love them and get to see them in concert on Valentines Day!

-Their songs always tell the best stories and this reminds me of someone very well

Owned the Night – Lady Antebellum

-another amazing hit that makes me miss summer

Stronger Album – Kelly Clarkson

-have loved her from the beginning and this album is no exception!

-the whole thing is amazing but my favorites are …

-What Doesn’t Kill You

-I forgive You

-Mr. Know it All

-Einstein (cheesy lyrics but still fun)

-Dark Side

-Hello

I hope you all had a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Ready for the “last year on earth” ?

HAPPY 2012!

-tlc

Finals...need I say more?

2011-12-07T10:01:00.004-07:00

Figured I would do a quick update even though I should probably be working on my 10 page paper that is due hmm, TOMORROW. Meh oh well, my best work happens when I procrastinate :) -true statement, despite what my mom would think.

So, a lot has gone down in the I guess 3 weeks (?) since I last posted to all you loyal followers.

Bullet point list for my laziness, ready go.

-It's finals and I, like the rest of my hundreds of other class mates, am stressing out. Funny how just one simple word can bring so much pain and the awkward pit feeling in the bottom of your stomach feeling, you know what I'm talking about? Well yes I have had a lot of that going on lately, sure most of you have too, glad to know I'm not alone.

-My bestest friend moved :( only to Lehi but still, she used to only be 10 minutes away when I needed a lunch date or just someone to listen to me rant about boys, family, school and work.

-(hasn't happened yet but is coming soon) Another one of my best friends will be getting his call, thats right Cakes-I'm talking about you ;)

Crazy how much has changed and how much is going to change which leads me to my next point....

-this last Saturday was the 2 year, I wouldn't call it reunion since it was kind of tragic, but it has been 2 years since we wrecked our awesome "group" car the S.R. (I can't tell you what the initials stand for...hehehe) *see post http://taralynclark.blogspot.com/2009/12/my-car-crash.html 2 years ago I was pining after a certain someone, had an awful relationship with my parents, was not graduating high school, and cheesy one-had never been kissed ;)

It will be very interesting to see what will happen over the next couple of years.

So 2 down, 3 to go

Austin-Ghana

Robert-Cantonou...probably spelled that wrong but it's in Africa

Cakes- ????? I'm going to cause Accra just cause he wants to go there but I'm also gonna say.....either Japan or Germany-random yes but aren't mission guesses suppose to be (But i was the closest guess for Rob's-thank you Pirate for guessing a Safari)

-I have been using Christmas gifts/decorations as an excuse to take a break from my "diligent" studying....haha I can't even write that with a straight face.

Anyway, most of my gifts this year have been homemade-I'm so crafty huh? I would share pictures but there are some people who read this who would then see their gifts -so....I will put them up after Christmas to share with everyone. Anyway, I am very proud with the results since I am not normally this crafty but the gifts have turned out really cool. Hoping the people like them! :) *Cough*Mom, Dad, Ali, Karenna, Maddie, Audrey*cough* ;)

And now for the new song(s) that I have been obsessed with lately...

**Halo by Kate Havnevik

-awesome lyrics and it just sounds really cool

thanks to greys anatomy for introducing this artist to me :)

I Forgive You by Kelly Clarkson

-because her new album is awesome and I have always loved her and I'm going to see her with my two best friends the day after my birthday!!!

Spiritual thought of the week:

"Get on your knees and pray, then get on your feet and work" - Gordon B. Hinckley

Hope you all have successful finals and do great in your classes!!

-tlc

Being an Adult is Overrated

2011-11-26T01:24:00.001-07:00

"Remember when you were a kid and your biggest worry was like... if you'd get a bike for your birthday or if you'd get to eat cookies for breakfast. Being an adult: TOTALLY overrated. I mean seriously, don't be fooled by the hot shoes and hot dates and no parents anywhere telling you what to do. Being an adult is responsibility. Responsibility really does suck. Really, REALLY sucks. Adults have to be places and do things and earn a living and pay the rent.
Kind of makes bikes and cookies look really, really good, doesn't it? The scariest part about responsibility? When you screw up and let it slip right through your fingers.

Responsibility. It really does suck. Unfortunately, once you get past the age of braces and training bras, responsibility doesn't go away. It can't be avoided. Either someone makes us face it or we suffer the consequences. And still adulthood has it perks. I mean the shoes, the dates, the no parents anywhere telling you what to do. That's, pretty dang good."- greys anatomy

Basically, I'm in need of a vent session and Greys Anatomy provides for many quotes. So here you go, another post of me complaining. But the thing is, most of my so called "followers" don't actually read this so I don't feel bad for complaining yet again.

It is officially Christmas time which means only 3 weeks left in the semester and me scared out of my mind. I'm starting to realize the reality that I'm most likely NOT going to get into the nursing program next year-which is going to suck because then I'll have to go to somewhere like Stevens Heneger which is great don't get me wrong but what's the point then of me trying at UVU? I guess I just need to have a pity party for myself- buck up Tara and stop whining. Got it.

Next points-
Tara needs to find...
1. Cheap car (Jess if you're reading this, considering selling the Honda? ;)
2. And a cheap place to live ASAP, I love my parents but it's time. I would love to live on my own for once-and if it doesn't work out then I'll come home or just get married-just kidding!!!
3. Something not to find but to lose-some weight would be great!

Hmmm, we need something to lighten up this blog before I quit.......

28 days 22 hours 11 minutes and 2 seconds till Christmas!!! Happy Holidays everyone! Finally time to bust out the cheesy movies and music :)

Wishin' & Hopin'

2011-11-08T21:03:00.005-07:00

"We all get at least one good wish a year. Over the candles on our birthday. Some of us throw in more. On eyelashes, fountains, lucky stars, and every now and then, one of those wishes comes true. So what then? Do we bask in the warm glow of our happiness? Or, do we just notice we've got a long list of other wishes waiting to be wished?"

Wishes have been on my mind lately, especially with the arrival of this Friday - for all of you who don't keep track of these things, this Friday will not only be Veterans day but also 11/11/11- so for all those wishers out there we have some thinking to do.

So what are you wishing for? Love, school, work or 50 more wishes?

I've been thinking about it and honestly...I have no idea. I have so many hopeless wishes that can probably can come true by my hand alone but it's always nice to have a little bump.

So I need help, I need an epic wish/wishes to be thinking about that day.

"We don't wish for the easy stuff. We wish for big things. Things that are ambitious, out of reach. We wish because we need help and we're scared and we know we may be asking too much. We still wish though, because sometimes they come true."

*quotes from grey's anatomy

She's Crafty

2011-10-31T22:25:00.007-06:00

Today I turned this.......

Into this! I'm so creative huh?

Reason? You shouldn't need one to be creative but some people do so here you go.

My nightstand holds all of my movies and cd's which are A LOT!-And no matter how many times I organize them they always get scattered everywhere and it's just a big fat mess.

Solution? So I've been considering going to walmart or target and getting some basic

tote-thingy's to hold them all. Price tag=at least $10 a tote. And since I was a poor college student for Halloween this year, that wasn't an option.

BETTER SOLUTION:

-Found some old diaper, milk and shoe boxes=FREE (thank you Tricia!)

-Went to Michael's and found an assortment of scrapbook paper in a book=originally $20 but with my mom's handy dandy %40 off it was only $11

-99 cent stickers.

And TADA!

It's clean, cute and organized!

Call me a genius, but it was more a stroke of luck and avoidance of biology homework.

-tlc

p.s. watch for "She's crafty part 2" when I tackle my very boring book shelf

How To- remove your toenail using a screwdriver & hammer

2011-09-28T21:12:00.008-06:00

My job provides for much entertainment. Such as this title.....

I was typing about a patient who tried to remove his own toe nail using a screwdriver and hammer, then proceeded to wait a month and a half to come see a Doctor about it.

What is America coming too?

Although I do like the fact that I am getting money I NEVER have to pay back for school and how Walmart sells $10 jeans-hellloo skinny jeans, how I've missed you so.

So little bipolar post here because if you read my last post I said i flipped my cladagh ring, well I have now flipped it back. Don't worry, it was actually kind of funny, and ended with us both laughing :]

Well I can officially say that summer is over. I know what you're thinking- "but Tara, school started. so that means summer is over."

True. But since I am only going to school 2 days a week I still counted it as summer.

Which again, is officially over because wearing shorts and capris has become impossible without freezing in all my classes.

Don't you love how the air conditioner in classrooms is running until at least February and then by that time you don't really get to enjoy it because it's starting to get warmer?

I guess it's just one of those simple-no-one-really-cares-tara-move-on-please problems

Moving on,

So with fall brings lots of my favorite things

-Going out of my way to crunch leaves

-How Utah again surprises us being so gorgeous with all the colors (which i will be taking lots of pictures of)

-Halloween

-Pumpkin Carving

-Frightmares @ Lagoon (tradition with the girlfriends, we try to go every fall)

-Scaring movie weekends with friends

-FOOTBALL (yeah i know my team kinda sucks but i still love the sport)

-And it's one step closer to Snow, Christmas and Holiday Music

-But then I guess it is also one step closer to midterms and finals

~FALL MUSIC PLAYLIST ~

(or just songs I'm obsessed with lately)

*1- Can't Take it In - Imogen Heap

this song just makes me want to get up and choreograph a dance to it :]

+it was in The Chronicles of Narnia so there's a bonus

*2-Best Days - Kellie Pickler

because it is just fun to sing and listen to

3-Domino-Jessie James

another feel good, girly song

4-Pumped up Kicks-Foster for the People

Why? Have you not heard it?

5-Don't Wanna Go Home-Jason Derulo

"J, J, J, J, J, JR. Jaassson Derulllllooo"

*6-Love, Save the Empty-Erin McCarley

lovin' the lyrics

*7-A Little Too Much Natasha Bedingfield

Because it was the only part of "Something Borrowed" that I liked

8-Crazy for this Girl - Evan & Jaron

flash back to the early 2000's

9-Love you like a love song - Selena Gomez

....shut up i like her

10- Pieces - Rascal Flatts

because it reminds me on him and is everything i want to say to him

11-I feel Bad - Rascal Flatts

because it reminds me of the other him

*12- You Can't Hurry Love - Diana Ross

because its the oldies but goldies and you can't help but love them

*13- Let it Be - The Beatles

it's The Beatles...need I say more?

*14- Dear Mr. President - Pink

even though it applies to Bush i would love to sing it to Obama along with a slap in the face

15-Don't Stop Dancing - Matthew Morrison

because no matter what you say we all have a crush on mr. schuester ;)

-tlc

[like how my title had nothing to do with the blog but it got you to read it right? ;) ]
[*songs that if you have a minute i highly recommend you listen to them]

School. Work. Sleep. Repeat.

2011-09-19T10:35:00.002-06:00

I know that no one really reads this but for my own sanity I thought I'd post a summary on what has been going on lately. Which seems to only be 3 main areas: School, Work and Friends.

~SCHOOL~
Yes, I Taralyn Clark am officially a college student. I feel so big ;)
After the first day I was already loving it. It is better than high school schedule wise but the areas of free time there are taken up by homework. But when you're trying to get into the nursing program you don't really have a choice, oh p.s. that's my major if you didn't already know/couldn't tell. I am taking 4 classes, 3 on campus and 1 on Thursday nights (Gah! right during Greys Anatomy sadly) at Spanish Fork High School. Out of those 4 teachers there are only 2 that I really like, 1 being my sister-in-law :) and the other is my Human Development and Life Span teacher. The other 2 are well.....AWFUL.
1st is my engligh teacher who has changed the syllabus (no joke) 6 times in the 2 ish weeks we have had class. You have to rely on his emails to know what is going on in class which he sends at around 12:30 the night, or well morning, before. But we do get a kick out of his $4 classic print button up shirts ;)
2nd is my biology teacher. This is one of the times when I should have listened to rate my professor. He has taken a basic bio 1010 class and turned it into an advanced more Biology major type class.
Enough with complaining, the highlights of my day consist of funny comments at work and people watching in the hall of flags.
which brings me to my next topic....

~WORK~
I am currently working as a medical transcriptionist for a local doctor's office. Although the job has given me carpal tunnel syndrome it has many perk's like,
-working from home
-great pay
-and forcing me to keep up on my med term's whether i like it our not
I don't necessarily chose my own hours but I can start and take breaks whenever I like.

~FRIENDS&FAMILY~
Pretty much the same.
Growing up and starting on different paths has really shown who my true friends are :) hopefully will have them by my side through the rest of my life.
Exciting happenings
-Austin got his mission call!! The first of our group, the rest will seem to come like dominoes
-I flipped my claddagh ring (google it) code for I'm no longer single :)
-We celebrated Pirate's 5th Birthday yesterday. He's gotten so big, I'm so grateful that he is in my life.
-I am continuing to live at the rest home (punny right?) at least until next summer.

Well that's pretty much it, many pictures will follow but as for now I have to run upstairs to my bio major class (haha get it?)
Random, short post? That's how I do it.

Hope you are all having an enjoyable Fall and loving life.

-tlc

Good Grief

2011-07-29T14:33:00.003-06:00

Grief may be a thing we all have in common, but it looks different on everyone.

It isn't just death we have to grieve. It's life. It's loss. It's change.And when we wonder why it has to suck so much sometimes, has to hurt so bad. The thing we gotta try to remember is that it can turn on a dime. That's how you stay alive. When it hurts so much you can't breathe, that's how you survive. By remembering that one day, somehow, impossibly, you won't feel this way. It won't hurt this much. Grief comes in its own time for everyone, in its own way. So the best we can do, the best anyone can do, is try for honesty. The really crappy thing, the very worst part of grief is that you can't control it. The best we can do is try to let ourselves feel it when it comes. And let it go when we can. The very worst part is that the minute you think you're past it, it starts all over again. And always, every time, it takes your breath away.There are five stages of grief. They look different on all of us, but there are always five.
Denial.
Anger.
Bargaining.
Depression.
Acceptance.

-grey's anatomy season 6 episode 3

*(I know that this is a more serious, make you think type of quote but whenever I hear the word grief I think of charlie brown so I had to include him.)

Come out in the Wash?

2011-07-23T13:12:00.005-06:00

"Don't worry, it'll all come out in the wash"

This is a line that my mom uses frequently in all times of stress. It's taken me a long time to realize and understand really what it means, because for the first 13 years of my life I was mainly picturing our washing machine when she used the analogy.
In recent weeks I have found myself using this phrase, saying it to myself over and over hoping that it would in fact all work out.
-How am I going to pay for school?
-Books?
-A House?
-Grant applications=To complicated, yes my parents may "make" to much but they are also 60 years old, have a mortgage, and hospital bills to pay.
-I can't find a ward to call home anymore, that's one of the reasons why I still haven't transferred my records from E-4.
-Is nursing really for me?
I wish I could, just for a few minutes, fast forward my life 5, 10, even 15 years ahead just to see and make sure that everything works out.

So many questions running through my head at any given moment of the day, and then one thought silenced them all.

Matthew 11:28

"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest"

It's the classic saying, You've just got to have faith.

The truth is that everything does eventually come out of the wash, whether we like the results or not doesn't matter. It's how its supposed to be.

This is the Good stuff :]

2011-07-06T18:03:00.001-06:00

For the first time in a looooong time I can say without any doubts that I am happy.
No I don't have a paying job, and no a guy hasn't just come into my life.
It's simply this:

I love what I get to do everyday, and I love the people I get to share my life with.

I had my first day of my internship on Tuesday and I couldn't have been more nervous. I some how got it in my head that all of what Ms. Abbott had taught me would go right out the window. (if you have had her you know that that is not possible because she beats it in there with a stick) But I could not have been more wrong, I love my internship! I'm on my feet for 10 hours and when I get home I am absolutely exhausted, but it's a good tired, and I can't help but smile. Most people get home from work and never want to go back but I can't wait to see what the next day will bring!

This wouldn't be the same if I didn't have my amazing family and friends behind me.
Spending this past weekend with my family gave me the little boost I needed for the next week. It was honestly like we were all kids again :]
I love that I can come home and joke around with my parents, they are so supportive.

Now to the greatest friends in the world. No not yours, MINE.
They are so great and always give me the break I need :]
You know the phrase "Well, you just kind of lose track of people after high school" ?
Well these peeps (yes I just said peeps) make it so you never want to say that. :]

Now for my feel good song of the week!

Crazy Dreams -- Carrie Underwood

-tlc

Difference between men and women - FRIENDS

2011-06-22T20:14:00.000-06:00

Need I say more?
-tara

I'm Not Over

2011-06-21T17:57:00.000-06:00

New favorite song-Enjoy! :]
Thanks to "What Happens in Vegas" for introducing this song

My Perfect Guy?

2011-06-14T21:00:00.004-06:00

If I could request him, he would be somewhere between.....

Jim from The Office

James McAvoy (especially after Becoming Jane)

Gilbert Blythe
-Anne of Green Gables fans, don't you agree?-

Dimitri from Anastatia

& of course Mr. Darcy

Random post? Yes.
But you have to agree :]

In Recent News....

2011-06-10T12:16:00.006-06:00

Graduation came and is now gone! Crazy how fast it all went by and even scarier how quickly everything else is coming, like...LIFE.

Anyway-Graduation was so much fun. It wasn't the slow four hour painful death I thought it was going to be. The speakers were incredible and very touching, and we were the first high school to do a flash mob at the end of graduation! :] (look it up on youtube)
It was such a fun night (well technically two days) to spend with friends-I'm going to miss most of you but to the rest...I'll see you when you need stitches or are having a baby!

Which leads me to my next big news……

I am officially a Pre-Nursing student at Utah Valley University.

Excited? Yes. Scared? OUT OF MY MIND.

I signed up for all my classes yesterday and am excited for a fresh start school wise. I am ready to start my life!

Cross your fingers because I will hopefully be getting into their nursing program next fall.

WELCOME TO COLLEGE

-choose two-

1. Good Grades

2. Social Life

3. Enough Sleep

And now a special Happy Birthday to my little niece Kwincie who is already 1! Crazy huh?

And too the best sister in the whole wide world Tricia who is turning 31! Or as she calls is “officially crossed over into the old hag zone”

-tlc

To the Class of 2011

2011-05-24T21:55:00.000-06:00

It's been fun :]

Dumb to Cry?

2011-05-24T21:42:00.003-06:00

I feel really stupid for writing such a cheesy tear filled blog, but I really am going to miss this.
Now you may be thinking "is she serious? this blog is fueled by her hate and drama of high school". Yes this is true but still, there are so many things I will miss about high school. Hmm should I do a list? Yes, I will, ready go.
1. Seeing my friends EVERYDAY: this is something that I have really taken for granted. I will be seeing my close friends for hopefully, ever. But it's everyone else that I am finally growing close too, and now the time has run out. I realized this while sitting in my English class and listening to the funny comments, and stupid arguments we get into, I am really going to miss these people. I have spent 13 years with some of them, and now-its all coming to an end.

2. Friday Night Lights: Now I don't just mean Football, but also basketball games, soccer games, and dance concerts. Screaming my lungs out for my school and hearing the screams from the crowd behind you is such an adrenaline rush. Losing my voice for four days and then losing it once again right when it comes back, never thought I'd love it so much.

3. DANCES: "Partyin' Partyin' YEAH!" Whether it was stags, sadies, prom or senior ball- Nothing beats dancing until you fall over with your friends :D

4. The Commons: Yes....I said it. But even though it's a pain to get through, you can always count on getting a big smiling "hello" from someone. Specifically Eve Smith :]

5. Dance concerts: Performing with a team is one of the greatest pay-offs you can get in life. There is nothing like being a part of something :]

6. YOU: That's right, I'm gonna miss you!!!

Advice to younger class men: Remember frosh, Dr. B said this to us on frosh academy "High School goes by like *snap* that"

Don't ever waste a minute of it.

Senior Pictures

2011-05-20T15:08:00.004-06:00

These are just a few of my favorites, Thanks Haylee!

That's a Wrap :]

2011-05-08T21:50:00.004-06:00

Everything is coming to end, and a lot faster than I thought it would.
First off, what happened to April? I guess it tricked me and went faster with the assistance of Utah's bipolar weather but still, its May? Already?
I've been wishing for this month to come for 4 years but now that it's here, it seems like I don't have enough time left.
My last concert with Timpview was this weekend. I knew it was going to be so much fun, we were presenting 26 different numbers and I was in 5 of our teams dances. Most people would dread having to spend 3 days straight at school with your team but they haven't spent a weekend with us! :D
It started with our rehearsal, you dread it but you are also so excited for it. Yes, staying after school until 10 when you have school the next day sucks but this night never fails to entertain me. I was pretty worried about our show because our rehearsal went absolutely awful, it is hands down the CRAZIEST show I have ever been in.
Friday night came and the usual nervous jitters came with it but the show could not have gone more perfectly. We were all ready to go on stage when our numbers were up and performed our numbers beautifully. It was pretty good night, but it left me exhausted (just ask Vanessa&Chase).
Then came Saturday's show. I had been preparing myself with the realization that this would be my last show with such incredible people. But the thought kept popping up in my head during those rare few moments I had to kill before and after numbers. We had another pretty good show, a few flaws here and there but still it went great. At the begging of the show Tia and Marie, our coaches, asked the seniors to hang out around the front of the stage before we got set and ready for our dances. A mother of one of the other dancers got all the seniors a sponsor so we could get a little going away gift. The boys got very nice ties and we got a strand of pearls. Then the show started, thankfully the thought was pushed out of my head since I was running around like crazy the whole night trying to make it to my numbers. The show ran very smoothly, for the most part, and after the finale I couldn't help but cry, Yes cheesy I know but it was the last time I would dance on that stage with my team.
Love you guys! It's been great :D

Spring Break 2011

2011-04-17T19:57:00.016-06:00

This week was actually pretty successful and very fun.Spent almost the entire week either working on finishing EHS or having too much fun at my friends houses and random places around Provo. But the two main highlights of my week were #1 my senior ball dress FINALLY came and its HUGE but I love it!!

#2 An awesome re-peat sleepover with my besties. We stayed up waaaay to late and fell asleep watching harry potter. It was such a fun night and I went home the next day looking better then I normally do when I come home from a sleepover. Why? Because the amazing Haylee West did a photo shoot featuring us the next day. The pictures turned out incredible.

Here are a few……

That's right- we're available ;)

MATCHING!

My rebel tattoo that Haylee drew on me around 3 a.m. that morning

-tara

18th Birthday & Color Fest

2011-03-29T22:12:00.010-06:00

Legal? FINALLY. Not that it means that much in our culture but still it's pretty exciting. So my plan for the day was to just sleep in and party with my friends later that night. Well....they had a different idea.
I woke up at 4 a.m. to silly string, balloons and three of my loudest friends in my room screaming Happy Birthday. They kidnapped me and took to me to IHop where the rest of our group was waiting. Sweet friends right? Yes but I was exhausted!

Thanks for an awesome birthday guys!!

Then our next fun adventure the Color Fest was the week after - my first time and it was a blast! Still trying to get the color out of my hair, elbows and ears..... :D

love them :]

Our new favorite person

Oh the luck of the Irish ;)

2011-03-02T07:56:00.003-07:00

So i'm sitting in the library right now, kinda frustrated about life. Why? I came in here to work on EHS since I don't have a 2nd (STILL) and log on to find that EHS has kicked me out of my class and I was halfway through it. Yeah.......
Now the whole 2nd period thing. I don't have a 2nd or a 6th even though I REALLY NEED them both. No one... I mean NO ONE needs a TA either of those periods. So what does Tara get to do-EHS. :)Yay(:
To relieve my stress I decided to blog stalk people, don't pretend like you don't do it too.
I decided I wanted to write a new post since my last one was in January and now its .:*MARCH*:.

This month is going to be great-I can just feel it! Well not really but I'm keeping my fingers crossed.
The last few months have been so stressful and filled with regret, I want it all to be over and this month it really will be. I am finishing my last high school credits (insert baby mama noise) and applying to.......drum roll please.........SNOW! Goodbye Provo, helllooo Ephraim. I am really scared but it's a good scared. I need to get out on my own at least for a little while. I may transfer to BYU as a sophmore but who knows what the future will bring.

As Elder Wirthlin said "COME WHAT MAY AND LOVE IT"

Another exciting thing that will happen this month is my Birthday! I will finally be 18! Announcing this to my siblings made them all fall over in disbelief, Yes you are are old and I am starting my life!

Yesterday was such a beautiful day-one of those days where you just could not stay inside. It was a nice preview of Spring. Let's just hope that Utah is done being Bi-Polar and will stick with this weather. All I am asking is at least 50 degrees and some rain :)

Now for the countdown...................

**87 DAYS TIL GRADUATION**

Remember Lot's Wife-Jeffrey R. Holland

2011-01-04T15:44:00.003-07:00

This is an incredible talk and I suggest you read it if you have the time.

My seminary teacher, Brother Olivas, shared some quotes with us from his talk and well, today was a time when I needed it the must. On a day that I thought of skipping seminary, I am so grateful that I heard this.

"One of my favorite books of the New Testament is Paul’s too-seldom-read letter to the Philippians. After reviewing the very privileged and rewarding life of his early years—his birthright, his education, his standing in the Jewish community—Paul says that all of that was nothing (“dung” he calls it) compared to his conversion to Christianity. He says, and I paraphrase: “I have stopped rhapsodizing about ‘the good old days’ and now eagerly look toward the future ‘that I may apprehend that for which Christ apprehended me.’” Then comes this verse:

This one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,

I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. [Philippians 3:13–14]

No Lot’s wife here. No looking back at Sodom and Gomorrah here. Paul knows it is out there in the future, up ahead wherever heaven is taking us where we will win “the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”

At this point, let me pause and add a lesson that applies both in your own life and also in the lives of others. There is something in us, at least in too many of us, that particularly fails to forgive and forget earlier mistakes in life—either mistakes we ourselves have made or the mistakes of others. That is not good. It is not Christian. It stands in terrible opposition to the grandeur and majesty of the Atonement of Christ. To be tied to earlier mistakes—our own or other people’s—is the worst kind of wallowing in the past from which we are called to cease and desist.

When something is over and done with, when it has been repented of as fully as it can be repented of, when life has moved on as it should and a lot of other wonderfully good things have happened since then, it is not right to go back and open up some ancient wound that the Son of God Himself died trying to heal.

Let people repent. Let people grow. Believe that people can change and improve. Is that faith? Yes! Is that hope? Yes! Is it charity? Yes! Above all, it is charity, the pure love of Christ. If something is buried in the past, leave it buried. Don’t keep going back with your little sand pail and beach shovel to dig it up, wave it around, and then throw it at someone, saying, “Hey! Do you remember this?” Splat!

Well, guess what? That is probably going to result in some ugly morsel being dug up out of your landfill with the reply, “Yeah, I remember it. Do you remember this?” Splat.

And soon enough everyone comes out of that exchange dirty and muddy and unhappy and hurt, when what God, our Father in Heaven, pleads for is cleanliness and kindness and happiness and healing.

Such dwelling on past lives, including past mistakes, is just not right! It is not the gospel of Jesus Christ. It is worse than Miniver Cheevy, and in some ways worse than Lot’s wife, because at least there he and she were only destroying themselves. In these cases of marriage and family and wards and apartments and neighborhoods, we can end up destroying so many, many others.

Perhaps at this beginning of a new year there is no greater requirement for us than to do as the Lord Himself said He does: “Behold, he who has repented of his sins, the same is forgiven, and I, the Lord, remember them no more” (D&C 58:42).

The proviso, of course, is that repentance has to be sincere, but when it is and when honest effort is being made to progress, we are guilty of the greater sin if we keep remembering and recalling and rebashing someone with their earlier mistakes—and that “someone” might be ourselves. We can be so hard on ourselves, often much more so than with others!"

Link for the whole talk: http://speeches.byu.edu/reader/reader.php?id=12522

Christmas Traditions

2010-12-26T17:49:00.001-07:00

Yes I know December 26th but just pretend like its still the Holiday season ok?

So I just thought I'd share some of my own and my families favorite holiday traditions.
1. On Black Friday while my mom is busy decorating the house my Dad and I watch A White Christmas. It is quite possibly the cheesiest movie I have ever seen and I love it!

2. Anderson Family Party: Two or three days before Christmas we get together with my Mom's side of the family and have dinner. We read out of Luke the birth of Christ, light the family candles and exchange little funny gifts to each other. I love going because it is the only time I get to see the majority of them. :]

3. Santa Explosion: This is a term that many of my friends use for the decorations that consume my house every Christmas. My Mom has TONS of fun and unique decorations that she puts up around the house. These include-at least 20 different Nativities (most of which my Mom made), and (too many to count) Santa Claus'. There is our Santa tree, Santa blanket, Santa pillows, Santa figurines, and a Santa for almost everyone in my family. Elaborate? Yes. Love it? YES!

4. Christmas Eve: For the past four years now we have gone down to my sister Tricia's house for dinner and a movie. She makes an amazing dinner for us and then Pirate gets to open his PJ present and a movie for all of us to watch. This year he got Despicable Me which was one of the funniest/cutest movies I have seen in a while. Watch it if you haven't already.
Another Christmas Eve tradition for just me and my parents is we watch It's a Wonderful Life before we go to bed that night. Once again-if you haven't seen this (can't imagine anyone who hasn't) You NEED TO!!

Favorite Part :]
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Y-PlhlhBNU

5. Christmas Day!
(when there used to me more than just me) We would wake up early and all pile on my parents bed. Then once they were up and dressed we would get in order from youngest to oldest (I was always first!) to walk down the hall and see what Santa had brought us. Then while we play with our gifts my Mom makes Poppy Cakes for breakfast (German pancakes=DELICIOUS!) And then we would open the presents under the tree.
For the past 5 years we have had everyone come over and we go snowmobiling, sledding, and four-wheeling in our orchard for the rest of the day. Sadly we couldn't do it this year because there was only and inch of snow and the rest was mud.
Then we head down to my grandparents to wish my Grandma a Happy Birthday!
This year my brother Rad and his wife and I went to see HP7 (gets better every time!). Their deal was that since I had already seen it I would take their baby, Kwinicie, out when she started to fuss since I had already seen it.

Well, there you go. Our Christmas traditions. Hope you had a great one!!
Merry Christmas!!

Little Blips

2010-11-26T15:42:00.010-07:00

Since I am too darn lazy to post a big ol' blog update I am just going to do little blips of some fun recent times :D
Ready. Set. GO!

National Hug and Asian Day*Me, Churchie, Aubs, Lindsay, oh and Austin's finger

The End of the Dynasty.....

Timpview: 27 Springville: 38

We just couldn't stop them. Once the fourth quarter started I turned around and nearly every senior was crying....
But we screamed our hearts out until the clock hit zero, thats why I love Timpview Sports. We have spirit until the end. And only in Utah, we started singing Armies of Helaman at 20 secs left.
Love my boys, so proud of them.

.:*fUn WiTh FrIeNdS*:.

Robin, Karenna and Austin

Me and Snelson

Macy, Rob and Matt
Playing "Baby if you love me..."

Matt&Amber

Austin&Rob

BYU FOOTBALL
2010

After a shaky start we have turned to surprise everyone. And now tomorrow we play our rivals....THE UTES [BOOOOOO]

3 Weeks ago tomorrows game would have been a complete blow out by the Utes.
But now....I think we have a chance. :D
Who's ready for another one of these??

"HARLENE STILL OPEN IN THE ENDZONE! WILL ANYONE FIND HIM?!"

Thanksgiving :D
Just another Thanksgiving with the family. We went up to my brothers and had a DELICIOUS meal [THANK YOU TAMMY&HEATH!]
We ate, and ate, and ate, and then ate some more.
I am so grateful for my family, they make life fun and worth living.
Happy Nice-giving!! [Pirate]

Sadies&Halloween

2010-11-04T16:08:00.009-06:00

Bye bye October-but first a recap.

!!!SADIES!!!
-one of two opportunities for girls to know how guys feel when it comes to dances. Once again I went with one of my best friends. His girlfriend (my bff) was out of town so I got permission from her to take him on a date-Haha, weird huh? The theme was Monster Mash so we decided to go as Thing 1&Thing 2, fun right?
We went to Pizza Pie Cafe for dinner [DELICIOUS!!] then to the dance [soooo much dancing] then to Ali's to watch scary movies and eat lots and LOTS of candy :]
I never ever watch scary movies but this last weekend I watched a few of the "best" ones, according to my friends.
-The Uninvited
-The Others
-When a stranger calls
let's just say I am freaked out at night, by open doors, light, the phone ringing, and babysitting.

Getting Ready-Austin was such a good sport.
And tops to Ali our amazing hair dresser!

My very BLUE hair

*yummy pizza*

The GROUP
Me&Austin: Thing1&Thing2
Ali&Preston: Day&Night
Vanessa&Ikiaka: Honey and a Moon *Honeymoon get it-punny!
Sylvia&JC: Vampires
Christine&Tanner: Devil&Angel

Dorks? Yes
Care? Not so much

the Group again

Me and Aus with Kim-LOVE HER!

Me & Stiners are kinda wimps

1 a.m.

and oh so tired....

THANKS AUSTIN HOPKINS FOR AN AMAZING DATE!!!

.:*hAlLoWeEn*:.
This was the first year I didn't go Trick-or-Treating, very sad. And yes I did go trick-or-treating as a 16-year-old. Be jealous.
So this year we just went to Mom's [ali's] had dinner, ate waaaay to much candy, and watched more scary movies.

Haha get it?
Me Aus & Robin
Bubbles*
Haylee the creeper
Joe&Ali

Now to get ready for the Holidays....

Football, Friends, and losing my "wisdom"...

2010-10-17T21:25:00.002-06:00

I thought I would give a quick little update while I wait for the Tylenol PM to kick in....

FAM-BAM:
Everyone is doing great and getting ready for the holidays [that sounds weird to say-can't believe October is almost over!!]

FRIENDS:
As high school goes, we have more and more drama everyday but it has really shown me who my true friends are. It is sad to think that a year from now I am probably not going to talk or see many of them. Some because of missions [another WEIRD thought] but most because we will just lose track of each other. But there are well, let's see about.... 7 or 8 that I know I will know for the rest of my life. You know who you are, Love you guys :D

SCHOOL:
This year has actually been pretty laid back so far *KNOCK ON WOOD!*
that was until College day came.....
We had the opportunity as Seniors to visit 3 colleges of our choice.
It was funny they told us not to just follow our friends but for the most part we all went to the same places. Let's just say it brought A LOT of stress. We all went to the lunchroom after for intervention *gag* and all just sat and looked at each other. I think at one point or another we all said "I want to call my mom" But I am 90% sure of where I am going and am So excited. No matter how lame my sister Tricia thinks Ephraim is.

Ok last but certainly not least, my wisdom-less mouth. It came that time in my teen years to get them out and the stress was showing on my mom. The cheapest place we found was $1,300, which is code for=WE ARE BROKE. Then a sweet answer to our prayers came. A wardie told us about a research center up in SLC that was doing a study on what dosage of Tylenol works best over a set period of time. It is free and I got paid $250!!!! Sweet right? And I got my own personal room to rest in, all the movies in the world, and anything I wanted [could] eat.
Goodbye wisdom teeth, helllo $250. :D Now if I can hopefully just get rid of these chipmunk cheeks before school tomorrow.....

T.H.S Top 10 Pet Peeves

2010-10-06T09:32:00.004-06:00

1. FRESHMEN:
-Ok I know that this is such a cliche but still, the freshman this year are the worst! And I know that the parents always say "You were like that too..." But we were NEVER this bad.

Example numero uno: I was walking through the commons (bad idea I know-but I had to) when a little 4 ft. nothing frosh pushes me for no apparent reason. So I turned to him and said “Ok now, let’s not be immature freshman” And yes I know it was dumb of me to provoke them but I was really ticked off. They smartly replied with some swear words that I am not going to post on here. They think that they can talk how they want to anyone, including teachers-which brings me to my next one….

2. DISRESPECTFUL PEOPLE:

I feel like an old fart when I say this but I am so sick of teens disrespecting each other, and teachers. Piece of advise: When Jeff Ward tells you to shut-up do it, and Never EVER talk while Mr. Larson is talking.

3. ANNOYING PEOPLE SITTING BEHIND YOU:

These are the classic ones:

-the person behind you bouncing their feet obnoxiously on your desk.

-pencil, foot, or hand tapping

-eating super loudly

-chomping the gum

-pen clicking

-THANK YOU DIGITAL PHOTO CLASS ;)

4. THE COMMONS:

I love mosh-pits and all but not when I am trying to get to class. It is ridiculous, I have to take the long way’s to class and I end up getting there faster then the people who go through the commons. The other day Karenna compared it to Ke$ha’s new song saying “TARA! The commons is honestly like a dirty free for all!”

5. BELL SCHEDLES:

Let’s count how many times the bell schedule has changed since my freshman year.

FROSH YEAR: 1

SOPHMORE YEAR: 1, then again during the summer

JR. YEAR: 2, then 2 more during the summer

SR. YEAR (so far): just once

I honestly can’t tell you when class ends or begins, because I don’t even know! 3 Bell schedules a week, all different random times. Oh well, why memorize it? It will all change next term anyway.

6. PDA:

-I don’t care if you hold hands in the halls or have a kiss or two but I do NOT want to walk down the stairs and see you and your special someone…. well getting it on. You all know what I am talking about, the random make out sessions you see just by accidentally turning a corner. Keep it to your selves please because I would love to keep my breakfast down.

7. DRESS CODE..?

-This one just makes me laugh because our so called Dress Code is not really enforced. Short Shorts, inappropriate shirts, shirts that don’t really cover much, see-through, and sorry boys but NO ONE wants to see your underwear so please do us all a favor and pull up your pants

8. THE PARKING LOT:

-Whether it’s before school or after school, I am scared to pull into our parking lot. There are so many people and the majority of them are not paying attention or just trying to get out and get home. Please get off your phone and be patient. All I know is that I am scared for this winter.

9. OUR RIVALS and FACEBOOK GROUP:

-Nuff said.

10. UP TO YOU:

-comment on what your pet peeve is for T.H.S and I’ll pick my fav.

I know this blog is kind of random but I needed to Vent so there you go :D

20[SENIORS]11

2010-09-12T18:16:00.003-06:00

Well it's finally here and I can't believe it. Senior Year.
It finally all hit me when we did our Senior Cheer and saw all the little frosh's faces that looked like "Man I can't wait till I am a Senior". Then during lunch we got our tassels, I sat in the commons just holding mine feeling very weird. It all came so fast, that I didn't really think about it. I have been so worried about being able to actually graduate and now that I know I AM, I'm having a hard time believing it. All i know is that this year is going to be incredible and I am going to make the most of every minute :D I will try and post all the crazy things we do this year but it will be hard because trust me, there is going to be A LOT.

Seniors! Let's know you're here, Stand up and yell your year!

DOUBLE ONE! DOUBLE ONE! DOUBLE DOUBLE DOUBLE ONE!!

Decisions...

2010-04-04T20:28:00.009-06:00

"We're grown-ups. When did that happen? And how do we make it stop?"

Greys Anatomy

Since 8th grade I have had my whole life basically planned out. I was going to take all these classes and graduate with things that would put me so far ahead in my future job. One of them I was planning to complete this summer and with so many other things happening, I was so excited for summer to come.

I soon found out that I had to chose between my job and basically being able to be a kid one more summer. I had no idea what do to because I wanted both so bad. I wasn't ready to give up family trips, my last year of girls camp, week with my incredible laurels class and so much more. I had no idea which one to pick or how to even begin to decide.

Then it all of a sudden became very clear that all I had to do was pray.

It seemed like such a primary answer but the relief that came immediately after made me glad that I did.

I never really had a strong testimony building experience with prayer until then. I didn't get a booming inspirational "sign" of an answer, it came over a couple of days what my answer was.

If you ever have any problem all your answers lie with the Lord, all you need to do is ask.

"come to me all those who are heavy laden and I will give you peace"

Current Mood: Exhastingly Happy

Music: When you got a good Thing - Lady Antebellum

When will we learn?

2010-03-15T15:57:00.003-06:00

"A couple of hundred years ago, Benjamin Franklin shared with the world the secret of his success. Never leave that till tomorrow, he said, which you can do today. This is the man who discovered electricity. You think more people would listen to what he had to say. I don't know why we put things off, but if I had to guess, I'd have to say it has a lot to do with fear. Fear of failure, fear of rejection, sometimes the fear is just of making a decision, because what if you're wrong? What if you're making a mistake you can't undo? The early bird catches the worm. A stitch in time saves nine. He who hesitates is lost. We can't pretend we hadn't been told. We've all heard the proverbs, heard the philosophers, heard our grandparents warning us about wasted time, heard the damn poets urging us to seize the day. Still sometimes we have to see for ourselves. We have to make our own mistakes. We have to learn our own lessons. We have to sweep today's possibility under tomorrow's rug until we can't anymore. Until we finally understand for ourselves what Benjamin Franklin really meant. That knowing is better than wondering, that waking is better than sleeping, and even the biggest failure, even the worst, beat the hell out of never trying. "

-Grey's Anatomy-

Once again we come to the end of yet another term. Another 3 months of drama, heartache, laughter and oh yeah homework.

Why is it that we procrastinate? Why is it that no matter WHAT at the end of every term i am stressing over so much from EVERY class. Most of it, yes, is my doing but the other 25% is teachers. Sorry Brittany but i find it hard to believe that i have a 'C' in ballroom. I know right? :D

Haha well like the great Benjamin Franklin said

"Never leave that till tomorrow which you can do today"

So off I Go to finish everything and the results? End of Term Round 3, Winner: TARA.

Current Mood: dull

Music: Off I Go - Greg Laswell

When you got a good thing -Lady Antebellum

Love this Pain

2010-02-27T12:20:00.002-07:00

One of my friends had his status the other day as "Yay for hugs from the person you like". This sparked a very deep and interesting conversation between me, him and two other of my guy friends. We all decided that no matter how much it hurts you take in all the "hugs" you can get.

"For we are all fools in love"-Pride and Prejudice.

She's no good for me

I know that she's a wild flower

she's got a restlessness a beautifulness, a thing about her.

But here I am again calling her back

letting her drive me crazy.

It's like I love this pain a little too much

Love my heart all busted up

someting 'bout her, we just don't work

But I can't walk away

It's like I love this pain

It's just an on again

And off again situation

It's just striking a match

A tank of gas combination

But here I am again lighting it up

Knowing that she'll just burn me

It's like I love this pain a little too much

Love my heart all busted up

Something 'bout her, we just don't work

But I can't walk away

It's like I love this pain

It's like i love this life

When nothing's right, yeah something's wrong

It's like I'm just not me

If I can't be a sad, sad song

It's like I love this pain a little too much

Love my heart all busted up

Something 'bout her, we just don't work

But I can't walk away

It's like I love this pain

Oh yeah, it's like I love this pain

I can't walky away, oh no

It's like I love this pain

-Lady Antebellum-

One by One

2010-02-14T20:52:00.004-07:00

This is a beautiful song and it makes me cry every time i hear it and sing it. If you have the time, look it up and listen to it.
One by One by Hilary Weeks
Lyrics:
When the night is clear enough I can see through Heavens door.
Endless stars like endless sand upon the oceans floor.
Of all the human lives to plead, or ever that will be.
I stand amazed that Heaven knows me.
He hears one by one, loves one by one.
When this crowded world around you, doesn't know your name.
He knows us, one by one.
When he saw the hungry thousand, every person ate.
Comforted the aching the soul, and looked into each face.
And when he had a world to save, he had a world of time.
To stop and hold a little child.
He hears one by one, loves one by one.
When this crowded world around you, doesn't know your name.
He knows us one by one.
He notices it all, the sparrow when it falls, the sheep within his fold, every person breathed was born upon his soul, one at a time he makes us whole.
He hears one by one, loves one by one.
When this crowded world around you doesn't know your name.
He knows us, one by one.
The way he loves you is one by one.

Sigh of Relief?

2010-02-14T20:31:00.003-07:00

"how do you pick of the treads of an old life.
how do you go on, when in your heart you begin to understand, there is no going back.
there are some things that time cannot mend, some hurts that go to deap, that have taken hold."

-Frodo, LOTR 3

My family and I have expierenced a nightmare this past 14 months. We thought that it would never end.

This last Friday, Pirate's "father" gave up his parental rights and had his last visit. Third parties are not allowed at pick-up's and drop-offs so we sat in our car a building over to watch. When he pulled into the parking lot, my parents and I were silent. He got out of the car and got Pirate, gave him a hug and then Pirate ran into Tricia's arms. Then he got in his car and drove away.

It was like we all took in a much needed breath.

I have been waiting for it to feel like this weight has been lifted but...It won't come.

We have been so emotionally and physcologically drained that we have sunk down to this low and we don't know how, or when we are going to come back up.

But one thing is for sure-when he drove off, our new life began.

Crash

2009-12-05T15:35:00.004-07:00

This last Thursday I got in a car crash with 3 of my friends. We were all hanging out at my friend ali's house when, like all teens, we got hungry. We decided to go get some Taco Bell but had to stop at the bank first. We were in east bay provo, near the mall. We were trying to get across four lanes of traffic near a light (we were at a stop sign). The light that was about 50 ft. to our right went red so 2 lanes cleared, the man in the 3rd lane stopped to let us go through. We started to go and I guess that the person coming in the 4th lane didn't see us, it was a large truck and they t-boned us going about 40 mph. The main impact was my door. My window shattered.

All I remember is seeing the truck coming, getting hit and then it went dark and quiet. I remember hearing Joe's voice (the driver) asking "is everyone ok?", then looking at me saying "Tara? Tara?! are you ok?" i answered "no" and started to crawl out. Right when i got out Joe grabbed me and I started bawling, and he kept saying its over, its over.

We are all ok, just bruised and have a couple small cuts. I have a new appreciation for seat belts. It should have been a lot worse, guess someone was watching over us that day.

People have asked me if I saw my life flash before my eyes-I didn't.

I saw certain people's faces though. I guess that they are the people that mean the most to me in my life. I love them all so much-this incident really put the saying "you don't know what you have till its gone" into perspective.

Stressed spelled backwards is Dessert's

2009-12-01T14:57:00.008-07:00

The year that was supposed to be a party has become the hardest year of my life.

Junior Year.

Full schedule taking classes that push me to new limits to prepare me for my future.

Friends coming & going.

Family members getting older and with that new complications.

We had SEOP's today-which stand for: Student Education Occupation Plan, or as we like to call it: Stressing Everyone Out Prematurely.

We were lectured about choosing colleges, choosing majors, getting grants or scholarships, and to "Keep your head up!" about it all. Thankfully I have figured out 2/4, choosing colleges and choosing majors. I'm going to attend UVU in the fall of 2011 and will be going into Nursing. Scholarships-still working on it & Keeping my head up?-well, thats for another blog.

I think that this is a great thing but we are already so stressed out about everything else and we're Jr.'s-it is insane for me to even think that I will be applying for colleges in a year.

My childhood best friend sent me a text message last night that said "Just sent in my application for BYU-hope to be seeing you soon".

One thought went through my head.

"We're grown up's, when did that happen? And how do we make it stop?"-grey's anatomy

My Friends have definitely proved themselves to me this year-its been a bumpy road for all of us, but we have been able to support each other. Our group grew this year but the ones that I am closest too are my 3 best girlfriends and 3 best guy friends. They know all of the crap I do and still put up with me!

They know what I go through and are always there to lend a shoulder to cry on.

I didn't realize how much they meant to me until one of them transfered schools last week-when we all found out we had different ways of cooping with it at school, but at least one time that day we all cried. It seems silly but school is the main way we all get to see each other, it's going to be different without her there.

This year has brought on many challenges and changes for our family. My grandparents that I was sure were going to live forever and were invincible, soon became reliant on my mother and her siblings. It's hard to watch someone you loved so dearly slip away so quickly-and see the toll it has taken on my Mom. She is so strong, I don't know how she does it.

With all that has happened I am so grateful for the tender mercies I have had.

Learning my sister-in-law's are expecting.

Watching my brother "wrestle" (more like tickle) with my nephews.

having my nephew Pirate come to me while I was crying and give me a tight squeeze and say

"I love you tenay".

End of Summer Update!

2009-08-18T23:16:00.012-06:00

Sorry it has been so long since I have posted anything-so I figured since summer is now over I will give a little recap of mine.

Probably the "biggest" thing I did this summer was Ballroom. I decieded to take the summer technique class to improve. It was a major help and gave me something to do two days a week! :)

Then came Youth Conference-we went to Heber Valley Camp this year and had a blast!! I love my ward-for those who think bigger isn't better, well we can prove you wrong! My ward has the most youth in our entire stake and we love it!
Our theme this year was "Live virtously...24/7" (something to that extent). It was a fun day and a half to spend with my ward. We mostly played volleyball with our new bishop which was a blast. Right before we left we played a giant Foosball game using pvc pipes and 4-6 people holding on the the pipe. Probably one of the funnest things I have ever done!

Then came Girls Camp. It was first year as a YCL (youth camp leader) and I had a blast! Our theme was VIP-Virtue is Power, so our ward decided to take a Super Hero approach our theme being "With Great Power, comes Great Responsibility". We had such a amazing, spiritual and fun week.
*notice all of our expressions*

One night after all the girls were finally quiet and the YCL's were starting to turn in we here our YW President and Girls Camp Director, Ali and Lisa (who happen to be sisters) stumble in the door to our cabin downstairs laughing uncontrollably. Lisa came into our "room" and we asked her what was going on, she told us the following story:
"Well, me and ali were down in the kitchen outside and we found a hole in one of the boxes and heard something ruffling around. And ali swore she saw something run past the boxes. So-i was worried that we had a potgut in our sack lunch food box and ran to the leaders cabin to get some help"-ali cut in "but lisa-you forgot one small detail. You left me alone with the ANIMAL!"
Lisa:"Yea well i had to get help! Anyway so we run and got Julie and she came to look at the box. We then all realized it was a fruit box with circles already cut out of the sides"
Sara: "Wait, Lisa, you thought that a potgut had cut out a circle perfectly?"
Ali: "Well, it could have been a raccoon."
We all started laughing and couldn't stop till we eventually fell asleep.
It ended up being a great year-Thanks leaders!!!

Then came the 4th of July, we normally go see the parade but didnt make it this year :(
We went to the annual "Anderson Family BBQ" where I got to see family that I havn't seen in months. We always have a fun time together and make lots of memories.
When I was a lot younger me and my 3 cousins Nick, Ian, and Megan used to go in the house and play "Office" while all the adults talked. Then as we got older we would spend most of our time the pool hall. Nick would always kick our butts and i would just have trouble lining up the stick right.

Then something very unexpected happened! On the fourth my aunt laury asked me if i had my license and i sighed and said not yet. My parents refused to let me get my license till i had a job to pay for the insurance-the sunday after I was trying to convince them to let me get it and pay for half until school started, when i would start watching my nephew 3 days a week after school. To my surprise my Dad and Mom agreed to take me to the DMV!!.....only if i woke up super early the next morning and deep cleaned all upstairs. I didn't say anything else after that-but monday morning to my mom's surprise when she got home from appointments I had done what she asked and she took me to the DMV!!

I spent the rest of my summer seeing countless movies at the dollar theater with my friends, going to Rock Canyon Bowl and just laughing till we hurt. I love them to death and can't imagine what i would do without them.

I have spent the last couple weeks watching my niece and nephews Jaxon, Audrey, Wil and Pirate. They may be a hand full but they are full of fun! I love them to death!! They all got to pick out a toy from the dollar store and they all picked the police gear toys-so we did a photo-shoot when we got home.

That is pretty much it for my summer, oh i forgot i also was able to watch the entire series of Friends-one of my personal favorites! I highly recomend it!

Love-taralyn

EFY 2009

2009-06-10T11:40:00.006-06:00

ALRIGHT ALRIGHT ALRIGHT ALRIGHT ALRIGHT HEY!!!! E-F-Y!!!

This was my best year at EFY! Why? Because......

COUNSELORS

My three counselors were amazing!! Angie, Heidi and Jimmy.

Angie was my personal counselor-she gave the best devotionals and made sure she was friends with everyone. Thanks for all your hard work this week guys!!

MY COMPANY

This was the first year that everyone in my company was friends with everyone, had inside jokes with everyone and had talked with everyone. We came together as a group and it made the week even better. I miss them all so much!!! Love ya DIG A PIT!

SESSION DIRECTOR

Bro. and Sis. Bird were incredible! They gave some of the best morning sides and F.H.E that I have ever been to. They interacted with us and made sure we understood. They made us laugh and cry, they were right for the job.

THEME

The theme this year is Be Thou an Example. Now lets see if I can remember the scripture-1Timothy 4:12 Let no man despise thy youth but be thou an example of the believers in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.

Boyah!!

TEACHERS/CLASSES

The teachers and classes I had this year were incredible!

Here are some quotes from some of them....

"Do what you don't want to do and get what you want to get"-Sis. Jones

"Obstacles are what you see when you take your eyes off of the prize"-Sis. Jones

"Don't put your values where the world does"-Bro. Gray

"When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change"

- Bro. Su'apa'iasaimainakipensane (Bro. Su'a for short)

"A Grateful heart is the beginning of Greatness"-Bro. Su'a

"If you keep the comandments of God you will be happy. If you don't you won't."-President Hinckley used by Bro. Su'a

These teachers were incredible! Bro. Su'a even took the time to teach part of our company the Haka-thats right, this white girl can do the Haka! haha! THANKS BRO. SU'A!

It was an incredible week and I wouldn't hesitate to do it again.

The End

2009-05-28T20:29:00.004-06:00

You know how most teens go crazy at this time of the year, they just can't wait for school to be out and when it happens you just feel different well it still hasn't hit me yet that school is done!
It is the weirdest thing, I am usually going crazy at this time of the year too, but even now sitting at home looking through my yearbook it still hasn't hit me.
It still feels like I will get a Homework assignment or that I will be going to school next week. Maybe it's because I have two more years left...I don't know
This has probably been the longest/worst year ever! So many things have happened that have created problems. Friends, School, Family, Boys. oh it never ends!!
But the end of this year has come the fastest, I wasn't ready at all.

But bright side is that I am now a Upper-Class Men!!! WAHOO!!!! no longer ignored at the bottom of the food chain. Next year is going to be a party!!

Oh well I guess i will just continue to wait for it to hit me-which probably won't be till next week at EFY.

New Quotes, well sorta

2009-05-22T23:25:00.008-06:00

Valkyrie-I highly recommend you see this movie. I don't like Tom Cruise but he did an amazing job in this film.
[from trailer]
Henning von Tresckow: "We have to show the world that not all of us are like him. Otherwise, this will always be Hitler's Germany."

Erich Fellgiebel: "What makes you think you're stronger than the very momentum of history?"

Col. Claus von Staufffenberg: "I am a soldier, but in serving my country I have betrayed my conscience."

Col. Claus von Stauffenberg: "You can serve Germany, or the Fuhrer, not both!"

The Notebook
[young Noah]: "So it's not gonna be easy. It's gonna be really hard. We're gonna have to work at this every day, but I want to do that because I want you. I want all of you, for ever, you and me, every day. Will you do something for me, please? Just picture your life for me? 30 years from now, 40 years from now? What's it look like? If it's with him, go. Go! I lost you once, I think I can do it again. If I thought that's what you really wanted. But don't you take the easy way out."
[young Allie]: "What easy way? There is no easy way, no matter what I do, somebody gets hurt."
[young Noah]: "Would you stop thinking about what everyone wants? Stop thinking about what I want, what he wants, what your parents want. What do YOU want? What do you WANT?"
[young Allie]: "It's not that Simple."

[young Noah]: "My Dearest Allie. I couldn't sleep last night because I know that it's over between us. I'm not bitter anymore, because I know that what we had was real. And if in some distant place in the future we see each other in our new lives, I'll smile at you with joy and remember how we spent the summer beneath the trees, learning from each other and growing in love. The best love is the kind that awakens the soul and makes us reach for more, that plants a fire in our hearts and brings peace to our minds, and that's what you've given me. That's what I hope to give to you forever. I love you. I'll be seeing you. Noah"

[Noah]: "Summer romances begin for all kinds of reasons, but when all is said and done, they have one thing in common. They're shooting stars, a spectacular moment of light in the heavens, fleeting glimpse of eternity, and in a flash they're gone."

Titanic
[Rose]: "It's so unfair.
[Ruth]: Of course it's unfair. We're women. Our choices are never easy."

[Jack]: "Well, yes, ma'am, I do... I mean, I got everything I need right here with me. I got air in my lungs, a few blank sheets of paper. I mean, I love waking up in the morning not knowing what's gonna happen or, who I'm gonna meet, where I'm gonna wind up. Just the other night I was sleeping under a bridge and now here I am on the grandest ship in the world having champagne with you fine people. I figure life's a gift and I don't intend on wasting it. You don't know what hand you're gonna get dealt next. You learn to take life as it comes at you... to make each day count. "

[Jack]: "Rose, you're no picnic, all right? You're a spoiled little brat, even, but under that, you're the most amazingly, astounding, wonderful girl, woman that I've ever known...
[Rose]: Jack, I...
[Jack]: No, let me try and get this out. You're ama- I'm not an idiot, I know how the world works. I've got ten bucks in my pocket, I have no-nothing to offer you and I know that. I understand. But I'm too involved now. You jump, I jump remember? I can't turn away without knowing you'll be all right... That's all I want.
[Rose]: Well, I'm fine...I'll be fine...really.
[Jack]: Really? I don't think so. They've got you trapped, Rose. And you're gonna die if you don't break free. Maybe not right away because you're strong but... sooner or later that fire that I love about you, Rose... that fire's gonna burn out...
[Rose]: It's not up to you to save me, Jack.
[Jack]: You're right...only you can do that."

[Old Rose]: "Fifteen-hundred people went into the sea, when Titanic sank from under us. There were twenty boats floating nearby... and only one came back. One. Six were saved from the water, myself included. Six... out of fifteen-hundred. Afterward, the seven-hundred people in the boats had nothing to do but wait... wait to die... wait to live... wait for an absolution... that would never come. "

Makes you think...

2009-05-15T17:53:00.002-06:00

I got these quotes from the fifth Season finale of Grey's Anatomy

They always have quotes at the beggining and ending of each episode that just stop and make you think.

Grey’s Anatomy Season 5 Finale Quotes

Part One-Here’s To Future Days

“When something begins-you generally have no idea how it’s going to end.

The house you were going to sell becomes your home.

The roommates you were going to take in become your family.

And the one night stand you were determined to forget becomes the love of your life”

“We spend our whole lives worrying about the future.

Planning for the future.

Trying to predict the future.

As if figuring it out will some how cushion the blow but the future is always changing

The future is the home of our deepest fears.

And our wildest hopes.

But one thing is certain

When it finally reveals itself

The future is never the way we imagined it.”

Part Two-Now or Forever

“Doctors spend a lot of time focused on the future.

Planning it.

Working toward it.

But at some point you start to realize your life is happening now.

Not after med-school, not after residency, right now.

This is it, its here.

Blink and you’ll miss it.”

“Did you say it?

I love you.

I don’t ever want to live without you.

You changed my life-did you say it?

Make a plan.

Set a goal.

Work toward it.

But every now and then look around, drink it in.

Cause this is it.

It might all be gone tomorrow.”

New Artist Discovery!

2009-05-07T21:24:00.005-06:00

I was watching Castle (one of my fav.'s) and heard a great song during the ending. I looked it up and discovered some great stuff by the same artist. Joshua Radin!

I had never heard of him but his songs are amazing!

Two of my Favorites (already): The Fear you won't fall and No Envy No Fear

lyrics:

The Fear you Won't fall

Digging a hole and the walls are caving inBehind me air's getting thin but I'm trying I'm breathing inCome find meIt hasn't felt like this beforeIt hasn't felt like home before youAnd I know it's easy to say but it's harder to feelThis wayAnd I miss you more than I shouldThan I thought I couldCan't get my mind off of youI know you're scared that I'll soon be over itThat's part of it allPart of the beauty of falling in love with you is the fear you won't fallIt hasn't felt like this beforeIt hasn't felt like home before youAnd I know it's easy to say but it's harder to feelThis wayAnd I miss you more than I should than I thought I couldCan't get my mind off of youAnd I hate the phoneBut I wish you'd callThought being aloneWas better than was better thanAnd I know it's easy to say but it's harder to feel this wayAnd I miss you more than I shouldThan I thought I couldCan't get my mind off of youCan't get my mind off of youAnd I know it's easy to say but it's harder to feelThis wayAnd I miss you more than I shouldThan I thought I couldCan't get my mind off of you

link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZMtbOwloypE

No Envy, No Fear

Some are reaching few are there, wandering from a heros chair, some are scared to fly so high, well this is how we have to tryHave no envy and no fear, have no envy, no fearBrother brother we all see, your hiding out so painfully, see yourself come out to play, a lovers rain will wash awayYou envy and you fear, so have no envy, no fearWhen your sister turns to leave, only when she's most in need, take away the cause of pain, by showing her were all the same.Have no envy and no fear, have no envy and no fearAnd every day we try to find, we search our hearts and our minds, the place we used to call our home, can't be found when were aloneSo have no envy, no fear, have no envy and no fear

link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MvzINsg1PKo

Try and Fail? Try Try Again!!

2009-05-06T21:57:00.006-06:00

Recently I tried out for the Ballroom Company at my school...(for the second & 1/2 time).
I was feeling confident and could honestly see myself on the team next year. I made the first cut and was thrilled!!! But also very nervous-we had to learn two new dances in 20 min. and then perform them at random for our coaches-AH! I found a boy I wanted to try-out with but-unfortunately he ignored me during the learning time and I don't do well if i don't LEARN it the FIRST time with a partner. We were going to be spilt up into two groups and then learn a Cha-Cha and a Waltz. Standard is NOT my forte, so naturaly I knew I was doomed. My group was the first to learn the Waltz and shockingly-I got it! So I was feeling pretty good about it then I looked over and saw group 2 learning the cha-cha and started to syke myself out (BIG mistake).
We then switched and started to learn the Cha-Cha, it was too fast for me to do it without a partner. Side-note: If you can't tell already I'm not the best at finding a partner. Anyway-I was sorta getting it but not as well as I should have been. I found another boy who agreed to help me practice and would dance with me for my auditions (THANKS JOHN!).
They started with the girls (of course). And I had plenty of time to practice-I can't tell you how nerve racking it was to wait for Britney to call my name. But eventually she did and I was lucky enough to audition with my best friend Vanessa. We both felt we did not do so well and waited around for them to finish the girls and boys and to start call backs. I was hoping I would not be called back-I just wanted to be done and get home to my pint of Ben&Jerry's and cry.
Thank you to my mom-she brought me some great comfort food, Orange Chicken, Chinese Rice and Egg Drop soup. THANKS MOM! That helped calm me down and I was doing a little bit better then...I hear Britney call my name along with a long list of other girls (most from my class). She wanted to see us again and we got to dance with Varsity Boys (THANK YOU)-which is quite different from anyone else I have ever danced with-It helped me do much better. I was shakey and scared for my turn but it went really well. I went off to sit on the side with the other girls who had already gone when I learned that what we had just done was for the remaining JV spots. I was glad I was told that AFTER-i would have been freaking out if I found out before. Vanessa brought up a good point- "No matter what happens, we were considered for team"
The next morning I felt sick to my stomach-my plan was that if I didn't make team then this would be my last year of ballroom. I went early to school to look at the team lists and they wern't up yet! Human Bio. and Math had never felt longer!! I went and checked before seminary knowing that if I didn't make it I could straight to God for comfort :)
I can not describe the feeling when I didn't see my name on the list. It was a mix of "I told you so" & "You're not good enough"-something you never want to say to a girl.
As predicted I went home and cried and ate my feelings. But-I woke up the next morning and went to my first class which coencidently was-Ballroom.
I was planning to talk to Craig and Britney about why I didn't make it and how I could improve. I wasn't quite sure I was going to be able to summen the courage to go talk to them though...
Thankfuly-they took that step for me. The called all the girls in our class in that didn't make it. I can not express how grateful I am for that! It helped so much and gave me more confidence that I am not going to quit just yet. I love Ballroom so much and I WILL be a part of the team someday!

Quotes

2009-04-18T18:58:00.005-06:00

These are some of my favorites quotes right now.
They have helped me get through some problems and they have been a realization for me.

"I believe in the Sun even when it's not shining. I believe in love, even when feeling it not. I believe in God even when God is silent."
This quote was found carved into one of the barracks at Auschwitz-a German Concentration camp. If someone who suffered at Auschwitz still had hope and believed in God even through the Holocaust, I think that i should be able to believe and trust in him through my difficulties.

"God didn't do this. We did"-I am Legend
This was by far one of my favorite movies made last year. Not only for its special effects and intense scenes. Robert (Will Smith) says this to Ana near the end of the movie when she is trying to convince him that there are still people out there. She does not blame God but she puts some of the cause on him. Then he tells her that quote. We have created the horrible mess that is our world-not him.

"We enter the world alone and we leave it alone. And everything that happens in between we owe it to ourselves to find a little company.
We need help.
We need support.
Otherwise we are in it by ourselves.
Strangers cut off from each other. And we forget how connected we all are.
So instead we chose love.
We chose Life.
And for a moment, we feel just a little bit less alone"-Meredith Grey, Grey's Anatomy
I love this show!!! And every episode has a quote at the end that stops and makes you think. This one is my favorite! (for obvious reasons) :)

Inspiration for Name of Blog

2009-04-17T17:03:00.004-06:00

I finally figured out how to use my blog after 4 months of never using it...YAY!
Anyway-I was trying to think of a name that was short, happy and to the point of what my life is at the present time. Like any teen I had my iTunes on shuffle in the back round and one of my very favorite songs came on. Lesson's Learned by Carrie Underwood.

"There's some things that I regret,Some words I wish had gone unsaid,Some starts,That had some bitter endings,Been some bad times I've been through,Damage I cannot undo,Some things,I wish I could do all all over again,But it don't really matter,Life gets that much harder,It makes you that much stronger,Oh, some pages turned,Some bridges burned,But there were,Lessons learned.[Chorus:]And every tear that had to fall from my eyes,Everyday I wondered how I'd get through the night,Every change, life has thrown me,I'm thankful, for every break in my heart,I'm grateful, for every scar,Some pages turned,Some bridges burned,But there were lessons learned.There's mistakes that I have made,Some chances I just threw away,Some roads,I never should've taken,Been some signs I didn't see,Hearts that I hurt needlessly,Some wounds,That I wish I could have one more chance to mend,But it don't make no difference,The past can't be rewritten,You get the life you're given,Oh, some pages turned,Some bridges burned,But there were,Lessons learned.[Chorus:]And every tear that had to fall from my eyes,Everyday I wondered how I'd get through the night,Every change, life has thrown me,I'm thankful, for every break in my heart,I'm grateful, for every scar,Some pages turned,Some bridges burned,But there were lessons learned.And all the things that break you,Are all the things that make you strong,You can't change the past,Cause it's gone,And you just gotta move on,Because it's all,Lessons learned.[Chorus:]And every tear that had to fall from my eyes,Everyday I wondered how I'd get through the night,Every change, life has thrown me,I'm thankful, for every break in my heart,I'm grateful, for every scar,Some pages turned,Some bridges burned,But there were lessons learned,Oh, some pages turned,Some bridges burned,But there were lessons learned,Lessons learned."

I love Carrie Underwood and just about every song she has written, but this is one of the favorites. The Teenage years are just for this, Learning. So that when we are done with High school we can go out and are hopefully ready to face the world. Some may think that teens don't have to face that much until we are older, they are right but we still face a lot for our age especially in this time. We are thrown so much from every angle-i.e. fashion, girls weight, teen drinking, drugs, peer pressure. This age is being hit the hardest.

But I'm not complaining, I am simply grateful for the challenges I face everyday. And I'm grateful for family and friends to help me and know whats right for me.

These past couple years have been difficult for my family and myself. We have faced problems with family members and the crash of our economy. For me-I was diagnosed with Sherman's Disease in December of '07. I lost one of my best friends to what the world wants you to be. I have faced problems of minor depression.

But I have learned so much from these down falls. I have learned to appreciate the little things in life and that Less really is MORE. I have learned the meaning of true friends. I have 4 best friends that I would not trade for anything. I trust them and know that they know whats best for me and won't put me in situations that could potentially hurt me or them. This is a growing time for me and I know I can face it with a smile.

After all, everything I face is just another Lesson Learned.

MY-loves in-LIFE

2008-12-02T17:16:00.002-07:00

Family-
My family is so unique and i love every last one of them. I have 5 older siblings, 7 nieces and nephews, and 4 amazing sis-in-laws.
My oldest sibling does not know how much I love him, he was away when i was born and left for college when i very little. He is so funny and our family would not be the same without him. We started getting closer when he started dating his wife, I loved her from the start and always wanted her to come over. Then, we got even "closer" when I became an aunt at 6 years-old and started to babysitt his two adorable kids.
The second oldest is the "comidan" of the family. Like my oldest brother, we did not get very close when I was young, but again, when he started dating his wife, who is also very funny, we got closer. I loved babysitting his kids becuase, just like him, they are histerical!!
My third brother is practically my mother. He was my 2nd mom for me when I was growing up, he always babysat me and played with me. I remember when i first met his wife I loved her and thought she was perfect for him. He even took me on a date with her, I remember it perfectly. We went to a baseball game and sat on the grass, I had a tooth that was bery loose and about to fall out. I remember that she took me to the bathroom and helped me pull it out. Odd memory to have but i will never forget it. :)
The next sibling is my only sister. I LOVE HER SO MUCH. She is amazing and has always been there for me throughout my life. Even though she was so much older than me, she always brought me along to hand out with her and her friends. I remember for Christmas that she made me a "Sister Date Book" with coupons in it for uses like movies, dinner, and sleepovers. She is an amazing single mother and a very hard worker, I look up to her and value her opinion so much.
The closest to me is well, very close to me! He is 9 years older than me but we are still very close. My childhood consisted of going to soccer games and cheering him on with mom and dad. He is amazing and those that have seen him can varify that! One of my fonmdest memories with him is every winter on weekends and days we didn't have school we would sit in our front room on the heaters and read, or sometimes just talk, while we watched the snow fall down. He is always looking after me and making sure I am alright. He got married this past summer and I remember how much I was dreading it. I would be all alone in the house now! But, I could not have picked a better girl for him to have. She is just like him and a perfect addition to our family.
My parents are amazing! My dad works so hard for us and still drives me to school @ 5:30 in the morning (even though we live about 3 blocks away). He is so funny and sweet, the best memories I have with him are watching crazy old musicals and comidies. He taught me how to fly fish when I was 11 years old and we go as much as possible. My mom is going to eventually teach herself crazy! Ha ha ha, but she is amazing at what she does. She teaches in our basement for her very own Preschool and at two local universities. She loves books and teaching children.
Next are my crazy and amazing nieces and nephews-all 7 of them!! :)
The oldest is 10 and an amazing athlete (already!) He plays Soccer, Football and Baseball. But his passion is football. He is an amazing star player!!!! He is also very mature and funny for his age, and i love him for that!
The second oldest is only a month younger the oldest, she is a sassy little 10 year old, in a good way! Sassy meaning-cute little girl who adores Hanna Montana. She is the stereo-typical 10year old girl but, so unique!!! I love her to death but i hardley get to see her because they live in Las Vegas...:( but when i do it is always a blast!
Next is our little half girly-girl half tom boy. She loves stuffed animals and anything pink but is not afraid to get down in the dirt with her boy cousins. She loves, well that word dosn't even come close, horses. She loves everything about them and loves to ride them.
Then there is the crazy hilarious out of this world nephew. He loves sports and is so funny!! He ALWAYS can put a smile on my face!
Then there is the 30 year-old who is only five. He is always asking questions, correcting you and giving you random U.S. History facts, he has been like this for as long as i can remember!
Then there is (one of the two) adorable little boy!! He, like his brother, can always put a smile on my face. He has a smile that is original and once you have seen it you can't help but fall in love with him.
Then there is the baby of them, the 2 year old boy with an original personality. Most parents fear the "terrible two's" but there has been nothing but excitement from his. He is also so appreciative of everything, i.e. Christmas morning he got a lot of gifts that most kids would just tear through but no, he went and got each book sat down and read each on of them (in his own little language) and then spent time playing with each toy. He has been a great blessing and joy in our lives.
That just about does it with my family!!! I LOVE YOU ALL!!!