Take me back, Tuesday.

(taken by this little lady right before we left for OK)

Sometimes I long so much for the "good old days."

You know, the poor college days.

Those times where you were completely broke and yet blissfully happy. 

Riding my bike to Smiths in the Summertime... 

Walking down to Shaffers bakery on Saturday mornings. 

Visiting family on the weekends. Camping in Green Canyon.

Man, we had it good!  

Whenever I get stuck in these nostalgic ruts, Jake always is the first to remind me that at the time... we hated it. I could not wait to graduate and get out of that tiny apartment. And I'm sure, a couple years from now, I'll look back at our time here in Oklahoma with watery eyes and a soft heart. At least I hope I will. Until that day comes, I will continue to repeat this in my head...

We shouldn’t wait to be happy until we reach some future point, only to discover that happiness was already available—all the time! Life is not meant to be appreciated only in retrospect. “This is the day which the Lord hath made … ,” the Psalmist wrote. “Rejoice and be glad in it.”⁶

Brothers and sisters, no matter our circumstances, no matter our challenges or trials, there is something in each day to embrace and cherish. There is something in each day that can bring gratitude and joy if only we will see and appreciate it.

Dieter F Uchtdorf, "Of Regrets and Resolutions" Oct 2012

throwback thursday

Happy Valentines Day!

We're spending the day in the city shopping and dining like Kings and Queens of old. 

I hope your day is filled with love and peace whether your single or married. 

Because Valentines Day shouldn't be about gifts but loving everyone around you!

To look back on our past Valentines Day's click HERE.

Flashback Friday

Yeesh. Can't believe this was five/six years ago. 

It's been five years since I've worn a costume on Halloween! 

That's ridiculous.

Well we're changing it up this year. 

Going all out with a party and costumes. 

check back for pictures! 

Flasback Friday

That weirdo with the mustache? 

Yeah, that's me. 

I had a tomboy phase...

Have a good and spooky weekend!

yes, we do have a birthday here.

I have plenty of complaints about being the oldest.

Guinea Pig, The Example and Second Mother... it's a lot of responsibility. 

There is, however, a perk. You get to see all of your younger siblings grow up.

My birthday was a week ago and my younger sister wrote the sweetest blog post for my birthday.

You can always count on Lauren for a tear-jerking flashback. 

 So to keep the love going, I'm going to do the same for baby sister. 

Her birthday is today! She's ten years younger and I call her "mini me."

What I love about her:

1. Mckell has a huge heart and a sensitive soul.

2. She's a great Volleyball player and has a lovely singing voice.

3. She's got attitude. She has since she was a wittle girl always sticking it to us older siblings.

4. Loyal friend and sister. She was by my side my entire visit home.

5. Brave and ambitious. This girl has been through some difficult things,

 but she's handled it so well.

Hope you have a wonderful birthday Kelly! Wish I could be there to celebrate.

Flashback Friday

I'm going crazy over here decorating for my second favorite holiday.

So I thought it appropriate to share this oldie.

My mom handmade this cute costume, see mom, you do have a crafty side!

I make a pretty cute pumpkin wouldn't you say?

Throwback Thursday

Sometimes my sister writes nice things about me on her blog.
So I'll do the same.
Lauren lives in Wilmington and last month she FINALLY started
her film program. I couldn't be more excited for her!
Not only is she doing that but she's working
and fulfilling her call as Relief Society President.
Basically she's a rock star.

p.s. Lauren, nice hair clips...

Flashback Friday

 

I'm obsessed with old photos. 

I found these of my grandpa Baty and my dad while I was

 rummaging through my grandparents house last month.

Isn't my dad a cutie? And my grandpa... such a stud.  

Black and white photos are so beautiful. 

I wish we took more pictures like this. 

Five Years

Five years ago Jake and I were starting our college years at Utah State University.

Sometimes I dream about the autumn afternoons spent lounging on the quad
or the cold mornings I consumed white hot chocolate at the Merill-Cazier Library. 

Thanks USU for bringing Jake and I together!

Those four years were the best yet.

to read about how we met click HERE

idea (via)

Five Year Flashback

Five years ago I was a high school graduate. 

High on the hope of college life and
 basking in the freedom from my parents rules. 

Those were the days... 

Apparently most of those days were spent in the car.

 Planning pranks, Cruising 17th,

 and looking down at the city from the windmilled hills. 

I miss my friends. and my skinnier body. and my clear skin.

Flashback

The Princess and the Pauper.

flashback

Future Father

 After writing a letter to myself on Mothers Day,

 I thought it would be fun to have Jake do the same! 

So I talked him into it. He's such a good sport.

Dear Future Father Jake:

You're a daddy now! Here are some things you wanted to remember to do now that you're a parent:

Prioritize: No matter how stressed/tired you may be from work, school, or other responsibilities you may have, never let it affect your relationship with your children and wife. Always make it a priority to talk with them, grow with them and spend one on one time with them.

Be Patient: First, always remember that you were once a kid too...and probably a much more annoying little guy than your kids could ever be. Keep your cool and never let your kids get the best of you. Never try to control your kids into making the decision you want them to. Teach them correct principles and let them choose for themselves. 

Have Fun: You've been waiting to have kids your entire life. Have fun being a parent. Teach your kids to have fun. Show them how to make a bad situation better. Play. Get involved in their hobbies with them. Never miss a moment....because there's no getting them back.

Most importantly, if you will strive to be half the dad your father was, you will be a successful parent. Take the lessons he taught you as a kid and share them with your children. Look to his example when you aren't sure what to do. Share your difficulties with him and ask for his advice. Use his experience to your advantage.

I also want to thank my dad for showing me what a good father should be.

Because of that example, I didn't settle for anyone less incredible for my own family.

I know that Jake will be an amazing dad, just like his father and mine.

Happy Fathers Day!

Flashback Friday/Best Friend Birthday

Ally and Courtney... from the beginning.

Before hair dye...

and after.

fun times...

and rough times.

Today is my bestie's birthday. 

She is the most selfless and caring person I know, 

not to mention an AMAZING mother. 

I don't know why she enjoys being my friend, 

but I'm sure glad she stuck around because

I can't imagine life without her.

Happy Birthday lovely!

Throwback Thursday

Whenever I'm in Idaho, I go crazy looking through old photos and videos. 

It makes me all sentimental. Time travel, where are you?

Here's a glimpse into my high school years. 

Spring breaks in Hawaii... Birthdays in Sun Valley... Disneyland in the Fall... 

Yes I am aware of how spoiled rotten I was. am. whatever.

Hawaii is the only place you'll see Lauren being all touchy-feely with me.

Disneyland... sigh...

Best Friends.

Right after Kendall lost his magic trick in the creek. All time favorite picture of him.

Choir nerd for life.

Mint top... where are you?

I actually love to climb and repel. I never do it. But I like it.

Girls Camp.

NYC.

Dance parties in the basement.

Sun Valley.

flashback

Last Christmas, my mother gave me the greatest gift I could ever ask for.

Home videos. On DVD.

This is one of my favorites. Probably because it's all about me.

Maybe I should write music after all...

 Someday in the future, when we move to California and become famous singers,

 you will show this to your friends and family and say, 

"I know her. Wasn't she an adorable baby?"

Then you'll look outside to see a baby unicorn playing under a purple polka dot sky.

jakey baby

What a cutie... 

Job Well Done.

Jakey is a happy clam. 

This boy is finished with all of his class projects! 

Next step... graduation and commissioning:)

So proud of you darling!

Oscar

Favorite Dress at the Oscars. Gorge. I think she's reminiscent of Megera from Hercules, no? P.S... did you see Carson on the Oprah special yesterday? We're friends... that's fine.

Disney Moment Day Two: My first time at Disneyland

Still Rockin the Fanny Pack.