All Hallow's Eve

Vegas style!! Halloween was quite a delight this year. I just LOVE fall. Crunchy leaves, crisp weather, pumpkins, pumpkin pie, pumpkin cookies, pumpkin waffles, etc. Clearly, I just can't get enough pumpkin when this time of year comes around! 

On Friday, the crew (as I shall call us) ventured down the infamous I-15 corridor down to lovely Las Vegas, Nevada. We had a great drive full of giggles, naps and good times.

The Vegas Crew

 Todd and I

 Todd photobombed my picture!

Las Vegas!

We arrived there safe and sound and to lovely 75 degree weather which was definitely needed since Provo has decided to become 20 degrees all of the sudden. We started out the festivities with a bang by watching the old school version of When A Stranger Calls. Let me tell you, that was one of the scariest movies I have EVER watched. It brought back all those memories from back in my babysitting days. So scary, although I do highly recommend it. 

On Saturday was the Halloween Party. At the Pitts household, Halloween is celebrated to its fullest. It's either go big or go home, and go big it was! I have never seen a house so decorated with Halloween decor in my life.  It was AWESOME. Katie and I helped decorate and make the food for the party and then proceeded to get ready for the most legit Halloween party I have ever been to. Our costumes did not disappoint. I decided to show up as Professor Trelawney because she never gets old and the dress is rockin'. Always a good excuse to wear that dress. Katie was an 80's rocker. She made her skirt. How crafty! She also wore boots that made her as tall as me. I don't know how I feel about that, but she seemed happy while it lasted :) Brittany was a woman from Dia de Los Muertos. Her makeup was fantabulous. 

The best costumes on the planet.

Awww, precious.

Katie's "glamour" shot.

These series of pictures might just be my new personal favorites in the history of forever. Enjoy.

Simply. The. Best. Sometimes, when I look at these pictures, I cannot stop laughing. I really have no idea what is going on in these.

All in all, All Hallow's Eve was a SUCCESS. Thanks to Steph, Jeff, and the Pitts family for putting together a fantastic party. Till next time Vegas!

Veinte y uno

21. It's official. I am THAT old. It seems like yesterday I was in elementary school livin' the high life. Well...I'm still livin' the high life but will a lot more pizazz these days. My birthday was pretty much FANTASTIC. On Monday when my dad was in town, he took me and my roommates to India Palace. If you haven't eaten there, I highly recommend it. Best Indian food on the block! Anyway, my dad brought in the bag of presents my family bought me and inside was an Oregon duck pillow pet. My face was priceless. I didn't know I could get excited over something like that but alas, it was possible. Then, I wanted McDonald's ice cream, so my dad precedes to lead my roommates in singing Happy Birthday in the restaurant. Only something my dad would do. It brings back lovely memories from 5th grade. I knew that man would never change!

Tuesday morning rolls around, and I was awoken by the beautiful voices of my roommates bringing me only the coolest birthday breakfast ever. Cake batter pancakes! (Also highly recommended) Nom nom nom. After a splendiferous day at school, Katie made me toasties (delicious cauliflower sandwiches). What a gem. Then came the awesome gifts. I received bronzer so I would discontinue stealing Katie's. That was so thoughtful. I then preceded to open posters of two loves in my life: Harry Potter and Eminem. Holy Cow. I started laughing so hard. My roommates know me so so so well. My last gift was.......a unicorn pillow pet to go with my matching unicorn pajama bottoms. It will be hard to ever top this splendid gift. Who knew that a 21 year old could receive two pillow pets for her birthday? I probably defy the odds. 

Then came the infamous birthday cake and ice cream. Britt made me a Bundt Cake with Ganache. To die for I tell you. Lots of people came over to celebrate, and we had a rockin' good time. My birthday=success. Thanks to all who helped me in celebrating that awesome day, and a special thanks to my roomies/ BFF's for making that day special. You guys are simply the best. Love you.

Here are some pictures for your enjoyment

A little baby unicorn...I named him Ulysses.

Me and my prized possessions. 

Katie....ahahahaha.

This is the 3rd picture with my pillow pet in it. Cool.

What a beautiful man.

Oh Reegs....

Now..onto spend those $21 dollars my Grandma gave me for my birthday. Wonder what I could spend that on.....

I am stoked

to see this guy...

TODAY!!!! 

Aren't my parents so awesome?

They recently just celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary which is a great accomplishment. I couldn't ask for better examples of true love in my life. I only hope to have a happy marriage like them someday. I also couldn't help but smile and tear up a little when Sister Dalton talked about Fathers and Daughters. My dad has always loved my mom and made sure that we knew it. He is a worthy Priesthood holder and has a strong testimony of the gospel. I love my dad so much. He has always been there for me, and I know I can talk to him about anything. Fob Bob is simply the greatest. What girl doesn't love a man who comes into town and always takes her and her roommates out to dinner and buys them matching sweatpants that we lovingly nicknamed Fob Bob sweats. Yup, only the coolest dad around. See you soon dad. Cheers to a great weekend full of fun and our favorite game to watch together, Football! I am so excited!

Precious.

Happy Christmas Harry!

Happy Christmas Ron....ok I just had to put that one in. Who doesn't love that line? Tomorrow marks a very important date that I have been waiting for...well....since like forever. It is bittersweet. I feel like my childhood is ending, which I haven't really come to grips with yet. I mean I was 9 when I started reading Harry Potter and 11 when the first movie came out. After many midnight showings and staying up late reading the books (and many other nights rereading and rereading the books), Harry Potter is coming to an end. I do not know how I feel about this, but this much I do know...I feel like I grew up with Ron, Hermione and Harry. I experienced their joys and heartaches and of course their quest to defeat the ever evil Lord Voldermort. I feel as if I got to experience Hogwarts. I will never be the same. So, thank you for spending half my life with me Harry. You are one special character. Don't mind if I cry throughout the movie (which is a given). It is just bound to happen because this has been one heck of a ride.

Oh so young and naive!

Now, off to defeat Lord Voldermort and saving the Wizard community. 

I will also be dressing up as Professor Trelawny which is epic in itself. I cannot wait. Harry Potter here I come!

I only hope to be like them someday.

Tonight, I had the unique and special opportunity to go and visit the gravesites of many LDS prophets. As we went to each one, we learned a little bit about their lives and their work as a prophet. I was touched by each of their sacrifices and dedication to the work of the Lord. 

I promised myself that I would not get all mushy-gushy as we approached the Hinckley's. There is just something about them that always makes me want to cry because I loved them dearly. I grew up with President Hinckley and his awesome wife. He is my prophet as I like to call him. I always remember listening to him and being so excited when he would announce new temples. I credit him with helping me gain a strong testimony of the gospel. He always had a way of making you feel loved and special and I always felt I knew him personally.  The light of Christ was always shown through his actions and deeds. He found a way to make you laugh but at the same time stayed serious. His devotion to temples and temple work is astounding. I have a special place in my heart for temples and hope to be able to go someday and I will be reminded of the great work President Hinckley did.  I still remember where and when I was when he died. It was not easy for me to accept that he was gone and it took me awhile to adjust to a new prophet. I know that he was and is a prophet of God, and he will always have a special place in my heart. He had a way of speaking profoundly with the littlest of effort. Many of his quotes are short yet simple. Just the way they should be. "The time has come for us to stand a little taller to lift our eyes and stretch our minds to a greater comprehension and understanding of the millennial mission of this, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints" His remarkable way of telling us that we have a mission here on Earth could not have been better put. If we stand a bit taller, we will know our potential. What an inspiring man. 

Don't get me started on his wife. Everytime I see pictures of her, I also cry. She is a woman that I strive to be like. A couple of years ago, my friend Carlie taught a young women's lesson using Sister Hinckley's biography and many of her quotes. I didn't think anything of them until last summer when I had this strong desire to read her biography. It completely charged how I viewed women in the church and allowed me to gain insight into the life of a prophet's wife. What I loved the most about Sister Hinckley is and was her ability to serve others. She always had a smile on her face. From her I learned of my potential and how to understand my divine worth as a Daughter of God. Her outlook on life was incredible. Happiness in everyday can be achieved! I love her dearly. One of my favorite quotes from her book and her life was, "I dont want to drive up to the pearly gates in a shiny sports car, wearing beautifully, tailored clothes, my hair expertly coiffed, and with long, perfectly manicured nails. I want to drive up in a station wagon that has mud on the wheels from taking kids to scout camp. I want to be there with a smudge of peanut butter on my shirt from making sandwiches for a sick neighbors children. I want to be there with a little dirt under my fingernails from helping to weed someone's garden. I want to be there with children's sticky kisses on may cheeks and the tears of a friend on my shoulder. I want the Lord to know I was really here and that I really lived." This made me realize that life was not about material things but about our actions and the people I spend each day with. How grateful I am for her wisdom and love of womanhood.

As I was standing at their grave, yes, I did get teary eyed and I am not ashamed to admit that. I owe a lot to this couple who loved each other so much that I can only hope to one day have the same kind of relationship and love with my husband. Their love for each other was refreshing and allowed me to see what love for eternity looks like. They were also quite adorable if I say so myself :)

Till we meet again President Hinckley. You are dearly missed.

I have done something drastic

Ok, that may have been a little too dramatic, but it is nonetheless still a good story and one worth telling. So, about two weeks ago, I was talking to my mom telling her I was contemplating doing a 100 day challenge regarding treats and soda. She said, "Are you sure you are really up to that? Maybe you should just limit yourself to twice a week." I laughed out loud (literally) and thought to myself yeah right. I would eat every dessert in sight if that were to happen. It was all or nothing. I made a calendar and decorated it and numbered it to 100 to see where the end would put me. September 24th. Wow, I didn't know if I could handle that because seriously, I LOVE food. As many of you know, treats are my downfall. Cookies, cake, ice cream, you name it.  I just love it all. Also, it is summer. Treats are in their prime. Holidays, birthdays, just eating them because you want to. This was not going to be an easy thing to give up. Alas, I bucked up and acted like a big girl and set a new goal for myself, one that I will see through to the end. So, here I am on day 12 and it is HARD. I haven't had Diet Coke in 12 days. 12 days people! I swear that is a new record for me. There have been many times that I pass McDonald's on my way home and think...ahh man that dollar coke sounds so good right now. But, I have resisted. The more days I do it though, the easier it has become. This will play out to be an interesting summer, but I am excited for this new adventure. Only 88 more days to go. Very doable I say.

So, so long my chocolatey goodness friends and Diet Coke. It has been fun while it lasted, but it is time that we separate for awhile. Don't worry, I will be back, but I want to show you how I can resist your delectable tastes for a bit, but come September 25th, you shall be mine. Costco 7 layer chocolate cake-I will eat you as well as your delicious cookie friends who are always next to you on the table. 

And maybe, just maybe, I can justify getting myself some of these babies. You have to have and end goal in sight, right?

I also love otter pops, and it is summertime. Is that considered a treat? We shall see......

Day 9-Something you are proud of in the past few days

I have actually gotten up before 10 this entire week. Now that is what I call an accomplishment. I also booked a place to go camping this weekend with my roommates. Hopefully it doesn't rain on us. Cheers to Memorial Day Weekend!

Also, I only have 12 more days until I return to this....

I cannot wait :) 

Words, words, and more words

I have been thinking ALL day. Literally. Today was just one of those days where I contemplated a lot of things in my mind and questioned myself while trying to come up with the answers. This is tiring I tell ya though I came a little bit closer to some answers. One thing that has come back into my mind often is the way we act and what we say to those around us especially our family and friends. I will be the first to admit, sometimes I say what's on my mind when not thinking about what is coming out of my mouth. Most of the time it is meant to be funny, but sometimes does not come across as such and for that I am truly sorry. Words are powerful. They have the ability to draw people closer together with a simple compliment or to bring us down with degrading and hurtful comments whether they are intentional or not. My family and friends are counting me to treat them with the upmost respect and what I say to them or how I act defines our relationship. I know I should have realized this a long time ago, but it dawned on me today that the snarky comments made about anyone whether they are behind their back or not are not Christ-like, for a true friend would never do this. Everyone needs to be loved and nurtured. We all have our little quirks, but hey life isn't perfect and either are we. That's the beauty of the atonement. The way I act shows a lot about my character and who I am. I want my family and friends to know that I care about them. They mean a lot to me and are great people who deserve to be treated like princes and princesses because we are all children of our Heavenly Father.

The answer to this thought that contemplated my mind today is that I need to make a conscious effort to think before I speak. So simple, yet so profound. It reminds me of the golden rule- Do unto others are you would have them do unto you. If I want to be treated kindly, I must treat others the same and that is through my actions and words. They don't always have to be eloquent or well thought out, just saying and showing that I care goes far. I am done gossiping about others or basing my impressions on others based on what I have heard. My friends and family mean the most to me in this world, and I don't ever want words or poor actions to come between us because Eternity is a long time and I want to be together forever :)

As I thought about this, I quote I had heard awhile ago came to my mind by my favorite poet of all time. It pretty much sums up what I want to accomplish through better actions and kinder words. "To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of little children...to leave the world a better place...to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded." Ralph Waldo Emerson 

Day 8-Short term goals for this month and why

This post will indeed be about goals. I am a terrible goal-setter though I make goals nonetheless so I hope this counts for something, right? Maybe if I actually write them down on a blog...maybe I will be more inclined to follow them. We shall see.

GOALS

1. I know it's lame, but eating healthy. I really want to eat healthy this summer and stay away from those tasty desserts. This goal will be accomplished because I want to be healthy!

2. Find something in every day to be glad about because happiness ees the bessst!

3. Tell someone that I love them every day because love is what makes the world go round.

4. Find my way around Salt Lake City WITHOUT using google maps because I am determined not to have a terrible sense of direction anymore! (This one may take a little more than a month)

5. Read a book. It has been forever since I have read something for my enjoyment. It's time.

6. Start an epic summer of awesomeness with my family and friends because this summer is going to be so much fun (which includes a lot of otter pops).

7. Oh...and watch Nacho Libre because it is quoted so much in my apartment. I just want to know what is going on!

Well, that is all I can think of for now. That is a preview into my goals at the present moment.

And, this summer i really want to go here:

Tatsu might just be the coolest ride ever invented. X2 may come a close second. Anyone up for a trip to six flags? 

Day 7-A picture of someone/something that has had the biggest impact on you

My family....I love them so much and don't know what I would do without them! It is quite weird not going home this summer and hanging out with them. I miss them a lot, but it is an awesome thing to know that families are forever :)

Ok, I know I already mentioned my family..but my parents are awesome. My parents have helped me so much through the lovely college years and have become some of my very best friends. They always give such great advice and give me their full support in all my endeavors whether or not they are always good decisions!

The Langhaim Family...oh where to begin? First off, they are just cool. I have known them for quite some time, and they have become my second family. They will never know how much they have helped me grow and develop into who I am today. I have watched them go through trials and show great composure through it all, and I hope to have a family that is just as awesome as them one day. Love you!

My roommates. Enough said.

Here is my favorite scripture-also something that has had a huge impact in my life

Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest. Joshua 1:9

Day 6-A Picture of Your Favorite Superhero and Why

Ok, I'm terrible at this 30 day challenge, but I will follow through with this thing, even if it takes two months! Who is my favorite superhero you might ask? Well, his name would be Lucius Best aka Frozone.

He is pretty COOL. Who doesn't love a superhero who has the power to freeze water in a nanosecond, or even the latent moisture in the air. He can also use the moisture from his body. That is AWESOME. His snowboots can also do this: change into ice skates, alpine ice skis, and a concave disc he uses as a snowboard. A three-in-one deal if you ask me.

But, the main reason he is my favorite superheros is because he says one of the best quotes I have ever heard a superhero say.

WHERE IS MY SUPERSUIT? I'm not going to lie, when this movie came out, I said that all the time. Sometimes, I secretly wish I could be him. All he wants is to help keep the public out of danger with his mad ice skills. What a COOL superhero.

Day 5-A picture of somewhere you have been to.

Ahhh...Disneyland :) Yes, it just might be one of the best places I have ever been.

I have also been to the continental divide. Pretty beautiful scenery I would say. I was lovin' New Mexico.

NYC...I got to ride the ferris wheel inside of Toys R Us. LEGIT.

Day 4-A habit you wish you didn't have

Hmmm....habits are an interesting subject. They are an intricate part of us, yet we want to get rid of so many of them. Plus, habits rhymes with rabbits which is somewhat odd. Alright..i'm rambling so I guess I will proceed to let you have some insight into one of my terrible habits.

PROCRASTINATION. (see that I haven't posted on my 30 day challenge in 4 weeks). I mean literally, I'm terrible at getting things done early. I would call myself the poster child for  "procrastination at its finest." I always seem to find an excuse whether it is hanging out with the roommates or you know....Facebook. It sucks your life and soul. I tell myself just 5 more minutes until I will do something productive and it always ends up being 5 hours later. I must find a way to combat my problem.

On the other hand, I think I will start on that tomorrow.

The Procrastination Poster Child. Clearly procrastination at its finest. It's fitting, right?

Day 3-A picture of you and your friends

My friends are fantastic. Here are just a few lovely pictures :)

Oh Brooke-good thing I've known you for 19 years :)

80's dances=epic fun

My family is going to love me for this....

A cross-country trip to Houston..a great time with great friends

My best high school buddies...we spent a lot of good times together

This is Taylor..and I just love her and her family :)

The first year of college!!!!!!

And of course...my roommates. What a great lookin group we are.