5 more days.

In five days I will be on a plane home. 

I can't wait.

Mommasita... Papasan... here I come.

This was Christmas in 1994. We are big now, but we are going to have just as much fun as we did way back when. Bring it on. These next five days better fly by, cause boy am I ready.

It was a beautiful day.

I know I have been in Texas for, eh, roughly six months... but I think I am finally beginning to like it here. Today I realized Texas isn't ever going to be what Arizona was. Simply because my family will never be in the same house and I won't have all my high school girlfriends to do crazy things with, but they are all just a phone call away. And let me tell you... I probably call my mom 3-4 times a day. But, that's what helps me get through it all, and if that's what it takes... so be it. Today I went to church, loved every talk, loved every lesson, and loved everyone there. I guess I just didn't realize that life really is what you make it. If I just let myself enjoy it, then I will, but it's all in my head. And today my head did a little changing. It's about time. I'm ready to enjoy life here. A new year is right around the corner, and what better time then right now to make goals. Goals that I plan on really keeping. Being positive, and making the most out every situation and every day because every day happened for a reason. I am here for a reason. All I have to do now, is figure out what that reason is. Also... Tonight I went to "Pie Night" at my bishop's house. I am just really grateful for everyone in my new ward. It has taken a little while to warm up but finally I feel.... welcome and like I am not the new girl anymore. We watched the same video that they showed during the First Presidency's Christmas Devotional. The video is of Mary, and the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. I am so glad to be celebrating this Christmas season, and I am grateful for the opportunity we have to remember him and the beautiful life he lived.What a blessing. Today was a beautiful day.

p.s. I made this. White chocolate covered popcorn with m&m's and pretzels. Yum

my life, makes me laugh.

I am pretty sure 98% of the time I spend with Pasha (roomie) we just laugh. About anything and well, everything. Either we are both super funny, or we are easily amused and just get a kick out of just about anything. If you ask me, laughing is one of the best ways to fill your spare time, or better yet... all your time. Well, since its been forever and a year (2 weeks) since my last post I better fill you in on the lovelies of some special times I had. First off, can I just say BEST ROOM MATE EVER. Yes? Ok. BEST ROOM MATE EVER!!!!

She surprised me with pink and silver balloons all over my room for my big 20th birthday. Woot! So cute, so thoughtful, and I SO loved it. 

She then took me on a surprise date to my most favorite place, Costa Vida and got me this most delicious sweet pork burrito. (which I have newly discovered that the sweet pork salad is THE WAY TO GO) This wonderful place of heavenly food is located an inconvenient 40 minutes away from home, but that's okay. We make the trip anyway. So worth it. 

We then went Christmas tree shopping. The trees at the tree farm were a little out of our price range so we ended up getting one from Walmart but it was just as pretty. And a good one hundred dollars cheaper. Still looks pretty. See...

we also decorated the rest of the house....

And we got new pillows for the couch....

Okay I swear I am almost done.

Lastly, I went Black Friday shopping. This picture explains it all. 

Also, I was 19 in this picture. Psh... I look so much older and wiser now. A whole.... eh.... 20 days later. 

I think I am done now. For tonight anyway.

Wing Stop & Costco

Best Birthday celebration ever. Cajun Boneless wings, and three bites of a ice cream bar dipped in chocolate and nuts was heaven. Oh, lets not forget the free samples and tour of Costco (the cherry on top right there). Thanks Victor. I never knew you were capable of such a thing. Seriously.

Off to work. Have a great day everybody.

a day of thanks, and family, and food. really good food.

It has been an incredible day. We woke up, watched the Macy's Day Parade, at a delicious breakfast... compliments of my Papasan. After dinner I decided I would take a shower. Except for there are like 20 people all sleeping, eating, and well... showering in the same house. Which means my shower was cold. Uber cold. And of course the only thing I wanted to so was crawl into bed ans get all snuggled up. It was amazing. Except for I fell asleep... and didn't wake up for hours. No one even woke me up. They just left me there. Needless to say, I am ready to party! (right now)

Let's talk about dinner for a minute shall we?  I didn't help. At all. Which makes it almost ten times more delicious. But I did do all of the dishes. With the help of the boys... their measly help. Don't worry everyone.. I took picture. Of the food. They make the best pictures. Always looking to mighty fine.

Doesn't it look great? It was.
I am sure everyone's was great. And before I go,
I just have to say...
Thank you.
Thank you Mom & Dad. For being the best and always loving me. Thank you for raising me to be who I am today. For always teaching me how to be responsible for my own self. Thank you Gram & Papa for having us here every year. It is one of my very favorite family traditions. I love you both! And I love seeing everyone every year. Thank you to my entire family. For being amazing. We always have the best time. All just a bunch of goof balls.  And thank you to my friends. You guys rock too.

& thank you to my Father in Heaven. For giving all of us the opportunity to be here today, and to become like him. Thank you to our brother and savior, Jesus Christ for sacrificing his life for us. For giving us the atonement so that one day we can return to them again.

xoxo
Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Oreo cupcake anyone?

Made Oreo Cupcakes today. Obviously. 

They were for Stephie. (foreign exchange student from Norway)

They were a hit. And a total success. 

The Oreo in the actual cupcake was the perfect touch. 

Make them. 

Here is the recipe.

Ingredients

1 package Oreo Cookies, regular size

1 package Mini Oreo Cookies, for decoration (optional)

1 package chocolate cake mix (mix according to directions on box)

8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature

1/2 cup butter (1 stick), room temperature

3 3/4 cups powdered sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

cupcake liners

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix packaged cake mix according to directions (do not bake). Line cupcake tins with liner, place a regular size Oreo cookie in the bottom of each liner. Take 1/2 of remaining cookies and chop coarsely and add to cake mix. Fill the cupcake tins. Bake for 15 minutes (or according to box directions). While cupcakes are baking make the frosting.

Cream together butter and cream cheese. Add vanilla, then add powdered sugar slowly until blended well. Chop remaining regular-sized Oreos very fine (I put the cookies in the food processor instead of trying to chop them up super fine and it worked out really well). Add to frosting. After cupcakes have cooled frost and decorate with Mini Oreos.

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