Blog Challenge, Day 15

Today's challenge is to write about your dream house. Originally, I thought that maybe I would try and find a house for sale that I could post a picture of, but instead I will just describe all of the features my dream house would have:

1. The exterior of the house would have big, mature trees, a landscaped yard, and a big wrap-around porch. I would love to have room for rocking chairs on the front porch, and then a big enough deck in the backyard for a grill and tables.
2. Formal living room
3. Formal dining room
4. Big kitchen with stainless steel appliances, granite counter tops, a double oven, a big pantry, breakfast nook, and enough room for people to be visiting without getting in the way.
5. A big family room with a fireplace, room for a big sectional, and plenty of room for guests.
6. At least five bedrooms.
7. A master bedroom with a walk-in closet, big jetted tub, and enough room for a sitting area.
8. Room for a home office
9. A craft room with tons of storage for my scrapbooking and sewing supplies
10. A big playroom
11. A theater room, complete with a snack bar
12. A big garage with plenty of storage
13. A large landscaped backyard with a basketball court, hot tub, and play equipment
14. A large enough lot to not feel cramped, but not so big that the neighbors feel far away
15. A good reading nook/library area
16. A big laundry room with enough room for sorting, folding, and a laundry room sink
17. A happy family to occupy it :)

Blog Challenge, Day 14

Today's challenge is to write about a non-fiction book. I chose "Eat Pray Love", by Elizabeth Gilbert.

When I first started reading this book, I had a really hard time getting into it, but by the time I had finished, I loved it. I tried to look at it as a book I was reading to learn from, rather than just read for fun. There were so many parts in the book that seemed to offer such good advice or were just what I needed to hear. One of my favorite quotes from the book is from when she is in India (the "pray" part), and it says:

"There is so much about my fate that I cannot control, but other things do fall under my jurisdiction. There are certain lottery tickets I can buy, thereby increasing my odds of finding contentment. I can decide how I spend my time, whom I interact with, whom I share my body and life and money and energy with. I can select what I eat and read and study. I can choose how I'm going to regard unfortunate circumstances in my life – whether I will see them as curses or opportunities (and on the occasions when I can't rise to the most optimistic viewpoint, because I'm feeling two damn sorry for myself, I can choose to keep trying to change my outlook). I can choose my words and the tone of voice I speak to others. And most of all, I can choose my thoughts".

I liked this quote because it was a good reminder that even though there are definitely times in life that seem out of control, there is always something that we do have a say over, and that makes it easier to have a positive outlook and keep going.

Blog Challenge, Day 13

Today's challenge is to post a fictional book:

I chose to post "The Hunger Games" by Suzanne Collins. I was introduced to this series in May, and I absolutely loved it. I bought the first book to take with me on vacation, and I couldn't put it down...I ended up passing it on to my mom to read once I finished and I went out and bought the second book. If you haven't read this series, I highly recommend it. It is definitely not a "girly" series: there is a ton of action with just a little bit of romance. Now, I just have to wait for the movies to start coming out!

Blog Challenge, Day 12

Today's challenge is to post something that you are OCD about. This was really easy for me...the first thing that came to mind was making sure that doors are locked.


I HAVE to make sure that doors are looked - this could be the doors at my house, the car, my office, whatever. I think that sometimes I drive Mike crazy by always asking "Did you lock the door?" :)

Blog Challenge, Day 11

Today's challenge is to post a recent picture of myself. As much as I dislike the way I look in this picture, I really like what it represents. Mike took this picture of me the morning of my graduation ceremonies from Vanderbilt University's MSN (master of science in nursing) program. When I was younger, I don't know that I ever really imagined that I would go to graduate school, but I am so glad that I did. It was such a personal accomplishment for me to know that I could do something like that. I was (and still am!) so grateful to Mike for the personal sacrifices that he made so that I could get through school. Thanks for everything, hon!

Mueller Park

Last week, we took one last trip up Mueller Park Canyon for the season. I don't know why we don't go up there more often...it is close to home, the scenery is beautiful, plus they allow dogs!

We decided to go up for a quick campfire dinner with my sister, Beth, and her boyfriend, who is also named Mike.

The leaves were absolutely beautiful. This picture does NOT do it justice. Beth and I agreed that these were the best fall leaves either of us have seen this season. I was disappointed that we got there so close to dark because it made it difficult for me to take any good pictures.

Mike and me roasting marshmallows.

I tried to get a good picture of Faline, but she wouldn't look at the camera. She was too interested in watching what was going on at a neighboring site.

Mike and Beth with their marshmallow.

Hopefully next summer we will make the time to go up the canyon more often. It is so nice to enjoy the campfire, good food, and fun with family and friends on a nice evening.

Blog Challenge, Day 10

I know that I am a little late with this post, too. I was doing so good! The reason that it is late is that I have done most of these challenges during my lunch break at work, and I needed to use my home scanner to upload an old picture of me.

Obviously, today's challenge was to post a picture of myself that was taken at least ten years ago.

This picture was taken of me when I was about 1 - 2 years old while I was at my grandparent's house in Southern Cali. My mom is the one who you can see giving me a drink from the hose. To be honest, I am not sure why I chose this picture, other than the fact that I just like it and the other pictures that were taken the same day.

Hopefully now I can get back on the bandwagon and start posting on time again!

Blog Challenge, Day 9

So I was all set to post this yesterday (and on time!), when I realized that I didn't have the picture I needed saved on my computer. So I know that I am a day late, but I did my best to get it to you on time!



Today's topic is to post a picture that I took. The picture that I am posting was taken when I was Hawaii with my sister, Beth. We spent one of our days there driving around the island and stopping whenever we saw a beach that looked appealing. I am not sure what the name of this particular beach was, but I loved it! There was only one other couple on the beach, so we pretty much had it to ourselves. It was so nice and relaxing, the water was warm, and it was shallow enough to where we could go out pretty far without dealing with any waves.

Blog Challenge, Day 8

Today's topic is to post a picture that makes you angry or sad. I had a hard time thinking of a good picture that fit that description, so I am changing it to a picture that makes me frustrated. I really don't want to use this blog as a political forum, but I will say that I am frustrated with how some things are going with our country right now. I am not saying that all of our problems are the President's fault, but I felt that this picture would get the point across.

Blog Challenge, Day 7

Today's post is about a picture that makes me happy. This picture shows my family, Mike, and me in South Carolina at Folley Beach. I love this picture for two reasons: first, I had such a great time with my family; second, I absolutely love being on the beach/near the ocean. I could not have asked for a better day!

Blog Challenge, Day 6

Today's challenge is to post 20 of my favorite things, so here you go! BTW...they are in no particular order.

1. The obvious...my family! And of course, this has to include Faline.
2. I absolutely LOVE the beach and the ocean! The feel of the sand between my toes, the roar of the waves, the smell of the salt water. I love it all and I can never get enough of it!
3. Reading...I love a good book.
4. Running with Faline
5. Freshly baked cookies
6. Autumn - I love the crisp air, changing leaves, the smells...
7. Traveling
8. Making crafts
9. Playing the piano
10. Shopping
11. My super comfy Victoria Secret sweats
12. Country music
13. Spending time with friends
14. Playing card and board games
15. Rain
16. Disney movies
17. A fresh pedicure
18. Tulips
19. Decorating my house for the different seasons
20. Boating...I love to wakeboard!

Blog Challenge, Day 5

One day when I was at Deseret Book, I came across a magnet with this quote. I loved it, and now I have the magnet at work. The quote says:

Sometimes the solution is not to change our circumstance,

but to change our attitude about that circumstance.

-President Spencer W. Kimball

There are many reasons why I like this quote, but mostly I just like how it is such a great reminder that even when I am doing something that I don't like or experiencing something that seems unfair, I don't necessarily need to change that thing. Sometimes the best thing to do is to just change how I am looking at the situation.

Blog Challenge, Day 4

Today's topic is your favorite book. I absolutely LOVE to read, and although there are a lot of authors that I really enjoy, it was easy for me to choose my favorite book. I love reading "Gone with the Wind"! I realize that it may not be the type of book that everyone enjoys, but it is just such a great classic. I love the historical aspect, the romance, suspense... I love cheering for Scarlett, who has so many flaws, but yet you still want her to succeed. I also loved reading the other books that were written by other authors, but are tangents to this one (i.e. Scarlett and Rhett Butler's People). If you haven't read this book, I highly recommend giving it a try!

Blog Challenge, Day 3

Today's challenge is to talk about my favorite TV show, which is The Office. I always look forward to watching this show. I find the characters to be hilarious, and it gives me just the comic relief that I need. Maybe it is the fact that I can imagine so much of what happens in the episode happening at work, or things that happen at work happening on the episode...I don't know. I am a little nervous about what this season will bring, since I believe that Steve Carell's character is leaving the show, but we'll see what happens.

Blog Challenge, Day 2

Today's topic is my favorite movie. This really is a challenge for me because I have so many favorites! It honestly just varies depending on my mood, so it is hard for me to choose just one. If I could choose a favorite movie category, it would be either romantic comedy or Disney. I realize that romantic comedies tend to be predictable, but I still love them.

Here are a couple of my favorite movies (one from each category):

Sweet Home Alabama: I honestly could watch this movie over and over again, and not get sick of it. I don't know if it is because it takes place in the South, and I LOVE that region of the country, or what. I just don't get sick of it.

My second pick is Alice in Wonderland. As a kid, I loved this movie and I have it in my collection now as an adult. I have seen the newer versions, but I still love the Disney animated version the best.

Blog Challenge, Day 1

Day 1 of the blog challenge is your favorite song. It is really hard for me to pick a favorite song, so I chose one that I often go back to. It is "Stand" by Rascal Flatts. I find the lyrics to be very encouraging and whenever I need a little motivation to keep moving.

The lyrics are:

You feel like a candle in a hurricane
Just like a picture with a broken frame
Alone and helpless
Like you've lost your fight
But you'll be alright, you'll be alright

[Chorus:]
Cause when push comes to shove
You taste what you're made of
You might bend, till you break
Cause its all you can take
On your knees you look up
Decide you've had enough
You get mad you get strong
Wipe your hands shake it off
Then you Stand, Then you stand

Life's like a novel
With the end ripped out
The edge of a canyon
With only one way down
Take what you're given before its gone
Start holding on, keep holding on

[Chorus]

Everytime you get up
And get back in the race
One more small piece of you
Starts to fall into place
Oh

[Chorus]

30 Day Blog Challenge

I have a few blogging friends who have been doing the 30 day blogging challenge, so I decided to jump on the bandwagon and try it out. For those of you who have no clue what the 30 Day challenge is, well it's kinda self explanatory. Each day there is a topic to put on your blog. And you don't even have to think about it... it's laid out for you! I will do my best to keep up with it each day, but no guarantees! I do promise to at least get through all of the days eventually. :)

So feel free to join me on the bandwagon...

Day 1 - your favorite song
Day 2 - your favorite movie
Day 3 - your favorite television program
Day 4 - your favorite book
Day 5 - your favorite quote
Day 6 - 20 of my favorite things
Day 7 - a photo that makes you happy
Day 8 - a photo that makes you angry/sad
Day 9 - a photo you took
Day 10 - a photo taken over 10 years ago of you
Day 11 - a photo of you recently
Day 12 - something you are OCD about
Day 13 - a fictional book
Day 14 - a non-fictional book
Day 15 - your dream house
Day 16 - a song that makes you cry (or nearly)
Day 17 - an art piece (drawing, sculpture, painting, etc)
Day 18 - your wedding
Day 19 - a talent of yours
Day 20 - a hobby of yours
Day 21 - a recipe
Day 22 - a website
Day 23 - a youtube video
Day 24 - where you live
Day 25 - your day, in great detail
Day 26 - your week, in great detail
Day 27 - your worst habit
Day 28 - what's in your handbag/purse
Day 29 - hopes,dreams and plans for the next 365 days
Day 30 - a dream for the future

Night of the Running Dead 5K

Yesterday, I ran in a 5K race called 'Night of the Running Dead'. You could either register as a zombie (infected) or a survivor. If you registered as a zombie, you were encouraged to dress up, and if you were a survivor, you a got a one minute head start. So basically, it appeared that the 'survivors' were running for their lives and trying to escape the 'zombies'.


My brother, David, also decided to run the race. This was his first 5k and he did awesome! I think that my dad said that he came in 11th overall. He definitely inherited the running gene from our dad!

My friend Alisha also ran the race. We had to pose for a picture together before the race got started.

Although I didn't do quite as well as I was hoping to, I am still glad that I participated. It was fun to run with my brother and my friend, plus all of the proceeds were donated to the Huntsman Cancer Institute.

Guardsman Pass

I absolutely LOVE autumn...it is definitely my favorite time of year! So, I wanted to make sure that I was able to go on nice autumn drive to see the leaves changing color. It has been a few years since I have been able to do this, so Mike and I made sure that we planned for it, and today was the day!

We decided to head up Big Cottonwood Canyon and drive through Guardsman Pass. I didn't really know what to expect because we have had such a warm autumn so far, and I was nervous that it would still be too green. Lucky for me, there were plenty of areas that had some great fall colors.

We decided to take the route into Midway and we stopped at a little cafe for lunch. It was nice and quaint, and was a great way to cap off the drive.

Here are a few pictures of the foliage...my camera didn't do it justice!

I loved driving down this road because we were surrounded by the aspen trees, and nearly all of them had changed color.

When we got into Midway, we saw this little deer chilling on the side of the road, eating some leaves. He didn't seem to care at all that we had stopped and were trying to take his picture.

The fall drive was definitely a great way to get me in the mood for autumn! I have so many fall traditions that I love to do every year, and this was definitely a good way to get things started!