"We're Burning Down The Night, Shooting Bullets At The Moon."

Summer is here, I don't care what anyone says.

My shoulders are sunburnt, I come home every day covered in dirt, almost all of the ice is off the lake (we all know what that means - swim time this weekend!), calving/lambing season is over with, and leaves are imminent. 

Sounds like summer to me. 

Other than sorting seed potatoes and doing some planting prep on the farm, work has been pretty uneventful, which honestly I'm kinda thankful for. I forgot how much I enjoyed the mellow season on the farm, before all the people start coming out and the place turns hectic. 

Catching the sunset has been crazy hard this week on account of all the 4-wheelers and trucks down on the river bed kicking up the dust, but I got a shot this weekend sitting up top on the deck. Even though I complain about living out in the middle of nowhere, it does have its perks. 

Met with a personal trainer this week at the gym (apparently its mandatory for new members, psh) and got some tips for building my core. I've had sore stomach muscles ever since too, thank you sir. 

Went a looked at more lambs this weekend. Gosh dang it they were beautiful! Now that I've spent a year at school and gotten just a little taste of what the stock is like down in the lower 48, I had a good time checking out the newborns here. 

I pretty much fell head-over-heels in love with this ram lamb. He made me want to start up a flock of my own even though I have sworn to myself I will never raise sheep again. I may or may not have lied. 

After looking at sheep, there was grocery shopping that needed to be done for the cow, which just kinda made me laugh. 

I did get some funny looks in Walmart. Oh well - farmin' and proud of it. REPRESENT. 

This weekend was pretty chill though otherwise. I helped out with a Relief Society function (I taught a little restorative yoga session, fun!) and spent alot of time in the sun. I figure I gotta get all the time in I can before it snows randomly in July. 

And I even made it to the YSA ward this week. It felt good to be back around people my age. Family wards just don't feel quite right anymore. Gotta enjoy my youth! 

Well enjoy your Sunday evening, mi amigos!

(Four more months 'till Rexburg!)

"So Catch Up, 'Cause You've Got An Awful Long Way To Go."

So I was gonna write this yesterday, but I figured I should probably get my homework done instead once I got home - that's what happened.

Last week was a real good one though. Now that the semester's kinda coming to a close, professors are all being pretty lax, which means basically no homework. But I know I'll get hit hard next week when finals start up.

So, Monday was pretty relaxed - got my missionary emails, which is my favorite way to start a week.

Tuesday I spent in the meat lab. Probably more fun than it should be.

We worked with lamb carcasses this week - which I was most excited to learn about of all the species, so it was kinda my thing. But it was our last week in the meat lab, so I was a little sad about that. Oh well, next fall I'll be back at it.

Wednesday and Thursday were just like, gym time and classes. I upped my squat to 120lbs - 125lbs is coming this week for sure. I was gonna try that Saturday but got lazy. Ah well. It'll happen tonight. 

Friday was more classes and I got my storage unit rented for this summer. Figured I oughta get that taken care of. That night the roommates and I went to party, because our weekends together are quickly getting used up. There was a dance on the roof of the parking garage at North Point, so we went to that. I haven't been to an off-campus dance at all this semester, so it was good to get out again. 

It was a good time. And I still got home before 1am, so I consider it a success. ;)

This is what my Saturday looked like. Ben and Jerry's paired with "Water For Elephants", make for a pretty chillaxed day. 

That night there was a 90's themed party, so the roommates and I got all dressed up and went to that. It was fun - definitely more chill than the party at North Point, but we know how to make it a good time. 

This is us trying to be attractive + cool... I'm not sure if we succeeded or not, but that's what happened. We left the party at about 10:30 to come home and order pizza, so I guess you could say we're pretty hard core partiers. 

Sunday was our last time having church with the ward, due to like Conference and such! Which was kinda sad. :( But it's kind of a relief to be done teaching - woot woot. Then we spent the night with friends, like we always do - and it was a good day. 

Good week. 

Alrighty, well, English class is a-calling and I've got to go present my extremely dramatic movie review of Titanic (which is just about one of the best movies to ever grace this planet) to the class, soooo, until next week, my friends. 

Don't forget to stay amazing, por favor. 

"A Lover Not A Fighter - On The Frontline With A Poem."

Midterms, y'all. That basically sums up my week in a word. I honestly don't remember them being so cray last semester, but apparently I just forgot, 'cause they is.

Unfortunately, our entire apartment has been in an anti-homework mood all week, so we haven't exactly been the most encouraging to each other. Butcha know what - ain't no cares have been given.

Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday mostly just consisted of tests and essay writing, with gym time and like, eating thrown in there. Not real sure I slept much those three days - they still kinda blend together in mah mind.

On Thursday things started to chill a little - I went in and got my hair re-colored. Went darker this time, yeah buddy. Getting sick of being called a redhead, plus, it was time for a change.

Went for a chocolate ombre - can't really tell here, but whaterrrrrr.

Friday was classes and homework. I also happened to run into an ex's brother on my way to English - not exactly how I had planned to start out my morning. Then that night we all hung out with Netta's family, 'cause they came to visit for a little bit. Her cousin brought all his roommates (pretty sure all the best looking guys on campus are in that room, no big deal) and by the end of the night, one had my number. Got a date out of it thirty minutes late (apparently he don't waste no time) and it was a good time. Definitely needed the night out!

We spent Saturday in IF, did some shopping, and I got the most fabulous pair of aztec print leggings that ever existed y'all. We didn't get back 'till late and then there was church today. Now we're crashed on our boat (our couches pushed together) and listening to the most ratchet of music. Because yolo.

Annnnnnnd that's been my week.

I've been thinking alot the last couple days about my dad - I don't think this guy gets enough credit. I talked to him on the phone earlier this week and he started to get all choked up before we hung up. Definitely made me think. My dad's a legit hero though guys, and I'm not just saying that 'cause I'm his daughter, but he actually is. He's raised fourteen kids (still raising them actually) and seven of those have been girls, which couldn't have been easy, let's be real. I wasn't exactly the sweetest pre-teen or teen, but the man still put up with me. He always encouraged my piano playing, even when it was painful to listen to, and I don't think he ever said no to me bringing home any animal that I decided I wanted, including two reindeer calves and a three-legged cat. And then there was the abandoned miniature rabbit with dental issues and the blind chicken. But you know what, he never complained. In fact, he's probably my most loving and loyal supporter.

I definitely didn't appreciate him enough in high school and now that I'm out and on my own, I've started to realize what I've had along. I hope my daughters can have a father even half as amazing as my own.

Alright, well that's enough cheese for this post - peace out y'all, stay classy. And attractive, why don'tcha. ;)

____________________

(My dad writes poems, right, and he sent me this one he's written for me the other day. Made me cry, a'ight.)

(Also, not sure why he wrote it in all caps, but he did. So yeah.)

                                   MY LOVING DAUGHTER

I REMEMBER WHEN WE FOUND OUT HE WAS TO US TO BE BORN, A NEW LITTLE SPIRIT FROM HEAVEN NOT THE LEAST YET TATTERED AND TORN.

AS FRESH AS A MORNING STAR AND SPECIAL AS CAN BE,  CRYSTAL WAS SO HAPPY A LITTLE BOY TO SET ON HER KNEE.

DON’T THINK I EVER SAW A MOTHER AS EXCITED AND HAPPY AS SHE, ALL HER DREAMS OF FAMILY LIFE FINALLY GOING TO COME TO BE.

WE PLANNED AND WE DREAMED OF THE DAY WHEN HE WOULD APPEAR, SO EXCITED TO HAVE HIM AND TO KISS HIS TINY EAR.

WE ATTENDED ALL HIS APPOINTMENTS TO VERIFY HIS HEALTH, TO US HE WAS A SYMBAL OF ALL OUR WORLDY WEALTH.

WE PURCHASED ALL THE CLOTHS THAT WOULD BE PERFECT FOR OUR LITTLE BOY, WE SEARCHED AND SEARCHED FOR THAT SPECIAL LITTLE BOY TOY.

THE TIME WAS FINALLY AT HAND AND WE WENT TO THE BIRTHING PLACE, FINALLY WE WOULD GET TO SEE HIS BEAUTIFUL LITTLE FACE.

I WATCHED IN EXCITEMENT AND MY HEAD WAS IN A WHIRLE, THEN WHAT TO MY SURPRISE HE WAS A LITTLE GIRL.

WE BROKE THE NEWS TO CRYSTAL AS EASY AS COULD BE, AT FIRST SHE DIDN’T BELIEVE ME UNTIL SHE GOT TO SEE.

SO WE CHANGED OUR WAY OF THINKING FROM RAISING A GIRL INSTEAD OF A BOY, HAD TO LOOK FOR PRETTY NEW CLOTHS AND TO FIND A NEW LITTLE GIRL TOY.

CRYSTAL REALLY COULD HAVE CARED LESS ABOUT THE SEX OF THE FIRST LITTLE CHILD, ALL SHE WANTED WAS A BABY WHO WAS HEALTHY AND MADE HER SMILE.

WE NAMED THE CUTE LITTLE BUNDLE ASHLEENA AND WERE BLESSED TO WATCH HER GROW, SHE BLOSSMED LIKE A ROSE AND WAS PURE AS THE DRIVEN SNOW.

NEVER SEEMED TO AMAZE US OF ALL THE TALENTS THAT SHE HAD, SHE WAS SMART, WHITTY AND CHARMING AND RARELY EVER SAD.

I LOVED TO LISTEN TO HER PLAY THE PIANO AND IT NEVER EVER GOT OLD, NOW SHE GROWN AND GONE AND WITHOUT THE MUSIC THE HOUSE SEEMS SOMETIMES COLD.

SHE RAISED AND LOVED ALL ANIMALS AND HAD A SPECIAL HORSE, SHE WAS KIND AND FRIENDLY TO EVERONE AND VIRTUE WAS HER FORCE.

SHE ACCOMPLISHED SO MANY THINGS IN THE SHORT TIME SINCE HER BIRTH, LOVED AND TOUCHED THE LIVES OF MANY IN HER SHORT TIME UPON THE EARTH.

NOW SHE’S ON HER OWN AND LEFT THE SAFTEY OF THE NEST, LOOKING FORWARD TO FULL FILLING HER LIFE SHE IS NUMBERED AMOUNG THE BEST.

WE MISS HER VERY MUCH AND KNOW THAT GOD EVEN LOVES HER MORE, SO MANY THINGS AWAIT HER SO MANY THINGS IN STORE.

AND SO IT DID NOT MATTER BE IT HE OR SHE THAT HEAVENLY FATHER SENT, WE WOULD NOT HAVE TRADED HER FOR THE WORLD OR A LIFETIME OF EARTHLY RENT.

WE HAVE BEEN SEALED AS A FAMILY FOR ALL TIME YOU SEE, WE WILL ALL BE TOGETHER THROUGHOUT ETERNITY.

"Call My Name Or Walk On By."

So, this week I've been kind of obsessed with that song, Don't You Forget About Me, by Simple Minds and I have literally played it on repeat for the last seven days. Sorry roomies. It only happened 'cause I watched The Breakfast Club on Monday and my word... good movie, if ya want to get choked up at the end. It'll do that to you.

Okay, so this week... Monday I was sick (hence The Breakfast Club). But it was only a one day thing so no biggie. 

Tuesday I upped my squat to 105lbs. Whichhhhh was kind of a big deal for me okay. 

Nothing too exciting on Wednesday or Thursday. But on Friday, yo, I baked a cake. 

That's right, I did that. All by myself without any maternal help over the phone. Though I was tempted, I'm not gonna lie. The cake was for Netta 'cause it's her birthday today! Yeah, she's an old woman now, but we love her anyways. 

We threw her a little partay Saturday night and invited some of the best people in Rexburg, no big deal or anything. It also decided to snow on Saturday, which if you ask me was kind of rude, because the snow had just all melted and it was warm and I was like, "yeah, spring is coming", but then no. Still a little TOed about that one. 

Also on Saturday I went with mah groupies to see Non-Stop and Son of God. Both of which were pretty dang good. Especially the second. Movies about Christ always get me - I was crying within the first five minutes. Embarrassing. 

Since today was Sunday there was church (obviousssssly) and Netta taught an amazing Gospel Doctrine lesson. Plus, I learned something new, which was exciting - apparently Isaac (like Abraham's son) was anywhere from 16-20 years old at the time when his father went to sacrifice him, which I'd never really realized and kinda changes the story alot. The things you learn in Sunday school.

Tonight we went to the CES broadcast at the conference center here and listened to Sister Burton speak. It was really, really good. I hadn't originally planned on going, but I'm so glad I did. Plus, Sister Burton is probably the cutest little lady I've ever seen in my life. Can I look like her when I get that age? Please and thank you.

Then we went and spent the rest of the evening with some friends and ended up having an unexpectedly good night. Today gets a solid A from me. 

Now this person is pretty much exhausted, sooooooo... Peace out, my brosephs. :)

"If The Magic Ain't Right, Time To Walk."

*sigh*

Guys.

Today was a sad day.

Manning, I trusted you and you smashed my heart to pieces. Hands down, that was the hardest game I have ever had to watch. And as a result, I owe one guys' apartment cookies. That'll teach to never bet again.

But I have faith in my soul that next season... next season Denver will take it spectacularly. And that's all I'm going to say about that.

Alright, let's see what I did this week.Well, nothing life changing or extraordinarily spectacular. Homework kept me pretty busy during the weekdays. I've found myself loving Mondays because it's P-Days for my missionaries, so that means I get emails. I upped my squat this week, which was exciting. Workin' on those glutes, no big deal. I got invited to go out with the prettiest (in a good way) boy in our ward. Didn't go through, but it's the thought that counts.

Friday morning I got up uber early and went out to the livestock center with some friends to do chores. I'm pretty sure the Ag department is the only one that requires students to do like actual chores, but I'm not complaining. I forgot how much I missed actually working. We got to help run some of the cattle and get the bull loaded up, which was a bit of an adventure. I have this thing about being around bulls. I think my dream job would involve working with them on a daily basis. But anyways, coming home covered in hay and cow crap really made my morning. Can't wait to get back out there again!

Saturday kinda sucked a little, due to a migraine headache that decided to pay a visit. I spent most of the day asleep and then I wrote an essay all afternoon. It was relaxing, once the pain went away, but nothing super exciting.

Today was church and a really, really good fast and testimony meeting. The Spirit was incredibly strong today, through all of the meetings. In fact, I've felt the Lord's presence in my life very strong throughout this last week. I know that He loves and cares about us. We are literally His kiddos, each and every one of us. I think knowing that is the foundation of my entire testimony. I've been reading the scriptures more regularly now and when I do I've been trying to spend more time highlighting and finding passages that mean the most to me, as a daughter of a Heavenly Father. It has really changed my perspective on things and I've been able to see more of the blessings that He has sent my way. I'm a lucky girl.

Speaking of how lucky I am, I'd like to just take a moment to talk about the people here. Last semester I was blessed with some amazing roommates. Those girls are pretty much blood sisters to me at this point and I love them to death. When this semester started, I didn't have them and I was honestly terrified. I came into my new roommate situation with a bad attitude. I didn't want to like the new girls. I wouldn't like the new girls. Nope. Wasn't gonna happen.

The first few weeks weren't the best. Luckily for me, I had a couple friends outside of the room, made  the previous semester, so I wasn't completely alone. However, I was living with strangers that I was making no real effort to connect with and that's not an easy thing. This was the dumbest thing I've done recently though, because when I started putting an actual interest into these girls, I realized how hilariously amazing they each really are. I've got Netta for her sass, Amanda to vent over football about, and Allegra as my little shoulder angel. They are such a good support system and I love these girls. I really do.

I've also been blessed with the most caring and wonderful home teachers on this planet. This morning I was thinking about how I would like a priesthood blessing and half way through church Allegra texted me asking if I wanted one, because she had had a prompting to ask. So I hit up my home teachers and the amazing young men that they were, took time out of their evening to come by and bless me. I've been given so much - I can't even begin to give enough thanks.

This is our first picture together and I love it, just like I love the girls in it. How'd I get so lucky?

It's Not Enough For Me to Live it Half Way.

Time for 10 more thoughts! I'm already like at 120 or something close to that. No where near 1,000. But I'll get there!

1. Dance tonight. Very excited.
2. I hate the sound of my alarm clock. It gets on my nerves. They should make happy sounding alarm clocks.
3. The man I marry better like chicken dumplings and pasta... 'cause that's what I can cook.
4. My chicken coop is coming home on Monday! YES. Now, if only I could get it up the driveway.
5. "I guess the change in my pocket wasn't enough. I'm like, forget you!" -Still my favorite song.
6. Frozen water buckets = one of life's greatest trials.
7. Watched E.T. last night with Canyon. FUNNIEST THING EVER.
8. D&C 63:47 is my new favorite scripture. Officially.
9. I don't want to walk down (and up) my driveway tonight...
10. Summer... will you just come already?!

Here's a picture for you. I'm using it for scholarship applications.

"I remember when..."

Gimme the Beat Boys and Free My Soul...

I'm sorry I've missed a few days! Life is busy, so deal with it.

Here I go...

1. I can't decide if I like Back Street Boys or NSYNC better. It's a tough choice.
2. Have I ever told you how much I love carhartts? Well I do.
3. Tomorrow I'm getting a new pet. PRETTY DARNED EXCITED.
4. Brownies = day made.
5. I get to babysit a lamb in the morning. That'll be fun!
6. I really need to get out with my camera and take some pictures. But there's nothing to take pictures of so I think I won't.
7. I'm thankful for washing machines.
8. My driveway is like an ice skating rink. Not fun.
9. Scholarship applications frustrate me.
10. When I go out to feed the animals, I put in my ear phones and step into my own music video. Pretty legit, I'm telling you.

Okay, and a picture... I got this down on the river. Lucky shot.

"And drift away."

Girl, You Can Do Anything.

That's right... day number four. Booya.

Here's my ten daily thoughts.

1. My hands are freezing.
2. The sheep should be due soon! Very soon. And there's nothing better than lambs.
3. Today for my photo challenge I have to take a picture of something warm. I should probably go get that done. After I'm done with this.
5. "The days are gonna get longer, the sun is gonna shine stronger!" These are lyrics from a song my amazing best friend Jessica is writing. She's got some skill.
6. I have developed a fondness for big sweaters. Probably because it's SO STINKING COLD.
7. I can tell the Three Little Pigs story better than anyone on this entire earth. Canyon makes sure he hears it every night. So yeah, I'm pretty boss at it. Not to brag or anything.
8. I'm reading a book of stories compiled by Hans Christian Anderson for a literature based class I'm taking. Just so you know.
9. Chapstick... yeah, it's to die for.
10. Tomorrow I get to go to the gym. YES.

There you have it.

"Capture the moment."

1,000 Thoughts

I've been having such a hard time lately thinking about what to post on here. I'm just not a blogger, apparently. However, I've got a plan. Each day, for 100 days, I'm going to post ten random thoughts like I did yesterday. By the time I'm done, I'll have 1,000 thoughts and hopefully, 100 decent blog posts.

So, here goes day number two.

1. If the world as we know it ended, I would miss shampoo and conditioner. Alot.
2. I need to do more yoga. Or at least keep to a regular schedule of it.
3. Computers frustrate me.
4. "They paved paradise and put up a parking lot." (Can't get it out of my head!)
5. I wish I had my drivers license. Or, maybe I wish insurance wasn't so expensive.
6. Orange juice is heavenly. It's a fact.
7. Given the choice to marry anyone in this world, I'd choose Garret Hedlund, or in other words, Tron Man.
8. I'm wearing a hoodie and sweats.
9. If I could have a super power: The ability to eat anything without getting fat. Yesssss.
10. Sometimes I wish I had been born in the past. But then I remember that I have toothpaste, running water, electricity, etc. and I'm glad I live when I do!

There ya go. That's twenty thoughts so far! (Let's see if I can actually do this all 100 days. Yeah. We'll see.)

"La, la, la. Whatever. La, la, la."