Regina Spektor

Jared got us tickets to Regina Spektor for my birthday. The concert is September 12th and I'm super excited! I love her. You should listen to her music. It will make you happy.

* I love my Dad*

I love my dad. He is such a good man. I'm so grateful to have him as an example in my life. He has always supported me. As my sister put it, he's the man behind the camera of our lives. When I look at pictures of my life it is tangible reminder of how lucky I am to have a father who was, and is, such an active part of my life. He was there for everything and was sure to document it with film. He sat through every dance recital- even if it was the same recital three nights in a row. He sent me off to all of my proms and was sure to meet my dates. (& he was protective enough to give them what me and my sisters call the look.) My dad was there on the family vacations and trips to the park. He was there for the holiday traditions. I never remember being let down because he had failed to show up. He truly is a remarkable man.
I'm so grateful for the life that my dad chose to live. He didn't grow up with a father in his home because his father was an alcoholic. It is incredible to me that my dad was able to break the cycle and live a wholesome and respectable life.
I have nothing but respect and love for my dad. He loves to laugh and joke. His children never question his love for them, and his grandchildren adore him. He is honest and kind. He is gentle and very patient. He is wise and genuine. He really is such a wonderful and unselfish man. My respect has grown for him over the years as I watched him help care for my grandparents. I think it takes quite the man to live with the inlaws for 17 years. He never complained and was able to manage sharing a yard, a lack of privacy, 3 hour trips to wal-mart,and spray paint on the house. He also didn't complain about the time my mom sacrificed to be with them. He's such a wonderful and supportive Dad. I love him and think he is just the best!

.an END and a BEGINNING..

Jared is finishing up with his 1st year finals! Tomorrow is his last one! We both are excited for that! He's been working hard and putting in a lot of time. I'm really proud of him! He's awesome. It's crazy that we only have 2 years left of law school. This year has gone by really fast!
I started hair school and I love it! It is a lot of fun. I really enjoy the people that I'm with all day and I love learning the skill. I'm so grateful everyday that I get to be there. Jared calls it a feel-goodery- we have pow wows in the morning, break rituals, dance parties, home play, and use scented markers to take notes. :) We also talk chemistry and memorize a lot.

Funny moments:

Today as I was sitting in the parking lot a man walked over and peed. Right there. In daylight. On a busy street. I was worried that he was going to flash me when he started messing with his pants, but no, he just had to go.

A girl was asking me if I'm really married?
I said yes.
She said no, like really married, some people just say they're married, are you really married?
hmmmm... are there really people out there claiming to be married that aren't? Should I be asking this same question to my friends? Who are all these posers?

To Happiness {Chelsey}

( I stole this idea from another blog)

1.That moment when driving down the road in a new city, you realize that it feels like home.
2.Watching the sailboats from the living room window.
3.Hearing “I’m happy for you” from those you love most.
4.Starting your own family traditions, like making ice cream on Sundays, with your new husband.
5.Hearing children's laughter.
6.Going to bed and waking up in arms that truly love you.
7.Waiting for something you want, not giving up on it, and then getting it!
8.Seeing God’s hand in life and seeing the “why?”
9.New flat shoes and light pink lipstick.
10.Rollerblading on the lake trail and feeling the sunshine after a LONG winter.

HoO-RaH!

What might I be taking a head shot for? Oh, just for hair school! Yay! I finally signed my contract and wrote out the check! I've wanted this for a long time, so I'm VERY excited! I start June 2nd.

PS I did not chop my hair (yet) the wind is just always blowing! Talk about cheesey!
PPS I am so grateful for this! Really.

Family Visit

Most of my family was able to come and visit Chicago last week! ( We missed all of you who couldn't come!)I appreciate everyone making the trip out here and John for watching the kids in Utah! It was a lot of FUN! We spent Mother's Day at my apartment hanging out and playing games, did a lot of shopping, ate lots of good food, went on the boat tour, saw Legally Blond the Musical, went to the Field Museum, took pictures at Millennium Park, rode the train, and spent time just playing games and hanging out.

We also were able to go to Iowa for Aaron's Graduation! We are so proud of him for finishing medical school. He will be a great doctor! I'm sad they're moving, since Iowa is pretty close to Chicago, but Texas is close to the next best thing. :)

My Mom is the Best!

I absolutely love my mom! She is not only the greatest example to me, but she really is one of my best friends. I admire so many things about her, one is her ability to serve. She is constantly doing nice things for others and putting others before herself even if it means she always eats last and never sleeps :). With the passing of our sweet Grandpa I couldn't help but say to her, "You did it!" She cared for my Grandma and Grandpa for 16 years. How wondeful to be able to pass away in your home being cared for by your family. There were days when I know it was hard and exhausting, but she never complained once. She took in every moment and appreciated the joy of serving. My grandparents would often tell us that she never spoke one unkind word to them. She is the most selfless and sacrificing individual I know. I'm grateful for her example.
My mom is also one of my best friends. My memories of us together include many nights after she had picked me up from somewhere or we'd be out running errands we would sit in the driveway just talk. (Now Jared makes fun when I don't get out of the car right away. I'm just so used to talking. :)) Other times I remember coming home from dates or hanging out with friends and she was always waiting up for me. We'd sit in the kitchen and eat a treat or clean the kitchen and just laugh and chat. During college she would come and get me in the morning and drive me to my early dance class. Lots of times she'd even bring me a cinnamin roll.We also went to lunch once a week. I feel so close to my mom because she's always been someone I could talk to and share my life with. I trust her and she gives good advice. If I complain about something she's always there to turn it around and make me see someone elses point of view. That has taught me a lot of perspective.
I love my mom! She is classy, funny, hard working, kind, easy to talk to, grateful, Christlike, selfless, and sincere. I miss her, and I am so happy that she could spend mother's day at my house in Chicago! She is truly an amazing lady and I feel so blessed to have her as my mother!

The Game of Social Life

Thank you John and Brett for this great production. I know Natalie posted it, but I wanted to too. :)

* Utah *

I've seen a lot of blessings in my life lately. One being that I was able to go home to Utah for 2 1/2 weeks. It was really nice to spend time with family! I really feel lucky to have such amazing individuals in my family. They all mean so much to me.

"...love is how you stay alive, even after you are gone." - Tuesdays with Morrie