Jingle Bells

She's cute...'nuff said... :)

Message in a Bottle

Have you heard this song by The Police? The Police are one of my ALL-TIME favorite bands! I have probably listened to that song a bazillion times...

Last night, over at Tara's, we played Message in a Bottle..I didn't realize what we were playing, and picked "EXPERT" on drums.

I have to say, that I was impressed I didn't die at all...the problem I find with Rock Band and drums is that I can play a lot of those songs for reals...you know on a real drumset. But when I get in Rock Band and try to play, they just mess it all up...plus I don't have cymbals (What I wouldn't give for cymbals!).

I might be bragging a little bit...but it was fun! I might be a little more adventurous when it comes to drum parts on Rock Band now. I had a lot of fun with Tara, John, Charlie, Erin & Brea (sp?)...They are a RIOT!

Paramore and Torrie

So tonight, Laurie and I went to my parents house for some pre-thanksgiving Mexican food, and I think the idea was to help bake. Whatever... :) I decided to bring my guitar and amp with me. I've been trying to learn the 2 paramore songs from the Twilight soundtrack.

let me start a little further back...

A couple weekends ago, Laurie and I got to spend the day with our niece, Torrie. She'll be 4 in March. She's hysterical! On the way to Burlington to go shopping, we were listening to some Paramore. And, one of the songs from the Twilight soundtrack came on, and she was singing it in the back seat! It was awesome!

So, that's why I decided to try and learn the songs. So, tonight, I took my guitar and little amp to my parents house. Torrie asked all sorts of questions about why I had brought this stuff over. And, I told her I was gonna play her a song.

So, after dinner, I broke out my guitar, Drop D tuned it, and started to play "Decode" by Paramore. (My amp has audio outlets so that I can plug my ipod into it, and play along with a song...it's sweet!) She was singing to it, and it's a relatively easy song to play, so I was singing along. The looks she gave me as we played and sang together were absolutely priceless...hopefully tomorrow I can get a video of it...it was awesome!

Twilight Review

No, I'm not REALLY gonna do a review...just to say, I'm glad I saw it. Not the most AMAZING movie I ever saw...but still really liked it. There were some intense scenes...and I hope the next movie has a different director. But all in all...I had a great day with my Mom, Sister, and Sister in-law...glad we went to the 10am showing, the theatre wasn't nearly as full as another showing would have been. :) Yay Twilight!

I got Laurie the coolest thing...

So, I was cruisin' Ebay, which I do sometimes, and found the coolest "Twilight" shirts. And, Laurie took a real fancy to one. But, she wasn't sure about the "I run with Vampires" part on the shirt. So, I e-mailed the lady who makes the shirts, and she was so cool. Didn't even charge me for leaving it off the shirt. So, here's a pic of the shirt.

With Twilight looming around the corner; I brag a little...

In case you can't see it...that's 4 tickets for TWILIGHT on November 21st (opening day) @ 10am.

No you can't have my confirmation number...don't you wish. ;)

To all you who have been waiting for a new blog...here you go. :D hahahaha

On a side note...if anyone wants to go down to Lynnwood the same day, same time...buy your ticks and let me know. YAY!

Twilight Trailer

Here's the new (last) Movie trailer for Twilight. :) I might as well change my blog to something to do with being a twilight fan...but that involves too much.. ;)

Decode

So...the new song by Paramore for the movie Twilight is on Stephanie Meyer's website....it's FREAKIN' SWEET!
Here's a link...

Twilight Song by Paramore

That is all...

Rock Band stuff...

Is there anyone out there that would be interested in some Rock Band instruments? I'll sell them super reasonable...

I am gonna get Rock Band 2, and I don't need two sets of instruments...but since I can play Rock Band 1 & 2 with the same instruments...I'm just gonna indulge myself and get the new stuff.

The RB1 stuff can be played with the new game as well... :)

Mom...do you know anyone at work that might be interested??

INTRODUCING!!!

Marek Joseph Hill - Born Sept 26th @ 8:15am. He was 7lbs 14oz & 20in long. He's such a cute little guy. Mama is doin' good...she was drugged up pretty good when I got there. Lilly just wanted to sleep...so my mom and I took full advantage and held him as long as we could. :) He's really good, and only cried when they had undone his wrap...he likes to be a burrito. ;)

Isaac saves the day!

I have a friend named, Isaac. He's great! And very talented. Wednesday, I got in my car to go to seminary, and the front bracket under my driver's seat broke. AHHH! So...to make a long story short, the cheapest, and frankly best way to fix it is to find a welder.

Luckily...I know a welder. Isaac. :) It was fun to catch up, and watch him in action. I told him that this experience was totally "bloggable", and he went and got his camera. So here are some fun pictures!

This is the broken bracket...it's kinda hard to pick out...look at it sideways...might help.

This is Isaac grinding down the sides that broke...I thought it was a cool pic, there's a guard on the grinder, but it looks like it's shootin' at his face.

This is Isaac actually welding...it was really cool to get to wear one of those eye guards...really fascinating!!

This is part of the finished product. He even added a little reinforcement. It ain't never breaking again!

2 of my fav things together!

So, I just finished another Stephenie Meyer book called The Host. It was surprisingly good...it was kinda Sci-fi...but not really. Anyways...it got me thinkin', I wonder how the Twilight movie is comin' along (It's comin' out in Novemeber!) when I found this! ;)

Paramore Reveal Details of 'Twilight' Soundtrack

OMVG! The pop-punk gang will totally rock out in the fall's hottest vampire-romance flick!

By Larry Fitzmaurice 09.19.08 10:30 AM

Paramore / Photo by Ryan Russell

It's official: Paramore, who earlier hinted at a possible contribution to vampire novel Twilight's film adaptation, has confirmed that they're in fact contributing a new song exclusively to the soundtrack, set to be released November 4. The song, entitled "Decode," will serve as the soundtrack's lead single and will also arrive with an accompanying music video. "Twilight is the first series of books I've ever read," Hayley Williams commented. "I'm really excited to see the book adapted to film and excited that our band gets to be a part of the phenomenon."

I know you're probably thinking..."who the heck in Paramore"...it is one of my favorite bands! You should check 'em out. Punky Pop...awesome singer...great music...and it makes me want to sing loud! I'm super excited tho' because...2 of my favorite things together...How much better can it get??

Ordinarily...

..I try to blog 'positive' things. Who needs/wants to hear the crap? Tho' sometimes it's interesting. I have had one of those days where I think to myself..."Why can't people act like the grown-ups they're supposed to be, and quit being so mean to one another."

I'm grateful that, usually, I have a good out look on life. Sometimes I don't like the way people act in my life, but at some point, it resolves itself. Today, I've just felt bombarded. Can't we just act like grown-ups and be nice. Think twice about why you seem to "dislike" someone...is it really justified? Maybe we could be better (Myself included) about trying to see things from a different perspective, just once...we might like it. =] I know, you're thinking..."WHATEVER"...well...I'm thinkin' it. hehehe

Keep in mind...it has nothing to do with the handful of you who read my blog. ;)

Reta Mae Sweeney

Who is that, you might ask? It's my Nana. My mom's mother. Sept 13th will be 4 years since she passed away. We all miss her! And, since this is my blog, I'm gonna talk about her and me. We had a great relationship. She was truly my best friend. I'm so lucky to have had an amazing Nana! And, with the knowledge of the Gospel, I'm so lucky to get to be with her again someday...I look forward to that!

We all miss her...she was our family glue...one of the best cooks in town, and one of the most generous people I know.

This is my Nana and me on my 1st birthday.

Nana was there for all of my important days...and a part of my daily life. Thank goodness we lived in the same town. She instilled in me an importance for Temple work. As a kid, there were many times that I can remember, where she wasn't home because she was at the temple. And, tho' I didn't get it at the time, as I got older, it all clicked. This was the day I went through the temple for the first time...June 3, 2000. It was one of the only times I got to be in the temple with her.


The next picture is one of my favorites with her...

I'm grateful for all the time I got to spend with her. You couldn't help but feel loved around her. I have memories, and letters (from my mission), and pictures...and even my smile to remind me of her. So here's to my Nana, Reta Mae Sweeney...one of my heroes and one of the loudest in my cheering section!

My chain saw story

So...monday morning...first day of Seminary...I get into my car, and smell gasoline. I thought to myself..."Hmmm...wonder why that is..?" Then some other things went through my head, like maybe some one siphoned gas out of my tank, then I remembered that you have to push a release button, so that idea was out. Then I was in Safeway getting milk and forgot...

I got into the car after Seminary, and it was still there...I was hoping it would be gone because I drove it...yeah right.

Went to work...had to take Rhoda to the doctor's at 2pm. So we left around 1:15ish. Remember, monday was nice and sunny...a little warm too. I get in and...the smell is still there! UGH...so I call my dad to ask him about gasoline smells and what I should be aware of...he didn't answer.

I called Lilly to get my brother's number, and told her what was going on...she casually says, "Don't you have dad's chainsaw in the trunk?" To which I remembered..."OOOOOOOOOh...I have a chaaaaaainsaw in my car." At this point...Rhoda is laughing at me...well the situation...

No wonder my car smelled like gas....hahahahaha

Chainsaw in my trunk...LOL

Grateful for Friends

I feel unusually blessed in the "friends" dept. I have always had good friends no matter what part of my life. Sometimes they're near, sometimes they're far. At the moment...two of my oldest & bestest friends live on an island called Kwajalein. It's in the Marshall Islands. The reason they're there is a long story, but basically, Justin, works for MIT and because of that was given this opportunity.


Justin married, Jenn whose brother is, Joel. They are my best trio. Together, we're amazing, split up, it's just not the same. :) Jenn & Justin have 2 kids, and were in the states for a visit two weekends ago. It was so fabulous to see them!!

That is Jenn & Me...A little back story on Jenn. It's my freshman year...Jenn is a Senior. We met because we were both drummers at Oak Harbor High School...and we were the only 2 girls. Jenn made me feel so a part of things, and we became fast friends! Thank goodness!

Drum Set

I have decided to sell my drum set. Now don't you all gasp at once...let me tell you what I'm gonna do...

This is my Grandpa Sweeney...my mom's dad. He passed away when my mom was 15...so I never knew him...however...My Nana gave me his drum set...yeah, the one in the photo. After my cousin Danny was done with it, my Uncle Jim brought it over to me one day. It's old and needs some work done on it, but I'm pretty sure I can do the work myself. It'll take some elbow grease, and a little $ probably...but when all is said and done...I'll be playin' on the same set my grandpa played on. Sweet, huh? I'll have to get new cymbals but, the drums are priceless...well, when I'm done with them I could probably fetch a good price...but why would I do that?? :)

I'm excited about this...now I just have to decide if I'm gonna sell the whole set together, or piece by piece...I could probably get some good $ if I sold it piece by piece...unless anyone knows someone who wants to buy a drum set??

No use in crying over spilt milk....or hot chocolate...

So, it's taken me a day to write this...it wasn't as funny yesterday...

So, I really like hot chocolate...So, I went to Starbucks to get one, and get one of their amazing breakfast sandwiches. I got to Rhoda's, opened the door, walked in and...BLAM...I spilt a whole 20oz hot chocolate on the floor. All over me, all over my shoes all over Rhoda's carpet...UGH! I was histerical...I don't know why...poor Rhoda probably thought I was gonna loose it.

Why am I sharing this madness with you, you ask...

Because I proceeded to spill 3 more drinks yesterday. Yeah, that's right...3. I don't know what my problem was...maybe I should have gotten a butterfinger...could have solved my problems....eh...maybe not. ;)

Here's to crazy days that make you want to get back in bed...possibly start over, but probably just stay in bed until tomorrow comes. :D

Airports...ugh

My mom and Laurie went to Washington DC this week. Today, they are flying home...but wouldn't you know it, there are lightning storms over DC & Philadelphia <-----their connecting flight goes here. So, when they got to Philly, they were delayed like almost an hour and a half...which means...instead of the flight coming in at a decent 11:15pm...it's coming in at almost 1am...

Friday is gonna be a long day.

My dog is crazy...

Crazy for bugs. As I'm writing this, she is sitting on the floor in front of me whining because she can't get the moth that has found a nice little spot on the ceiling. What a mighty little bug hunter she is.

She's so frustrated that she can't just hop up there and get it...LOL

Busy bee...

So, it's almost 11pm, and I've been up sinch 3:30am...you'd think I would go to bed. Why have I been up that long? I drove my mom and my sister, Laurie, down to SEA-TAC so that they could fly to WA DC. My mom is a key note speaker at some sort of Medical Conference, and Laurie has friends that live over there, so she went with my mom.

I've lost my train of thought...back to lack of sleep...I did take a little nap at Rhoda's today, but nothing to make up for being awake that long. I got home tonight, and I was gonna go over to Charlie's, but he was tired, so I took the opportunity to do a little re-arranging in my room. I have a lot in my room...a full drumset, a guitar, a bass, a bed, a dresser, a bookshelf...the usual clothes, shoes, dog bed, oh and a little practice amp.

So, I've rearranged things so that I have more open floor space, and I really like it. I was surprised because usually when I start something like this, my back starts hurting immediately...but today, I feel good. And, I'm grateful for that. I feel like I've really gotten something accomplished. I'm the kind of gal that likes to move things around all the time...I dunno why...but I feel this crazy urge to do that...more often than I act on. I don't exactly live in the most spacious house, so I can't really do that much anyways...

I actually have more room all around...even more room for my drums and guitars (guitar/Bass)...I'm excited to get to play more...and to actually do my exercises.

Did you know I'm in "Breaking Dawn"???

Yeah, that's right...ok not really...

I started reading Breaking Dawn yesterday, and as I'm reading along I see a familiar yet funny name... Siobhan...

It's my name, Chivaun, in Gaelic! (It's still said the same by the way...) The character is a Vampire from Ireland. AHHHH YEAH!

Made me laugh.

Chivaun out---

An answer to my mom's question...

Ok...so...I have read the first two "twilight saga" books in like 3 days. Now, don't make any assumptions...I've been reading them remarkably fast. I still get all my usual stuff done, and I even played some video games.

After I finished "New Moon" yesterday, I got a bug in my ear, and went in search of the 3rd and the 4th book.

I found them at Wal*mart. I think I splurged a little bit, but that's ok to do once and a while.

So, mom...if you want to borrow mine you can...I'll bring the 4 books over when I have finished the 4th...if you want...unless you already ordered the 4th book.

And, yes, I knew all that stuff about the author being a BYU grad, and Mormon, and she lives in Arizona. But, I love all the scenery from WA...when they talk about Hoquiam and Olympia, and Tacoma....*sigh* I love it!

Twilight...

My mom has been saying for a few years..."Chivaun I have this really good book about Vampires you need to read." I love vampire folklore...dunno why...my favorite show last season was this show called, "moonlight"...yeah, it was about Vampires...

So, I few years later...Laurie finally snags the books...Yesterday I had this feeling that I was going to be bored at work, so I snagged the first book in the series, "Twilight." I get to Rhoda's and behold, Her son, Mark, was there...which meant, I stayed in the Living room the whole time he was there...therefore, I was bored. Glad I brought a book. I was immediately enthralled. It was easy to read, not a ton of complicated stories to set up. Sometimes, I'm ok with this kind of book.

I read it in less than 24 hours...no, it's not my mom posting this...(she can read huge novels in hours)...and, now, I am bringing the second book to work...it's thursday, nothing exciting happens on thursday...

No, I'm not a Twilight freak. Don't worry, Tara...and don't tell Charlie on me. =)

Guy friends..

So...I have had a fabulous day! I decided to take the day off...you need one every once and a while...right? I was supposed to have a training meeting super early this morning, but alas...there must have been a typo on the date. Whatever...ugh. 6am in Mt. Vernon, there shouldn't have been a typo. But my day got better!

Thus the reason for the title...I got to see two of my bestest guy friends...

This afternoon, my friend, Brian, was in Marysville. We went to "bob's burgers" and it was soooo good. I am amazed how much food you get for the price. It was awesome! He's getting ready to go to Turkey for a couple of months with the Air National Guard. My mom sent some home-made jam for him and his mom...he loved it, Mom.. ;) This is Brian...and me. ;)


After lunch, I drove down to Seattle, and visited Charlie Schmidtlein at Harborview. I saw him last thursday, and it is absolutely amazing how much better he's doing. I think he's overwhelmed with all the things that he thinks has to happen...but he's got like 20 steps, and he's on like step 3 or 4. We had a really good time...I was so glad to see him, and I'm glad I waited, he doesn't remember much before yesterday. Laurie saw him on Saturday, and he doesn't remember. So, I got to stay for like 5 hours...it was great! We walked around the hospital, and talked and told stories, and joked. I'm glad my friend is doing so good. He's going to a different floor for therapy tomorrow...which is awesome! It was absolutely surreal to see him talking and joking, after what the horrible accident he was in...There is power in prayer, and in the Priesthood, and the Lord really is our Savior...I know it's because of His protection that Charlie is doing as well as he is.

What a nutsoid week...

So, at the beginning of the week, my bestest friend, Charlie Schimdtlein got in a really bad car accident, and it's been a pins and needles week, waiting for him to wake up, and making sure he's ok. It was a rough week...but now he's doing better, I hear...Thanks Tara. It's really a miracle that he's alive, and there is no doubt in my mind that the Lord was watching over him...and has all week! He's progressed this week rather quickly...tho' for those of us waiting it seemed like forever...thank goodness hindsight is 20/20. ;)

On a side note...Mike Schmidtlein came over this evening and we jammed on Guitar...we decided to learn a Weezer song...he had my bass and I was fumbling through guitar, so we switched...then Laurie came out and said, "Umm, I wanna play bass..." So, I taught her the bass line, which was relatively easy...she learned it really quick. And there we were, jammin. It was really fun!

Friends, like family, are forever...

I have lived in the area for 28 years...that's right, my whole life. I've met a lot of people, especially through the YSA ward in our Stake. A lot have come and gone, and come and gone again. Some have gotten married and even had or are having kids. It's awesome! Especially when we get together and have some good ol' fashioned fun. My friend Ty came up yesterday, and we bbq'd and had some other people come over...Bryce & Lindsay(sp?) Jensen, Katie Ellis, Andrew Packard & Charlie Schmidtlein and of course, Laurie...it was so fun...we talked and talked and talked some more...shared hilarious stories and laughed our heads off. I'm so glad for friends. True friends, can make our lives more blissful and enrich and enhance our experiences in this life. One of my favorite quotes of Elder Neal A. Maxwell is..."Friends, like family, are forever." It's from his book, "All these things shall give thee experience."

My cousin's wedding

So, my cousin, Robert, got married this weekend. Here are some random pictures from the event. :)

Torrie & Breona

Charlie, Lilly, Breona, Torrie

My mom and the girls...Torrie wouldn't stay focused for 1 second!

Our family friend, Scott

My cousin Robert is on the far left, and my bro, Charlie is in the middle.

The Nieces

I have two nieces...Breona & Torrie (Torralee sp?) They are the cutest little girls. Breona turned 6 on June 25th & Torrie turned 3 on March 23rd. :)

This is Breona with Auntie Laurie

This is the girls picking Apples

And this is Torrie

Guitar Lessons

I bought a guitar a couple months ago...it was a big ordeal that involved a back ordered guitar, that came in right as I was going to buy a different one. I love music...it's literally in my blood. My Mom's dad was the kind of musician that could pick up anything and play it. His favorites were guitar and drums. So...of course I became a drummer in Band...and now I am learning to play Guitar. Plus, I have a bass guitar...I am my own Rhythm section. :) Started guitar lessons last night...and I think it's going to go quicker than my teacher thinks it will. I don't need help with rhythms or beats...just technique and cheats. :) Today, my fingers hurt...I pretty much played all day at Rhoda's. :)

Fog

I know it's supposed to be a super hot day today...if 80+ degrees counts...but, this morning, when I got up to let Finley out, there was this amazing Fog that smelled like the sea. It was fantastic! Most people would say, "Chivaun, that's wierd." To them I say...."Well, I'm weird" I grew up on this fancy little island...and it brings back childhood memories with my Nana & Auntie Wes Morning Ferry trips are the BEST! This one time we took the Port Townsend Ferry from Coupeville, and it was early-ish...still foggy...my cousins/siblings & I stood out side on the observation deck, trying to see anything through the fog...before we knew it, we had little icicles like fuzz on our faces. I'll never forget that trip!

The Thistle from Arizona

In front of The Hill Sister Cottage...there are some flower beds. And we have done nothing with them this year. Laurie is really the master mind...my idea of gardening involves yard power tools. ;)

She tackled the flower beds today...we had this NASTY thistle right as you walk up to our door.
Here's Laurie with the nasty beast...

Thunder and Lightning!!

So, when I was a kid, I hated thunder and lightning storms...and the part that scared me, was the part that couldn't even hurt us...the thunder.

Tonight, right smack dab in front of my house, there was the cooolest T&L storm...literally it was right in front of me...sometimes over my head. SCARY...I went inside after that. But it was cool to see the storm pass in front of me...I actually took some pictures...now, they aren't great, because well I am not a photographer...


There was one thundering that almost knocked me off my feet, it was so loud. whew...That one picture looks like it hit the house...crazy!

that's bloggable...

The other night, I was over at Tara's house...hanging out with her bro, really, but saw her as a perk. I was telling her about my pool, and all that has happened since Laurie and I got it...and she told me I had to share this particular story.


...So, last monday, the pool was still not full...Laurie turned the hose on when she got home around 3pm...then went to FHE later on, by that point I was home. I knew she wanted to do laundry later, and since the hose was hooked up to the washer hook up. So, around 7pm, I turned off the hose, and got everything all cleaned up...

So like literally 15 mins later, one of my neighbors walks up to my house, and asks if I have water pressure. Now laurie had been worried about filling up the pool all weekend, so of course I'm thinking to myself, "Great, I've done it! I blew up the well." I mean, how do I hide the fact that I'm filling a 1700gal pool??? So, between myself and the neighbor we decided we'd wait like 20mins before we decided to call the property manager. So, I called laurie at FHE and told her what happened. And, I could hear the "I told you so in her voice"

Found out that a well has a reservoir in the pump that fills up as it empties. I just emptied it before it could fill back up. tee hee..

On a side note, Tara brought the kids over to play in the pool this evening...surprisingly it wasn't too cold. All the kids are accounted for, and I think Joy had fun, at least. ;)

Pool: revisited

So...

There's a stray cat around here, that someone feeds...it terrorizes us. Gets in our cars and pees all over, is aggressive with dogs in our little neighborhood...and gets into the dumpster and, well it's gross right?

The stupid cat got onto my new pool, and poked holes in the top part already. UGH!

So...luckily there's a patch kit, and I think I have it under control now.

Today, the pool should be complete. I've been keeping the cover on, so the water is manageable. Meaning, I should be able to just hop in it.

I'm so excited, I just want work to be over so I can play in my pool. :) :)

Tagged??

Ok...So, Tara "blog tagged" me...you know, kinda like tag in the school yard, ya know?

Okay here are the rules just write, as given to me by Tara, I'm supposed to write 3 joys, 3 fears, 3 goals, 3 obsessions, 3 random facts and 3 people to tag.

3 Joys -

• My family...Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, Mom & Dad, Bro, Sis, and especially nieces. :)
• Music...makes me feel connected to so many things...My past, and future...I love it. Singing, playing, listening.
• Quiet moments to reflect

3 fears -

• Breaking down on the side of the freeway...my biggest fear!
• missing important opportunities
• people not liking me...I think everyone feels that way at some point, but I am afraid that people will think the wrong thing about me, ya know?

3 goals -

• become a Spanish interpreter
• get out of debt
• fill up my pool before the end of summer

3 obsessions -

• video games...I dunno what to tell you...it is what it is. ;)
• good smelling laundry...I don't like clean laundry that doesn't smell good..
  
• I'm obsessed with Finley, my dog, being clean. No running out into cow pastures, I don't like it!

3 random facts -

• My second toe is longer than my big toe.
• I love cottage cheese & wheat thins
  
• I've always secretly wanted to have glasses, but didn't get them until 2 yrs ago. :)
  

3 tags...
---I don't know anyone to tag

Pool

I bought a pool on Saturday, it's 13' by 36" or something like that...

Got it up...and it is taking FOREVER to fill

I'll post pics later.

*EDIT*

It's been almost 24 hours, and I would say it's only half full...and, some freakin' cat got on the blow up part and popped a hole in it already! UGH! Luckily the pool came with a repair kit. :) Always look at the bright side, right?

My sister, Laurie

I have one sister named, Laurie. She is my bestest friend, and my roomie. I thought I would write a blog about her. What is there to say? We're a year and a day apart. My birthday is the 6th of April, and hers is the 7th. We have pretty much done EVERYTHING together.

We definitely have different likes and dislikes tho'. She likes French, and I like Spanish. She took choir, I took band. She went to prom, I didn't. I think on the whole she's a lot more charitable than I am. Her perspective, tho' totally annoying to me, is much different than mine, and I have to say...it's usually a little more level headed.

Her testimony of the gospel is so incredible. The spirit she brings is so sweet, and joyful!

There are some ways we are similar, which I'm not ashamed to say. We both LOVE to laugh. And we are FUNNY girls...HILARIOUS even! And, we enjoy each other's company. I love to go to dinner just the two of us, or to the drive in...she's the best date!

Here is one of my absolute favorite photos of us...

I'll have to get some of us as kids...I'm almost always on her left...weird, huh?

My cousin, Billy

I am sure he won't mind me celebrating his achievements! My cousin, Billy...my youngest cousin, received Eagle Scout this weekend. I'm amazed how much he's grown up, and the cool kid he's become. He has goals for the future, and I'm excited to see all that he accomplishes.

Laurie and I got to go down with our niece, Torri, and had a fun Saturday!

I wish I had taken more pictures of the family...but, I'll get better at this blog thing... ;)

CONGRATS BILLY!!

My first entry...

I've decided that I'm gonna keep a blog...who knows why??

Which begs a question...Why do you keep a blog? Or do you?

I hope you enjoy it, I'm sure I'll have tons of fantabulous stories. I am a funny girl... ;)