Weekend Vibes

LONG STORY SHORT----One of my colleagues asked if they could nominate me for the leadership position that was coming up on the governor appointed entity that I volunteer my time on. I was very grateful to have been nominated as well as giving a five minute pitch of why I'd like to be one of the people chosen as the next vice chair for the council. I had to pitch myself to everyone in a short time period and let them know my reasons with becoming the next council member to serve in a different capacity that I have never done before. It will definitely be a learning experience for me and yet I am confident things will fall into place after I have a chance to process what my specific duties are.

However, I did get a chance to read through the blurb of what the responsibilities are for being the vice chair on the council and it was pretty self explanatory. I definitely have so much more to learn along the way and find it comforting to know that I am not going to be alone in this new chapter that's been placed in my life at this time. I didn't necessarily want to get my hopes up about what the results would be and I wanted to make an effort to congratulate the person who I had kind of figured gotten the position once my other meeting was finished--but that was not the case. 

I didn't know what the results of this poll were going to be and felt at peace with having been nominated to something I had wanted to do at some point---but you pretty much get the idea here?? I am honored to volunteer in a different capacity with the council that has been such a blessing to be a part of this and can only hope for whatever lies ahead in my future. 

Girls Night 2025 Highlights:

This was supposed to occur last weekend & when that didn't happen whatsoever... We ended up being the together on hold until last night. We had so much fun getting to eat snacks and tell silly stories that nobody who would probably understand--but yet we enjoyed having a fun filled party together. We laughed till our hearts were tired while watching miniature clips from the big time rush concert that we attended in August which if you ask me was a dream come true. We loved getting to sing along with the guys who made their performance one that no one will soon forget and not to mention the fact we never stopped having the time of our lives until we had to leave. 

We also spent a lot of our time looking at the beautiful pictures our friends took on their vacation to Italy which if you ask me was incredible!!! We loved getting to see the old historic architecture and most of the yummy food they were able to eat--which looked pretty scrumptious in every little sense you could possibly think of. I am grateful we had an opportunity to spend quality time with our friends and look forward to more unforgettable adventures together!!! :) 

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AS OF LAST WEEK----I have been attending institute with another group of individuals with adaptive needs and it has certainly blessed my life in tremendous ways. I have really enjoyed getting to learn how amazing the gospel of Jesus Christ is in our everyday lives and coming to know him better than we ever could possibly imagine. I am grateful for the opportunity to be surrounded by wonderful people who are striving to do all they can to become like our Savior, which if you ask me is something I know I need to work on more often. 

I have felt my testimony of this gospel become strengthened so much over the last week and a half along with keeping my focus on what is most important to me. I know that blessings from my Heavenly Father have continuously made me realize that when I make him a top priority in my life, there is not anything I cannot overcome or see past. I know he has been there with me every step of this mortal journey that does at times put my faith to the test and reminds us of who we are, no matter what circumstances we may find ourselves up against.

Mini Synopsis: (BYU Sports Podcast)

I have watched snippets of podcasts on the internet and never felt like it was something I would want to listen in on or want much to do with. EARLIER LAST MONTH---I sat down to listen to an amazingly talented young woman share her journey with playing collegiate basketball and getting to where she is now. I was very impressed with how articulate, honest, personable, tender hearted she was telling her inspiring story about a sport that she dedicated so much of her time to. I obviously know next to pretty much nothing about basketball and yet I am incredibly proud of what this young woman did to always have a smile on her face while chasing her dreams. #IYKYK

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New Updates

I obviously have no idea if I ended up wining any of the games we did in a minute, but I am grateful for the many laughs and unforgettable moments that I was able to share with my friends. We enjoyed getting to watch one another play a DIY version of air hockey, getting as many ping pong balls inside of plastic cups as we could, of course we had a very energetic conversation about plans for future SNAP activities which if you ask me was the best part of the evening!!! I happily mentioned that we need to have some kind of an activity with any one of the BYU sports teams and it would not necessarily need to be one of the b-ball teams due to the fact they would be in the middle of their seasons--but who knows??? I would love it so much and getting to learn something new would be icing on the cake!!! 

Big Time Rush Concert (Next Friday)

I am excited for this anticipated event to finally get here and have my summer break end off with a very unforgettable evening filled with excitement. I know it will be a very late night for all of us and we will hopefully be singing along to every song that is performed. All of us have our brand new concert shirts that we are going to be wearing and of course just simply having the time of our lives with each other...but you get the idea?? #ICYMI

UVU Adaptive Needs Institute

After what has been a very eventful summer, I am definitely looking forward to another uplifting semester in my adaptive needs institute class at UVU. I cannot wait to learn more about the hymns of the church & how they can be a source of guidance, direction, comfort, praise, gratitude along with everything else that you can possibly come up with. I am grateful for the opportunity to feel the spirit every week and have the chance to be inspired by our classmates who make every class period one that I will not soon forget. I feel blessed to have the gospel of Jesus Christ in my life and know that throughout this semester, my testimony will be strengthened in more ways than one!!! 

One More Year

It's hard for me to believe that after this year comes to an end, I will be on my final term volunteering on what has been one of my favorite experiences on the best governor appointed entities ever. I have learned and grown so much as someone who wants nothing more than to feel accepted into society as well as leaving an imprint on the hearts of people they associate with. I may not have done nearly as much as most people and yet I have been provided with opportunities that I didn't ever think someone like me deserved--which if you must know was an absolute blessing in more ways than one!!! 

I remember the first time ever listening in on a UDDC quarterly meeting and not having any idea about what I had signed up for. Let me give you a little bit of background on this and hopefully make a little bit more sense about where is this leading up to:

SIX YEARS AGO:

After participating in one of the best disability leadership conferences ever, I had this thought come to my mind that I would one day be involved with the DD council. I obviously didn't know at the time it would end up becoming a reality and continuing to spread my message of hope about the disability community that I love so much. 

My final term continues into the new year and can hardly believe it will be concluded before my eyes... I am definitely grateful for the memories, experiences, adventures that being on this council has provided me with. I may not have said too much in regards to a lot of disability related issues, but I know that my life has never been the same. 

I have made new friendships with so many incredible self advocates, colleagues and others who are striving each day to make our disability community more inclusive than it could ever be. I am truly humbled to know there is one last BIG BANG that I can leave before hitting the trail of whatever is coming up next for me!!! 

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Summer Recap

 This entire summer has been one of the most unforgettable and at times given me opportunities to grow in more ways than I ever could have imagined. I have definitely made some of the most amazing memories-- that are always going to keep close to my heart and others that I only hope will occur again in the distant future. 

June 2025 Highlights:

- SNAP Activities

- Family Time

- Disneyland & California Adventure Vacation

- Late Nights

- Journal Writing

- Best News Ever!!!

- Ability First Summer Program (Volunteering)

July 2025 Highlights:

- Unforgettable Moments

- Entertainment Parade with my IL Center (July 4th)

- Journal Writing

- Reading my new fantasy book (Legacy of Roses)

- Attended my good friend Will's birthday party!!!

-  Ability First Summer Program (Talent Show)

- Birthday Party (Dinner, Presents, Cake, and Annie! at the SCERA Shell Outdoor Theatre.)

- Color Me Mine! (Painting Mugs)

August 2025 Highlights: (So Far)

- Heading back to SNAP later this week

- Zoo Trip with Ability First Utah

- Late Nights

- Big Time Rush Concert

- Swimming at local Rec Center with Ability First

- UDDC Stuff 

As you can see from these highlights, I have definitely enjoyed my summer break and getting to spend quality time with my friends along with many others made it one I will not soon forget. I am excited to get back into SNAP later this week and have something to look forward to, which if you ask me is not anything short of an understatement. I also really liked getting to volunteer in my independent living center's summer program and help everyone of the participants have a good experience, which if you must know taught me a lot more about myself than I ever imagined. I may not have been perfect with what I was asked to do at times, but all I could do was my best effort and make sure it was something nobody would soon forget. 

Birthday Plans

My twin sister and I along with our friends from Ability First will be going swimming at the Provo Rec Center for a couple of hours. We are excited to swim and spend quality time with everyone is going to be an amazing experience that I know we will cherish forever!!! As far as being a peer mentor for this, I know there will be a lot of laughs, smiles, and opportunities to put my leadership skills to good use. I am excited to get back in the pool again and maybe if we get luck enough we can go on some of the slides if people who would feel comfortable with that want to. Who knows??? I am almost positively certain we will plan on bringing frozen treats for everybody to have prior to being at the pool for part of the day and hopefully everybody will like them as much as we do. It has definitely been a great time for me to get to know our participants better and learn so much from them about living life to the fullest. #LeadershipSkills #PeerMentor.

LONG AFTER THAT---We are going to come back home and get cleaned up for the rest of our amazing day of swimming at the Provo Rec Center. We will be heading out to dinner with our friends prior to the play we will be attending at the SCERA Shell Outdoor Theatre to see the inspiring musical, ANNIE!! It's definitely going to be a late night for all of us and yet I know we will have a lot of laughs, memories and happiness to share with each other!!! I cannot wait to sing along with the songs that are in this musical and obviously being inspired with how a young girl handles living in a time of the great depression--which if you ask me I am certain was nothing short of easy. I am grateful for the hope she had to push through the challenges she was up against and able to see the light at the end of the tunnel---but you get the idea here??

I am not particularly certain this will ever happen on my birthday or that anything will come of it---but I would love to get a pair of tickets to attend at least one or two of the BYU women's basketball games this season!!! I absolutely loved getting to be in the seats a couple of inches from the court and watching our lady cougars compete to the best of their abilities. It would be so much fun to get another epic selfie with the greatest of all time mascot and of course he would make the experience one that I would cherish forever!!! I am hopeful there will be one day when I can get my first and only selfie with Paisley and her husband Connor after one of the BYUWBB games--- which if you must know would only make this year one that I would keep close to my heart for many years to come. I don't know if it will ever make it into the pictures on my phone, but I will say that it would be a core memory that would last forever. #FingersCrossed #Randomness #LetsGoLadyCougars #iBleedBlue. 

Sports Nation

LAST THURSDAY----I came across an Instagram post from the BYUWBB team and noticed that one of their all time leaders had gotten hired on as one of their newest assistant coaches!! I was incredibly stoked for them to have an unforgettable opportunity to work alongside collegiate players that are dedicated and passionate about the game of basketball. I am not particularly sure if we are going to have an opportunity to get tickets to the home games this season and have a chance to cheer on the lady cougars--just a couple of inches above the court. I would obviously love to once again see this former all time leader, player and role model in action as they have the experience to coach the team where their collegiate basketball career started!!! 

LONG STORY SHORT----I have been a diligent follower of this individual for about three years now and if you must know it has blessed my life in more ways than I can admit. I am grateful for the examples that people are continuously in the lives of so many around them and only wish I could be like them everyday of my life. I know my life is not even close to being perfect in anyway and sometimes I will come up very short in things that happen to me, but I know through my Savior, Jesus Christ everything will make sense if you know what I am saying??

EARLIER TODAY----I noticed they had an interview on BYU Sports Nation which is a BYU program that me and my family will watch sometimes or will have recorded if a good episode came on. I certainly at times do not ever think about watching this unless I come across it on social media, but that is not any thing I follow very closely or as often as I would like.



BACK TO THIS INTERVIEW---I was impressed with the professionalism, maturity, positive energy and the eloquence that Paisley had with every unique question she was asked throughout the episode. I definitely loved how she took a little bit of time to just remember her memorable moments with being a collegiate player and now getting back onto the other side of things. 

I am grateful for the influence and positive example she has continued to be in my life throughout these past three years. I know we have only met each other twice in person and didn't necessarily speak up as much as I should have in the moment but I am excited for the both of us to get to know each other as the months pass on!!! I am not particularly sure when it will happen again and hopefully when it does I will have nothing but say genuinely kind things to them. #IYKYK. 

Entertainment Parade

My independent living along with my friends have been invited to participate in the entertainment parade this weekend and I obviously could not be more than excited for it. I am definitely hoping to walk past so many familiar faces along the parade route and make everyone smile prior to the annual event that will be happening shortly after. 

My friends and I are joining up with the adult group at our independent living center to decorate the trailer we are going to be walking behind---which if you ask me is going to be a new experience for me!!! I know it will be a long ways to go and I am positively certain once things are done, it will have been worth every minute. 

I have been specifically asked to walk alongside one of the youth coordinators and help everybody else have a good experience while on the parade route, which I am certain is going to feel a lot longer than I think most of us will expect. I really hope this will end up being an opportunity that our IL center gets to have in the distant future if we get ourselves lucky!!! :) 

Flash Forward (Tomorrow)

We are going to combine with the adult group at our IL center and decorate our float to how we want it--- which if you ask me is a completely different story!!! I am excited to see what plans we have in mind for something that I genuinely hope no one in the community will remember for years down the road!! I am pretty stoked to be a part of something that I was not particularly sure was going to happen and due to the fact we are not consumers anymore--I was a little hesitant about whether this was something we could be involved in and yet here we are!!! 

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June Dump

Volunteering in the Ability First Summer Program

It has been a lot of fun to volunteer in my independent living center's summer program and helping the participants get as much out of this experience as they can. I will admit that being on the other side of things feels a little weird, but at the same time I have enjoyed getting to help everyone have a positive experience during their activities. I am grateful for the participants who continue to make every single activity one that you will never forget and remind me of how important it is to set a good example for those around me. #IYKYK

Final SNAP Activity

One of the local high school marching bands will be coming to our SNAP activity tonight and maybe possibly helping us make a new shaker for us to play with during the parade. It's definitely going to be different not having any activities next month but I think it will be nice to have a break till early August when we have our welcome back dance!!! I look forward to an unforgettable evening with a lot of laughs, smiles and moments that I will cherish for years to come!! #TooMuchFun #Celebration. 

Best News Ever!!! (Mini Edition)

LONG STORY SHORT--- I could not be more excited for one of the former BYUWBB players and who was an assistant coach for the UVUWBB team for a year, has returned back to where her career in b-ball started!!! It has been such a delight for me to follow her journey as an assistant coach and let me tell you, this continues to be something I didn't think I would enjoy as much as I have--but you get the idea?? I am grateful for the example she continues to be in the lives of not only me, but so many others who have had the privilege to know her. I am not particularly certain if we will get to any of the home games during this season, but if we do I know the experience will be an unforgettable one!!! #StayTunedForMore. 

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Disneyland & California Adventure Highlights

Spending one entire day in the happiest place on earth was nothing short of incredible and at times not quite what I had imagined---but you get the idea here?? I enjoyed getting to see the characters that we genuinely love so much and interacting with them for short periods of time, was truly amazing in every sense of the word. Obviously, the entire park was jam packed with a lot of people who amazed me with how many various styles and colors of "Minnie Mouse" ears that I saw them wearing--which if you ask me would have bugged me the second I would have had them on my head. #ItsTheTruth.

Some of my favorite rides included:

- Space Mountain

- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

- Jungle Cruise

- Indiana Jones

- Buzz Lighter Astro Blasters

- Snow White's Enchanted Wish

- Incredi-Coaster

- Toy Story Midway Mania

- Ariel's Undersea Adventure

- Cars Land Ride

- Pirates of The Caribbean 

Too many of these to choose from and yet I am grateful to have had the time away without any kind of commitments back home to worry about. I really liked getting to unwind from the craziness in life and embrace the magic that both theme parks had to offer, which if you ask me is not even close to being an understatement. I also really enjoyed both of the parades we had the opportunity to watch and of course, dance along with the performers that were dancing in the streets!!! I will admit that overall this trip was one for the books and hopefully we can make it there again some time in the distant future, but just so ya know only time will tell. #ICYMI. 

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May Dump

After being out of state for three weeks and not having access to a computer, I have obviously not written up too much this month due to other commitments that I had going on. I definitely enjoyed getting to have quality time with my mom, twin sister and aunt while we were in Nauvoo to watch my mom choregraph a show that has been well loved by many people. I am grateful to be home again and have a chance to let all of you know what has occurred this month as well as what I have to look forward to in coming weeks. 

LAST NIGHT----My best friends, along with my twin sister and myself participated in a Harry Potter night with our SNAP group. All of us picked which house we'd want to be in and then go off to do some fun activities like making potions, coloring pages with Harry Potter on them, watching a short clip of the first Harry Potter movie, listening to the cool music from the film itself, etc. We all had a blast getting to be with each other and laugh till our hearts were tired, which if you must know is not anything close to an understatement. I may not know too much about the world of Harry Potter and everything that does come along with it---but I am grateful to have seen it kind of come to life for a period of time. 

Instead of repeating about the SNAP show and tell activity, I will admit that everybody brought something to share with people that was unique to them. It was really neat to learn some new things about each of the SNAP participants and seeing their excitement for wanting to show us something they love. I definitely do wish we'd had more time for people to see everything and answer their questions, but obviously there was not any extra time to make that work. 

Nauvoo Trip (Mini Edition)

Since my mom's schedule while we were in Nauvoo was pretty unpredictable with all that we had to be there for and yet I am grateful to have had a chance to see the show before heading home. I will admit I was really skeptical about what this experience would be like and having known seen pretty amazingly talented dancers for years, I was not sure what we had signed ourselves up for. To make this long story brief---I did have opportunities when we had fun to go explore the historical sites and learn more with what the early saints did to make their city the beautiful place that it is. I am grateful for the pleasant & incredibly nice weather we were able to have, not to mention having our sweet treats on hand everyday was good too!!!  

Mini Entry

Minus the fact we are not packing my mom's laptop with us on our trip next week--- I am not going to be writing up anything new on here for awhile and I sincerely apologize for the unfortunate hiatus. I know it will be hard to not have any new updates to share with those of you who read my blog and obviously I've got no choice but to have something written on here at the end of this month. I am not one who likes to instantly stop doing stuff like this because it drives me crazy to not having a consistent tasks on my plate keeping me busy.

There will certainly be moments when this miniature trip to Nauvoo is not going to be so much fun and other times I know this will be an experience to look back on for years to come. I am definitely going to make the best of what it is to come from something I didn't think was going to work out for us and know there will not be memories to look back with smiles on our faces. 

Favorite Moment Story: 

YESTERDAY MORNING----I was leaving my healthy relationships class that had participated in at my independent living center and noticed I had three unread emails. I obviously figured it was going to be a little bit of junk mail that usually comes through or ads that I am not ever stoked about receiving until I realized it was something completely different. If you have read several of my blog posts over the past three years, I have been writing up a little bit about this former BYUWBB player whose example in my life is one that I genuinely never knew I needed for some time and to make this brief--- I am grateful for the role model they have been for not only me but so many other supportive fans!!! I have been watching their YouTube channel for a couple of years and have been hesitant to write a comment on their stuff that they have shared with the world. However, I realized that they had seen my heartfelt comment on one of their YouTube Short videos and could not stop squealing inside of my head with excitement. It was like the best early birthday present ever and little did I think I would see a response back---which still to this day feels like a complete dream!!! I am so grateful for their positivity and authenticity more than I can even put into words right now because it has reminded me that no matter the obstacles in my life, I will make an effort to see the good in whatever lesson it has in store. #ICYMI 

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One Week Away

It's seriously hard to believe that one week from today I will be heading on an airplane to another state for a short time to see my mom do choreography for a somewhat new show in Nauvoo. I am definitely not the least bit sure what else this experience is going to have in store for me and can only hope that the best will happen once things kick themselves into gear. I am not particularly certain this blog of mine will have any updates on it while I am away and if I do write up anything---it is most definitely not gonna be too much if you know what I mean?? #ICYMI.

I am really bummed to leave all the commitments we have going on here at home that have occupied so much of our time to only climb on an airplane and not be available to finish things out. I am grateful for the opportunities that we have ahead of us to learn and grow into who our Heavenly Father wants us to become on his covenant path. #IYKYK.

Other Stories: (New Updates)

LONG STORY SHORT---- I am definitely looking forward to spending two days in the happiest place on earth with my older sister, husband along with their cute kiddos!!! It is certainly going to be an amazingly good time to go on the rides and hopefully run into some of the beloved Disney characters around the park which if you ask me is going to be a dream come true!! I cannot believe we will be there in a month so we can just simply not have anything to worry about other than having an unforgettable time with each other.. which I hope is going to be the case!!! #FingersCrossed.

Final SNAP Activity (Till May 29th)

I am obviously bummed out with not being able to attend anymore SNAP activities until later next month and of course I hope they don't have too much fun while we are away. I am hopeful things tomorrow night with the show and tell activity goes over smoothly---which is only something that over time will be one of things I look back on with a smile!!! It will be really hard not getting to be there for a short period of time while we are out of state but I know we are going to make the best of this situation---until we come back to continue having fun with our friends. #StayTunedForMore. 

Show And Tell

SNAP Activity (May 1st)

I obviously didn't know if I wanted to share much of anything for this SNAP activity that will be taking place early next month and just this morning the idea came to me of what I wanted to do. I decided that since I had been journal writing for some time and didn't want to pass up the opportunity to let so many people who may not know what I enjoy doing once in awhile. I have thought about this for awhile and never knew when the chance would come around for me to actually stand up in front of people to show them some of my other talents. I am excited for this upcoming activity to happen and see what all of my friends will bring to tell us about--which if you ask me is going to be a treat all by itself. I really wish if there was even a possibility to bring my favorite role model that I look up to along with her husband----- but obviously that is probably not going to occur any time soon. Just FYI: I would legit love for that to be the best unexpected happiest surprise ever and I cannot wait for it to hopefully be a dream come true some time!!! #FingersCrossed. 

Birthday Wishes: (Just For Fun)

I'd love to have another green pen to write and draw in my journal with---because somehow the one that we have had for awhile has continuously gone up missing. I am not particularly sure if it has been some how misplaced in an unknown location and would honestly like another one to put to good use!! I have really missed not being able to find it anywhere and can only hope to get another one for my birthday in three months. 

I would also like another journal to write in and put to good use again and continue to do what I love so much. I am not particularly certain it will happen on my actual birthday and not feel like an unexpected surprise waiting to happen---but who knows??? I am definitely not going to stop writing any time soon and look forward to sharing more experiences in my life that will occur as the years keep passing by as quickly as they come!!! 

As for what I mentioned in this post earlier, I would sincerely love for that to be an unexpected happy if not surprise birthday present that would make me smile for the rest of eternity. I would do my best effort with not being too overly excited or let alone squealing out loud as much as possible, but you obviously get the idea here right??? I am certain this will not end up being something I actually get for my birthday whatsoever but it would definitely give me the biggest smile on my face and it would never leave me for years to down the road!!! #IYKYK

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Conference Weekend Recap (Mini Edition)

I certainly loved every single minute of attending the Saturday evening session of general conference with my friends and making memories that we will remember forever!!! I am grateful for the spirit that I felt in that session amongst over twenty one thousand people who were in attendance in the conference center. It was definitely something I felt so incredibly excited about and could not wait to spend an hour and a half with feeling the spirit in a way that I have needed for awhile. 

I was incredibly surprised to know that our seats were amazingly close on the bottom plaza section and not even knowing that we would have a good view of the choir amongst so many other things. It was so amazing to feel the entire conference center go from noisy to complete silence as members of the first presidency walked in to get to their seats on the stand. 

The entire session was very uplifting and inspirational which if you ask me is not even close to being an understatement. I loved being able to listen to the inspired words that our church leaders had to share with us and reminding everybody of what this Easter season has to be focused on. I know there was not a single moment when I didn't want to pinch myself and think it was all dream that I had long awaited for so many years!!! 

Early June (Disneyland Trip)

I am definitely looking forward to an incredibly fun and unforgettable time in the happiest place on earth in a month with my older sister's family!!! I really hope that we all have an amazingly good time together and can enjoy the Disney magic that the place has to offer. I am excited to once again see the magic of all things Disney through the eyes of my niece, nephew, niece and littlest nephew that joined our family back in early February of this year!!! I cannot wait to hopefully get pictures with the characters and make some memories that I will cherish forever if not more years down the road!! 

33rd Birthday Celebration (Unofficial News)

I have been really hesitant about writing this on here and because I am positively certain nothing in what I write right now will make any sense whatsoever. I would really love to get a new journal to contemplate & write my thoughts down to look at for years to come, along with a squish-mallow that is super cute!!!! I absolutely love looking at them in the stores and wishing I could have one for myself to snuggle up with at night as I lie down into bed. #ToBeContinued #MoreToCome #IYKYK #Amazing

Free Write

YESTERDAY MORNING----One of my good friends sent me a text message indicating that a colleague of mine had gotten tickets to attend the Saturday evening session of general conference. I obviously didn't waste any time answering them right away and happily accepted the invitation to be a part of something I will cherish forever. I am looking forward to feeling the spirit as I listen to the words of our church leaders who are going to have messages of faith, hope, comfort and everything that I know will benefit me in the long run. I am not particularly sure what else we will be doing afterwards or if we have any other plans as we head back home, but I am definitely excited to attend this conference session among so many amazing other latter day saints. I also know that my personal testimony of this restored gospel will be strengthened in ways that I will never be able to explain or let alone put into words, which if you ask me is not anything of an understatement.

Monthly Long Hiatus (Official News)

LONG STORY SHORT---I have tried to avoid writing about this for a while and still have no idea if I will get back into blogging again after next month. I am going to do my best with getting as much out of this experience as I possibly can and not waste my time focused on what I will be missing out on here at home. I am definitely hoping for the very best as I see my mom choregraph routines for one of the many shows in Nauvoo and minus all of the details I could give you about this, I know focusing on more with what I am going to out of an experience that may never happen again. I am definitely hoping for just the absolute very best and look forward to sharing this adventure with my friends among others that will be following this new chapter in my life. #SummerTime2025. 


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March Dump

March 7th, 2025 - Best Friend's Birthday Celebration

This entire month has come and gone so much quicker than I would have expected, but it has been filled with so many unforgettable moments and opportunities I am eternally grateful for. First of all, My bestie Maria celebrated her 33rd birthday this month and it was truly a night to remember if you ask me!! We all enjoyed a scrumptious dinner at a local buffet restaurant and have so much fun laughing with each other & of course just having quality time. 

Shortly after we left the restaurant, all of us got into our separate cars that we came in and drove up to the beautiful campus of BYU to watch the men's volleyball team take on USC!!!! We had a lot of fun cheering on the cougars as they played their game and did I forget to mention we got shown on the jumbotron for in my mind felt like an eternity because we danced for such a long time, which for us girlies is not anything I know we'd like to not do on a regular basis. We loved getting to see our favorite mascot walk by us several times throughout the game and sometimes I didn't even know he was coming until we walked right past--- but you get the point?? I am grateful for the many laughs that never ended throughout the game and then we headed back afterwards to our best friend Maria's house for cake and presents. We loved watching her excitement as she opened one present after the next--while also just being there for each other. I am really happy that we got to have another together with our friends and I know there will be more of them in the future!!! 

SNAP - BYU Football Team

THE NIGHT BEFORE---We were at our SNAP activity and of course some players from BYU football showed up to introduce themselves, which I will admit was probably the best thing ever!! I loved getting to learn a little more about them and get excited for the next football season has in store for not only the players, but for us dedicated BYU fans!!! We loved getting to watch our friends do little drills together-- and play a little bit of football that did not require anybody getting tackled to the ground or getting hurt, but if you ask me it was an incredible experience that I hope we have again soon. Did I forget to even mention some of their football players are pretty famous and I look forward to watching them play the sport they love so much next season!! 

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Dream Come True (Part Two)

YESTERDAY----My good friend Robert Jones and I were more than anxiously excited to attend the UVU women's basketball game yesterday afternoon in the UCCU center, which if you must know was nothing short of an understatement. I genuinely had wanted to attend one of their games at home pretty much all season long and because most of their games were during the week, it's really hard for me to get away from commitments that I have going on. If I can keep this long story brief---the both of us unanimously decided to attend their last home game a couple of weeks ago and we could not wait to cheer on the amazingly talented wolverines!!! 

It was pretty amazing to see this event unfold & watch our team that I have followed closely on social media all season was surreal in more ways than one. I am grateful for the excitement and positivity that was being felt throughout the arena, which if you must know was exactly what the team needed to make this game one that nobody will soon forget. After all of the seniors had their much deserved recognition on their special night, I obviously didn't want to waste a second to meet Connor for a little bit and I mentioned that him and Paisley are just the cutest couple ever!!! We continued to visit for a little bit prior to me walking onto the court to give his wife something I had worked on several times to get right and have another chance to talk with Paisley a little more than I did the first time around. I am not going into the details of what her husband said to me during our brief conversation, but it was truly heartfelt in every way possible!!!

Earlier to my second chance of meeting Paisley once again, I mentioned to my friend Robert as the game was still going on, that if their team wins I would want to at least try to tell her hi and give her one of my nice big hugs I had genuinely promised to have waiting for her. She was so genuinely patient and sweet with me as I finally told her my name after not having done that the first time, which if you must know was something I purposely neglected to do. She kindly asked me how I was doing and of course I had to answer with: "I'm doing so good!!" with my note in hand that I didn't want to mention a word about it until it was the right time and obviously wanted her to not know it was coming. 


Shortly after giving Paisley one of my nice big hugs, I quickly showed her the note I mentioned to her that it took me a while to figure out, but was very grateful to have figured it out in time to only have her genuinely ask me this kind hearted question: "You wrote me a note?!"with a really pretty smile on her face that exuded gratitude in more ways than I can even put into words at this very moment. She had just the absolute sweetest reaction to my note and I quietly told her this: "I did!" not having realized that I probably had made her entire day with just something as genuinely nice as a little note that I was originally not planning to bring with me to the game and then last minute made the decision to take it and keep it inside of my jacket pocket.


Overall, this experience was certainly an unforgettable one that I will not ever soon forget and loved getting to cheer on another collegiate team for a change, which if you ask me is something I hope to do more once the next season of Utah Valley women's basketball starts up again!!! I especially liked getting to have my picture taken with the UVU mascot whose name is Willy and no I did not expect that to happen while I was at the game itself, but I did tell him that Cosmo is my favorite but that I do like him too!!! He is a pretty cool mascot in the sense that he could do flips and show off his stunts which I genuinely hope get more advanced as time goes on, but who knows?? I am grateful for the quality time I had with my good friend Robert and getting to make this an experience that I hope will continue some time down the road if the both of us can make it work into our busy life schedules.

Did I forget to mention that Willy asked my friend to send him a copy of my picture with him to his work email address and still to this day I am not sure if he will end up using it or not for something in regards to his purposes as a collegiate mascot but I hope it is something that can be put to good use!!! It was truly one of the greatest days of my life and I cannot wait for more of them to come in the distant future if there will be more chances to attend games at home!!! #GoUVUWBB.

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Birthday Celebration

 

TOMORROW AFTERNOON & EVENING---My best friend Maria will be having her unforgettable and amazing 33rd birthday celebration!!! I have waited anxiously for this special day to arrive and cannot wait to spend quality time together being the girlies that we are. It is definitely surreal to think all of us ladies-- are getting older and still love to enjoy each other's company more than you could ever imagine, which if you must know is nothing short of an understatement. I am excited to eat a scrumptious meal at my besties favorite place (Golden Corral) and then going from there to my first BYU men's volleyball game, which I am certain there will not be a single dull moment whatsoever. I am so thrilled to cheer on the best college sports team ever from wherever we are going to seat and watch our cougars have a win over USC!!! I am definitely hoping not to lose my voice throughout this weekend and have the most unforgettable night of my life with the greatest group of besties ever!!! 

TONIGHT----Our SNAP group has invited the BYU football team to come tonight and I am not sure what surprises or things they have in store for us, but I am definitely looking forward to spending time with the coolest people ever!!! I am not particularly certain if there will be a special guest joining us, but I am just ready for a good time with everyone and also trying my hardest to have as much fun with my best friends as I can leading up to our together tomorrow!!!! #IYKYK 

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Weekend Plans

LAST WEEK-----I was invited to unexpectedly participate and join my friend's institute class that takes place at a local high school seminary building. I quickly got myself together as much as I possibly could and next thing I knew they were already in front of my house after just taking in the mail. I immediately climbed into their car and we headed on our way to their institute class, which if you ask me is such an amazing experience for those involved--but you get the picture here right?? 

LONG STORY SHORT----During our class time they had asked me if I would be interested with going to a Utah Jazz basketball game and of course at first, I ended up declining the offer because of a commitment that my parents have this weekend & didn't feel comfortable leaving my siblings home alone for what was a very long period of time. I have not heard anything back about this ever happening and it looks like I am going to spend my weekend at home instead (which is totally fine with me due to the fact, I am not certain how we would be able to purchase tickets to begin with.) I was obviously looking forward to this once in a lifetime experience again, but I am grateful to spend a relaxing weekend at home with my sister and Rudy who is the friendliest dog on the block!!! 

Other Stories: (Best Friend's Birthday Party)

I am so excited about this upcoming party to celebrate my best friend turning another year older and quite frankly to admit that I am stoked for it would be an understatement. I cannot wait to have a delicious meal at golden corral, attend my first ever in person BYU men's volleyball game, along with cake and presents at my best friend's home!!! I know it will be so much fun spending quality time together with our friends and making memories that we will cherish forever...but if you ask me, you have to see it to believe it if you all know what I mean?? 

(More To Come)

Basketball Game

LONG STORY SHORT----One of my good friends invited me last weekend to participate in this institute "INSPIRE" conference that was taking place at the UVU Institute building. I ended up not being able to make it to the event due to having been up late all night after an event that I had been a part of for many years and didn't feel an urge to getting myself up to participating in it. 

FLASH FORWARD----I ended up asking my good friend if he had ever been to a basketball game at the school he has been attending for a while now and I was not quite sure after having a random conversation about attending a sports event sometime, that I didn't want to pass up this opportunity since I kindly declined the offer. However, the both of us were messaging back and forth several times about this which I am grateful it was able to give us a little extra time to decide if this was a possibility for us to do together.

Mini Story:

I have been following the UVU Women's basketball team on social media since August of last year and didn't want to miss an opportunity to see how their season would turn out. I obviously have never paid too close attention to sports at Utah Valley too much and wanted to continue showing my support for my two favorite collegiate teams that I genuinely have loved watching play.

After I contemplated on this decision for some time, the both of us settled on attending the UVU b-ball team's final home game (which happens to be their senior day and fan appreciation)!!! I am so super excited to finally watch these amazing young ladies compete and hopefully come out with a win that I am certain would make their last performance on the basketball court extra special. I cannot wait to see my favorite youtuber and former BYU cougar in their element as one of the assistant coaches for the team who I have anxiously wanted to see coach in person for awhile now. I am really hoping we can visit with each other for at least a minute and possibly get a picture taken together that I can (with obviously their permission of course) to share on my IG stories reel!!! 

(To Be Continued)