NYE Plans

LAST MONTH-----I was anxiously waiting for the adult session of our stake conference to begin and just mentioned to my mom that I wanted tickets to a BYU women's basketball game. It was so much fun to see them compete three times last year and obviously didn't want to miss another chance to watch them play a sport they are so passionate about. If you have known me my entire life, I am very much a true BYU sports fan all the way and always love getting an opportunity to cheer them on whenever I watch them on TV or just even LIVE in person. 

LONG STORY SHORT----I was surprised with tickets to a BYU women's basketball game that will be held on New Year's Eve and obviously I ended up squealing inside my head with excitement. I am very estatic to cheer on our team who will be playing against a really good opponent and keeping my fingers crossed that we can pull it off in the end. 

I am especially looking forward to another reunion with my good friend Kylie Webster who I have greatly missed seeing for the last little while. I cannot wait to see her smiling face and maybe we can do our best with getting a selfie together I can share on social media with her permission. I definitely want us to bond a little bit more with each other and have some good laughs together which is always a must for me when running into someone I know. 

I am not positively certain that I will have an opportunity to run into Paisley Harding who is one of the new assistant coaches for the team and maybe if we are lucky enough to see one another, the both of us can have a selfie together. I am definitely not sure what will the night has in store for me and I know it would make me smile extra BIG just getting to be in her presence again. I also want to let her know that her example of being a leader has meant everything to me and will do everything I can in aspiring to one day walk in her footsteps. I am grateful for the confidence boost that she gives me when I need it at any given moment and letting me know that no matter the circumstances life throws at you, you can make it through with faith in your heart to not ever give up on chasing your dreams until you get them. I am probably going to be the most excited person in the room and dancing in my seat the entire time but if you know me well enough than it will not be much of a surprise whatsoever!!! #ICYMI

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Special Time

 Do you have room? 

This beautiful time of the year leaves me in awe and gratitude for the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. His role in my life has blessed me more times than I could ever put into words and feel so much love for him as we get into the holiday season. I have listened to this song on repeat several times throughout these last couple of weeks and I am so grateful for the message contained in the title... which if you ask me is truly something I need to think about more on a regular basis. 

Throughout the last couple of years, I have certainly needed to rely on the Savior so much more than I ever had to before and his love for me continues to bless me more than I probably deserve. He has given me comfort when I needed it most during the best and worst of times in my life, which I will admit is not something I am ever going to take for granted. I have definitely wanted to make room for him as I move toward a brand new leadership role that I know is going to impact my life for the better. I am grateful for the opportunity to lean more on him throughout this experience and recognizing his hand in all that I am setting myself out to do. 

As I look forward into the new year ahead, I sincerely hope with all of my heart to make room for the Savior in my life everyday and putting trust in him to assist me in everything that life hands me. I feel incredibly blessed to have the gospel in my life and no matter the circumstances I find myself in, there will always be someone with me to help me through it. 

"Do you have room for the Savior? And do you seek him anew?" Have you a place for the one who lived and died for you? Are you as humble as a shepherd boy or as wise as men of old? Would you have come that night? Would you have sought the light? Do you have room?"

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BYUWBB Game - Unforgettable Win!!!

I have been following the BYUWBB team on social media for awhile and always love seeing how their games turn out as their season moves forward. I am grateful for their dedication to the game that all of them love so much which if you ask me is nothing short of an understatement. I have loved getting to cheer them on from afar in the hopes of one day seeing them play in person before the season is over... which to me would be a dream come true!!! I loved watching their game today which at times was just slightly scary when I didn't know if it would head into overtime or come up short--but luckily with two seconds to spare one of the players made a basket and came out on top. I may know next to nothing in regards to the game of basketball---but I am excited to hopefully some time next year make it to at least one of their home games in person and cheer them on inside the Marriott Center!!! 

Christmas Story Express Night (SNAP Activity)

I am definitely looking forward to this unforgettable activity tomorrow night and ringing in the holiday season with my friends. We are certainly going to have the best time ever listening to Christmas stories and watching a little bit of the well known Christmas movie: "The Polar Express." I cannot wait to show up at SNAP tomorrow night wearing comfortable and cozy clothes while drinking delicious hot cocoa as we spend quality time with everyone who will be in attendance!!! I cannot wait to see what other surprises are in store for us throughout the night and maybe an unexpected guest will happen to show up as well---- I am not necessarily getting my hopes up about this at all but you get the idea here??? 

Adaptive Needs Institute Class (Two More Weeks)

LONG STORY SHORT----My institute teacher asked everyone about what we wanted to prior to heading into Christmas break and we all made the unanimous decision to continue on for another two weeks. I am grateful for this time of year to reflect more on our Savior, Jesus Christ and his life that he lived with a lot of love in his heart for everyone and his teachings about how we should live everyday has left a very deep impression on me. I am grateful for the example that he set for all of us to follow while on this earth and I look forward to the day when I can be reunited with him alongside my loved ones who have passed onto their next chapter in life. 

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Reenacted Stories

 LAST NIGHT----My twin sister and I along with our best friends participated in a very unforgettable SNAP activity that I am certain will forever stay close to our hearts. Everyone was divided up into three separate groups to reenact stories from the Book of Mormon and let me tell you it was an experience like we never had before. 

AFTERWARDS---All of us gathered into the relief society room and watched every group perform their stories from the Book of Mormon for everyone to watch. I really liked the creativity and inspiring ways everybody took their reenactments from a book that we all love so much. I was grateful for all of those many laughs and smiles we shared together with everybody who was involved in making this such an unforgettable experience for us. 

One of the most spiritual parts for me about this activity was walking into the cultural hall and seeing this big picture from the Book of Mormon projected onto the overflow curtains. It took everyone several if not quite a few minutes to get settled into their seats and waiting for what was going to happen next. I was just completely overcome with the spirit as I sat there and listened to this voice reading off a script before any one of us realized what was going to occur just seconds after. 

LONG STORY SHORT---One of our SNAP leaders arranged through the church to have a young man come portraying the Savior and it was so beautifully done. I absolutely loved getting a little taste of what the second coming of our Savior will be like and getting the chance to hug him in person as well as being in his presence once we get onto the other side. I am grateful for the example that Jesus Christ continues to be in my life everyday and recognizing his hand in all that ever happens to me is a blessing in more ways than one!!! 

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Fall Break

Happy Birthday, Camille!!!

I am so grateful for your friendship in my life and the example you continue to be for so many people is second to none. You have truly been a light in this world through the ways you put a smile on the faces--- of everyone who gets an opportunity to be in your presence. Thank you so much for being a wonderful & kind friend that always puts the needs of others before their own, which if you ask me is nothing short of an understatement. Hope you are having the most unforgettable, amazingly terrific thirty first birthday ever this weekend and getting to celebrate with those you love so much!!! 

My best friend Camille is truly one of the most energetic people I have ever met in my life and cannot be more grateful for the unconditional love you share so freely with everybody. I have loved getting to know what an incredible young woman you are in the ways you bring positive vibes into every room and more importantly just being a disciple of our Savior, Jesus Christ. 

Other News:

I am genuinely hoping with all of my heart that BYU wins their football game tomorrow night and makes it an experience that cougar fans will never forget. I know that cougar nation will pack LES to the rafters and cheer on our favorite collegiate team to another victorious performance, which I hope is a good game for everyone who will be participating. I am doing my best to not think about it too much and get myself stressed out with this, but I am confident that BYU will play with toughness, fundamentals of what the game is and should be while putting in their legitimate effort, alongside with grit while battling it out safely on the football field. #CougarFan4Life. 

Fall Break 2025

Our SNAP activity last night was decorating pumpkins and laughing with our friends which if you must know is one of my favorite things to do. I didn't know how to decorate it at first and had creative ideas-- for what I wanted my pumpkin to look like. I ended up drawing swirls and stars among other things that I had come to my head while sitting around with my friends at our table. We definitely made it a time to remember and cannot wait to see what the rest of this month has in store for us, especially with another chance to dress up for one of our upcoming SNAP activities. 

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Free Write

Deep Blue Story (Mini Version)

I am not sure if you have ever watched some of the BYU deep blue stories but they are inspiring and have reminded me that even when we face difficulties in life, the lord is always with us. I actually met this cute, energetic young woman named Kylie who is truly an angel of a woman in so many ways. I am inspired by her positive attitude and love that she shares with everyone who has had an opportunity to meet her, which believe me was a dream come true!!! I loved getting to listen to her beautiful story about achieving her life goals and defying the odds in the face of challenges, which I think is an example that I need in my life so much right now. I also loved that she was able to see the lord's hand in everything she set her mind to and never giving up hope on what she wanted to accomplish even if it was going to take a little more time on her part-- she was determined to make it happen. 

I remember meeting her for the first time in early January of last year while walking in with my family to a BYU women's basketball game. She had such a beautiful smile on her face and of course being a hugger like I am-- I didn't hesitate to give her a nice big hug while we talked for a brief time. I am really hoping we get another opportunity to talk with each other again and share some laughs together, if we ever have the chance. #FingersCrossed.

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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