Pool time & the arts

Yesterday was a beautiful day and I got to spend it at the pool! First pool day of the summer if you can believe it. It was hot, the water felt nice, and I got to go with my good friend Alex who I don't get to see very often. This is why I love having Saturday's off work.

Later that day, Rach and I decided to go to the Arts Festival. We took trax and boy was that an experience. There were 2 boys sitting behind us with their open cans of beer at 5 in the afternoon belting songs they were listening to on their ipod. That was only a little preview of what was to come once we got to the Arts Festival.

So many fun performances, such as Ballet West and a comedy show that happened to be put on by a boy that we knew, and lots of neat booths. My favorite was when the artists were doing their work right there in front of me. Like some of these graffiti pictures.

Then there were these amazing guys who did this stomp stuff. They were so good, I felt like I was listening to a drumline.

Fictionist performed that night and so we got their nice and early to have good seats and save some for friends. Little did we know that wouldn't matter because everyone ended up standing anyways and people started working their way towards the front which moved us farther back. Oh well, we were still pretty close and Fictionist sounded awesome.

Here's just one example of the many interesting things we saw while at the Arts Festival. People watching there has got to be one of the most entertaining things. This man was a hoot!

Happy Wednesday

Reasons why today has been such a happy Wednesday:

1. Woke up to my alarm at 8. This is a amazing because a) I have gotten into the habit of pushing snooze and b) because it was 8 in the morning. Felt good to start off the day early!
2. Remember how I'm addicted to hair cuts? Well I got one this morning and I have to say the scalp massage today was one of her best. They are always amazing but for some reason today it was top notch. Not to mention it just feels great to have a hair cut. (I'm sorry to say I have not overcome this addiction, but my hair cuts are less frequent... I'm making baby steps)
3. I got a lot of tedious things I've been needing to get done finally done. Such as making dentist appointments, making tons of phone calls to plan summer gamma activities, and cleaning my room.
4. I got to spend a few hours this afternoon with this adorable girl...
5. I got some big online class assignments done. About halfway there with the online classes.... YAY!
6. Met with the bishop to discuss how the sororities and fraternities are ending this summer and how I no longer have a calling. He was so sweet and said lots of great things. He gave me a new calling that I'm excited about, but then he asked me to speak in church. Yikes! It's not gonna be for a while though so I'll have some time to prep for such a scary thing.
7. I get to go see my newly engaged friend who I haven't seen yet. I'm so excited for Michelle and Mick!
8. And lastly, just a few more days til the darling boy gets home from his trip. Can't wait!

Daddy's Day

Happy Father's Day to the best, funnest, smartest, goofiest, sweetest, most amazing dad I know.

I love you Dad!

"Faith is a gift of God bestowed as a reward for personal righteousness. It is always given when righteousness is present, and the greater the measure of obedience to God's laws, the greater will be the endowment of faith."

-Elder Bruce R. McConkie

This quote was on the program at sacrament last Sunday. It's amazing how aware our Heavenly Father is of us and knows exactly what we need and when because this quote is definitely something I needed at that time.

About 2 weeks ago, I received news that all the LDSSA sororities and fraternities were coming to an end. I was shocked when I received the e-mail and re-read it multiple times hoping that I may have misread something. Unfortunately, each time I read it the same sad news was given. Tears automatically came to my eyes and I was so sad and honestly heart broken that this was happening. I loved the organization especially my lovely Gamma chapter and it's amazing girls. We had been busy planning things for the next year and I was getting so excited to serve the girls and try my best to fulfill my calling as president. The news left me confused and very sad.

Since then, we've had a few meetings and I've talked to many of the girls about what has happened and why and I couldn't be more grateful for their amazing and strong testimonies that really put things into perspective for me.

This decision came from God. This knowledge really comforted me and put me at peace. I'm sure it wasn't easy for Him because he loves us so much and knows how much this means to many people, but he wouldn't just take something precious away without there being something better He has in store for us. I have to have faith in the Lord and I know that He knows what is best.

Luckily we get to finish out the summer so we are gonna go out with a bang! I am so grateful for the organization and what it has done for me, Gamma in particular. I will always love and cherish it.

Mr. & Mrs. Brown

Yesterday one of my very best friends was married to the love of his life who was the most beautiful bride. They were sealed in the salt lake temple in the morning then had a ring ceremony and reception last night. I adore these two and it has been so fun to watch them over the 3 years they have been together now. Chris is a convert to the church and was baptized two years ago. Watching him come out of the temple with his new wife happier than ever was the most amazing site. I love them so much and am so happy for them and their new life they get to begin together.

Congrats Chris and Lauren! I love you guys!

Brianna and I taking our wedding pic... haha

Steeeevooooo

Mr. and Mrs. Brown

Brianna and I were the unofficial groomsmen

Family and friends of the groom

Friends of the bride and groom

groom and groomsmen

We love the bride and groom!

Reception center, congrats!

My date

After we saw the happy couple off

Pandora

Pandora has become my new obsession. I love it. My most frequently listened to stations are:

Bon Iver

Justin Bieber (obviously)

Dixie Chicks (I love me some country!)

But my absolute favorite right now is Adele. First of all I just love her, and I had it on today while cleaning my room and a Colbie Caillat version of "I Want You Back" came on and so did "At Last" by Etta James.

Such good stuff!

P.S. Soooo happy with sytycd's top 20! It's gonna be a heck of a season. Here's a little preview...

Top 20

Auditions were awesome...

Vegas week was as intense as ever...

And tonight the top 20 will be selected....

I CAN HARDLY CONTAIN MY EXCITEMENT!!!

Who's gonna make the cut?

Can't wait to find out!