Life is Good

Back to school...and a little fun :)

2012-01-22T15:23:00.000-08:00

I had a blast last week having sis here. It felt like she had never left. We just played, crafted, laughed, ate, sang, danced, decorated and much more all week long. I loved having her attached to my hip at all times :) I wish she didn't have to go back home. Having a sister is the best thing in the world!!! :) You can read more about our fun week on her blog:

http://jossiemarieandhusband.blogspot.com/2012/01/ariiiizona.html

Unfortunately it had to come to an end, and I started school this week...I was excited to start again but also not quite sure I was ready for the stress, busy schedule, life of studying and craziness. But it's here! This week was preeetty crazy and overwhelming. We are in for a busy semester. I am going to start seeing patients in about a week!! I have my first couple set up already, but if any of you want to help and come in for a few hours and let me give you great hygiene services (and teeth cleaning) let me know. SERIOUSLY pleeeeeaaase. I would love it :)

We have had a great weekend so far:

On Friday (which is my day off of school) I went on a hike with some friends from school. It was 5 miles and great exercise! We had a lot of fun. I sure love having such good friends at school, it makes the program much more enjoyable :)

Then Friday night Gster and I went out for Spinatos Pizza (our favorite!). Then spent the night with Jake. Since my parents are out of town we were lucky to have him stay with us for the weekend and even though he's the busiest kid in the world, he squeezed in some time for his favorite sister and brother in law :)

Saturday night we had a fun date night planned :) We headed out to Glendale and got American food from In-N-Out, and went to the USA vs Venezuela soccer game. I've never been to a real soccer game before and I loved it. It was fun getting dressed in our red white and blue and cheering U-S-A, U-S-A!!

I was getting pretty disappointed when by 90 minutes both teams hadn't scored a single point!! Then they had four minutes of stoppage time and in the last minute of the game USA scored a goal! The crowd went wild!! It was a fun thing to do. We loved our fun date and doing something different than the norm.

We loved looking at all the people dressed in flag capes, Captain America costumes, and all sorts of festive clothes. I love the American pride!!

Here's to my second semester of school...It's going to be a good one! Wish me luck :)

Enjoying the break!

2012-01-04T18:34:00.000-08:00

I have really enjoyed having a 4 week break!! now into week three...unfortunately I got sick, which seems like the millionth time this year....but it gives me time to sit on the couch, watch movies, and blog :)

After school got out we drove up to Flagstaff to be at Stu's Graduation. We were glad to be there and had a great little day trip with Kevin and JoAnn :)

We had an ugly sweater christmas party with my classmates, it was fun bringing my hubby and introducing him to all the people he has heard so much about. We had a really great time eating treats, playing games, sharing stories, and getting to know each other's spouses/bf/or friends.

(I looked everywhere for an ugly sweater, all out! haha. This was the best I could do in a short time.)

We also had an amazing christmas party with G's work: Menlo Group Commercial Real Estate. I love that he works with his brothers, so when we get together its with my favorite people :) A couple other people he works with came along too, and I really enjoy spending time with them too. Great group of people. I feel blessed to know that he goes to work every day with such wonderful people. We had a blast bowling, going to dinner, enjoying the company, and winning some great prizes :) I look forward to this every year!

G surprised me with a fun christmas date. We grabbed our favorite pizza at Spinatos and went to Scottsdale to ride a train with a view of some great lights! When we got there the line was HUGGEE, and we were in for about a 2 1/2 hour wait in the cold. Luckily when G went to get the tickets he ran into some friends, the Miners, right near the front of the line. They graciously let us jump in line with them (Ya, I felt a little bad cutting in line...but so worth it)

The lights were great, but the company was better. I sure love spending time with my honey.

Of course we went to the Mesa LDS Temple to see their beautiful display of christmas lights, its a must every year. It really is amazing!

Mmmm...isn't he handsome :) I love my G.

We had a fun girls day with the besties, made sugar cookies, caught up on life, and watched the Holiday. Our lives have gone so many ways, all of us are up to new adventures, and I feel like we don't see each other NEAR as much as I would like to but every time we see each other it is like we haven't been apart. Thats what is so great about a best friend. I am so blessed to have these girls in my life.

I loved seeing Aub's Brigham. I can't believe how big he's getting. Its crazy. He sure is a cutie and looks exactly like her!! Makes me very excited to have my own!

I also got to go to lunch with Alexis. I loved seeing her and hearing about her wonderful adventures up at BYU. Always love catching up with my girl friends

CHRISTMAS!!!!! It was wonderful! And very busy! On christmas eve and Christmas we went back and forth between families houses getting in all the christmas fun we could. We had our Christmas eve lunch at Nana's, she always makes it so fun and festive (she thinks we are getting too old for the silly things...never!) We had our traditional family talent show...and Graf and I decided to be Whos. We put on silly hats, taped our noses up, turned our upper lip under and sang "Where are you Christmas" In really silly little voices. Audience got a a kick out of it, turned out way better than we thought. Some how word got out to the Milne's and they convinced us to do it for them that night. I don't have any, but I'm sure there are plenty of pictures and videos floating around somewhere! haha. After lunch we went over to the Milne's for a delicious christmas eve dinner and talked about the real meaning of christmas. Then we opened some gifts from each other. My favorite was watching my nieces and nephew open their gifts, so in love with them!! Then we went over to my parents house to open our matching christmas pjs. We stayed there pretty late then went driving to see some amazing christmas lights. see here: http://gilbertlights.com/ They are pretty much right across the street from me. 4 houses all light up and dance to the radio. Magical. Then we fell asleep to a christmas movie. :)

Christmas Day was just as eventful. Woke up early to open presents, just Hubster and I. It was fun, he spoiled me!! And I got him some pretty good gifts too (most of which he picked out or bought on his own...haha.) I try to tell him he's not allowed to know everything he's getting for christmas, but he loves it just the same. Then we went over to my parents to open even more presents and have a delicious breakfast. Then we went to church and enjoyed a wonderful musical and spiritual meeting reflecting the Savior's birth. It was perfect having Christmas on a Sunday this year so that we could really focus on the true meaning of christmas. After church we went back to my parent's house and got to skype Elder Whiting for about an hour and a half. It was so great hearing from him and seeing his happy face. He is having so many incredible experiences and touching so many lives already. I'm so proud of him and his passion and willingness to serve the Lord.

After we talked to him, we got to spend another wonderful dinner and night with the Milne fam. It was a wonderful, fun, family filled christmas. We spent the day after catching up on sleep, watching movies and just being together.

I have loved holidays and the nights that Grafton and I have been able to spend together...Once school starts again monday through thursday nights are all school. I can't get enough time with him, he really is my best friend. He is such a huge support to me in my life. I couldn't have made it through my first semester without his love, help, and constant support. He truly makes me happy every single day. I'm the luckiest.

We had a fun and magical new years eve. Mom and Dad Milne treated us to a delicious dinner at the Arrogant Butcher and a show: Michael Jackson The Immortal Cirque Du Soleil. Such an amazing show! It was a perfect night.

I'm so excited to finish off the break with sis coming to stay with me for a week!!!

One of my new years resolutions is to blog more often. At least once a month. haha. Its a great way to journal and keep memories. And hopefully if I keep up with it...they won't be so long! haha.

1/4 of the way there!!

2012-01-04T14:56:00.000-08:00

I made it through my first semester of Dental Hygiene school!!! 1/4th of the way there! It was the best feeling! It was definitely one of the hardest things that I have ever done. I learned so much, not just about dental hygiene. And I made great friends. It really kept me busy. I felt like it took over my life...I woke up early, studied, left for class around 12, ate dinner on the run and made it to clinic from 5-9. As hard as it was to keep up with all the work and stress, I really did enjoy it. I really believe I made the right decision for this field. Although I am still fully enjoying every moment of my time off=no stress and no studying, I am excited for next semester. I will start seeing real patients!

These are my 19 classmates and friends. We have every class together for two years...so we better like each other :) It really is great having each other for support.

Practicing.

We worked on each other as patients most of the nights, just didn't get any pictures of that.

We had the opportunity to go to an elementary school and teach 100 sixth graders about oral hygiene. They loved it and they were so smart. Then we helped them teach 100 first graders. I really loved it. It was so fun teaching them things that will really benefit their health and their lives.

That is what I love about what I am learning...It isn't just about teeth. It is about the overall health of people. It is amazing how I have learned how oral health really affects the whole body and so many diseases can be related to it. I love learning how to help others. And I am looking forward to getting to know and care for many patients.

1/2 IRON MAN!

2011-11-12T19:17:00.000-08:00

This weekend we took a little trip to Las Vegas for G's Half Iron Man Triathlon in Lake Mead.

G has done a couple triathlons (a sprint and an olympic length) and a couple months ago he made the goal and signed up for an Iron man triathlon in May!! (He's amazing!) He has been training so hard these past couple months, which keeps him busy while I am in school at night. He is so dedicated, I could not be more proud. So this weekend he did the 1/2 iron man to help with his training. Which is a huge accomplishment.

Half Iron Man= 1.2 mile swim--56 mile bike ride--13.1 mile run

Seriously, I can't even imagine doing all of that. I was tired just waiting for him! ha (And that is only half of what he is doing in May! He's my hero.)
I spent the day studying on the sidelines, cheering people on, and waiting to see G (every couple hours). While cheering people on, an old man passed me saying "There is a place in heaven for you!" I thought that was pretty funny.

I really love him. :)

Getting all set up!

It was 46 degrees when they started the swim!! ah. I was freezing... good thing the water was warmer.

Now on to the bike...see ya in 3 hours! no big deal. haha

At the FINISH LINE!!!!! 6 hours and 39 minutes! Finishing 18th overall and 1st in his age group (okay, he may have been the only one in the age group, but who needs to know that ;))

It was one of the hardest courses there is, really hilly and really windy! I was so proud of him for sticking with it...seriously, that is endurance!! He finished feeling great too. I'm a proud wife!

It really was a breath taking view! The 56 mile bike ride was pretty lonely, at least he had a great view.

Of course we did some sight seeing. as we were there, and visited the beautiful Las Vegas LDS Temple. It is a very unique looking temple, I loved it. And of course, the temple grounds are always so beautiful and peaceful. I loved walking around it and enjoying the spirit felt.

After the race, we spent the night in the city. We enjoyed the sight seeing, had a great dinner and went to the Beatles LOVE Cirque Du Soleil...It was absolutely incredible!! Words can't even describe it. Blows my mind the things these people could do, and of course great music!

Great get-a-way with my hubster :) I sure love being with him. I'm so proud of his accomplishment...he motivates and inspires me. Loved being there the support him, and have a fun little vacation.

21! Booyah.

2011-09-17T15:52:00.000-07:00

September 13th:

I had a wonderful 21st birthday!! I felt so loved and spoiled. Hubby knows that I don't like waking up to my alarm so he told me that he would wake me up in the morning. So he started my day off waking me up and said that my birthday breakfast was ready for me... I was the most excited that I got to eat with him! He is always gone to work by the time I wake up so that was such a treat. He made pancakes and eggs (which he is VERY good at) and decorated the table and house so fun.

(he did pretty good huh?!)

This made me laugh!! People say the only cool part about turning 21 is that that you can legally drink...nothin better than Root Beer!

While we were eating I was looking at the cards and presents on the table and there was an envelope with my name written in cursive all cutesy on the front. G said, "I don't know who that is from, it was just on the door step." I thought that was kind of weird but totally believed it. After breakfast as I was opening up my presents he said why don't you open this too. I laughed so hard when I opened it and it was a letter from Taylor Swift...

My sweet hubby surprised me with a ticket to the Taylor Swift concert a month ago to go with my sister-in-laws as an early birthday present. I am SOOO excited to go, I have been listening to her songs like crazy lately!!-- I bet not very many people can say that she wrote them a birthday card! ;) haha. He's so clever...I love it!

A few of the presents I was given: G also gave me some new work out clothes, a new rug for our home, men's basketball shorts (So I don't steal his anymore! ha...still can't promise anything) and money to buy whatever I wanted :) Which I spent on more cute decorations for our home, had so much fun picking out with my Mom this weekend!!! My mom painted an adorable shelf for my house. (I'll post pics of that and all the new decor soon). Sis made me a bunch of cute headbands and accessories and I have already worn most of them the past couple days. Movie tickets from Jakester, and money from both my grandparents and parents. I really got spoiled.

For lunch I went to Chipotle with my fam and Nana and Grandpa brought a cookies and creme ice cream cake and I got to blow out all these candles in the restaurant. I

I got so many sweet birthday messages, texts, cards, and calls. I really felt so loved... I am a lucky girl :) I loved this picture my cute sis in law sent me of my newest niece.

After lunch I went to school, and my sweet classmates gave me a card, some balloons, and cupcakes for everyone. I love the girls I get to go to school with, they are so great. We are going to have a great 2 years together.

I got out of class at 7 and got to enjoy an amazing dinner at Temari's (my FAVORITE sushi restaurant) with my love! Nothing better than sushi with my favorite person in the world. We had so much fun.

Both my families had fun sunday birthday dinners on either end of the week....love celebrating all week :) I am so blessed to have two amazing families!! They are so good to me.

It feels good to be 21 :) Thank you to everyone who made my day/week so special!!

Miracles Happen!

2011-08-10T14:04:00.000-07:00

So, as you may know I applied for Dental Hygiene School in January. I worked so hard on the pre-requisite classes to get A's in all of my classes at ASU, and MCC. Because I have known since I decided this is what I wanted to do that it was VERY competitive and that I would have perfect grades and have the experience in dental, and receive good letters of recommendation to get in. SO many people apply and only 20 students get in every year. After accomplishing all that I needed to just about ensure I would be accepted. I found out that they just changed the placement process and if you had the minimum requirements you would get put into a "pool" and the computer pretty much RANDOMLY does the placement!?! What sense does that make?!

I wanted to get into school so bad that I applied to MCC, Rio Salado, and Phoenix college. My preference was MCC but I'd take anything! When they did the placement in the spring, I didn't get lucky...I was devastated. I didn't get in to MCC or Phoenix college which both start this fall, but there was one more chance that I could get into Rio Salado which starts in February but would finish at the same time. I tried not to get my hopes up, but the placement team told me that I had a very good chance of getting placed at Rio, since my number was going up on the list due to the fact that I hadn't been placed yet. A couple months later I got an email saying that Rio Salado was not going to accept any students this year because they were changing campuses so the next class would start in 2013!!! Once again devastated. I was thankful for the support of my family and friends who kept reminding me that the Lord must have a different plan for me, and that we don't always know the reason for things. Just have faith and everything will work out. So, I learned a lot of faith and patience these last couple months (which must have been a lesson I really needed). I called and talked to many advisors and directors of the school and asked if there was any possible way I would get placed if someone were to drop out. They told me no, since there was too many people ahead of me on the list...And they told me to just plan on next year, or 2013. I settled for this and made different plans for my life until I would get placed.

Monday I was at work and started my lunch break, I had a missed call and voice mail that I had just missed by five minutes. I listened to it in shock! It was a man from MCC's dental hygiene program that said that he was trying to fill a spot in the dental hygiene program starting in TWO WEEKS!! He continued saying that he was calling a couple people and whoever would respond first he would take....I was so thankful that I had barely missed the call. I hurried and called him back, got all the details, made sure Grafton was okay with it (of course he supported it 100%, just had to make sure since it will affect us both the next two years :) ) and I ACCEPTED!!! I seriously could not believe it!!...actually still can't. All of a sudden everything changes and I will be starting school in less than two weeks. I have been getting prepared, had to tell my jobs that I only have 2 weeks left, been buying the essentials, and getting medical stuff taken care of. I am so excited, and feel so blessed. It really is amazing how everything works out, even if its not exactly in the way that you wish it to.

Dental Hygiene School here I come!!!!!!

Camping Getaway

2011-08-07T17:05:00.001-07:00

G and I decided to get out of the heat (115 degrees is killin me!) and spend the night in woods :) We had so much fun getting away and camping out. I haven't done much camping in my life, so I thought it would be a fun adventure.

We packed up the car and took off. It was a beautiful drive and took only about an hour and a half.

We searched for a quiet, private camping ground so that we could just be together and enjoy the peaceful woods. While Grafton gathered wood for the fire, I helped set up chairs and our sleeping bags. I was pretty proud of our camp!

G started a big fire and we sat and talked and enjoyed it for the rest of the night. We brought our tin foil dinners with ground turkey and veggies. I know it looks gross, but it was delicious. We also made S'mores of course...thats what camping is all about right?!

We had a couple neighbors that wandered through the woods (COWS!) I thought it was hilarious. I guess I just always picture squirrels, bears, bobcats, and deer when I think of animals out in the woods...but we saw probably about 15 cows wandering around.

There is something so peaceful and relaxing about a campfire. I loved just sittin around it with my love, just talking and telling stories. We fell asleep in the tent watching the stars. It was incredible.

It was breathtaking how beautiful it was up there. I couldn't stop taking pictures. I loved being out in nature, and getting away from all distractions to just be together. It was very refreshing.

I would definitely do it again. We really had a great time. Perfect little get-a-way. I sure love that I get to do everything with my Hubby :) He makes everything so much fun.

I'm back :)

2011-06-17T16:17:00.001-07:00

UPDATE:

Sis made me promise that I will blog often since she will be in Ohio...I know it is lame that I haven't blogged since October. I promise there has been a lot of exciting things going on in my life, just a bad blogger. ha ;)

I am still loving being married to the most amazing man in the world! We just celebrated our 1st anniversary and we couldn't be happier. We went to San Diego/Coronado, California for the weekend and had so much fun.

So, we'll start with this crazy, eventful week and see how i do :)

The most exciting parts of the week:

Say Hello to my beautiful new neice... Maisy Jane Milne

So happy to have a new member of the family, and so happy for Ang and Stu, they will make wonderful parents to this precious little one.

And this little beauty is our new home :) We just closed on it on wednesday and we are so excited for move everything in this weekend. It was just recently remodeled and is beautiful inside. And the neighborhood and area are great, We love it!!! Its so perfect for us. It is such a good feeling being a homeowner!! :) Yay!

...and the NOT exciting part of the week: My Sister/Best Friend just moved to Ohio. :( :( :(

It was really hard saying goodbye. 4 years is a long time!! its 20% of my whole life!! I'm trying not to think about that. I am really going to miss spending time with her. There is nothing like a sister. She knows more about me than anyone since she has been apart of everything in my life since the day I was born...SEE:

I know that we will still be close even though she is now 2,000 miles away... but it will definitly be hard. Is it weird to count down 1,440 days (4 years)?! ha!

Mitch also left the same day sis did. He's all grown up and off to BYU!! I can't believe he's that old!! He'll be back in six weeks so it wasn't as tough as a goodbye...I'm excited for his new adventure!

Since sister left, I am taking over her babysitting job with Mia every friday. She is so cute, she's my little friend (easiest job in the world) this is what we did today...HAHA!

Since Nana is on the road with Sister, I get to spend time every day with my adorable, almost 91 year old Great Grandma. She is so sweet, I love just laying next to her holding her hand and talking. She has such a good heart, she's so brave being so strong even though she's weak and tired. Sure love having her around.

Triathlon!!!

2010-10-10T14:19:00.000-07:00

On Saturday Grafton did an olympic triathlon at lake pleasant

{1 mile swim, 25 mile bike, 6.2 mile run}

It was so fun to watch him, oh I am so proud of my husband. He trained so hard the past couple months. and it was so great watching him accomplish such a goal. He really did amazing. Beat some personal bests and completed the rigorous course-swimming was in the choppy lake, and half the running and biking was straight up hill!! I loved being his number one fan.

(Lookin legit in his wetsuit before the race)

His proud parents :) We sure had fun cheering him on!

Yep, Thats my man!

Still has a smile on his face :)

(He was giving me a high five!)

andddd finish!!....I really love this man, very proud to be his wife :)

So proud of him for working so hard and accomplishing his goals!

Honeymooners

2010-08-24T09:52:00.000-07:00

Oh...there is nothing better than going on a secluded tropical getaway with your best friend!! We had the time of our lives!! We went to the Secrets Maroma Beach Resort near Cancun, Mexico. It was the most beautiful place! The resort was incredible, the beach was perfect, the company was amazing of course, and it was just what we needed. :)

^ Look at these beautiful pictures....I couldn't stop taking them because the landscape was so amazing!! What a beautiful world we live in :)

Our Honeymoon suite...I felt like royalty! It had a great view from the balcony, that we loved to look at as we ate breakfast.

Our favorite part: Layin on the beach all day, drinking about 3-4 Pina Coladas a day!! They were delicious! It was so nice to just relax, have nothing and no one to worry about but being together! The perfect vacation!

We found lots of stuff to keep us entertained when we weren't relaxing...Giant chess board, crashing a wedding reception dance, hanging out in the lobby listening to music, letting our Mexican sides show, and going to some of the fun shows they had going on at night. SO FUN!

And of course we loved the food...It was so fun having a bunch of different, romantic, fine dining restaurants to chose from every night, get all dressed up, and eat amazing food of all kinds!!
We had some little adventures, went on a snorkeling tour, and went through the fresh water, ocean, Cenotes (caves), and got to cliff jump and zip-line into some beautiful fresh water pools!

We even saw sea turtles, and sting rays!

These caves were incredible, the water was so clear you could see 75+ feet down.

Can we go back now?! :) such a great week!! LOVED being together, enjoying the beautiful resort and beach, finding adventures, playing games, eating great food, having neat experiences with the natives, relaxing, and getting away from everything. Sure love this man, he is SO much fun! I sure am one lucky girl! :)

Mr. and Mrs. Milne

2010-08-09T17:28:00.000-07:00

...Finally getting around to posting about the best day of my/ OUR lives :) I feel so blessed to be married my best friend and the most incredible man I've ever known. I can't believe how fast time has flown, already over two months being Mr. and Mrs. Milne, and we're loving every second. I could not have dreamed of a better wedding. It was everything I could imagine and more!! And we have all of our wonderful family and friends to thank for that! We felt so loved having all our friends and family at our celebration. I loved watching everything come together and counting down the days until the wedding. What an exciting time. My Mom and I had so much fun together planning away, looking at countless wedding blogs and websites for ideas, getting my dress fitted, shopping for accessories, making/painting decorations, talking to decorators, searching for photographers, finding the right pictures, cake, announcements, and spending quality mother daughter time before I moved out. I could not have pulled this wedding off without her!! She has such an incredibly creative mind, and worked so hard to help me. I was in school full time, and got a new job, and extremely busy...and she still helped me plan a wedding in 3 months!! And it was perfect :) Besides my wonderful mother, I cannot even count the amazing people that helped make this day so special...From the Bachellorette Party, Bridal Shower, Wedding Dinner, Pictures, Sealing, Reception, and all that comes in between...Thank you everyone for all your help. We really appreciate it, and feel so loved! Here are some pictures of our Big Day :)

The first time he saw me in my dress...his face was priceless...i love the way he loves me :)

Bride + Groom

What a blessing it is that I get to be with this man for Eternity!!! Oh he's so good to me!

Coming out of the temple after an incredibly spiritual and touching sealing...I have never felt more joy and happiness in all my life than at that moment. I wish I could relive it over and over again. A flood of emotion rushed through me as I became forever and always Grafton Milne's Wife!!! Nothing could make me happier. I get to spend every moment-happiness, sadness and everything in between-with the love of my life!! And he's forever mine :)

It was so neat having family and friends there to share this special occasion with us...they love us so much they withstood the 110 degree AZ weather!! :)

Let the true personalities show! HA!

I had the best bride's maids and Maid of Honor! They were so helpful, and made everything so much fun! I feel so blessed to have such wonderful friends, they've always been such good examples to me and always been there for me. I am so thankful for their support and friendship.

The details...SO fun!! It is totally my personality, I loved it :)

One of my favorite parts of the decorations...our photobooth! During the reception everyone took there pics here, and it was so fun looking through them after. We had some good laughs.

Cutting the cake...

The bouquet and garter toss... My best friend Kylee caught it, we're still waiting for the proposal!

I loved dancing with my Daddy, He's always been my hero and best friend and I feel so loved and protected by him-what every girl needs. I am so lucky to have found a man to marry that has that kind of heart that will always love and protect me and our future family. And keep life entertaining and spontaneous!

And the dancing began...So I really love to dance, and I am so glad my friends and family shared this love with me for the night. We all had a blast!! I want to do it all over again! THE most fun party I have ever had!!

So our life together begins...a life of joy, laughter, fun, love, hard work, family, friends, and celebration...could not be happier. Thank you again to everyone that helped make our wedding so special. We could not be happier. We're having so much fun starting our new lives together! Just about every day I stop and think about how lucky I am to be married to the man better than my dreams!!! :)

Oh. Life is Good!

Here's our fun little wedding music video we did...hope you enjoy watching it as much as we enjoyed making it :)

I got a JOB! :)

2010-03-31T13:19:00.000-07:00

Happy news!!!! I just got a job for Frost Orthodontics!!! I could not be more excited about it! I've been dreaming of this job since I was a 14 yr. old Brace Face with Frost. He is an amazing Orthodontist, with an incredible office, and a fun staff. I am thrilled to be a part of it. I start training on Monday and then start full time after the wedding :) I feel so blessed, it is just what I needed! I can't wait to wear scrubs every day and learn more about the dental field I will be going into. Life is so good :) I love all the new adventures I am going to have!!!!

Happy Heart Day to ME!!!!

2010-03-05T10:14:00.000-08:00

Today is my EIGHT year anniversary of my

OPEN-HEART-SURGERY :)

I love to celebrate this day that saved my life...Because of my amazing mothers intuition to take me in to the doctor for check ups and the wonderful medical technology, I am blessed to have a whole, happy, healthy heart :) Because of this surgery I will now be able to survive child birth, and live passed the age of 35!!! I have so much to be THANKFUL for!!! I love my "Zipper" that reminds me every day how precious life is, and how truly grateful I am to be alive, healthy, and able to love and live life to its fullest!! :) Even though it took me about 3-4 years to recover, I wouldn't trade this trial in my life for anything, it made me who I am and strengthened me so tremendously.

(I guess this one is a little more realistic)

I'M ENGAGED!!!!....

2010-02-28T15:05:00.000-08:00

TO THE MOST INCREDIBLE MAN IN THE ENTIRE WORLD!!!!

Grafton Milne!

I love our story... :) Everyone keeps asking me about it, so I figure blogging it will help give everyone the deets!!!

Brief from the beginning:

We met last June when I started going to the Indigo Bay Single's ward. He always made me feel so welcome in the ward and I was immediately attracted to his amazing optimism and upbeat, happy outlook on life! He always has a smile on his face and makes everyone feel like a million bucks...no matter who they are!! One day, soon after I came into the ward, he texted me and said -"It's your lucky day, I'm your new home teacher!" Who knew I would end up getting THIS lucky?! :) He was my home teacher for six months and I LOVED it. I loved getting to know him and I have always loved and admired the person he is. I quickly developed a crush on him but I was completely convinced I had NO CHANCE with him and thought he was way out of my league! (apparently he thought he didn't have a chance with me either!-SOOO glad we got over that! haha!)

He really is the most incredible person I have ever met. Not only is he always happy, outgoing, giving, energetic, and fun, he has the best HEART. He loves life and always looks for opportunities to serve, develop others and himself, and most importantly he has a passionate testimony of the gospel. I knew all of this before I even got a date with him. I loved to be around him at ward activities and always had so much fun with him.

At the beginning of December, I went into my High School Seminary teacher's office to catch up. Brother Chatwin and I have always been very close-and interestingly enough he was also Grafton's Seminary teacher at Mountain View. We began talking about dating and different things and he asked if I was interested in anyone...I told him that I had a crush on someone and he totally knew him! Without even mentioning Grafton's name, His face lit up and said Guess who I went to lunch with last week, I replied saying I knew who he went to lunch with...He said, So does that have anything to do with your crush?! My face couldn't hide it :) He was amazed and so happy!! He told me that they had been talking about me at lunch and that Brother Chatwin told him he should ask me out because he loves us both and could see us having a great time together! I couldn't believe it!! So Brother Chatwin called G when I left the office and convinced him that I did want to go out with him and he said, "You know I would never call you an idiot, but if you don't call her and ask her out, you're an idiot!" hahaha...A couple hours later I was sitting at the table with my parents and my phone rang. I froze as I saw it was Grafton....my parents nudged me back into reality and said...well, you have to answer it!! ha! So, I picked up the phone, very nervous, and he asked me on a date! We ended up going out the next day!! (December 11th) I have NEVER been so nervous/excited to go on a date with someone in my life!! It was the craziest and greatest feeling!! It ended up being THE best date of my entire life!!! We both had the time of our life, and it was incredible how natural and right I felt with him from our very first date! After only three weeks I told him I was in love with him...and meant it with all my heart! I have never felt that way before and it is definitely the best feeling in the world!

I've been floating on clouds since that day...

pure happiness and bliss :) :)

ENGAGEMENT:

So, after a month or so we both knew we wanted to spend the rest of forever together, so it all came down to the Deets. :) He still wanted to make it a surprise...which I loved! He had my whole family in on it and I am amazed at how well they did it!!! All week G had told me that he was bummed because there was complications with "a certain sparkly item" and that it would be another 2 weeks. So I believed him of course...AND he told me that we were going to his family BBQ at a park and I believed that too... turns out BOTH were false! ha!

He took me to Fountain Hills...which is where we we had our first kiss, so it is a special place for us. As we got there he told me, "Um, I have a secret...There is no BBQ!" ha! He was busted...but I forgave him of course! He told me that since I had all these tests this week and he was bummed the ring was taking so long he wanted to do something special for me. He's always so thoughtful and romantic, so I really didn't expect anything. I loved every second of it.

We laid a blanket down in the big park, right in front of the incredible fountain-just like the first time we were there. He opens the cooler and pulls out two gecko grill burritos-which are my all time favorite. We had sparkling cider "Bubbly", and chocolate covered strawberries. And watched the sunset while listening to some James Taylor tunes...perfect mood :) Ohhh he is SO good to me :)

It got dark and we were waiting for the fountain to go off again and decided to go sit on a cute bench right by the water. We cuddled up and watched the fountain go off, it is so magical and brought back all the memories of how amazing the first time was! I was already in heaven...Then he just looked at me with the most sincere, loving face and stood up, gently pulling me by the hand. We stood there holding eachother and he whispered in my ear, "I have a question for you..." My heart fluttered and I was shocked, totally caught by surprise and just looked at him in anticipation...then he got down on his knees with the ring in his hand and with watery eyes and the most genuine heart felt way told me how absolutely crazy in love he is with me and knew from the first time he met me that there was something special about me. That he never knew he could be this happy and that he wants to spend the rest of eternity with me. Then he paused and said, "Laurisa Whiting, will you marry me?!" I replied with the happiest feeling in the world, "Oohohohoh YES!!" and gave him the biggest hug and kiss possible. Happiest moment of my life...YET!

I love Arizona...it is SO beautiful, and SO romantic! Fountain Hills will always be a special place for us! Oh I LOVE the way he thinks. I love the way he plans-he is so cute and creative!

We came back to my house to share the amazing news!! This is Mitch proposing a "toast" to our engagement! how clever he is! haha

I'm so in love with my gorgeous ring!!! I told him that I wanted to be all from him...so I didn't want to pick it out...and he did an incredible job picking it out all by himself-never ceases to amaze me!!! It fits me perfect and sparkles like crazy!! I can't stop looking at it and realizing the most important part of it...it symbolizes our eternal LOVE :) :) Sometimes it still doesn't feel real!

OH HOW I LOVE HIM!! I could not possibly be happier. He is absolutely perfect for me in every way, everything I have always known I wanted in a husband, and I got lucky enough to find him!! Every second I am truly grateful for him in my life. I love the person he is on the inside and out. I really believe I am THE LUCKIEST person in the world. Everything still feels like a dream, and I think it always will... Our life is going to be full of so much energy, excitement, good, fun, laughs, and more love than I could imagine. THIS is what LIFE is all about!! I love knowing that living life with him, will be spent every moment CELEBRATING LIFE!!!

XOXO

2010-02-11T08:19:00.000-08:00

Just a little of what is on my mind right now....

I Love this man so much!! :)

I'm the luckiest girl in the world!

CELEBRATING LIFE...

2010-01-31T10:14:00.000-08:00

Is what I have been doing EVERYDAY for the past 7 weeks

with this AMAZING man...

Every single day has been an adventure and the new best day of my life!!! I love spending time with Grafton more than anything!! He brings such great JOY into my life!!

Temple Lights!

ZOO LIGHTS

Christmas Festivities

Last Date of the year...Tandem Bike ride in Scottsdale! Incredible weather, Beautiful scenery, amazing company. I love the fun planner he is...He makes life so much fun!

New years Eve! We hung out with the Fam for a while, playing the candy bar game, dancing, and pretending like it was midnight! Then Graf and I went to Mill Ave in down town Tempe for the big block party they had going on. We met up with his Bro Stu and wife Angie! They are the cutest couple and we always have a blast with them!! Fun filled evening of music, dancing, fireworks, love, confetti, and Celebrating the new adventure of a new year! 2010 is going to be a GREAT one :)

We decided to go up to Flagstaff to visit G's friend Jake Porter who was baptizing someone that weekend. We all jumped in Graf's Jeep, blasted the music, had amazing conversations, and headed to Flag. It was such a fun getaway! Again, with amazing company! Before going to the baptism, we took a day trip to Sedona and hiked to Devil's Bridge! It was absolutely beautiful!

G-"SO, its your last weekend of break, lets do something really fun!"

Me-Okay!! (I'm ALWAYS up for that)

G-"Perfect, lets go to Disneyland!!!"

Oh, how I love his Spontaneity! So in two days we decided to go to Disneyland and have the most magical, happiest, time of our lives!!! Really, I loved every second of it! Including the car ride! Who wouldn't have the time of their life in the happiest place on earth with the happiest people on earth! So many amazing memories, laughter, smiles, and celebration!
Now it is back to reality, with a crazy school schedule...BUT somehow we don't seem to skip a beat. We still have so much fun every single day!!

I have enjoyed watching him play flag football for the city league! They just won the championship!! All I have to say is Grafton is a STUD!! I love watching him :)

We have been doing fun little things with the family, bowling, Monster Truck Jam, playing in the irrigation after big rain storms, Q.T. (quality time), trying to focus on homework-HA, and loving every second of life!!

This much joy, fun, love, and pure happiness shouldn't be allowed for one little girl!! I am the luckiest girl in the world!!! I have had the most amazing times of my life with Grafton Milne. I never could have imagined life could get THIS much better! I am so incredibly blessed! I can't wait for each new day of adventure with him. Times like these are what life is all about... :) :)

Pure Happiness :)

2009-12-19T10:07:00.000-08:00

I know that just about everything makes me happy...but this week has been EXTRA happy!! for SO many reasons :) :)

So happy that it made me want to blog about it, so here we are!

1. Finished my first semester at ASU with a 4.15 GPA. hard work paid off!

Now instead of feeling like THIS is taking over my days...I have a well earned MONTH break!!

2. My beautiful SISTER moved home!! I love my best friend!! Now, I'm not missing anyone or anything, I am perfectly content and happy with where I am and who I'm with...(okay I have some close friends at BYU that I miss, but we still keep in contact and make up for lost time when we're on break!)

3. I LOVE the HOLIDAY SEASON!!! Full of Happiness, love, service, lights, decorations, giving, christmas movies, romance, family, and friends.

My amazing Light friends did a "Remembering White Christmas" show.

ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT!!! They did amazing.

I can never get enough of the temple+christmas lights...two of my very favorite things!!

I love makin sugar cookies and watchin christmas movies on rainy days with my bestie!

This season is being SO good to me :)

4. I Love the time I've been able to spend with my parents :) With all these days off, I've been so lucky to get one on one time with my incredible Mom and Dad!! I have been working out with Dad and shopping and making crafts with Mom. I love them so much, I am really glad that I have stayed home this semester and had this time with them. I learn so much from spending time and having good conversations with them. Truly incredible people.

I'm so blessed to call them my parents.

Mom and I have too much fun doing crafts :)

P90X-bring it!

5. I've loved spending time with my cute friends! I am so lucky to have such amazing girl friends! I also went swing dancing with some friends and Sis on Wednesday night!! SO much fun...we finally mastered these moves after many attempts. Pretty excited about it! As you can tell, I loved it!

6. Grafton Milne.

Our first date was last friday...yes, I've wanted to go on a date with him for a very long time!!! No one would blame me either, I think every single girl wants to go on a date with Grafton Milne-He's such an amazing guy! He was my home teacher for six months, and made me feel so welcome and loved in the ward. I've always admired the person he is-energetic, enthusiastic, friendly, and has a genuine love for people, life, and the Lord! To be honest-I thought I would NEVER get a date with him...i'll admit I have never been so excited/nervous to go on a date with someone before... and It turned out to be

THE best date EVER!!!!

I have had an incredible week with him...

He's such an entertaining, fun person and treats me So amazing.

I feel so blessed to be able to spend time with him and love getting to know him...

Can you tell how Happy I am?! :) :) Life is SOOO GOOOD!!

My favorite quote :)

2009-12-15T15:47:00.000-08:00

“You can be excellent in every way. You can be first class. There is no need for you to be a scrub. Respect yourself. Do not feel sorry for yourself. Do not dwell on unkind things others may say about you. Polish and refine whatever talents the Lord has given you. Go forward in life with a twinkle in your eye and a smile on your face, but with great and strong purpose in your heart. Love life and look for its opportunities. And forever and always be Loyal to the church.”

~President Gordon B. Hinckley

I have this quote on my wall in my room, and lately I have been reading it quite often. It is so straight forward and inspirational, it reminds me of the important things in life and that if we will life this way we can truly be happy.

Life is truly wonderful! I love this holiday season and the joy it brings! I am so incredibly blessed!! School is (successfully) done for the semester, Heavenly Father loves me, and I have amazing people in my life! I couldn't be happier.

GIRLS NIGHT OUT!!!!

2009-11-21T12:10:00.000-08:00

I have THE GREATEST friends. I am SO lucky!!

Girls Nights are my FAVORITE!!! I have THE cutest friends in the world. We went to Gecko Grill (of course) for dinner. It has been our tradition since Junior High, never get sick of it! We took tons of pictures, caught up on life, boys, school, jobs, and everything else!! Then we went to NEW MOON!!! I am definitely a huge Twilight fan! I couldn’t put the books down! Although the movies aren’t quite as good as I imagine in my head, I still enjoy them! These girls are so wonderful, they always make me feel so good! I feel so blessed to have these girls in my life. They’re always there for me, and no matter how busy and separated our lives get, there is always time for girls nights!

MmMmmm

They are all so BEAUTIFUL...On the INSIDE and OUT!!

Teasing...

2009-10-29T21:01:00.001-07:00

SO, As funny as it sounds, I LOVE when my Dad is Bored, because he entertains himself by teasing me! He definitely makes sure my life is never boring. I Was working on homework and he was "In a mood" . . . Since I had too much homework to entertain him, he thought of the genius plan to tie me into my room . . . mom didn't approve, but I found it hilarious! I went to leave my room and was STUCK!! Then, I hear laughing from my window, turn around to see him watching me, fully satisfied by his act. SO . . . he came back in just to take a picture and watch me untie it . . . I laughed and warned him that I would get him back!

SOOOOO.. . . When he was working I tied him into his office :) I was so proud of myself when all of a sudden he walks in the front door!! I was very confused, and then realized he crawled out of his window. . . just when I thought I was being sneaky! I still got a good laugh out of it.

When I move out I'm REALLY going to miss my dad teases. I decided I need this little bit of teasing for the rest of my life, never a dull moment!

Dear Future Husband,

I like to be teased :) It Keeps life entertaining! Just know I can dish it back! Be prepared!

love, Me

HAPPiNESS

2009-10-20T18:36:00.000-07:00

:) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :)

I have had a lot of happy thoughts today! I am so blessed!! When things get crazy I just have to remember to find happiness in the small things :) I decided to make a list of things that make me happy, to remember in those times I feel...less happy!

1. My wonderful Family

2. The Gospel of Jesus Christ

3. Being Productive

4. Music

5. Driving with the windows down, hair down, music blasting!

6. Saying "Hi" to complete strangers

7. Making new friends

8. Performing/being on stage

9. Dancing

10. Singing

11. Studying really hard for a test-and it paying off!!

12. Making goals

13. Coconut

14. Bean and Cheese Burritos

15. Good, solid conversations

16. Friendly people

17. Smiling

18. Happy texts

19. Having someone special on my mind

20. DOVE Chocolate

21. Star gazing-I get SO excited when I see a shooting star

22. Sunsets!!

23. Actually, I love everything about the sky!! I'm amazed EVERY SINGLE DAY!

24. Taking pictures

25. Editing pictures

26. Happy, uplifting quotes

27. LIGHT

28. My amazing friends

29. Girls nights

30. Fun dates

31. Bright colors

32. Vacations

33. Little kids

34. Being 5 foot 3 inches

35. Naps

36. Gecko Grill

37. Memories

38. Seeing my siblings grow, and do what is right, and learning from them

39. Good, tight, hugs

40. Daydreaming

41. Texting

42. Overcoming weaknesses

43. Being silly

44. Giggle Fits- I tend to get those a lot, Laughing MUST be good for the health!

45. Spending time with people I love

46. Arizona! (especially 75 degree october weather and unbeatable skies!)

47. Chick flicks

48. Listening to church music...every day of the week.

49. Palm trees

50. Hammocks

51. Alone time

52. Letters!!(Especially from Missionaries-I am so proud of my friends on missions)

53. Feeling Loved

54. The beach/ocean

55. Good teeth

56. Scripture/Preach my Gospel Study

57. Snowboarding

58. Swing Dancing

59. Sunshine

60. Getting A's

61. Good advice

62. Pink and Teal

63. Vans

64. Having little feet!! (kids size shoes are Cheaper!!-and I have more options!)

65. Flowers

66. Surprises

67. My Honda Accord (Shelly)

68. My best friend named Lee A. Hona (A.k.A my GPS!!)

69. Sunglasses

70. Bright, colorful socks!

71. Accomplishments

72. Being helpful

73. Cookie dough

74. getting 8 hours of sleep

75. Having something to look forward to

76. listening to my Dad give talks

77. The prophet-Thomas S. Monson

78. Musicals!

79. Being spontaneous

80. Getting weird looks when I do silly things

81. Noticing the little things in Nature-what a beautiful world

82. Making a wish at 9:13

83. Princesses

84. Dressing up-in any kind of costume, or spirit activity

85. putting :) in texts... I probably over use

86. Rain

87. Running through sprinklers

88. SKYPE and iCHAT!

89. Swings

90. Disney

91. Roller coasters

92. Taco Bell

93. Soft blankets

93. Reeses

94. Salt and Vinegar chips

95. Kisses

96. Weekends

97. To-Do lists

98. Dolphins

99. When my favorite song comes on the radio

100. Hand massages

101. Sweatpants

102. Cuddling

103. Kisses on the forehead

104. Saving money

105. Blogging

106. Facebook/blog comments

107. Teasing...haha. I get that from my dad!

108. Doing homework outside!

109. Finding quiet places

110. My room

111. People that you feel so comfortable just being next to, and don't have to say a word.

112. Art work

113. Doodling

114. Friday the thirteenth...Actually my lucky day!!

115. the Number 13!! (I get so excited when I get to sit in seat "13" or anything that has to do with the number!

116. Random calls just to say "hi"

117. Thoughtful gifts just because....not just for a holiday.

118. GOOD people!

119. Reading good books...that I can't put down...Jos calls them my "boyfriend"

120. LIFE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

:) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :)

So I've been thinking....

2009-10-19T18:41:00.001-07:00

A LOT!!! Sometimes I think I think too much. I'm in this time of my life where I have to start making so many decisions...it's a little overwhelming...but at the same time it is kind of fun.

I have been doing a lot of research on different schools making sure I can stay on top of the different prerequisites, especially the Dental hygiene programs at UVU and MCC. Every day I decide on one of them but then change my mind the next...There are so many choices to make. I am TORN sometimes between being responsible, by staying here and keeping my scholarship FREE SCHOOL and staying with my family...OR Having the experience of moving away, being independent and living in Utah with my friends and Sis...

There are times when I wish I knew where I would end up in life...what school I am going to go to for Dental Hygiene...Exactly what classes I'm going to take...What Job I'll have...Where I will live...Who I will marry...I've been thinking a lot about these things. I'm not wishing time away because I am loving the stage I am at now, but I feel like everything I do now, every goal I make, and every decision I have will lead to what my future turns out to be.

But I know that the whole "fun" in life is not knowing what will happen, and being able to make these decisions. It is kind of like a puzzle, I just have to find all the pieces!

I love having goals and working toward achieving them. Being productive and successful makes me happy. I've finally got the hang of school...and I'm loving it (I can't believe I'm saying that) because I am working hard and reaching my goals.

I think as long as I keep these goals, take one step at a time, and rely on the Lord everything will work out. As President Monson says "The future is as bright as your faith!" Oh how I love that. I love the hope that the gospel of Jesus Christ gives me. Even though decisions can be hard, I know that If I always do what is right I will never go Wrong.

What a beautiful, comforting thing to know!!!! :)

I discuss these decisions with my Dad very often, He kind of helps me sort through my possibilities...but is mainly my support towards each step I take...I am so blessed to have such a supportive family!

In our discussion today he said this to me...

"It's not all about the destination,

...it's about the Journey."-Wade Whiting

He's a smart man, I hope to be just like him someday

(in a woman version)... :)

"COME WHAT MAY, AND LOVE IT!"

Weekend in UTAH!!

2009-10-11T21:37:00.001-07:00

What a wonderful trip !!

Since so many of my favorite people live in Utah now, I've been trying to find a way to visit since school started...Since I had failed attempts to convince my parents to let me drive up for the weekend, I was ecstatic to find out that Nana and Grandpa decided to drive to Utah for a Book of Mormon conference...They let me tag a long :) I was so extremely excited, I couldn't handle it! I Counted down the days for 13 days! I missed three days of school, and it was definitely worth it!! I loved every second of the trip and spent time with people I love!

I can't believe we did so many things in one short weekend! Here's a couple highlights:

Count down days, hours, min...then wanting time to slow down once I was there.
paradise bakery-sis's favorite!
Random Monochromatic dance party
yo zone with the girls (Fro Yo is our tradition)
jammin to music in the car with the windows down
Changing facebook status to:Laurisa is moving to Utah!-who knew so many people believed facebook!?
taking SO many pictures so I could remember every second
would you like to stay forever?!
meeting new people
party in the usa
going to the last conference session
prank calling random people and reading mad gab cards to them
staying up way too late
making sis wake up early so we didn't miss out on anything
home made oreo cookies in the middle of the night
Driving with Nana and Grandpa-"ELK!"-they make me laugh
Getting texts from Dad and Mitch saying that I'm the favorite Daughter/Sister...turns out they said the same to Sis!
Getting a call from Nana everyday reminding me to look at the "majestic mountains"
watched a random, ridiculous movie
skip bo with the family
lots of laughs
1.0 and 2.0
realizing how completely opposite Sis and I are
sharing clothes-I miss that!
spontaneous dance moves
a trip to Sis's fav...forever21
dollar movies
oh heeeeyyyyyy!
performing our sister song
Inside jokes
Red Robin
Brick Oven
Costa Vida
Jason's Deli with Jason

I had to take advantage of every second I had with them... so we played a lot, and slept very little. I had the time of my life!

I love my beautiful Sis!! She's my best friend in the whole world, It was so fun to visit her!! She means so much to me, and is the most incredible person. I'm so happy I have her forever!

It was so fun seeing my girls!! Oh how I've missed them!

It was nice catching up :)

SO fun seeing good friends! I have the the most amazing friends, even though they all left me for BYU!

Maybe I will be able to join them soon!:)

I was SO excited to go to conference for the first time! It was so amazing! I couldn't get over the fact that there were over 21,000 people there! It was a very different experience being there, the spirit is so strong, it gave me chills. I loved the silence and respect with President Monson walked in, and I loved singing "Hope of Israel" with the congregation. We are so blessed to have a living prophet and apostles to give us guidance today. I love this gospel with all my heart. I enjoyed all of the conference talks, and learned so much. I want to go up there for the April conference too!

I love rain...even when it is cold... :)

Oh how I love my family, They are so much fun! Although I didn't get to see everyone, It was great seeing Grandma and Grandpa and Uncle Jeff, Aunt Amber, and Megan! We enjoyed playing games sunday night. Nana and Grandpa even joined us! So fun! I am so blessed to have such a wonderful family!

I can't wait to visit again. I think half my heart is still in Utah! I only wish Gilbert and Provo were next to eachother...

now wouldn't that be wonderful?! :)

The beautiful thing about technology!

2009-09-20T18:47:00.000-07:00

Utah...Yep, I'm Jealous of a state!!!!

BUTTTT....thanks to technology I can still talk to some of my favorite people, through a screen!

My Sis has the cutest faces, that pouty face kills me, she gives me that when she misses me! oh how I love her!!

I get SO excited to do SKYPE or iCHAT! it is so much better when you can see these faces when you talk to them...AS you can tell, They all thoroughly entertain me!!

Oh how I miss these cute girls! They make me laugh so hard! They are at BYU, and I wish I was up there with them! They don't even know I took these pictures while talking to them!! ha.

Talking to These amazing people always makes my day! especially since they live 743 miles away from me :(

My 19th BIRTHDAY!!! :)

2009-09-17T14:52:00.000-07:00

One year older and loving life!! I had an amazing birthday! I felt SO loved! I was definitely spoiled! To celebrate my family took me to my FAVORITE restaurant...Gecko Grill! I cannot even count how many times I have been there, and I ALWAYS get a Bean and Cheese Burrito! I figure, if something makes you that happy,there is no need for change! :) After Gecko we went to Beauty and The Beast at Hale Theater! I absolutely LOVE Beauty and The Beast, I always have! The musical was spectacular! I loved every second of it!! My mom even bought be a little crown to wear that night, I think she still thinks I'm a little kid, and I love it! I will always want to be the little princess!

On Sunday, my family made me my favorite meal for dinner...once again Bean and Cheese burritos! We even had Great Grandma with us! I just love her! She is always so happy and bright! What a wonderful family I have! They decorated the whole house by the time I got home from church! They really made me feel special. I got to talk to Sis on the Web cam!! Oh how I LOVE her!! It was ALMOST as good as seeing her in person!

It was a very busy day full of happy, uplifting things. I decided that Sunday is my favorite day to have my birthday on! I had a meeting for my calling (the activities committee) and they made me breakfast and sang to me! Then I went to Ward Choir practice, which I love being a part of. Then church and family dinner and visiting and then I went to a CES fireside by Sister Dalton! It was an incredible fireside, the spirit was so strong and it was a wonderful message. I love how happy she is! She's such a great example!

After the fireside my friends from LIGHT, School, and My ward all came over for ice cream (with many toppings)! I really enjoyed seeing everyone and spending time with people I love! I was able to see some of my friends that I have not seen for a really long time!

I have such wonderful friends that always support me and show their love. Starting at midnight I had so many calls and messages telling me happy birthday!

These handsome boys showed up to my house surprising me with a beautiful birthday quartette! I LOVED it!!! They are so good to me. As you can see in this video, they are amazing! I'm so lucky to have them!

Ambassadors of LIGHT!!

2009-09-05T13:33:00.000-07:00

I had the most amazing summer of my life!! My favorite part about it was being in the Ambassadors of Light and also being a part of the high school group, LIGHT, this past year! I cannot even put in words how much I love it!! There is nothing I love more than preforming! As a little girl I would always say that the stage was my playground, and it still is! :) I absolutely love singing and dancing and the feeling of being in front of an audience doing the things I love most. I love the way that it effects people, I love watching the smiles and laughter on people's faces from stage! It is the best feeling in the world knowing that you made someone happy, especially when doing something that makes me the happiest! There are 18 of the most amazing people I have ever known in this group! They are always striving for excellence, being a great example, following Christ, strengthening and uplifting one another, and entertaining everyone (not just on stage-there is never a dull moment) I have grown to love each and everyone of them and know the little things that make them so wonderful. I will cherish these relationships forever! Spending this much time together, working really hard, having so much fun, and striving to bring the Light of Christ to others.

I could do our show over and over and never get sick of it! Each time was like the first! We spent only 3 weeks at the beginning of the summer learning the show and then spent the rest of it performing and polishing some of our numbers and most importantly enjoying every minute we had with each other. I just loved being with everyone in this group so much, and the studio is like my second home. After every trip I went on this summer, I would hurry home just in time for practice! I would go to the studio immediately and could not wait!!

It always makes me SO happy when people I love come to my show! It means the WORLD to me! Thank you all for your support! It is so fun to have someone to perform to! Even when my shows were out of town some of my friends and family came to watch it! My friends took a road trip up to Payson to see a show we had there! I felt so loved! My family has been a support the entire year going to almost all of my shows! My Mom probably went to 20 or more shows! She was our "Light Groupie" the whole year and only missed a few shows, she was definitely our biggest fan! I appreciated her enthusiasm for what I loved so much!

These are some fun pictures we took in Payson, It was so beautiful! We entertain ourselves with taking so many silly pictures!

AOL... BOOYAH! this was basically our unity chant :) We did it just about anywhere to pump us up for a show, or just end a practice. We even have a little "booyah" on our shirts!

Trip to Cali number ONE! Oh what an adventure! We took a spontaneous trip for the weekend just to go to six flags and the beach! We ended up only having five hours at six flags and about 3 hours at the beach...and the rest of the weekend was spent in the van with Mom driving! She was such a good sport (even through a blown up tire, and almost ran out of gas in the middle of no where) She kept a positive attitude and We all still had the time of our lives.

FINAL TOUR:

For our big end of the year tour, we toured California! We started with L.A. and San diego, then traveled to Pasadena, went to Long Beach, San Francisco, San Jose, and Oakland, along with many other stops along the way. We squeezed into a Tahoe (with a trailer following) and a fifteen passenger van!! That was an adventure in itself! You know you really love someone when you can sit in a tightly packed van with them for over 40 hours in a week! We learned so much about each other, played games, sang songs of course, and told many jokes! But we definitely took advantage of letting our energy out when we stopped. Each day that passed I would get even more sad about it ending. We spent a night at the beach, had a BBQ, made s'mores on a grill, rode bikes across the Golden Gate Bridge, took SO many pictures, Did a couple shows and firesides for different stakes, Stayed up late in the hotel rooms telling stories and watching movies. We had a show at Pier 39 in San Fran one of the days, and spent the rest of the day exploring the pier. We did some shopping and people watching, and let me tell you, there are SO many interesting people in San Francisco! We stayed at host families home for 4 nights, which were some very amazing ( spending two nights with a cute BYU student, She had all her friends over and made it such a fun night and I loved meeting new people!)...to very eye opening experiences ( one of the homes was full of mold and very unsanitary, it made us really thankful for our homes). They were all very kind to us! We met so many wonderful people through all of our shows, with many different stories and lives, and we touched many of them.

Unfortunately my incredible summer had to come to an end, along with this experience! :( I know I will continue to sing and dance here and there because I love it so much, But I am so sad that this had to end. It has been my absolute favorite thing. I have had experiences of a lifetime and met so many Incredible people, and built relationships I will have forever. I am so grateful for this group and the influence it has had on my life, It has strengthened my testimony, challenged me, and showed me a whole new love for others. Now we have all gone our separate ways for school and busy lives, it is sad not seeing them all the time, but we sure made the best of the time we had!

Viva Las Vegas!

2009-09-05T13:20:00.000-07:00

On our way home from the family reunion we had a family vacation in Las Vegas. I absolutely love spending time with my family! Dad, being the maximizer that he is bought us all power passes for 2 days. It had a list of activities that you could do with the passes, but the catch was you had a 48 hour time period to fit them in. We went non-stop for two days straight having a complete blast. We went to 4 shows, Planet Hollywood, Madam Tussuad's Wax Museum, New York New York Roller Coaster, M&M world, the Adventure Dome at Circus Circus, the top of the Eiffel Tower,rode the ride on top of the stratosphere, the Dolphin and Lion exhibit, F-1 racing, Cosmic Putt Putt golfing, and swimming. I could not believe we fit so much into just a few days! What a fun family I have! I am so glad I get to be with them for eternity! They are truly my best friends, I love the relationship I have which each one of them.

Whiting Family Reunion!!

2009-09-05T13:03:00.000-07:00

I don't even know where to begin with writing about the funnest, greatest, craziest, funniest, family bonding, action packed, 4 day Whiting family reunion. Not to brag or anything...but I have THE most amazing family in the world! I love them so much, everyone of them, they are so inclusive and always make everyone feel loved.
We went to This is the Place Monument and had a picnic lunch and had fun seeing all the sights. There was so much to do that we couldn't get to it all in a day. We went through historical homes, rode pony's, rode a train, made pioneer crafts, saw our great great grandparents home, performed songs on a stage, acted like we were students in a old one room school house.

We came home and were thoroughly entertained with many talented acts at our very own "Whiting Idol". The talent was bursting at the seams. We had a young version and old version of Sonny and Cher. They sounded amazing, and were very entertaining. We all had so much fun preforming our funny little numbers we had been practicing! I was so proud of Dad, although it took him about 12 hours to memorize "Muscular" he pulled through and still had room for his signature improvisation of the words.

We started the next morning on a breathtaking hike up Bridal Veil. The weather was so beautiful, I love Utah in the summer, it was so fun being up there twice this summer!!

We came home and Great Grandma Whiting was there to join us. She even went to the ropes course with us.It made the reunion complete to have her with us. We all made foil dinners for our dinner that night. Megan Gazaway (a dear friend of the family's had everything all prepared for us.) I don't know what we would have done with out her, she fed us every meal for the three days.
And then it was on to continued fun at the ropes coarse and team building games. We all have so much fun together and the competition began. The fun part of it was we worked together to accomplish the goals.

I loved these high adventure ropes courses! It was such a fun experience that we could all enjoy! Even the cute little cousins did the zip line!

After we went to Nunn's park and enjoyed a wonderful outdoor meal. We played outdoor games,played charades, talked and had an amazing tin foil oreo smores (thanks to Meg)
Sunday was a day that we tried to cram every last bit of togetherness in. We stayed up until 3 in the morning and it still wasn't enough time, but it never is! We celebrated Dad Whitings' birthday. Wade performed magic, Joslyn had a salon in the garage for anyone in need of a haircut, played more games, made crafts, made shakes, cleaned out Grandma's fridge of expired food, and recorded our voices on everyone's cell phones so we wouldn't miss each other so much.

A week in UTAH!

2009-09-05T09:39:00.000-07:00

Alexis invited me to spend a week with her and her family in Provo, Utah. They have the cutest little condo up there. It was like home but without any responsibilities! So much fun! The weather was absolutely beautiful there so we spent a lot of time outside and rode bikes every day! We painted pottery, went shopping, tried on goofy clothes at goodwill, had BBQs, huge slip-n-slides in the park, played games for hours, visited friends, and met new people. The Flake's are always doing something fun! We went to the Oquirrh Mountain Temple open house, which was beautiful. We packed so much fun into every day! On the last day, before they took me to the airport, we squeezed in one more thing and went to this fun place where we went rollerblading, jumped on huge bouncy obstacles, and went down water slides. It was so nice of them to let me come on their family vacation. I loved spending time with her family, they are so fun and sweet! Alexis and I have been on so many trips together this year, I think we lost count! We've decided we need to make a "Laurisa and Alexis's Adventures book!" She is so much fun to be around and always makes me laugh! I am so lucky to have a friend like her :)
It was so fun being in Utah because I was able to spend time with Sis and the family! We had a sleep over in her little apartment and went into her Cosmetology school to get scalp treatments, which were amazing! She introduced us to all her cute friends and we got to catch up on life since she's moved. She even ditched school to hang out with me! What a lucky sis I am! She made me Delicious meals and surprised me and took me to get "glitter toes" Of course I was in heaven! I love spending time with my beautiful sister, I'm so lucky to have her and it was a lot better than talking to her through the web cam!
I loved spending the Fourth in Utah! There was so much going on! I spent the day with my cute cousins, aunts and uncles, and Grandpa and Grandma. I have such a fun family. We went to the Freedom Festival in Provo, played games, and enjoyed the holiday.

That night I went with the Flake's to the stadium of fire! Some friends of theirs gave them free tickets for all of us last minute! It was so Amazing! I've never seen such amazing fireworks in my life! She Daisy performed first, I have loved them ever since I was a child, it was so fun to hear their songs again! Then the Jonas Brothers performed (which from where we stood sounded like Kids Bop because of all the little girls singing around us!) But we sang and danced right along with them of course. It was the perfect 4th or July!

Senior trip with the Girls!

2009-09-05T02:19:00.000-07:00

Five girls+San Diego, California=way too much fun!

My best friends have been trying to plan a trip to Cali for a while, but all of our schedules were just so busy, with work, school, family vacations, and other activities. But we managed to get off work, I had a little break from Light, and we put it all together. I am SO glad we did. It is so crazy how all of our different schedules and busy lives make it so hard for us to see each other, even when it is summer and no one is off to school YET. But this trip definitely made up for it! I have the greatest friends!

They all drove to San Diego on a friday. I had a show for my performing group, Ambassadors of LIGHT that night so I did not think I would be able to go with them. But somehow I managed to find a really cheap one way ticket the next morning! I am SO happy it all worked out!

We spent five days without any worries or responsibilities, just lying on Coronado Beach, soakin' up the sun, listening to music, playing scum, eating frozen yogurt, watching the surfers and interesting people on the beach, and enjoying each others company. We had many adventures. Allie and Aubree almost drowned in the ocean, but conveniently were swept out of the water by some mildly attractive lifeguards...which of course continued to hit on them for the rest of the week. Kylee took so many pictures with her amazing photography talent and eye for picture moments and we all loved it!

One beautiful day we decided to take a bike ride around Coronado Island! Aubree and I decided to try something new and ride a tandum bike. Little did we know, it was MUCH harder than it looked. I rode in front first, which i found out very quickly was not something I was very good at! ha! They were all worried for mine and Aub's safety so they voted that Aubree should steer...This was an even worse idea! Somehow she lost control and fell off the curb into a busy street!! It was terrifying...yet we laughed very hard after!

We loved California! The weather was so perfect, and it was so nice to get away from the AZ heat for a few days. It is such a beautiful place, and I am absolutely in love with the beach. What a beautiful world we live it! The people there are... let's just say-as you heard in my last blog-A LOT different from Baltimore! They are all so friendly! Maybe we just got a lot of attention because it was just five of us girls! We enjoyed it though! We went to eat one night and the guy that worked there gave us a FREE huge brownie cake! haha...not sure why! :) but we had no complaints!

On sunday we visited the San Diego temple! It is absolutely beautiful! I love going to the temple. It makes me so happy. We are so blessed to have so many around us.

When ever I am with these girls I think I laugh more than I breathe! They make life so entertaining and full of fun! I am so blessed to have such wonderful friends. They are such great girls, full of love, life, and always strive to be good examples. Everyone needs friends like mine, ones you can truly trust, tell everything to, laugh until you cry or pee your pants, look up to, and can always count on to put a smile on your face.
Hopefully we can make this some kind of tradition! I love being with these cute girls! I always have the time of my life!

Baltimore and Washington D.C.

2009-09-05T00:57:00.000-07:00

I am such a lucky girl! I began my summer with an amazing senior trip to Baltimore and Washington D.C with my wonderful parents and Alexis Flake.

First Stop: BALTIMORE!

The adventure started in the airport... I had been singing the song "Good Morning Baltimore" from Hairspray, for quite a while because I was so excited to go! SO, Dad told me that If I sang it right when we got off the plane in Baltimore then he would give me TEN dollars...Well I am not the kind of person to get embarrassed, so of course I was willing! I started kinda singing it as we landed, not many people heard, but my dad was starting to get really embarrassed (which or course made it SO much more fun) As we walked off the plane I sang it louder and with more excitement...then I turned to my dad and said, "K now you owe me ten bucks!!" and a lady that was also on the plane with us blurted out..."I'll pay you to stop!" I was definitely caught off guard so I asked her to repeat it..yep same result! Oh I laughed so hard! This is when I learned that people in Baltimore are a little different then in Arizona! ...on the other hand, maybe I am just different :) and I'm perfectly happy with that!

That was just the beginning of our many adventures! I LOVED seeing Uncle Justin in Baltimore, it was great meeting his girl friend, seeing where he lived, and getting the local's perspective of the city. We did some shopping of course, walked around the city, ate at an Afghanistan restaurant (which was great at the time, but I'll explain later how it wasn't such a good idea), and just enjoyed the city.

Next stop: WASHINGTON D.C.

What an interesting city! There are so many beautiful monuments throughout the city. It is so full of amazing history of our beautiful free country. It gave me an even greater appreciation for our founding fathers and the veterans that have made such great sacrifices they made to give us this country. Alexis has a lot of hooks up in this city since her father is a congressman. She got us into some V.I.P tours and told us many stories that she has learned throughout her many visits to D.C. growing up. We were set up to go on a tour of the upper part of the Capital dome, where we could walk up to the very top and look over the beautiful city. On this same day, I woke up with the flu :( I DO NOT like missing out on anything! Even when I'm throwing up...SO I decided I would still make it on the tour, with a throw up bag in my pocket. Great! So we had to walk hundreds of stairs. I was doing pretty well for quite a while, and was very proud. As we reached the top I began to feel a little nauseated, but I made it!!! this excitement didn't last too long, the bag came out of my pocket and Yes, I threw up! ON TOP of our country's CAPITAL building! Alexis said, "Well, I think you are the first one to throw up on the top of the capital!" ...I'm so proud of my accomplishment!

Luckily I was only sick for a day, I went back to the hotel and slept while Mom and Alexis did more shopping and went to the Holocaust museum, which I was sad I missed . Good news, The rest of the trip was full of energy, and I was able to see everything I wanted to in the city. I loved going to all the museums, paddle boating in the lake in front of the Jefferson Memorial, taking lots of picture, and enjoying time with Alexis and my parents. It was a wonderful trip, full of many memories, fun, and learning.

Highland High Graduation!

2009-09-04T23:47:00.000-07:00

Graduation: The Beginning and End of something AMAZING!

Wow, I definitely lived up every minute of high school! I loved every part of it, and have no regrets. It was such a fun four years of my life. I loved being at Highland, especially being involved in Student Council as the Student Body Vice President, doing Cheer for three years, and pretty much anything involved with school spirit. I made so many wonderful friends throughout the years that have truly made me the person I am today. It makes me sad that after graduation day, life tends to get in the way and people move on and lose contact, but I will always have those memories. Honestly, I was not really looking forward to this day (I am probably one of the ONLY people that felt that way) But I just loved high school so much, and wanted to hold on as long as I could, I just wasn't quite ready for a change. It turns out, it isn't so bad. I've still been living up every moment of life, it is just different. New people, new school, new activities, I know I'll grow to love this stage in my life just as much...life's an adventure, I'm really just beginning.

Baccalaureate and Graduation were absolutely wonderful. It was such a happy time knowing what we had accomplished and anticipating what we had ahead. I had the opportunity to speak at Baccalaureate AND Graduation! It made the experience so much more memorable because I was able to be involved and make it the way I wanted it to be.

To make the night even more memorable, It RAINED!! This is very rare for Arizona, so we were very blessed. I think us graduates enjoyed it more than our friends and family on the bleachers! I will definitely remember this day forever.

I felt SO much love and support from all of my friends and family! I am so blessed to be surrounded by so many incredible people. Thank you so much for making my life so great and always supporting me in the choices, experiences, and stages of my life! Now, on to bigger and better things! I can't wait to see what life has in store for me :)