Photo Shoot

I got to photograph this super cute family a couple of weeks ago.

These are the sweetest little girls. Mom and Dad are pretty great too.

Stuart Falls

I went hiking last Saturday.

I know. Definitely something that needs to be documented. It doesn't happen too often, mostly because I'm busy and...oh yeah, I'm way out of shape. Also, I am the world's slowest hiker, so no one ever wants to go with me. It's mostly because I take so many photos...



...but also 'cuz I'm out of shape. Let's be honest.

But, I really enjoy being in the wilderness, especially during the fall. It is therapy for the soul. Nothing equals fresh mountain air. Also, I got to hang out with 2 of my favorite people, Amelia and Kristi.

Plus, my parents are rockstars and found a great deal on a Canon 5D, so I also had an excuse to break in my new camera.

Basically, it was a great day all around.

Even though I was sore until Wednesday.

(When did I get to be so old?!)

I sincerely apologize for the embarrassing display of fall celebration.

I just can't help myself.

I love living in Utah.

Casa de Colon

I got to take a quick trip down memory lane when I saw this photo on Facebook today.

This is the last place Christopher Columbus stayed before he crossed the Atlantic and discovered America. It is now a museum called Casa de Colon (there is an accent over the 2nd 'o' but I can't figure out how to do it) - Columbus' house - and is located in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria in the Canary Islands. I went there a couple of times during my mission and it was fun to see something so historical.

I love the architecture and history of Spain. I can't wait to go back with my camera and document the beauty of the islands. Until then, I have to rely on photos I find on the Internet to remind me how amazing the islands are.

I also heard from one of my very favorite companions today, Hermana Oliveira. She's from Brazil and is so awesome. I haven't talked to her since the mission (keeping in touch with people is not a talent of mine), but we chatted on Facebook today and it was so good to hear from her.

This is her FB profile picture. I'll dig up more pictures of us from the mission soon. We had so much fun together. We laughed a ton. She's awesome. We lived with some crazy old lady who had dentures -- actually, she wasn't even that old. She would go to bed every night before we even got home and would leave her dentures on the kitchen counter. We would eat dinner when we got home at 9 and had to work around them every night. It was so gross but we just laughed about it. I'm glad to hear that Hna Oliveira (Elisa) is doing well. A life-long friend for sure...even though we haven't talked. I think those are the best friends ---> ones where no matter how much time has passed, you can talk and feel comfortable like you talk all the time.

So, Elisa speaks Portugese and Spanish and I speak English and (barely) Spanish so it took some work to communicate with her. I really wish I still spoke super well, but I don't. I just don't have the opportunity to speak it at all anymore, so I am forgetting it. I need to take classes or something so I don't forget it completely.


Something super cool has just happened in the islands. The very first stake for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints was organized last week. It's so exciting that the work is going forth and the members are faithful. I'm so thankful for the opportunity I had to serve a mission there and to know and love the wonderful Canarian people.

Not So Super...

Life never slows down.

One of my biggest stresses/epic life fails is time management. I'm working on priorities and sticking to a schedule but it's funny that life just keep getting in the way. Ironic, huh? I easily feel overwhelmed and have the occasional breakdown.

Like tonight, for example.

I have a lot on my plate right now - like most people, I know. Between my full-time job, and my 2 part-time jobs (home inspections and photography) then throw in my commute, my calling, home maintenance/cleaning/mowing the lawn and other yard care (I just have to be okay for the rest of this season that my flower beds are going to be grass beds till next year), grocery shopping, errands, paying bills, and, oh yeah, I probably should have some sort of a social life and helping family and friends (bear with me, this is therapeutic) I'm just having a hard time getting to everything.

I know I do not hold the monopoly on stress or having too much to do but sometimes (lots of times) I feel like I just can't do it. Not that I want to give up on life or anything, but I just need a break.


Or, a break down.


The current-most-stressful thing in my life right now is stupid Super Saturday. There is nothing 'super' about it, if you ask me (great attitude, huh?). It's a craft day for all the women in my ward and I am in charge of it. Sure, I have a committee, but 1/2 of them are having babies on or around the actual day of the event and the others work a lot or don't participate in planning meetings. Ok, I shouldn't complain. Most of my stress comes from my inability to delegate (why is it so hard?!) but realistically, the only time I have to plan/come up with good/fun/cheap/awesome crafts are after all my other crap is done which is usually late at night. Like 11 or 12 and people aren't too happy to hear from me that late.


Thank goodness for Pinterest. It has literally saved my life.


So, I pretty much have the crafts hammered out. I not only have to pick which crafts but I have to shop for the supplies, keep track of all the receipts, make the crafts, then figure out how much each one costs and how long each one takes to make. Oh, and I also have to put together all the materials and tools to make them for all the ladies that sign up for each craft. And this is after I haul them all to church for a month and set up a display with sign-up sheets in the hallway.


I'm not complaining. I'm not. I'm just venting here so I don't blow up at anyone.


This is actually right up my alley - the perfect church calling for me.


(I sure hope none of my ward members look at my blog though!)


Anyway, here are some of the crafts we are doing this year:


(sorry for the lame iPhone photos).

Jewelry hanger

Snowman votive

Tile coasters

Bookmark

We are doing a bunch of other cool crafts but I am in charge of these 4. Once everything is planned and the dust settles, I know it will be fun.

I wanted to do this pillow:

But it turned out to be too expensive and was vetoed by the board. I didn't really care because I got mine done and it looks great in my papasan chair (named Judith).

***

In other news, I'm getting a roommate next week! My best little bro Cade will be staying with me for 2 months while he does clinicals in Nephi. He is going to be a nurse anesthetist in 15 months and will work in different hospitals until then to get the required experience. I'm so excited that he gets to stay with me for part of it.

He's pretty cool.

I cleaned up and stocked my guest room for his comfort.

I'm sure he's super jazzed about the pink comforter.

...and the stuffed bear.

After my creeper in the window experience last week, my dad and Kyle say that they're worried for Cade's safety.

There will be some rules...and boundaries. :)

***

In other, other news, I completed my first (successful) sewing project!

(Okay, my mom had to help, but I did most of it).

(Isn't my new chair cool? Love Ikea!)

I'm hoping that sewing can be a new hobby of mine. Just as soon as I come up with the money to buy the sewing machine I want.

I guess I need to have a bake sale.