Michelle Reane

New Family Blog

2009-05-25T09:19:00.000-07:00

I made a new blog that is not just a Michelle Reane blog. Clark thought that it was time we had our blog instead of it being my blog. So come visit. It is vivalavarner.blogspot.com

Honeymoon Part II: Vegas Adventures

2009-03-27T17:33:00.000-07:00

Well since we were in Vegas, we had to enjoy some wholesome parts of the strip. We spent one day walking up the strip and a couple hours the next day going to the things we missed. We went to M&M world...after a bite to eat at Del Taco ;)
The yellow M&M is my favorite. I always get a picture like this.
Clark had the hotts for the green M&M. I figured I should steal some of her tricks.
We made a little trip to the Belagio. I LOVED the Christmas decorations. I was dressed pretty nicely and it was fun because the workers in the fancy stores would personally escort me around and thank me for visiting their store. I felt like such a high roller.
I had never seen the Belagio fountains before, so it was so fun to watch them. They are AMAZING! I probably looked like a child with the look of pure awe on my face.

We ate at one buffet...we felt that we should. We ate at the Luxor, it wasn't all that great, but it was the cheapest one we saw.

Honeymoon Part 1: Valley of Fire

2009-03-27T17:22:00.000-07:00

For our Honeymoon, Clark and I went to Vegas. Well, Clark's not really a big fan of Vegas, but he does LOVE Valley of Fire which is about 40 miles out of Vegas. On the day we got to Vegas, we dropped off our stuff at the hotel and left straight for this fire valley. I was a very paranoid passenger. I think because now I have more to lose, I am more afraid of pretty much anything that could cause my love to be hurt. Anyway, after driving off into the middle of nowhere for a while you come around a bend and see these huge red rocks just shooting out of the ground. The name is very fitting.
Clark and I explored for a while. I was nervous that the rocks were gonna come crumbling down on us...so I was pretty cautious. I also was wearing my uggs, so I didn't really want them to get dirty. Next time I will be prepared.
Clark was in heaven because he used to go to Valley of Fire with the scouts when he was little. I think it has a special place in his heart and it's full of memories. I also think he likes an adventure.

OOoooooh my husband is so strong!!

The lovebirds.

It is so cool because there are pictographs or something like that on the walls from Native Americans. So cool! I haven't ever seen those in real life before.

DEL TACO!!!!!

2009-03-27T17:15:00.000-07:00

Ok, so for those of you who don't know...I am obsessed with Del Taco. My favorite item is a 1/2 pound green burrito with no cheese. Hello! it's only 99 cents and it fills me up. Of course I really like to mix the diet coke with a splash of cherry coke. Something I really miss is my mom and Julie's and my almost daily trips to Del Taco. We would sit there for hours just talking and laughing. I think I probably planned most of my wedding there. The manager, Alex, also knew us and would give us free stuff. It was awesome. Now I pretty much only get to go once every other week, if that. Oh well, it's probably better for me anyway. But I do look forward to my next trip to Cali, when we can go to the Del Taco by our house. These pictures were taken on a day when we were feeling silly. Julie had tears. LOVE YOU GUYS!!! MISS YOU!!

I'll start from the beginning

2009-03-21T20:26:00.001-07:00

Hello again...Long time no see. I know, I apologize. I am sure that I have lost a lot of readers due to the lack of attention I have paid to my blog. But can you really blame me? I just got married. I'm still in the honeymoon stage. And if that excuse doesn't due...how about my one about starting my new job as a first grade teacher? Clark and I have also been spending a lot of time at the local recreational center trying to get our bodies lookin good. Not like they weren't already...but you can always use a little work right?
Anywho...I'll get on explaining these pictures. I feel like they were taken an eternity ago, probably because they were. I had my bridal shower a couple of months ago. Sweet Noellie threw it for me and the Clark's were sweet enough to host it in their home. When we got in Brother Clark made us some yummy hot cocoa that we could dip some butter cookies in. Then we had sandwhiches and in true Noelle fashion...costco hot dogs. Way to tie in my life to my bridal shower. They were a true hit. We also nibbled on some fruit...my fave. Everyone was given a candy bar and they had to give me advice or tell a story about me that included that word in it. I got some really good advice that I should always remember and some truly hilarious stories told about me. Everyone was super creative.
I love all of these beautiful women. My life would not be as beautiful without them.

This is all you are gonna see of me in lingerie...it is for Clark's eyes only. So sorry.

And oh do I look good in this little number ;)

This is the woman that started it all. I am so glad that I got to know her so well growing up when I used to babysit her kids almost every Friday night. If I hadn't, she wouldn't have known how well Clark and I would get along and I wouldn't be married to my sweet hubby right now. Thank you Lisa, I am eternally grateful!

It is a tradition in our little group of friends that the maid of honor makes a lingerie cake for the bridal shower. I must say Noelle did a stupendous job. I'm sorry Ash that yours wasn't quite so elaborate.

These are all the wonderful women that could make it to my shower. I love them all and am so grateful for the great things they have taught me and how much fun I was able to have with all of them. Thanks for making my shower such great fun!

So since we got married two days after Christmas, our engagement was spent with Christmas decorations all around. It had its ups and downs. I love Christmas lights and wish they could be up all year long, and it was super romantic. I only wish that I could have enjoyed them a little more. It didn't really seem like Christmas time because I spent all of the time leading up to Christmas planning a wedding. And Christmas wasn't all that exciting this year because I was still anxious for two days later. Now I am really looking forward to Christmas this next year because I will really be able to enjoy it. I am also looking forward to seeing my family next year, because I felt like I didn't get to spend enough time with them.

Oh and here is a picture from the "ring engagement." Since Clark proposed sort of spur of the moment, he didn't have a ring. I had to wait quite a while for that rock, but oh it was so worth it when it came. Clark sent me on a secret mission to uncover the item Nexus. His friends were all dressed up like secret agents and they drove me around to lots of the important places in our relationship to discover clues. Finally I got to the Canyon Bldg in Azusa and Clark proposed with the ring overlooking a reservoir with the sunset as a back drop. It was oh so romantic...he even had candles. Oh how I love him and am so grateful that we are eternally sealed!!!

I'll be back with more tomorrow.

Engagement Pics

2008-11-17T22:10:00.000-08:00

Anyone that has been engaged and planned a wedding knows how stressful this time can be. I am no exception. I don't remember the last time I was this stressed. But there are those sweet moments when you can step back and enjoy. One of these moments I would like to share with all of you. Taking engagement pictures was so surreal, but I loved it. I'm kinda vain that way. I love looking at these pictures. They are so sweet to me. I can see the love. I hope you all enjoy them as much as I do.

Oh Happy Day!!

2008-10-18T19:29:00.001-07:00

I'M ENGAGED!!!!! Crazy I know! Who would have thunk it? This is my future husband, Clark Varner and myself...

So here's the story...I moved to California and had some fun times. Sister Tanuvasa showed up at my door one day and told me that I should go to Institute in Glendora. "Of course," I say, "That I will do." She also informs me that there is this gentleman that she would like me to meet whose name is Clark. When I heard he was half hawaiian, I was so excited. That same day, Bishop Tanuvasa calls and asks me to be on the Institute Council. It just so happens that Clark is the president of that Institute Council. I met him the first day at Institute. We hung out that night and that weekend. He asked me out the next week and we have been dating ever since. It wasn't love at first site...it took us a while before we let ourselves feel the love, but once we did...we knew it was right.

Well, this last Wednesday I asked him, "So if we were to get married, when would that be?" (Thanks Dr. Barlow). He said he would probably propose around November or December. Well we continued to talk about our future and how much we love each other. Then he walked me out to my car and got this look on his face. I knew what he was thinking, but didn't think he would have the guts. He then asked me what I would say if he asked me to marry him. (He totally worked the system) Of course I told him that I would say yes. So he got down on his knee, I looked up and saw a shooting star (so cool) and he said that even though it hasn't been long, it feels so right and he loves me and asked if I would marry him for eternity. I said "YES!"

We weren't going to tell anyone until Sunday when we talked to my family, but that didn't happen because when I got home, my mom was on the couch and I couldn't help but tell her. And I called Noelle, Emily and Cindy. I made sure Ashley knew that she should be pregnant, but she's not.

Funniest thing was when I walked into Institute the next day. All I saw were faces with wide open mouths staring at me. Apparently Clark couldn't keep the secret either. Bishop Tanuvasa made the announcement to the entire Institute then. The secrets out!

I am so excited to be sealed to my love for time and all eternity in the Los Angeles Temple on December 27, 2008. He is such an amazing guy and I love him with all my heart. YAY!

Please Accept My Sincerest Apology

2008-09-13T19:42:00.001-07:00

You must excuse my absence from my blog. I know I have not been keeping you all entertained, which I'm sure is my job in life. I am the entertainer. But you see, I have been quite busy traveling the world. I have been on many adventures this summer. One of which was to Italy. Dre was laid off from U.S. Airways and was given 90 days free travel. She came home on a Friday night and said..."where do you wanna go?" I said, "Italy." We left that Tuesday. With the help of Lonely Planet, we planned a fantastic trip to Rome, Florence, Pisa, and Venice. Oh how wonderful it was. Here are some of my pictures from Rome. The Fall Of Rome
Cool Coluseum...
Giolitti's Gelato....so divine, I want to eat it all the time
This was for Noelle
Just chillin on some columns from ancient Rome

The Roman Forum

Vatican City...it was hot and crowded and I hadn't slept for over 24 hours...not the greatest part of my trip, but something I had to do.

Where's Michelle....can you find Michelle in this picture?
Where's Andrea? She's hiding in there somewhere...I promise.
Good ol' Trevi Fountain. So pretty and I made a wish!
I took one of the illegal pictures in the Sistine Chapel of Michelangelo's ceiling artwork. I love it! It's kinda dark, but you can see the fingers touching.

I hope to be back on here once again filling you all in on my wonderful and not so boring life. So stay tuned to find out more about my trip to Italy.

South Carolina

2008-08-01T22:31:00.000-07:00

I know, I know...it's been so long, I bet you never thought you would hear from me again. Surprise!!! I'm back. I have taken a short break due to some intense illnesses and the problem that is not having wireless internet. I miss being able to use my laptop. So anyway on to the interesting stuff... YAY I went to South Carolina!!! It was so fun to see my sister Melissa and her family (Andy and Stella). I sure miss them since they live so far away. At least I was able to have some fun with them before the new little one joins the family in January.

Well on to our doings. We got to go to a real live southern beauty pageant! Here we are trying to look like beauty queens ourselves. I thought I could out do any of those dames onstage since I was Miss Teen San Bernardino County...hahaI definitely enjoyed spending time with my sweet little niece Stella. She is so cute and funny and precious and adorable etc. I love seeing her personality. It took her awhile to warm up, but she was flashing that million dollar smile. I was lucky to catch a few of those on camera...gotta love the hat.
I think the first day that we went out exploring in South Carolina, we went to Columbia. It is the capitol so it's pretty interesting to look around. We wanted to go tubing down the river, but the water was dirty...so that plan was spoiled. Instead we went to look around Andy's law school and picked up some snazzy University of South Carolina gear and looked around the governer's mansion. There were really pretty gardens there so in true Lund fashion, we photo shooted it up. Here's one of the girls...
On one of the many shopping excursions we went on, we decided that Stella needed to be fitted for a bra. Melissa wasn't sure if it was a little premature, but you can never be too on the ball about something as important as this. I'm not sure this one was her size, but the jury's still out.

There really is nothing in the world like a sister. I love my sisters with all my heart. I love when we are together. We can talk about so many things and we have gone through so much of life together it is just a unique bond. It was refreshing to have my sisters with me. I love seeing my sister as a mother. We are very different, but then again so similar. She has given me courage and strength to know that I can do it too.
I love my sisters! Julie is so funny and can imitate any and everyone. She is also always prepared and can be counted on. Melissa has a view on the world that opens my eyes and speaks to me. She knows how to explain confusing things and make them seem simple. They are the best sisters for me!
We couldn't go to South Carolina and not visit Charlotte. So we did. We started with some pizza at Mellow Mushroom...so good...and then headed to shopping. The buildings are surreal there. They are all old fashioned and connected. We lucked out and found some fantastic finds too. Very satisfying. We then drove around and looked at the most beautiful colonial style beach houses. I thought..."hey people, share the love...give me just one of the floors in this 4 story mansion." I mean hey, I'm sure they got plenty to spare. We ended the day with a trip to the beach. How could we not? It was the first time ever I touched the Atlantic. It was WARM!! How trippy was that? I loved it though. I love any day at the beach.

It was so sad to leave, but our time was up and at least I know that we are family and will be seeing each other again. I can only hope sooner rather than later.

I got a PASS!!!

2008-05-09T23:51:00.001-07:00

Can you think of the happiest place on earth?? I sure can...it's DISNEYLAND! Well, as of yesterday, I am officially a pass holder. I love going to Disneyland and since I am in the vicinity, I got a pass. I got the Deluxe so that I can go with Julie. It will be sister bonding.
Yesterday was just one of the best days. For one it was beautiful, I sat by a pond with lovely company, I went to Disneyland and then I went shopping at Nordstrom. Does it get any better?

I went to Disneyland with David. I told him that I had never been on the Buzz Lightyear ride, so we went on it first thing. Despite his efforts, I won! (Don't judge our scores, we were spending more time trying to get the other to not shoot than actually shooting). I look funny in the picture; I think it's something between laughing and trying to aim. So fun...I need to go again...soon. Any takers?

GRADUATION!!!

2008-05-01T12:34:00.001-07:00

Hip Hip HOORAY!!! I graduated from Brigham Young University on Friday April 25, 2008. It was a good four years, a time that I will always remember. Isn't it true that we never know what we have until it's gone. While I was going to school, all I wanted was to be done. Now that I am done, I realize how good I had it. College really is a fun time. The only thing I really had to worry about was having fun...what is going on this night or that night. Don't get me wrong, I am so glad that I am done and I am ready to move on with my life, but I will always look back on this time of my life with fond memories.My family came to support me on my special day(s). We had commencement on Thursday, Elder Bednar spoke. Then I had convocation on Friday, Elder L. Tom Perry spoke and shook my hand! Melissa was able to fly in from South Carolina with Stella. I think this was the best part of graduating. I miss them when they are gone. I started college iwth Melissa there and I was able to finish it with her there. Thanks Melissa!
I might not miss writing papers, doing projects, and reading chapters and chapters of boring text books, but I will tell you...I am going to miss these ones with all my heart. I was able to graduate with my best friends...how fun is that! Todd, Cindy, Darren, Noelle and I all rode together to commencement and sat by eachother for the ceremony. They are the greatest friends and I have had so much fun with them. For example - liars dice, Betos, Jason's Deli, Disneyland, Pocatello, Sanchez family sleepover with trivial pursuit that Darren rocked, coke zero, iphones, celebrity apprentice and the list goes on and on. I love you and will miss you til we meet again. *muah*
The girls...I have a few words. Whitney Houston, mechanical monkey, theater room, Betos, fake bling rings, free donuts, dance parties, sleep overs, that's what she said, maverick's frozen yogurt, Jason's Deli (best night of my life), Timmy and Miller, Domi Book Hub, etc. I will LOVE you girls FOREVER!!!!!
WE DID IT!!! Our classic pose.

Pro Packer

2008-04-17T16:48:00.000-07:00

You would think that after moving 6 times during college that I would be an expert at packing right? Well, I don't think that practice has made perfect on this one. I don't know maybe someday....but as for now, it takes me a couple of weeks to get everything rounded up and ready to go. I just don't know the best places to put things. I want everything to be organized and orderly, but I can't seem to get it right. There is always more and more...it never ends.

On the flip side...I have actually really enjoyed this day. I slept in, but once I was awakened by a phone call I started on Laundry. I did 5 loads of laundry today! And guess what...I liked it! You just put it in, change it, fold it up and put it away. I love the smell of the dryer and freshly cleaned clothes. I also got to watch Friends while I folded. Along with laundry, I was able to organize some school files, shave my legs, curl my hair, and liven up my face with some make-up. And to come...I will be getting a pedicure with Noelle and Emily. It's a little graduation gift to ourselves. What a great day. I just hope it continues this well and I am able to get all of my stuff organized and packed. Then it's Hello California!

ABC, as easy as 123, as simple as Do Re Mi

2008-04-17T16:36:00.000-07:00

You know that joke where people tell you to go back to Kindergarten because you don't know something that you should have learned then. Well I think I was told that too many times because I actually did. And guess what?!?! I actually learned a lot! Ha Ha , I really enjoyed myself. I made tons of friends and I know all my letters and sounds. AND I can read! Hip hip hooray.

I'm done with my student teaching! I finished last Friday and now I am a college graduate! I loved my students and I worked with an amazing mentor teacher. 5/6 year olds really are entertaining, I was constantly getting cracked up (I'm not so sure that phrase works that way). Here is a picture of my morning class. They are so darn cute!

And here is my afternoon class. They just loved me if you can't tell. The feeling was mutual. I feel like I'm in a Where's Waldo book...can you find me?

Festival of Colors

2008-04-08T20:21:00.001-07:00

A weekend or so ago, my friends and I (along with the rest of Provo) went to a Hindu temple to attend the annual Festival of Colors. This is a spicy little celebration of Spring. Everyone gets a bag of colored corn starch and at the same time ethey throw it all over each other. I was unable to participate in this part of the celebration because I decided that I had a duty to relieve my bladder as to not cause an infection. Due to this, I stood in line for the porta potty for 30 minutes and viewed the celebration from the other side of the temple. It looked as though I was a part of Aladdin and I was witnessing the genie coming out of the lamp. The color puff was everywhere. The others quite enjoyed themselves, but they couldn't breath well and their snot was colored. I enjoyed looking at the Hindu temple both inside and out. I don't intend on converting any time soon...I'm not so sure I could stop eating their gods.
Me, Meg and Noelle frolicking on the temple.

Look at all the people...
This was after they were bombed with color.

Back to Second Grade

2008-02-27T14:10:00.000-08:00

For the last seven weeks, I have been teaching in Mrs. Sally Curletto's second grade class. I LOVED teaching with Sally and those kids. I felt so comfortable with them and we all had such a fun time together. I taught the students dances, songs in sign language and all about rocks. Sally and I had a great time working out together to 80's teen workout, talking, and going to lunch. I'm learning more and more that I have such a capacity to love, and I have a hard time with change. It is hard to let the class go.

You know the kids really did love me too...here is a picture to show you just how much. Here are the presents they gave me for Valentine's Day. Who needs a Valentine when you have a class of 24 students?

On my last day of teaching, the students planned a surprise party for me (my first one!). They brought tons of treats and the movie "Snowbuddies." They all made me the sweetest cards...I cried. I think that I am going to make a scrapbook with all of the cute things I got from my student teaching students.

California Dreamin...

2008-02-27T08:44:00.001-08:00

This past Friday I finished up my first block of student teaching (pictures coming soon). I was priveleged to have the next Monday and Tuesday off from school and, therefore, go home to California. It wasn't sunny the whole time I was there, but it definitely gave me sunshine the last couple of days. I got my mom to let Julie come home from school early and we had a barbeque and jumped on the trampoline. It was a blast! The steaks were fantastic. Great job mom! Surprisingly enough...I got hot! Woo hoo it's like a miracle.

Another highlight of the trip was going out with the Christiansen girls. We have been friends since before I was born. We had so much fun laughing and eating...it's what we do best! Friends forever!

No Pain No Gain

2008-01-21T19:47:00.001-08:00

Tonight on our way home from Idaho Noelle brought up waxing our legs. Of course I'm always down to do something that happens at a spa, so I agreed. We got home and went straight to work. As you can see from the picture it was all fun and games in the beginning. It actually didn't hurt that bad, but I probably wont give up shaving as my number one hair removal technique.

Second Stage

2008-01-21T19:38:00.001-08:00

I worked a little more on my painting and figured I would show you all my progress. I have only worked on the mountains and water so far. I am really proud because I did it all by myself. Noelle gave me no help or tips. It was a blast! Hope you like. Noelle was working on a painting of the San Diego Temple that she gave to her friend that just got married. She finished it in two days...impressive!

Idaho Adventures with Cindy, Noelle, and Michelle

2008-01-21T19:05:00.000-08:00

This weekend, Cindy, Noelle, and I headed off to Pocatello, Idaho. Just another one of our wild adventures. Noelle's mother lives there in a house of fun. Theater room, hot tub, tons of food...what more could a girl ask for? We headed out on Friday and when we went to pick up Cindy, we found her like this... This was my reaction...
This was Noelles...
Cindy showed pure bliss...
One place we always go in Poky is Geraldine's. They have wonderful baked good. Here are our cookies...mmmm...I ate them all up.Noelle and I have this long going joke about the advertisements on Yellowstone street in Pocatello. There are a lot of animals and American idols. We went on a scavenger for all the silly advertisments we could find. Here we are with Uncle Sam. Excuse the bad photography and squinty eyes...I don't do well looking into the sun.

Here is the gorilla (my personal fav). He represents a vacuum store.

The pony is for a western pawn shop.

The flamingo helps people remember they want a beer and is therefore in front of a bar.

Lady Liberty was walking down the street listening to her ipod. We were happy about it.

I am a little distraught to be home. I will have to get back to doing my hair and putting on make-up...drat! I love those girls!

Picasso? Monet? Nah, it's just me

2008-01-17T17:35:00.000-08:00

Here is my newest endeavor. I didn't think that going to college and student teaching was enough so I thought...Hey, why not painting? Actually, Noelle has been trying to get me painting for a couple years now and I finally said yes (why not when you've got your own real live Bob Ross). It's just that way with her and I. She tried to get me running for quite some time, and finally I just said yes and the next thing I knew, I was running a half marathon. Maybe that's how it will turn out with painting. Anyway, here is my baby in her first stage. I know its not much, but man did it feel like it when I was doing it. I gotta work on proportions a little bit. And did you know that all the colors have to be mixed...I thought you just picked up a brush and went. Well I will try to keep y'all posted on my progress.

My Best Friend

2008-01-13T15:51:00.000-08:00

While I am feeling a surge of love for Noellie, I thought I would pay tribute to her and our friendship. After being best friends for ten years, we are successfully rounding up our third year of living together. People told us we couldn't do it because we were best friends, but we have done it and loved it. I am so sad that these next couple months will be the last that we get to live together. Come April we will be graduating and going our separate ways. I am grateful for all the great, crazy, exciting, challenging, and odd times that we have had together.

First Week Happenings

2008-01-12T15:18:00.001-08:00

Because this is my last semester of college, I think it wise to live it to the fullest. I have recruited my roommates as running partners; we'll see how it works out. Even if I can get them to come now and again, it is better than never. Here we are before our first excursion as a trio. Don't we look strong?
This Friday, we went to a birthday party for our friends Jason and Matt. Noelle's sister was in town and she was so excited to go to a college party again. We had fun getting all dolled up. I did Noelle and Nicole's make-up (hope you like my work).

Niece Love

2008-01-11T20:08:00.000-08:00

This is my favorite picture of my nieces together. I love that they love each other. Nothings better than little people kisses.

3 Cheers for 3 Hot Sisters

2008-01-11T20:02:00.000-08:00

My mom thinks that it is so fun that we three sisters were all cheerleaders. This Christmas she thought it would be a good idea if we all put on our old uniforms and took pictures. It was fun to slip into my uniform and be reminded of years past. We are three hott mamas if I say so myself.

Jump for Joy!

2008-01-11T19:54:00.001-08:00

This Christmas, Santa brought Julie a trampoline (the lucky bugger). It just so happened that the rest of the family was also able to enjoy Julie's gift. Santa must really love us. Again my mother and Andy decided this was a perfect opportunity to try out their photography skills. Andy's are probably better, but I only had access to my mother's photographs. We had so much fun on the tramp and we spent forever on there. The only bummer was that I seemed to never get the bounce. Julie just so happened to always get it. Coincidence...I think not. Julie and I made up a little routine that made us weak from laughter. Too bad the reason we were laughing was due to all of her imitating me. Apparently I look funny when I jump. Dre was a little shy to get on the tramp and it took a little while for her to warm up, but she got it. My favorite is when all us sisters are on it together.
I still got it!
I just think this picture is hilarious...

Chesnuts Roasting on an Open Fire...

2008-01-11T19:30:00.000-08:00

After the last crazy semester that I had - teaching in the schools and taking classes - it was definitely time for a break. I LOVED being home! I think the best part was being able to see my family. I hadn't seen Melissa, Andy, and Stella since August, and I sure missed them. I think that was the best gift of all. It was almost hard to believe that Stella was real. I still feel the slobber on my face from Stella's open mouth kisses (I got a lot of those and oh how I loved them). It was so fun to see Tyler, Anna, and Grace too. Tyler is looking good, Anna's belly is getting big (in a good way), and I can't believe how much Grace is talking. Grace cracks me up. Oh how I miss them. Maybe I will jet down for the weekend soon. The fam always waits for me to come home before they decorate the tree. For some reason Julie just doesn't want to do it by herself. My mom and Andy took this as a photo op. I'm pretty used to living my life for the cameras when I am home or with the Smiths. Here are but a few from the session.

Here are our family pics from Tylers birthday.

We also got to have girls night with the Christiansen girls. It has been such a long time since we were all able to get together. Whenever we are together, we laugh our heads off. We need to do it more often.Becaue Dre wasn't able to stay long for Christmas, she suggested that I go out to Arizona for New Years. I jumped all over that opportunity. She showed me the rounds - church, boys, local restaurants. I fell in love with Arizona; there is no snow there and that is reason enough to love a place. Dre has so many friends and she was able to show me a good time.

This is at an ice skating rink for a singles New Years Eve party. It goes me, James, Annie, Margie, and Dre.

This was at a game night with some gentlemen friends of Dre's. So fun.

Miss Lund's 3rd Grade Class

2007-12-21T17:23:00.000-08:00

For about the last three months I have been teaching in a third grade class in Spanish Fork. The school is Spanish Oaks Elementary. I loved it!!! I'm definitely the best teacher there ever was ;) Nah just joshin ya, but I must admit the kids really did love me. The students were constantly telling me how much they liked me and how nice I was. I got plenty of notes and pictures. On Halloween, one of the students even made me a bag with candy in it. Saying goodbye was rather tough and there were tears shed. One of the students, that is sort of a misfit, was in tears over it and that is when the tears came flowing for me. I love that I could make a difference for those children. They definitely made a difference in my life. I'm glad to have found that I do love teaching and that I am good at it. What a relief. I will miss this class, but I don't have much time to wallow because I'm off to Kindergarten on January 7th.

Miss Fixer up

2007-12-21T17:19:00.000-08:00

Some people were complaining (my mom and Melissa) that they couldn't click on the pictures of the ball so here they are again. I also thought I would show you the gang I hang out with at school. They are Mika and Carole

It was a ball

2007-12-16T15:29:00.000-08:00

On December 14 (Happy Birthday Ashley), I was escorted to the BYU ROTC's military ball. The young gentleman that escorted me was Ryan West. It was kind of dramatic trying to find the right dress, but of course I look smashing in just about anything. I ended up wearing Noelle's lacey dress - thanks Noelle. Ryan came and picked me up and he came to a house full of people - my grandma, cousin, room mates, room mate's study group. Poor guy. It was held at the new Hinckley Alumni Bldg, so gorgeous. There was a speaker, awards - of which Ryan got many, dinner, and a comedian. Needless to say, I had a blast. After the ball, Ryan took me home and then we decided to go see a movie. The movie was sold out and so we just kicked it at his apartment and watched the Labrynth. I fell asleep. It was a great night.

Halloween Night

2007-11-01T17:34:00.000-07:00

So Carole and I decided to throw a party on Halloween. We are such party animals ;) We made home made chili and enchilada soup from scratch. We started the chili at 7:00 am!!! It was scrumptious. We invited people from our cohort, some neighbors, and friends. It was a lot of fun. I love Halloween!

I was an army girl, Carole was a domestic woman, and Noelle was a gold digger. Ryan was Cruela Devil...like the wig?

Halloween Party Ward Style!

2007-10-29T17:56:00.000-07:00

This past weekend was my wards Halloween party. Julie let me borrow her cab driver dance costume. It was a big hit. Everyone kept telling me how hott and sexy my costume was, and I wasn't even showing skin! Thank you Julie. Noelle was a gold digger; she only had to buy one thing because I have an entire jewelry box full of bling. Emily came to the party as well; most everyone thinks she is in the ward anyway. I love being able to spend time with my cousin! She was an angel...I did her hair and put on her fake eyelashes. Noelle and I danced the night away...I haven't danced like that in a while. I had an absolute blast!!!! Our ward is so fun...so many people participated. I LOVE HALLOWEEN!

The nun is our bishop, Bishop Shepherd. He is so fun. The other picture is the girls with the boys from Kensington 6. They are Ryan West, Devin West, Jake Gwilliam, and James Setterberg. We had fun with them that night. Jake won the most creative award for being Mr. Clean.

Oh to be a Kid Again...

2007-10-14T18:13:00.000-07:00

So Yesterday I got a great surprise!!! Most of the morning I felt like going back to bed because I haven't gotten much sleep lately, but then I got a wonderful call. My cousin Tierra called to let me know that she had extra tickets to LAGOON! Not only did she have tickets to get into the park, but she had free meal tickets! I haven't felt so much like a child in my life! Emily, Tierra and I were laughing and screaming almost the entire night. We went on rollercoasters, tilt-a-whirl, bumper cars, and we played ski ball for about an hour. There were scary people walking all over, but we got scared riding the kitty rides so we steered clear. I had so much fun that I can't wait to go back and spend time with my wonderful cousins!

2007-09-25T10:51:00.000-07:00

My Dad took me shooting so that he could practice for hunting...I'm a good shot. I got most of the clay pigeons. It was so fun...I love doing stuff with my dad!

This is Noelle and I at 4:00 in the morning before we ran the 1/2 marathon...we had a lot more energy at the beginning of the day.

This is the whole Ramada Runners crew...we all made it!!!

These are some of the girls from my cohort...they are all so fun and cute...we spend most our time together so I will be getting to know them quite well. We had a barbeque at Carole's house and it was such a blast...we are going to have a costume party for Halloween. I can't wait!

At the party I had some fun taking pictures with Carole's kids. These are Dillan and Grace...so cute :)

Summer Continued...

2007-09-06T15:29:00.000-07:00

This summer I wanted to take some of my friends down to California to show them some of my favorite spots. I brought Brittney Smith and Amanda Hansen. We started our journey in Beautiful Carpinteria, California. One of my favorite restaurants, Giovanni's has karaoke on Wednesday nights so the girls and I took a stab at it. We sang, "Killing Me Softly." I also sang, "The Wind Beneath My Wings" with my mom and Julie.

After Carpinteria, we got pedicures...something I love to do when in California. They are a lot cheaper than Utah. Thursday night was the trip to Santa Monica Pier and Hollywood. Brittney and Amanda saw Wicked. Noelle Perkins and Cindy Ford were able to join in on the fun. Cindy came from Colorado and Noelle was working for her dad in Murrietta. While Britt and Amanda saw their play, Cindy, Noelle and I went to Cheesecake Factory, drove around Hollywood and had some good girl talk.

I love California so much and I totally miss it now that I am in Utah. I had such a wonderful summer vacation!

College

2007-07-12T14:48:00.000-07:00

I am a senior at Brigham Young University, studying Early Childhood Education. I love to learn, but I also love going out and having a good time. I love the water, which I rediscovered on a recent trip to Lake Powell. I am so excited that it is summer...it's my favorite time of year. I hope that I can live it up enough to hold me over til next year.