May (mostly)...

Here are some highlights from the last month:

I helped my sister make a cake for a young women church fundraiser.

Thomas and I bought an X-Box...in Oregon...at midnight. We told my parents that we had to go to Wal-Mart because we needed toothbrushes (we were unexpectedly staying at their house). They found us toothbrushes. Then we said that we also needed some contact solution for Thomas. The main reason was for an X-Box!

Last weekend I went down to St. George with my mom and sisters for my cousin's blessing and my other cousin's farewell. Almost everyone in my family was there. I LOVE family gatherings and hanging out with people that I don't get to see that often.

We left Friday and came back on Monday. When we came back I did not hit a single red light on Eagle Rd. Previous to this I thought that such a thing was impossible. My mom made fun of me for being so happy.

The last week I assessed a new client for music therapy and a business emailed me and asked if I could do a music therapy group for them this summer. Thomas' employer also expressed interested in having a music therapist! Since my current job is ending next week I'm excited for all the new music therapy opportunities!

On Friday Thomas and I went camping! Our first ever camping trip was a success! We went to Ice Springs at Anderson Ranch. Thomas made DELICIOUS tin foil dinners made from chicken, cabbage, potatoes, and carrots. We eat so much cabbage. We get it for free though, so I can't complain! Someday we are going to tell our children and grandchildren that we were so poor when we got married that all we could eat was cabbage. I'm sure they will have pity on us. I laughed at our tent because it was so small and it looked a little off center. It was so small that our air mattress barely fit in it! 

The night was FREEZING if I put any part of me outside of the blanket and I had to pee at 4:30 in the morning, but other than that it was a good night. 

The next day we had another amazing meal (compliments of Thomas). I don't know what it is about men and cooking outdoors but I think they should have the same mindset indoors! Thomas cooks a whole lot though, so I really shouldn't say anything. We packed everything up and were on our way. While we were driving we found a waterfall! Thomas explored it. I thought that he was going to fall to his death because of where he was going, but he made it out alive. 

While we were driving I commented that it freaked me out whenever Thomas pushed on his breaks because it made us slide. The road was full of blind corners, and there was a cliff on one side. We went around one blind corner and BAM...we ran into a suburban that was hugging the inside corner because he was nervous of the cliff on the other side. The airbags exploded and smoke was coming out of the car. I tried to get out but the car door wouldn't open! Thomas finally opened it for me and we assessed the damage. 

Three Hours Later...

We were assessed by paramedics and had given our statement to the deputy. The tow truck FINALLY got there and we were on our way again! I was super nervous about being in a tow truck on those ridiculous roads. I am happy to say that we made it back in one piece. Thomas' car did not however. I'm afraid it's totaled.

Inside the ambulance. We didn't have to go anywhere though.

I thought that the truck was gong to fall off the edge!

This is a video of my family's dog trying to play catch. He failed!

Friday Faves...

Reasons why today rocks!

I slept in today. 

I found this...http://www.itjustgetsstranger.com/2011/12/snuggie-texts.html

I went to the Optometrist and he said I needed new glasses. I picked some out. When the associate told me how much they cost I laughed in his face and said I didn't have that much money. We both sat there awkwardly for about 30 seconds and then I asked him if he could just put new lenses in my glasses. He awkwardly agreed. 

I took my 5th and final final for school. Yay for one week off before summer term starts!

I text this to Thomas today: "The Host and G.I. Joe are in the cheap theaters."

He replied, "Date night!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

This is just one reason why I love him.

Now if only he would get home!

This didn't happen today but it did yesterday and it was great so it counts. I was working with a girl at work who was kicking and hitting me. Nothing seemed to calm her. We tried reading a story and she still didn't calm down until I started singing the book. As soon as I started singing the book she instantly stopped everything. She paid attention and even answered all the questions I asked her about the book.

Promote What You Love-PRAISE HIS NAME...

Recently I've noticed that when I talk to others I've been sharing what I hate instead of promoting what I love. I'm going to change that right now! The world is full of fantastic things, so it's time to start sharing them.

During my life I have always been involved in music-piano, organ, choir, voice lessons...I even graduated with a degree in music therapy! I have always especially loved religious music. The last month has been better than normal. I've been involved in a religious choir for the last two years. I've always enjoyed the choir and singing the songs. During the last few months I actually started to really listen and understand what the words of the songs were saying. I also started studying hymns-the words, scriptures that go with them, and their history. I have listed some of the lyrics and videos of some of my favorite songs below. Nothing lifts my spirit as much as when I am singing hymns and praises to the Lord. 

Sing til the power of the Lord come down. Shout Hallelujah! Praise His Holy name!

--Praise His Holy Name by Keith Hampton

This is one of the most fun songs I have ever sang!

Will you join in our crusade?

Who will be strong and stand with me?

Beyond the barricade

Is there a world you long to see?

Then join in the fight

That will give you the right to be free!

--Do You Hear the People Sing from Les Miserables

I know this isn't a religious song, but if you think of it as calling people to join you in your quest for giving and kindness then it definitely can be!

Be still, my soul: the Lord is on thy side.

Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain.

Leave to thy God to order and provide;

In every change, He faithful will remain.

Be still, my soul: thy best, thy heavenly Friend

Through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.

--Hymn, Be Still My Soul

I've sang this song with the institute choir for over a year. It just gets better and more powerful every time I sing it!

Also...if you haven't listened to "He is Jesus Christ" Composed by Rob Gardner you should! It changed my life!

Saturday is a special day...

I LOVE Saturdays. This is the only day of the week that Thomas and I can do whatever we want all day long, and I get to be with him ALL DAY LONG! It's fantastic! Sundays are a close second. We have had some great adventures on Saturdays! 

Yesterday we began the day by going to the temple. While we were there someone that I was getting married! Random...but awesome.

On the way home we stopped by the mall and got my ring that we took there last week to get the engagement ring and wedding band soldered together. It's so shiny now. It almost looks fake! I like having it back! Then we went to DQ and got a blizzard because Thomas wanted ice cream. I love it when he wants ice cream because I feel guilt free when I have it too!

We came home and took a nap for a hour or so and then went to dinner with one of my favorite friends at one of my favorite restaurants!

Then we went to his parents' house and visited with his parents and cousins. 

Then to top off a great day we went to the PBR with my parents! I LOVE bull riding. We saw almost 3 hours of it. There were a few serious injuries, and I was a little sad that an American didn't win (a Brazilian did), but the night was fantastic. 

This one is my favorite!

Thomas finally looked semi-normal!

While in the parking lot we just sat in our car for half an hour and watched youtube videos...The best one can be seen below. We got out of the parking lot within 5 minutes when we actually turned on our car. 

I LOVE SATURDAYS!

Happiness...

Only 4 days left my friends! 4 DAYS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! On Saturday Thomas and I took pictures for 6 hours (SO fun, but I was definitely ready for it to be over when we were done). I would put a picture up that Thomas took but I think my mom would murder me! That night we went to a hockey game, BEST HOCKEY GAME I've ever attended. We got free tickets from ISU! The game was super violent and it ended in a shoot-out. It was intense! The Steelheads earned a victory though!
When the game was over we walked by the capitol building and took some pictures.

Last night we went to Target and bought laundry soap, sheets, and a comforter set. VERY boring things. Then we went to Papa John's and picked up a pizza and went back to my apartment and hung out. I realized that we weren't really doing anything super fun but I was loving it. That's when I realized (again) how much I love Thomas! I'm super excited to be his wife in 4 DAYS!!!!!!!

Picture Story...

Remember last June when this happened?

We went back to Red Robin on Thursday and this is what happened...

We were sitting down waiting for our dinner when Doug brought me a gift bag with five wrapped presents.

The first one was a river rock. Thomas said that he knew that I wanted a big rock, but he didn't think that this was a good choice. 

The next one was a huge fake diamond. He said that it was missing a ring. 

Then I opened a quartz rock. He said that it was kind of rough. I needed something more shiny. 

Then I opened a ring without a setting. He said that it was missing something. 

Then I opened this! 

and he did this. 

January Blessings...

Life is fantastic! Here are a few thoughts from January...

I got offered a full time job! 

Working full time is wearing me out...I have no time for school!

I met with some people about having music therapy in their business and they have started advertising AND parents are interested! There's even another company that wants to refer clients. I'm meeting with them next week to discuss future plans!

37 days until Thomas and I get married...we should find a place to live!

Thomas is super fantastic and I don't know what I did to deserve him!

Thomas and I went square dancing for the first time. SO FUN! I can say that even after I was wounded while there. 

This week I've noticed that some people are CRAZY and I'm happy that I don't have to have any association with them anymore. 

My family is amazing and fun. Here are some pictures from an awesome weekend:

Brenna danced during halftime at a basketball game!

He made a little snowman and put it on the fire. My dad ruined it. Lame!

So lazy!

My dad had a little too much fun shooting clay pigeons. Luckily Makayla was there to pull them for him the whole time. 

Check out my new snow pants that Thomas bought me!

She wanted to keep all the shell casings. 

Savanna wouldn't get out of my