It's 2013 Ya'll!

Soooo....for those of you how read my blog will come to find that I have been MIA and haven't blogged in a while. The end of 2012 was crazy busy with work, my grandpa's funeral, Christmas, family in town, etc. BUT, I am back and ready to blog and share my life experiences!

I want to start out by telling you about my New Year's Eve.
Wow.
What an incredible night?!
My parents were amazing enough to hire "Cruzin' Sushi" to come cater our dinner.
I knew that we had a sushi chef coming over but I didn't think it would be like this!
I pulled up to my parents house and there on our driveway was this huge truck.
Anna and Josh (the chefs) were walking in and out of it with containers
full of sushi ingredients and platters of who knows what.
My mom had the table as set up so beautifully...she always does.
My parents were nice enough to let us all (me, hugh and stephen) bring dates.
It was an all around fun packed dinner!
Anna made the sushi in front of us while Josh would be in the truck
frying our tempura and other yummy treats!
I cannot tell you how amazing this was.
Anna then invited us to come and make our own sushi.
That was an experience!
We have found a new tradition and I am so happy!
I love my family so much and it was so much fun to spend New Year's Eve with them.

After dinner, Trent and I headed over to say hello to my Aunt Annette.
They were in the middle of games but it was good to see them!
We then headed over to Trent's friend Jonathan's parent's house.
We played some games and had a good laugh.
The Deesing family has a tradition where they burn their Christmas tree at midnight
and shoot off fireworks.
Watching the tree light up was awesome!
We watched an amazing firework show.
If you know me...you will know that I LOVE fireworks!
It was a good way to end the night.

I loved the year 2012....
but bring it on 2013!

December 5, 2012...

This is a day that I will never forget.
I remember what I was wearing.
I remember what I ate.
I remember it all.

I woke up that morning in my bed at my parent's house.
I woke up knowing that it was going to be a long day.
I called my mom who had slept over at my grandpa's care center.
My grandpa was already on his way through the veil.
It was just a matter of time.
I went over there around 9 AM so my mom could come home and shower.
I got there and about 10 minutes after being there, Joan, the Hospice nurse
came in to tell us that he was so close to passing away that my mom might want to stay.
We stayed and watched.
Eventually the rest of my family came over.
We all sat around his bed, watching old John Wayne movies.
Trent was nice enough to bring us all lunch.
We sat and sat and sat.
My siblings would come and go.
I was fortunate to have the day off of work.
I didn't leave my grandpa's side.
1:30 AM came around and we were all exhausted.
I asked to have a few minutes with him alone.
I sat and prayed.
Prayed for him to just go.
I wasn't sure if he was in pain or not.
He was asleep the whole day.
His breathing got slower.
It looked difficult for him.
It was painful for us to just watch.
My mom told me just to go home.
But I knew that if I were to go home, that I would miss something.
She kept on insisting that I go home, but I was too stubborn to give in.
I slept right next to my mom that night while she slept next to her dad.
I surprisingly enough fell asleep.
Around 3:30, my mom fell asleep.
It surprised me due to the circumstance.
At 4:00 in the morning we both sat up at the same time.
Looked over at grandpa and listened for one of his painful sounding breaths.
Nothing.
Pure silence.
We were in shock.
He passed.
He was finally through the veil and reunited with his sweetheart and his Heavenly Father.
It was a long, emotional day.
I won't go into so much detail of what was said and what exactly happened.
But all I will say is that it was a peaceful night.
I have learned so many things through this experience.

•  Life is short. Live it.
• People are kind and have good hearts.
• This gospel is so true.
• Take advantage of the time you get to spend with family.
• Love one another.
• He never said it would be easy. He only said it would be worth it.

I love my grandpa so much. 

I loved holding his hand and walking around with him.

I loved sitting with him and watching old cowboy movies.

I loved it when he would pull me in for a kiss.

I loved his stories.

I loved his example of hard work.

I love him.

I will never forget the legacy he has left behind.

I can't wait to feel his presence at my wedding.

I can't wait to see him again.

Because I know I will.

[sis-ters]

sis·ter

  [sis-ter] 

noun

1.

a female offspring having both parents in common withanother offspring; female sibling.

2.    a female friend or protector regarded as a sister.

3.    Jessica Rose & Bethany Anne...my best friends.

SISTERS.
Oh that word.
Brings nothing but a smile to my face.

As you know...my sister, Bethany, got married!

Jess was able to fly in from New York to attend all of the wedding festivities.

Watching Jess talk to Beth about wedding stuff and giving her advice got me excited to get married.

When I get married, I will have both of my sisters there to cheer me on and give me amazing advice.

I know they will be there for me. 

I know they will make it fun.

I just know.

I am truly blessed.

I know I post A LOT about my family.

Welp...it's cause my family is the best.

I have friends who don't get along with their sisters.

I have friends who hate their sisters.

I can't stand it.

I don't understand it. 

How could you fight with or hate your eternal best friends?

I guess I got super lucky. 

Because my sisters are my best friends.

I left my heart in San Francisco...

My sister Bethany went on her mission to Oakland, California.
A couple she taught decided to get sealed and so Beth wanted to be out here for that ceremony.
She gets married in a week and we thought it would be fun to go on this trip together.
Best Christmas present!
We flew in yesterday in the morning.
Cathy Holt picked us up from the airport.
The Holt family was Beth's mission family here in her ward.
Bryan and Cathy have 3 boys.
Griffen.
Issac.
Noah.
Cutest little boys.
Beth and I took the car and went out to lunch.
We went to the Cheesecake Factory.
Then we hit up some shopping.
I hate shopping.
But for some reason...it's more enjoyable in other states.
We didn't buy anything. But it was fun to look around.
We found this cute little alley way...darling.

Then we got Coldstone!
Went back to the Holt's.
We relaxed a little before we met up with Roxanne.
The lady that Beth taught.
We walked around this big lake.
I asked Rox about her conversion story.
She is incredible!
Then we got take out sushi and took it back to her house.
After dinner we went over the Bishop Sherwood's house.
We had a chocolate fondue fountain.
We sat and talked.
They are such an incredible family.
Came home and bed time it was.

Thursday came.
We got ready for the day.
Off to San Francisco!!
We took the BART. It's a train!

We got lunch at an asian restaurant.
It was so good!
Then we walked around San Fran.
We ran into this guy that had this dog that was dressed up as...well let's say...we don't know.
All we know was that he had sunglasses, a santa hat, some couture sweater, feathers in his fur, a diaper on and his name was Louis Vuitton.
Cathy said that the dog was gay....the poor dear.

We hit up Tiffany and Co.
Tried on a $45,000 ring....whoever I marry better start saving up....nah I'm kidding.
Then we walked around China Town.
I had never been.
It was interesting! haha

Beth and I got matching t-shirts!
Off to Pier 39!
We got hot chocolate and saw the sea lions.
We walked through shops and enjoyed every minute of it!
So on our way home, we were at the Trolley stop waiting and waiting and waiting.
A tour bus pulled up to us and we joked around with the driver about giving us a ride back to the BART.
He then told us to hop in!
For free!



It was a double decker so we ran up to the top and danced around during the ride.
Now that's how you do it in San Francisco!












Made it home and went to Chipotle for dinner.
Came home and watched Planet of the Apes.
I really love it here!
I love being with my sister.
She gets married next week.
So it was out last little sister bonding time together.
Thank you Bethany for serving a mission here!
Stay tuned for more California adventures

Friday night lights!

Friday was a good day for me!
Went to Pei Wei for some good asian lunch!
Went bead shopping for bridesmaid jewelry with my mom and Beth.
Now I am known as an anti-shopper....yes...it's true.
I am now known as an anti-bead shopper.
I mean....it was fun for the first 20 minutes or so...then I just had to find a chair and sit while mom and Beth finished up.
Came home and we dove right into those beads! We made our necklaces and let me tell ya....they are beautiful!
Trent came over to fix Stephen's guitar. He was so great to do that!
We were both hungry so we went to Pan Wok for dinner.
Had some good story time and laughs.
Why not continue a fun night by going to see the Christmas house in Murray??
The line was hours long...we we parked the car and walked.
It was cold yes.
It was a long walk yes.
It was worth it yes.
We stood there for a few minutes while watching this amazing man put on a Christmas light show! His house was decked out with all of these lights that were synchronized with FM 99.9 radio station. It was incredible.
It got cold.
So we went back to the car and tuned into 99.9 and watched for a little bit more.
We went back to my house and watched the classic Richie Rich.
One of my favorite childhood movies.
Thank you Trent for an amazing night!

Thankful Thursdays...

Day 2 of gratitude month!

Today I am grateful for my sister Bethany! We decided when I moved down here that we would hang out at least one of the the week every week. It took us a few weeks to get this tradition going but we have got it down to a tee! I pick her up from BYU campus every Thursday after I get done with institute or we meet at the restaurant. We take turns every other week paying for the meal. Tonight we got sushi at Happy Sumo! Sushi is kind of our family thing and it was delicious! We got 4 different rolls: Vegas, Fire Cracker, Cabana and Mango! They were all oh so yummy! We've had some pretty good talks during these dinners we have each week. She is getting married in January so I want to spend all of the time I can with her before she and Andy get hitched! She is one of my best friends! We do miss our other sister Jessica very much though! We count down the days until us 3 are reunited! But ya...I am grateful for Bethany and this tradition we have going on that has helped strengthen our relationship.

LOVE YOU BEEFERS!!!

The Ending of a Good Week..

Thursday came around.

Work went well.

Nappy time with Aubs!

Then off on a double date!

Started out with dinner at Rumbi.

Ice cream at Coldstone.

Then off to iceskating...

Well...

Not really.

The rink was booked for hockey practice.

We ended up watched a hockey game at another rink.

It was quite enjoyable!

This is was fun date with Todd Sorensen and Aubrey and Carlos!

Friday started out a little rocky.

But got better thank goodness!

Work was good.

My dear friend Trent came down!

He surprised me with SANUKS!

We saw them at the mall a few months ago.

I fell in love.

He was so sweet and bought me a pair!

We both say it's like wearing sweats on your feet.

Me and Trent both LOVE sweats.

So why not wear them on your feet?

Trent is pretty darn amazing!

Later me and Aub's friend, Addison,

treated us to dinner at Legend's Grill.

Thank Add!

Friday was a wonderful day.

Saturday.

Woke up to:

"Hey Annie...I have a zit on my foot.

I'm going to pop it...do you have a band-aide?"

Gee....Thanks Kat...9:30 and I already lost my appetite..

No cereal for me.

Then me and Aubrey went on one of our favorite things!...

ROAD TRIP!!...To salt lake of course.

But every time Aubs and I go on a drive together..

whether it's just to class or home...it's always so much fun.

We blast our music and sing just like the artist....or atleast attempt to.

We have a playlist called, "Aub and Ann's Jam"

Long Live...

Stereo Hearts...

Dare to Dream... (favorite)

Forever...

Larger Than Life...

Single Ladies...

and of course...

Cheers (Drink to That)...

Ya...it's pretty fan-freakin-tastic!

After dropping off Aubrey,

I met up with my mom and bethany at Mary's Bridal.

Beth was getting her dress fitted!

Then I hear my mom say...

"Hey Ann...try on some dresses!"

ooookay mom...why not?!

It got me really excited for when it really is my turn!

Buuuut....I got nothing but time!

After lunch with mom and dad and beth,

I headed over to the Paulsen's home!

This is like my second family!

I had a good talk with Lori!

She is my second Mommy!

I painted Olivia, Ana AND Kambria's nails.

The 3 little sisters I never had...

Got to see James for a bit too!

Always good to see an old friend.

Picked up Trent and went to Zupas

to pick up a pay check!

I love getting $28 checks.

haha

Off to "Annie"!

My little brother, Stephen, is in it.

So we enjoyed watching him!

It was an amazing show!

I highly recommend it.

AND I got to see some old high school friends!

Lizzie Carter and Sarah Funk are some of my favorite people.

Sunday came around.

PRIMARY PROGRAM!!

Best day to choose to go to the home ward!

Came home.

Nap time for me, Stephen and Beth!

Best home cooked dinner made by mamacita.

Steak, mashed potatoes, corn bread, salad....and peach cobbler to finish it off.

Came back down to Orem.

Shortly after, Brian and Jamo came down.

We watched Lord of the Rings.

They are going to come down again and we are going to have a marathon this week.

I love those guys!

We have some fun Halloween and Christmas plans.

Couldn't have asked for better friends.