.dance.

Dance is my life. It has molded me into the person I am today. I am sad that our season has come to an end, but I am forever grateful for the experience I had with this year's group. Ya it was different. It always is. That's why I love dance. You never know what kind of rehearsal/performance you are going to have. 

I want to publicly express gratitude for all those who came to support the company in our concert. I am amazed at the wonderful people in my life who come to support me. It blows me away. I've never felt such love and support from so many family members and friends. Thanks all!

Something that made this year so special was dancing 

with my best friend. She is my sister and I don't know

what I would do without her. She made that 30 minute drive

to dance each week worth it. Love her. 

These are just a few of the amazing people

who came to support me tonight.

I love them all.

This concert was extra special to me this

year because I got to dance with my

beautiful sister. She is my rock and 

dancing with her is an honor.

I woke up the next morning to these beauties.

Do they hurt? Oh yes.

Are the ugly? Of course.

Was it worth it? Totes.

.BFF.dance.

How lucky am I to be able to dance with my best friend?

Pretty darn lucky.

I really don't think I've laughed that hard in a while.

Aub's favorite thing to do in life is to laugh.

Not only is she good at laughing but she is also good at making people laugh.

I mean really... some of the things she says...HILAR!

So ya. I get to dance with my BFF again and boy does it feel good!

p.s. Megan (teacher) put Aub and I together as partners for this one part of the dance...what was she thinking?!...Guess she loves us!

...

K wow...
It's been too long since my last blog post.
My apologies to those who read my blog.
So much has been going on.
Here are some quicky updates...

1. I am in the process of selling my contract here at Village and to be honest....I really don't like it. I hate the fact that I have to pack up and move. Worst part is not being able to live with Aubrey and my other amazing roommates anymore. I am excited to start classes at BYU and get into my major...moving is just hard right now.

2. I've spent a lot of time in Salt Lake over the last week. My sweet grandfather is old and in need of love. I will blog about that later.

3. I love doing Ultimate Harmony with Clayton. I love singing Christmas songs and being with good friends.

4. My best friends, Aub Jo, is the best.

5. I auditioned for the Nauvoo young performing mission. More updates on that and a neat story in a later blog post.

6. Christmas is coming and I couldn't be happier. I love the feeling I get around this time of year. Aub and I go all out, so be prepared for some rad pictures.

Yep...That's all I can think of right now. More posts to come!!

This. Is. Halloween.

Halloween is never really my favorite holiday.

Ya, I loved it when I was little.

Getting all dressed up.

Trick or treating.

Eating candy until my belly ached.

Parties at school.

It was all a dream for me.

For a few years, I was not a fan. 

I could do without the holiday.

But ever since I moved down to Orem, 

my feelings of Halloween have softened.

I love dressing up with my roommates and making my own costume.

Makes me feel a little creative.

Happy Halloween everyone! 

I can't get over how lucky I am to have such amazing roommates.

 I love them to death.

Chalking the world...

What do you do when your best friend sends you the following text:
"I got some free chalk at the women's expo! So if you want to, we can chalk the world tonight and pull out the camera and our jams!"
Well you say yes of course!
I'm never home due to work and dance so Aub and I haven't had a ton of time to spend together.
So we chalked up the world last night.
We were serenaded by our new friend Blake.
He used to be known as "the mysterious guitar player outside our apartment building".
It was a memorable night.
I love my best friend.

Disney On Ice Take 3!

I have Disney Entertainment auditions in t-minus 18 days....
What better way to get excited for the magic than go to Disney on Ice: Toy Story 3?!
This is me and Aubrey's THIRD time going and it was just as magical as the first time.
We wrote "ANDY" on the bottom of one of our cowboy boots :)
Hey! You're never too old too go to such a magical event!

What is a magical event without some food to start out with?
I received notice from Aubrey the other day that she had never been to TGI Friday's.
WHAT?!?!
TGI's is my all time favorite restaurant!
Trent's family and mine would always go there growing up.
We headed over to TGI's.
After some debating from Aubrey on what to get, we were ready to order.
Linda was our waitress.
She is awesome!
She called Aubrey, "Love".
We loved Linda.
She got a good tip :)

We drove out to Energy Solution's Arena.
Blasting music and jamming was a must.
We got to our seats. We were in the upper bowl to start out with.
At intermission we were able to snag some seats on the lower bowl.
They were awesome!
Trent went out to "make a phone call"
Came back and threw 2 Bullseye stuffed animals at us.
Presents!
He is such a good friend!
We held them on our laps and enjoyed the second half of Toy Story 3 on ice!
I loved acting like a child and saying "BOOOOO" when Lotso came out!
Don't worry....I wasn't the only one in the arena.

Ahhh the magic of Disney.
Such a memorable night.
I will never get sick of Disney on Ice.
Thank you Trent for providing the tickets!
Thank you Linda for serving us amazing food!
Thank you Aubrey for wearing your Woody backpack and making us giggle!
and.....thank you Walt Disney for providing the magic!

Now get to me Orlando!!

Pathetic...

Aubrey and I live pathetic lives sometimes.
Lately it has been very fun and exciting.
But sometimes we have moments that are just down right pathetic.

Last night was one of those nights.
Aub and I were...well....STARVING.
Nothing we ate satisfied our poor tummies.
We were watching Once Upon A Time.
Neither of us could focus on the show.
Aubrey turns to me and says,
"Our stomachs are bottomless....just like the chips and salsa at Chili's"
All I can respond with is,
"Wanna go to Chili's?"
"Ya.." (Aubrey)
We didn't even hesitate.
Grabbed the keys and we were out.

We had bottomless chips and salsa
then 2 bites of our entrees.
LEFTOVERS!

So ya...
We love Chili's.
We live pathetic lives.
But hey!
We sure are fun!

The "Guys"

So last semester, Aubrey and I didn't make very many friends in our ward.
This semester....we've got amigos!
What's really funny is that Aubrey and I have been doing the EXACT same thing we did last semester.
Yes, we do go to our ward more and we are actually going to ward prayer.
We have gotten to be good friends with some amazing people.

We'd like to introduce you to the "Guys".

Nick: He plays the bass. He's funny and we keep up with Jazz play by plays during stake conference.
Landon: He plays the drums. The guitar. The cello. He's legit.
Brandon: He is Nick's brother. We have good convos on the shuttle.
Jono: He is a photographer. He likes Friends. His laugh is contagious.
Chance: He plays the guitar. He likes hats. He feels bad when girls cry. He likes grape juice.

Man we love these boys!
They have made life down here so much fun.
They watch High School Musical with us.
They jam with us.

I loved walking into their apartment last night and having them say:
"Annie! We made you gluten free brownies!!"
Best thing ever!

Aubrey and I find it hilarious when they say: "Seriously...where have you girls been?"
Our response?... "Well...we've just been here...ya know...."

LIfe is good down here!
New friends.
Love it!!

Chili's...and...WINNING!

After a day of studying for a test,
I needed a break.
Scooter (Aubrey's Best Cousin Friend) was studying with me and we got a little distracted.
SNL skits are LEGIT!
IRONIC when you both laugh at the same jokes.
3 of my friends from a class last semester and I had made plans to go out to dinner tonight.
I invited Scott to come.
I thought Aubrey had to go to a Relief Society meeting tonight and I was bummed that she wouldn't be able to come.
Because stuff like this isn't fun unless Aub comes!
She got home from class and we told her we were going to Chili's for dinner.
Turns out, she didn't have to go to the meeting....so she came!!
The 6 of us met at Chili's.
Aubrey, me, Scooter, Jake, Matt and Jen.
2 for $20?
Okay!
We overloaded on appetizers which made it difficult to dig into our entrees.
LEFT OVERS!!
The waiter came over asking us if we were interested in dessert.
My reaction?
(Pointing at Aubrey)..."It's her birthday today!"
He didn't buy it.
BUT.
He gave her an ice cream sundae anyways!

We said farewell to our friends and rushed home.
Sweats were on in a jiffy.
The TV was turned on.
BACHELOR TIME!!!
We hate Courtney.
She is stupid.
"WINNING!" is the only word she knows.

Scooter was a trooper to sit through an hour and a half of such a show!
Good man.
Surprise visit by Paul ad Troy!
They joined us.
Such manly men!
Bachelor haters....back off!

Ya....it was a really good day!
Full of blessings, studying, SNL, Chili's, good looking waiters and Bachelor drama.
Good night.
Sleep tight.

Concert of angels...

Today was an incredible day.
After a lot of frustration, KSL ads, phone calls and texts,
Trent, Aubrey and I were able to get tickets to the Parachute concert.
Parachute is one of Trent's favorite bands.
He was stoked.
Tessa Barton and her band were opening for them.
Aubrey and I were stoked.
It was the best of both worlds.

Parachute was awesome!
I recognized a few of their songs.
They know how to put on a show!

Now rewinding to the pre-show.
I love watching Tessa perform.
Ever since her sweet sister Sophie passed away, I see so much of Sophie through Tessa.
I used to perform with Sophie in a singing and dancing group and I saw so much passion in her when she performed.
That passion shows through Tessa now.

"I want you to think of the most beautiful girl. She is tall. Has blonde hair and has an amazing voice...she is my sister Sophie Rose."
-Tessa Barton

Tessa performed a number called, "Walk With Me"
This is a song that her and Soph wrote together.
In The Venue is a loud joint but throughout this particular song, the audience was dead silent.
We all stood and listened to Tess perform this song.
It was Tessa.
Her guitar.
And Sophie's sweet spirit.
All on one single stage.
The power and spirit in the room was overwhelming.

This is a video that Tessa and her brothers made for Sophie on her birthday.
I've watched it 3 different times.
All 3 times of watching it have led me to tears.
Tessa is so strong.
Chas is so strong.
Luke is so strong.
The whole Barton family is so strong.

Keep singing through Tessa Sophie....
We all love hearing both of you sing.

Pillow Talk.

So as you know from my last post, yesterday went from a lousy day to a memorable one
I've never been a fan of shows like the Bachelor or the Bachelorette.
In fact, I used to make fun of people who watched that show.
Over the summer, I found myself watching the Bachelorette.
I will admit...I got attached. I loved it. And I was shocked.
Aubrey and I were big fans of the Bachelor Pad.
When that show ended...we had to find another show.
Well the Bachelor is back on and we are happy campers.
So last night, Aubrey and I and our amazing roomies gathered together from 7:00-9:00 PM.
Popcorn was popped and McKay (Aub's little brother) was ready to Skype.
He watched it with us!
I found it manly.
I loved the comments that would come from McKay and everyone in the room.
We all hate Courtney.
We all love Emily.
Emily and Courtney hate each other though.
Emily talked crapped on Courtney to Courtney' new "BFF".
That "BFF" told Courtney.
We all thought that Emily was going to be sent home.
A sigh of relief was made when Ben gave Emily a rose.
We still hate Courtney.
Aubrey sent me a picture that made a valid point.

Yeah....enough said.
We love Ben Frensky!

10:30 rolled around and Aubrey and I found ourselves in our beds...weird...I know.
Only because our usual bed time is...well let's just say...really late.
It was quiet. Then I hear:
"Annie? You talked in your sleep last night....it's been a while."
Yes I have a confession. I talk in my sleep...sometimes...and Aubrey always experiences it.
We talked about that. Then I realized the kitchen light was on.
Aubrey remembered that our door wasn't locked.
She went and locked it.
Funny thought I had while she did that.
I love crawling onto Aubrey's bed and talking to her.
We do this when we just want to talk or even to cry to each other.
So while she was locking the door, I thought to myself, "I really want Aubs to crawl onto my bed when she gets back."
She came back in the room and crawled right onto my bed.
She read my mind.
We do that with each other.
We talked about the most random things ever.
From getting married, to our amazing families, to Bachelor talk.
I look at my phone.
It's 12:35 AM.
Aub gets in her bed.
A few minutes later, I ask Aub if she was even tired.
"Nope."
We began making match-ups between Disney characters.
This was fun!
Ahem:
Abu vs. Mushu
Zazoo vs. Eago
and my favorite...the emperor from Mulan vs. Grandmother Willow.
Check the clock.
It's 1:00.
We wish it was 12:35 forever.
I loved it though.
We made a memory together.
By far one of my favorites!
Usually pillow talk with your best friend consists of boys, drama and gossip.
Well not for my and Aubrey.
Our pillow talk is better than that!
Love you Aubbie Jo!

Hate to Great!

Today was an interesting day.
Went into work with a lousy attitude.
It's a Monday and I wasn't in the mood.
After a good meeting with my amazing manager, work started to get better.
Came home to a surprise.
Best friend Trent knew that I was having a lousy day at work and that I didn't have the best weekend.
He dropped off some gerber daisies and a nice note.
I immediately began to be happy.
He is such a good friend and he did a good job at making me happy.
Thank you!
Off to class!
It was good!
In psychology, we learned about multitasking.
I learned that I am pretty good at multitasking.
I love my professor. He is awesome.
Health was great too.
After health, I made a spontaneous decision to make a change in my schedule.
I have a bunch of friends taking an astronomy class together.
It sounded interesting and fun.
So after many trips around UVU campus and running back and forth with an ADD-CLASS card in my hand....I was able to transfer into the class.
We will see how I like this class.
But ya...so life down here is good.
I love being back at my home.
I have made a special effort in making Orem my home.
I know I will always have my home in Salt Lake.
But being on my own down here has been nothing but a blessing.
I love getting to know Aubrey even more.
I love the laugh and memories we have made together.
I love that we were sisters to start out with...but now...we are even more sisters...ya...that makes no sense. But ya...it's true!
I love it down here!
Thank you everyone who has made living down here so much fun!!

Christmas!

It was a good year for Christmas.

I know I can go on and on talking about what I got and what I gave to people.

But that's dumb.

I loved going to church on Christmas.

I know people think it's kind of a bummer because they would rather stay at home opening presents.

But I loved church because the spirit and the music reminded me of what Christmas is really all about.

I loved sitting with my cousins and my grandma Pinnock.

The closing hymn was "Silent Night"

This song is very scared to the Pinnock family.

Reason is because my dad and all of his siblings sang this song around my grandpa Hugh's bed the night he passed away.

When they all sang the last 2 sentences, "Sleep in Heavenly peace....Sleep in Heavenly peace."...

My grandpa left this Earth and returned home to his Heavenly Father.

My grandma and I just cried throughout that hymn.

It was a special moment.

I loved having Aubrey stop by.

We exchanged gifts.

We hugged.

We laughed.

We caught up.

She gave me a jar that had "Feel the fear and do it anyway" and "I light the candles in my room."

This is a quote and some lyrics of Sophie.

She also got me a uke. 

Now my cousins and I can jam.

I loved it!

I loved having my cousins over for dinner.

Sarah P. and I watched "Switched at Birth" for hours!

Obsessed!

Ended the night throwing up.

Yuck.

Trent said that if there was anything I needed, that I should let him know.

Well 1:00 AM came around and I was back at the toilet.

I didn't want to call him...but I did.

He stayed up for an hour just talking to me.

Aub even offered to come over to sit with me.

I guess you could say that I have the greatest friends....ya...I do.

Home Sweet Home...

Being back at home and with my family,
I'm hardly on my computer which prevents me from updating my blog.
Well I moved back at home on Thursday!
With a car loaded with hampers, bags, clothes and shoes....we were off.
I had roomie Aubbie Jo and high school friend Sarah Howard joining me.
We had a grand ol' time with good ol' talks.
Dropped them off at their homes.
I got to see Brett Nilsson...Aub's dad.
I love Papa Nilsson!
He greeted all of us with a hug!..Even Sarah...when he didn't even know her.
Went over to Stephen's Clayton performance...unfortunately only seeing the last song.
He did a wonderful job though!
We headed back home.
Stephen had plans with his friends that actually fell through.
Lucky me!
We made our tradition dip....secret recipe that only our family knows about.
And watched The Incredibles.
Ya...I fell asleep for a bit...by the fire.
Best feeling ever.
I just love being home with my family.
I wouldn't have this break any other way.

P.S. One of my best friends...Trenton James...decided to surprise me with a  new stereo for my car!
Mine was pretty busted. He is the best. Seriously.

Letters to Sophie Rose...

This day was one of the most memorable days I've had in my life.
Aub and I had a photography assignment due that had to tell a story in 5 pictures.
I received inspiration on Monday night to do a story about Sophie Rose Barton.

It's been a little over a year since the passing of such an amazing person.
I was at my grandma's house that evening and I called my cousin Chelsea to come over and hang out.
She passed the news to me and I was in shock.
I didn't know how to feel.
I didn't know what to say.
I didn't know why.
Instantly, I told Jessica and Stephen about the news.
My first action was to kneel down right there in the backyard and say a prayer.

That night as I lay in my bed, looking at Sophie's Facebook profile,
Tears filled my eyes.
I began to question why her?
Why such a perfect human being who had so much going for her?
Why does her family have to go through such pain?
I got mad.
I was furious.
Then an overwhelming feeling of peace filled my room.
Sophie.
She is happy.
She is no longer in pain.
She is singing with the angels.
She is watching over her family.
She is helping me.

I did Clayton with Sophie.
We weren't in the same group, but we went on tour together.
I had seminary with Sophie.
She sat behind me.
Studying her scriptures.
Writing down notes.
She was perfect.

I would watch her and her sister Tessa walk down the halls of Olympus.
Hand in hand.
Smiles on their faces.
Beautiful clothes on.
They are best friends.

Aubs and I went to the funeral together.
Most beautiful thing I have ever been to.
Most everyone was wearing white.
Sophie's color.
I sat there with Aubrey.
Holding her hand.
Not wanting to think of the thought of ever losing Aubrey.
I held onto that moment.
I always will.

Aubrey and I drove to Salt Lake and went straight over to the Barton home.
Her mother, Anne-Marie, welcomed us with open arms.
They have made the "Dream Tree".
People come and write notes for Sophie.
We stood next to the tree in awe.
We decided to go in Sophie's room.
It's the same.
Sneakers in place.
Books in place.
Everything left the way it should be.
We sat on her bed with Anne as she told us stories about Soph.
She let us read Sophie's song writing journal.
She started writing songs at age 10.
She was so determined to finish 10 songs by age 17.
17.
She did it.
She did more than that.
Anne took pictures of us as we read her lyrics and recognized the songs.
We found a page with her song "This Feeling".
All 3 of us were singing them.

Aubs took pictures of the room while Anne-Marie and I sat on the bench in her room and looked at a scrapbook made by a complete stranger.
The pictures were from the funeral.
Anne hadn't looked at the book yet.
We were both in silence.
In tears.
We left with good advice given by Anne-Marie.
Such a strong woman.
Such an example.
I cannot wait to see that reunion between Sophie and her mother.
They are eternal best friends.

Aubrey and I made our way over to Sophie's grave.
We got white balloons...Sophie's color.
We sat there and wrote a letter to her.
We laughed.
We sat in silence.
We hugged each other.
We shared a moment that will never be forgotten.
The weather was freezing.
But my heart was warm with the feeling of Sophie there.

We tied the note to the balloons.
We released them into the sky...up to Heaven.
People always say that the balloons will eventually deflate or get caught in a tree somewhere.
I don't believe that.
That letter made it to Heaven.
Sophie read it.
I have the faith that she did.

We we were leaving,
Aub pointed out the moon.
It was 4:45 and the moon was out.
Whenever I look at the moon, I think of Sophie.
She was there with us the whole time.
She was laughing with us when we laughed.
She sat in silence...right next to us.
She smiled.

I have gotten to know Sophie in a completely different way.
She is one of my guardian angels.
I feel her in the wind.
I feel her when I'm sad.
It's like she is sitting on my bed with me.
Wiping my tears away.
She is a friend.
She is a sister.
She is perfect.
The moon.
The roses.
The rainbows.
The wind.
The rain.
The sunlight.
The music.
It's all Sophie.

I am forever grateful for this perfect soul who taught me to:
"Feel the fear and do it anyway."
-Sophie Rose Barton

I love this girl.
I'm so grateful for this assignment.
I'm grateful for the story.
Yes. It's horrible and sad.
Yes. It's meaningful and happy.
Sophie only wants us to be happy...
because she is.

I love the impact this assignment had on my life.
On Aubrey's life.
On my photography instructor's life.
...Yes...as he looked at my assignment...
He teared up.
Sophie was there.
I know it.

I am eternally grateful for that amazing angel.

                               

 

 

We love and miss you Sophie Rose Barton.

Aubrey is wise...

Today I wasn't planning on blogging because nothing really exciting happened...but then I just barely read my roommate, Aubrey's most recent blog post and I had to share what I learned. I sat there and read it and just fell in love with what she experienced today. I even read the post twice! Today...Aubrey had HOPE. Something EVERYONE needs. There was this sheet of paper on our refrigerator:

No one in our apartment knows where it came from....I personally think it makes it that much more special. Today...Aubrey took HOPE. Just read her post and you'll know what she experienced today. I'm not going to go off and mimic what Aubrey wrote about HOPE. Her blog post says it all! I found this quote about HOPE and wanted to share... "Learn from yesterday, live for today, HOPE for tomorrow. The important thing is to stop questioning."

-Albert Einstein

Today I learned that everyone needs HOPE. It's one of the only things that can really make life so much better and more enjoyable. With HOPE comes FAITH. And with FAITH comes a stronger YOU....Just made that up...It might not make any sense to any of whom read my blog...but it made sense to me. 

So thank you Aubrey Jo for giving me that little piece of HOPE that I've been looking for. 

"For we need a little (more) Christmas!"

Oh tis the season to be jolly!
Have yourself a very Merry Christmas!
Jingle freaking bells!
Monday night was one that I'll always remember!
I usually hate Mondays...
Oh but today was so much fun!
Early morning class was cancelled...work was alright...the rest of classes went well too!
Psychology was interesting...we had a death and dying lecture.
I couldn't help but cry in the middle of class with the thought of any of my loved ones dying.
Friends...family....roommates....I would be heart broken.
I came home and walked straight over to Aubrey in tears and gave her a hug.
We stood there in silence...she let me cry. I am so grateful for her.
We talked about how beautiful the plan of salvation is and how we are so grateful for the Atonement.

We decided to have a fun night!
We got on our freaking awesome Christmas sweaters, leggings and boots and headed off the Walmart!
We needed hot chocolate!
After Walmart, we goofed around on photo booth and then headed over to Breann's apartment.
She is one of Aubrey's best friends!
It was fun to show her our Christmas get up and sing carols to her!
We came back and Addison was there!
We popped some popcorn...made some delicious hot chocolate...got in our PJ's...and watched the Polar Express!
Another one of my favorite Christmas movies!
I just love Christmas.
I love how Aubrey and I are making it our own...TOGETHER!
This Christmas wouldn't be so magical if it wasn't for her!
Thanks Aubs!

We are known as Santa's favorite reindeer!

1149 Sisters!

Aubrey and I came down here on our own with the hope to make new friends.

Not gonna lie...I was seriously worried that none of my roommates would like me. 

But the day I met all of my roomies...all of those worries went away. 

They were all so sweet and welcoming.

I feel like we all became such good friends from the very beginning.

We are rarely all together because we all have different work and school schedules.

We have wanted to have dinner all together but it never worked out.

FINALLY one day I asked all of them to come over to my house in Salt Lake for dinner this Sunday and

EVERY one of them were able to come!

My amazing mom made us an incredible Sunday dinner.

We all sat around the table and enjoyed each other's company.

We talked about Harry Potter and Twilight.

We talked about families and school.

We talked about good looking men.

I feel like we all got to know each other even more during that dinner.

I LOVE these girls!

We are all so different...BUT when we are all together...it's noting but a grand ol' time!

I am so blessed to have such amazing roommates.

They are always there for me.

They make me laugh more than anyone.

I don't know how I got so lucky!

I love all 5 of them!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM APT H1149!!!