.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.

.hugs.

I can always rely on my mom's hugs to make feel better

 when I come home crying, feeling overwhelmed. 

.another.missionary.

Welp so far in the year 2013 the Pinnock family has had 3 grandchildren open mission calls. Sarah to Argentina, Stephen to Italy along with Josh. I was surprised to hear that my cousin Rachel had received her call in the mail yesterday. I didn't think she was putting in her papers in until the end of the summer. We all gathered together at Nate and Ali's house to anticipate where Rachel was called to. I sat there with my cousin Sarah and we watched another one of us Famous Four open a mission call. It's so surreal to me to see Rachel who has been one of my best friends since the day she was born embark on an amazing experience.

Dear Sister Pinnock,

You are hereby called to serve as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. You are called to labor in the Puerto Rico, San Juan mission! Reporting to the DOMINICAN REPUBLIC MTC!

I am so happy for this girl! I am so proud of her decision to serve a mission and I know that the people of Puerto Rico are going to love her!

Good speed Sister Pinnock!

.god.is.good.

I know you have all seen bunches of posts on Facebook about a historical evening the Pinnock family witnessed last night but I just have to blog about it. Without knowing, cousins, Josh and Stephen put their mission papers in on the same day. We had planned on watching them open their calls on March 6th since that was the day we expected their calls to come....however....they didn't arrive. Josh and Stephen, being the amazing boys they are, didn't mind one bit. Stephen would tell me, "It's okay! I've been called and it will come eventually. That's all that matters. I'm not worried one bit!" What a guy! March 7th comes around and I receive a text from my mom: "It came!!" And as luck would have it, Josh's came too. Welp...saddle up! Time for lives to change in just a sentence or two! 

We all gathered at my Uncle Jon and Aunt Laura's house for this moment.  A few minutes before they opened their calls I told Jon that they had to go to the same country...they just had to. Not the same mission...but we were hoping at least the same country. In past conversations our family had talked about predictions as to where we thought Stephen would go. My mom was convinced he was going to the Philippines. I thought either New York or Italy. Jess thought Italy...only because she WANTED him to go there (she is our little Italian). We gathered around these two boys (okay men...) and anticipated to hear the assignment of where they were to serve the Lord for the next 2 years. Stephen, being the oldest of the 2, went first. 

"Dear Elder Pinnock,

You have been called to serve as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. You are assigned to labor in the ITALY, MILAN mission!!"

I couldn't believe what I had just witnessed. Is my little brother seriously going to his DREAM MISSION!? Is he going where I predicted?! Is he even old enough to do this?! 

After a lot of cheers, shouts and tears...it was Josh's turn. We again...anticipated.

"Dear Elder Pinnock,

You have been called to serve as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. You are assigned to labor in the ITALY, MILAN mission!!"

Again...even louder cheers, shouts and tears! I thought he was joking, but Josh put his hand to his mouth and immediately started sobbing. This was no joke. This was real. This was happening. This was amazing.

The 2 elders embraced in a long, much needed, hug. They just held each other. Laughed. Cried. Hugged. These 2 brothers from 2 mothers have been called to 1 mission. The Italy, Milan mission. Departing on the SAME day, July 24, 2013.

God is good. He is real....and well...funny. 

I still can't believe this moment happened. I can't believe that my little brother and his side kick of 18 years are old enough to go on missions....let alone, the same mission! Good speed Elders Pinnock!

My Aunt Laura asked me to make a video of this moment and so here it is!

.olympus.titans.

For those of you who didn't know, Olympus High School is 60 years old and is being rebuilt this year. This is a little tender subject for me since I had so many amazing memories in that school. Basketball is huge deal at Olympus since the team is always amazing. This particular basketball game was a big deal because it was the last home game at the old high school and it was against our rival team...SKYLINE. I was so happy that Trent and I were able to make it to the game. Of course...Olympus won. I have a lot of pride in this school so I was stoked. I was also able to run into some old friends there so that was a bonus. GO TITANS!

Ran into this beautiful girl at half time! We were SBO's and Vicki Belnap survivors together. We were both a little overwhelmed after not seeing each other in 93 years!

My date to this epic game!

I love this little goober....too much.

GO TITANS.

.wait.what?.

Hello. My name is Annie and I am a VIP member at Gold's Gym and I actually go.

Wait...what?...Ya I'm just as surprised as you are. Go me.

**Credit for gym pass goes to my amazing cousin, Miss Kimberlee Anne Wells. She is kind of amazing.

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.

...

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!!

Power of the Priesthood.

Today is another hard day here at the Pinnock home.
Dad hasn't made much progress in his health.
But he's home from the hospital which is great.
He was a trooper yesterday.
Went to the emergency room at 10:00 in the morning.
Come home at 5:30 in the evening.
No results yet.
Today Tom Burton and Ryan Wright (Counselors in the bishopric) came over to visit the sick Bishop of the 27th ward.
Updates of the ward were shared.
Even though my dad is sick to the point where he can't walk, he still shows concern about the ward.
If he could walk...he would totally be at church today.
I love my dad.
There past few nights have been crazy.
I look up to him in so many ways and I have such a high respect for him.
Ryan and Tom gave him a blessing.
I love watching priesthood blessing being given.
There is such a spirit in the room.
Now that I'm older, I am never hesitant to ask for blessings.
Whether it's for health reasons or just to feel peace about a situation.
I love the power of the priesthood.

Kneeling Helps.

Ever since I moved out,

I find myself on my knees a lot more.

I find myself reading my scriptures late at night a lot more.

I find myself at the temple a lot more.

I find myself fasting a lot more.

I just rely on my Savior everyday.

For some reason,

it's easier for me to do all of those things while in Orem rather than in Salt Lake.

Today I'm in Salt Lake.

I'm praying.

Hard.

Dad is in the hospital.

He's been there since 10:00 this morning.

I hate being home alone when things like this happen.

Jess and Jake in New York.

Beth and Andy at there own home.

Hugh in Provo.

Stephen running errands for his dance tonight.

Mom at the hospital with Dad.

Good thing I have my dog, Oscar.

It's times like these where I go to my Savior in prayer.

He knows what will happen.

He knows the pain my dad is feeling.

The pain we are all feeling.

"When life gets too hard to stand.... KNEEL."

Festivus!

This post in LONG over due...but the pictures were finally posted today!!
Ahem...

There are people in this world who LOVE the hit TV show Seinfeld.
There are people in this world who don't know much about this amazing show.
Ya...I feel bad for those people.
They don't know what they are missing out on.
One episode involves a holiday that George's dad made up.
FESTIVUS!
Festivus is a secular holiday celebrated on December 23 as a way to commemorate the holiday season without participating in its pressures and commercialism.
This holiday includes practices such as the "Airing of Grievances", which occurs during the Festivus meal and in which each person tells everyone else all the ways they have disappointed him or her over the past year. After the meal the "Feats of Strength" are performed, involving wrestling the head of the household to the floor, with the holiday ending only if the head of the household is actually pinned.

Now that I've given you a history of Festivus...
Don't you just want to go celebrate it?
Ya...we did.
You jealous?
Ya...I would be too.
Sarah and I thought it would be fun to get together with our little brothers to celebrate such a holiday.
We dressed up as our characters.
Sarah = Cosmo Kramer
Josh = George Costanza
Annie = Elaine Benes
Stephen = Jerry Seinfeld

Pictures were taken.
Laughs were shared.
We even went to Panda Express in our costumes and ordered take out. (A traditional Seinfeld meal)
Went back to my house and watched the Seinfeld episode that had Festivus in it.
Although we didn't have the "Airing of Grievances" or the "Feats of Strength",
I would say that our Festivus party was a success.
Thank you Sarah, Josh and Stephen for the fun celebration!

[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.

Discovering a new ME!

Let me start out my apologizing.

I haven't blogged since my trip in California (which was incredible)

I got caught up in my sisters wedding.

Family get togethers.

Sickness.

Blah blah blah.

But I'm back!

As you know, my sister Bethany got married!

It was a beautiful day and she was a beautiful bride!

I am so happy to have Andy as a new brother.

So happy for them!

He makes not only Bethany so happy...but he makes us all so happy!

Me and my best friends.

             

                                                             

My amazing family!

So ya...

It was an amazing day.

Synergy started!

I did it in 2010. 

Loved it.

Life changed.

Miss it.

We had lift clinics on Friday.

I was proud of myself.

I worked harder than I ever had.

I was able to nail the lift, "Wicked" again!

I haven't done it in almost 4 years. 

So doing it again felt really good. 

Thank you Greg Dowse for doing it with me!

I woke up Saturday morning with nothing but pain in my legs.

Painful?...oh ya!

Worth it?...totally!

It's going to be an amazing group this year! 

We are going to Ecuador and I can't wait!!!

So second semester has started.

I LOVE my classes and professors.

I got really lucky.

Man! Doing your research on ratemyprofessor.com really pays off!

I just love it down here.

I spent a few hours moving my stuff back in and organizing my room and getting rid of junk.

It is the new year and so de-junking is essential.

I decided to do this semester different.

I was walking around on campus today and I told myself, "It's going to be a good semester."

Now, at the U of U, I slacked hard core.

Working 2 jobs and living at home, I never did homework or got off my butt to be social.

I don't have night classes this semester, so I can go to FHE and Relief Society activities!

I was always bummed out that roomie Aub had met so many fun people in our ward...that sounds rude. 

Let me rephrase that.

I was stoked that she met so many fun people. Good for her!!

But I was more bummed that I was stuck in class on Monday and Wednesday night and that prevented me from meeting people like Aub did.

I'm taking classes for my major and so I know that I will enjoy them a lot more!

I have motivation to actually do my homework and do it well.

I am just really excited for this semester.

I'm taking this week to discover a new ME!

I can't wait to figure everything out. 

This is going to be a good year.

Bring it on 2012!

Famous Four...

My cousins are the best people ever.
I am so lucky that all 41 of my Pinnock family members live in UTAH.
Better yet...
About 35 of us live right here in Holladay.

Let me tell you about the Famous Four....
At least...that's what the Pinnock family calls us.
Annie.
Sarah.
Rachel.
Chelsea.
Yup...we are legit.
Ever since Chelsea (the youngest of us 4) was born....
We have all become best friends.
We all do everything together.
It's weird if one of us is missing.
Although Sarah and I are no longer in high school....Chelsea and Rachel still fill us in on the dirt and gossip of Olympus High.
I just love these girls.
They are little sisters to me.
Sarah is the funny one. She keeps me laughing 24/7.
She is adventurous and is always up for getting off our lazy butts to do something fun.
Rachel is the sweetheart. She is always smiling and has the best mood.
Chelsea is the outgoing one. She loves the sleepovers and long talks.
We all like to go toilet papering....we only toilet paper people we love and care about.
Weird huh? It's like an oxymoron.
Oh well.
We like to play on playgrounds and go rollerblading.
We just like to spend time together.

Me and Sar before an Oly Dance Co. performance.

Cousin sleepover and rollerblading night.

Me and Rach at a baptism.

We are so well behaved at baptisms...

Me and Chels at my mom's party.

 A few summers ago, our family went to Aspen Grove for a family reunion.
We made friends with other families and it was a blast.
I listened to Alvin and the Chipmunks' "Witch Doctor" and had this vision in my head of a dance to it.
Aspen Grove had a talent show so I brought up the idea to Sar, Chels and Rach and they were all for it.
We danced and lip synced to this song.
Here is just a small clip of it.

Then one the last night up there...
My mom.
Sarah's mom.
Chelsea's dad.
And our uncle Rob,
put on a show for us too....it was epic.

So Christmas comes around right?
We have our annual Pinnock Christmas party.
I had the idea to do another chipmunks number...
Christmas style.
Told the other 3.
Of course...
They were all on board.
Love them for that!
Here's how it turned out.

All I can say is...
I LOVE my cousins.
My family is the best.
My cousins are better than yours.
Haha
I know that sounds 5 year oldish.
But I really don't know what I would do without them!

I LOVE MY FAM DAMILY!!!

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.

25 days!

I love Christmas! I love the feeling in the air. The snow. The radio filled with Christmas music. The lights. Everything. I'll be home for Christmas! I love that I can actually say that this year! Yes, Orem is my new home and I LOVE it down here. But there is an amazing spirit at my home back in Salt Lake during the Christmas season. My mom decks out like none other! She makes our house look beautiful and our tree is incredible. There are a few things I am really excited for during this Christmas season:

Snow angels

Skiing

Sitting by the fire

Decorating the house

Ginger bread houses

Seeing the lights on Temple Square

Doing fun things with Els

Watching the Grinch 17 times

And of course...being with my family!

Yep...tis the season! I love Christmas! We've already hung up our stockings and put up Christmas lights in our apartment! AND we are going up to Park City to get a REAL Christmas tree from the forest. Oh I love this season! Now LET IT SNOW!

TGIF!!

Thank goodness it's Friday! This past week had a lot of ups and downs. More downs that I had anticipated. But I just focus on the ups of course! Day 4 of gratitude month!! I don't think I've been this excited for November...anyhoo. Today I am grateful for a really random thing that EVERYONE and their dog uses. K maybe not their dog...it's just a saying I've heard and used. But today I am grateful for the beautiful thing called texting. I am able to communicate with my best friend Elsa up in Idaho, my sister and brother in law in New York, my family in Salt Lake and here in Provo and even my own roomie Aubrey! Yes yes yes....phone calls are SO much better and more fun! But sometimes we are not in a convenient area to take a phone call. Today 106.5 started playing Christmas music! So I text my whole family saying, "106.5 is playing Christmas music!!!!" Here were the replies I received:

Mom: "What the heck!...Atleast they waited til after Halloween!"

Dad: "Boo hiss...Too early!...I hope you're not texting while driving.. (Told him I was on campus) he said..."I hope you're not texting while walking....actually probably a great way to meet guys running into them whole distracted by your phone!"

Hugh: "Curses"

Stevo: "Hecka yeah sis! We need to jam!"

I guess it's not just texting I'm grateful for today...It's my family too and how awesome they are...but then again...I'm alaway grateful for my family!

Here's to texting!

Oh...and it's National King Tut Day According to Aubrey's sweet calendar!

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!!!