January

this month has crept/absolutely flown by. and because i didn't have a job until the very end, I feel like i did nothing. oh wait, because that's correct. i did nothing. hahaha. 

this month was spent mostly being completely in love with Natalie, Caleb and Jenna. My two nieces and nephew who live here. I took the CBEST, and kicked it's butt. So know i can be a substitute teacher in California for the REST OF MY LIFE, SUCKAS!

too bad I have to finish 90 credits first. ha. riiiiiiight. 

I schemed for a long time about the perfect present for Stephen. I went to six flags with Janelle and her family on her birthday. I re-read the hunger games and legitimately bawled when *spoiler!* 

Finnick died. my feelings for Mockingjay are hard to describe. so i won't try. 

I also spent some time doing stuff with the YSA group...

I dressed up as pinocchio for a disney themed dance and Mal dressed up as herself because she's too cool for that stuff. don't judge my nose, i was trying to be all wooden.

this picture is blurry but  love it, because everyday Natalie and Caleb get ridiculously excited for "Grandpa Jamie" to come home. and here he has them both on his lap and is telling them the story of the time he caught ten squirrels at scout camp when he was fifteen with a trash can and pay day bars and tricked the mean boy into opening the trash can and all the squirrels jumped out and attacked him. My favorite part of that story is that it's real. hahahhaha

We. brake. SOO many cups around here. honestly like every couple weeks someone drops a mug or glass. my mom hates most of our mugs, so i don't know why she's complaining about us breaking all of them. this one was tragic though, Dad's RBA raisin cup. 

he looked like he was about to dang cry when i told him that i broke it. he said it was alright, but then he sulked in his room. 

Also, I like to drive around Radiator springs. I mean Madera California.

I like to come up with excuses to watch Harry Potter... "I'm gonna do a Harry Potter workout!" HA

But like i said, most of my time is spent fawning over the babies.

But really, come on, how can you not smile at that face?

Tomorrow i'm excited to show y'all Brandon's birthday present :)

Stand

Stand in holy places and be not moved.

and, I love this song, it's great.

also, I LOVE this video. so good.

Sister Holden

Meet Janelle, she's a babe.

She's also one of my very best friends. ever. 

She's going to serve a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

So i took some pictures of her because she needs one to send in with her application. 

I know i'm a rookie, so don't judge. 

It was fun. I love her! And I'm so proud of her and I couldn't be happier for her.

Obviously you can't use these two...but he's the devil cat/simba

gotta love her

PWA

Good Evening, and welcome to Pant Wetters Anonymous.
My is Melissa

(Hi Melissa)

 I'm 18 years old and last night I wet my pants.
No, I do not have a bladder problem
No, I was not laughing hysterically

I simply ignored the warning signs for far, far, FAR too long.



you can all laugh. ha. yuck it up fuzz balls because we all know that everyone has done this at LEAST once in their adult life, so stop judging me.

also, i know this is probably way too much information. I'm glad we've reached this point in our blogger/ invisible internet friend relationship. that's cool. However I'd appreciate it if you didn't bring this up in front of any potential suitors. not that there are any. ha. but someday in the far future when there are, let's keep it between you and me.

The Swing

Two things that Jenna loves: going outside and being held by grandpa Jamie

Two things that my dad loves: being outside and holding baby Jenna

win win. win.

Uncle Dean

Yesterday morning my great uncle Dean passed away.

He was still suffering from health problems so i'm glad he can be peaceful now, but it's still sad.

I guess I'm just lucky to even have relationships with my great uncles and aunt. Most people don't get that opportunity. I love them, though. 'The Big Six' we call them. My grandpa, his three brothers and two sisters. They are six of the most selfless, happy, wonderful people I know. 

they are God fearing, hard working Americans to the core.

Uncle Dean will be missed, but I know he's in a better place now.

I know families are forever.

Purpose

"Men's Hearts are failing them If you [have] faith, you can handle difficulties. knowing with an eternal perspective that all will be well. ... Men's Hearts are failing them, and that includes women. They forget their identity and their purpose. Heartaches will come...be patient with yourself. Perfection comes not in this life, but in the next life. Don't demand things that are unreasonable, but demand of yourself improvement as you let the Lord help you; through that He will make the difference."



Mormon.org

Funny Mom

So my mom is hilarious.
Just a few examples of late:


(when discussing the anticipation of the Biggest Loser season 14)
Derek: Those running shoes look good on you, isn't that what every girl needs for motivation? a cute pair of running shoes?
Me: Yeah, hey mom we should go to Marshall's and get me a cheap pair of running shoes to motivate me!
Mom: eh...I don't wanna waste any money.




(Me and Jenae talking about a person from school)
Me: There is a difference between being not-smart and stupid. Jenae is really stupid, but she's hecka smart.
Jenae: But I'm book smart?
Me: yeah, but you're stupid.
Jenae: at least *name of a person we both know* is way stupider than me.
Me: they're not stupid, they're just not smart at all!
Jenae: totally!
Mom: I don't think you should talk about people like that!
Me: It's *name of person* though... you know, "So an so's" friend?
Mom: Oh, okay. yeah.




Me: Can I make eggs for me and Jenae?
Mom: just leave a few in case we suddenly need to make a cake!