Thinning Out the Thick

So much has happened lately! It's already mid-July!

My sister Nicole had her baby! little Ryan is dang cute and I'm proud to be his Aunt!

My nephew Nathan can say my name - Danewhl - i can't believe he's 2 today!! the one on the left is Nathan!

I finally went to the doctor after being sick for about 2 weeks. Every time I eat something I feel sick. Normally I go to the doctor and they tell me it's just stress and send me on my way. This time they actually wanted to run tests. So I have a follow-up appointment on August 6th when I get back from my family vacations and they'll let me know what they found. I'm SO confident it's actually nothing. But I would love to have some idea of what is going on so that I can come closer to feeling better.

Tallan is still working hard selling pest control. A lot of the guys he works with are quitting and having a really hard time. I don't know how Tallan does it but he keeps such a great attitude about it all! I mean there are days when he gets frustrated - believe it or not he is human - but I'm so proud of how hard he works. I can't believe he is coming out for my brother's wedding on July 30th (Rexburg Temple)!! He'll only be there for about 2 days but it'll make waiting until the end of August much easier.

Life is so good to me. I think we all tend to get caught up in the thick of thin things. So I guess you could say, we need to thin out the thick. We need to realize the difficult stuff is so temporary! If we all take a step back and think about all the great things in our lives...we'll all be happier. I'm excited to see lots of family over the next two weeks - including Tallan! He's finally going to "meet the parents"! Let's hope it doesn't go over like it did in the movie. Despite the little struggles, I'm in a great place right now and I feel so blessed. As soon as I get back from my trip to: Minnesota, Ohio, and Idaho I'll post pictures!!

a gorgeous pond. there aren't enough big things in the world to keep us happy. we have to learn to appreciate the little things.

Mama Lash Comes for a Visit

Mama Lash came to Provo today! it was SO nice to see her. i got to show her my apartment and where i work and we got to talk. it's amazing how no matter how much i try to grow up my mom is still my mom. There is so much going on in our family right now and she stays so strong and calm throughout all of it. She's my mom...but she's also one of my best friends. I love her so much for that. Hopefully my brother's wedding plans go off without a glitch in Idaho. Finals start tomorrow! And this past week I lost another 2 pounds! 4 total lost now!

the end is near

today was quite the day.

i'm in a group of 4 and we've been working hard all term on our advertising project. as difficult as it was at times, it's such a great feeling knowing that if i get into the advertising program that this is what i'll be doing.

we started out with a problem and an idea and now we have our finished plan.

I love everything about it.

I've found what I love to do!

a lifestyle change

8 days ago I started a lifestyle change. some might call it a diet but it most definitely isn't. my goal is 15 pounds by fall semester. and then to maintain that weight. i've lost 2 so far which...let me tell you...stepping onto the scale and seeing that my hard work is paying OFF is so satisfying.

on the other hand...it is so difficult. i feel like i've been fasting for a week! but i know if i make this lifestyle change now and not when i'm desperately trying to lose weight it'll be so much easier.

i have the support of my roommates, coworkers, and my sweet Tallan who help me remember it's worth it and to push through this unbelievably difficult phase. i seriously had no idea it would take this much will power. but all it really comes down to is the choice. and i've made the choice, i just need to stick to it!

family updates

Katrina. Nicole. Christine.

my sisters.

today was one of those "i have so much to do, how am I going to get it all done" days. we all have them. which i'm grateful for, that way I know I'm not the only one who becomes overwhelmed time to time. I mean everyone in my family has SOMETHING that they're a little overwhelmed with. for example:

my sister Nicole is due less than a month with her first! we're all really excited for her. his name is Ryan William.

my Mom is coming through Utah soon! (on her way up to Idaho to help with my brother's wedding plans) I'm excited to see her even if it is for only a little while.

my brother Mitch is getting married next month! July 30th in the Rexburg Temple. I'm really happy for him and Alicia. They're great for each other. She can tease him back which is definitely a must.

i've definitely been missing my family lately. so i put up a picture of my sisters! i love them so much. we all have such different personalities and it's great when we're all together. i'm excited to spend time with everyone at Mitch and Alicia's wedding and then of course the Anderson Family Reunion!

Finals are next week for Spring term out here at BYU! I'm not too worried. I'm more worried about getting my final project done for my Intro to Advertising class done. It'll work out just like everything else I worry about seems to.

I can't believe this month is my one year mark for living in Utah...I know everyone says it, but I honestly can't believe it went by that fast.

Highlight of my day? Getting to talk to Tallan BEFORE the sun went down. He's working in California this summer selling pest control. He starts at 8 am and finishes around 9:30 or 10:00 pm. The long distance thing is tough but I'm actually grateful for it. Someone once told me it either tears you apart or brings you closer - more than you ever thought possible. I didn't believe long distance could bring you closer together until now. There are days when it's frustrating but just like anything difficult...it's the challenge and the struggle that makes it worthwhile and valuable. Needless to say, I love him.

and there i go...

I've realized how many of my friends and family have blogs. It wasn't until now that i thought to create one myself.

Highlight of today? Definitely talking to my nephew Nathan James. Oh gosh. Today was the first day he said my name! Truth? I wish i was home in Minnesota to spend time with my family. But i know staying in Provo was the right thing for me this summer. It's been quite the roller coaster. I'm glad though, if it wasn't what would be the point? Stay tuned...more to come!