Amber Lynn { ♥.}

Opportunities for Happiness

2012-01-07T19:55:00.000-07:00

'Attitude is Everything'- I've said it for years; This week, I found out that it's true! I can't believe what a good week I've had in spite of the crazy happenings. I've decided to be happy this year, no matter what! Of course there will be those days that will be hard, but finding something good in them will make all the difference. No wasted time.

My family went camping this week- we had such a good time despite leaving quite a bit later than we would have liked, having to switch cars, check tires, decide to switch campsite locations because of closures, and then having to drive 45 minutes back into town to get a permit to camp at the chosen site (My dad and I had a great time & conversation!)---We were all pretty patient and had a nice relaxing time. We shot BB Rifles, played in the fire, sat around and learned about important things like time value of money (S was reading a money book and we were all discussing) and quoting kid history like crazy- Haha! That first night, I was FREEZING. I had a mummy bag (which was not good considering I am claustrophobic) and it wouldn't zip up all the way- Hahaha! SO, as I was putting on another layer of clothing to get warmer, I heard this dying rabbit- it was SCREAMING. So I'm thinking, "Great. WHERE is that and WHAT is killing it?" I had to go to the bathroom and no had no flashlight. So freezing me, decides to get into the Truck and warm up. One problem...the truck is diesel, and if I had started that at 2:30 in the morning....WHEW. That wouldn't have been the best idea ever. So I sat there freezing for an hour with my Ipod touch charging...and decided to look for a flashlight to go to the bathroom...luckily my Grandparents keep the Truck well equipped- I found a mag-light in the glovebox! So I went to the bathroom, got back in the truck, sat there til 6 with my music on, playing 'Unblock Me'. I then decide that I was too cold to go on, and tried to start a fire, and that's when my parents gave me the Van keys so I could turn on the seat warmers- WHAT GLORIOUS THINGS SEAT-WARMERS ARE!!! Anyway- I took a good nap that day while the sun was up. I was proud of myself for not being out of sorts- just tired! :) The next night, I got an extra sleeping bag and a fleece liner and slept very soundly. I loved it!

After we got back into town Kaighty came to visit! We went to lunch at Graziano's Pizzeria, then went Laser Tagging, THEN went to Studio Movie Grill and ate dinner WHILE we watched Sherlock Holmes 2. It was SWEET. The next morning we slept in and hung out. We looked up some pretty interesting scriptures too. Haha! That night (Thurs.) my family went to my Grandparent's house to visit- My cousins Merica & Jaron and their son Jaxon were in Town! I love them! It was soooo good to see them!

Friday I went back to work- And of course, there was a little bit of Drama. What's work without Drama? I was glad to not get all wrapped up in it. "Whatevs!"

And then Friday night I got the stomach flu... Ben & I were simultaneously sick all night- It was actually sort of comical. BUT I have been feeling much better this afternoon- just kind of queasy. And I got to watch my favorite movie "Sense and Sensibility" with Emma Thompson, Hugh Grant, Kate Winslet, and Alan Rickman.

S left for college tonight, and the room feels empty without her. I miss her already! But I know she'll have fun this semester!

I'm looking forward to tomorrow and having it be a day of rest. I have really had an awesome week and am excited for the rest of the year!!!

"Out of Clutter, find Simplicity. From Discord, find Harmony. In the middle of difficulty lies Opportunity." -Albert Einstein

2012 +

2012-01-01T23:00:00.000-07:00

Happy 2012!

This is probably the most popular day of the year to blog. Or Journal. Or work out. Or.... {you fill in the blank}.

I have High Hopes for 2012; However, before I post the obligatory Goals/Resolutions/To Do List, I would like to do a "The Firsts of 2011" Post. I like to be able to look back and see some of the New Things I did. So without further ado, and more or less in Chronological Order-

11 Firsts of 2011:

-Attended a Photography Workshop

-Made a Someone's Birthday last an entire week

-Performed at a Valentine's 'Jazz Club'

-Started a New Business

-Became a Manager @ Work

-First Wedding Photo Shoot

-Went to Girls Camp as a Leader

-First Time on the Bus

-Won a Pie Eating Contest

-First Kiss

-Had a Younger Sibling move home from college

There you have it. Now on to 2012:

Goals (Because the word 'Resolution' automatically makes me NOT want to have anything to do with it...)

-(Every Year on almost Everyone's List) To be more Physically Fit.

-To Read All of The Standard Works

-Pay off Student Debt

-Journal at least 2 times a Week

-Do 2 Photo Shoots a Month

-Read 3 'Classic' Books {Gone with the Wind, East of Eden, The Grapes of Wrath-You know. Any Suggestions?)

-Visit Utah

-Practice Vocal Techniques and Singing for 20 minutes 5 times a week

-Practice the Piano 20 minutes 5 times a week

-Be better at keeping in touch (talking on the phone is not a current forte of mine...)

-Go Back to School

-Learn Another Language (Ok, so this is Not Likely, But has always been a dream of mine- I've dabbled in Spanish and Italian...But I want to become Fluent in another Language- I'm taking suggestions/requests.)

-Take Cello Lessons

-Learn to make fluffy pancakes

Here's to 2012! What happens this year is up to you!
{♥.}

Andy's Visit.

2011-12-12T11:46:00.000-07:00

This weekend Andy came to visit! I was so excited all week! FINALLY Saturday came, So I trucked out the the Airport and picked him up. From there, we took a little detour to the Arizona Science Center; We were contractors/ designers and built a house with some crazy corners and a chimney, and then we designed a pancake themed kitchen.....though it fit the theme, I wouldn't let us decorate if you want a 'sweet' kitchen. Haha!

Next we were brain surgeons! We learned that it takes a steady hand to operate... And that multitasking is nearly impossible. Then, we headed up to the next floor and laid on a bed of nails! I was kind of freaked out to try it, but it was actually fun!

Then on to the next floor where we were geologists and PIRATES! Arrrrrrr.

We went to a really good Pizzeria right around the corner. We then took some pictures by Chase Field. It was beautiful outside!

About that time, Kimber invited us to go Laser Tagging. That. was. so. much. fun! But it's a good thing that Andy Can navigate...he almost showed ME around Phoenix... Haha!

After Laser Tagging we went to P.F. Chang's for Dinner. MMmmmmmm. The Shrimp with Candied Walnuts was Delicioso!

Then on to the Temple lights, where we only had to make 3 U-turns (the weekend count was at least 7).

Here we are in front of the Nativity scene. (A little blurry, I know.)

Then we walked around the visitors center and looked at all the Nativity scenes from around the world. They were so beautiful!

The next day we went to Kimber's farewell. She did such a good job and will be a wonderful Missionary. I'll miss her! We then went to Kimber's house and played 'George' A really awesome Canadian card game. We also met Milo, Kimber's cat. She's a good cat. :)

Here's all of us! Ben, Kimber, Milo, Andy and Me.

That night we played Games with my family, we learned how to play "Dyrak" {Du-rock}, A really fun Russian Card game. Ben and Matt kept having to battle each other at the end. Then we watched Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows part 2. {always a good movie.}

And That was our Superb weekend! The End!

December in Phoenix

2011-12-12T10:52:00.000-07:00

If you have never been to Phoenix in December, you might think it is weird seeing palm trees and cacti. If you are from Utah, you probably think of pine trees, snow, snow shoveling, snowmen, snowballs, snowcones, snow angels, snowflakes, snow storms, and snow shoes. You expect people to be wearing hats, mittens, boots and big overcoats; not people wearing shorts and t-shirts outside. But that is what December is like in Phoenix. Just in case you were wondering and you ever thought to visit.

Thinks I Think

2011-10-15T00:39:00.002-07:00

A few Thoughts:

Do you know that feeling when everything in your life starts to fall into place, even if it's just for two minutes? I love that! Heavenly Father always always ALWAYS has a plan to success- no matter what stage of life, trial, or mistake we may come to him in, there is always a way to succeed and be happy. It's all about your heart and the mindset you have when you ask Him for help.

Blessings always ALWAYS follow even the smallest righteous action. And most of the time, the windows of Heaven are opened. The tender mercies never cease to amaze me. Whether it's having pennies left in your bank account after paying all your tithing and bills that month, or a much needed 'how are you/ I'm thinking about you' text, or an answered prayer, the love of Christ and Heavenly Father is tangible.

What enjoyment you get OUT of your life is directly proportional to the effort you put INTO your life.

Thinking about and doing service for others always makes your life easier, even when you think you are too busy to fit in one more 'task'.

Patience IS a virtue.

Daily Prayers and Scripture Study are essential to stay connected to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.

The Temple is the House of God. I'm going there someday!

I love my Heavenly Father and my Savior, Jesus Christ with all of my heart!

I am a Christian!

{♥.}

El Bus

2011-10-13T22:13:00.000-07:00

I know this sounds a little funny, but a few weeks ago, I rode the city bus for the first time. And by first time, I mean first time ever. I was REALLY nervous-haha! But Dad helped me figure it out, and Andy told me not to worry, it'd be fine....and of course, it was! I got on near my house, and when I got on, these were my companions- How cute right?

{I really hope that they aren't in the witness protection program. That would be bad- this was a secret picture.....I think I've watched tooooooooo many crime dramas.}

Anyway, I rode all the way to the next city, and went to work at a different store than I usually do. And about the time that I was supposed to get on the bus to come home, disaster struck. I had to take 3 busses back home. Not 1. I thought I'd save myself $1.75 for 2 blocks and just walk to the 2nd bus.....and I missed the place where it would pick me up. I walked straight past it. TWICE. So I walk around for 45 minutes, see a gas station, go in and ask them for the bus schedule, and it's getting close to the time that the busses would stop running....I was getting nervous. So I find the customer service line, call in and they tell me, walk to this bus stop, get on here, get off here, get on this bus, get off here.....blah, blah, blah. Luckily, there was a really nice lady at the ORIGINAL bus stop I was supposed to be at, and she helped me catch the SECOND bus too ( You know, the one I completely walked by twice?). AND by the time I got to the third bus stop, I had missed the last bus... I waited for like 15 minutes- And then I got a text from Mom- B is done with his game, text me if you need me. A phone call and 10 minutes later I was in the van on my way home. Hahaha! OH my goodness. I've since learned that it's worth the $1.75 to NOT get lost in a city you don't know for 45 minutes in the dark. And the bus isn't so bad.

Bradley Reception

2011-08-16T00:30:00.000-07:00

The Second Wedding Reception I was able to Photograph was my Best Friend T's. I've known T since I was 11. {That means I've known her longer than I haven't known her.} She is the truest of true friends and oh-so-Fabulous! I've never seen her so happy in all of my life, as she is when she is with B. The reception was elegant and the sweetest moment of the night was when B pulled out his guitar and they sang a duet; a song that B had written T and had sung to her every Sunday over Skype during their long distance engagement. If that isn't romantic, I don't know what is! Without further ado, here are the Bradleys!

{The center pieces}

{Please sign in}

{The most DELICIOUS strawberries!}

{Twirling}

{Whole Family}

{Sisters, Sisters}

{Love Birds}

{T's Dad and Niece- She loved helping me take pictures}

{Happy Together}

{Meeting Guests}

{In line}

{T's sister, L}

{T explaining the significance of the song}

{Together}

{Details}

{Singing}

{Cake Cutting}

{Sweet Hand Holding}

(Bouquet Catchin'}

Congratulations T & B!

{♥.}

McCleery Wedding and Reception +.

2011-08-15T23:52:00.000-07:00

In May I had the opportunity to photograph a couple of weddings- The first of which, was S & B's. Let me 'splain somthin' to you.... My family and B's family are one family. We do tons together...and we love it. We've all been friends since forever. S's older sister is one of my dear friends and her sisters have become mine. Basically, I photographed my Brother and Sister's wedding & reception! S was stunningly beautiful and B was dashingly handsome. The ceremony was wonderful, and when I walked into the reception hall, I was breathless; it was phenomenally decorated. The reception was a blast- These people KNOW how to Party! Take a look!

{Sister S, R and C}

{Mom McCleery}

{The Bridal Party- waiting for the Bride}

{S and Her Dad}

{The Ceremony}

{You may Kiss the Bride}

{The McCleerys}

{The Reception Hall}

{CAKE!}

{First Dance}

{Awwww.}

{Daddy Daughter Dance}

{Mother Son Dance}

{MORE CAKE!!!}

{Dancin'}

{More Dancing}

{Garter Toss}

{Two Brothers and a Cousin DIVING for the Garter...}

{Walking out}

Congratulations to the McCleerys!
{♥.}

Camp de la Girls +.

2011-07-31T17:16:00.000-07:00

Have I told you lately how much I love my calling? I'm convinced that it is THE BEST calling in all the world! When January rolled around, I started getting excited for camp- the other leaders said it was coming quickly and that we had to start planning....I didn't know just HOW fast it would come! January, February, and March went frolicking by, April started the lists of things to be done, May was filled with crafting {my FAVORITE!} and then June came rollin' in! Our theme was "Seek Life's Treasures" and the Value our ward had was Divine Nature so our color was blue....and we put some mighty effort into incorporating the theme into everything we were going to do. {Note to future family: I take on crazy craft projects.}We made some bags with 'Bling' on them so the girls could carry around anything they would need throughout the day, we had a treasure hunt each day {map and clues done by yours truly}, we had some 'stunnah shades', I made a cute necklace charm for each person going, and in true Amber Lynn Fashion, I painted my nails blue, wore blue and ONLY blue clothes all week, had blue sparkle-y shoe laces, a blue crown and feather boa and blue heels {yes HEELS} to welcome our only 1st year to camp, wore two SWEET bling rings all week....and of course participated in all dancing, running, jumping, flying, hiking, dancing, and hair-braiding activities. I loved it! However I now know what kind of planning is involved in camp...and it took me about 3 weeks after camp to recover. I was so tired! Now I'm ready to do it again!

{Hair braiding}

{Blinged bags}

{Necklace Charms}

{Treasure Map}

{Welcoming Outfit}

{Yay Kelsey!}

{Oh man.}

{♥.}

2011-07-08T23:29:00.000-07:00

Funny Thing, Time. When you are young, you can't wait to get older so that you can decide what to do with your time....And the older you get, the less you get to decide, really. OH well. That's how it goes!

Time to Catch up, once again! I really do love writing. But I get writer's block when I try to be too clever or eloquent. Haha. Me, Eloquent?! {I love that word!Eloquent and Elegant! Mm!}

Thought one: Letters betwixt people are the best. I have recently rediscovered letter writing and the joy it brings. If you don't believe me, try it! The person you write to will write back and the feeling of glee will be mutually day-brightening.

Thought two: Same as thought one, but with phone conversations. I mean, Actually picking up the phone and CALLING them. Not just a text. Maybe I feel this way because I don't talk on the phone very much. I need to do it more often.

Thought three: Note to self. I would like it if you could post again tomorrow. On girls camp. Or the Weddings. Or your new Photography Website....

Adieu until the morrow,
{♥.}

A Letter

2011-05-26T21:24:00.001-07:00

Dear World,

Hello from the long lost land of Berlynn! Haha. Ok- bad joke.

This year has flown by. I can't believe it. Everyone says that it just goes faster and faster. Maybe it's because we adjust to eternal time the more that we are alive? Who knows.

Anyway, This past month has been great! We had four {Count them, FOUR} Graduations this month! First S from EAC, then B & M from Desert Sky, and Today D from Deer Valley! Whoo!!! I'm so proud of my siblings! {Mom may have shed a couple of happy tears.}

And it's been a wedding filled month! Last week was the McCleery Wedding, which was BEAUTIFUL. And Tomorrow- Well Tomorrow is BIG. Tomorrow, I get to take the pictures at one of my very best friend's open house/reception. I. am. SO. excited. And so so so happy for the Bradleys! More to come on that!

On another note, Young Women's has been great! I love those girls so much! It's so fun to see them grow! Haha! They Crack me up! Girls Camp is coming soon, and man, our cheers are DIVINE. ;)

I'm pretty excited for life to settle down a little bit. I feel a little tired after this week! But I'm so happy to have had an opportunity to make so many memories! I hope that you are all doing well. May God be with you!!!

{♥.}

TwO-ThOusAnd-eLeveN

2011-03-11T13:15:00.001-07:00

Two Thousand Eleven has been kind of crazy. Haha! I've done a ton- I can't believe it's going by so quickly!

Since I last blogged, I have:

1. Started a bootcamp class- I LOVE it.

2. Visited Kaight & Liz in Lake Havasu City.

3. Gotten a Sweet Letter from Sister Nora Hansen and another from Sister Ally Snow.

4. Gotten a Promotion.

5. Done a few craft projects.

6. Worked like Crazy ( I eat, sleep and breathe New Balance.) {PS: Have you tried the Minimus Shoes? They are FABULOUS.}

7. Taken a Photography Workshop

8. Accompanied a flute player at Solo & Ensemble.

9. Taught Photo tinting to my Beehives.

10. Watched 'North & South'.

I'm sure there are SO many more things. Hopefully, I can blog more about these things soon! For now that will have to do, as I want to put a new background on the blog. :)

Peace out Homies!

Oh and P.S. Please Pray for those in Japan and Hawai'i affected by the tsunamis and earthquakes.

Swingin' Singin'

2011-02-15T07:31:00.000-07:00

Friday was the 'Antique Valentine Jazz Lounge' Performance- Can I just say that IT WAS A BLAST?! I had SO much fun! The decor was Fabulous, and the performances were Swingin'. I got to sing 3 songs- 'At Last' by Etta James, 'Tenderly' by Rosemary Clooney, and 'My One and Only Love' by Ella Fitzgerald. I was so glad that my friend Amanda & My mom were there! We took some Really fun pictures and There was even a professional Photographer there. They went All out! It made me realize just how much I love to sing. I've missed it! Anyway, Here's a few pictures.

{This one was my Favorite! It needs to be twotoned and we need cowboy hats. Ha!}

{♥.}

Call me Crazy-

2011-02-04T00:16:00.000-07:00

But I just had a little panic attack. I realized that in ONE WEEK I will be performing a couple of Jazz songs....do you KNOW how LONG it's been since I PERFORMED?! TOO LONG. Oh man. Wish me luck!

The Vintage Pearl

2011-01-29T00:10:00.001-07:00

Can I just say that I absolutely LOVE my new necklace from {{The Vintage Pearl}}?

{{The Vintage Pearl}} is a jewelery company with Personalized, hand-stamped, Necklaces, Bracelets & Keepsakes. I LOVE IT.

My Necklace has my Favorite Quote on it. I've taken it up as my motto/mantra.

"This place where you are right now, God circled on a map for you." -Hafiz

I've started to wear this necklace everywhere to remind myself that God has a personalized map for my life; He's in charge-and It doesn't matter where others are, or how they move through life...I'm right where I'm supposed to be.

Thank you {{Vintage Pearl}}!

{♥.}

Josh Week!

2011-01-28T23:58:00.000-07:00

Josh Week Started on January 17th 2011...

Here's a Rundown of how it went!

It all started with a GIANT box...

{Waiting patiently to open His surprise}

{Party in a Box!}

{Comes with a Banner, Balloons that pop out when you open it, Creme Soda, and an envelope... }

{Opening the Envelope}

It told him that this was Joshua Week and to come back each day after school and Check for a new envelope...

{Super Excited!}

{Contents of Party in a Box}

The Goods:

Day 1: Party in a Box

Day 2: Gummy Bears {Hugs}

Day 3: Game Coupons {He LOVES board games!}

Day 4: Cologne from Bath & Body {He wanted it- All the Brothers have some. Ha! He's so grown up!}

Day 5: Money Scavenger Hunt {9 one dollar bills, as he was turning nine}

Day 6: 3D Movie of His Choice {Gulliver's Travels}

Day 7: Despicable Me {Had been BEGGING for this for Forever!}

And here we are with our Stunner Shades-

{How cute is He?!}

After the Movie on Saturday, you had better believe he used one of these bad boys to play....

RISK! {The Longest board game EVER.}

{The Set up}

{Ben teaching us how to play}

{Decisions, Decisions.....}

{Making War sounds as All Little boys do.}

Happy 9th Birthday Joshua! I love you!!!

{♥.}

Christmas Day Fireworks

2011-01-28T23:33:00.000-07:00

I gave the Brothers Fireworks for Christmas...So Christmas Night Looked like this.

{ I caught it just as it was exploding!}

That Was how good my Christmas Was- How about yours?

IIIII got myyyy hurrr diiiid

2011-01-28T23:28:00.001-07:00

It's been a month, but here's some pictures of the 'new-do'. {My Aunt} is pretty much AMAZING. Love it!

{Please Excuse the Messy Bedroom- S. was home from School & we were living in Tight Quarters}

Sensibility...

2011-01-10T23:32:00.001-07:00

I don't think there is such a thing, when talking about love.

Sense & Sensibility is one of my all time favorite movies....It's the perfect thing, paired with some gummy bears, to cheer you up after a long, "no-good, very bad day". I dream fairy tale dreams the whole day after I watch it. It's good for you every once in a while- to dream.

And so, I leave the blogging world to finish watching Elenore & Edward fall in love.

Goodnight! Sweet Dreams!

{♥.}

Late.

2011-01-09T23:23:00.000-07:00

I have this ~~talent for~~ awful habit of staying up all hours of the night. This tends to create a problem in the morning when I need to get up. {HA.} I just have to finish all of my projects...

I am my mother's daughter.

Well- luckily, tonight's project is done, and I can go to sleep! What was it? My Blog layout. This is my first completed blog layout. Simple, I admit, but hey- I'm teaching myself here! I'm sure they'll get more elaborate. C:

For now, good night! {Wish me luck tomorrow?}

{♥.}

Laundry Day

2011-01-03T21:34:00.000-07:00

Today was Laundry Day. Now, please ask me, "Is your Laundry done?" Want to guess what the answer is??? OK ok. At least it's all WASHED- there is one more load to be dried and it all needs to be put away.

Work was pretty good today- I really do like helping people. And most people really like being helped. :)
But I have one pet peeve. PUHLEASE tell me that you are not one of those people who NEVER says GOODBYE before you hang up the phone! It happens to me ALL DAY LONG. Just wait for the person helping you to say, "You're Welcome and Have a Nice Day." Please. I.am.begging.you. Be polite. I mean it. Have a good day! It's not a habit! I won't say it if I don't mean it! *Sigh* Glad that's over for the day.

Family Dinner was great- Baked Ziti! And for Dessert, SWEET CHEX! Yum! And Laughs all around. I love those good times. It makes me SO glad that I moved home.

Well, that's about it for today. I hope that you showed someone an increase of love/care today. Everyone needs a little now and then!

{♥.}

Keep Going

2011-01-02T21:24:00.000-07:00

Life. It's.....well, complicated sometimes. Believe it or not, I'm one of those perfectionists who completely lose it or give up if the situation isn't exactly how I hoped it'd be. This year is the end of that. Already I have found myself telling myself that everything is ok, and to just try again. Pretty crazy right? The second day in and I've already needed to have a 'redo' or two. Haha.

I realized today that life comes with little trials. After we overcome that first little trial, we get a little bigger trial. These little trials give us the opportunity to grow and become stronger. We all want that right?

Because we can now handle those little trials, and in order to become a little stronger, we receive an even bigger one. And life continues in this fashion, all the while making us stronger and proving to us that God walks with us, beside us, through every single one. He cares. And loves us. And we'll come out on top.

Sometimes we need a 'redo' - But God has thought of that too. It's ok. Keep trying. Don't give up. There's always a way, and the one who knows it is walking with you, beside you- whispering, "Keep Going."

{♥.}

A New Year.

2011-01-01T12:08:00.000-07:00

Some are probably expecting all of my New Year Resolutions on this post. Well, that's not the case this year. I figure, that it is only an important NYR if I can keep it without being reminded or an attitude of "I'm-scared-of-the-judgments-of-others-if-I-don't-keep-it". And you know, I think it will hold a higher accomplishment value if I can do all of the things I want to this year for myself; not for others. So while I need the support and encouragement of dear friends and family, I would like you to continue just being there for me. Thank you so much for your love! I have felt it strongly this past year.

And now, as 2010 has closed {with all of it's jobless-ness, moving, finding myself again (which is tough!), and all of the other negative things} I will leave those negative things behind, remember the finer moments of 2010, and hope, work, and pray for an even better 2011.

Finer Moments of 2010:
-Cleaning the Sink @ Angie's with my Roommies.
-Sledding & Watching Movies on the Bigscreen @ the McLaughlin's in Idaho.
-Directing the Ward Choir with LOTS of help and support of others!
-Singing in the BYU Women's Chorus & Being on the Publicity Committee when we 'Sold Out' a Solo Concert.
-Having Friends Come Visit me in Utah (Oh HEY Katie Williams!)
-Mom Coming up for Women's Conference
-Movie Nights/Going on Midnight Runs with Roommies and Nora.
-Blogging
-Road Trip to SLC to see Merica & Jaron get married and getting to see the rest of the Martin/Jansons too!
-Going to see the Gila Valley Temple
-Teaching Swimming Lessons
-Getting a New Job
-My last talk with Nora before she Went on a Mission.
-Going to Parker to Hang out with Kaighty Scott
-Visiting Ally Snow on Her Birthday
-Hanging out with the Brittney Chapman in Mesa
-Going to Josh & Kayla's Wedding Reception
-Shooting some engagements for Ben & Mallory
-Flying to Utah and Spending a week re-united with my BFF's (Honey, WHERE is my SUPER SUIT?!)
-Getting to see the Taylors
-Watching a FABULOUS BYU football game-We won!
-Having Sheri Ward come and visit AZ
-Thanksgiving at our house
-Running a 10k, doing one the next monday, and then going 10 miles the next monday after that.
-Having a Game Night at Grandma Gail's and Papa Tom's with Mary too!
-High School Lunch table Reunion.
-Singing in the Ward Choir and doing the Descant
-CHRISTMAS!
-Fireworks Christmas Night
-Going to Olive Garden with my Family to hang out and laugh our heads off.
-Going to see 'Tangled' with Mom & Stephie right after Olive Garden.
-Having a Girls night at Grandma Janet's
-New Years Eve Party at our house

I'm sure that SO many other moments could have been on that list. 2011 is going to be a Grand Year. I can feel it!

I hope that 2011 is a year of happiness for you too!

{♥.}

December 4th, 2010- An Epic Accomplishment Kind of Day

2010-12-25T13:56:00.000-07:00

"Why is December 4th, 2010 one of the most epic accomplishment kind of days?", you may ask.

WELL, First of all, It was my twenty-third birthday- Yes, read 'em and weep, parents.

Second of all, I got over 100 great/awesome/fun/fantastic day wishes, a vase of roses, and 1 crazy story. On Facebook I asked my friends to make up a story about what I was doing for my birthday- They were great, but this one was my Favorite! {Disclaimer: I have NO IDEA who Ethan is.} THIRDLY {Which I don't believe is an actual word} I ran a 10K! Mom, Ben & Drew did it too! It was FABULOUSLY difficult. Haha. But I LOVED it. We then went to Red Robin ad nom-nom-nommed. The rest of the day was pretty chill. I rested ( I was really tired) and my extended family came over later for Brownies and Ice Cream.

23: I can't wait to see what else is in store for this year!

{♥.}

B & M Chapman

2010-11-10T18:53:00.000-07:00

About a month ago, I had the privilege of shooting an engagement session for B & M Chapman. It was so much fun and they were so easy to work with! Thank you Chapmans (Brittney & Mama Chapman included!) for trusting me to give you some fun photos!!!

{♥.}

Cupcakes Class

2010-11-09T05:57:00.000-07:00

This year I was on the Super Saturday Committee- I taught the glass etching class and mom & I did the cupcake class. It was a lot of fun to make some super cute cupcakes! We spent the better part of the week making them- Take a look!

{Fondant}

{Preparation for 'Starry Night'}

{'Starry Night'}

{Racecar}

{POPCORN!}

{awesome bugs}

{Rolled in Sprinkles}

{Butterflys}

{Christmas Ornaments}

{apples}

{Fun Writing}

Anyway- Thank you to all of those who came to the class!

{♥.}

Any Requests?

2010-11-08T22:25:00.000-07:00

This year for Halloween I was an Ipod....and I mean an iPod! I had lights inside so it looked like I was backlit, and I had speakers inside so that I actually played music. It was SO FUN. All of the kids were entranced, and the Adults and Teenagers thought it was pretty cool. The Kids kept pulling on it and trying to see inside- in fact, I can't tell you how many people stuck their heads in my face that night-Haha! And when I told them to press play, and then pause- Holy moly! The look on their faces was PRICELESS! At the ward Trunk or Treat, I was in the Ward costume parade and won the award for the most creative costume! Whoot!

I then went to the YSA costume party and was asked by random people if they could take a picture with me- Talk about feeling like a Celebrity! Of course, I must give credit where credit is due- Thank you Andy for having such a cool costume a couple of years ago. It was a Hit!

{Me in my bright costume...}

{Happy Halloween!!!}

{♥.}

"Honey? Where is My Super Suit?!"

2010-11-07T22:29:00.002-07:00

So I was going through my pictures trying to remind myself what has happened in the past month...wait, month and a HALF?! Oi. Well there really aren't many pictures (my camera broke.) so I have to remember by myself.

First & best of all- I went to Utah to Visit! It was one of my Favorite Vacations ever.

Wednesday- Andy Picked me up at the Airport and then we went to his house to work on his blog. It was so good to catch up with him! He then Drove me to Provo {THANK YOU ANDY!!!!} so I could see my beloved roommates! When I got there Tara was home and so we screamed and hugged and then watched the Disney Channel {an old pasttime of ours}. Then Kelley came home- there was more screaming and more hugging and lots of "I miss you!"s. We just caught up with each other and decided that we were STARVING and that we'd wait for Alex so we could all go get food. Enter Alex- MORE screaming/ hugging {do you see a trend here?} and catching up. We decided to go to Sammy's- one of the most excellent places for shakes and burgers. Seriously- I had a coconut cupcake shake. I know you're thinking, "so what?" WELL, they use a Gourmet cupcake from The Cocoa Bean and then blend the whole thing into yummy thick ice cream! It's to DIE FOR. Plus the Decor is so cool. Polaroid pictures everywhere and a custom mural on the back wall. We then went home and ??? I'm drawing a blank- most likely we popped in a movie- OH WAIT. Kelley went to the Library, as did Tara and Alex studied and I watched 'gLee' and 'Lie to Me'. Thennnnnnn- I believe I went to bed after chatting with Alex. Kelley got home super late and left early so I didn't even see her til later the next day. But I did go and sleep in her bed after she left- and the Landlady brought in a group of boys to tour the apartment- I just acted like I was asleep. I was TIRED.

{Sammy's!}

Thursday -I went Shopping. Hardcore. I walked up to Buy Low and then hit the Dollar Tree- Then I went to Seagull Book and Then to Shopko....By the time I got out to shopko- It was POURING rain. So I went back and bought a poncho {Don't judge- I had lots of bags to carry and the umbrellas were like $12. The poncho worked better PLUS it was only $5 and BYU Blue. I then walked across the street to Down East Basics and then to Albertsons. Whew! After that I walked back to Apt. 1 and THEN I walked up to the BYU bookstore to shop some more and meet Tara after School. I honestly don't know how I got everything home in my carry on that was already full when I arrived. Oh- well I DID forget my new sweatshirt. :( But hopefully I will mail money to my roommies soon so they can send it to me! {Or maybe I should visit again?!}Haha- then I put on a Moustache that I had gotten out of a 50 cent machine and had a good time with it. Anyway, That night Dave came over! {More yelling/hugging.} We had a blast and a half trying to catch hershey kisses in our mouths from across the room.Tara and Val {More Screaming/hugging} were throwing them to Dave and I. Haha- they were EVERYWHERE. And Dave and I kept saying the same things- same brainwave. It was pretty funny. "Honeeeeyyyyy? WHERE is my SUPER SUIT?!" HahaHA! Poor Tara- Dave and I bashed David Artchawhatshisface pretty bad. {Really- WHY would the Mormon Tabernacle Choir pick HIM to be at the Christmas concert?!} Then Kelley came home and we all just chilled- That was one of the best nights of my life. I LOVED it.

{My Moustache.}

{My Cousin posted the picture below on my FB. It's my Great Great Great Grandpa. See the Resemblance?}

Friday was SUH-WHEET! I got to meet Julie's Fiance Tony- they are adorable! Anyway- That night Kelley and I got Dave's Laundry from the Dryer for Him and apparently we grabbed the wrong Laundry basket- Whoops! In our defense, he said it was blue and that was the only blue one around...At least we got the right laundry, Right?! Hahaha! That gave us a good laugh when we found out what had happened. A little while later Kelley and Tara and I went to Macey's to get some dinner and while we were there, I saw Sooz and Mason!!! I was so good to see them! We then headed out to Lehi to go to Hogwarts! We had so much fun getting to meet Gilderoy Lockheart, {Who is a flirt} Professor Trelawny, {Who knows us pretty well} and getting to shop at Honeydukes! {Dave & Alex we were bummed you couldn't come!}When we got home Kelley's parents {who are totally amazing} came over and brought us COOKIES!!!! Lots and Lots of Yummy Cookies! Dave came over and we discovered that both of us were sick {must have been on the same brainwave still} and then he had to leave to work on his paper some more. We all were chillin' and then Katie and Luke came over too! It was fun to catch up with them too! That night, I'm pretty sure that we stayed up studying for Kelley's Anatomy test. Blugh. She is smarter than I'll ever be- there is no way I could remember all of those origins and stuff. Whew! We also listened to Adam Lambert's "If I had you" about a trillion times. :)

Saturday was GAME DAY!!!!! Tara and I woke up and went to the Homecoming Parade and Ate Blue pancakes- and took pictures and watched Dave in the Parade.

Then we headed back to the apartment and waited for Kelley to finish her test... Kelley's parents were awesome enough to give me their extra ticket, so when Kelley got back, Tara, Kelley and I painted our Faces and went to the Game...

It was a BEAUTIFUL day, and guess what? WE WON!!!!! Those of you who have been tracking BYU this season will know what a blessing THAT was! Haha! It was a GREAT Game! We then went to meet Dave {He's on the Drumline.} And I met some of the McLaughlin's Friends from Hawaii! They were so FUN! We all just laughed and laughed! K, T and I then took tons of pictures and headed back to the apartment. We watched bull riding for awhile and then we put in 'Ever After'. We all fell asleep- and then had to wake back up and go to bed.

Sunday was Fantastic!!! We got up and ready for church, then Dave came over and we all walked to church together. Church was Great! It was so much fun to see everyone! People were like, "Are you Back?!" "Where have you BEEN?!" and "We've missed you!" Needless to say, I felt loved! {Thank you 43rd Ward Family!} After church I got ready to go- It was so sad. I packed everything up and then Joseph came over to catch up-What a good hometeacher! :) OH! And Kari and Kimber came over too! Before Church. I loved seeing them. After we had sat around for a little bit, it was time to go to the airport- so Kelley, Tara, Alex, Dave {with his Laptop and paper} and I jumped in the car, ate some delicious Shannon breadsticks and headed to the airport singing all the way. It was so sad when I had to leave them! :( More hugs- no screaming...and then I walked into the airport. The only upside to being at the airport is that after I got through 'Suh-curity' in about 10 minutes, I was looking for somewhere to eat and an old black guard asked me if I was ok- "Yeah I'm just trying to find somewhere to eat!" And he handed me a saltwater taffy - How sweet. Had it been in Phoenix, , I wouldn't have eaten it- but Salt Lake City? Why do I think like this? Ha-OH well!
The Flight home was good. And It was good to be home.

Thank you so much for letting me come to Visit guys! I miss you all SO much and Can't wait til the next visit! Love you!!!

{♥.}

A Call to...ReBlogging.

2010-11-07T22:29:00.000-07:00

Ok, Cheesy title, But I hope to start blogging again consistently. (Have you noticed that 95% of all blog posts around the blogdom are apologies/promises to blog more often?) It's a good creative outlet for me. And maybe a good place to rant/ share excitement. So, without further ado, I give you "Recent Happenings in the Life of Amber Lynn". Thanks for sticking with me.

{♥.}

Work in Progress

2010-09-13T01:31:00.000-07:00

As you can see- I'm giving myself a "blog-lift'. {ha!}

I now have an About Me Page {titled 'Amber Lynn' on the left sidebar.} I'm sure there will be more changes soon.

Today was pretty low-key. We got 4 new Beehives today {7 new Young Women in Total}. They seem like fun! I can't wait to get to know them a little better.

Anyway, I hope you all had a wonderful Sabbath.

Leave me some Love?

Thanks!

{♥.}

A "4th watch" God. - Revisited.

2010-09-10T22:40:00.000-07:00

I know I have done quite a bit of 'Revisiting' lately, but I guess I need some more! Today before work, I was reading a friend's blog. She had posted a story called "Saving the Bees" that had me in tears. {Please read-it's short.}

It reminded me of what I had written in 'A "4th watch" God. -Mostly for My Memory':

"There were tons of great talks about enduring and fighting for right and counting blessings, A man in my ward even talked about how Christ was a 4th watch God. He waited until almost the end of the storm to help his disciples. He delivered them after they had weathered most of the storm…I was trying so hard. But I lost it. I prayed for assistance…."

Then I read,
"As I thought about what he said, I realized how much I was like one of those drowning bees. When I faced a struggle in my life, I was prone to battle it out alone, convinced I was strong enough to make it. Trusting the Savior enough to stop 'treading water' was
difficult. But as I watched Ben patiently pulling each bee out of the water, I began to understand how willing the Savior is to help me. " -STB

I have been feeling confused again about Utah/School and when I read this, I felt like coming home to AZ was the Savior offering the pole to me. I was treading water/drowning in Utah.

I feel so blessed! Being in Arizona has given me many opportunities to let my wings dry so that I can take flight again. Thank you Melissa for posting that story this morning. You helped me make a connection that I sincerely needed to make to be able to move on with my life.

I know that Jesus Christ is there, just waiting for us to turn and ask for help. We can call out to Him at ANY point, and He will help!

{♥.}

Princess

2010-09-10T22:20:00.000-07:00

The other day, I read an amazing talk by Dieter F. Uchtdorf called, "Your Happily Ever After." I had read it before, but for some reason, my mom printed it out and gave me a copy- so I decided to read it again. There were so many phrases that caught my eye, & my heart. The feelings of peace & love & hope that I had after reading it are indescribable. It speaks to everything that I need right now. I hope to read it often. It reminds me of who I am & what I have to do.

"All you have to do is trust your Heavenly Father."

And that is what I plan to do.

{♥.}

Quilts

2010-09-09T23:03:00.000-07:00

So I don't know about you, but I have been obsessed with quilts lately.

How perfect that I found a Quiltaway!

Craftopotamus is giving away this BEAUTIFUL quilt.

Gee, I hope I win! It will be lovely on my bed! :D

Check it out Here.

For Your Information-

2010-09-08T00:48:00.001-07:00

Fact: I have an overzealous gag reflex.

Resulting Fact: I hate brushing my Teeth.

Other Fact: I love That 'just brushed, clean' Feeling.

Just thought you should know- I just cleaned those pearly whites for the night.

That feeling coupled with the awesomeness dubbed "Music" that I am currently listening to makes tonight absolutely wonderful.

{currently listening to the album 'Brendan James' by Brendan James. Marvelous. check it out here.}

Summer's End

2010-09-05T21:37:00.000-07:00

Wait, who am I kidding? Summer ending in Arizona? PFFFFFFFFTTTTT. Riiiiiiight.

Anyway, here are a few of the things I have been up to this summer.

#1. Twilight Party

Mom, S & I were invited to a Party/ midnight showing of Eclipse. It was so fun! When we arrived at the party, it was all we could do to not drool over all of the fun decorations and yummy food! We walked up the driveway and I nearly jumped out of my skin...Edward was sitting in the car in the driveway! I thought it was a real person and when I came to my senses I thought that it was really creative to have a life size cutout in the car. Haha! Then, we walked into the back room and Jacob was outside staring in through the window.... Not to mention all of the quotes on the mirrors and the sugar "blood" on the glasses. We all had a grand time discussing our twilight fan-ness and playing creative trivia games. Thank you Amanda for hosting & Kiana for inviting us!

{all of the 'Yummy' things}

#2. Water Ballons & Youth

{My Girls. Love them!}

As you may have heard- I was called to be a leader in the Youth Group at my Church. Our first activity that I attended was a massive water balloon fight. The prep work consisted of filling up 500 balloons (just between my brother and I! There were a ton of balloons.) It was a pretty intense night. But the sky was absolutely gorgeous! It was a blast.

{Love how the Moon is right above those beautiful clouds}

#3. Visiting Kaighty in Parker, AZ

By the time July rolled around I was READY for a Vacation and I hadn't seen my friend Kaighty in over a year, so I decided to go visit! And may I just say, It was FABULOUS. We relaxed, ate good food, chilled (or rather, Baked) at the lake, watched some awesome movies, went shopping, caught up on our lives and enjoyed each other's company. She then came to my house and endured the longest monopoly game ever. :) Thank you Kaight for letting me come visit you!

#4. Started working at New Balance

Oh, How I LOVE my job! 1. I love shoes. 2. I love helping people and 3. I find old people and children HILARIOUS. Needless to say, it's a perfect job for me. And I now know a TON about shoes....If you have questions, please, ask me. I really do love it!

#5. Family Vacation in Sedona

Where to start? We all CRAMMED and I mean CRAMMED into the Van (I literally had a claustrophobia/panic attack in the backseat as we were leaving.) and drove for 2 hours to beautiful Sedona. We went swimming, watched movies, did puzzles, went hiking and had a 'Girls day' at Tlaquepaque....Shopping and jewelery making. Oh! And we went and watched the Meteor shower. It was breathtaking! I can't even tell you how much fun we had. It was our first (hopefully of many) 'Grown Up Family' Vacations.

{The Crammage.}

#6. Visiting Brittney in Gilbert, AZ

I went to see Brittney in Gilbert and she took me to Fountain Hills to see the Tallest fountain EVER. Haha. It was Superb. We then ate a wonderful lunch and headed to my new favorite store, Scrapbook inc. Guess how much I spent there? No wait. DON'T. I actually did VERY well restraining my personal purchases...but I sure "helped" Brittney find more than enough to buy. (Sorry Girl!) We then went and picked up some frosting so that Britt could teach me some basic cake decorating. I loved it! I wish that time permitted us to get together more often, though, I don't know if our bank accounts could take it. ;) haha!

Well, there you have it. I'm sure there will be many more adventures soon!

{ ♥.}

These people...

2010-09-02T13:17:00.001-07:00

Are my life. They make me happy.

{Martin Family Pictures for Mom's birthday: Please click to get the whole effect.}

Don't they make you Happy Too?

Utah Re-visited {+.}

2010-08-08T22:56:00.001-07:00

{Only the beginning of the Insanity that was packing.}

Life is funny. Well, I think it is anyway.

Remember how I was scared to go to Utah? Silly me. It was fun! I had a good chat with Mom on the way up. We enjoyed the scenery, pointing with oohs and aahs here and there. There was even an awesome lightning storm on the way up.

Packing & cleaning everything was a little overwhelming, but eventually it all came together. And Surprisingly, we got everything into the van. Well, all except the fridge. {Which serves as my excuse to go back and visit soon.}

Visiting with friends was fabulous. We went and bugged the Taylors for about an hour. Sooz & Devin gave us the Grand Tour of their new house and told us of all of the fantastic ideas they have to improve their new living space. Mom & I LOVED it! We admired their ambition & ingenuity. Oh and a little tidbit of information that I thought was superfanamazwonglorfect? Mr. Nielson (the very one from The NieNie Dialogues) is the Taylor's home teacher. That means NieNie is in their ward!!! {A side note: I LOVE NieNie. And her Blog. And I think her Children are Adorable.} I even met one of NieNie's nieces. Haha! I'm a nut. But I think she is wonderful and brave and that's that!

I also visited with my dear friend Nora, who, in October is going to be Sister Nora Hansen, serving the people of the Hungary Budapest Mission. She & I talked about the Hand of God in our lives. And I saw the glow. Sister Nora Hansen has arrived and she is passionate about sharing anything that will improve the lives of others; Most especially the Gospel of Jesus Christ. And you know what? Her testimony is electrifying. I'm have been so unbelievably blessed by her friendship. {Nora, you are truly Beautiful. I will miss you terribly when you are no longer just a text away.}

After I got all checked/moved out, Mom & I watched the Kiera Knightly version of Pride & Prejudice. I love that movie! It, along with Emma and Sabrina, is definitely a favorite of mine. We stayed up WAY too late, and got up WAY too early the next morning. Driving home was tiring- poor Mom. She stayed awake & drove while D, C, and I slept. It was good to arrive home and ~~unpack~~ pile my entire apartment in the living room. Hopefully I will get to move into my new room soon, for Mom's sake, of course...

Anyway, I'm so glad that everything is coming together and that I've been able to see the hand of the Lord in my life. I've learned so much in the past couple of months, and I hope that this enlightenment period will last for awhile. It's been a long time coming.

{The only way to travel. Gotta have the tunes.}

{ ♥.}

Epiphanies are Wonderful, No?

2010-07-31T08:45:00.000-07:00

Note: Again, a personal post meant mostly to remind myself of personal growth and how good God really is.

I had an epiphany in the shower today. {Really, we all know that this is where the best of 'em come.}
I was thinking about how scared I was to go back to Utah to get my things, and face friends up there. I never really was myself in Utah. I think there were about 2 weeks last summer that were my favorite, and during that period of time, I was completely myself. The rest of the time, I found myself slowly sliding into a deep depression- noticeable by all. Upon thinking of going back to Utah, I was scared that I would want to stay {I love my friends!}, at the same time trying to forget how much pain I was in while I was there. [Talk about conflicting feelings!] And then it hit me like a ton of bricks. I was never myself because I had forgotten to really ground myself to something. Not just something, God. In Arizona, I get to have scripture study and prayer with my family everyday. I haven't been a fantastic daily personal scripture reader/ prayer for my entire life. [Painfully obvious as this has been my life for the past 2 years...] I have come to RE-realize that it is crucial that we have the Book of Mormon in our lives everyday. EVERY day. It is crucial that we have a conversation with God everyday. I am ashamed to realize that I had forgotten this crucial piece of information. I have been riding on the coattails of my parents.

But, we should all get the chance to Grow Up at some point in our lives. And here's mine. No more coattails for me. I have a renewed goal to read my scriptures and pray daily. These next 30 days [time needed to make a habit] will be my "growing up" days, so to speak.

And maybe, when I am a little more anchored, I can go back to the place that actually facilitated all of the latest epiphanies in my life. Because, really, I want to prove that if I remember to ask for God's help, I can do anything.

"This place where you are right now, God circled on a map for you." -Hafiz

An Itch

2010-07-27T00:43:00.001-07:00

It's here. The unearthly hour when sentences seem to suddenly form from words that flow freely from my mind to my fingertips. I don't know why I can't write like this all of the time.

Maybe it's that the world has fallen asleep, and I feel that I am free; Free from the judgments of others {real or imagined}and from all obligations I may have to Time. I have enough presence of mind to think. Meditate. And edit my own thinkings...Which, many-a-time are better left unedited {methinks}.

Oh! How I wish I had a way with words. Some people know how to make words Sing. Some, to make them
Scream.
   Leap.
   Sparkle.
   Dance.
   Shimmer.
   Fly!

But in each instance, every little detail is crystal clear as I am sucked into their life, their story.

I see.

I hear.

I feel.

And the imagery is stunning.

Sometimes, I just don't understand how they do it.
What I do know is, I will always be ready to throw myself into a good piece of literature.

{ ♥. }

As You Can See,

2010-07-18T22:33:00.000-07:00

As you can see, the blog is under construction. I don't really know what I did to my background, I just know that I played with it too much. Haha! Oh well.

I figured that it's about time for another update!

This past month has been AMAZING. I was able to get a job working at a New Balance store, and so far I seem to be picking up things pretty quickly. {I've never worked in Retail before!} I love it! I get to work with PEOPLE! No more stuffy Library Stacks for me! And It's indoors with Air Conditioning! No more sunburns and sweating to death. I am SOOOOOO grateful that I was able to get a Job there! And I already love my co-workers. I believe that this is the best job I have ever had. One of my good friends worked there for a few years and loved it too...I'm pretty sure this is going to work out nicely!!!

This month I was also called to be the Beehive Advisor in my Family Ward. {The Beehives are the 12 & 13 year old girls at Church.}Today was my first day with them and they are FABULOUS. I am so excited to work with them! It's kind of funny because I babysat most of them when I was younger....I'm going to have to get used to them calling me Sister Martin. I am also excited to work with the other leaders! I know most of the quite well {that tends to happen when you are in a ward from the time you were 3 months old.}and I love them! I'm sure that there will be many more stories on this subject.

Anyway, everything has been wonderful. I will have to blog about my trip to Lake Havasu City too...I just got back, and it was a blast! Until then, Loves!

{♥.}

Amber Waves of Grain

2010-07-05T00:51:00.002-07:00

For the longest time, when I would introduce myself, I would use this line from "America the Beautiful" to help people remember my name. That stopped when I dyed my hair brown/red. But Good News! I'm blonde again! Haha. This is all beside the point that I am trying to make....

Until today, I thought that the patriotic songs we sing were just songs to sing on the 4th of July- Only sung because they were traditionally sung. As I was listening to BYU radio this morning, A few of these songs came on, and I realized how BEAUTIFUL they really are. They give life & voice to the feelings of people who FOUGHT so DESPERATELY for FREEDOM; Something I have had my entire life, thanks to those brave souls who had a hand in founding this country...

I don't think that it would have hit home so hard if I hadn't had a major discussion on the Political/Moral standing of this country with my parents yesterday. As we discussed, I became more & more upset- physically sick to my stomach. I wanted to stand up and shout from the rooftops that.....Blah blah blah....Yada Yada....We are all giving up freedoms left and right! {This is not a "political issue" blog entry.} ANYWAY-

Today I realized that we have been commanded to Stand for Truth and Righteousness. And I am SO GRATEFUL that I live in a country where I can do that everyday without fearing for my life. I am free to express my beliefs...I am free to worship God. And Everything will be ok...God is in control. Everything happens for a reason. We will grow and learn. I am thankful for the opportunities we have to Fight for what we believe in. It makes what we are fighting for more valuable to us...

To those who immortalized those feelings in song, and to those who gave so much for me... I thank you, from the "land of the free, and the home of the brave."

{ ♥ .}

Cease to be Idle....

2010-07-05T00:21:00.001-07:00

Dear Self-

You are addicted to this little thing called Netflix....more specifically, the TV series category on Netflix. I will not even tell you how many hours you have spent this last week {or 3} watching those stupid shows. YOU ARE WASTING YOUR LIFE.... and I am beginning to understand Elder Bednar's talk on Media. The ideas of the script writers are starting to bleed into your life. Mmmmmm- not the best thing ever. Not Horrible, but not great. How about instead of spending hours doing NOTHING, you do the Million-and-a-half things you have wanted to do for like, uhhh, forever?

Let's start by getting a job, shall we? OK, Good.

I'm glad we had this little chat!

Loves!

{ ♥.}

PS: You're a Fruitcake!

Life Decisions Revisited

2010-06-05T15:26:00.002-07:00

Life is Hard. It takes Courage. And Sometimes, it requires taking a step into the darkness.

As you may know, I've been trying to decide what to do with my life; Where to go from here. And finally I feel I have made a good decision:

I'm moving back to Arizona.

BYU is a good school- It's just not for everyone. And I'm ok with that. :)

I'll be Living with my family, Working towards paying off Student Loans, & Applying to Different Schools- More specifically, the Music Therapy Program offered at ASU, and maybe the program at USU.

I'm hoping that I can re-balance my life.
I've seen a few glimpses of the woman I hope to be while I have been home these past few weeks- and I like it. I'm finding much needed hope and support. I'm learning to find Joy in the Journey.

I have much to do to be able to move back and get settled. And much more to do to figure out how this is all going to work out.... But I know that the Lord will help me through everything- and with His help, I can do this.

I'm going to miss all of my Utah Friends SO MUCH- but I know this is what I need to do. Things will work out.

For now, I'll just keep putting one foot in front of the other.

"And I said to the man who stood at the gate of the year: 'Give me a

light, that I may tread safely into the unknown.' And he replied: 'Go

out into the darkness and put your hand into the hand of God. That

shall be to you better than light, and safer than a known way.' "

- Minnie Louise Haskins (1875-1957), "The Desert"

{ ♥ .}

Musical Morning

2010-05-07T00:22:00.002-07:00

OH How glorious it is to start the morning off with song!

At the moment I am in the car listening to BYU Men’s chorus. Yes. You read that right. I am indeed in the car on a road trip to Thatcher while typing. {We are going to see the Gila Valley Temple. [And S too.] } I have ~~three~~ six whole hours to update my blog! Whew. I have a list AS LONG AS MY ARM reminding me what I need to write about. The only thing that may stop me is Car Sickness. It’s a terrible thing. Blugh. Hopefully, the wondrous little thing called Dramamine will work! Anywho…

I have been ~~stalking~~ reading several blogs that I LOVE lately, and I realized that the reason I love them is the authors are so down to earth and have a talent for writing eloquently and connecting with their readers. They are REAL. I want to be able to write like them. I SO enjoy reading a well written blog post. {Some of my favs? Visit these sites- you will love them too! {Chelsea} {Ashley} {NieNie} {Little Widder} } I hope to transform my~~self~~ blog into one of these well written and loved blogs. I have big plans world- Look out! I’m a comin’!

{ ©.}

PS: I am attempting to make the posts short, so it doesn’t feel like you are reading a Novel… But there are 112 11 new ones, soooooo good luck, and thanks for checking up on me!

PPS: The Temple was BEAUTIFUL!

PPPS: I believe I have been working on this blog since 7:30am. It is now 12:17am. Sick.

R.F.A.A.L. +.

2010-05-07T00:15:00.002-07:00

Random Facts about Amber Lynn:

| I try not to touch the 1000 year old, sick-nasty trash bin when I take out the garbage because I’m a germ-a-phobe.

| I love cranberry juice & sugar snap peas or craisins & almonds for snack time.

| I still have snack time.

| When I have sticky fingers, I CANNOT let them touch each other. This results in “Jazz Hands”.

| I have SERIOUS OCD issues when I sew. {“It’s not rocket science Amber” “MOM! Don’t move that!”} Poor Mom.

| I still like to play house. But now, I’m the mom instead of the baby, or the girl that breaks her leg and needs the mom to bring her food. {Sorry S! Thanks for always being the mom!}

| When I decide I WANT to do something and Make up my mind to do it, No one can stop me.

| I love to Skip.

| And Sing.

And Dream.

{ ©.}

Lucky 13 {x2}

2010-05-07T00:09:00.002-07:00

Today is B & M’s Birthday! {Too bad both don’t have names that start with ‘m’s. Wait! If I call them both Martin…} Today is M & M’s birthday! {Ha.} They are 13. Lucky them. ;) They started the morning with music too- at 5:40am – and it was the Birthday Song sung by yours truly and the rest of the fam. I love that tradition. {Thanks Mama!} The boys are getting SO TALL. B is already taller than me by a couple of inches and M is catching him. I can’t handle it. And they are so different! Their personalities are completely opposite. They kind of end-cap the family personality spectrum: B is reserved and slyly mischievous and SUPER competitive and loves all things sports. M is LOUD and BOISTEROUS and DRAMATIC and loves all things creative. I love them! [Note: They are excited to be excused from school today, but are NOT excited to have to sit in a car for six or seven hours. Poor ~~Kids~~ Teenagers. {SAY WHAT?!} Thank Heaven for their Ipods and DS things.] They go to 8^th grade next year….Old Farts! Happy Birthday Guys!

{ ©.}

Hair-do you do?

2010-05-07T00:06:00.003-07:00

So my hair has been LONG and DARK for a little while, but no longer- it is now SHORT with Blonde highlights. And it’s Red-ish, not brown. {Boxed hair dyes are fun while they last!} Anyway, I was a little nervous to cut it short again. I remembered that I had really enjoyed my short hair, but I loved being able to curl my hair when I felt like it, and it was really thick and pretty. The problem was it hadn’t been cut since AUGUST 2009. {Whoa.} I emailed my Aunt S [who happens to be an awesome hairstylist] and asked her to help me make the transition back to blonde/short…

I walk into the Salon, and Aunt S pulled out her Magic Scissors. The shorter my Hair got, the more excited I became. {OH HOW I HAVE MISSED YOU SHORT HAIR!} I had forgotten all of the perks of having short hair. And just so I don’t forget again, I have listed them below for your reading pleasure ;]

| Drying time goes from 20 minutes to 3 minutes.
| Styling takes 8 minutes at the most.
| I can feel the breeze/sunshine on my neck.
| If it gets “Messed Up” I can run my fingers through it and it’s fixed again.
| No Tangles {I have an über tender head.}
| The Phrase ‘bed head’ actually means something to me.
| I feel ~~sexy~~ Confident. ;]
I love love love love LOVE it.

What do you think?

{ ©.}

The Appointment

2010-05-07T00:02:00.001-07:00

OH how I LOATH the Dentist’s Office. I went on Tuesday to get my teeth cleaned. I hadn’t been there since 12/23/2008. {I was serious about loathing it!} The Hygenist tried to guilt trip me about it, and I tried to be polite. It wasn’t fair that I already felt like I was going to Ralph all over everything already- I had to go unhinge my jaw for a ½ hour while someone stuck gross tasting gloves and red mystery toothpaste in my mouth. Oh and let’s not forget the things they try to get you to spend more money on your mouth. “Have you ever had Braces? No? There’s a gap right between your front teeth {Oh really? I was born with that.} and It might keep spreading” {Nope. Always been the same size.} “You still have your wisdom teeth {Fun Fact: I still have all 4 of my wisdom teeth.}- I’m not an advocate for wisdom teeth. You keep them very clean and do a good job with them. But when you get older your….Wah wah, wah wah wah, wah.” Haha. Here’s the good news- I have one cavity. The good news about that? It’s not my fault. It’s UNDER a FILLING. Yup. Under it. {ARE YOU KIDDING?! How did it get UNDER a FILLING?!} OH well. It looks like I’ll be going back sooner than I would like.

{ ©.}

New Kid on the Block

2010-05-07T00:01:00.000-07:00

~~Brother~~ Bishop Layton is the New Bishop! Dad got released on Sunday. It’s pretty cool to have him home all the time while I’m visiting. Good Job Daddy! We Love you! And good luck Bishop Layton. We’re praying for you and your family.

{ ©.}

BYU Women's Conference

2010-05-06T23:53:00.002-07:00

Women’s Conference Weekend was SUPERFANAMAZWONGLORFECT. Mom came up on Tuesday night. On Wednesday we went {SHOPPING.} And I mean Shopping. I had a bunch of projects I wanted to do in order to help my poor apartment. Of course, we had to do it on a budget. {I love finding deals though!} Mom spoiled me too. {Thanks Mama!} Currently, I am planning to

| Hand- stitch a design on curtains from IKEA for my closet
| Make a valence for my Kitchen Window out of my favorite fabric ever
| Paint the cinderblocks under my bed Red and stamp black heart/swirl designs {I swear it will be cuter than it sounds}
| Paint the same black designs on my cork board
| Hang ribbon/a strand of twinkle lights across the room and hang snapshots from it

And I think that’s it for now. I’m pretty excited! I love craft projects!

Thursday & Friday were WC. The classes I went to were Marvelous! I needed to hear what was said. I ended up making it into every class I wanted to go to and learned SO MUCH. I have already been able to implement some of the lessons learned into my life. One class I went to talked about the Atonement of Christ and how it covers more than just sin. It covers the whole mortal experience. Well, I knew that it covered pain and sickness and things like that, but I was just trying to learn how to “give” my sin to Jesus. I had no Idea how to rely on Christ for sickness and things. It turns out that if you pray, and basically say, “It’s in your hands-please help” it all works out. It’s pretty doggone amazing. Miraculous. You might not be physically healed instantly, but you WILL have the strength you need to get through.

A few more things learned:

| People came to Christ because they believed HE was Good. Not because they thought they were good. Therefore, do not ask, “Do you have enough faith to be healed?” Ask, “Do you believe Christ has the power and will to heal your heart?” {Loved this.}
| Life does not happen as planned. Can you catch the Vision the Lord has for your life?
| It’s ok to be out of your Comfort Zone.
| LET the Lord comfort your heart. Don’t refuse to be comforted!
| The Lord is trying to get us Home. There are many ways to get Home!
| “The Lord needs Brave Sons and I must learn to be Brave.”
| “My God is a God of Miracles.”
| Life paths are NOT the same for Everyone.
| NO Pity Parties! They are Toxic Time Wasters.

And it continued on & on & on…

If you get the Chance, you should go. Really. {Fun Fact: Women’s conference is designed for Women & MEN over the age of 16.}

Oh! And the Thursday night entertainment is great!

Driving Back to AZ is slightly LONG. Lots of pretty sights though!!!

{ ©.}

Windows

2010-05-06T23:19:00.001-07:00

Guess What? I’m discovering what it feels like to have sunshine streaming through your bedroom window again. And I LOVE it. {although I think I say “I love ____” WAY too often.} Here’s to a new room and Sunshine!

{ ©.}

Try Try Again

2010-05-06T23:16:00.001-07:00

Do you ever have those days when your imperfections/things-you-have-not-accomplished are obnoxiously apparent? I know that everything happens differently and at different times for everyone, but sometimes you feel like you aren’t going anywhere or accomplishing anything. You feel like everyone is movin’ on, while you’re stuck. I was supposed to Graduate from College this year- Not even close. Many of my friends are married with children or engaged. I’ve never had a boyfriend. *sigh* I know. I know. Enjoy the stage you are at. Most of the time, I do. Somedays are harder…

{ ©.}

SQZOO7L ?!

2010-05-06T23:14:00.002-07:00

School. All I have to say is- It’s over. {at least for the semester.} And my overall GPA is 3.10- That’s still ok, right? BLUGH. School.

I’m so frustrated with it. Hence the reason {ok confession time} I failed some of my classes. I just quit trying. {Of course, in all of my MUSIC classes I earned A’s.} I hated feeling like that though. Gross. I usually give 100% in the things I do… BUT- I am here to tell you, that I am trying to figure out what to do/where to go so that I am not SO frustrated in my school efforts. I received a blessing once, by a close friend who was leaving on his mission: In the blessing, it was stated that I would make it through my semester, AND my education. Luckily I wrote it down, and came across it while moving 2 weeks ago. I found it interesting that it emphasized the fact that I would make it through the semester and my education. Obviously God knows everything- And I’m glad that He saw fit to let me know that I’d make it through my education, because it’s been rough. And I have a feeling that it’s gonna get worse before it gets better. OK- Pity Party’s over!

Revamped choices for school:

1. Majors

a. Music Therapy

b. Photography

2. Schools

a. Utah State

b. UVU

c. BYU

d. BYU-I

Help?!

{ ©.}

Mr. & Mrs. Janson

2010-05-06T23:05:00.003-07:00

My cousin Jaron got married last month- I love his new wife Merica- She is adorable. {And she has “smiley eyes” as Grandma pointed out.} I loved being with them all day long. I sat with my cousins John & Julia and we had Jenny’s kids Allie & Leah too! Naturally, I pulled out the camera as I would not be caught dead without my mom’s camera at a wedding. Allie spun and twirled and completely loved being in front of the camera. She is SO cute. And Leah is so sweet! She just sat there contentedly cuddling with Julia. Then J&M came out of the Temple- {HAPPINESS!}. Next came family photos and posed photos. I kept snapping the candids. I got a few good ones. :) Then came the Luncheon – Merica and her sisters and Jaron all sang. My favorite was Jaron singing “You’re My Everything” by Michael Buble to Merica- I’ve never seen Jaron like that. {Aw, He’s all growed up!} Then came the Reception- More candid shots… by this time Jaron asked me to take pictures and Aunt Wendy asked me to send them to her. {Note to self: I still need to do that!} J & M are such a beautiful couple. I hope that they are doing well! I ended up snapping pictures all day- and editing them all the next day. {I love Photos!} I think some of them turned out really well. Spending the day with J & M made me hope for a day of my own like that someday. I want to be married in the temple to a man that I love with all of my heart. It WILL happen! I know it! {And that, makes my heart smile.}

Leah

Allie

Daddy & Mom

M&J

Julia, Leah, John, Allie, Jenny

J&M, Grandma & Papa

{ ©.}

Blog Facelift...

2010-05-05T23:30:00.002-07:00

OBVIOUSLY, I'm a glutton for punishment....

And yet, Here I am- trying to find a new blog layout. {and messing with the HTML- which is a HUGE NO NO unless you know what you're doing.} Ha. I have TONS to blog about, {BUT} Tomorrow I am going to see the Gila Valley Temple and my sweet sister S....So until I can find some time, This will have to do. Loves!

{ ♥ .}

PS: I am sure that there will be much more "fine tuning" going on.... I wouldn't mention that to the designer who charges lots o' money to Customize blogs for people. K? Thanks!

Finding Myself Again

2010-04-16T02:19:00.003-07:00

I am on a journey to find myself again. I truly feel as if I have gotten lost these past 2 years; little by little. The good part is that I am finding myself one step at a time.

Today, after talking to my friend JilliAnne, we went and stuck our feet in the "Moses Fountain" at BYU. Haha. We felt pretty rebellious- It was daring and fun! We giggled alot. When I got home, I wanted to go to the pool. It was sunny [and warm] for the first time in a while...but I hadn't shaved, or showered, I've gained weight, and I didn't have anyone to go with... After about 10 minutes of an internal debate with myself, I said "THE HECK with it! I'M GOING SWIMMING!" And I did. And it was Relaxing and Rejuvenating. I Loved it! Are you proud? I am.

I also decided today that I am going to go to Utah Valley University and apply to their Photography Program; Let me just say that I am SO excited! I haven't felt this happy/excited in 2 years!

AND tonight I discovered a BIG part of who I am. I love Love LOVE to do little things for other people- a card or little note when they need it, a chocolate bar here, an invitation there. Whatever. I Love it. I need to do things like that more often! It brings true joy into my life!

ANYWAY, Life is lookin' up right now. I just have to remember the good parts!

I loved this scripture I read tonight:

D&C 127:2
And as for the perils which I am called to pass through, they seem but a small thing to me, as the envy and wrath of man have been my common lot all the days of my life; and for what cause it seems mysterious, unless I was ordained from before the foundation of the world for some good end, or bad, as you may choose to call it. Judge ye for yourselves. God knoweth all these things, whether it be good or bad. But nevertheless, deepwater is what I am wont to swim in. It all has become a second nature to me; and I feel, like Paul, to glory in tribulation; for to this day has the God of my fathers delivered me out of them all, and will deliver me from henceforth; for behold, and lo, I shall triumph over all my enemies, for the Lord God hath spoken it.

It reminded me that God knows all, and that all the things I'm going through will help me later- I just need to trust Him, and keep swimming. :] I can do it.

Sunny Side Up +.

2010-04-07T20:58:00.001-07:00

Today was sunny....I love the sun! Nothing better than rays of the sun kissin' your face! How many days left 'til Summer?!

Anyway, I am stoked for this weekend- Hoping it will be warm- My Cousin Jaron is Getting Married and consequently, I get to see the Jansons {it's been 3 years!} and my Parents and Grandparents are coming up! WHOOO! I'm super excited. [as stated above. haha.]

For now, I'm looking up recipies (like grilled pizza [YUM] and shish kabobs), and getting ready to give myself a pedicure while watching a movie. {All of my roommates are gone-which is weird! We're always together!} But it makes for a relaxing night!

Good Mornin'! Good Mornin' to you!

2010-03-26T07:24:00.001-07:00

This morning it's raining/snowing....I think they call it sleet. I just e-mailed my piano teacher to tell her that I haven't practiced AGAIN this week...Anybody have any suggestions to help me practice?! I would love to hear them! *Sigh* I'll just try again.

Also, I am making pancakes. I love cooking! Can't I just go to Culinary school? Pretty Please with sugar on top? (I'll make you a caaaaaakeeee?!)

More good things: I think I'm going to go to work early- consequently, I'll be out early for the day! WHOO! Then maybe I can get my papers done.... [any suggestions on postponing Senioritis?] :)

Anyway, I hope you all have a fantastic day!

Angels +.

2010-03-25T21:42:00.001-07:00

Note: This is a very personal post, mostly meant for myself in the future.

Another Note: I usually come across as a very upbeat and positive person- I am NOT always like that.

Life is full of ups and downs. This week I experienced the ultimate low point in my life thus far. I found little joy in life. Nothing was making me happy- I was not even affected by the BEAUTIFUL weather [which is huge for me]. I have been unable to sing for a month, but I was still moved to tears by music, so I knew that was good. But really, that was it. I was so depressed- All the little things were adding up.

I called my mom Monday- My Angel Mother soothed as best she could being so far away. I still had a difficult day. But I kept her in my thoughts. And I'm sure she was praying for me.

The week progressed, and I got worse.

I found out on Wednesday that sometimes, what we need is not what we expect. I was having a VERY difficult day {the lowest so far} and my friend JilliAnne could tell. Can I just say, that she was my Angel that day? Very honestly and truly, she was the person that I needed to talk to. She had some very good suggestions for me. She pointed out that I was doing good on the eternal path, and that it didn't matter what I was learning about, just that I was learning (and obviously that they were good things). Heavenly Father gave us agency to make decisions! And she sent me some quotes and a video based on a talk by Elder F. Enzio Busch of the 70. I bawled. Duh. ANYWAY, He states:

"I want to share with you a vehicle, an instrument, that I developed some time ago for myself and for my family. It can assist us to reach our focus as we read the suggested vision of true discipleship as a Latter-day Saint. It helps when, from time to time, we ponder and seek identification with the following thoughts:
* Embrace this day with an enthusiastic welcome, no matter how it looks. The covenant with God to which you are true enables you to become enlightened by him, and nothing is impossible for you.
* When you are physically sick, tired, or in despair, steer your thoughts away from yourself and direct them, in gratitude and love, toward God.
* In your life there have to be challenges. They will either bring you closer to God and therefore make you stronger, or they can destroy you. But you make the decision of which road you take.
* First and foremost, you are a spirit child of God. If you neglect to feed your spirit, you will reap unhappiness. Don't permit anything to detract you from this awareness.
* You cannot communicate with God unless you have first sacrificed your self-oriented natural man and have brought yourself into the lower levels of meekness, to become acceptable for the Light of Christ.
* Put all frustrations, hurt feelings, and grumblings into the perspective of your eternal hope. Light will flow into your soul.
* Pause to ponder the suffering Christ felt in the Garden of Gethsemane. In the awareness of the depth of gratitude for him, you appreciate every opportunity to show your love for him by diligently serving in his Church.
* God knows that you are not perfect. As you suffer about your imperfections, he will give you comfort and suggestions of where to improve.
* God knows better than you what you need. He always attempts to speak to you. Listen, and follow the uncomfortable suggestions that he makes to us--everything will fall into its place.
* Avoid any fear like your worst enemy, but magnify your fear about the consequences of sin.
* When you cannot love someone, look into that person's eyes long enough to find the hidden rudiments of the child of God in him.
* Never judge anyone. When you accept this, you will be freed. In the case of your own children or subordinates, where you have the responsibility to judge, help them to become their own judges.
* If someone hurts you so much that your feelings seem to choke you, forgive and you will be free again.
* Avoid at all cost any pessimistic, negative, or criticizing thoughts. If you cannot cut them out, they will do you harm. On the road toward salvation, let questions arise but never doubts. If something is wrong, God will give you clarity but never doubts.
* Avoid rush and haste and uncontrolled words. Divine light develops in places of peace and quiet. Be aware of that as you enter places of worship.
* Be not so much concerned about what you do, but do what you do with all your heart, might, and strength. In thoroughness is satisfaction.
* You want to be good and to do good. That is commendable. But the greatest achievement that can be reached in our lives is to be under the complete influence of the Holy Ghost. Then he will teach us what is really good and necessary to do.
* The pain of sacrifice lasts only one moment. It is the fear of the pain of sacrifice that makes you hesitate to do it.
* Be grateful for every opportunity to serve. It helps you more than those you serve.
* And finally, when you are compelled to give up something or when things that are dear to you are withdrawn from you, know that this is your lesson to be learned right now. But know also that, as you are learning this lesson, God wants to give you something better.
Thus, we prepare all the days of our lives, and, as we grow, death loses its sting, hell loses its power, and we look forward to that day with anticipation and joy when he will come in his glory."

This is what I needed. While talking with JilliAnne, I was able to feel Hope again. Something that I thought had escaped me...The day grew better from there.

I was able to talk to my angel sister [who I called on a whim]. She is going through the same thing on a lesser level. We were able to vent together; And come up with some solutions together.

As I was pondering all of these things this morning, I realized that I wanted to be led in every thought and action in my life. It was 'so much easier' when I didn't live with all the "Mormon kids" to be good and happy and stand out. Why couldn't I do it now? And then the thought struck me: "THAT is EXACTLY like the Children of Israel as they were being led in the wilderness. They had EVERYTHING laid out for them. And when they were given simple tasks, they failed them and pushed them aside because they were too easy." I realized that I have been Given AGENCY to make decisions! I didn't need everything laid out for me! I realized that I need to make decisions and then have them approved by God. Epiphany. Truly.

Today [Thursday] was so much better.

I woke up with an ok attitude, and I started listening to some church music. Well, the song "Angels" by Julie De Azevedo came on...and Of course I started thinking of Mom. And I cried. This Beautiful Woman has given me everything since I was born. She cares so much about me and for me. I know she loves me. I have never appreciated her as much as I do at this moment in my life. I love her so much.

I went to my favorite class: Preparation for Marriage. And learned how to deal with Problems in relationships. Then I went to work and chatted to my friend Megan, who writes these wonderfully enchanting tales which she entertains me with while we trudge along 'reading' the call numbers in the library. And then tonight, I went to Zumba at the Gym with Kelley and Nora. I had so much fun being loud and getting into the dances! After the Class we toured the gym for Nora, and about 15 minutes later we walked out. The Instructor [Allison] of the Zumba class walked out right behind us and said "Thanks girls! I didn't get a chance to talk to you!" We said "Thanks!" Then she said "OH, and COME UP FRONT NEXT TIME!!!" We told her that we got there late and "We had tons of Fun!" It was so fun to be kind of obnoxious and loud and drag Kelley into it. Allison definitely noticed that we were having fun, and she fed off of our energy, and we in turn fed off of hers. Hence the invitation to come up front next time. :) I loved it.

Anyway, Nothing in my life is Perfect, But I know that I will grow from these experiences that I'm having.Thank you to my angels this week. I appreciate you.

Life goes on, and from now on, I'm going to love the life I choose to live.

+. Obsession.

2010-02-26T00:44:00.001-07:00

Uh, dramatic much? Haha. I just love rereading previous posts and LAUGHING at myself. Boo. OH well.

Mmmm. Confession time. I am OBSESSED with Photography, (Especially wedding Photography. What can I say? The pictures are beautifully done, the girl is all dressed up and in a "princess" dress and everyone is Happy!) SO, while looking at several different photography sites, I came across this guy, David Perry. Well well while on his site [He actually does films] and I came across THE CUTEST VIDEO I HAVE EVER SEEN.
Haha. I made all of my roommates watch it and I have personally watched it approximately 10 times. I LOVE IT. Anyway, Enjoy! (and please don't judge me. Lol.)

Crazy Love from David Perry on Vimeo.

Eeny, Meeny, Miny, Mo.....

2010-02-24T22:43:00.004-07:00

ALOHA to all my faithful readers! ;] I thought that it was time for an update. Be warned- It's Long, up close, and personal.

This semester has been Pretty good! I'm enjoying my classes {New Testament, D&C, Pearl of Great Price, Prep for Marriage [the School of Family life one, not the religion class (WHICH I would Recommend to any and all people!)] Women's Chorus, Piano lessons, and Voice Lessons.} My favorites are Prep for Marriage and Voice Lessons. I learn something new EVERY TIME I go to those classes! I love them!

And My Roommate are FANTASTIC! We have TONS of FUN!

ANYWAY....I have no idea what I'm doing with my life. I have been rejected from the music program twice. Therefore, I am not enthused about continuing on that path at the moment here at BYU. Actually, truly and honestly, I don't like BYU. They make you jump through tons of hoops and hundreds of people apply to the programs and 12 make it. DUMB. Expand your programs or accept less students to the school overall. SERIOUSLY.

Uhm... The Options.

1. Pick a new major.

2. Pick a new school.

3. Pick a new major AND a new school.

4. Get away from the University and go to a trade school

5. Drop out of School and get a job

6. Come back to school after I have paid off my student loans and go part time

The, uhm, Options. {With pros/ cons/ comments made by yours truly}
1.Major:

Music {singing makes EVERYTHING better.}

Teacher {would love to pass on a love/passion for music}
Therapist {Love helping people}
Performer {never really thought of myself as a performer...maybe in a community theater with my family someday}

Interior Design {love being creative/designing things [I can't wait 'til I have my own house to decorate]}
Photography {long time hobby of mine that I could turn also turn into a business run from home.}
Home and Family Living {very practical for us "stay at home" mom "wannabe"s} =)

2. School:

BYU Idaho {still close/but REALLY cold}
BYU Hawaii { MMMMMMMM. Only Pros. ONLY pros. [ok, ok. We all know that I would have a REALLY hard time focusing on anything. The beach would be Calling my name!] }
Utah State {Small town feel, good friends near and attending University [i also hear they have awesome ice cream. haha!] }
Utah Valley University {Close to where I am now, open enrollment}

3. Pick a new major AND a new school...Nuff said.

4. Leave the "University" setting and go to Trade school:

Hands on Training
The Huge University setting is Killin' me. {Let's face it. I thrive on attention. Diva.} I love the "small town"/ "community" setting for school! [However, Shopping is a very different story...City girl ALL the way!]
Culinary School {I love to cook!}
Photography School
Cosmetology School {I love doing hair and make up! Just ask the sister and roommies.}

5. Drop out of School and get a job:

I think I would enjoy the free time resulting from no homework to EVER go back.
{{{I WOULD NOT PICK THIS OPTION.}}}

6. Come back to school after I have paid off my student loans and go part time

The smart thing to do if I pick #5. {Which I will not do! Education is too important.}

And now I need to decide....WELLLLLLLLLLLL, I was listening to my Ipod today at work and I decided to put it on shuffle. SO I was just listening to a ton of different songs, and all of a sudden, a talk by Brad Wilcox came on. Can I just say that it was EXACTLY what I needed to hear?! A few weeks ago M was saying that maybe I was supposed to go to Provo and study Music at that specific time, but maybe now, since I've been here, I can go somewhere else and move on. And I thought, 'I don't know....is that possible? Especially when I felt so strongly that I was supposed to be in Provo and Studying music? ' And today, while listening to that talk, Brother Wilcox started talking about that exact thing. He was saying "...Sometimes there's a green light, sometimes there's a red light, and sometimes the traffic light actually changes...consider the experience that Jeffrey R. Holland and his Son Matt had...on the way back from an exploring trip, on backwood country roads, they came to an unexpected fork in the road. It was late in the day and they knew that darkness would be enveloping them shortly. Seizing a teaching moment, Elder Holland asked Matt to pray for direction...[Matt] felt strongly they should go to the left. Realizing that he felt the same way, Elder Holland turned the truck to the left and continued on. Ten minutes later they came to a dead end, and returned to take the other route. Matt thought for a time and then asked his father why they would get that kind of an answer to a prayer. His father replied that, with the sun going down, that was undoubtedly the quickest way for God to give them information; in this case, which one was the wrong road. Now, though the other road might not be familiar, and could be difficult in places, they could proceed confidently, knowing it was the right one, even in the dark..." *BING!* It was EXACTLY what I needed! So here's to decision making.... :) For the record, I'm thrilled at all the possibilities. I'm also a little apprehensive. Haha.

Wish me luck!

Loves!!!

PS: I would HIGHLY Recommend watching the Princess and the Frog. I pre-ordered it like a month ago. Yes. It's THAT good. (I'm listening to the soundtrack right now.)

Choir Concerts...

2010-01-21T18:42:00.001-07:00

So remember how I LOVE to sing? GUESS WHAT?! I have 2 choir concerts this weekend...and YOU should COME! :D

The Info:

Friday and Saturday
7:30 PM
Varied Prices
Place: The Provo Tabernacle

See you there!

How Can I Keep From Singing? +.

2010-01-09T23:34:00.001-07:00

Let me just tell you that I love singing. "How Much?" you ask. There aren't words! I feel that everything is right in the world when I am singing. My Soul soars! I love communicating through song. Heart to heart. Emotion to emotion. Soul to Soul. There is no faster nor more efficient way to communicate. *Sigh* Singing completes my life. Haha.

And this is a really cute picture that I found on a friend's site....It's a little boy caroling while they were bringing their Christmas tree home- This is EXACTLY the way I feel when I'm singing!

2010 +

2010-01-03T20:42:00.001-07:00

Today I was noticing how much hope there is in the world at the start of a new year. For some reason, people see it as a new beginning and they make many plans to improve themselves. I LOVE IT.

I happen to be one of these said people who have much hope for the next year. HOWEVER, instead of making tons of NYResolutions (that I know I won't be able to keep), I have chosen to make only {{ONE}} NYR.

Are you ready?

*******Go to bed by 11 PM*******

The reason: I have quite a bit of drive to do well in classes and exercise and yada yada yada.....but I NEVER succeed because I'm exhausted. SO, here's hoping. :) Good Luck with your NYRs!

Vocal Application DVD Revisited +

2009-12-23T00:19:00.002-07:00

So it's official- I am not a music major.

I find myself asking [yet again]...

Where is the window?

Brave Face +.

2009-12-14T01:09:00.001-07:00

Put your brave face on

The one you wore when you stole my heart

Won't you hold my hand

We'll jump together into anything that could

Possibly happen

'cause we're still so young

Ask me to dance in this hotel room

Then let's get out of here

And hit the airport with nothing but a carry

on between us

You take my over analyse away

It's you and me against the world today

Feels like i'm running

With my high heels on

And they're chasing us waiting

For it to all go wrong

You're my umbrella against their

Sticks and stones

As long as we keep smiling

They'll never know

Put your brave face on

It's clear blue skies

Flying 30,000 feet above

No one can touch us

'cause we're so in love

Look into my eyes

Meet me there don't look down

Feels like i'm running

With my high heels on

And they're chasing us waiting

For it to all go wrong

You're my umbrella against their

Sticks and stones

As long as we keep smiling

They'll never know

Put your brave face on

You take my over anaylse away

It's you and me

Against the world today

Feels like i'm running

With my high heels on

And they're chasing us waiting

For it to all go wrong

You're my umbrella against their

Sticks and stones

As long as we keep smiling

They'll never know

Put your brave face on

-Brave Face [Delta Goodrem]

This is my new favorite song.

It gives me COURAGE and HOPE.

Family Proclamation Project

2009-12-10T16:05:00.003-07:00

I'm going to use this Wonderful tool I have {aka: my blog} to help me with a project. :D Yes that's right. I'm using you as part of a project I got to do in one of my classes. (Once I have more time [hahahaha] I need to redo the part I painted, but anyway....). I put some quotes from The Family: A Proclamation to the World on it too.

ANYWAY, I chose to create a wall display to go into my future home. The center of the display is a canvas painting with the word ‘family’ painted in a bold font on background of cool colors. Overlaying the word ‘family’ are several quotes from the family proclamation. Also, at the end of the quotes from the proclamation there is the familiar phrase, “Family is Forever.” Surrounding the painted canvas are several pictures of Christ, the two documents, “The Living Christ” and “The Family: A Proclamation to the World”, several family photographs, our last Initial and the date my parents were married, and a picture of the Mesa Temple.

I came up with this particular project in order to, in a way, proclaim how I feel about the family. When people walk into my home, it will be in a prominent place. People will be able to see it, and hopefully, they will ask about it. Then I will have the opportunity to explain it and bear my testimony about the family. I chose this particular design for the following reasons: The canvas with ‘Family’ is in the center because life should CENTER on the Family. The pictures of my family life surrounding the canvas symbolize this. The pictures of Christ, the temple, and the two documents are mixed in with the photographs of my family life because I believe that Christ, temple attendance and the values and principles in those documents should be integrated into family life. The canvas is painted in cool colors to promote a calm and peaceful feeling when looked at. ‘Family’ is painted in a bold font and a dark color to promote permanence and stability. The quotations I chose to put on the canvas each stuck out to me. The first couple are as follows.

“We, the First Presidency and the Council of the Twelve Apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, solemnly proclaim that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and that the family is central to the Creator’s plan for the Eternal Destiny of His children...”

“All human beings- male and female- are created in the image of God. Each is a beloved spirit son or daughter of Heavenly parents, and as such, each has a divine nature and destiny....”

I hope that when others see these two quotations, that they will understand how I feel about the family and its members; that the family is sacred and that the members thereof are children of God, that we are all here for a reason.

The next two quotes are,

“Husband and wife have a solemn responsibility to love and care for each other and their children…” and

“Happiness in family life is most likely achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. Successful marriages & families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work and wholesome recreational activities.”

These quotes, while amazing advice for others, I put on the canvas to remind me how to act towards my family. It is difficult to always do as we should. I hope by having this reminder in a central place in my home that I will be more apt to integrate these principles and beliefs into my marriage and family, and therefore be a good example to, and influence upon my neighbors, friends, and future family.

The final quote is not from the Family Proclamation. It is the familiar phrase, “Family is Forever.” I truly believe that Families can be together forever by being sealed in the Temple. I hope to achieve exaltation with my family. This quote reminds me of this goal.

Also in dealing with this project, I decided to actively participate in emailing my senators about how I hope they will vote on certain issues of abortion, marriage, same-sex marriage and other such things. I joined the group “Family Watch International” and they help to keep me updated on the issues now facing not only our society, but our world. I can’t describe how good it felt to express my views and opinions. Taking a stand for the Family is the biggest thing I can do to protect it.

I hope that my family knows how much I love them! I can't wait to go home in less than a week to see them and spend some much needed time with them all!!! TELL your family how much you LOVE THEM!!! If you don't, How will they know?!

♥.

Vocal Application DVD +.

2009-11-30T23:31:00.005-07:00

So I was going to try to upload the video and it didn't work out....so if you want to see it, you'll have to find me and ask! :D

It went much better than last year, THANK GOODNESS. I'll definitely let you all know what happens!

Last Week +.

2009-11-30T23:30:00.001-07:00

#1. I'm pretty sure that Blogger has been upgraded. :D
And I don't have a #2 Sorry.

This week was pretty unevenful; a few assignments and papers, classes and work. However, I did record my pieces for my Music Program Audition DVD. It went SO much better than last year- I've improved wuite a bit. :) And I went to the football game- we WON. Whoo! Kelley's parents came into town and so we went to Los Hermanos. (And that's why we got to go to the game too.) It was yummy.

Last night after the Game, my roommates and I made TONS of Sugar Cookies for choir. Of course they were Christmas Cookies- mmmmmmm, mmmmmmm, delish! They were some of the best cookies I've ever had. Needless to say, they have disapeared. Choir went well today...I still don't know what I am doing, but luckily, I have a great mentor. I think that's one reason we're given callings in the church; for other people to teach us what they know, so we can learn new skills and make better friends all at the same time. The trick is to be willing to take advice though...sometimes people mean well, and we take offense...whoopsie. But today was good. :) I'm excited to be able to be a better director. Practice Practice Practice.

On a different note, I'm in love with Vocal Point. We went to see them in concert on friday night and they were GREAT! Whew! My roommates and I LOVED IT. PS: Two of the members are in my ward- Paul & Keith. Here are some awesome videos....don't know that they'll work on here....good luck. Haha!

Now I'm just sitting on the couch, snugglin' with lots of blankets, listening to Michael Buble and watching the snowglobe weather outside. It's an AMAZING sunday activity. Anyway, I hope you all have a wonderful
week!

(This was last week's post, and I tried to add pictures, but now i'm just too lazy for them.)

Guest Star & Semester Update +.

2009-11-15T19:45:00.039-07:00

Introducing Andy Evans: musically talented, lightbulb changing, rain puddle jumping, folk music loving, Armani shirt/cowboy boot wearing, shotgun shootin', coloring fiend! Andy wrote the last post, "Just Some Thoughts on a Cold, Sunday Evening." A little scary how much he sounded like me. (The punctuation was even close!!!) Haha! Thanks for updating my blog for all the peeps Andy. ;D

Here are some pictures of us coloring on Sunday.

I was informed that This was from the 8th Harry Potter book. "Harry Potter and the Failed Invisibility Cloak of Many Colors." Oh Andy.

I was coloring a knight in shining armor, who was slaying the dragon. I AM SUCH A GIRL. (Good thing huh?)

It's a serious business.

Ok, maybe not.

And now my attempt to update all of you on the fantastic life of a BYU student...Sorry, It's kind of jumbled!

This was our first outing of the semester. We decided to go tubing on Provo River. Hahahahahaha! I just remembered HOW COLD IT WAS, and how I definitely flipped over because the current was so strong and I thought I would just prop my feet against the tree branch, to wait for the roommies. BAHA. OH it was COLD, and the old men sitting on their back porches definitely laughed at me.

And This was our second outing! Hiking to Timp Caves!

Our third outing was to watch the Meteor Shower last night. We drove up Provo Canyon and watched it at 1:30 am. It was GORGEOUS. I absolutely LOVE stargazing.

Early on in the semester there was a Dance. Andy, Jeff and I decided to get dressed up, just for fun. It was a BLAST!!!!!!! And of course, we had to take some pictures!

All we needed was a pitchfork and we would have looked like that silly painting. lol.

Next was the Homecoming Parade! We ate blue pancakes...mmmmm.

Tara, Me, Andy and Sheila waiting for the parade.

And this was the Homecoming Game! Whoo!

We actually lost the game, but I loved hanging with the roomies! Here we are, pumped for the game...

Elder Uchdorf came and gave a fireside. Of Course, it was AMAZING and we had great seats. This is my Roommie Kelley & Me waiting for it to start.

This was actually the first picture we took that night...It was an accident to be zoomed in so close, but it turned out kinda cool.

OH! And we can't forget carving pumpkins!

This is mine. can you tell what it's supposed to be?

If you guessed "Starry Night", (Doo doo DOO!) you are right!
And Obviously my roommates are OBSESSED with Football.

On Halloween, Tara, Kelley & I decided to drive out to the barn (Kelley has a horse! His name is Lou.) And I took my Camera... On the way out to Spanish Fork, there were tons of cute little kids trick or treating in the middle of the day! It reminded me one reason why I love small towns- everyone gets out and about. I LOVE the community feeling! ANYWAY.....
Tara watching Kelley get Lou.

It was fun to watch Kelley ride and see how happy she is while working with Lou!

Halloween Night: Kelley and Tara LOVE Phineas and Ferb...so that's what they decided to be. we went to DI that day and got their costumes- it was Tara's first time EVER at DI. Ca-ray-zie.

Alex was Perry and I was Candice. We had some kinda fun! :D

And later that night we went Bowling. This is Mike being a Punk. (And me being OBNOXIOUS.)

After we went Bowling, we went home to watch "The Ring". It's a SUPER CREEPY movie. Anyway, we were in the middle of watching it and my Hometeacher, Jeremy and our friend Jared stopped by and kinda freaked us out by knocking on the door. It was an accident... after they had been gone for about 1/2 an hour, Val got a phone call.... I was like, *in a very scared whisper* "Val, you have a phone call!" Val: "I don't know who it's from!" at that point Nora and Kelley's phones go off...."Seven Days...." AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! It was such a good prank. Props to Jeremy and Jared. GOLLY. Happy Halloween!

And this is Women's Chorus! We have had a few concerts, all of them amazing, of course!
We did a medley of Gilbert and Sullivan songs, which involved props, and I was a Daisy in one of the songs. Lol. Oh my goodness. I love Singing!

In recent news, It SNOWED. And it's COLD! But I really am enjoying Hazlenut hot cocoa, and looking forward to building snow forts and sledding! I haven't really had the opportunity to do those things.... I'm a desert kid.

Look how pretty it is!

Man! Life is GOOD! I can't believe all of the crazy things that have gone on this semester; the funny thing is that we have so many more plans! My Roommates and I get along SO well! I don't think we could have picked a better set of roommies. And we Laugh all the time. Seriously- we are in stiches at several points in the day. How fun is that?!

My classes are going.....well they're going. :D I'm actually excited about a project that I have to do for one of them. I will have to blog about that when I finish it. I can't believe that there are only a few weeks left in this semster! It's gone by so quickly!!!!

Also in the life of Amber Lynn: The big 22 is coming....
You know how people have mid life crises? Can I have mine now, instead of at 40? I know I'm not old, but I still think of myself as like 18. It's WEIRD!

Well, I hope you all have a fantastically, glorious day! Thanks for taking the time to read bout my life!

<3 . Amberlynn

Just Some Thoughts on a Cold, Sunday Evening

2009-11-15T18:51:00.005-07:00

Today was another regular day in the life of AmberLynn. Lately I've been dreaming of sledding. And hot chocolate. I know many of you think I'm allergic to chocolate (which I am) but I've discovered that certain kinds of hot chocolate aren't really chocolate, or the chocolate amount is dismal, so I can have it! And I can eat Oreos! Because those aren't real chocolate either! Isn't life great? Or is it depressing to learn that oreos aren't real chocolate?

I went to Dancesport the other day, and there were 10 year olds doing the Samba. What fascinated me the most was the little 10 year old boys could swing their hips better than the girls could. Is that wrong? It seems backwards. Who knew that gender identity issues could strike so young and on the dance floor. When I was 10 years old, you couldn't get me near a boy with 7' 5/16" inch pole. They were icky. Some still are.

I've also been pondering the significance of short-person behavior, impeddled depressed panchromatic resonance and other highly ambient domains. I highly encourage it.

My roommates have been wasting significant amounts of time on a website called mylifeisaverage.com. This is just a place for anyone to write about the average adventures of life. What I've discovered from this website is how we can take pleasure in the simple things of life, and we don't need fancy adventures to make good memories. Have you ever noticed just how the simplest dialogue, or the look on someone's face after you said a good one-liner, or just seeing the interaction between complete strangers really makes your day? We should all try to take those simple adventures, interactions, happenings, and situations and just really enjoy them. Maybe you could post it in mylifeisaverage.com. I think I'm going to.

In closing, I would just like to thank everyone for reading my blog. I especially want to thank any twins who read it. There is just something about twins that deserve a special thanks. Not that they are different in anyway, and I'm not discriminating them by singling them out, but they are great. Not many people can say they have a twin. Well, the other twin can.

p.s. This is a certified, genuine, legitimate, notorized, Amber Lynn blog. I've been paranoid lately that some people just might try to take over my blog and write stuff that shouldn't be there. But this is the real deal.

Ok ok ok

2009-09-23T21:37:00.003-07:00

So Chivalry is NOT DEAD! Today in my Temples class there were 4 of 5 extra people and so one of the boys gave up his seat. I was impressed. I love when Men do little things that they don't have to do. It's really sweet. So thank you to that guy in my class who reminded me that there are still Men out there who are chivalrous.

{A Small Temper Tantrum}

2009-09-23T10:39:00.007-07:00

2 things:

1. I MISS MY CAMERA! If anyone has an extra/old one laying around and doesn't want it, please feel free to send it to me.

2. My sister has a boyfriend and no longer has VL's. WHAT?!?!?! (in all seriousness, I'm EXTREMELY happy for her!)

ok i lied:

3. WHAT IS IT WITH THE BOYS and DATING {or severe lack thereof} IN PROVO?!?!? (Yes in fact I did call them BOYS.)

Ok- Tantrum over! Back to my fantastic life!

"And It's Another Cougar..... FIRST DOWN!"

2009-09-20T16:38:00.006-07:00

So here's the "random things" update...

Last Weekend I went camping with my roommate Kelley and my new buddies Jennifer and Lyndsey. Whoo! It was GORGEOUS! We didn't have a tent, so we just slept out under the stars. Ahhhhh. I would do that again in a heartbeat! :D We went hiking and had a dance party, I won like 12 billion games of solitare, we played uno, and roasted starbursts and made smores....mmmmm. I LOVE CAMPING!!!

In other news, the sun was ORANGE a couple of weeks ago. It was SO WEIRD!!! Sign of the times? Who knows?

As most of you know, I made the BYU Women's Chorus as a 1st Soprano!!!! The funny thing is that I had been a 2nd Alto until College, a 1st Alto in A Capella, and then I got to BYU and they all keep telling me that I'm a Dramatic Soprano! (?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?) When I went into my preliminary audition, I told Monica that I had been an alto my entire life, so she checked my range (which goes from a D below middle C to an F above the high high C. [middle c high c high high c] ) and she looked at me and said, "You sang ALTO?! WHY?!?!?!" haha! I laughed so hard. ANYWAY, the director's name is Jean Applonie, and she gave us one of the "Soprano pep-talks". (Don't be so loud, you blow the choir away, etc.) It was SO CRAZY to be on the receiving end of that talk. Sister Applonie has also had to tell us that there is a very operatic soprano cutting through the rest of the section....and that she needs to blend in...whoops. My bad. Between Ted trying to get me to be a soloist and Sister Applonie trying to get me to blend, it's been a very interesting music year.... BUT we got to sing for the Prophet at devotional on Tuesday! IT WAS FABULOUS!!! I loved it! My mom and one of my friends said that they swore they could hear me singing. haha! Crazy.

And Last but DEFINITELY not Least, on saturday my friend called me and told me that His family had an extra ticket to the BYU football game, and asked if I wanted it! HECK YES!!! It was in Legacy Seating! It was SO SO SO SO SO nice! I sat next to Mason (10) and Stewart and Sooz were across the Stadium. The 4 of us even got to go onto the field and welcome the team to the field! (Devin is a Trainer for the team.) WAHOO! I was standing right there!!! AHHHHHHHH! I love football!!! Love love love love love it! Too bad we lost the game. Boo. But it was crazy fun! Thanks Devin and Sooz! :D

ANYWAY! That's life for now!!! Peace out!

Amy's Birthday

2009-09-20T16:24:00.006-07:00

So for Amy's Birthday, we went to "Jump On It" (I highly recommend it for parties). We had a blast! We were jumping over things (and People), playing duck duck goose, and tag, etc. OH MAN! I have not jumped on a trampoline like that in a LONG time! Then we went back to Amy's for CAKE! It was Delish.... :D ANYWAY, Happy Birthday Amy!!!

Me and Kelley- My roommie

Jeff, Me, Joy and Kelley

Me, Joy, Kelley

ME! Haha!

Shootin' the Breeze on Labor Day

2009-09-20T15:55:00.004-07:00

On Labor Day, I went shooting with some of my Buddies! It was the first time that I had shot anything other than a BB Gun. Haha! Andy showed us how to use the Shotgun and Jeff showed us how to use a pistol. It was SO fun! Here's what I learned....

1. How to put the safety on....and get it off again.
2. That a shotgun kicks...and makes your shoulder sore the next day.
3. That I can shoot a Gun
4. That I need to Practice ALOT more if I am ever going to hit anything other than air.
5. That Andy & Jeff are patient. :D

Thank you so much guys!!!

And here are some pictures!
(Don't judge, they were from a disposable camera, my camera broke!!!)

Ya Crazy!

2009-09-14T02:19:00.003-07:00

It's 3 AM and what am I doing? Blogstalking.

I feel like a little girl with her hand caught reaching for a cookie from the cookie jar.

Why? "I noe da doe!"

Home +.

2009-08-29T15:34:00.009-07:00

{WARNING: This is a GIGANTIC post}

I loved, Loved, LOVED being home with my family for almost a month!

Let me introduce the Crew....

Stephanie Rachelle
aka: Steph, Stephie
Description: Gorgeous & Extremely Talented Sister

Andrew Christopher

aka: Drew, Andy, D

Description: The one who Acts tough, but has the softest heart.

Benjamin Russell
aka: Handsome Ben, Ben, Boy
Description: Twin #1- The Sport Star & Sly, Mischievous one

Matthew Thomas
aka: Matt, Bud
Description: Twin #2 - The Artist & Blatantly Mischievous one

Joshua Kent
aka: Josh, Joe, Jojo Mojo, Babe, JB
Description: The one who can get away with almost anything because he's so dang cute.

Second, Let me explain the way The Martins do Family Vacations...

We don't go exploring, or off to extravagant places. Nor do we spend tons and tons of money.
Dad takes a week off of work, the kids are split into pairs and then each pair gets a certain amount of money to plan a day of the vacation. (Smart Parents huh?) It's a BLAST! We love it!

For this particular vacation we started things off in the swimming pool... and this is what happened...

This is WAY HARDER than it looks! My brothers are BUFF!

Tuesday we went to the Temple to do Baptisms for the Dead as a Family (feel free to ask me if you don't know what that is) as the Twins had just turned 12. Josh was the only one missing. It was a beautiful experience to have us there in the Temple as a Family!!!

I'll Preface Wednesday by saying that we are a very "Crafty" Family...
We made memory books... here we are working hard to finish them! (Mine's still not done!)

On Thursday, we went to visit my Great Grandpa Shelley. I love him SO much! My Grandmother passed away a few years ago and he misses her greatly. He is a Wonderful Man with TONS of Wisdom to pass on. He will be 90 years old in November. I hope that I am able to see him again soon!

On Friday- OH FRIDAY! We had THE MOST FUN DAY! We decided to make a Family Painting.
(My mom is Brave.) We traced our hands on contact paper, and stuck them on the canvas, and we all had a different paint color - we made tons of brush strokes and then we rolled marbles around on the canvas, and THEN we splattered more paint on it...

Needless to say, we "accidentally" got a little messy...

We loved the outcome! And then mom put our hands that we peeled off of the canvas in the kitchen. Haha!

On Saturday, we did Facials. Baha. The boys were good sports.

Then, that night we played Chubby Bunnies. OH MY! SERIOUSLY, all you have to say is, "We should play Chubby Bunnies" and we are all in stitches on the floor. We don't even have to play it.

*Note to Family- these are ONLY pictures of us LAUGHING AT EACH OTHER not of the people stuffing Mallows in their mouths!

PS: those marshmallows in my hand...well the white one is one of the "Jumbo" ones...the pink one is a modern marvel.

It was a GRAND VACATION.

I was happy to have a couple more weeks at home. One night, Josh and I were the only ones home and I am well aware that he LOVES to play games. He is ALWAYS begging me to play games when I come home. So I said, " Hey Josh! Do you want to Play a game?" Instantly his adorable little face lights up and he goes, *GASP* "What Game?!"
"You Choose!"
"OK!!!! MONOPOLY!!!"

Haha, what did I do?!
We got out the game and set it up (He's Pro) and I ask him how you win...with 7 year old rules you never know what you're going to get... "You win when the other person runs out of money."

We start playing and every property is bought and ends up with at least 4 houses or a hotel on it. I'm playing pretty fairly (spending money a little faster than he is but not too much, I still want to win!) and all of a sudden, I land on "Community Chest". What did the card say? Not a whole lot:

You're being charged for Road Repairs, $40 for each house and $115 for each Hotel.

I HAD 12 HOUSES AND 9 HOTELS!!!!

UGH, I lost BIG TIME. And the next thing I hear is

"I BEAT THE CWAP OUT OF YOU!!!"
(He has childhood Apraxia, hence the word CWAP)

Oh well. We had Fun! Haha!

I also did a photo shoot of Stephie (more to come on that Later).

It was her Birthday Present. :) She's the Big 1-9.

It was also Drew's Eagle Scout Court of Honor. Funny Story, He must love the women in his Family...He did His project on my Mom's Birthday, had his Board of Review on my Birthday and his Court of Honor on my Sister's Birthday. Haha! Anyway, Congratulations Drew!!!

I also really enjoyed being to hang out with some old buddies! Audrey, her Husband, Dillon & I got to hang out twice in one week, and they set me up with one of their good friends so we could go on a double date- We made pizza, volunteered for United Way by painting kid's faces and making balloon animals, we ate gellato and played Yahtzee.

I also got together with Tana & Ally. We went to lunch and just caught up on each other's lives.

And then I saw Nicole, Tana, Leah, Sam, and Courtney at Courtney's Bridal Shower.

Man, I love my Friends!!!

On the 18th, Mom and I took Stephanie up to EAC. OH MY! I can't even tell you all of the flashbacks I had while I was there! It was good to see a few more old friends and relive old memories. Steph and I have talked on the phone a few times and all you can really hear is high pitched talking because we are so excited about EA. LOVE IT.

I had a couple of relaxing days as my Vacation was coming to a close....the last night I was home, mom sewed a laundry bag for me (I have since been told twice, that while wearing it I look like Santa Clause) while she tried to make me stop pulling out so many recipes to copy. haha! We laughed alot and I ended up sneaking ALOT of Recipes into the computer room to copy.

Matt, my artistic little Brother, went to the Bead Museum with my mom a little while back and has been DYING to make a picture with beads....so he suprised me with this, the night before I left!

He's a Cutie! Thanks Matt!

Well, I guess that's about it! :D

Shish Kabob Heaven +.

2009-08-08T13:19:00.007-07:00

Last Thursday we had enrichment! Whoo!

I made Shish- kabobs and we rode Tandem Bikes:

The Girls LOVED the Kabobs and so, without further ado, here is the marinade recipe:

1/2 Cup Vegetable Oil
1/3 Cup Lemon Juice
1 clove crushed garlic (or 3/4 tablespoons powder)
2 tsp Salt
1 tsp Dill Weed
and a little bit of pepper.

Marinade meat for at least 4 hours

Enjoy!

Later that night my roommies and I had some fun with the tandem bikes- we rode them all around town, through the sprinklers, Val lost a shoe, Kat got bucked off and started running next to the bike, and I fixed one of the chains....it was delightfully eventful! I highly recommend it!

Photo Shoot.

2009-08-08T09:57:00.004-07:00

Date: July 25th, 2009
What: Am & Sam Photoshoot
Why: We didn't go camping (our buddies went)....and we like taking pictures.

Sami & I had so much fun riding our bikes down by the Provo River and Finding tons of different places to snap some pictures. Andy saw us and jumped in for a bit too! Now Sami's sister wants us to take her Senior Pictures! I LOVE PHOTO SHOOTS!

I'm thinking of setting up a photo blog. What do you think?

Hogle Zoo

2009-08-07T23:57:00.002-07:00

For my friend's birthday we went to the Hogle Zoo. We had a blast!

Happy Birthday Jon!!!

Late Night Sprinkler Run

2009-08-07T23:47:00.005-07:00

What do we do at 11:00 pm after watching a movie and eating pizza?

Run through the sprinklers.

Memorial Day

2009-08-07T23:21:00.007-07:00

I know Memorial Day was Forever ago, but I couldn't post about it before because I was waiting for pictures to be developed....

My friends and I decided to have a potluck, waterballoon fight and then play with sparklers! Whoo! Here's the pictures of the Water Balloon Fight.

Hilarious Roommates

2009-07-22T22:18:00.004-07:00

My roommates are crazy! We were sitting around tonight and here are some of the quotes that came out...PS: Sorry If you hate me for putting these up. But I love you.

"My Mom was crying today, She was like, 'I don't want C to get Married! I hate saying Goodbye to the Ones I love!' I was sitting next to her and I was Like, 'Mom, Menapause much?!' I mean, She's going to be living in the basement! And I'm going to be living above them!!!!"
-Lizzy

"A Friend Tells you they have a wedgie. A Best Friend Stands behind you so you can pick it."
-Josie

Not to mention all of the hilarious actions I wish I could have captured on camera...Muah ha.

I'm in L+VE

2009-07-18T00:51:00.007-07:00

With {this Guy's }Photography skills.... Nick Sorensen is a PHENOMENAL PHOTOGRAPHER. Seriously, Check his site out! It's worth your time.

PS: How many times have I mentioned my Photography Addiction?

Harry Potter $.

2009-07-15T22:59:00.004-07:00

HARRY POTTER 6-

We had a stinking BLAST- and the Movie was HILARIOUS!!! I was kind of sad that I didn't get to go with my family- it's a tradition to go to the midnight showing; my dad, sister and I have gone to every one! But we did have fun :D

I can't wait for the next one!!!

Providence UT $.

2009-07-15T22:48:00.005-07:00

PROVIDENCE, UT VISIT- AKA: The Best Weekend I've had in AWHILE.

So my friend Sheri invited me to go and spend 4th of July Weekend with her and her Family. She and Shaylee picked me up Thursday the 2nd and We had an awesome drive to Providence, Ut. That night we had a cookout and Phil, Justin and Laura came too! We ate and Talked and Jumped on the trampoline (haha! That was crazy) and we played Cube. It was great! Justin and Laura opened their wedding present from Sheri and Justin said, "Amber, You need to get married! You're missing out!" Haha! It was really Funny!

Friday we woke up and went to IDAHO! Ok ok. It was Bear Lake...but it really was the ID side. That was the first time I've been to ID. Sad Huh? It was definitely a day of firsts for me! My first time Jet skiing. First time building a giant sand turtle. First time having an AUTHENTIC raspberry shake. First time absolutely FRYING- blisters and all...whoo. Seriously, I'm STILL peeling! Haha! But we had SO MUCH FUN! There are loys more pictures on my SRL too. I'll have to put more on here later! That night we went to watch Fireworks at J and Laura's Apt. Ang and Reid were there too! The fireworks were AWESOME, but My sunburn made me SO sick. I started shivering and getting nauseous. It was sad....by the time we got home, I was dead. I took some advil and Crashed!

Saturday we got up and Shaylee, Sheri and I went to a parade- it was fun and there were lots of cute kids. We went to a car show, and watched them drag main. Then we went back to the house, played Skip bo (Shaylee and Kayson won both rounds!!!) Rumikub and then lit fireworks... That was something new- in AZ they are Illegal....I had lots of fun with that! Haha!!!
It was sad to say Goodbye to J and Laura that night! I miss them tons!

Sunday was good- we went to Sacrament and then made Manicotti for dinner. We ate and talked a bit, and then Sheri and Shaylee drove me home. I had such a BLAST in Providence! Thank you so so so much for inviting me to hang out and taking care of me for the Weekend Sheri!!!!

Taylor Dinner

2009-07-15T21:59:00.004-07:00

I was invited to the Taylor's for dinner a few sundays ago; we had so much fun! The Knight Family came too and we had Hawaiian Haystacks, orange rolls and played speed scrabble and Nertz... It was great to catch up and have such a fun time! Thanks Taylors! We'll have to do it again soon!

Ward Activities $.

2009-07-15T21:35:00.005-07:00

We have had some AMAZING Ward Activities Lately!!!

One of the most recent was going to the Manti Temple Pageant. What a Beautiful Temple! The pageant was kind of cheesy, but that's how I like 'em! The trip up there was great fun, and talking with ward friends was great! It was raining like crazy until about 2 hours before the pageant, then it Miraculously stopped and the sunset was GORGEOUS. Also, the stars were phenomenal. I couldn't believe how visible they were! I miss seeing stars like that! Anywhoo- we got home at about 1:30 am. But we had a Fabulous time!

Next was a Hike....I took alot of pictures on my SRL so I have to get them on CD before I can put those up. But here's a few!

We also had an awesome pool party this past saturday. Can I just say "CUH-RAZY?!?!" It was a blast!

Poor Feet-sies :(

2009-06-17T23:26:00.003-07:00

Seriously- I've been on my feet since 6 am...it's now 12:28 am. Work from 8:30 am to 5 pm...a HUGE accomplishment for me... And then I came home and cleaned my bathroom for cleaning checks tomorrow...5 HOURS! Needless to say- the Bathroom is CLEAN and SHINY and my poor feet are EXAHUSTED.

And...I'm pretty sure I am going to die from Comet inhalation/getting in eyeness and Black mold spores in my lungs...ha.

Good Night!

Cupcakes $.

2009-06-15T16:38:00.007-07:00

I love baking! Today I decided to make cupcakes! Too bad the frosting tastes like butter...they're better cold and I sprinkled sugar on them to help, but it's definitely a butter taste. blugh! Anyway- I had fun!

Joy pointed out the fact that my spatula matched my flower, so she took a picture.

Preparatory Stage

YUM! ♥.

Draper & Oquirrh Mountain $.

2009-06-14T17:22:00.009-07:00

I've been lucky enough to go to a couple of Temple open houses here in Utah. The First was the Draper Temple. {Both Links [one more below] have pictures Provided by David Terry}. This was my first EVER temple open house. It was GORGEOUS. I cry like every time I see the chandelier from the celestial room.

SEE?! I don't have words...

I also found out that the Phoenix, AZ Temple (which is 7 minutes from my house) is going to be like the Draper Temple, only smaller. I AM SO STOKED. The fact that the Draper temple was the first temple that I have ever been inside (Besides the Baptistry) makes it really special to me. I'm excited that The Phoenix one (which will be MY Temple) will be similar in design.

The Next Temple was the Oquirrh (said OAK-er) Mountain Temple. OH MY GOODNESS. SO BEAUTIFUL! The windows were phenomenal. And The Artwork was unique and so inspirational. I don't think I've ever seen art that I've liked more...AND AGAIN with the CHANDELIERS! DAZZLING!!! They were star shaped! I loved it!

Sealing Room

Main Room

Chandelier in Celestial Room

Celestial Room (I can't wait to be able to come here anytime!!!)

Anyway- I love Temples...they are amazing!!!

If you want to know why Mormons Build Temples Go here to watch a short video.

♥.