Well This is Awkward...

So... Me and Mariss didn't end up going running at 6:30am. 

Instead... we slept. 

BUT in our defense we went running again that evening. We are running buddies now and I love every second of it. 

So for those of you who actually read and check in on me (Mom, Susan, Aunt B and Emma) sorry I lied. The alarm went off. We texted about it and agreed on a more rationale time. 

Anyway. Yay for running. When I get the money I need to get new shoes. Oh the life of a poor college student.

Just a couple of runnin' fools. 

It’s been awhile…

It’s been an awful long time since I’ve updated my blog. This happens to be both painfully normal and abnormally unsatisfying. Allow me to explain:

1)     Normal- I never update my blog. Ok, never is too harsh of a word. I have a hard time of consistently updating my blog. Or maybe, I frequently do not update my blog. Yea, basically I struggle.

2)      Painfully- I want to blog. I really do. I think about good posting ideas. And then I even write posts in my head as I walk home/across campus. I just never put them in writing. Blogging time is so elusive that way.

3)      Unsatisfying- I want to blog. And then to have all these thoughts and discussions locked up in my head, it’s very disruptive. I mean think of it from my perspective. You have all these things you are thinking about saying and then never get them out because you’re too busy with school, work and everything else that claims your time. In the words of Mika “The things we left unsaid, are only taking space up in our head.” And some days, my head is very full.

4)      Abnormally- should one really be worried about not blogging? I would think not. But, who am I to make such a general assumption for a large population of half-bloggers (a group to which I belong).

I have nothing too notable happening. Well, except that I am feeling a sort of blog-arthis. or a blog catharsis. (Side note: I just looked up catharsis to make sure it really was the word I wanted to use… and I found that one of the definitions was cleansing or purging of the bowels… Totally using that from here on out.) Well, the definition was an emotional release brought about by an intense emotional experience. And that isn’t exactly the definition my 7^th Grade English teacher taught us when we read the best-selling novel, Into Thin Air by Jon Krakower.

I did not have an intense emotional experience, like previously mentioned, but I do feel like I just want to put some things down in writing.

First: One word…

SUMMER. A word not typically shrouded in uneasiness. In fact in my previous years it’s been nothing but excitement. No school. Going home. Ecuador. Summer jobs. Did I mention no school? Anyway, this year it’s a little more complicated. I just have a lot of things happening. And I need a schedule. Not really until January… but, I am just the planning type. I love spontaneity. But, I like to have my feet under me while I’m running. If that makes any sense at all. (Side note: I am not uneasy for the much anticipated arrival of William Daybell. In fact I am quite the opposite. I can’t wait. In that aspect Summer 2013 can’t come soon enough.)

CANCER. My mom is officially cancer free. Raise the rough. Shout for joy. Or jump for it. Party like a rockstar. And any other phrase/ditty that seems appropriate for the situation. But, really. Holy cow. What a ride? I could not be any happier. And I am hoping with all of me that it remains gone. Or at least far far away… and never comes back. (Lion King, anyone?)

PEOPLE. Allow me to introduce some new people to the blogging sphere. I will most definitely be mentioning them in future posts. Emma. Jen. Kate. Jeff. Mason. Joe. Good friends. I hope to keep them around for a while.

MISSIONS. Aside from the obvious reason I might mention this… everyone is going. Not just boys but girls. And I mean everyone. I have had more invites to mission farewells than I did all freshman year. And that’s impressive because I was in TWO different wards. So, I got a lot of farewell invites. Don’t get me wrong, missions are awesome. In fact, missions are admirable. And wonderful and those who choose to serve have my utmost respect. It’s just, everyone is going.

MARRIAGE. If you’re not going on a mission… you’re engaged. Or newly married. Or having a baby. Again the institution of marriage is a wonderful blessed thing. But, when you’re not going on a mission, with no boyfriend (at least in the country) and everyone else is…

Anyway, Thanksgiving is coming up. I have much to be thankful for. And I fear that this blog has sounded very petty, and annoying and ungrateful. But, I promise I am so thankful. So very very thankful.

The Next Couple of Blogs....

Well, I'm home. 

Blogging is most definitely not for the faint of heart. This takes effort. I haven't blogged in over a month. And it's not because I don't have anything to say. Its more because I don't have the required "bloggers energy" to put towards sitting down and putting my thoughts into words. That, and I have the daunting task of updating my blog with 4 major posts I have been mosts definitely putting off. Well, nows the time to get started. Except that this isn't one of my 4 major blog posts. It's just a quick recap of my first 2.5 weeks home. 

I got my haircut! None of these pictures really show what it looks like... but thats alright. It's just a quick preview anyway. I had a mullet when I got home! And so, I went to get it all chopped off! It was much needed. I actually really like my hair at this length. And a major plus... I can wear it curly. So that 5 minute fix I have been dying for these past... 7 months is back. Well, its still more of a 10 minute fix. But, that's beside the point. 

My Grandma came to visit me when I got home. I was so lucky! I got to go to lunch with her and my mom. I loved it. I love these two wonderful women. I look up to them SO much. They are two of my greatest examples and I know that I am forever blessed because of their love and support. 

We went bowling as a family. And I loved every second of it. It feels good to be back. I don't always feel like I have a set place. I mean I'm no longer the sister that LIVES at home and goes to school at home. I'm the sister that spends most of her time at school in a state across the country. So, that has taken some getting used to. But, my parent are wonderfully amazing and I know I am always their daughter no matter what state I live in or where I go to school. 

:)

Just bowling as a fam! :)

He's gotten so big!!

I've missed this one! ;)

Family <3

The biggest difference between a mom and a sister... 

Family is what its all about. It was so hard to leave my babies and my friends because so much of the relationship we had was familial. I was the mother/sister to so many of those children and each of the girls I served with had a very special place in my heart. I could not pretend that it was not one of the more trying moments to come and maintain the high and the happiness I had while in Ecuador. In fact... it's been quite hard and continues to be a struggle. But, one of the greatest lessons I learned from my beautiful children is to be happy regardless of your circumstances. They have nothing but the Chicas de OSSO and each other... and somehow the greet every day with a smile. Surely, those of us who have everything, can at least attempt to mirror their happiness at least in a small way.

I love my babies. I love my new friends. I love my old ones. And I most certainly love my family most of all. It's good to be home.

Chicas de OSSO!!

"Along the way, you find sisters, and they find you. Girls are cool that way."

To say I've had the time of my life thus far would be a GIANT understatement. Who knew toddlers (day in and day out) could be so much fun? Well to be honest, that is only half the fun. In one short month (that has flown by much to my dismay), I have met some incredible people and made some irreplaceable friends.

To the world we are the "Chicas de OSSO". I have never been more honored to share a collective title with a group of people. I feel like I know many of them better/they know me better than some of the people I have known for years. 

I really can't say enough about the girls I have met. I flew into a house knowing absolutely no one. However, once the first day was out of the way, I knew I was going to enjoy my time in Ecuador. I had not anticipated to grow as close or attached to the girls I am serving with. 

The first girls I met were:

Brandi: 23 - Washington. She's a nurse! Also, my roommate. :) Labor day trip fo' sho. 

Mikele: 19 - Washington. BYU-I. She's Brandi's cousin. I'll be visiting her and Hayden this coming semester at school. 

Janessa: 19- Utah. UVU. Cheer camp 2012 instructor. She and I are going to go crazy this Fall!

Danielle: 21- California. BYU-I. Planning a visit to see her in Cali in Jan. 

McCall: 19- California. BYU. She is friends with Danielle. And goes to MY school!

Karlee: 22- Utah. Just graduated from BYU-I. She WILL be living in Utah now so that we can hang out. Right?

Melissa: 20- Utah. UVU. Friends with Karlee. She'll be in Orem and I can't wait!

Danielle and McCall left this morning. But, I know with McCall in Provo, Danielle in Rexburg and much collaboration on planning visits... it will be far from the last time I see them. :)

The girls who have come this past week are (I don't know all of them that well. Except that I know that they are AWESOME!):

Sam: 20- Utah. UVU. She is living south of BYU in a house. SUPER JEALOUS. 

Leah: 21- New Jersey. She goes to school at Tufts University and is a ballerina! Taught me "the Kendra"

Katie: 20- Oregon. I'm not sure where she is at school... but we basically want the same amount of kids (same gender and order and everything!)

Morgan: 20- Kansas. BYU-I. She's about to be in the same position I'm in when her BF of 3 years leaves on his mission! She's awesome. 

Aubree: 20- Utah. Utah State. She's our other roomie! 

Caitlin: 19- Utah. UVU. "Chonchos in ponchos." haha

Here are some pictures of our adventures in collage form. Click on each one to make them bigger!!

Top left to bottom left: Model shots last friday. Basilica, basilica, Papallacta, girls night!, our May Banquet. 

Teleferiqo, Mikele and Danielle, Basilica, Basilica, Modeling in a gondola... 

Danielle, colby, Janessa, McCall, Janessa (twice?), Mikele, and Karlee. We did this catapult ride... it was AWESOME!

I love every single one of the girls who are here with me. I have loved every crazy second we have spent together, eating out, cooking, cleaning, wiping noses, dancing, talking and playing. This is a different atmosphere than I have been in a long time. In middle and the beginning of high school I had a big group of girl friends that I always hung out with. As time moved on and I got a boyfriend, my group of girl friends slowly got smaller and hangouts less frequent. I went away to school. In my first semester at college I bonded quickly with my roommates whom I love so dearly. But, we really only hung out with guys. Same second semester... and the pattern repeated itself this past year.

After spending a month with these girls I realize what I have been missing. Girl friends. And not to discredit my 3 amigas out at BYU. I love them like mad too. I just have been missing a group of girls hanging out. I dunno, silly I guess. But, girls just wanna have fun. And with no boys or drama around... that is exactly what we've been doing. 

Anyway, I came out here April 19. I told myself "you have 2 months. No wasting time being shy (which is unlike me to begin with) or not yourself. Make friends and have fun." I was kind of nervous being thrown into a house full of random girls. Especially since I had a not so hot experience with college roommates once. I jumped in and was me from day 2. Day 1... I was still getting to know everyone. 

In basically a week I felt like I was extremely lucky. Everyone was nice, cool, fun and pretty. And you know what... we are all pretty close now. We talk about everything (boys, family, friends, hobbies, hopes, religion, school... EVERYTHING), I am able to say outlandish, crazy or weird things and they get me (a rare quality), we dance like crazy doing dishes, on the way to shift or just when someone turns on some music, we cry, we laugh, we smile and we love together. 

I am so blessed. I really am. I feel like I have known most of these girls our entire lives. I know I came at the right time for me. I can't wait to travel to Washington, California, Idaho and Nevada this coming school year. I can't wait for road trips or hangouts with new and old friends. I love them and their individual stories and quirks and talents. I love that we can share our talents and thoughts openly. I'm glad I can share clothes (today I borrowed one of Brandi's sports bra because mine were missing?!). 

I love being here. I am not ready to leave. I have had the time of my life! I love my kids. I love my friends. Life is good!! 

"Along the way, you find sisters, and they find you. Girls are cool that way." And these girls are just that. 

Another Birthday Post!

Today's my best friend's birthday... for those of you who don't know who that is... here's a couple hints:

1. She’s about… 5’4"
2.   She has had blonde hair, blonde and brown hair, brown hair and now a shade of auburn/red. And the funny thing is… she can pull them all off and still looks better than 99.9% of the population. (I am the .01% Occupy.)
3. She’s kind of a big deal. She’s been known to hang out with A-list celebrities like Katy Perry, Taylor Swift and Ke$ha (on a good day). 
4.  She used to be obsessed with skulls… nowadays I see less of skulls and more of peace signs.
5. She’s got an infectious laugh and personality. Like if she’s happy so is everyone else who comes in contact with her.
6. She loves cats. You can see her eHarmony video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mTTwcCVajAc 
7. She’s fun. But, not like fun. She’s like REALLY fun.
8. She loves EVERYTHING. I mean I think I like a lot of things… but she loves EVERYTHING!
9. She’s smart. She’s double majoring.
10. She’s got two awesome parents. Brenda and Terry. You may have heard of them. Brenda is currently running in the 2012 election to be Mayoress of Uintah. Her slogan goes something like this (if I remember correctly)… “Changing Uintah, one wrinkled shirt at a time.” And Terry makes delicious homemade snacks at every single one of her conventions, so make sure you drop by for the next one. Millgate Family 2012 woot woot.

Mariss is my very best friend. I want you to think of your best friend… and then think of Marissa. Now think back to your best friend. They aren’t as good as mine, and we both know it.

There’s always that one person you NEED to have in your life who you can tell everything to. Who you can be 100% yourself with. Who never judges you regardless of what you say, do, wear, eat or tweet. You have to have that person who you can fight with, laugh with, cry with and lounge with all in a span of about 20 minutes. You have got to have that person you can sing in the car at the top of your lungs with, record it, laugh harder and repeat. But, it’s perhaps most important that you find your bosom buddy, dearest friend, soul mate and hang on to them. But, not much hanging is required because you already know that through the thick and thin, when you need someone to lean on, or help you up they are already there.

I’m lucky. Cause I found that best friend. It’s my Cuz.

I can honestly remember thinking to myself when I was 8 years old how cool I thought my cousin was. I mean really, I started playing basketball because she did. And now I love it and I love playing. I remember thinking she walked on gold. I would sing in a funny voice, or make a funny face and she'd laugh and say do it again... and I would. Cause I was like "I knew it was better to be in the plastics, hating life, than to not be in at all." Or maybe that was Lindsay Lohan either, way I loved hanging out with my cousin.  And then I got a phone in 8th grade. She was there when I got it and one of the first few people I texted. I thought her use of the word "bomb" and that FuNkY wAy she'd write some texts was like SO cool. Freshman year we spent Thanksgiving at her house. Even though I spent a little more time with Grams than Mariss... I was finally one of the old kids. And therefore certifiably cool (in my own awkward way). I loved that she wanted to know about my boyfriend, Ben, and how school was going and I was willing to talk. And then it happened. We went to Litchfield. Bullfrog happened. The Wizard and I. A trip to New York. New Year's at her house. Kiawah. Spiders. Shells (said in that way only she can). Gnashing of teeth at night. Bowling. Go Karts. Double dates. Snowboarding. Dorm sleepovers. Triple dates. Set-ups. Phone calls. Constant Texts. Cruises. Beach Trips. And laughing at jokes that are only funny to us. And you know what... the next thing I knew, my cousin was my best friend.

But, it's more than that. I grew up with 3 wonderful, almost perfect brothers. And they are so very good to me. But, for the longest time I longed for a sister. Girls just click. They talk about boys, care about the way they look and can stay up for hours talking. I don't have a biological sister but, I do have one with the same DNA as me.

I've got my cuz. My PiC. And she IS my sister. We may not have the same last name, but we are in every sense of the meaning: "A single soul, dwelling in two bodies."

So happy birthday to the very best friend I have. I can't wait for what the future brings. I can't wait to catch the bouquet at your wedding, for you to bring your husband to mine, for future family vacations, to make sure our kids are as close as we are, to go to their graduations together, basketball games, dance competitions and piano recitals; to talk on the phone as we both get busier, to make time to see each other... and to always remind you that I'm younger and your hair will get gray before mine. ;)
 

You are the sister I've never had and always wanted. And I wouldn't have it any other way.

Love,
PiC#2
"There is no better friend than a sister... and there is no better sister than you."
(I thought about posting a video of me singing the song I wrote for you that details every memory I have of us on here but, it’s in Czechoslovakian so I didn’t.)

And maybe a walk down some of our not so better. Days... but, a better picture (more recent) to come.

Passing...

7:30pm.

It's quiet. There is noise from the street that penetrates my apartment windows but, other than that... silence. There is a void I am trying to fill. I log on Facebook in hopes to lose myself in the status', pictures and posts of my many online friends. When that doesn't work... I open up my blog and I write.

Today... less than an hour ago my grandfather passed away. I don't do well with death. In fact it takes a few hours for it to ever sink in.

My mom sent me a text today that said they thought he would pass today. I cried a little as I walked into work. But, I wanted to maintain my composure and so I quickly fought back the tears and walked up the stairs to my office in the Eyring Science Center.

But, the tears always come. And just as I knew they would... they have.

I don't wish he hadn't died. He is free from pain and earthly care. I know he is meeting our loving Savior and that he returned honorably. He lived a life and left a legacy.

I love you Grandpa Sammons. Thank you for what you taught me, for playing an active role in my life and for living in a way that magnified your beliefs. You are an example. And I cannot wait to see you again. You will be missed, but your life will be celebrated. Of that I am absolutely certain.

I love you.

Thanksgiving Break!!

I want to be more creative and less "loggish," but how do you tell about an elapsed period of time without it coming off as a planner or schedule of your day to day life? Easy, you post pictures and tell a story about them. Right? I dunno. But, who cares that is how I am doing it!

The above pictures are of my mom, Marissa, me and my Aunt Brenda. :) We all were wearing black except Mariss who must not have gotten the memo ;) and took some pictures. Someone had the brilliant idea that our heads should all touch... so you get the first picture of me making it so each of our heads touch. Those 3 women are some of my closest family, friends and supporters (cheerleaders?). I love them more than I could ever write about.

Oh brother! Oh brother. Oh brother. I have to say it 3 times because... I have 3. I love these guys! Having Hayden and Blake out for even just a short period of time was much needed! I miss them all the time! They are wonderful boys. We toured Rexburg because Hayden may be at school there next year! He already got in! Stud huh? And Chase, is one of my best friends. He is always there when I need him. I loved having Living Prophets with him and being able to hear his testimony on a daily basis. He is an amazing man!

Me and my dad got to bond on Tuesday! I took a nasty fall snowboarding. First they thought I had a concussion, then they suspected a fractured C2 on my spine. All jibberish to me... but, it was enough to land me on a backboard and a fun ride in the ambulance! Party! :) My dad was so sweet and stayed with me the whole time. He has always been such a wonderful example of the type of man I hope to marry. He is also the very best man I know. And, I am sure he is up there on most everyone's list! I love him. I was able to receive a priesthood blessing from him and Chase. Afterwards the doctors came back... said "Wow! Nothing is wrong. We can give you the all clear!" And thus ended the bonding time that Chase, Me and my parents had shared. 

I guess the first picture should have come a little sooner. But, that is us snowboarding. It is missing Terry and Hayden. I know Terry took the picture... so I am confused as to where Hayden went?

I got a cute new sweater from H&M from my Mom. :) She's the best.

I went out for a night on the town with Mariss, a boy she "met" snowboarding and Tim. Tim and I went as friends, and guardians to protect my cousin if he turned out to be shady. Tyler was actually quite nice and the 4 of us had a good time. It was very bittersweet. I did have fun. But, memories came flooding back of William and our adventures at the Nicklecade and gallabanting nonsensically throughout Provo. Anyway, it was way fun! We went to dinner and I had greek for the first time... it was pretty good. Then we went laser tagging and played arcade games. It was actually a really good date idea for those of you who are looking to take that special someone somewhere fun for the holidays. ;)

I loved having my family come up. It's really sad without them just around the corner! I love being at college but, I do wish that they were closer than a 3 day car ride or a 300$ plane ticket away. Kinda stinks. They are amazing!! 

I loved having my mom there. Even if I was second best to someone else (sorry low blow? ;)  ) I absolutely loved every minute I had with her alone. 

I concluded my break with a trip to Salt Lake City to see the lights. It was for FHE on Monday night. I took these pictures cause they reminded me of my family. Because, at one point we were going to go see them together. They were beautiful!

The annual pink lights that remind me so much of my perfect mother. :) 

Other random facts from my break:

• The Gantts and Martins also came and spent Thanksgiving at the Millgates. 
• I got to meet Mariah for the first time!
• The Gantts brought Georgia.
• I was sick most of the break. Boo.
• My mom made dumplings for the first time... they sound better than they look. And I am sure tasted amazing!
• I went bowling, mini golfing and drove bumper cars... all in one day. A marathon event... yes. Well worth it? Strictly for the company!
• I got to see Chantelle and her cute apartment.
• I got to tour BYU-I and saw, kensington gardens and the mayan ruins. Didn't know they had those there did you?
• I GOT TO SEE MY AWESOME FAMILY!!!

Christmas break can't get here soon enough! :) I miss them already. 

Tomorrow...

My family comes tomorrow. I can't wait to see them!!!!!!!!!!!!

That is all.

Without You...

I know to most of you who read the title immediately thought... "Oh great. Another post about that boy on a mission." And to you I say, you're rude.

To everyone else... the post is actually about YOU. Yes, seeing as the majority of my friends and family I am around all the time, up here in Provo Utah, don't read my blog... this post is about you.

The title is partly an attempt at me getting creative and thought provoking and partly as a result of today's "pop" music. I have a couple songs I listen to on repeat several times in a row. Both of them share the same name. "Without You."

Links are posted below. The first link I think most people will like... it's not one of those songs that just us youngsters listen to. It's one that the lyrics speak to anyone who has ever had any form of love in their life. I pity those who shy away from love. "It is better to have loved and lost, than to never love at all.":
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p3TWpWf798s&ob=av2e

The second... well, it's pop. And it makes you wanna go clubbing, dance around your apartment and belt out the meaningless lyrics at the top of your lungs.. or a weird combination of the 3. And among all the hip shaking and weird looks from people who just DON'T know what real talent is... you find that maybe you can relate to these meaningless lyrics. And that's the beauty of music isn't it? That you can relate to something that has no meaning... or all the meaning in the world...simply from the lyrics and the way the music makes you feel. Without any further ado:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jUe8uoKdHao&ob=av2e

Anyway, this post and the next one are referring to how I am without all of you.

So... enjoy looking/reading about my weekend. And pretend you were there. Because I missed all of you. Especially YOU.

Best Friends.

Living at home this summer as made me realize, I have all I need right here.

"If home is where the heart is, then my home is where you are." -Relient K

My heart truly lies with my parents. And a little sliver of it is in Mendoza, Argentina. OK. A big sliver.

As much fun as it is to do stuff with friends. I don't need 100 friends to be happy. It has been the summer of my dreams in a lot of ways, but in a lot of ways it has been the exact opposite. It depends on my mood. I am more often than not very happy here. But, as in most situations, my bad moods seem to overpower the good ones. Not bad moods. Bad moments. I don't know what I will do next summer. It's in the air. But, I have time. Thank goodness.

Anyway... I have 5 best friends. Their names are (in all honesty and not in that cheesy kinda way), Linda, Paul, Chase, Hayden and Blake.

I love my parents. I love my brothers. I think we really are unique in how close we are. And how well we all get along. But, I could be wrong. I have people who love me unconditionally and I know I love them like crazy. They are very much so, some of my best friends.

 I've blogged about my family before... so here are the most recent pictures.

I love him. I look up to him. My husband WILL be just like him. 

Call me a daddy's girl or whatever, but I love him. He is everything I want in a husband. He is kind, he is loving and he is easy to talk to. No one is quite like Paul Giler. NO ONE. I miss him terribly at school. don't voice it as much. But, I do. I know I am who I am today because of him. In more than one way. He is an excellent man, a wonderful father and a beautiful example.

I love my parents. Very dearly. I can tell them anything. I have no secrets or shame with them. I can fart in their bed, eat far too big of bites and tease them relentlessly. I can tell them every detail of my weekend activities and I can be far too honest with them. Something I KNOW very few of my friends can say. My parents are unique. I love them as parents. And I love them as friends.

However, my mom is my best friend. Through the thick and thin she is always there. I love you. We may not be twins. We may not be schoolyard pals. But, we are best friends. We are very much a like in our differences. She is wonderful and every bit the woman I aspire to be. I look up to her. I love everything about her. From her high heels to her "sermons" (life lesson seminars she has been known to give to her children), she is my mom. I am HER girl. Something no one else can say. :) Lucky huh?

The Giler's, together we make a family. :)

Nursery: Pill-free Birth Control, Disastrous Headache and Adventure.

Nursery is my "calling" in my home ward. Basically, it's my mom's. And I love spending time with her. She doesn't have much help and that's where I come in. I love my mom. And I love those kids. Today, Katie and I had to tackle TEN children all by ourselves. It was insane. The kids in attendance were:

Fiona Tanner: Basically world's cutest toddler. She is so animated and full of personality. I also had the pleasure of taking her to the bathroom today as she went "all by herself."
Skyler: The boy with no last name. I've asked many times, but he doesn't know it yet. He's 2. I want all of my children to be like him. Really. He's adorable, sweet and very kind. Not to mention he listens. Which is a rare characteristic in 2 year old boys. Funny story with him to come.
Nicholas Rory: I am pretty sure that's his last name. He's sweet too. Wild and crazy and full of energy. He doesn't like to sing and dance during singing time like most of the other kids. But, he is still very cute.
Lilia: I forget her last name. But, she is adorable. She normally is perched on my mom's lap with a firm grip on my mom's bracelets in one hand and a plastic hot dog in the other. She is extremely smart for just turning 2. We love quizzing her and being amazed at what she knows.
Koryn Beasley: She is very sweet. She is very smart. She's such a cute girl! She likes things to be kept in order and doesn't have time for rowdyness. Well, sometimes. Like today. When for the last 30 seconds of class everyone was full of energy so we all screamed. Me and Korynincluded. Ha it was refreshing.
Mike (Michael) Kroshaw: My buddy. He normally cries upon being left. And we normally hang out. His dad came to class today saying he was saying my name this whole week. Which of course I loved. Cause I love him! He is very quiet and sweet. He loves playing with cars if you can get him off your lap. What an angel.
Julia: Jeez. I can't remember anyone's last name today! She is wild and can hold her own with the boys. She loves hiding in the play fridge and enjoys locking others in there even more. She is nice and learning to be potty trained. "Poppy" means potty. :)
Sloan: She isn't there often. She is very nice. Very quiet and is very rarely involved in any of the scuffles.
Kaelyn: She's new. Ha. As of today. She's a runner. The door opens and she's gone. She escaped today. Twice. Once for snack time. And once as Sister Tufts was leaving. We didn't notice the first time when Sister Tufts left. But, for snack time and our trip outside, we were prepared.
Cailie Tufts: Is Sister Tufts daughter. They come in together. She cries when her mom leaves the room but, I don't know if she is old enough to be in nursery. Today one of the kids bonked her on the head and she cried. Welcome to Nursery Cailie.

Sister Tufts said to me today: "We talked this morning and we are putting together another nursery class and SOON." Thank you. I will be sad to see some of my kids gone, but I won't be there when they split them up. It's still sad though.

Anyway, we took the advantage, Katie and I of being alone in Nursery. And snapped some pictures. I wish I had taken a picture of ALL ten of the kids. But it was NEAR impossible.

Here are some quick pictures of Katie:

Enjoying the day. Haha

Lila wouldn't smile for any of the pictures.

With my mom gone, I made her sit on Katie's lap. Since
she is very much a lap baby, I couldn't have her on mine. I
was up and down keeping "order" in the room.

She is an angel.

Katie helped a lot with the kids. Lillia left early. Because there was so much going on. And Katie and I couldn't always hold her. So, she got tired of us like 20 minutes before church was over. Haha

Oh funny story! Fiona today told me she had to go to the bathroom at which Skyler announced he did too. Suddenly the WHOLE class had to go to the bathroom. Katie looked at me and I volunteered to be bathroom monitor. I took Skyler and Fiona and said I would take 2 at a time. Assuming they were they only 2 that ACTUALLY had to go and once they were gone the rest would forget. (It proved true).

We walked hand in hand to the bathroom. And I took Fiona into the first stall, got her on the toilet and told her to go and to call me when she was done. I then took Skyler into the next stall and proceeded to get him undressed. His belt was stuck, so by the time Fiona finished I was still struggling with Skyler. (Fiona did actually go, and wiped by herself. As well as flushed to her amusement.)

I was able to get Skyler undressed. I lifted the seat. It was stained yellow and he announced "Ew. It's dirtyyy!" I laughed and said, "Yes, it is. But, it's all we've got!" He just laughed and smiled. So, since he's a boy and boys stand I looked from him to the toilet laughing and wondering what to do... He eventually touched my arm and said "help?" So, I just decided to pick him up and sit him on the toilet (I pulled the seat back down first). He aimed and went to the bathroom like an old pro. I didn't know boys learned sitting down. So, there ya go. Mother in training I guess. :)

Everyday is something new. Here are the rest of the pictures:

Fiona, Mike, Me and Corrine.

Aren't they Angels?

Fiona is always cracking me up!

Julia :)

The cutest boy EVER! Skyler.
Sloan is in the background.

Corrine. Covering her face with a ladel?

The most photogenic child alive. Fiona.

They came and dog piled me. So, we snapped a picture. Fiona, Me, Corrine and Julia.

A very blurry picture of Sloan.

Me and the cute Corrine.

Kaelin's rear, Fiona and me. I dunno how or when this was taken?

My buddy Mike.

 Haha Gosh. What a happy guy! ;)

I do love these kids.

And that is Nursery. Wild and crazy. But, you can't help but love every second of it.