I flew back to Provo today and Im working tonight. I was a half hour early because no one told me I didn’t have to come in till 11. Oh well. This break was great and I wish it didn’t have to end so early. I didn’t do a whole lot but I felt like I was busy the whole time. I got to see some of my siblings and it was so much fun. Ive been wanting to change my hair so I got highlights a couple of days ago. I only trust one person to color my hair and of course she did a great job. Ill try to take a picture of myself and post it. I also went to the eye doctor and got new glasses. They’re red and I cant wait till they come in. Ok, so its time for a story. This afternoon I boarded my flight and sat down at my assigned seat. There was a guy sitting next to me around my age and we started talking about school and where we were going and all of that stuff. He then asked me if I was from Pasco and I told him no, Im from Mattawa. He then told me he didn’t know anyone from Mattawa but he knew some people that had relatives out there. He asked me if I knew a Michelle Stoddard. Well, that’s my cousin! It was such a coincidence. He apparently grew up just down the road from her and he also knows my Uncle Clint and his family and my grandpa. Small world! I usually don’t enjoy my flights but I didn’t mind this one. Now my dear sisters please don’t get ahead of yourselves and start asking me questions. Anyways, (Michael I know its anyway but I just cant seem to stop saying anyways) Im back in Provo and waiting for my roommates and friends to get back so I wont be so bored. Im gong to be home alone for four days so I welcome all calls, texts, or any kind of communication.

"No longer forward nor behind
I look in hope or fear,
But grateful take the good I find,
The best of now and here."
-John Greenleaf Whittier

My roommates and I had a little Christmas party tonight. It was just the three of us and it was SO much fun. We exchanged gifts, ate pizza and ice cream, and watched a Christmas movie. Kaylee gave me two books and I am so excited to read them. My roommates are leaving Saturday morning and Im a little bummed. Im not leaving till Monday night because of work and Im not excited about being home alone for two and a half days. I do know a few people that will still be around so it will be okay. My flight leaves in about 69 hours…do I seem excited?! This afternoon I had to do some Christmas shopping. Now as most of you know Im not a fan of big crowds or bad drivers. Well shopping a week before Christmas will give you a combination of both. I wanted to pull my hair out as I was trying to get out Barnes and Noble parking lot, and don’t get me started on how busy the mall was. Ive learned my lesson…do your Christmas shopping a month in advance. I will never make this mistake again. The sad thing is I forgot to get my sisters present so I have to go back out tomorrow. Wish me luck!

Rexburrr!

I went to Rexburg this past weekend and it was so cold. We didn’t do a whole lot but it was still fun. On Friday we slept in, went to the Cocoa Bean (I love their drinks), did a little Christmas shopping, and went out to dinner. On Saturday we went to the Cocoa Bean again and then spent the rest of the day with Ross, Jana, and the kids. Parker is one of the funniest kids I know. Ross and Jana went out to dinner while Nancy and I babysat. I think Parker and Lilly are starting to like me more. Parker invited me to FHE, but sadly I had to tell him no since Im back in Provo. I love spending time with family. On a quick note Id like to let everyone that Im really happy. Im occasionally a little sad, but for the most part Im truly happy. Its been a hard two months but everything happens for a reason. Trials will make me a better and stronger person. I love life and where I am at. Im always talking about how I don’t know what to do but thats the exciting part. I can do whatever I want and wherever I want. Life is good. Im going home in a week!

"Don't wait for tomorrow, don't wait for the right job, the right house, the right salary, the right dress size, be happy today, be happy now."
-Joseph B. Worthlin

Tim

So I know I complain about my job quite a bit but I have to admit that I actually dont mind it. Sometimes I actually enjoy it. Lately Ive been working at the boys house and every morning Im suppose to wake up seven year old, red headed, Tim a half hour before I get off. Its quite the fight to get him up. He says hes sick, has a tooth ache, and many other excuses. After he gets up hes actually a funny kid. We have a good time as hes getting ready. He likes to just sit around a talk to me after hes done everything he has to do. As Im writing this Im sitting here talking to him. He says the funniest things, but today he made me so happy. He told me that he likes me the best. Cute, right? So right now I am so grateful for my job.

Grateful

A few of my sisters (Jana I consider you as my sister) have made lists of things they are grateful for this year. I thought I would do the same thing. They are in no particular order.

1. My family-dad, mom, siblings, in laws, nieces, nephews, and the list goes on. They are amazing and I really dont know what I would do without them.
2. My Savior. Everyday I am more grateful that I have the gospel in my life.

3. My job. It isnt great but I still like it and hey, it brings in some money.

4. School. Ok, I know you are all really surprised that I put this but I am very grateful that I am able to get an education so Ill be able to get a good job in the future.
5. Friends. I love my friends.
6. My roommates. I have been blessed with great roommates. We have so much fun together.
7. My health. I have had some health problems in the past year and Im grateful that everything is getting back to normal.

I am so blessed!

I just watch Paper Heart with my roommates. Its about a girl who doesnt believe in love so she decides to make a documentary about it. She goes across the country asking people if they believe in love and what love means to them. In the process she meets someone and they start dating. As the relationship progresses she realizes she needs to figure out if she really does believe in love and if shes capable of it. I loved it. It was interesting to hear everyones different perspectives on love. Watching this movie made me think of a quote from Dan in Real Life. "Love isnt a feeling, its an ability." What do you think? Is love a feeling, do you need to be capable of falling in love, or can anyone fall in love?

I want to see this movie! Its look really cute, right? This may seem childish but I just love the happily ever after endings. Now I know life doesnt always end up like that but that doesnt mean movies cant. Im a girl, I like happy endings.

Thanksgiving break was GREAT! I didnt do a whole lot except hang out with my family. I got to see 5 of my 6 siblings which was great (I miss you Sally). My sister Stephanie is pregnant and she is just about the cutest pregnant lady I have ever seen. Trina now lives in Southern California which means she wont be able to go home as often so it was great to see her, but Ashley and I plan going there for a three day weekend in January. Hello beach! I love getting to see my nieces and nephews. They are all so different but so much fun. Ive only seen my nephew, Tanner once and it was for about a half hour and he was sleeping or grumpy so it was great to really get to know the cute little guy. He looks just like his dad, its so cute! We called him Mini Dave. Now that I am back at school I am anxious for Christmas to come. I hope these next three weeks go by fast so I can go home again. Im only going to be able to go for about week because of work but Im thankful that I am able to go home at all. School is killing me and I cannot wait to GRADUATE! Its a scary thought. I have a couple of ideas in my head what Ill do after graduation but I havent decided for sure what Ill do. I know I will be moving away from Provo. It will be a sad day to leave everyone but exciting at the same time. Its time I move on with my life and start over somewhere new. I guess we will just have to wait to see what my futures holds for me.

Sorry this post is long. So I really enjoy watching Glee, mostly for the music. Heres a really cute song from it. Click here!

Oh my!

Through out my life I have realized that it is better to laugh at yourself rather than get upset and embarrassed. As my family knows I do many things that are really embarrassing but funny to everyone else. So yesterday I went to Target and as I went to the checkout I remembered that I had cash so I thought I would use it. The total came to be about $25.00. I only had a twenty so I asked her if I could pay part of it in cash and she said yes. So for the last little bit I swiped my card and entered my pin. The next question was would you like cash back. As I looked at it I thought yeah, I owe my roommate money so I better get cash back. So I hit twenty dollars. The lady started laughing and asked me if I wanted my twenty back. I just realized what I had done! I laughed, took the twenty, and practically ran out of the store.

Christmas

Last night my roommates and I decorated our apartment for Christmas. I know its a little early but we couldnt wait another day. I love the feel of Christmas. So sticking with the Christmas theme I thought I would let everyone enjoy one of my favorite Christmas songs and Josh Groban does a great job. Click here and enjoy!

Why Me?

The other day I was on campus and I recognized a good friend that I hadn’t seen in almost a year. Deciding to surprise him I ran up behind him and practically attacked him. As he turned around my smile quickly turned into horror. It wasn’t my friend! It was a complete stranger! I apologized and practically ran away. I still get embarrassed when I think about it.

Quote of the Day

"But... I really wanted to see you, and...and I think you're beautiful, and I, um...I feel really warm when I am around you, and, um, my tongue swells up. So... Do you wanna go eat food?"

Can you guess what movie its from?

Poetry

I joined a poetry club today and Im really excited about it. Everyday there is a new topic and you write a poem on it. The best part is you can make up a username so you can be anonymous. Dont worry Im not going to post my poems everyday but I thought I would share my first poem. Todays topic was painting. Oh and please dont expect anything great. Im definitely working on my poetry writing skills.

Ive been working on a painting of mine
I hope to see the finish results someday
It isn't perfect and never will be
But Ill love it all the same
Sometimes my painting stops
And I don't know what should come next
Even though this painting of mine isn't visible
I see it everyday
I hope one day someone will want to share
This painting of mine I call life.

This is such a cute song and Michael Buble is just adorable. Click here to listen to it!

IM GOING HOME FOR THANKSGIVING!!! YAY!

Sleepy

You know youre tired when...

• you sleep 12 hours without waking up once or moving an inch
• when your dreams are about sleeping
• when you cry for no reason
• when you cant remember turning off your alarm when it goes off in the morning and you sleep through your classes
• when you go to your classes and sleep through them
• when you HAVE to take a nap to make it through the day

My job is becoming more difficult for me with school. I am always tired. I always want to take a nap and usually end up falling asleep in my classes. Im excited for Thanksgiving so I can have the chance to catch up on my sleep.

Running

I just finished with my first run today. I know I said I was going to start a couple of weeks ago but the hardest part of starting anything for me is the beginning. Take writing a paper for a class. Ill procrastinate starting it but once I start I realize that its really not that bad. Anyways, I went on my first run today and I thought I was going to die. As I was running my two miles I realized how out of shape I am. After five minutes I could hardly breath but I wouldnt let myself stop. Even though my legs were shaking, my lungs were burning, and I could hardly breath I kept pushing myself. When I finished my run I dropped to the ground and stayed there for fifteen minutes. Its amazing what running can do for you. When I run I have complete control over everything. I decide if Im going to stop and walk, how far Im going to go, what music I listen to, whether I run outside or inside. I also love how running can make me forget about everything. I turn on my ipod, forget about everything going on in my life and just run. Its great. And now that my run is done I feel great and I cant wait to do it again tomorrow. Here I come half marathon!

Hairspray

My roommate and I just finished watching Hairspray. Whenever I watch a musical it makes me wish my life was a musical. I would love it if I could just start singing whenever I wanted and I had backup singers and dancers. Who wouldnt want that? Heres one of my favorites songs from Hairspray. Click here to listen to it!

Weekend Bliss

Nancy came down from Rexburg to spend the weekend with me. Friday night my roommate had a Birthday/Halloween party and it was a lot of fun. On Saturday we were able to go out to lunch with Ross, Jana, and their kids. I love being able to see my nieces and nephews. After that Nancy and I did a little shopping and then we finished off the day watching the BYU football game and having dinner with Ross and Jana. Now that Ross and Jana will be living in Idaho Falls they will be seeing a lot more of me. I hope they know what they are getting into! Nancy left today after church and I was sad to see her go. She might be coming back for my birthday so Im looking forward to seeing her again. I love spending time with family!

Is it too early?

Is it too early to listen to Christmas music? Most people would say yes. I would normally say yes, but today Im saying no. I love Christmas music, it makes me excited for the holidays and I love singing along. So I guess I dont care what anyone thinks because Im listening to Christmas music.

So I know Ive been blogging a lot recently, but last week I realized that Ive been terrible at blogging. Ive made a goal to blog at least four times a month. So get excited everyone because Im back!

Listen to this song...click here

I love this time of year. Halloween is just around the corner then my birthday is just two weeks after that. If that cant get any better Thanksgiving is later that month and then its Christmas, which is the happiest time of the year. I love the weather as well. Its just a little cold but the sun is still shining and the leaves are changing colors. One other thing I love is all of the baking. I love all of the desserts that come with the holidays. My family is big into desserts and baking so this is a great time of year for us. We dont need excuses for eating a lot of treats! So whenever I get down with my school work I just look around myself and I think this is the happiest time of the year. The picture is of me from last year. I know my hair is so blonde! What was I thinking?

Who doesnt love a weekend in Mattawa?

I love three day weekends. Escpecially when I get to go home. Thats right I went home this past weekend! Mitchell and I left Friday after classes and got there that night. On Saturday I took him around Mattawa and showed him the taco wagon, the library (which is made out of straw), and the flea market just to name a few. Dad took Mitchell and Michael around the farm and they thought it was so interesting. Steph and I were ready to go home after 10 minutes. Mitchell and I were able to take the four wheeler out which was Mitchells first time driving one. On Sunday we went to church and that afternoon did our usual sitting around, talking, and playing games. Stephanie and Michael were able to come down for the weekend so it was great to see them. I was also able to see Nancy in the evenings after she got off work. It was a short visit but I love getting the chance to go home.

Summer Days

I havent really blogged this summer so I thought I would make a list of some of the things Ive done.

• rope swing in Mona
• Seven Peaks
• hiked Stewart Falls
• George Strait concert
• waffle cake party
• driving range
• Beauty and the Beast musical
• Singin in the Rain musical
• lots of swimming
• shaved ice with ice cream
• bowling
• barbecues
• penny golfing
• Yo Zone (frozen yogurt)
• Twin Lakes
• adopt a duck
• volunteered at Special Olympics
• trashbagging
• giant slip n slide
• watched lots of movies
• awsome birthday parties for Stephie and MB
• ate at J-Dawgs, Chadders, The Pie, and Five Guys
• traveling dance parties
• played pranks one each other using a mannequins head

But the summer isnt over so hopefully Ill be able to add to this list within the next month.

Twin Lakes

Every year my family goes to Twin Lakes for a week in July. Even though I got the flu and it was a little colder than I like it I still love this place and I cant wait to go again next year. Spending time with family is the best.

Life is an occasion

The other day we watched Mr Magorium's Wonder Emporium and it had a line that I absoluley loved! "Your life is an occasion. Rise to it."

Another Creation

We had to do a design in a 4 inch cube vase. I really like the gerber daisy.

New job

I got a new job a couple of weeks ago and I already love it. Most people dont understand why I would want this job but its perfect for me. I work for Extended Families. Its a house for troubled teens and I do the night shifts. I work three nights a week for eight hours. Its great! I am able to do homework, read a book, or just watch movies. I do get a little tired but usually after I hit 3:00 I hit my second wind. All I have to do is check on the girls every 15 mins and make sure that they are always in their own beds. I have yet to have any major problems and it really is a great job.

Home Sweet Home

This past weekend I was able to go home. The trip was short and busy but it was worth it. Saturday was my sister Betsys baby shower. It was a lot of fun to be able to go. I got to see a couple of sisters, my niece, and a couple of other relatives. It was also a great trip because it was mothers day and I got to spend the whole weekend with my mom. Now let me tell you a little bit about my mom. She is absolutely the GREASTEST mom ever. She is always there for me and supports me in everything that I do. She is always encouraging me to be better but she is still proud of what I am doing. She also has a great sense of humor, which I love. So thanks for being the best mom ever, mom!
The picture is after the baby shower of my mom, two of my sisters, and my adorable niece. One of my other sisters went to the baby shower but she had to leave early.

Flower Power

For spring term im taking a floral design class and I love it. We have a lab once a week and we get to make different flower arrangements. Today I had my first lab and I think my bouquet turned out pretty good. I know the picture of me isnt great but my flowers look so pretty.

Jump Rope

Stephie, my roommate, had me listen to this song the other day and I love it! Click on the following link and listen to it. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g7eyqCQYBGY

This is my roommate Stephie for those of you that dont know her. Dont you just love the picture!

Cousins!

This post is dedicated to my oh so wonderful cousin Merry Brooke. We're so cute!

Good ol' days!

The other day I was thinking about my nieces and nephews and just how cute they are. I thought about each one and how they are all in different stages in their lives. Some are in school and others are just little babies. The more I thought about them and their lives and the different stages that they are in the more I got jealous. I would love to go back in time when life was so simple. I love where I am at in my life but sometimes it can be bit overwhelming. Kids dont have to make life changing decisions or worry about the future. Sometimes I wish I was a kid again so I could just live in the moment! Heres to the good ol' days! The pictures are of me when I was little.

I've found my prince!

Tagged Again

8 TV Shows I enjoy watching:
1.) The Biggest Loser
2.) House
3.) The Office
4.) What Not to Wear
5.) Everybody Loves Raymond
6.) Umm that’s all I can think of right now

8 Things that happened yesterday:
1.) I had a colonoscopy
2.) I slept about eight hours during the day
3.) I talked my mom on the phone
4.) My visiting teachers came by to see me
5.) I watched the Italian Job
6.) I ate oatmeal
7.) I had a conversation that I don’t remember at all
8.) I saw pictures of my colon…there was gum in one of the pictures

8 Things I am looking forward to:
1.) SUMMER
2.) The semester ending
3.) Going home…whenever that is
4.) Going to bed tonight…I don’t think the anesthetic has worn off yet
5.) Running a half marathon sometime this year
6.) My dance class on Thursday
7.) My apartments crepe party
8.) Getting hair extensions…I don’t know when I am getting them but I am

8 Things on my wish list:
1.) Go to Europe
2.) Go to Australia
3.) Go home THIS weekend
4.) Be done with school
5.) Find out what my dream job is
6.) See my family more often
7.) Get better grades
8.) Go skydiving

8 Things Stephanie did yesterday: ( I don’t have a spouse so Im doing my roommate)
1.) Went to work
2.) Picked me up at the hospital
3.) Went to the library
4.) Went to FHE
5.) Ran outside
6.) Moved a dresser and two bookcases
7.) Sweet talked a cop
8.) Went to the Creamery

8 People I Tag:
1.) Allison S
2.) Nilly
3.) Ashley
4.) Michelle
5.) Darrell
6.) Kasey
7.) Holly
8.) Jen

I miss home!

So I was suppose to home this weekend since I dont have school on Monday, but to my dismay I found out that I have to work on Monday! You could say I was a little disappointed. This past month has been really hard and I really just needed this break and now Im stuck in Provo. Here are a few pictures of my beautiful home.

Cereal

So a friend decided to have party that consisted of competitions. There was a wrestling match, a wikipedia search, an eating contest, push up contest, and many others. Well Merry Brooke and I decided to see who could eat a bowl of cereal the fastest. Merry Brooke and I are in love with High School Musical. Yes, we are very cool. Anyways so the cereal was High School Musical and we wore our shirts that we made when we watched it. Who won you ask? Well it was very close but I ended up winning.
Oh and as for the extensions I haven’t decided what to do yet. When I do decide I will let you know.

I really dont like this picture but I thought you would all like to see the cereal and our shirts. Our shirts have HSM 3 on the front and on the back it has our nicknames and the number 14.

We were really into it.

Im letting everyone know that I had won.

Just me and my sis!

So Nancy and I both had a three day weekend so she came to Utah to hang out with me for a few days. We had so much fun. We did what we Allens do best...eat, shop, talked, watch movies, laughed, and of course eat some more! On Saturday we went up to Park City because it was the Sundance Film Festival. We didnt see anyone famous but we did do a little bit of shopping. Thanks for coming down Nancy it was so much fun! The picture is of a lake that is frozen over...the little dots are people ice fishing. We thought is was a really pretty view so we had to get a picture.

I miss my nieces and nephews!

I was able to spend Christmas with all nine of my nieces and nephews. It was so much fun being able to spend time with them and I already miss them so much.

Old Times

So today I was looking through some old pictures and I had a few good laughs. I thought I would post a few of them.

Were in the hot tub after we did a polar swim. I know you dont believe me but I really did do a polar swim. I thought I was going to die.

Freshman year we decided to move my friends mattress from DT to our place in Heritage. I almost peed my pants when we were trying to get it in the elevator.

My good friend Allison. We were on our way to a bonfire. On our way home we ended up getting a flat tire and our friend changed it even though one of his arms was broken.

My roommate, Stephanies birthday.

Nancy and I back in the day. Oh how I loved that poofy dress.

My two best friends from High School. We were on our way to a game to cheer.