27 Candles!

Well this week, I celebrated my 27th birthday. Today I am babysitting my niece, and sweet Adaline, looks at me and says "your big now, because you had a birthday, did you turn 4?" And I said, no I turned 27. Her eyes got wide. So cute, the perspective of a child.

I have some great pictures to come shortly, I went to the mountains with a group of friends to snowboard, play. I loved the weekend, but I must say the best part was having my family sing happy birthday to me. There is nothing like the love of ones own family.

I am looking forward to the coming of another year of fun, excitement and growth. A few of the fun things I am looking forward to are: a trip to the bahamas, a visit to the rocky mountains to see my brother, then a volunteer project in Nicaragua, the beginning of another school year with the sweet kids that I work with at Renfrew, to name a few.

Christmas in the Mountains

This year Christmas was heavenly. I was able to see all of my family, and enjoy the for the whole week. It began with Birthday wishes, and opening presents with my mother in Lethbridge. The whole family was together for the first time for Christmas in 4 years, since my brother moved to Texas and I went on my mission. We were however missing a few of Bryan's kids. It sure can be a challenge to get us all together.

From there, Russ, Esther, Martha and I went to Canmore to spend Christmas snowboarding and skiing in the mountains with my dad. It was such a fun way to spend the holiday we want to make a tradition out of it.

Sunshine really lived up to its name, it was 3 beautiful days of boarding. Now, I am tired and ready for a little more R&R in the city.

Wedding Bliss in December

I was fortunate to attend a few friends wedding receptions and bridal showers. It is so enjoyable to see good friends marry wonderful men and choose to enter into the covenant of marriage.

Camellia Smith and I, She married Doug Nelson, also a good friend of mine from school in Lethbridge.
What are these girls up to...hmm...

Well look at the final product, that is a sweet toilet paper dress. Laura was so excited to be in a "wedding dress" she kept it on for the rest of the night.

Great work girls, you did a fine job. I never knew that toilet paper could be so flattering!

My Condo

Here are some long awaited photos of my Condo. I became the proud owner of a 2 year old condo this September. It has been a very exciting adventure owning my own place however an adjustment. It still needs a decorative touch, its in the works.

The Bedroom
The bathroom, I love the sink, so fun.
My mantle, above the fireplace. Thanks mom for the christmas decorations.
The sink side of my gally kitchen, which over looks into the living room.
The living room looking back at the kitchen and kitchen table.

Those are a few, enjoy and let me know if you have more questions or want to come for a tour. It has been exciting to have guest and have my own space to entertain.

Tis the season for snow boarding

What a fun weekend, boarding friday and saturday (lake louise and sunshine). My snow boarding career has taken some time to come to fruition, a few years in the processing with a lull of not going for several years. This year I bought all my own gear and am geared up to make an awesome season out of it. Seriously, such a blast. I have to say though that sunday morning waking up I was so sore I literally had to roll myself out of bed. Here's a few pictures.

The good life!

What a fantastic weekend and day. I havent had a chance to update my blog with pictures from my last few trips and adventures, but I felt like blogging a little about today.

So today was my first day teaching Gospel Doctrine (a sunday school class at my church). I was nervous but excited, I had thought and prepared for a few weeks and I believe that it went well. I had good feedback from a few friends that felt that it was interactive and full of good questions with good principles taught. I am exciting to continue to learn and grow from this calling and be more immersed in the word of God.

Life sure has a way of teaching you, I had one of those, slower days, harder days, had a little cry. But somehow in the midst of it all, God reminds me that he knows me and that he is watching out for me and guiding me more than I can often recognize. I had a little nap, which was great, and than received an invite to a potluck and games night. I almost said no but then decided I needed to be social. On my way out, I met my neighbour for the first time, we got to chatting and since he wasn't doing anything I invited him to come to my friends with me. So he came, it was so great. I some how dont feel as alone now that I have one friend in my building. The shift to living alone has been a very welcome one and I am grateful for the experience that it was been. But like most new experience it has its growing pains and I am so grateful that the Lord continues to teach me.

THM Reunion and Conference

Attending my first mission reunion was such a delight. It was so great to see old faces and to reconnect with mission companions. I was also able to attend conference and visit with several friends. I love President Stewards Texas shirt, it was certainly fitting for the occasion. While I was in provo I also was able to spend time with 2 very dear friends. It is amazing how some connections will always be strong no matter the distance or time between visits.