2wenty6 years young

I am not sure where the time flies!? It seems that as you get older, each year passes by more quickly and it is sometimes becomes difficult to enjoy every little moment in life when it is so chaotic and busy. Between my internship at Provo Craft, various doctors appointments, photoshoots, subbing gymnastis, studying like crazy for my personal training test, and all of the billions of other little things that have to get done, I feel like I have no time for myself. I feel as though life is passing by so quickly and sometimes I have a hard time keeping up. 

But...I am grateful for a busy life. I am not the type of person to be content to just sit at home and do nothing. I am grateful for my many talents which have brought me many job opportunities, my loving family where we can find joy in one anothers company, and the ability to go to school to gain a greater knowledge, increasing my abilities, talents, and experiences. I am grateful for my life and for all of the many blessings my Heavenly Father has granted unto me. Without Him, there would be no purpose and we wouldn't have any type of direction in life. The goal of this life is to become more like our Savior, Jesus Christ, and to do everything we can to improve upon each day. This is my goal this year...Year 26 - I will do my best to become more spiritually in tune to the spirit and to strive to make each day a special one. I will strive to endure my trials becoming stronger and to learn from my mistakes. I look forward to this year. May it be better then the first 25 years! 

My actual birthday was full of ups and downs. First off, my team at work went to lunch...for the marketing managers birthday. I was too shy to say anything, but they didn't know it was my birthday. So we went to Brick Oven to celebrate...So, the majority of the day was pretty lame. My giant car payment was due on this day as well, just as it is due on the 12th every other month of the year. 

Thanks to Amanda, my birthday ended up to be pretty awesome! She took me to dinner at CPK and can I just say "YUMMY!!!" I had their Jambalaya Fettuccine and it was the most amazing dish ever! I would totally recommend it (but you have to like spicy bc it has a good kick to it). It is "Blackened chicken and shrimp, Andouille sausage, and Tasso ham in our spicy Cajun sauce". Perfect combination if you ask me! 

Then we went country dancing downtown and that was drama all the way. We had a good time, although, Amanda's x-boyfriend (words cannot say how much of a jerk he is) showed up. So, then, the remainder of the night was spent avoiding him and waiting for Shane to show up, just to show who was boss and to keep him away! I did meet a boy and danced with him a few times, though I will probably never see him again since he didn't get my number. But I did have a good late night out and was glad my cousin made it a special day! Thanks! 

Nick and Zoe were in Texas on my birthday and mom was a youth conference. So it was pretty quiet around the house. It was quiet until Sunday came around,  with the whole family joined together in celebration. There was laughter, joyful screaming, chattering adults, and happiness all around. It is pretty much a zoo when everyone is over, but it is fun!

Nick and Zoe brought birthday presents back from Texas! Aspen got a Minnie Mouse swim cover and I got a mosaic dolphin photo album and a mini TX plate with my name on it!

So...I have to admit, most of my birthday I knew what I was getting. In fact, I was the one who placed the orders online! LOL! I decided I want to try out the Vibram Five-Finger shoes. Tyler has a pair and loves them. He can run again without his knees bothering him. So, I decided it was worth it to try them and see if I, too, might be able to run again. I also order a slack line! I introduced to slack lining about a year ago, by Brandon, and have really enjoyed it. He told me I was a natural and got up like a pro (I was able to get on without help the first day out). Now I have one of my very own that I can take out whenever I please.

Dutch Over Cobbler is one of my favorite desserts (the other being Ice Cream Brownie Sundays). So mom made me some raspberry-peach cobbler. We topped it off with Vanilla ice cream and Um um it was Delicious!

The boys....

This birthday was a great way to start of the new year, filled with better days and building to become a stronger me :) 

-Peanut 

Today...

This morning began when mom came down at 8 am to let me know I needed to take Rex in for a just made appointment to get shots and his nails trimmed. Taking Rex to the vet is always eventful and I always leave covered in tiny black hairs which he sheds due to nerves. But his nails are finally trimmed and look great! He weighed 14.5 pounds and was healthy, other then his teeth. But I aint paying $350 to get them cleaned, if Nick wants to, kutos to him. He also got a new color for the occasion to go with his new leash that he needed since we currently can't find his. And the 2 just have to match!

The house is coming along great. Mom and dad have been painting like crazy and the boys have been pounding, knocking, and building every day to make our home beautiful and different. It is looking so good and we all can't wait for the finished product!

I had a doctors appointment this afternoon with my GI doctor. Things are looking good right now, but I am really sad to see Dr. Hemmert go. He is retiring in August and I only have one follow up visit scheduled between now and then. This means I will have to find somebody new and I don't think anyone could replace him as the amazing doctor he has been. No, he never came to a final diagnosis, but he gave TLC like no other doctor I have had. That is hard to find....Thank you Dr. Hemmert for doing your best and caring about me as a person and not just a patient. You Rock!
-Peanut
 -Peanut