It's good to be home

I've been back in Colorado for some time now and let me be the first to say-it's such a great feeling to be home. Classes are going perfect and I'm making a lot of new friends. However, it's nice to find comfort in the one place I call home with growing relationships and new adventures. Even with the temperatures dropping, I am having the time of my life. The feeling of constant growth in my new life is one of enjoyment. Everyday keeps getting better and better. (Also, I am currently learning how to dress for my first winter-wish me luck!)

Outfit breakdown: pants- Forever 21, boots- Charming Charlies, scarf and blazer- H&M, hat- gift

Fearless

When it comes to this topic it doesn't matter how much money you make or what clothes you wear. If I've learned anything this past summer, it's that life doesn't care who you are or where you're at when it throws something your way. The past three months I've gone through the biggest changes I've ever experienced. Needless to say, I'm tired, stressed, and fearful. As time has gone past since graduation, my experience as a "real" adult haven't been ideal. Through my car accident and becoming the sickest I've ever been, I can only grow. Through being the first to pick up everything to move to a new state, I can only become stronger. Through losing what I thought was the most critical part of my life I could only learn to be resilient.

When I hit a breaking point I thought to myself, "When did I become so fearful?" I never recall letting negative thoughts creep into my life as if they were true. Just because I am moving to a new state doesn't mean life won't happen for me. It only means I can become a mature adult faster. I look at other students my age and feel sorry for some.

This may be the scariest and loneliest point in my life so far. However, my growth, strength, and resilience is turning me into the adult I'm supposed to be faster. I guaranteed I am never going to apologize for being stressed out during this time in my life. I'm discovering who I am and that's hard. With that, I'll always praise God for the people in my life who will stick by me. Friends who accept me in all circumstances while having my back when I don't seem myself. Family who support me even when I'm angry, confused, and hurt. Writing, reading, and exercising more that makes me feel healed. Church family who constantly checks in on me and tells me keep my head high. More importantly, a God who knows I am worth it. Worth it to die for and work in and around my life. I'm going to be just fine because with these things in mind I'm fearless.
As of today, I don't worry anymore. I don't worry if I'll meet the right person. I don't worry about starting my life over in Colorado. There is nothing to worry about. So with no worry comes no stress and with no stress is no fear. I'm fearless. I'll embrace every moment of loneliness, hurt, joy, pain, and praise. On top of that, this past week I really learned that even one of the most important people in your life can let you down. Even when that happens, I won't let it stop me. I have to pick myself back up and keep going. What other choice do I have? I will never let life get me down; there's no reason for it!

I'm reminded of this: "So you have sorrow now, but I will see you again; then you will rejoice, and no one can rob you of that joy." - John 16:22. My final question is this--Is that all you got? That's nothing, life! Tomorrow is the first day of the rest of my life and I'm fearless.

Home sweet home

After a long day of traveling, I am finally home from Mexico. It was seriously one of my favorite trips. The whole week was wonderful and relaxing to the point where I had the time of my life. Most of my time spend there was filled with sight seeing, driving around, shopping and lots of eating. Trust me, I never wanted to leave the food. It is beyond amazing and I was a very spoiled girl. I got to try all these new types of dishes and if Mexican food wasn't my favorite before it is now. However, beans with every meal is no joke. I had so much fun meeting all new people, "trying" to speak the language, and meeting all of Zac's family. I am so glad that I finally had an good experience in Mexico because I would love to go back. Nevertheless, it's good to be home.

I found Mexican frozen yogurt everywhere. One point for Mexico!

Check out all the photos from the trip here.

How to make cheesecake cookies

The other day I got a request to make cheesecake cookies for someones birthday. Since I've never heard of this type of cookie it was hard trying to find the recipe. Finally, I was lucky enough to find one on Food.com. I am even more lucky that I have such good friends who are willing to try out an new recipe with me. After an hour and a half of baking the cookies turned out fabulous and the birthday boy really seemed to enjoy them.

Instead of a birthday card I placed a "happy birthday" scrapbook flag.

A few of my favorite things: Spring Break Edition

1. Longboarding Accidents I love longboarding. It's my sport right next to shopping and it's my form of exercise. However, what I love more than longboarding is longboarding accidents. The first time I went riding down a hill I got a huge bump in the middle of my forehead when I fell. This didn't stop me. Years later I still take my board out everyday. I am lucky cause one of my best friends is willing to go to new places to longboard with me. We were riding up a hill in a quiet neighborhood in a red mountain district when I tripped and face planted on the street over nothing. I love my battle scars but the story of how I fall over nothing is even better. I should most likely take it easy on the hills till after my mom's wedding.
2. Teen Vogue and Sex& The City In the midst of my super busy week I set aside a day just to be overly lazy. I dedicated this PJ day to my two loves; fashion&Carrie Bradshaw. I swear Sex and the City is the only movie and show I can watch over and over again while marking up the latest issue of my favorite magazine.
3. Glitter Cupcakes Thankfully, I have super awesome leaders at my church who introduce me to glitter cupcakes. These red velvet cupcakes are full of sparkle and fun. I may love them more then regular cupcakes cause everyone deserves a little shine in their lives.
4. Taco Tuesday  Come to think of it, I have a ton of great leaders at church who feed me. My mom was talking the other night saying that she is gratefully for Jackie, Lori, and Jeannie always making sure I am never starving. However, Tuesdays are my favorite. Jeannie has the annual taco Tuesday and since I am usually the only that comes I never turn down seconds.
5. Grasshopper Pie One of the many reasons why I miss working at Village Inn is the seasonal Mint Brownie Blast pie. It's smooth, sweet, and perfect. Perfect in the fact that I had a piece on St. Patricks Day. Yes, my desserts correspond with holidays. Don't hate.
6. Lori's House Dang, I love my church moms. I'm starting to realize how much I hang out (or crash) at their houses. This is why when I woke up Thursday morning and Lori texted me to come over I was so stoked. I love hanging out with this family because they never cease to be more than church leaders in my life. Like usual, Amanda made her homemade apple pie while Lori, Mel, and I talked the night aways. The Hutchins are one of my favorite family.
7. Girls Out Night The church hosted a Girl Night Out event where I basically eat my weight in popcorn. Otherwise, I had the greatest time with some of the cutest girls in the high school ministry.


I officially declare Spring Break 2011 the best one I've ever had. With Monday slowly approaching I realize how much little time I have left in High School. As God is moving and working the most in these moments my emotions are running wild. With this, I keep calm with the lyrics of one my favorite songs. "Oh this is going to be the good life...sometimes there's airplanes I can't jump out but please tell me whats there to complain about." Honestly, my head has not stopped spinning in the last week and as much as I want to call out for help I know in my heart this change is good. As much as I don't want the things that are happening to happen moving forward is a natural direction for a Christian. With the next couple months being the craziest I put three important quotes on the front of my planner.
"To get something you never had you have to do something you never did."
"When God takes something from your grasp He's not punishing you but merely opening your hands to receive something better."
"The Will of God will never take you where the Grace of God will not protect you."