Can you say Merry Christmas?!

Mama had a freaking amazing Christmas this year! Like over the top awesome. Here are the reasons why:
1. Got to spend Christmas Eve and all of Christmas morning with family. Wish it could have been all my siblings but I take what I can get :)
2.I got to celebrate my Savior's birth.
3. I GOT AN IPHONE 4!!! That was the out of nowhere, extremely, incredible present my parents got me. My mom said she was sick of me not being able to answer my phone when she calls (I have had a super ghetto phone the last 4 months).
4. I had to work which was actually not bad. It was pretty slow which was refreshing for a Christmas. And I had girl talk with Celestial and our other Coworker Chrys. It was a lot of fun.
5. I was reminded of how I have been blessed with some great friends. You know who you are :)
6. It was Dusty's first Christmas. He got an orange :)
7. Mama got some new boots! I love boots and I love the ones I got.
8. Got me some make-up to look sexy hahaha
9. Got new work pants, that actually fit and are LONG!!!! And cute tops to go with
10. I got books!! I love books :) And they are actually adult books. Can't wait.

I hope you all had a Merry Christmas and got to spend time with your family and friends. I am so blessed and am truly grateful for everything I have in my life. I'll just end with one of those melt your heart moments...

I was at work. Yes, I'm sorry, work is kind of my life so most of my stories come from that....anyways. I was at work and one of our regulars came in who we all call Buddy. Everyone knows him and we all love him. Buddy has a disability, what exactly I'm not sure, but he is very friendly and always talks to other customers as he is waiting in line or hanging out in the concessions stand. Well today he was waiting on the bench in our lobby for a friend and he sat down by a teenager and two younger boys. Buddy pulled out a Christmas card he got and was showing it to the teenager and the other boys. And it made my day because they all had big smiles on their faces as they talked to him. The teen proceeded to talk back and forth with Buddy and at one point they were comparing phones at what not. I probably sound like a creeper because I was watching a lot but I just love when I see others who are so expecting of those around them. It may be stereotypical but I did not expect the teen to react the way he did. He was just so sincere and happy that it melted my heart. With that I'll say here's hope to our future. Remember to smile and be friendly to those you meet. You never know whose day or life you'll change.

The Lorax Stache

At work we were sent these amazing Lorax mustaches to hand out to guests. Well they have been the source of much entertainment these past several weeks. Not only have we been playing find the stache around work everyone has been wearing them and taking pictures. Well tonight I finally joined in on the fun. Here's my best photo op with my Lorax Stache.

Oh and you better believe Dusty joined in on the fun too :)

We're adorable. Enough said.

New Roommate, New Adventures

Meet Celestial. She's my new roommate. We're best friends.

Us at the Rascal Flatts concert this year. No big deal.

 Just be ready to hear about some fun adventures!!

It's Not the Holidays Without Some Home Alone Shenanigans

Sometimes when you work at a movie theater you gain some fun stories to share. This one happened this weekend. Generally, when a 'lost' child is found I am called to help them out. I like to think it's because I am just so friendly and sweet looking I wouldn't scare the kid. Most likely it's the fact that everyone knows I am crazy about kids and they think I'll find the most joy in finding the lost mommy or daddy. Well this particular story goes a little something like this... I was called by an usher to the lobby and was then introduced to sweet, adorable, Ella. She was lost. So began our quest to find her family.

Upon talking to Ella this is what I discovered:
- Her movie was already over. There went my theory of her mom being in the concession stand was wrong. So was my theory that she went to use the restroom and just couldn't find the right theater again.
- So we waited a minute or two in the lobby. Yep, no mommy emerged from the bathroom.
- The last time she saw her family, she was just wheeling around on her shoes, you better believe she was one of those cool kids with heelys, and when she looked up her family was gone. Pretty much the saddest thing I had heard all week.
- She knew her mother's cell phone number. Thank goodness because at this point I had come to the conclusion that whether it was on purpose or an accident this girl's family had definitely left her at the theater.

So I called the cell phone, no answer. Called again, no answer but left a message. Waited another couple minutes and called one more time and thankfully Ella's mom answered! The conversation went a little something like this...

Mom: Hello
Me: Hi, is this Darcy?
Mom: Yes, it is.
Me: Hi, my name is Stacey and I work at the movie theater and I have your daughter Ella here with me.
Mom: Oh my goodness, honey we don't have Ella, she is at the theater (obviously talking to dad haha) Is she okay, gosh are we just terrible people?
Me: She is good. And it happens I know this isn't the first time a family has left someone haha.
Mom: Okay well we were driving home so we will turn around right now and we should be back in like 5-10 minutes.
Me: Sounds good. We will be in the lobby waiting for you.

So as Ella and I waited. She chose to sit in box office with the crew. I got her some paper, pens and markers and she drew a cute little picture while she waited. Her mom came to the rescue shortly thereafter and Ella made it safely home this time. All I have to say is if nobody ever claimed her I definitely would have considered adoption, she was that precious.

I'm back!

That is my current feeling about running and the gym. I have now worked out three days in a row (not including Sunday) and I am loving it! Oh how i miss you sweat and pain. Well....more how I miss being in shape :)

If you haven't heard about this awesome website pinterest then now is the time. It's kind of amazing. I'm still figuring it all out but so far it has only benefited my life as a future teacher, single girl and college student. If you haven't checked it out you should. One thing I found the other day that I most definitely want to incorporate in my own life and my future classroom is this:

On whatever paper you have lying around you write down your memories throughout the year and place them in the jar. Then on New Year's Eve you read through them. And then you can save them whichever way you choose. How quick and easy is that?! I am not always the greatest at writing in my journal or updating my blog and I thought this was so easy and quick that I can't wait to do it :) And in my future classroom, students could write down any of their memories throughout the school year and during the last week of school we could read through them all. The original creator used it to write down all the funny things her child said so she didn't forget them. So cute. Feel free to start your own because I know you want to!

love note gone wrong...really wrong.

So this one time....

I was at work on yet another SUPER slow Saturday night. I was talking it up with 3 of my coworkers, all of whom were guys and for the purposes of this story will be referred to as coworker 1, 2 and 3. So there we were chatting it up and we were trying to think of something to do for a little entertainment. So I came up with the idea of writing an awesome/super cheesy love poem that we would then deliver to one of the employees. So I chose the first guy employee I saw in front of me (who shall be called boy) and the rhyming began. About halfway through our original creation boy happened to walk by and to add to the fun we asked him to contribute to our list of rhyming words...we were a little stuck at that point. He seemed kind of confused but after rattling off a few words he went back to working (like a good employee should). Well, finally we finished the poem and it went a little somethin' like this:

Dear Boy,

Your facial hair

Makes you look like a bear

And I can't help but stare

Like Pacman to a ghost

I like you the most

So I just had to share

That I think we'd make quite the pair!

<3 Stacey

*** Super adorable AND cheesy right?!

* I think it is very crucial to note that the only the only part of the poem I actually thought of were the first three lines. Lines 4-5 were contributed by coworker 2. Like 6-7 from coworker 1. And thankfully I didn't add the line coworker 3 suggested because I think things could have gotten more awkward than they did...

So the story continues.

I folded it up and wrote to and from on the front and then had one of the guys deliver it so it  just completed the fun of it all. Once it was delivered we all dispersed and found stuff to do. Probably like 10 minutes later  coworker 1 came up and told me boy came up to him and started explaining that he was going to see his best friend in a couple weeks who just so happens to now be single. But that if things didn't work out maybe when he came back he would ask me out...something to that extent (don't know the exact conversation). Well when I heard this I just started laughing because I thought it was a joke. (Especially because while we were writing the poem coworker 1 warned me that I better be careful that I don't give off the wrong impression. And I just laughed it off because the poem was obviously a joke). So, I continued laughing but then I realized coworker 1 didn't seem to be joking about it. So I started getting super nervous. I made coworker 2 test it out to see if he thought coworker 1 was just messing with me but we both concluded that he wasn't. That's when I became officially worried.

Approximately 5 minutes later I am standing in the lobby with coworker 2 and boy walks up and says, "Can we talk."

My life!!! I'm pretty sure I turned bright red and then my mind started racing. I was DEFINITELY not ready for a talk!!! bahahahaha 

So we started walking down the hall and if anyone knows me at all they would be able to picture exactly how I was acting/talking. When I get stuck in awkward situations and I don't know what to do I get overly happy/excited and it's just bad news...so imagine me like that having the following conversation:

Boy: So I got your note

Me : Oh, yay! Wasn't it sooo adorable?! We were trying to entertain ourselves so we ended up writing that. (In my head I was trying to think of a way to make it apparent that it was all a joke without being completely mean...)

Boy: haha yeah it was pretty cute...so have I ever told you about a girl named Cali?

Me: No! Ohh are we going to have story time about a girl?! (of course I clapped my hands and was too enthusiastic)

Boy: Yeah...so she lives in Seattle and she has been my best friend for 4 years. And she has had a boyfriend the whole time but she just broke up with him so she is finally single.

Me: Awesome, so now you are going to swoop in?

Boy: Yeah exactly, I want to go tell her I am crazy about her (said more here but I was too busy still trying to figure out if this was really happening)....so because of that I'm not really interested in anyone else right now.

Me: Oh that's so exciting. And yeah I totally got you. I can't wait to hear what happens!! You'll have to let me know how it all goes.

Boy: Okay I will 

Me: Haha alright, well have a good night...

Boy: Bye..

* I think this was one of those few moments in life where I so grateful I got denied! Don't get me wrong boy is a nice guy and all but I have never had any sort of interest in him like that. But you have to give boy props for being so honest and straight-forward. That's a rare quality these days.

So... he leaves and I some how manage to hold my laughter during my walk of shame back down the hallway. I ran back to coworker 1 and was just laughing and could hardly breathe and he asked me what was going on. I told him we had to find coworker 2 first so I only had to share the story once. So we ended up finding coworker 2 and 3 and I proceeded to share the conversation I just had with boy. We were all busting up. I was still  feeling super awkward and was waiting/hoping/praying one of them would tell me I had just been punk'd. But  that never happened. All in all it made for a pretty entertaining night and another great memory. And I learned a valuable lesson. 

I will never again write a love poem. 

Now I am just hoping everything works out for boy and his real lover. Otherwise this story may have a sequel. Until then.... :) 

Fourth Graders Make Me Smile

It's hard to believe that my time student teaching this semester is already over. I cannot wait until I have a full year with a class of adorable children. Today was filled with smiles, hugs and goodbyes.

 I am going to miss these little guys :(

We tried for two normal ones...some of them just couldn't fake it that long...

Our real personalities finally coming out

Seriously each student is so unique I couldn't help but love them.

Leah: The quiet one that surprises you.
Walker: The class know it all/jock
Simon: The cheese ball with amazing artistic abilities
Jordyn: The raspy voiced flirt
Kindra: The girl who isn't scared of anything. I'll never forget the first day when she came into class with a cricket in her hands. hahaha
Kassidy: The Sweetheart
Paige: The honest one with witty remarks
Mason: The tough boy (who still appreciates praise)
Megan: Class clown and tom boy.
Collin: The avid reader and the one that has the power to drive most teachers crazy but the onI just couldn't help but love
Brynley: The magical one (she makes lost things reappear)
Idalis: The fast finisher
Allison: Quite the character...she can come up with some crazy voices
Nathan: The math wiz
Jake: The boy who every girl will love in 8 years
Narel: The unique, determined one
Carrie: The quick learner
Eleni: The Perfectionist...in a good way :)
Brooklyn: The talkative one
Garrett: The future president
Taylor: The dancer/wanna be gangsta girl
Jessie: The giggly one
Eli: The goofball
Jose: The bilingual smarty
Emery: The future prom queen
Chante: The one that gets along with everyone

A big thank you goes out to their real teacher, Danielle. She was amazing to work with and such a big help. It was so great making a friend while learning so much. I couldn't have asked for a better practicum experience :)

Goodbyes.

There's nothing easy about them. And right now goodbye is the only thing on my mind. 


A few words of wisdom I'm trying to keep in my mind:
"Experience has taught me that if we, like President Monson, exercise our faith and look to God for help, we will not be overwhelmed with the burdens of life. We will not feel incapable of doing what we are called to do or need to do. We will be strengthened, and our lives will be filled with peace and joy.³ We will come to realize that most of what we worry about is not of eternal significance—and if it is, the Lord will help us. But we must have the faith to look up and the courage to follow His direction."
- It Is Better to Look Up - Carl B. Cook


Now is the time I have to rely on my faith and courage because I need a little peace of mind.

The Sweetest Thing That You'll Ever See is a Happy Girl

I have sooo  much to be grateful for. And lucky for me it's November, the perfect time to reflect on everything I am thankful for. 


1. Family: Is there really much more you can say? I have the greatest family I could ask for. My parents and siblings are my best friends. They know everything there is about me and all the latest drama in my life. I wouldn't have it any other way. We laugh, smile, cry, fight and joke together. That's the way it's supposed to be. I feel as though I should add my latest favorite mommy quotes:

- A text I received the other night: "I know retard. Cute not bright."

- A facebook post: "You're a wonderful auntie, miss you we need a long weekend so I can laugh with you. I am so proud of all you do and always with a smile well except that pedicure moment..."

I feel I should add the fact that she gives in sometimes and refers to me as mama! Seriously she makes me laugh and smile like no other. 

2. I am grateful to be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I have had my own struggles and weaknesses over the past years but I have never doubted in the truthfulness of the gospel. I know that my Heavenly Father lives. I am a daughter of God who has been blessed with a loving family here on earth. I know that my Savior and brother, Jesus Christ lived on the earth. He suffered and died for each and everyone of us. I am grateful that through him I have the opportunity to repent and partake of His Atonement. My Heavenly Father and Savior are my best friends. They have brought me comfort when no one else could. I am eternally grateful for Their presence in my life. I feel it is important to share an amazing experience I had a couple weeks ago. In relief society we had a lesson on the hymn, "Where Can I Turn for Peace". Here are the lyrics:

Where can I turn for peace?

Where is my solace

When other sources cease to make me whole?

When, with a wounded heart, anger, or malice

I draw myself apart searching my soul?

Where, when my aching grows?

Where, when I languish?

Where, in my need to know?

Where can I run?

Where is the quiet hand to calm my anguish?

Who, who can understand?

He, only One.

He answers privately.

Reaches my reaching.

In my Gethsemane, Savior, and friend.

Gentle, the peace He finds

For my beseeching.

Constant He is, and kind.

Love without end.

This lesson forever changed my life. The Spirit in the room was so strong. It was exactly what I needed to hear at the time. I gained the strength I've been searching a while for from the lesson. I have to thank Amanda for taking the time to prepare the lesson and sharing such an inspired message.

3. Books: I am grateful for books. I am grateful for authors who share their amazing talents with the world. I wish I had more free time and that I could read faster because it would only mean I could read more books! Yes, as of lately I've been on a children's literature kick. But who can blame me? They are pure stories that can change your life. 

4. Music: There are moments in my life when music is what I need. Sometimes songs just capture exactly what I am feeling and thinking. I have to love the moments that I dance like a fool and sing off key. And I cherish the moments when songs make me cry (in a good way) and give me strength. One song that caught my eye recently is All You Ever by Hunter Hayes (just discovered him and love his voice!). Made me think about a certain part of my life as of lately and whether or not this is how the boy feels I think it reflects a lot of our "relationship" (or whatever you'd classify it as).

5. Friends: When you are a single and going to college friends become your family. I never knew would have guessed that when I left California I would make as many great friends as I have. I am grateful that my best friend, Brittani, is still my best friend. Although we don't talk as much as we wish we could and it's been too long since we last saw each other I know that nothing about our friendship has changed. The friends I have made here in Utah have changed my life forever. They are who I go to when I need a good laugh, a good cry and a partner in crime. I think I may have to dedicate a future post to my friends individually. It would be a lot easier :)

6. Kids: I know I'm a freak and I say it all the time but children are the best and I love them! They are sweet, funny, adorable and sometimes little punks. But I know that I was sent to this earth to meet and work with these amazing human beings. I am astonished everyday by their insights and intelligence. I have much more to learn on this earth from them :)

7. Education: I feel as though I complain about school all of time but these past two weeks have shown me that I need to be grateful for my opportunity to receive an education. During my time teaching a fourth grade class this month I have come to see how all my studying and hard work are paying off. Everything is finally coming together. I feel so at ease with teaching! I have had great moments within the classroom that have strengthened me. I watch as 9-10 year old kids light up at new discoveries. That is what learning and education is all about. That self-discovery and motivation. I can't wait to continue my education for a lifetime.

8. Work: I was blessed when I was first offered my job. I was blessed once again when I was offered an assistant manager position. I have learned how to sacrifice and work hard over the last three years. And although I lost any social life I may have gained not working every weekend night I gained so much more. I have made long-lasting friends that I would not have made otherwise. I have laughed so much and so often I'm pretty sure I have a six-pack hidden beneath my chubby lil tummy. (at least that's my theory hahaha). Those long shifts and late hours have forever changed the course of my life :)

9. Change: I thankful for change. It may not always be the easiest to deal with and at times I may curse it. But I am grateful that hard times change into great times. Tears change to laughter. Weaknesses change to strengths. I have the ability to change and with that I know life can always get better.

10. The little moments: There are so many big moments that happen in life but it's the little moments that I want to remember. One of my assignments over the last couple weeks was to give different students praise notes randomly. I will never forget the look on quiet Leah's face as she read hers. And that huge smile I got as she walked out the door with her note in hand. Or Collin's excitement as I read and we talked about his story. Not to mention is smile and laughter as I gave him a high-five for finishing his story and the pride on his face for his accomplishment. Or the light in Simon's eye when the teacher gave him a new journal. The shock and happiness on Tyler aka Toby's face when I started dancing with him. For my roommate who scraped the ice off my window before she left for school. For my sister who always makes me delicious food and dessert. The little moments make up our lives and to me they are what matter most.

I just had to get my thoughts and feelings out. I have been so overwhelmed with happiness lately and I had to let others know why. I am one happy girl! :) 

First Day!

Today was my first day in my fourth grade class for a month. And boy are those kids cute!! I am always reminded of why I choose teaching the minute I walk into a classroom. The little girls in there were full of compliments which made my day :)

Yep...I'm gonna take a moment to brag about those cute quotes of the day:
1. You're really pretty.
2. That's a cute shrug.
3. Thanks for being our cool student teacher.

Warning: The following may not be very exciting if you aren't a teacher...but I had to share.

So one hobby of mine is reading. I always have a book that I am currently reading. Lately I've been big into children's literature because I think I need to know more of what's out there so I can introduce kids to a variety of books. So today I thought of a cute/useful idea. Walking around the class every student had a different book and I really wanted to know what it was and if they liked it, etc. So I went to the store and bought a little case and index cards. I then created labels (A-Z). Each student will write their name on the top of the card. They will keep it filed in the box at all time. If they want, when they finish a book, they'll come to the box, find their card and write down the title and author and a quick opinion...whether they liked it, loved it, it was okay, didn't like it, etc. I am super excited because I'll finally see what the kids are reading and it will also reveal their likes and dislikes based on the books they choose. So I am going to try it out and see how it goes!! I think I will then start a database that will have the titles of all the books students read from previous years so that students can look them up and see what others kids thought of the book. I don't know how that will work yet but I think it's a good idea for now!

Well I'm off to bed. Got to wake up early so I can look cute. Gonna be at school all day and then go straight to work for some interviews. Thankfully I'll get off around 9 so I won't have too long of a day. We'll save that for Thursday when I'll have to be at school by 7:30 until 3:30 and then I'll work from 6-2:30. WOOT WOOT!! haha

The New Blog!

My latest team blog is up and running! Keeping Up With the Cockroaches will blow your mind away. Okay probably not but the first post is pretty dang cute/funny (Thanks Meredith!). Real pictures are to come. Along with random observations me and my partners upload.

Oh the changes!

What an adventurous month August turned out to be! My life is anything but boring and most definitely has been filled with some tears but most importantly laughter! After a roller coaster of fun (or confusion...they're like the same word right?) I am still living the single life. And this year (school year I guess I should say) I am hopefully going to branch out and try and meet new guys and actually go on dates. We'll see how that goes. I do have quite a few people rooting for me so with their support hopefully I'll succeed haha. But don't worry this is all for the fun and experience of getting out there and meeting others. I am in no way on a mission to get hitched!

From summer lovin' to dreadful school. It started up again.... BARF!!!!!  I still don't think I am quite prepared for the long semester ahead but I don't think it's possible to be. All I know is I survived the last one and that is all I have to do this time. And I have learned a few tricks that will hopefully help this time around. One big change is I took out more student loans so I can work less because I know that for the sake of my health (mental and physical) I can't afford to be worrying about money. My class schedule is working  nicely the only bummer is Friday. I go for five hours straight with no break. And I always close the night before at work and don't get off until 2 am or later because we have midnights. WELCOME TO COLLEGE! haha

I moved...once again!! But I absolutely love the new place. And did I mention Sarah is my roommate?! Yes, you read that right. I'm so excited to finally be living with a close friend again. It seriously changes the whole atmosphere of being at home. Our favorite addition to the new place our Justin Bieber Never Say Never poster on our bathroom door. It's amazing :)

I have a new nephew, Jakson. So the count has now increased yet again! 6 nephews, 2 nieces with 1 niece on the way :) I am so lucky to have so many cute kids in my life.

Sometimes I get overwhelmed easily and I'm working on fixing that. I used to be this constantly happy, positive person and I feel like I've slowly been losing that :/ But I am determined to get it back! Therefore, in an effort to work towards this goal I will not vent out my current frustrations :P Just know that I am soo sick of a cycle that has been a part of my life for nearly a year and a half now. I am DONE for real this time and actually have been feeling really good about it. And it feels amazing to say that. So good riddance to pointless things!!! (Okay, so maybe I had to vent just one last time).

I am going to make a new blog soon for my science class project. We are going to get Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches and we have to keep data on them. In effort to stay organized and keep life simple we have decided to record our adventures on a blog. And the SUPER cute title I came up with is "Keeping Up With the Cockroaches". Be prepared to see the blog when it is finally finished. :)

Well I should wrap this up and get to bed. Pulling a double at work tomorrow. Hours of great fun....NOT.

Here's to Hope

I guess there are some things in life I won't ever understand. And that's all there is to it. I just wish at times it could be a little more simple.


 One thing I know though is that worrying and unhappiness get me no where. That is why I love the talk, The Infinite Power of Hope, by Elder Uchtdorf. 


He describes his mother as such: I know with certainty: her faith overcame her fear, and her hope overcame her despair. She was not a woman who would sit and bemoan tragedy. She moved. She put her faith and hope into action.


I want to be known as a woman like her. 


He goes on to mention: Hope is not knowledge,  but rather the abiding trust that the Lord will fulfill His promise to us. It is confidence that if we live according to God’s laws and the words of His prophets now, we will receive desired blessings in the future.  It is believing and expecting that our prayers will be answered. It is manifest in confidence, optimism, enthusiasm, and patient perseverance.


My New Goal:  manifest hope through my confidence, optimism, enthusiasm and patient perseverance. 


I know it is easier said than done but thankfully I have my Heavenly Father and Savior by my side every step of the way. 


I am so grateful for the prophets and apostles on the earth today and their words of encouragement. 

My Little Bubba

Today was just one of those days. I was super exhausted after this crazy weekend of work. Harry Potter I will not miss you one bit. 3 ten hour shifts in a row can be exhausting...Thursday was 8p-6a, Friday 4p-2a and Saturday 4p-130a. Tomorrow i go in for yet another one from 8a-6p. Then life will finally be semi normal again. Aside from being completely tired I had a lot on my mind, so overall it was a blah day. But you know what turned it all around...

This little girl.

I stayed at my sisters house this weekend while they were out of town and when Madi, who I refer to as Bubba,  walked through the door the first thing she did was run over to me and give me a HUGE hug. It lasted at least a minute if not longer. If she only knew how much I needed that today :)

This little girl is my angel. I am so grateful that I get to live so close and have had the opportunity to watch her grow, not to mention spoil her and teach her some much needed things in life. 

Reasons why I love my little Bubba:

1. She gives the best hugs

2. She dances like me. Okay...better than me

3. She is smart

4. She is beautiful

5.She is honest -- I know when she's says i look cute she really means it ;) haha

6. She is the best movie buddy. I love being able to have auntie Stacey and Bubba movie days

7. She likes the music turned up loud in the car

8. She sings like a champ and loves my music

9. She is quite the drama queen and tells the best stories

10. She is an adorable big sister to our little Bug (Crew's nickname. Madi and I deemed it for him since I already call her Bubba his had to be something different.)

Bubba and Bug <3

Happy Father's Day

Meet my daddy, Ron.

I have truly been blessed with an amazing father.

I'd like to share a few reasons why I am grateful for him:

1. He is a worthy Priesthood holder

2. He is selfless

3. He is loving

4. He is thoughtful

5. He is understanding

6. He has a testimony of the gospel, Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ

7. He's not ashamed to cry

8. He sings random songs and uses stuffed animals to wake me up

9. He always has a smile on his face

10. He taught me to laugh, even when life is hard

11. He is forgiving

12. He's the best at bedroom cleaning checks (or the worst considering he actually looks under the bed haha)

13. He is friendly to everyone he meets

14. He is hardworking

15. He is honest

16. He is a patient coach

17. He knows when I need his love the most

18. He is able to give me blessings

19. He honors my mother and his marriage covenants

20. He is my role model, hero and friend.

Yes...I am alive...

Just a quick hello to let you all know that I am still breathing. Life has been ridiculously crazy once again. But soon I'll be partying my pants off. Some quick updates:

1. School is over in 9 days....yep you read that right, 9 DAYS!!! :)
2. I've been working about 40 hours a week. Gotta love the theater.
3. I get to go to San Diego this weekend <3
4. I get to spend the night in Vegas! I'm super excited and now that I'm 21 I could get pretty crazy if I wanted ;)
5. I've been reading tons for my children's literature class. New favorites: Waiting for Normal and Bridge to Teribithia
6. Read the Book Thief...it is amazing. Next book on my list The Help
7. I've finally been working out again! Big thanks to Nate for being my personal trainer. Without him I would most likely still be a bum and now I'm gonna have one hot bod (always!) hahaha
8. I'M 21!!! Yeah I have yet to post about my amazing birthday but I promise it will come soon.
9. Dusty is doing great. Sadly we haven't gone on any crazy adventures lately but I still need to post our crazy night out from like a month ago. It was pretty epic :)
10. I'm gonna be an auntie to another nephew. Only about a month to go, it's so exciting. I can't wait to meet you Crew.
11. I've been addicted to Jamba Juice. Delicious stuff.
12. Still playing soccer and it's still the highlight of my week.

I think that covers the most of it. Hopefully I'll put up an exciting post after this weekend's road trip :)

Blue Skies and Tan Lines

Can there be a better title for a blog post? I think not :) I miss the warmth of the sun and being able to lay out. Mama is SOOO white its ridiculous. Today marked day one of getting me some sun!

Me and Dusty ready to go to the pool!

Can you see our excitement?!

I've been slacking with my updates with Dusty but don't worry he is still alive and well! 

Proof:

Dusty enjoying the view out the window.

School is going well. Spring semester is so much more relaxing then the usual Fall/Winter semesters. I am currently taking children's literature. We have to read 80 minutes a day from children's books. It is pretty intense but I am LOVING it!!

Last Day

Today is April 30. Midnight tonight I will have successfully accomplished a month without candy and desserts. Here's to all those doubters who said I wouldn't last a day!!! :)

After work I'm definitely getting one of these guys.

mama's been on the move

So I think it's time to bring a little cheer back to this blog since the last post was a little on the depressing side. And that is just not me! :)

Meet Dusty.

He is my new horse and best friend.

I've been telling my friend Nate that he should buy my a horse but he kept telling me no because they were too expensive. But thankfully I have a mommy who loves me enough to buy my one. 

He is so cute and we are going to have so much fun together!

 Eating his carrots so he can grow healthy and strong.

All tucked in and ready for bed.

Ready for the drive home!

As you can tell he is a fun new addition in my life. Expect more from the Adventures of Dusty and Mama ;)

Saturday I got to experience my first Penguin Day Party. 

Thanks to Sarah for an awesome night and dancing like a fool with me!

Today I got to go shooting with Nate. 

It was legit and he is a great teacher! 

I was blowing things up like a mad woman.

No big deal.

My favorite shot of the day.

Nathan enjoyed a little refreshment ;)

Other updates:

1. The semester finally ended and I'm still alive but don't worry another one starts tomorrow! But I'm not stressed out about it this time around. It's only 8 weeks which is great.

2. My birthday is in 14 days. Not that I'm counting or anything.

3. Reading a new book, The Book Thief, and loving it so far.

4. Got some cute clothes for Easter.

5. I'm gonna start running tomorrow. Mama's got to get back into shape!!

6. Cleaned my room and it is SPOTLESS. Tomorrow is laundry day and once that's done life will be great!

7. Missing my debit card (no es bueno). The search is on tomorrow.

8. Our team won our soccer game tonight 5-0!

Fighting

This semester has been a struggle and the fight isn't over yet. What doesn't kill you makes you stronger right?

Still have 4 finals to go but I will be done by Tuesday at 3:00 and that's all that matters right now.

If there is anything that I've learned these past four months is that life is not always easy. Some of us are going to have challenges that never seem to end but what is important is that we endure to the end. Through the help of my Heavenly Father and Savior I know that these are just stepping stones for greater things to come. There are days when I break down but I always manage to find a way back to sanity. I cannot say thank you enough to those who love and care about me and have helped me make it through.You are truly angels in my life and have affected my life in so many amazing ways.

Love the words to this song. What comforts it brings...

Be Still My Soul

Be still, my soul: The Lord is on thy side;

With patience bear thy cross of grief or pain.

Leave to thy God to order and provide;

In ev'ry change he faithful will remain.

Be still, my soul: Thy best, thy heav'nly Friend

Thru thorny ways leads to a joyful end.

Be still, my soul: Thy God doth undertake

To guide the future as he has the past.

Thy hope, thy confidence let nothing shake;

All now mysterious shall be bright at last.

Be still, my soul: The waves and winds still know

His voice who ruled them while he dwelt below.

Be still, my soul: The hour is hast'ning on

When we shall be forever with the Lord,

When disappointment, grief, and fear are gone,

Sorrow forgot, love's purest joys restored.

Be still, my soul: When change and tears are past,

All safe and blessed we shall meet at last.

Great Ending

Today was an okay day..nothing too particularly exciting or mentionable. That is until about 1 am when a friend came to visit at work and brought me a thank you note, huge candy bar (better believe I'm gonna eat the entire thing May 1 hahaha) and flowers. It was the sweetest thing. Sometimes I forget how lucky I am to be surrounded by great friends who care about me. I've been losing focus on what is important in life and this was a great reminder that I need to be more grateful for what I already have. Thank you Austin for being a complete sweetheart and giving me a great ending to my day :)

It must have been the lighting...

Saturday night I was at work (like usual) and Sarah came in for a visit. So we were talking for a while outside her theater catching up on the typical topics (boys and school). Little did I know what a disturbance we would cause. I kid you not (Sarah is my witness) every guy seemed to suddenly have a staring problem. The entire time they walk down the hallway they were just staring at us and I swear half of them even did a glance backward. The worst was when I could tell they were staring so I made eye contact and they just kept on staring! So then I made like a fake smile and looked away and let them continue enjoying the view. It was quite interesting. And I mean it was guys of all ages, single, w/their girlfriend. It was so strange. Never in my life have I met so many creepers hahaha I mean I know I'm one hot mama in my work suit but goodness ;) I still have a feeling that it must have been the lighting. I'll have to try it out again this weekend and see what happens.

One Left.

That's right! Only one paper left to write. 

Yes it is going to be 12 torturous pages long. But being done with writing is within my grasp. My goal is to finish it before work at 6:00 on Saturday. So wish me luck. If all goes well I think this will be the first time in my college experience that I actually have a paper finished ahead of time. That would be sweet! 

My weekend will consist of work and writing but the finish line is worth it.

A special thanks to

for keeping me sane with your amazing music. 

A Great Day

Today was simply great.

1. I got to sleep in at my parent's house in a comfy queen size bed. It was pretty much heaven!

2. Watched Baby Mama...freaking hilarious movie!

3. Had a relaxing drive home listening to my country music :)

4. Had a soccer game and we won!!!

5. My robot Celestial and #1 Fan Mitch came to watch and brought an awesome sign designed by my other amazing friend David! Seriously, I have been blessed with great people in my life :)

6. Got to finally spend time and go out to dinner with Celestial. It had been way too long and I missed that girl!

7. Saw another great youtube video today. Kind of made my day and yes you'll feel a little guilty after watching it but I'll bet money you hit reply after it's over...check it out: You Forgot the Blueberries

8. Day 4 of no sweets and I'm staying strong!! And you may say...But mama it's only been 4 days but trust me, one day was an accomplishment in my book. So 4 days is miraculous!

9. I'm about to work on homework...how does that make for a great day you might ask? Well one more paper done is one less paper to worry about.

10. I'm happy again. And after a long weekend it feels great to say that :)

Day One

Today marks day one of no sweets for a month. Don't ask why I agreed to take on this challenge when my friend Sarah asked me to join her. I'm guessing it's because I'm addicted and figure my body needs a break from all the unhealthy stuff I'm constantly consuming. So I figure I can last a month and I will only feel (and possibly look) better for it in the end. The only day we can actually eat candy is on Easter but I'm tempted to just say no altogether so I don't crash halfway through. So wish me luck as I say bye to my favorite candy of the year.

Good bye Reese's Eggs. I'll miss you dearly!

Sweet Silence

Oh the joy I felt when I turned my car on today and didn't hear a loud screeching sound. Big Nate Strikes again!!! He is seriously the greatest friend ever. He fixed my car and finally after months of embarrassment I can now pull out of a parking lot without everyone staring at and judging me. BEST feeling ever!! Don't worry I paid him back by buying him a huge cookie. Definitely a fair trade ;)

This is Big Nate.

I met him at work.

He has big muscles.

We play soccer together.

And lately he's been pretty much the greatest.

:)

A Splash of Color and of Course a Typical Stacey Moment

So this weekend I experienced the Festival of Colors for the first time thanks to my friend Sarah (mentioned a few posts back). And to my surprise I actually enjoyed it more than I thought I would. But of course the highlight of the day was on our walk back to the car and not the throwing of the chalk. 

- Exhibit A -

Sarah's captioned said it best : Stacey didn't really come with us. She came with that pack of hot boys.

For all you wonderful people out there reading this that know me, know that I tend to do random things. One of my favorite things is walking really closely behind people who I don't know at all. In this case it was a group of four, rather decent looking, young men in front of me. I may or may not have been attempting to touch the one's butt...I mean I'm single and lonely...it happens. Anyways, so we had a little fun but of course with me it didn't stop there. We kept walking and walking (I was back with my group and this point, no longer attempting to be a creeper) and we approached these guys once again but this time they were at their car. They were attempting to get in it, brushing off their chalk, laying down towels, etc. I mean that chalk makes everyone a hot mess. Well suddenly, one guy whips off his shirt. Just right there in front of the world...well street. And what do you expect a twenty year old girl to do when a muscular guy displays his hot bod for her!? Well me, with no time to create a filter, lets out a lovely "OWWW!" as I look right at him. This causes everyone (my group, all the guys) to start laughing. Of course I can't just be a normal person and let that be that, instead I get super nervous and awkward and a second after I let out the call I decide to add a "just kidding". Which only created more laughter and I think at that point I started running for our car out of embarrassment. All in all it made for a great memory and some good laughs.

The Tortoise and the Hare

One of my assignments for a class was to involve technology in a lesson. So I chose one of my reading groups and we dissected a story and the kids each drew a picture of their part. I then uploaded them and had them record what their picture depicted. They loved it! It was so fun to do with them and they are super excited to show it to the rest of the class tomorrow. Oh how I love teaching :) Enjoy our little video. 

The pictures aren't the best in the video so here is a better look at them.

Jorren

Modoc

Tessa

Tayven

"IT'S ALL GOING TO BE OKAY"

This saying is what gets me through the daily stresses in my life. A big thank you to my friend Nate for  constantly reminding me that it's all going to be okay.

I love this quote: 
"It isn't as bad as you sometimes think it is. It all works out. Don't worry. I say that to myself every morning. It all works out in the end. Put your trust in God, and move forward with faith and confidence in the future. The Lord will not forsake us. He will not forsake us. If we will put our trust in Him, if we will pray to Him, if we will live worthy of his blessings, He will hear our prayers."
- Gordon B. Hinckley

On a different note. It's been raining all day and I've been in heaven! I love the sound of it. Not to mention I got to wear my cute zebra rain boots and jump in a few puddles ;)

Time.

There is definitely not enough of it in my life right now. I feel like every day is a struggle and the end is at least a month away. Am i unhappy? No. I love my first grade class and my mentor teacher and I'm learning so much each day. I had one of the best lessons ever the other day that really opened my eyes to the power a teacher can have and the excitement you can bring to learning. Am i stressed? yes. Not with teaching or the kids but every time I think about all the assignments my BYU professors require I get overwhelmed. Do I work too much? Yes. But there's not much I can do about that situation. And I love my job so I at least have that one benefit. Am I tired? Yes, constantly. I get around 5 hours of sleep a night and get maybe 2 one hour naps in during the week. And that's about it. Some days I'm barely hanging on but I'm still surviving. And I can only believe it's because of my Lord and Savior. But at the same time I feel like I'm failing in that category. There's so much more I can be doing and I know exactly what they are and yet I still choose not to. Why is it so difficult for me? Until I find that answer I'll be doing my best and trying to follow these words:


"Patience means active waiting and enduring. It means staying with something and doing all that we can—working, hoping, and exercising faith; bearing hardship with fortitude, even when the desires of our hearts are delayed. Patience is not simply enduring; it is enduring well!"   - Dieter F. Uchtdorf

...Wonderful Wednesday...

Meet my new friend Sarah.

She's awesome. I love us.

This picture was taken tonight at my FIRST BYU basketball game!! Sadly we didn't do so hot and the referees were terrible. But overall I screamed my head off and had an amazing time. Definitely want to go again. Soon. Like Saturday. Just sayin'.

Oh and forget teaching, tonight I just discovered my number one goal in life. To become a Golden Girl. This was the most exciting part of the game, sorry Jimmer. I mean check out these ladies move. Did I mention they are all 50-93??? Seriously my heroes!

Well it is off to bed for me! Tomorrow is my first day going to Wasatch Elementary so I get to meet my mentor teacher and cute little first graders. Get ready for some awesome stories, I can't wait! :)

NEVER SAY NEVER!!!

It's official. I am addicted. I have major Bieber Fever. I may or may not have just finished seeing his movie for the third time. I love it and it's hilarious. And I'm definitely not ashamed. Everyone should see it. Including all you haters out there. Got to love this sweet, little child!

You better believe I will be hittin' up his concert whenever it's nearby! hahaha 

here's a little video of him singing when he was younger, love this song!