During December I...

I hope you are ready for a picture overload. I am breaking the month of December down with the following highlighted pics.

Went to the Motab Christmas Concert Staring David Archuleta

(not loving this pic of me)

Candy making with the new roommate Sarah or "Legs" which ever you prefer.

Don't judge, but yes I did do candy making 2x's

Ahhh...I love St. George weather(still golfing at the end of Dec.)

Family Bowling on Christmas eve eve...It had been a few years for all of us

Christmas Musical Chairs

I may or may not have won music chairs right from under an innocent 6 yr old...In my defense he is very competitive .

Tynlee's first Christmas how can you not snap some shots of that:)

So it gets harder and harder every year to top what we get for the parents that will be as good if not better then the year before, well this year we did it again.

Looking at picture of the Savior as all their Grandkids sing on a CD my mom & dad's favorite primary songs. I have a better picture of them crying but they might kill me;)

Isn't my Mom's face just the best.

This year's Christmas was awesome. I love being around family especially all my nieces and nephews. It seemed as though everyone was focusing more on the Spirit of Christmas then the hustle and bustle of Christmas. I'm so grateful for the Savior and his birth. I look forward to the new year where I will re-focus my spiritual energy & set new goals centered on Christ.

Yes, I'm related!

Tanner busting out Maroon 5 for me...

Addison singing Miley Cyrus "Party in the USA"

November Happenings

The desert stretched for miles in every direction before yielding to grasslands and juniper forests. Behind me lay the vast, unchanging terrain of sand & the Saguaro Cactus; ahead the close comfort and warmth of H-town. The impossible openness was perfectly balanced by the compacted thoughts running through my head, and in that moment there came the rustling of an abandoned thought: I am home.

AZ weather in Nov. matches the warmth that automatic accompanies the holiday season. But the weather wasn't the only thing that warmed up in AZ. I also warmed up to the idea that it would be my home for 6 months. I had some pretty amazing roommates to helped that process thanks my Saragosa Suites Sisters!

November was pretty busy training, training, training and more training. I left the Chandler, AZ Noah's on the 24th; in a new building managers hands. There are a few things I will miss. The WEATHER, no elevators in the building, all of my new friends, being able to Golf all year round, & last but not least the clothing interventions;)


Since I've been home...

Tynlee Mae Graff was blessed

"Thanks"giving with the whole Family!!

Aren't these 2 just the cutest (everyone loves putting up Christmas Decor)

The finished product(well almost)! Who wouldn't want to come home to this?!

Oh & Last but not least... Family Pics!

It's good to be home, but every time I move there is a small adjustment period that take place for me even when it's moving back to where I moved from. Wish me luck as I re-adjust to life in the freezing cold...It just might be a good excuse to go winter clothes shopping!

All The Love In The World

So right when I got to Arizona I booked a flight home for General Conference weekend, upon arrival this was taped to the door. I know, I know, can't you just feel the love... I did!! I even got a little teary eyed.

So I went home because...

# 1. I missed my family.

#2. My Big Sister and Brother in Law were running the St. George Marathon.

#3. My Littlest Sister had a baby.

#4. It was General Conference

#5. Because it's where I feel all the love in the world.

I told all my nieces and nephews that we could make signs together to hold up at the race. However we had a long day and never got around to doing it together; so late Friday night my mom and I ran to the store to get poster board. When we got back my mom, my bro. Matt and myself made some signs. I must say we came up with some pretty amazing posters!! It might have been the marker fumes, mixed with the late hour. Although all the posters were amazing, the poster in the far right corner got the biggest reaction from the runners. We received high fives, laughs, shouts, scowls, and so much more. Most of my family are Cougar fans minus myself & older brother Justin (Utes) but they can at least admit when their team isn't playing well.




Here are the runners...

I mean look at that reaction! It was such a great experience being around the runners and the marathon. When you see family running something happens, at least it did to me, I got all sorts of choked up & wanted nothing more for them but success and happiness. My family was staked out at mile 24 along the side of the road. After Amber and Dean passed we rushed for our cars to see if we could make it to the finish line in time to see them cross.

We made it and this is what we captured (if you can't tell they are holding hands). I was already emotional, but when I saw this...well forget about it!! This is what it's all about! Being a wife or a husband that finishes together, supports each other, and want what's best for each other. Someone who will push you to be your best self!

I'm so Proud of the 2 of you

Thanks Dean and Amber for your great example. I enjoyed spending the weekend with you & your family.

So I officially have 10 nieces and nephews Tynlee Mae Graff is the newest addition to our family. I was so excited to finally get to see her in person. She would video chat with me every once and awhile on google chat, but she's way better in person. Tynlee is such a good baby, and tiny! I can't believe how little she is. I enjoyed getting to see my little sister be a mother, she does an amazing job! Congrats Lisa & Dev's you are amazing parents. I look up to you both!

Tynlee Loves the Bath

I think that she just might love her Aunt Stephy too

Here are some other highlights from the trip...

Shaylee & Addison are always up for castle building:)

Playing in the rain

On one of the nights that is was raining we did S'mores outside on the patio and listened to the rain. Good times!

Addison really enjoyed her's. Can you tell?

Thank you family for constantly teaching me what is really important in life. I enjoy every min. I get to spend with you!

More Info Less Words!

Only one word...okay maybe 2

1. Where is your cell phone? Pocket
2. Your significant other? In-Transit:)
3. Your hair? Growing
4. Your mother? Love
5. Your father? Pure-Hearted
6. Your favorite thing? FAMILY
7. Your dream last night? Pleasant
8. Your favorite drink? Water
9. Your dream/goal? Always
10. The room you're in? Boardroom
11. Your fear? ummm...
12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? Living
13. Where were you last night? Gym
14. What you're not? Dancer
15. What you are? Progressing
16. One of your wish list items? Piano
17. Where did you grow up? La Verkin
18. The last thing you did? Work
19. What are you wearing? Clothes:)~
20. Your TV? None
21. Your pet? Never
22. Your computer? Mac
23. Your life? Amazing
24. Your mood? Love
25. Missing someone? Everyone
26. Your car? Wash
27. Something you're not wearing? Shoes
28. Favorite Store? IKEA
29. Your summer? Change
30. Your favorite color? ROYGBIV
31. When is the last time you laughed? Now
32. Last time you cried? Morning
33. Someone you cant get outta your head? Nope.
34. FOUR PLACES I COULD GO OVER AND OVER: a) Broadway b) Mission c) Home d) Gym
35. FOUR OF MY FAVORITE FOODS: a)Chicken b)Steak c)Salad d)Cupcakes?
38. FOUR PLACES I WOULD RATHER BE RIGHT NOW? a) HOME b) HOME c)HOME d)HOME

Huh?

So in the last 24 hours I have had several people say "Welcome to my Life". What does that mean? Don't get me wrong I've heard the statement before, but the way it's been being said lately has made me wonder... Is this a positive statement or negative?

For example we had an event scheduled for Sat. the individual in charge came in Friday night to set-up; once they left I stayed even later to finish getting everything ready for some of the other events that we had going on the next day as well. I then had to be back to work earlier then usual (6:00 AM) to accommodate the individual who was here setting-up.

This is how our conversation went when I saw her the next morning.

Me: Good Morning.

Her: Hi, Did you get any sleep last night?

Me: Not Really.

Her: Welcome to my life.

See, what does that mean? What do you think it means? Is this statement positive or negative. I would love to hear what you think.

The Goofy in All of us...

I have been showing my goofy side a lot lately. We had an event at our building where there was a photo booth we got to try out. There is just something about stepping into a photo booth that gives you the go ahead to act like a complete goof ball.

Also have you ever played that board game CRANIUM?? Well, a group of us got together to play the other day, I definitely get wrapped up in the intensity of the game. After the game was over I can't believe that I actually let people see that side of me but there it is, can't take it back now.

It's been interesting moving to a new place not knowing anyone. You have the ability to be a totally different person, We all have different sides that we show certain people or there are certain people who bring out our different sides. I have found it interesting to find which sides are showing as I get acquainted down here. I have definitely shown my goofy side:)~ I've also been finding other sides of myself that either didn't exist or that have just been dormant. Maybe I'll share more about my thoughts on my next post.

Soul & Sole Journey...

You know those people from Utah that says that they want to get out of Utah and live somewhere else. Well count me out of that group. I love Utah! Okay maybe I only love it because that's were my family is & I'm a little obsessed with my family. (old photo)


For those who didn't know I have moved to Arizona for 6 months to a year (I am crossing my fingers for 6 months). I am assisting with the opening and setting up of our new building in Chandler. I must say the building is beautiful! I believe that the owner is hoping that I will love the building so much that I will decided to stay...not so much. They do have beautiful sunsets though.

There is just something about leaving everything behind and only taking with you what fits into your car and driving 14 hrs to a new place where you don't know anyone or anything. The drive down was great for pondering and soul searching. I have found that it helps to have a few friends assist in the soul searching process...John Legend, Lady Antebellum, Adlel, Jack Johnson just to name a few; really hits the spot!

I'm look forward to the growth that this journey will bring. I am taking each day and living in the moment instead of looking forward to the moment that I get to be back in Utah. What a concept "live in the moment" I am realizing that if I live in the moment then I don't have expectations for the future or regrets of the past. If we are present in every moment we won't miss as much. I know easier said then done...

The most memorable moment so far would be unloading a huge semi-truck full of all our 60 round tables 30 6' Banquets & Skinnies and 500 wooden chairs (these are not light weight) in 115 degree weather. Needless to say that night I weighed a couple of lbs lighter:)

Finding Love...

Although some of you have clicked on this post maybe secretly hoping that there would be a picture of me and some good looking hunk strapped to my arm (mom) I am sorry to disappoint. However I have found a NEW love or maybe it's an OLD love renewed.


A good friend of mine Tiffany brought me a cupcake on my birthday about a month ago. It has been a struggle not to get one everyday since. When it comes to weaknesses for sweets, cupcakes are at the top of my list. The cupcake shown below is entitled "Better then Whatever" all I have to say it that I agree! Whatever it is that you love this just might be better.


I can not, I repeat can not eat this cupcake without making the "mmmmmm" noise that sometimes slips when you are eating something that you really enjoy. I know at this point some of you are wondering if I have lost it. I sometimes wonder that myself, but these cupcakes are to die for. So if you are ever in the Utah Valley area stop by and see for yourself. They have 30 different flavors...No I have not tried them all, but I have been tempted.

So although it isn't a picture of some hunky guy, I am finding love in different ways, I will keep you posted on where love strikes next:)

Human Nature...

Someone recently told me that human nature was naturally bad or evil. These are my thoughts...

Human Nature is good right? Recently I have found human nature to be depressing, but not evil or bad. We all seem so clearly out for ourselves (selfish). Put us together and inevitably trouble ensues; we fight, we divorce, we steal, we hold grudges, we kill. We wage war not just on the battlefield, but on every field—in the home, at the office, school, even on the highway. Our true nature is divine. Love is the substance of which we are made and we can never change that. How is it, then, that we humans are capable of such cruelty? Is it because we have forgotten our true nature, have we lost touch with our original purity?

Remember: To recall to the mind WITH EFFORT; to think of again. I have been thinking about my heritage lately (not my ancestral heritage); I mean my divine heritage and how often I forget. I forget that I have so much more to give because of what I've been given. So have we all simply forgotten? What causes us to change, even from when we are little. Yes, that little child who lives deep within our Divine who loves to play, joke, be happy and blow bubbles! Isn't it interesting that the Savior would make the following statement: "And again I say unto you, ye must . . . become as a little child, or ye can in nowise inherit the kingdom of God" (3 Nephi 11:38)? James A. Paramore gave a talk that outlines what we can learn from children.

- The Power to Believe
- The Power of Implicit Faith
- The Power of Obedience
- The Power of Love
- The Power of Service
- The Power of Enthusiasm

Children seek new experiences, they have no pretense or scorn or condescension or pride. They are natural and warm and outgoing. They are excited about the smallest things, and as such, captivate our attention. They experience each day with newness, not building upon the difficulties of the previous day. They don't even remember them. They teach us that spontaneity and excitement for life are essential to happiness and self-fulfillment, and really come from a loving God. They are not instinctively grouchy or self righteous or hateful. These are acquired traits. Some of the greatest lessons we'll ever need are to hang on to and cultivate these gifts given by a loving Father in Heaven.

So is Human Nature Bad or Evil...No not to me. Everything we do that is good comes from within us, it has been given to us long before this earthly experience. When we experience negative feelings or are hurt by another person, we are not experiencing human nature we are experiencing the Natural Man. So when this happens be the better person be a "daymaker" assist them in remembering. I love that the qualities that we can learn from children are prefaced with the word POWER. We have the power to change ourselves as well as those that are brought into our lives, even if for a brief moment. How do we do it? We remember to be as a little child.

New York, New York

New York... It's a city where you're going to see sides of human nature that you're going to be shocked by. New York is a city where, if you are open minded, when you walk outside you don't know what could happen. It's exciting, passionate, fast paced, straightforward and, strangely enough, it's friendly...
My New York vacation was nothing like sitting on a beach somewhere sipping a virgin Margareta, yet it started out relaxing with a walk through the city & dinner @ the famous Shake Shack... Yep a walk through the city after the sun goes down in a place that's called "concrete jungle" where it easy to find no signs of spring other then air temperature and the shadows of light that stream from the buildings. Thank you Ruth Anne for showing us around.

Who can visit New York and not hit Broadway. I love Wicked ever since my good friend "T" introduced the 2 of us it has been love at first note. Friday night we went to Wicked & this is how I felt...Once the lights have dimmed, a sense of anticipation fills the air and a quiet buzz of excitement radiated around me. Once the curtain is up the buzzing stops, you can feel everyone holding their breath waiting for the silence to be broken by those who will hold our attention for the next 3hrs. Even after the silence is broken with "No one Mourns the Wicked" No one speaks, I can't; it's as if I am spellbound by a magical fairy Broadway dust. Oh how I love this play!!

Can you say Derek Jeter & Alex Rodriguez in uniform...yum! Okay so that wasn't the only thing I saw at the Yankees Game. The energy in Yankee Stadium is amazing. We were like 12 rows back with amazing seats with fly balls sailing over our heads. It was so hot that day, we walked away with some pretty amazing sunburns that later turned to tans. I must say I like watching baseball much better in person then on T.V.

We couldn't get enough of Broadway so we went and saw another play called Promises Promises with Sean Hayes and Kristen Chenoweth(LOVE HER). It was really good I could listen to Kristen sing forever, I love her energy! So after the play we went to find a treat and walked everywhere and decided that we really didn't want one because there was a million & a half people in Time Square that night. As we were walking back we decided to take the long way back to our Hotel...Well as we are walking up one of the side streets we see all these people with camera's taking pictures so we go to see who it is...Just as we walk up we see Kristen Chenoweth , I freeze, i can't even move I'm so star struck. She's right in front of me, I swear, I could have put my arm out and given her a hug; but I couldn't I just stood there. My friend Hollie was no better. We both just stood there. As we came back to earth Hollie got her phone out and snapped this picture of her walking away. It's the best we got! I believe we were both on cloud 9 the rest of the night.

I'm pretty sure I could go on & on about how much I loved my mini vaca to New York but this post is long enough. However I can't end without saying Thank You to my good friend Hollie who let me tag along with her. I believe I will simply still the words from the play Wicked..."I've heard it said that people come into our lives for a reason bringing something we must learn And we are led to those who help us most to grow If we let them and we help them in return well, I don't know if I believe that's true But I know I'm who I am today Because I knew you... ' Thank you for your friendship.