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:)