I NEEEEEED to watch this tonight. Need, need, need.

I have to watch this tonight. Let's talk about how this is my favorite cartoon movie of. all. time. And how I always watch the "Boys/Girls of Rock and Roll" at least twice every time I watch it. I can't help it. I turn back into a five-year-old. And I love it. Thank you, 1987. :)

Just a few of the moments I plan on whole-heartedly enjoying. Who doesn't love Alvin, Simon, and Theodore?? (That's not an invitation to tell me you hate them. Don't do it! Let my childhood live on in its blissful state!!!)

In other news, we made a turkey last night. Okay, we clearly didn't "make" it. We cooked it. And it was delicious. Happy Thanksgiving, January! :) Also, Aubs made home-made cranberry sauce. *heaven* And we had real mashed potatoes. And stuffing. And rolls. Hellloooo, leftovers. :)

Also, Aubs and I went to a Utah Grizzlies game on Friday (that's hockey, in case you didn't know...). She got free tickets to the game and free dinner beforehand, so we decided to go partake of the free goodness. The dinner was fine; can't complain...remember the free part? Okay, then. :) But then the game was...interesting. With a very rude, very annoying, very outspoken heckler a few rows away from us (surrounded by his small children, I might add...) and obnoxious (understatement) Idaho Steelers fans right in front of us in their pink jerseys and loud cowbells...let's just say it didn't help that the Utah Grizzlies weren't performing very well and leave it at that.However, in an effort to still enjoy our surroundings, we started reading these hilarious fashion books Aubs had bought that day. (I know, I know...fashion books at a hockey game?? We deserve what happened next...) Don't worry...the Grizzy mascot stomped up behind us, shut our books, and demanded we watch the game!!!! Hahahahahah!!!! I'm not sure what was more entertaining...the fact he shut our books, (pretty funny) or the fact he was supporting such a crappy team. :) I wonder how much he gets paid...

Then the row in front of us turned into sloshing, beer-guzzling dudes, so we left pretty soon after that. I sometimes want to point out that their drink costs them $9+ while my most expensive soda pop or water bottle only costs 1/3 of that price. I'm just sayin'. But then again, if I would only pay 3x that much, I could slosh around and yell stupid things too!! Yippeeee!!!

I think I'll keep my cheaper, non-sloshy life, thanks. I miss the good 'ol days of Utah State Hockey games! *sigh* Those were good times. :)

Then we got lost in the foggy sick air on our way home. It was a new adventure. We both had never been so happy to find the freeway! Seriously. Couldn't see a thing!

Sorry if there are any deeply offended Utah Grizzly fans out there. I tried to enjoy your team...
Saturday night, we also went ice-skating with our stake. I forgot how much FUN it is!!! I wasn't as bad as I remembered myself being...*thank you*thank you* Note to self: go back soon.

Okay, I'm done. Over and out.

The beautiful little things of 2008

At first glance, I would say 2008 was not as eventful in dramatic happenings as 2007, for SURE, but...a lot of little things happened. I might be surprised...per Hymn 241...counting everything up one by one might add up to far more than I might ever think it would. :)

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January

It was a crazy month of doing hiring interviews at work. I wouldn't get home until 7 or 8 o'clock at least half the time because of the thousands of interviews I was doing with my boss every day. But I did meet a lot of interesting people. Interesting: in almost every way you might imagine. :)

My most vivid January memory lies here, though: I remember sitting in my living room that Sunday night, January 27th, playing the train game with Melyssa while the news was on in the background. I remember my heart sinking with sadness and disbelief when the report came in that President Hinckley had passed away. I felt as if I had lost a dear, dear friend. But his loving manner and cheerful countenance left a permanent impression on my life as well as millions of other lives. But his life touched mine for good...and for that, I will be forever grateful. The eternal nature of our lives continues to humble me over and over again.

And I just couldn't forget to add the good times had by all YPM get-togethers...they were fewer and farther between than all of us wished, but even when we just got together for a night of bowling because Hansy-pants rode a bus all the way up from Vegas...it warmed my heart to be with these people I love so much again!!! Call-backs were that month, as well, and it was so interesting to be sitting on the other side of the tables that year...seeing the faces of those who would be going the next year, and knowing they had no idea what was in store for them...and wishing we could do it again and again! How I love these people. My life was forever changed because of their influence in my life. Every single one of them is tied to my soul now. :)

Also. I finally bought my first laptop. A Mac. BAM! And a new camera. Double BAM!

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February

Moving down to Provo just a few short months before, I was so blessed to find some of the kindest roommates I have ever had. Melyssa, Cheryl, and Camille. Really, we were different from each other, but we had all the important things in common: we cared about each other's well-being. I think I didn't fully realize how beautiful and wonderful they were until we didn't live together any more. LOVE these girls! I miss Melyssa's Sunday dinners, hearing my name yelled from clear upstairs, singing "Enchanted" songs while we cleaned, Cheryl's stories of teaching 2nd grade, giggling about silly things while they put stars on their "chart," and Camille's heart. Camille's not in this picture, but that's because she was always with Jimmy. Hahha.

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March

Say hello to the best spontaneous road trip OF. ALL. TIME. Destination: St. George = exotic compared to Provo.... :) For more details on that goodness, go here. Plans to continue that tradition are in the works. Including leaving our cell phones behind. On purpose. Seafood and sunglasses were also vital aspects of said trip.

Nicole got married. I've said it before, and I'll say it again: I couldn't have had a sweeter, kinder roommate my last year of college. She and her husband Talon were made for each other. Being even a small part of that day and her life has only made my life better.

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April

I went to my first BYU sporting event. It took a little while for my Aggie pride to melt away enough to consider letting another one in...I pick the silliest things to hang onto! :)







By this time, I was loving any excuse to go home and spend time with my family. Work was getting busier and busier and busier...and I knew the workload was only going to increase from there!





I took a quick roadtrip just before general conference to go see my Dad in California. I don't get to see him very often, and felt like I should take whatever opportunity came up. A co-worker of mine was headed to CA that weekend anyway, so I hitched a ride. He was a good sport and went everywhere with me; even the Santa Monica pier. I don't know why I love that place, but it's always a must for me. That and a funnel cake. :)

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May

I moved in with three of my favorite people, Jess, Aubs, and Dani in our new dreamy apartment. :) It was like heaven every day!

Work was accelerating almost to the cruise control level...trainings and insanity galore!

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June, July, August
Work, work, and more work. By this time, I was devoting MOST of my time on all days except for Saturdays to my job. I thought working in the field during the summers was busy...*phew*...what I wouldn't give...haha!Vegas trips on a random weekend are a beautiful thing! This was worth mentioning because it was a much-needed break. Even if it was only for two days!!! :)A beautiful camping trip (once again...all in one short little weekend...) to Bear Lake and Wyoming with my family was the most hilarious one we've taken in a while. If you look closely, you'll see we made a spanking machine out of junk. Long story. Family reunions produce the oddest things...and the best stories. :)

Oh. And I got a new car. But if you read my blog or see me every day, you'd already know that.

The end of the summer was the best...because after all that hard work, I got to go back to Nauvoo for a whole week with my boss while she worked and I...also worked...some...but I was in Nauvoo, so I DIDN'T CARE!! I also learned an unexpected lesson about people from my past that particular week. Unexpected, but...informative. I also got to see most of the senior couples I served with just before they returned home for good that week!! Coincidence? Nah. I don't believe in those. :)
And then I got one year older. Again. Wahoo! :)

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September

September is never complete for me unless I attend Peach Days for just a few hours, along with the Demolition Derby in Cache Valley that same weekend. I learn so much about new hairstyles every time I go. SO MUCH. :)
Staff Retreat for BYU is always a good indicator of a successful summer. Or at least another year of efy insanity under our belts. Lest you think I complain, I will say now that I do love my job, and am incredibly grateful for it. I have learned so much more than I ever though I would, and not just from my job alone. The people I work with are so full of life!! My job changed somewhat...okay...almost completely...for this next year. I work in the same office; my duties are just different. It's been a great learning experience already. I'll just leave it at that for now. :) But I love it, and I wouldn't trade it for anything. Not just yet, anyway. :)

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OctoberUmmm...the thing I learned in October was...umm...that I don't hate all chili. Just most.
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November
My family is ridiculous. But I'm thankful we are. :)

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December
The best part of December was the Christmas Miracle. But I already wrote about that. How 'bout this New Years Eve? Oh, gee. I just wanted to sleep! No comments about my lame-ness. I woke up after this picture because we started to watch "Wait until Dark." We watched a plethora of other Audrey Hepburn goodness before midnight as well. But I just felt the new year deserved some...reverence. Thus, my sleepy state. :) I also remembered how funny it is when you try to take pictures in "movie mode." :)

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Wham, Bam, Boom! Thank you, 2008. Onward.

Christmas and Miracles

Okay. Christmas. Yes, I know it's January. But let's pretend it's not. Let's pretend it's December 29th. That'd be a more acceptable date. Okay, maybe we'd have to pretend it's January 2nd. Yes. January 2, 2009.

1. Alaina came and stayed with me the night of the 22nd while she did some training before she left for Mexico after just having come home from Russia - while I finished up a last half-day of work, and then we hit the road. It felt so good to be going home!
   
2. Christmas was bee-yoo-tee-ful. Full of games and good food and time with the family. It always amazes me how much everyone changes even in just one year. But even though everyone is changing, there's still that comfort of being home - and that same feeling is there every year.
   
3. My grandparents live just around the corner from us, and each year, they get lights put on the giant fir tree in front of their house; complete with giant star at the top. It's the most beautiful sight, and one of my favorite things every December. People in our neighborhood love it too...and it's my grandparent's "gift" to the neighborhood. Totally better than the brownies and candies. But those can keep comin' too... :)
   
4. Yes, that is a picture of my mother right after she put her face straight into the bowl of muddy buddies. :)
5. New Years was fun. But we were so ridiculously tired at midnight!!! As you can see. Although...watching "Wait until Dark" after watching the ball drop (which I find lame, by the way...) sure woke me up!
   
6. Okay. The Christmas miracle. This doesn't belong in a list.

The day after Christmas, I left a family party a few hours early to make it to the Bountiful Temple to a session with one of the girls I served with in Nauvoo. She and one of the guys I served with in Nauvoo were getting married in Nauvoo the next week, but their reception and all other Utah things were that night and the next day. She had invited me to go to the temple with them that night, and I wouldn't have missed it for the world. But the weather was not so good that night - the roads were terrible.
However, I was optimistic, and just planned to leave two hours before the session would start - giving me a whole extra hour and fifteen minutes to battle the roads. Just in case. To say the going was rough would be an understatement. The session was supposed to start at 7:00 p.m., and at 6:45 p.m., I finally saw the temple from the freeway. For anyone familiar with the area, you'll know that from about the time you see the temple from the freeway (coming from the north) it still takes a good 7-10 minutes or so just to get to the exit and get into Bountiful. Let alone get up the mountain to the temple, park, go into the temple, get changed, and be seated all by 7:00.
I saw the temple and started to cry a little because I knew there was no way I would make the session. But remember the part where I had been driving for almost two hours at this point? Just to be there? I couldn't just give up! So I prayed really really hard and told Heavenly Father how important it was to me to be there, and begged Him to just...somehow...and I had no idea how...but somehow help me to make it to that session. I said it didn't matter if it somehow got delayed, or if I hit all green lights, or if somehow the roads would magically clear, or could he just slow time down a little bit? ...whatever. I finished the prayer, and I started crying a little bit. But then I told myself I just needed to focus and give Heavenly Father a chance to help me out.
Anyway. I know this might sound silly, but within seconds of that prayer, the roads were suddenly clear. I could drive at a normal freeway speed again. (I had been driving about 30 mph the whole time. TORTURE!) I made it to the exit, and drove into Bountiful...and really...hit every single green light all the way from the freeway up the mountain. I only ever had to stop at a few stop signs, and no one was ever coming in either direction. I drove straight up there, and parked in the parking lot underneath - and glanced at my clock, glowing 6:59. REALLY. I didn't even stop to think about possibly missing the session. It was just too close!!! I ran to the front doors, walked as quickly as was reverently possible, got changed like lightning, and went up to the first nice little temple lady standing at the corner, and glanced at the clock on the wall. 7:01 p.m. Then I turned to the lady and started to ask her if I had missed the 7:00 session, or if she thought I could make it....but I couldn't hardly get the words out of my mouth...I just broke down in tears. I couldn't even stop crying long enough to ask my question!! AH! Looking back now, I'm sure she must have thought I was so silly! But I just couldn't bear the thought of actually missing it and being so close. She told me she thought I probably had - you know - since the sessions usually start on time. Odd. But she told me she'd check.

Not two seconds after she left my side, another lady was right next to me and told me to run with her. Really. RUN. I made it into that session - just as they were about to close the doors. I sat in my seat, and my friend turned around just as I saw her, with the biggest smile on her face, and her fiance, also a wonderful friend of mine, turned at about the same time with the same grin on his face. That's when the tears really started. I knew Heavenly Father had answered my prayer, and that it had not only been important to me to be there, but it had been important to them as well - and He knew that. It's really so small, but I know I never would have made it from that bend on the freeway with the temple still a tiny speck on the mountain to sitting in my seat in only 15 minutes.

The reception and everything else was absolutely beautiful, and they were so happy and beautiful together! But the part I will never forget about their wedding was my little Christmas miracle in getting there. I'd have to say it was probably the best Christmas present ever given to me - besides the obvious one of the birth of the Savior. I know my little miracle was so small, and may seem so insignificant in the grand scheme of everything...but I really learned that night that even the little things are important, and Heavenly Father knows about all of them. I knew that before, but I guess I learned it all over again, and that lesson is a little dearer to me now because of that experience.

The end. :)

- Quick notes -

I know I need to catch up. It's been forever. But here's the thing:

1. ...umm...it was Christmas. I was on a break. And I take my breaks very seriously these days. I barely even checked my email, and forgot to turn my phone on at least half the time.
   
2. I saved up all my vacation hours for the sole purpose of not setting FOOT in my office until the last possible second. I stuck around last year at this time, and it was torture. Never to be repeated again. Thank you very much. :)
3. I experienced a Christmas Miracle. Okay, so it was after Christmas. And maybe only a miracle to me. But it brought a few glistening tears to my eyes. And yes, my tears glisten. I'll write about it later. I promise.
4. I absolutely love my family. I can't get enough of them these days, and I still wish I could work closer to them if I'm going to be forced to live my life in this manner. :) If I didn't have Aubs around on a daily basis, I might have flown the coop already. Provo should thank her. Really. But I just couldn't tear myself away from my family this time. It made me sad.
5. 2008. I should review that. "I can't think about that today. I'll think about it tomorrow."
6. Clearly, I watched Gone with the Wind yesterday. And L.O.V.E.D it all over again. Except I completely forgot Bonnie dies. How did I forget that?! It's like forgetting Beth dies in Little Women. But in my defense...it's been at least 10 years since I even watched that movie. At least. And I only ever skimmed through the book. This is something I plan on changing soon.
7. I was so busy enjoying this holiday season, I forgot to take very many pictures. However, I did get some and will post them soon. Hopefully.

Over and out until I post real things. Really soon.

Running to Stand Still

I. JUST. WANT. TO. GO. HOME. FOR. CHRISTMAS. ALREADY.

Tuesday is the big day. I'm trying to distract myself by staying busy until I can go. But work is making me want to wring my own neck right now. Lately, I've had dreams of finding a new job, but the realistic part of me (whatever part of it that's left...) says that's crazy and completely unnecessary, and it's just this time of year. It really is. Summer is insane, but November/December is like torture in comparison. :) Remind me to be thankful for the insanity once the summer begins again...

Lindsay and I went to the Christmas Tabernacle Choir concert last week. We stood outside in the stand-by line for an hour and fifteen minutes, but we made it in to listen to the glorious vocal styling of Brian Stokes Mitchell and the soothing storytelling genius of Edward Herrmann. Thank you, holiday season. :) And thanks, L.J., for forcing me to decide...heheh...

Also, for the two people who have asked (Trick and Mindy, specifically...) I finally have a picture of the puzzle that cased me so much grief. :) It's all framed and happy on the wall in my room. It makes me happy on a daily basis. :)

Ahem. Thursday night, I went to Body Worlds in Salt Lake with some of my favorite people in the world...and it was much cooler than I anticipated it would be. Cool info mixed in with crazy cadavers...I can definitely say I haven't been to anything like it ever before. Much at the beginning was about the heart where the info reviewed the chemical reasons for "love" as well as confirming it's entirely possible to die of a broken heart. Super. Truly uplifting... :) (It really was interesting, though...) We had a more normal picture of us there, but you get to see this one because I think it's more true to life... :)

I thought the neatest part there was the room with all stages of pregnancy to birth. The microscopic embryo forming to fetus, and don't worry...placenta was there for viewing at the end. They even had one from twins. Kind of a crazy way to see it all, but awe-inspiring, all the same.

Also, this is not an especially important note, and I know I'm not his only admirer (by far), but that same night, I became an instant fan of a very funny boy. Who will remain nameless for the masses. But I haven't enjoyed a boy that much in a long time. Years, actually. And only those of you who know me best will understand this part, but he stuck his finger up my nose. Twice! I know he didn't know why I was laughing so hard (in addition, of course, to my initial reaction to someone doing that to me in the first place...) but I told my mom, and she probably almost died laughing. That might gross the rest of you out to think that actually scored points for him (some major ones, actually) but it did. We Thompsons love trying to stick our fingers up each other's noses. Or maybe I just threaten my younger siblings with that on a regular basis...dang it! He also knew every word to Death Cab for Cutie's "I will follow you into the dark." Super. It's perfect that he's going to Iraq a few days after Christmas. For a year. Perfect! Really, this is awesome. This is me smiling. :}

Whatever. In other news, I went to a Utah Flash game last night with one of my co-workers. (Thanks, Jenna!) It was good fun...and it made me want to go get all crazy at a good Aggie basketball game. Oh, how I miss those! :) But a big thanks to Jenna for helping to keep me sane at work as well as outside of it. I sure appreciate this girl. Mucho. :)

Also, the funny Jessica Smith gave me a whole new level of Christmas present...and I laughed out of pure joy and disbelief. Please. See. Below. And yes. That is a JACK action figure from LOST. He comes with authentic sound clips from the show. And a full-scale replica of Kate's mugshot. "If we can't live together, we're gonna die alone." Jess. This is beyond words....and I am in love with him. :) (Don't worry, fellow LOST-watchers...I'm also a Sawyer fan. What girl could actually choose between those two?! Poor, poor Kate...)

She wins the prize. Hands down, the funniest gift I have ever been given.

Aubs is making BOSSTA tonight!!! It's okay that you don't know what that is. But what's not okay is that you've lived your life without ever eating it. Yummmmmm. :) Thank goodness for this best frenn of mine...heheh! Guys. You're missing out on this girl! I would like to know what you're so busy with that's more worthwhile. Really. I love Aubs, and oh, how I love that she makes Basta. *happy sigh* :)

While I'm on the subject of people I love, I'd also like to thank itunes for Ross Copperman, my new favorite. Thank you. Really. If you don't know him, you should. Look him up. You won't be sorry.

Okay. Enough of all this! Over and out. I have to go be responsible and fold my laundry.

A conglomeration of happy events. For which I am grateful. {Better late than never.}

(these events are listed in order of appearance. not importance. of course.)

Carrie Underwood + Little Big Town = {Carnival Ride Tour}

Boy, oh, boy! I went to Carrie Underwood's concert with my wonderful roommates (even though Jess has moved since then...she's still our roommate.) {the sad, tiny truth is that I found out Coldplay was coming about a week after I bought the Carrie Underwood tickets...and I may or may not have wanted to buy those instead....uh...lol...oh well!} HOWEVER, this concert was great fun anyway; and Little Big Town?! Oh, helllooooo!!! LOVED 'em! I was surprised at how much I really did love them! A big "thank you" shout out to them for having a real soprano, a real alto, a real tenor, and a real bass...AND for having great, rich harmonies. AH!!! It's refreshing to hear singers who really appreciate what they're doing. And Miss Carrie is impressive in her own rights with those pipes of hers! Two enthusiastic thumbs up to her power-singing abilities! AND...she joined with LBT for their own rendition of "Paradise City" and I was nearly blinded by their powers of awesome. :) The only suggestion I have for them is to learn from Kung-Fu Panda, and remember: "There is no charge for awesomeness or attractiveness." I should have been able to go to that concert for free. Mehe-heh-heh-heh. :)

[* Savior of the World* ]

This is the second year in a row I have gone to see this beautiful play. Last year, I went with Woahn, Bingham, and Rees and we cried and cried all the way through. The people and the music just took us right back to Nauvoo, and we just couldn't help it! I want desperately to find the time to even be a little angel next year. {Please, please bless I can!}

The message is so incredibly beautiful, and I am absolutely in love with the way it is portrayed. I love it when performing crosses over into the heartfelt testimonies of those on stage and brings such a beautiful spirit to the audience. I especially love the first half; the portrayal of the birth of the Savior always overwhelms me, and yes, I sit there with tears streaming down my face the entire time. This year, I went with Cali & Bryan and Jeni. Thanks so much, Cali, once again for getting the tickets! I love these people, and to be there with them was just as wonderful as the last time I went. :) Best part of the holidays. :)

{Gilmore Girls live here}
This is a short goodness: Wal-mart is selling the Gilmore Girls seasons for $15 each. Yes, that's right. You can judge me all you want, but I love that show, and the witty banter all through it. I have been too cheap in the past, however, to buy them. However, my dream of ownership has now come true, and I have started my collection. Zippa-dee-doo-dah!!! I can sit down and live in Stars Hollow now whenever I want. :)

*^* Thanksgiving: my favorite holiday above any other. {Even my Grandma agrees with me on this one.} *^*

I really love Thanksgiving the most. Of course I love Christmas. That goes without saying. But I love the food the most at Thanksgiving. I count down to the turkey, the yams, and the stuffing. I can't possibly wait until Thanksgiving to have pumpkin pie, though. Just ask my roommates. We made two as soon as they started selling canned pumpkin for just a little cheaper. {I think that was in October} and it didn't stop there. I can't explain it. There is no excuse. And my dad makes the best pomegranate salad on the planet. Yummmmmm. :) *happy sigh of contentment* I am grateful it only comes once a year, though. I couldn't possibly keep up with my love of it if it came even once more in a year. :) AND it's always so much fun to have my whole family together. I miss my siblings way way way too much, and most of all, I miss bugging my brothers. :) {They secretly love it. I know they do.} We took some fun family pictures that day as well. Just ones we took our selves. I suppose we could pay someone to take the pictures; that way, we'd probably have at least one where Adam isn't making a silly face...hahaha...but that just wouldn't be true to life!!! I love it just the way we are. My family is crazy and weird. And I love us. :)

* Moment of silence, please *

The only sad part about Thanksgiving was I missed having my Alaina friend just around the block. :( I know you're having a blast in Russia, dear girl, but could you just come home quick? I miss you most on holidays. :) I just wanted to go on a walk through the leaves still piled up everywhere, pass the Phippen's house at least once [for old times sake, of course!] and eat chicken quesadillas with Sweet Baby Ray's BBQ sauce while we caught up on all the crime shows with your mom. :) That's all I'm asking for.

[ ~ Pie - Face ~ ]

And, my friend Seth and his wife, Rachel, were in town through the Thanksgiving weekend. It was good to see them. I went over to visit on Sunday night; successfully interrupting their family scripture chase. Yes, I joined in, and yes, I won some tootsie-rolls. {So did everyone else. That's not the point.} Afterward, they had this miniature pudding pie-eating contest...I could only make it through two of the little pies before I thought I was going to puke. However, the third pie ended up partially on my face, and partially on Seth's little brother's face. [I still call him Turbo in my mind...I know he's growing up, and it doesn't fit as much as it did when he was little, but...give me a break. I still call the youngest Olsen child "Boy" in my mind too. Old habits die hard.] :)

[Framed and Finished!]

AND, my grandpa helped me cut the glass for my Nauvoo picture, so it's finally done!!! WOOHOOOOO!!!!! My dad helped me bind the back together as well, so I can now hang it on my wall, where it's been dying to be for months now. :) It's the best Thanksgiving present of all time. :) Could I be any happier?! I think not. :) I was going to post a picture of the final project for your viewing pleasure. But I've already put this post off long enough. Just trust me. It's beautiful. :) AND it only cost me a total of about $25. The prints are a good $300-$400. I feel pleased.