Halloween through the years

We were suchhhh happy, photogenic kids. Apparently I wasn't pleased with the outcome of my jack-o-lantern

this is during my "I don't know how to smile, so I'll just stand here and look super awkward phase"

And then this was Halloween last year. I obviously was too cool to dress up...not. I honestly can't remember why I didn't though. I think I wasn't feeling well or something. Excuses, excuses... and I love how Vannah is in the same costume as a couple years before. I don't blame her though..if I had a Mrs. Teapot costume, I would wear it everyday!

A couple weeks ago, I wrote about how I'm not the biggest fan of Halloween..well, that maybe true, but let me clarify. I think Halloween is the best holiday when you're a kid (I mean, you get to dress up, have parties at school, stay up late and get candy from all your neighbors. What's not to love?) and when I have kids, I know I'll love dressing them up and taking them trick-or-treating as well. Looking back on all our pictures of past Halloween's, it's bringing back such great memories. We got to wear our costumes to school, and all the parents would come and watch us in a parade through the halls. My mom was always "room mom", so she would always put together amazing class parties, where we'd play bingo, hear scary stories, make haunted houses, etc. I remember trunk-or-treat at the church, and eating scones and hot chocolate as we tried to keep warm. Trick-or-treating with all my neighborhood friends was always a blast too. We had the BEST neighborhood for trick-or-treating. Seriously, people would drive to it because it really was the best in town. I remember the Anderson's always served us homemade root beer from their witch's cauldron, the Barton's would pass out homemade donuts, and the Skanchy's always gave king size candy bars, attached to a toothbrush (he was an orthodontist). I really do have such fond memories of Halloween, and I can't wait to have a family of my own to create memories and traditions with.

It's just, right now, at my age..the holiday is just an excuse to dress up as a slutty {insert costume}, get drunk and party all night. None of those things appeal to me. I mean, if I was into that, then I'm sure I would loveee Halloween too..but I'm just not. (and I know not everyone celebrates that way) But whatever floats your boat. My mom keeps calling me a "debbie downer" and a "halloween scrooge"..I don't know, hopefully next year I'll have a different outlook on it, and I'll really get in to the spirit. But for now, I'm just not diggin' today's holiday. And honestly, I'm kind of excited to work tonight..it will keep my mind off the fact that I have no friends here to do anything with. Ha. (Even though...who goes shopping at Kohl's on Halloween from 5-11:30 at night?? Umm, no one ?) We'll see, I guess...I hope everyone has a fun and safe Halloween though! I'm just excited for the mummy dog's my mom is making for dinner right now!

*Missing these two a lot right now..

When you have nobody to carve pumpkins with....

you carve by yourself. And that's what I did. Yep, that's what my life has come to. I tried to get my friends and then even resorted to my parents to join in on the fun, but no luck soooo it was just me, myself and I...and a pumpkin, a knife and some tunes.

 My lovely "masterpiece"..my mom couldn't tell what it was, but hopefully you can! Also..not gonna lie, wearing latex gloves and holding a knife kindaaaaa made me feel like a surgeon on Grey's Anatomy. Okay, seriously..my addiction to that show is becoming a problem. I'm halfway through season 3 and I've even dreamt about it the past two nights. Yet, I can't stop watching!

Oh, and we can never celebrate Halloween without our famous ghost cookies. Soooooo good!

And you know your life is really sad when your mom went to a Halloween party on Saturday night, and you spent the night working. Ohhh how the roles are reversed.

(No, that's not what I wear to work. I had just gotten out of the shower. Hence the hideous wet hair, sweats and no makeup look I'm sporting.)

typical.

Just another normal Sunday night..skyping with the besties. I've said it before, and I'll say it again..skype is the best invention on earth. I love that staying in contact is so easy, even if we're 1,800 miles away. They are truly the greatest.

 "Do I look like I'm in Men in Black??"

"I only save that word for when I'm with my closest boyfriends.."

"Go hard with the ncmo's"

Ya know, just being serenaded by Beth playing the uke.

Another treasured moment captured from a couple weeks ago..Taylor showing me how to use her inhaler. The norm.

Love them all. Can't wait to be reunited..61 days!

BIG, great, WONDERFUL news!!

The plane tickets are booked. Tears won't stop flowing. My bags are packed (ok, not quite yet). I can't stop hugging my parents. All because......


I'll be spending the week of Christmas (12/25-1/1) in...

my beautiful Tampa Bay!!!!!

Words cannot express how thrilled I am. It's the best Christmas present a girl could ask for!! I will finally be headed home for a week! Only 62 more days...not like I'm counting or anything. Maybe I'll even make one of those paper chain links for the countdown. Just maybe. Sunset at the pier, Hellas Greek bakery, lounging in the Thompson's family room (eating chocolate and frozen capri suns, of course), late nights with my best friends, spending New Years Eve with the greatest people, celebrating Sam's birthday WITH her, going to church in the Odessa ward, and so much more will be taking place. Can't wait to be HOME!

Spread your Wings and FLY

As I was watching TV the other night, the following commercial came on. It's funny how one little commercial has caused me to reflect on my life and has inspired and motivated me to not only be a better person, but a better daughter, sister, friend, coworker, and citizen. It sends such an uplifting message, one that I think everyone can benefit from.

I need to learn to:

take risks

be kinder, charitable and more compassionate

"break away" from all negative thoughts

have hope

recognize & appreciate my blessings

not be afraid 

embrace my potential

Who else has seen the "pass it on" commercials on TV recently?? I absolutely love them. I can't imagine they make any money, since what they're promoting is to "be kind to others" or to "appreciate the small things in life". They're not pushing a particular product or service, just a little reminder to everyone of what's really important.

*I also love this one and this isn't advertising the same thing, but still..love when commercials have a little impact on my day :) You can watch them all here

Other random facts you probably don't really care to know about my life, but I'm going to share anyway:
-I'm obsessed with Grey's Anatomy (10 episodes in one day, what???) Unhealthy? Yes. Addicting? Yes. Am I ashamed? No...okay, kind of.
-Brian Regan is hilarious. Can't believe I hadn't heard of him until Saturday night!
-Lauren's cousin is in my ward?! I was so excited to see someone that I had a mutual friend with! (and not just on facebook)..he probably thinks I'm a stalker for recognizing him from pictures, but whatever.
-Weekly Sunday game night with friends = perfect ending to the Sabbath
-My nights consist of all work & no play. I'm scheduled to work 6-midnight every Thursday, Friday and Saturday for the next few weeks. Lame-o! Goodbye social life (which hardly existed anyway...)
-My opinion toward Albuquerque is like a roller coaster. One day I'm content, the next day I hate my life, and the next I love it. What's wrong with me??!
-I have a burning desire to carve pumpkins, and try to recreate some of these cute ideas. Love love love!

Dear (whoever you are)

Dear cold front, PLEASE come back! I was enjoying wearing leggings & boots to church, and curling up on the sofa sipping a cup of hot cocoa, with a pile of blankets surrounding me. I'm begging you...come back!

Dear Ryan Gosling, stop being perfect in every way, shape and form. I am a hopeless romantic, have unrealistic dreams and find myself comparing every boy I see to you. That can't be healthy. This may have to do with that fact that I've now watched The Notebook twice this week....and will probably most likely watch it again tonight.

Dear favorite fossil watch, please please please resurface yourself. I feel lost without you on my wrist.

Dear random boy I'm playing against on words with friends, no I will not add you on facebook. That is weird and creepy. (Even though I looked him up, and we do have a mutual friend...) Okay, yes...I admit that probably makes me the weird and creepy one in this situation.

Dear Arrested Development, THANK YOU for getting back together to make another season and a movie. I almost cried when I heard the news, it was like music to my ears!

Dear Tampa, I miss you. A lot. Every time I bring you up in conversation, tears immediately form around my eyes. Thanks for being the greatest city on earth, and for forever holding a special place in my heart.

Dear phone, I would sincerely appreciate it if you would stop spazzing every time I try to use you. And it would also be a real treat if you could just allow me to actually hear the person on the other end without making it sound like they're in a tunnel, during a rainstorm with a thousand bees buzzing around their head. Sorry, is that too much to ask?

Dear diet coke, you might be the only thing keeping me sane as of late. I have an addiction. I recognize the problem, but you're just toooo good to give up. Right now, that is.

Dear spontaneous text messages (from random people), you make my day brighter and happier. So thank you :)

Old Town, ABQ

This weekend went by WAY too fast! Stevie and Rachel were able to spend it here with us in ABQ..and it was a blast. I love them both so much, and honestly don't think I could have asked for better siblings. While they were here, we went and saw Moneyball, ate at El Pinto, played games and ate candy, went to the International balloon festival (well, at least they did...heck to the no was I waking up at 5:30 when I went to bed at 4:15), my mom, Rachel and I spent the afternoon shopping in Old Town, while the guys stayed home to watch the Utah football game, we ordered in Dion's pizza, went on a nighttime ghost tour, got cold stone, watched more football (of course....), had a wonderful Sunday family dinner, and then sadly it was time for them to leave.

Here's some pictures from our little adventure in Old Town. When you think of the "wild, wild west"..this little town is exactly what comes to mind. Back in the day, it was filled with saloons, cowboys & indians, and everything else "westerny" (word?? doubt it.)

Yes, we bought the same hat. Twinners!

The best caramel apple I've EVER eaten (have you noticed I like ca's yet??)

Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory. Nuff said.

Cowboys vs. Indians??

During the ghost tour...

The real reason they even came down was for the balloon fiesta, which I have to admit is pretty cool..I never actually went to the launching, but the other day while I was driving to work the entire sky was filled with hot air balloons. It was definitely a sight to see!

I can't wait until I live in Rexburg again so I can be (somewhat) close to my bro and see them more often! Love my fam! <3

Welcome back, October..

And I welcome you with open arms! Like I said before, I loveeeee fall. Seriously, I'm in love. The highs have been in the 60's, with the lows in the 40's. Talk about perfect, heaven weather. I'm starting to pull out my sweatshirts, cardigans, tights and boots, and I couldn't be happier. We started decorating the house to help us get into the spirit, and I'm so glad my mom like fall decorations, rather than actual "Halloween" decor. I don't know why, but I've never been a HUGE fan of the holiday. I don't really like dressing up, pretending to be someone I'm not and I don't see the fun in purposely getting scared (unless maybe you're with a cute guy that will hold you tight and protect you) but still...haunted houses/corn mazes/any place that's dark and people jump out at you is a place I do not want to be. Call me lame, but I would so much rather stay home on the 31st and pass out candy to cute little kids dressed as princesses, superheroes or bumblebees. Ew, why am I such a grandma? Maybe I'll change my mind by then.......probably not.

BUT on the other hand, I do love carving pumpkins, making caramel apples, my mom's ghost sugar cookies, hay rides and pretty much everything else having to do with this time of year. This is our house all decked out. I swear, everywhere I turn, there is a bowl of candy just sitting there screaming "Lindsey, pleeeease eat me!"..so ya know, naturally I give in. SO dangerous! I told my mom to buy candy corn, black licorice and other disgusting treats, but no, she bought reese's peanut butter cups and lindor truffles (as well as the gross stuff). Like, are you kidding me?! Besides that, I absolutely love seeing the festive decorations all around the house! And I love that from now until Christmas, our house will be decorated, I'm just so happy it's the beginning of the holiday seasons!

*Side note: Homemade chicken enchilada soup, apple crisp and hot wassail for dinner last night. I think it's safe to say we celebrate autumn the right way around here

**Let's be honest, maybe the real reason I love this time of year so much is because all my favorite shows are back on TV! The Middle, GLEE, Grey's Anatomy, The Office, Modern Family, Biggest Loser, Sister Wives (shamefully), and my most recent fav New Girl are my weekly entertainment. I may or may not have a girl crush on Zooey Deschanel. (okay, I do). I'm set every night of the week, and I love it.

weekend of inspiration-general conference

Well, another year of General Conference has come and passed. To say the least, it's been amazing! I talked a little about it in this post..it truly occurs when I especially need to hear the words of our church leaders. I know that the lessons and guidance they give to the members of the church are carefully planned and prayed about..and are inspired of God. I love listening to them, being reminded of the truthfulness of the gospel and feeling my testimony increase.

1. Cinnamon rolls on Sunday morning. Duh. 2. Let's be honest, I love not having to get dressed on Sunday 3. Notes on the comp-don't judge my horrible grammar, I had to type fast..I'll fix it later :)

{Saturday Session}
-All who study the Book of Mormon's message in humility and faith, believing in Jesus Christ will know of its truthfulness and will find a treasure to lead them to greater happiness, peace and attainment in this life
-If we diligently ask in faith, answers will come in the Lord's own way, and in His time
-We need to DESIRE to receive personal revelation and keep the commandments of God in order to do so
-No church built facility is more important than a temple
-We can feel the touch of the master's hand when we serve faithfully, walk humbly and live more like the Savior
-If you are associating with people who are pulling you in the wrong direction, now is the time to make your own decisions, listen to the voice of the spirit and you will not be lead astray
-Heed the promptings of the holy spirit, dress modestly, talk reverently, listen to uplifting music, avoid all immorality and personally degrading practices, take hold of your life and order yourself to be valiant, and then you will be remarkably blessed. You are never far from the side of your Heavenly Father
-At times we might feel invisible, alone, insignificant or forgotten, but always remember you matter to Him. If you ever doubt that, remember first, God loves the humble & meek, they are the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Second, the Lord entrusts the fulness of His gospel to be proclaimed by the weak and the simple, no matter where you live, how humble your circumstances, how ordinary your appearance or how little your calling in the church may appear. You are not invisible to your Heavenly Father. He knows the desires of your heart and loves you. Fourth and finally, please understand what you see/experience now will now will forever be. You will not feel lonely or discouragement forever.
-Let us be as quick to kneel, as we are to text (haha, there were also references to twitter and angry birds, the bretheren know what's up)
-Repentance is a fine gift, and there should be a smile on our face when we say it. It points us to freedom, confidence and peace
-If you respond to the invitation to share your beliefs, a spirit of love and a spirit of courage will be your constant companion

{Sunday Session}
-The doctrine and valiant examples in the Book of Mormon will lift, guide and mold you
-The purpose of our life on this earth is to grow, develop and be strengthened through our own experiences
-Waiting on the Lord means having faith, patience, humility, long suffering, keeping the commandments and enduring to the end. It means pondering in our hearts and receiving the Holy Ghost so we can know all things in which we should do
-He knows your sacrifices and your sorrows, and He hears your prayers. His peace and rest will be yours if you keep the faith and continue to wait upon him
-Don't let any influence come into your home that will compromise keeping those sacred covenants honored in the temple
-Although the world has changed, the laws of God have not. They have not changed, and will not change
-There is nothing that will bring more joy into our lives or peace to our souls than the spirit which can come to us as we follow the Savior and keep the commandments
-The greatest compliment in this life is to be known as a "covenant keeper"
-His church has been restored to bless ALL people
-The Comforter shall teach you all things, and guide you into all truths
-Where is our ultimate loyalty? There is no middle ground. We are followers of Jesus Christ. Our citizenship is in His church and His gospel. We should honor His name, keep His commandments and seek not the things of this world, but seek first to build the kingdom of God and establish His righteousness
-The Holy Ghost teaches by inviting, prompting, encouraging and inspiring us to act
-Your eternal destiny will not be determined by chance but by choice
-Heavenly Father loves us so much that the things that are important to us become important to Him just because He loves us
-We are one with you, in moving this marvelous work. We are all in this together. Every man, woman and child have a part to play. May God give us the strength, the ability and the determination to play our part well.

Whew! And THAT was just some of the highlights. There were wayyy too many inspiring things said, that I couldn't not share! Gen Conf (yes, I just abbrev'd that) has made me feel ready to do anything, and excited to more diligently read my scriptures and pray more fervently. I love the gospel. I love all the general authorities, especially President Thomas S. Monson. I love being spiritually fed. I love the unity and sameness the church offers. Such an uplifting weekend..can't wait until April for next conference!

World's Worst Bowler

So, I have three friends. Yay for progress! :) And on Friday night, me and said three friends went bowling. Yay for getting out of the house! It was more of a double date, and according to Jonny, a good bowler is on his list of definitions of a perfect girl. Crap. I definitely do not qualify then. Seriously, I may be the worst bowler to ever live. It's a good thing I was with good company that kept me laughing, or else my competitive, poor sportsmanship self might have shone through. Thank goodness! 

Me and Jonny

Spencer and Amy

This was my highest score of three games...

Afterward we went to Amy and Jonny's (they're siblings) house and watched She's the Man. Best movie...and an even better night! (And I'm not just saying that because we also went to the mall and I bought the cutestttttt shoes that were on sale..okay, maybe I am)