Tagged

This is fun!  
1. Post these rules. 
2. Post a photo of yourself and 11 random things. 
3. Answer the questions set for you in the original post. 
4. Create 11 new questions and tag people to answer them. 
5. Go to their blog/twitter and tell them you've tagged them. 

11 Random facts about me. 
1.  I want a cockatoo really bad.  I'm determined to get one.
2.  I'm secretly super self-concious about my arms.
3.  I am a hopeless romantic.
4.  I probably won't wait very long to have a baby once I'm married (if that's is okay with the Lord.  And my husband I guess).  
5.  I have this weird complex that whatever book is the current craze, I won't read it.  Hunger Games still not read.  
6.  Pictures are treasures to me.  I looooooove them.
7.  I don't have Pinterest.  Instead, I log in with my friend's account and password, get pictures from there, and have a collection of "pinnings" pictures in my iphoto library. 
8.  I super worry about the kind of person people think I am.  Like super.
9.  I'm a pretty defensive person - it's something I'm really working on.  I've gotten better! 
10.  I'm freak organized.  Perfectionist right here.  
11.  One day when I'm a therapist, I will have a large driveway at my practice for kids to draw chalk art on, and a large sandbox to play in.  


1. If you could win a shopping spree to one store, which store would it be and why? Anthropology.  It's a place that I can't real life afford to go - plus clothes AND home decor!!  Love, love, love!!
2. What is your favorite memory?  Holy Canoli.  Hardest question ever.  ONE of my favorite memories is  jumping on the tramp with my family every Sunday night when I was little tiny.
3. Edward or Jacob?  Jacob.  All the way.  
4. What is your dream job?  Having my own LDS family services practice for children/families. 
5. Who was your Jr. High crush?  Which day?  Haha.  But seriously.  No, after about mid-seventh it was Garen Kay.  
6. What is your least favorite chore and why?  Eeeee.  I really hate unloading the dishwasher.  I will load it just fine, but I hate going back and forth all over the kitchen!
7. If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life which would it be?  I think I would rather just die....but since you asked, sheperds pie casserole.   Mmmm!
8. What is your favorite smell?  Uhh...haha I will not disclose that here.  Second favorite smell though:  my home/my mom.  Kind of the same thing.  Shoot, gettin' choked up just thinkin' 'bout it.  
9. If you were invisible for a day, what would you do?  Oooo I would tie people's shoes together while they were sitting down, eavesdrop on as many conversations I could, do random acts of service that I am not courageous enough to do now, and go stand between a couple about to kiss.  hehehe
10. You are on the red carpet, who would you pick for your date?  Remember that Junior High crush question from #5?
11. Why do you blog?  Mostly for documentary purposes.  It is my journal and I'm so excited to make it into a printed book for my kids one day.  Also, I like to share.  I want people to share with me, so how can I expect others to with me, if I don't?  



Questions for you:
1.  If you could be any X-man, who would it be?  Well, what mutation would you have?
2.  What is your favorite article of clothing to wear?
3.  What is your very favorite scripture ever?
4.  What is one of your tangible treasures?  (baby blanket, grandma's jewelry, etc)
5.  How many babies do you want  to have one day?
6.  What is one of your fondest childhood memories?  Feel free to tell the whole story.
7.  Why did you pick the career you did?
8.  What is your favorite holiday?  Why?
9.  Football or soccer?
10.  Do you have any scars?  What happened?
11.  All time favorite movie?


This is for you ladies and anyone else who wants to play:
1.  Stacy Russon
2.  Becca Cowan
3.  Tara Beckert
4.  Krista Keddington
5.  Whitney Anne Jensen
DO IT!!!  Please.  :)

I Love Institute!

Sister Terry:
"I want you guys to think for a minute if there was a meeting to be held about YOU.  Everyone would be there.  You, the Lord, Heavenly Father, and even the adversary."
Hypothetical conversation my teacher kind of acts out for the class:
"Devil, you remember Hannah, don't you?"
"Yes."
"Do you have any interest in her?"
"Are you kidding?  She has great things ahead of her.  She is a daughter of God.  She has a body and so much goodness.  I can't afford to have her stay strong.  I have a whole regime set a side for her."
"What are your tactics you are going to use against her?"

Sister Terry pointed out that while we talk about Satan the least amount possible, and don't like talking about him at all, we need to recognize that he pokes at our weaknesses.  She told us to think about what tactics he is probably using against us, because if we are aware, we are going to be so much more able to  catch them ahead of time.
"Remember how you were trying to get me to not go to church on fast Sunday?!  Well, I went.  AND I fasted!! HA!" (again my teacher hypothetically speaking.  She does that a lot).

It's an interesting thing to think about what tactics he is using against me - about what weaknesses he might be playing at.  Because at the same time I am strengthened and empowered knowing that I am such a threat to the adversary.  I am a daughter of God and do indeed have assignments and callings to accomplish.  I've had several of my friends tell me at various times in their lives that "Satan is just really working hard on me."  I have told them every time: Well, then show 'im what you've got!  There is a reason he is working so hard on you, you know.  It's because you have something important to do and he is going to do whatever he can to stop you.  If its a fight he wants, its a fierce fight he will get.  From you, from your loved ones - here and beyond the veil - and most importantly the ever-protecting Savior Jesus Christ.  In fact, with the Savior on your side, it's not really even a fight.  It's a win.

Sister Terry just closed by encouraging us to think about our own weaknesses.  Maybe there are habits we need to break, or habits that we need to acquire in order to not let these tactics become fatal blows.  Correcting ourselves and improving ourselves is not always easy, but we are children of God!  I know it.   Although the power of the devil is real, and sometimes escaping his grasp seems like the farthest thing from possible, it IS possible.  Let me just share that the divinity of God is stronger.  It is the winning power, and it is inside of each of us. This life is a fight sometimes, and ya know, we are Saturday's warriors.  Warriors get bruised and bloody.  Expect it.  Rise above it because you can.  I love this freeing and strengthening gospel.  I love that I can go to my institute class every other day and learn of these amazing truths.
That's what they are - truths.
And I am so grateful for them.

Holiday Adventures! (Lot's of pictures, peeps.)

This year for President's Day weekend, we went to California!  My parents took Adam and me, and we sort of did a joint birthday celebration for the both of us (my birthday isn't until March 18th, but it worked).  Matt and Stacy came too - without their 5 kids that would have loved to be there.  I find that hilarious.  This trip was strictly an adult adventure.  We had such a blast!

First day was spent on Catalina Island.  It was sooooo beautiful!!

Titanic cheese balls.  

Was my family a little nervous when I was driving?  Yup.
I loved it though!!

Saturday and Monday were spent hopping between Disney land and California Adventures.
Mama with birthday boy!

One of my favorite moments was when we were in line for a ride, and my dad met some way cool people from a baptist singing group, so he gave them a Motab CD and the cute black lady responded by, "Cool!  Daaaaayuuuum!  Thank you!"   Haha I secretly love it when black people swear. 

Another favorite thing that actually has nothing to do with this picture, was the World of Color.  Oh my goodness.  Most magical thing I have ever seen in my life.  Seriously, I like...felt the spirit.  I couldn't help but feel like a small child as I jumped up and down or stomped my feet in excitement.  

Sunday we went to a Spanish Sacrament meeting.  Matt and Adam understood it, but the rest of us just kind of had to feel instead of try to listen.  Cool thing is, we could.  It was so neat to be in this foreign (to me) place, but still be able to feel the truth of the gospel.

We also went to Newport Beach to walk along the pretty ocean and explore the tide pools.  

So!  We had a way fun time!  Thanks, Mom and Dad for the awesome and much needed trip!  You guys are the best!

See

"Earth's crammed with heaven....

and every common bush afire with God...

but only he who sees takes off his shoes."

 -Elizabeth Barrett Browning

I've been thinking about this poem a lot lately.  I love it.  It is so profound to me, and it makes me look at the world, and life, and people in a new way.  

(Earth's crammed with heaven)

There is so much beauty around us.  Beautiful blessings - things, sounds, experiences, people - that manifest God's love for us.  So many sacred and holy gifts from our Father in Heaven surround us every day.  Some are quite plain to see...

(and every common bush afire with God.)

...and others not so easy.  But they too testify of God.  They are also His.  

(but only he who sees takes off his shoes.)

only the person who will recognize these gifts no matter what form, size, or complexity they come in, and who will take the time to really see - to respect their beauty as something more magnificent than we can even comprehend:  truly heavenly - will show that respect and humility and meek understanding of the existence of a power beyond that of a man.  

How can we better see?

My Best Friend's Wedding

Do you remember me blogging about THIS girl?  Well she is one of my dearest friends, and on Thursday February 16th, she got hitched!  I couldn't be more thrilled for her.  She is one of the smartest, classiest girls I have ever met, and I don't know her new hubby super well, but he is an awesome, humble, and hardworking gentleman.  When we were seniors in high school and we had figured out that she was going to Snow, I said, "Kayc you are going to go to Snow and fall in love with some cowboy and be one of the first to get married."  Is that exactly what happened?  Yes.  With a couple of twists and turns in their relationship, cowboy Steven and Kaycee did indeed fall in love and get married.  I just wish I would have placed some friendly wagers on the matter.  Because uh, clearly I would have won.  Anyway, here are some fun pictures from said event!  

So happy!!

Mmmmhmmm.

Such a gentleman.  Good job, StePHen.

Such a classy couple.

Brother came too!

See ya lata!! ;)

Best friends foreva! 

So, this was such a fun day to be so involved with.  My favorite part of the day was during the luncheon when Kaycee and Steven took turns giving little speeches.  Kaycee said how much she loved Steven and that she recognized that he would be her salvation.  She told a story about one time when they were in Sunday school, one of their leaders talked about how special his wife was to him.  He counseled the youth ward to keep track of where their spouse was because they would be their salvation.  In my dating and courtship class, we have learned a lot about the fact that we need our other half to make it to the highest glory that we can.  In THIS talk by President Packer, he tells an AMAZING parable...

"Once a man received as his inheritance two keys. The first key, he was told, would open a vault which he must protect at all cost. The second key was to a safe within the vault which contained a priceless treasure. He was to open this safe and freely use the precious things which were stored therein. He was warned that many would seek to rob him of his inheritance. He was promised that if he used the treasure worthily, it would be replenished and never be diminished, not in all eternity. He would be tested. If he used it to benefit others, his own blessings and joy would increase.

The man went alone to the vault. His first key opened the door. He tried to unlock the treasure with the other key, but he could not, for there were two locks on the safe. His key alone would not open it. No matter how he tried, he could not open it. He was puzzled. He had been given the keys. He knew the treasure was rightfully his. He had obeyed instructions, but he could not open the safe. 

In due time, there came a woman into the vault. She, too, held a key. It was noticeably different from the key he held. Her key fit the other lock. It humbled him to learn that he could not obtain his rightful inheritance without her.They made a covenant that together they would open the treasure and, as instructed, he would watch over the vault and protect it; she would watch over the treasure. She was not concerned that, as guardian of the vault, he held two keys, for his full purpose was to see that she was safe as she watched over that which was most precious to them both. Together they opened the safe and partook of their inheritance. They rejoiced for, as promised, it replenished itself.With great joy they found that they could pass the treasure on to their children; each could receive a full measure, undiminished to the last generation."

What Kaycee said is true, and I am so grateful to know that my dear friend has found her other half.  This lesson makes me want to try so much harder to be the kind of "salvation" I need to be for my future husband wherever he is.  I love the promises of the Gospel, and I love temple marriage.  

I'll say what Becs said about Court and Jordan when they got married, and what I told Kayc the day of her wedding:  I love ya to pieces, Kayc!  Now Steven is a piece of you, so I love him too!  I'm so excited for you guys - good luck!!

I Love....

In honor of Valentine's Day coming up, I thought I would share with you a few things that I love.

I love a newborn gripping my finger.

I love experiences that change everything or define you or make you grateful to be alive.

I love the hope of the future.  

I love that my family teases me.

I love little fingerprints in the window.

I love my brother tap dancing on the kitchen floor.

I love being splashed.  

I love blonde moments.

I love grass stains and scars.

I love music that answers prayers.  

I love paint on my hands.

I love sleeping by the fire.

I love my girlfriends running up and hugging me.

I love the fact that our dinner table isn't big enough anymore.

I love remembering.

I love that things change - for the better.

I love Christmas lights.

I love little accents and voices.

I love the way my dad and brothers look and touch and treat their wives.

I love the way that in a world that is falling apart, the little ones seem to keep us glued together.

I love little girls pigtails.

I love swinging.

I love the way my friends can make me laugh until I cry.

I love that I'm expected to be crazy.

I love dance parties in the car - with or without others.

I love inside jokes that make you pee your pants a little bit.

I love the way a boy pats my shoulder when I'm in a bit of a panic.

I love falling asleep at the foot of my parents bed, telling them about my date.

I love coloring or catching frogs with my nieces and nephews.

I love friends leaving sticky notes on my car.

I love blankets.

I love roommates' clothes.

I love being sneaky.

I love putting lipstick on my niece the letting her put it on me.

I love the smell of cabins.

I love my backyard.

I love allowing people to get to know me.

I love high heels.  

I love Sunday school lessons on my favorite scripture topics.

I love forgiveness. 

I love Heavenly Father's sense of humor.

I love that I can talk to my parents about anything.

I love pictures.

I love opinions.

I love stars.

I love flirting.

I love rubbing my cheek/chin/lips on a baby's silky new hair.

I love jell pens.

I love letters.

I love lotion.

I love nutella - on everything.  

I love the Conference Center.

I love Savior of the World.

I love sparkly snow.

I love Lake Powell.

I love pink.

I love wordsmiths and the power of words.

I love sunsets.

I love squirty water bottles.  

I love perdiddles.

I love kissing.

HAPPY PREPPING FOR HEART DAY!  May all of your Valentine's wishes come true.

Some of the Many Faces of Hannah

Literally.  Sometimes when I am bored (mostly when I am bored), I take just one random picture of myself for sheer entertainment purposes.  No, it's not because I'm vain (have you seeeeen these pictures?  I mean really.  That's not why).  Sometimes something particular is happening, and sometimes not.  The fun part is that I can remember ever moment when these were taken.  So I have them stored up in my macbook photo booth but I thought today, since you have all been so good, I would share them for your entertainment purposes as well.  Chuckle and roll your eyes as you will.  

This is a frequent.  I like my sleep.
Weird that a picture of me got taken whilst sleeping?  No.  I have brothers.
Enough said.    

Feeling particularly tudey and feminine that day.  

Just got my hair done - had to send a pic to mom.

"doing homework"

Reminds me of my all-time favorite childhood movie:  It Takes Two.
Loved the sportiness of Amanda (I think that was her name).
 Because I am so not it, I sometimes pretend to be.

Considering cutting my hair.  What would it look like????

Welp, nope just darkened it this time.  Not the choppy choppy.
But I do like the dark with the brick red/gold lipstick. 

Just got the brown eyes!!

Crazy bird - brown eyes.  Becca:  I hope you enjoy this.

"doing homework"
BYU Library.  No, I wasn't just sitting by myself making this face in a context of which no one knew the significance and therefore thought I was crazy.
Brenna was with me to buffer the awkwardness.
I guess I am still crazy. 

"doing homework"
This time I really was doing homework.  But I had to go out to my car to do it because my house smelt like fresh paint, and I felt like I was getting high.  Also, it was freezing because all the doors and windows were open so as to get rid of said fresh paint smell.
Cozy in the Cuuurrr. 

Saturday morning and I just woke up.  Didn't have anything to do that day, so
I allowed myself to just relax!

Tried to curl my hair with a curling iron.  Weird.  It felt weird.

If you don't know, don't ask. 

just bored.

feeling slightly mischievous and goofy.  

There is a specific post that goes along with this picture.
10 points if you can find it!

Okay so maybe this one was a little bit vain.
I tried a new hairstyle and outfit, was pleased with the result, and therefore took pictures.
Whatever.  

just bored.

Maybe you can't tell, but I got all creative with my eyeshadow that day.
Kinda rainbowey.  The picture was initially for one of my private friend blogs, but I
never put it up.  Now I just think it's a funny picture.

Oh this is a good one.  Just got a letter and my dad is reading it to me over the phone.
 hehe