This is the conversation I had with my soon to be nephew last night as I was trying to put him to bed... He's 2.

(said nephew is whining/crying)
Nephew: I can not sleep on this mattress, it's not safe for me.
Me: Yes you can sleep on this mattress, and your brother is going to sleep right next to you, he won't let you fall off.
Nephew: I do not want to go to sleep, because I'm not tired.
Me: Oh I think you are tired, listen to how sad your voice is.
Nephew: I am not sad, I am scared because what if there's a monster (points to the closet) in there. Or what if they sneak in through the windows.
Me: You don't have to worry, Uncle Steven scared all the monsters out of the closet so and I blocked the windows so they won't come in.
Nephew: Where's my mom?
Me: She's at camp, but she'll be here tomorrow.
Nephew: Tomorrow? What time is today?
Me: Today is Thursday and tomorrow when your mom comes home it is friday.
Nephew: But what about Grams and Mom? Who will make sure the monster's don't get them.
Me: (this part's a little cheesy, but I couldn't think of anything else.) The monster's won't get them because Heavenly Father will protect them.
Nephew: But where's Heavenly Father and Jesus?
Me: They're in heaven
Nephew: No way! Will you read me a good night book?
Me: We don't have any good night books in here, how about I tell you a story?
(enter other nephews)
Nephew: okay but no monsters.

I'm going to enjoy being an aunt.

I would just like to say

I NEVER HAVE TO TAKE ANOTHER MATH CLASS AGAIN!!!

That's right UTAH STATE, I passed your two ridiculously awful math classes.

With better grades than expected, thank you very much.

Yes, that's right I'm gloating.

and as you can see

~I WILL NOT BE DEFEATED~

Strange Behaviors

Today I realized something while I was at work. I have the WEIRDEST behaviors. These are behaviors that most normal people don't display. Sure, everybody has their OCD tendencies, but mine are just straight up crazy. So now I shall display these behaviors for all to see, because that's what you do on the internet...right?

-When I go into a public restroom I never, ever, ever go into the first stall, closest to the door. It completely freaks me out when I have to. Not sure why, been that way since I was little.

-When I wash my hands whether at work, or school, when I go to get the paper towel, I push the lever down exactly 5 times, no more, no less.

-When I am singing along to the radio with someone else and there's harmony, I have to switch to whatever they aren't singing. This is especially difficult when someone can't sing harmony and continually switch to whatever part they can hear at the time. All the parts must be represented so I just switch off.

-My feet have to be clean before I get in my bed.
-If I'm using a post it and run out of room, I have to start over and write smaller so that it all fits on one post it. {I did this twice today}

-If I'm eating brownies or cake out of the pan and take a bite, I have to keep biting until I make the side even again.

-If my nail polish chips on one finger, I have to keep picking at it until none of my fingers have nail polish left.

-When I clock out at work I have to wait until the time changes to the next minute before I push the "clock out" button.

-There is a sticker on my computer, {from before I started to work} that I cannot get off. This wouldn't bother me so if the dang sticker wasn't off center and not level. It's a square sticker and the square leans ever so slightly. Drives me nuts.

-When someone passes me on the freeway, I automatically speed up as if to say, "I am no slow poke. You had no right to pass me!"

I'm quite sure there are others. I just didn't want to overwhelm anybody. I'm hoping that these compulsions aren't as strange as they seem...but then again I'm sure they are.

TIDBITS

Once again, there has been a long break between blogs. With all the other stuff I have to do, I'm afraid blogging has been the last on my list of priorities. (And trust me the list is long) So here, in no particular order, are some of my thoughts and feelings over the last couple of weeks.

~I am so ready to be out of Logan. I've learned some of the hardest lessons of my life by living up here. I've found myself, and some true friends. However, my time here is ending, and I am welcoming the change. I truly feel that I'm moving on to something better. Finals week anxiety and restlessness is beginning to take hold and to be honest, the sooner I get out of Logan, or more specifically my apartment, the better.

~I started to count the number of days that there are left until Steve and I get married. It was depressing, so I've decided to keep referring to it as 3 and 1/2 months. Even though it's the same amount of time, it seems shorter. I'm very excited for what the next 3 and 1/2 months has in store for us. For one, we'll finally be living in the same city. He and I have been doing long distance since we began dating in November, and I don't know how much longer we would be able handle it. True we'll have a very busy summer with family trips, wedding planning, and working 2 jobs each but we will be in the same city. It can only be a good thing!

~My last day of work is on Monday. My final hoorah at the good old credit union has come much more quickly than I'd thought. It has been a wonderful job and I have been so grateful to have been able to work there. My coworkers have become a second family, and I couldn't have survived in Logan without their support.

~I got everything done on that 40 line list of mine. Every single thing has been crossed off. Granted it took me a week and a half to do it, but it is finished and I feel accomplished. No the homework ends, and the test prep begins. I have 3 finals, but only one is that important. It's the first and unfortunately the most difficult set to begin at 7:30 next Tuesday. It is imparative that I pass this test, and not only pass, but do well! I REFUSE to retake this class! REFUSE!

~I've learned over the last few weeks that relationships do not have to be perfect. I'm learning that loving someone is being able to say that through the good, AND bad, and sometimes the ugly, that you still want to share your life with them. Two people creating a life together certainly isn't easy and some days seem much more difficult than others. However, even though I know relationships aren't perfect, I have also come to realize that you can have perfect moments. Sure relationships aren't always sunshine and rainbows, but that doesn't mean you have to be frustrated, or worried or fighting all the time either. Sometimes....life is just pretty darn good and it should be embraced.

California Fun

Over the last weekend I got to relive my High School Concert Choir Tour experience. This time as a chaperone! Yeah, I know...it doesn't sound like too much fun. However, my whole family got to go this time, so it was more like a family vacation than a High School trip. Even Steve got to come, although I had no idea he was going to. My parents surprised me by flying him out. Our first tour experience together wasn't a good one (I broke up with him) so it was SO FUN to have the chance for a better experience. It was great to be with my family! Here are some highlights.

~"I don't wanna see that mouse mom!" -- Seth

~Thunder Mountain Railroad in the dark

~80 Degree weather

~Cheese dog, Frozen Banana, what's better than food on a stick?

~LION KING at the Mandalay Bay Hotel in Vegas

~Finding Steve hanging out in the hotel hallway like a creeper

~"Which would make you Michelle Tanner, and me Uncle Jesse...what?"

~Helping Russell ask Sarah to the Prom in front of the Disney Princess Castle

~The new Toy Story Ride...Excellent!

~Grandma B. on the Haunted Mansion

~Annie's face in our awesome picture on splash mountain.

~Dad finally getting on a Roller Coaster

~Ed and Ryan's open mic day on the bus complete with Stand-up comedy and Karaoke

~Oh Mrs. G., such a sweet spirit!

~Lunch at the Blue Bayou, the restaurant inside Pirates of the Caribbean

~Watching Sarah perform at Disneyland, she totally rocked it.

~Walking along the Pier at Newport Beach.

~Watching the PIXAR PARADE with the Twins...priceless.

~Secret Door #33

The Sisters...on Tour! What a great trip!