To the best November 19th I have had in 7 years.

Cheers! We made it through 6 years.

Some of you may know why I struggle on this day every year.

I usually wake up early.

I usually cry often.

I usually have very sad moments.

Its because of this woman.

Shauna Brothersen

 Born November 27, lived fabulously, and passed away November 19.

We have missed her for six years today around 5:45 AM

My Banana.

My Mom.

I just want it noted, that even though we don't discuss the events of six years ago, it doesn't mean we've forgotten. Some things are too tender or too precious to discuss openly.

This year I was especially blessed. I had a great day, regardless of this memory. I was able to do well academically, and did fun things with my friends and family. I know she has been with me all day, well since 5:30ish AM ;) Thats the only reason I can think I would be up that early!

I love my mom!

With a smile like hers, you don't even have to know more about her to know how wonderful we had it with her around!

Shock

I just had a discovery. Someone, of whom I do not know... is reading my blog.

o_O

What does one do in this situation!?

I'll just stare awkwardly at my computer screen.

O_o

Cooking Mania

This semester... I think I have GONE CRAZY!!

... a little though, only...

(These pictures were the best I could do... some look washed out, please beleive they looked better in reality.)

In the first weeks, I wanted to have Mormon Martinis.

Vwala!!

(milk+cookie)

Then, there was the secret of the plum tree that I enjoyed...

Then... I made my traditional no-bakes... several times.

My most beautiful meal prepared for my father!

(good time for it to be so right!?)

Then, I made my first Mac and Cheese from scratch! (my own cheese sauce anyway!)

(as it happens, also for my father!)

Then I realized how much better I liked REAL cookies to the no-bake and wanted more.

Then, my girls and I had a halloween party!

(candy corn... store.)

I did have my Kool-Aid Martini, but it worked in Champagne glasses.

Then I made pumpkins!!

For this... probably don't ask... the shot glass ones were all gone by the time I got pictures...

(pudding+dyed pudding+sprinkles+bloody bones)

Then, cupcakes with spiders!!

And some of the cheeseball.. obviously a hit!

German Pancakes, a family breakfast treat that I just missed too much.

So... Sometimes... I get needy, needy for socialization and smiles... 

So, what do I do!?

 I cook what I can, for as long as I can and hope I can share with more than just my roommates.

Banana Bread

(before baking)

Again.

(after, of course)

And this... well, lets say this was loved and that I was slow.

(there are the plates & napkins from the halloween party!

And later, when I was near exhaustion from cooking, I worked on my crepe making.

I have made repeats of cookies and brownies in particular, but these were the times I documented my growing ability to cook.

I am thinking about the brownies I made Monday... hmmm... sounds yummy... 

with whipped topping... any takers?

Play This First

Then Read

So many ideas come to mind listening to this song.

The blanket this song covers me with is so cozy and I am hiding in it today.

Maybe tomorrow I will too.

I think I am beginning a black and white kick.

And lilies.

Saw this, and just adored it. Thought I would share the result of 

60 wonderful years (as of 2012) of love.

I love them.

Bummer day gone Great!!

Ok, I woke up late today... in a bummed out mood.

The great moments of my day were somewhat like this*:

*Take note: there is a bit of a bummer side to all this, but great won out!

Got to Bowling class with 1 minute to spare.

Nearly Aced my quiz.

Frame 10: 3 Strikes.

Uphill biking was more leisurely than usual.

Changed: New shirt, & good looking!

Walked to class (Genealogy): 8 minutes early.

Work done in class: Way awesome! (hard to stop!)

Got a ride back home from a great friend :)

Called Dad.

Later... I ate plums with my dad!**

**right off the tree!

Dad and I met the Missionaries (shared plum tree)

 Yummy Lunch

Clean Room,

Homework done(ish),

Cora visited :D

Dr. Who!

Homework getting done...

Homework deadline in head is false-due tomorrow!

Call Susan: Homework ideas flow!

Talk with Susan... 1:05 hrs :D So fun!

FB post about being like Cinderella.

FB chatting.

Great Friends.

Plans for cookies!

Homework submitted.

Michael Buble! (Everything)

Amazon Prime: Iron Man 2!

I am so spoiled here :D

I think I will bask in it while I can!

Sleep Sweet, and Sweet Dreams!

Pink, Red, and White

While I've been wearing lots of pink lately, 

I think I have had a case of the mean reds.

Doesn't matter. The important thing is that I wear a big, bright, and as white as it is smile!

And, a great way to get that put on is to Laugh!

Ah! The joys of being back in school!

To Self: The Day

You may know the kind of day(s) you wake up with the potential of success when there is so much to accomplish and the possibilities are hope-inspiring.

Then, after going about the success of de-cluttering, and reliving great memories, casting the poor aside, gearing up for the success of the day dispite the rain outside (it did cross your mind as an omen, you poor denial-living soul) you come to find reality.

This reality is the chastening that happens because your direction is lacking. You have and are continuing to set yourself up for struggles that will last your lifetime, this is a fact you continue to run from and the day will come when it catches up with you.

The rain is still there, the chill is reaching your core and the tears grow cold. This is the day when you risk more struggling to find the refuge of skipping work to cry and try to solace in books and food, the rest of the world is looking for the sunshine in the clouds and will not wait for you, wallowing in self pity. You haven't done it for a while. Haven't needed to. Press forward.

The Travelers Gift by Andy Andrews

Decision 1: The Buck Stops Here. I am responsible for my past and my future.

Now is the beginning of my future!

"Always look ahead. There are no regrets in that direction" 

- Wilbur Smith