OH Thank Goodness!

Thanksgiving, as it should, has really made me think about all the things I have to be grateful for. I really am SO SO blessed. So, here are just a few examples of how blessed I am!

• The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. The gospel has blessed my life in countless ways. I feel the power and blessings of the atonement every day. I know my Heavenly Father loves me. I feel so lucky to know the truth of the gospel and to be able to live and learn about it. I am grateful that it allows families to be together forever. I am grateful for a knowledge of the plan of salvation.
• I have an incredible family! I love my family so much! I have wonderful parents that taught me the gospel. They raised me to be the person I am today. I was very lucky to be raised the way I was. I always knew I was very loved, I always had food in my stomach and a roof over my head. We may not have always had a TON, but all my needs were met! I have wonderful siblings that are so entertaining! haha They always are willing to listen, and give me advice and help in any way that they can! We get along really well now that we are older.
• I have a truly amazing boyfriend! This has been the best year and almost a half! There were honestly times in my life that I thought I would never have someone like him in my life. Things just fell into place and brought us together. I have LOVED every second of our time together. He is so caring, so interested in other people, so genuine in everything he does. He is ssooo smart in so many ways. He has taught me so much about relationships. I can tell that he loves me because of the way he treats me and the things he does to help me. He is a strength to me. He has such a way of doing/being exactly what I need. He makes me laugh. He laughs at my stupid jokes. He is sweet and works so hard! He gives great back rubs and helps me destress. I wouldn't have it any other way!
• I have a car that I love and that runs!
• I have a roof over my head and food on the table.
• I have great friends. Most of my close friends I don't get to talk to very often, and I miss TERRIBLY but I still strongly value in my life. (You know who you are) So many of you have been a big part of my life and who I am today!
• I have a good job that most days, doesn't even feel like a job to me. I can pay my bills and do what I love.
• I have a great class this year that is small. My students are cute and friendly
• modern technology!
• chocolate!
• dr. pepper
• when I get naps
• being warm!!! showers, blankets, clothes, whatever it takes.
• The list goes on! 

What are you thankful for??

Vegas Baby!!!!

This was SUCH a fun Labor Day weekend!!! Brennan's family invited me to join them in Las Vegas. This is a common trip for his parents, and grandparents. It was SSSSOOOO much fun. I had never actually stayed in Vegas long. I was too little to remember much from when I was there before.

Brennan and I started our weekend with tickets to the Utah football game. But, not just any tickets... He just happened to sell really good seats at the Jazz right as the VP said he couldnt use his CLUB seats!!! We went in the VIP entrance, got a buffet dinner and treats, and sat on the front row of the fancy club seats. Im not a huge football fan, but it was sssooo fun to sit in those seats! After that, we met my family for dinner to celebrate my dad's birthday. Here are some pics...

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 The next morning, Brennan and I got up and drove to Vegas! We met his grandparents at the Bellagio and got our key. Brennan's room had a perfect view of the fountains and we watched several times from there. We walked around and played slots a little before we met the limo in the front. We rode to the Aria to see Cirque Du Soleil "Viva Elvis"! It was the second to last showing and it was such an amazing show to see!!! There were so many times both Brennan and I gasped because we thought they were going to die!

Me and the view from Brennan's room.

Chocolate Dragon at the Aria

The next day, we walked through Caesars Palace, the Venetian, and The Palazzo. We mostly looked at all the cool shops there. We had seen a cool rare book store on "Pawn Stars" so we walked there too. It was SSSOOO cool to see first editions of so many old old books! That night, we rode in a limo to see Terry Fater. He is a SINGING ventriloquist that won America's Got Talent a few years back. He was sssoooo amazing. His impressions were spot on. It's really cool that he can combine so many of his talents. He sings, does an impression, is FUNNY, and does ventriloquism all at the same time. After that, we went to a giant arcade with Brennans sister. We played deal or no deal. I listened to Brennan on what case to choose and we took it all the way to see what was in my case... Lucky me... It was ONE ticket... We got friendship bracelets with all our winnings. HA!

Brenny loves Unicorns....

Brennan and my combined winnings.

The final day, we took our time getting ready and then went to the "Gold and Silver Pawn Shop" from Pawn Stars. It was really cool to see. We then drove to St. George and stayed with his grandparents. We swam in their pool, ate delicious food his grandma made and enjoyed relaxing for one more day. It was such an awesome weekend.

On the way home, I was driving Brennans car, when we got a flat tire! I had never had a flat tire, let alone on the freeway. It was ssssooo scary! We had to get a tow truck and then ride the rest of the way with Brennan's parents and sister. STILL such a fun weekend!!! I am So glad I got to go!! 

Back to School

Well, here goes nothing. I start back in 3rd grade tomorrow! I am excited and nervous all at the same time. I have got my classroom all set up and ready. I am hoping for a much better year this year. Last year did not go so well for me. In fact, I woke up in a panic because I had a dream that through a weird series of events I got my exact same class back. They were back with a vengeance too. It was like they spent the summer talking about how much they hated me and when they found out I was their teacher again they revolted. It was terrible. I was SSSOOOO thankful to wake up. I think even seeing some of those students tomorrow or in the coming year may still make me cringe just because of the dream! haha

ANY way, I am really excited to start with the little guys again. I always get a little bit nervous at the beginning of the year just because I don't want to forget anything. I also always fear they are going to run wild on me... which is silly...but you know me... I'm a worrier. I'm really going to try to stay super positive and work really hard to help these kiddos. Brennan is super busy with work, school and being the newly called EQP... so there goes my social life. I guess that just means I'll have plenty of time to perfect my school stuff. :) Im working on getting really good files made up and good activities planned because I am REALLY hoping to stay in 3rd grade next year. I guess we'll see!! :)

My Tooth Woes...

Dentists are the bane of my existence... As of about 3 weeks ago, I hadn't been to the dentist in approx. 6 years... Number 1: I hate them. Number 2: I didn't have insurance. Number 3: I hate them. Number 4:  Even when I had insurance I always found an excuse not to make an appt. Number 5: I hate them.

So, FINALLY I decided it was time to go. The first appt was terrible, but they told me I needed a root canal. They told me a little bit about it and told me that it will cost close to $700. Ouch.  I don't know about you but I don't have $700 lying around to be spent on a stupid tooth. To be spent on anything for that matter....  I borrowed some money and made the appt for the root canal.

I go to my appt, and everything is going great! Or, so I thought. The dentist (who by the way is approx. my age and now know is inexperienced) sat me up and said, "I can't find your 3rd canal in your tooth. I'm gonna have to send you to the endodontist that is across the hall, but he is not much more money and does this all the time. Let me go see if he can fit you in now, or if you need to come back next week."  at that point I thought uh... ok... I guess... but come to find out the stupid endodontist is $500 EXTRA. $500!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! But at this point I am completely and utterly stuck. I really have no choice and am stuck with a giant hole for a tooth.

The icing on the cake is that by the time the endo could get me in, the numbing had worn off and it was starting to hurt pretty bad. I told him and asked him to give me more numbing medicine, which he did, but started drilling immediately after. Even a guy in the waiting room could have told you it wasn't gonna be numb yet. It hurt so bad that I started crying, which cause my nose to start running, which meant I could no longer breathe through my nose and I had a rubber sheet covering my mouth. Cue Hyperventilation.... It took me a good 15-20 minutes to be breathing normally again so that they could finish. I spent like 5 hours at the dentist when all was said and done. Yuck. And I thought I hated dentists BEFORE....

Two dentists, and $1200 later..... That dang tooth better last me a lifetime.

Part 3

Celebrations
What are some of your personal and family traditions?

Pretty much for every holiday we do something with the family. It usually just includes dinner and the celebrations just depend on the year. The day after Thanksgiving we decorate for Christmas. On Christmas Eve, we always go to a movie. and then wake up early Christmas morning, open presents, and hang out. 

As for my own traditions, I go to Ihop every birthday (it was a tradition started with my  dad) I also go to I hop on the day my dad died because he and I would always go.

How do you celebrate adults birthdays?
We usually go to dinner, or else they get to choose what they want for dinner. We eat some kind of dessert and open presents.

How do you celebrate children's birthdays?
The same way, but usually they get  to invite some friends over.
How do you celebrate your anniversary?
I don't have an anniversary...


Religion
How did you gain your testimony? Write your testimony.  
It has come as I have lived the gospel. I am constantly learning more and strengthening my testimony all the time. It is hard for me to put into words, but I will do my best. I believe in Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. I believe that Christ performed the atonement for us to be able to repent and learn to be more like him. I believe that God has a prophet on the earth that receives modern day revelation for us. and worthy men can hold the priesthood. I believe in temple ordinances and that that is how we can obtain celestial glory.

How has the Gospel and knowledge of Heavenly Father's plan helped you in your life?
It gives me a lot of comfort. I know that I have access to the Holy Ghost that can lead and guide me in making decisions that will be best for me and will help me return to him some day. It gives me more confidence as well. 

What ordinances have you completed?

I am missing Endowment and Sealing

What callings have you had?  Which were your favourite/least favourite? What did you learn from them?

FHE mom, RS teacher, RS activity committee, dinner committee, RS missionary Counselor, RS Education counselor. I liked all of them, really...except the dinner committee...that kinda sucked. I guess I learned more patience, and about serving others more readily.

What is your favourite scripture/hymn/conference talk?  Why?

phillippians 4:13 because it always gives me strength and comfort to know Christ is on my side, and is there to help me. 

Did you serve a mission?
Nope


Home Life
Describe the places you've lived.

This could take a while...

Freedom - It was an old farm house. It was white with a red roof. My siblings and I had  our rooms upstairs. Whitney and I shared and Shane and Lon shared. It was small but cozy. I have fond memories of that house

YLP California - This house was one level house with 3 bedroom and 2 bathrooms. Behind the house was a large open field. again Whitney and I shared and Shane and Lon shared. It was  a brown house with a curvy drive way.

Freedom 2 - We lived in an even OLDER farm house. It had a zillion odd additions to the house. There were enough bedrooms for all of us to have our own room pretty much. It looked like wood paneling on the outside. 

Rapid City - We lived in an apt complex, just me, mom and dad. We had 3 bedrooms. Once you came in the door there was my parents room, then you walked down a long hall way to the kitchen, dining room, and livingroom. From there, you could turn down a short hall way to the other 2 bedrooms and the bathroom. They were grey apts

Thayne - Another 3 bedroom apt. You came into the living room and then went down a long hall way to the bedrooms and bathrooms. It was pretty junky. We had a really loud family that lived above us. The were dark brown I think...

Rigby - We moved into a big barely finished 3 bedroom house the lay out was some what similar to out apt in thayne, but it was bigger and nicer! It had an unfinished basement. Our house was white.

Rexburg - I lived in a 3 bedroom apt with 5 other girls. It was small, but lots of fun. We had living room and kitchen when you first walked in and through a door way was a hall and the bedrooms. We had a long vanity with 2 sinks and then 2 small bathrooms with only a shower and toilet inside. It was red brick on the outside.

Salt Lake 1 - I lived in a big basement apt. I wish I would have never moved from there. It was so cheap, and nice. the rooms were huge and there was a ton of storage.  It had a long open living room with a kitchen to one side and a bedroom off the kitchen.  at the back of the living room there was another bedroom and the bathroom. The house was white.

Salt Lake 2 - I lived in a newly remodeled duplex. It was very nice! Wood floors, Tile and granite in the kitchen, 3 bedrooms and a big back yard. It was green on the outside.

Salt Lake 3 - I live in a small 2 bedroom apt in a triplex. 

What was your favourite house?  Why?
I think my favorite house was the one in Rigby. It was very nice and comfortable. I have a lot of good memories there.

How do you like to decorate?
I like the shabby chic look. I also like the country look. I just use what I like and what looks nice.

What is it about a home that you love?

the comfort it brings. whenever I'm in a bad mood or whatever i can come home and just relax. Its a refuge.

How has your standard of life changed through the years?

Um... i dont know that it really has. the only difference I can think if is that I used to rely on my parents and now I don't

Sleep
How many hours do you like to sleep at night?

I need a good solid 8 hours to be functional. I usually go to bed at 11 and wake up at 7.

Do you take naps?

I LOVE NAPS!!! :) mostly just on Sundays though.

Do you like a lot, or few blankets and pillows?

I like a pretty flat pillow or I feel like Im suffocating. I always have to have at least a thin blanket. In the winter I love having a zillion blankets on to keep me warm.

Can you sleep anywhere or does it have to be in your bed?
I have got to have somewhere comfortable to lay down. I have a hard time sleeping on the floor. I also have to do my ritual... brush my teeth, read my scriptures and say my prayers


What are your favourite conditions for a good night's sleep?  Does it have to be completely dark and quiet?

Dark, quiet, a good temperature, rituals completed, comfortable bed and comfortable place.

Food
What are your favourite foods?

I really like Italian! Pastas, breads, etc. I also love sweets...

What are your favourite desserts?

Oh crap... I have WAY too many... I think the list would be shorter if I were to list the ones I didnt like. I guess I can generalize and say cookies.

Do you like to cook or bake?  What are your favourite things to make?

I like to bake better than cooking... cuz because I can bake better and those things taste better! :) But I dont really LIKE to do either. My favorite things to make are EASY things that dont take a lot of time.

Do you have any food allergies?

Shrimp

What are some foods you have a hard time saying "no" to?

sweets, and bread -- especially if either of those are still warm

What foods do you HAVE to have brand name?  Which can you do generic?

I think I can do generic anything...

Do you try to eat healthy?

Sometimes... haha sweets are just too tempting to me.

Do you prefer eating out?  Where?

I do just because its easier, it tastes good, and I dont have to make it. I like Olive Garden, Texas Roadhouse, Wendy's...

Health
How is your health?
Pretty good. Nothing major as of now

Have you had any surgeries?
Does wisdom teeth count?

Have you had any broken bones?
No.

Do you have any allergies?

seasonal, shrimp and dryer sheets

What are you doing to keep healthy now?
I try to eat lots of fruits and veggies


Around the world
What major world events have happened in your lifetime?

9/11, War in Iraq, first black president, natural disasters

Has it affected who you are now?

im sure it has in some way

Who was the president when you were born?

Ronald Reagan

What natural disasters have you been in?
an Earthquake or 2. 

Part 2

Please see part 1 of my personal history below this post  :)

College Years
Did you attend college or a trade school?
Yes, I went to Brigham Young University-Idaho in Rexburg.

How did you choose what you wanted to be when you grew up?
I knew I liked kids and wanted to do preschool first. Then I decided that majoring in El Ed would give me a few more opportunities. Once I got into the classes I realized how much I liked it.

What did you think was the hardest thing about your chosen profession at the time?
The management of the classroom.
What dumb things did you do during those years?
Nothing really...maybe stay up too late and eat like crap

What good things did you do?

I learned a lot about myself, grew up, made some long lasting friendships, learned a lot about my profession, 

Did you live on your own? Were you prepared for that?

I lived with 5 other girls the whole time I was there. I have always gotten along pretty well with other people. I had really good roommates as well so I think I was fairly well prepared

What life lessons did you learn?
Never take out student loans, be careful with money, value friendship and the gospel.

What choices did you make that affect where you are now?

Doing my student teaching in Salt Lake is probably the biggest one... 

Work
What jobs have you had?
Housekeeper, Mortgage file sorter, day care teacher, and teacher... I had very brief experience as a phone surveyor... and I hated it. 

What did you like/dislike about each job?
um... In general, I loved the people I worked with in all those jobs. If I didn't I would quit. Both teacher jobs I loved working with the students as well. The mortgage file job I like because I could listen to music all day and no one really bugged me. 

Have you used any of that knowledge in later years?
Oh yeah, having a job teaches you all kind of responsibility

Who were your bosses?  Did you like them/get along?
I liked my boss at the first and last place I did Housekeeping. I hated the one in Teton Village... I dont even remember her name. She was always so rude to me and I'm pretty sure she hated me too. I didnt mind my boss at the mortgage place and my day care boss it would just depend on the day. Now that I am a teacher, I liked one of my principals, and not the other.

How did you get along with your coworkers?

good!! I never had problems with the people I worked with. I got along well with other people.

Which was your favorite job?

Probably either the day care, or my job now. 

How many years until you retire?
Who knows....  

Do you have any big plans for your retirement?

um... travel?

Marriage
How did you meet your spouse? Was it love at first sight or did it take some time?
N/A

How long did you date before you were engaged? How long was your engagement?
N/A

How did you get engaged?

N/A

Who did most of the wedding plans? Who helped?

N/A

Who were your bridesmaids?  Bestmen?
N/A

Describe the details of your wedding: the colours, the cake, the decorations, etc.

N/A

Where did your wedding take place?  Who performed the ceremony? Do you remember any of the words of advice given?

N/A

Who attended your wedding?

N/A 

Where did you go on your honeymoon?  What adventures did you have?
N/A


Children
N/A


Grandchildren
N/A

Personal History of Sorts...Part 1

WARNING --- Novel length post!!! My good friend Emme did this on her blog and I thought it was a really good idea! I kind of use my blog as a journal, so having this history and information written down will be fun to go back and look at, or even for future generations to read. If you don't want to read, I won't be offended... :) Also, Its long so I split it into the same sections she did... Pretty much  I'm an Emme copy cat... Thanks Em, I always looked up to you! :)

Your birth and family
What is your full name and how did you get that name?

Kelsey Colleen Hokanson
I guess my parents just liked the name Kelsey. They never really gave me a particular reason why... just that they liked it. My middle name, Colleen, was my maternal grandmothers name. She always kind of spoiled me because I was her namesake. :)

What are you parents full names and birth dates and places?

Lin Dee Hokanson - Born in Afton, Wyoming on August 30, 1954

Annette Asplund Hokanson - Born in Logan, UT on May 9, 1953

What is your date of birth?  Where were you born?  What are some of the circumstances of your birth?
June 15, 1987 in Afton, Wyoming. I was born on my due date because my mom had to have a C-section with all 4 kids.   

What are your siblings full names and dates of birth?

Whitney Lynn Hokanson Whiting (sheesh) - July 20, 1981

Mark Shane Hokanson - December 29, 1982

Lon Dee Hokanson - January 15, 1985

How was your relationship with your siblings and parents?

I remember being happy as a kid. I was the youngest. My siblings always said I was spoiled, and I always felt picked on, but even still I remember admiring all 3 of them so much and wanting them to think I was cool. I loved it when they took the time to play with me... Even when my brothers version of playing with me was making me be the GI Joe with no arms or legs and then blowing me up in the first 5 mins... Or singing "stick her in the foliage" while marching around the back yard in California. My sister was always too cool for me when she lived at home. The only time we really got to spend time together is when she let me paint her toe nails. I got to be quite good because I would ask her if I could redo them all the time. I even did them for her wedding. I remember wanting to redo them because they looked really bad but she was sick of sitting there forever. HA 

I also remember playing alone a lot. We had a lot of land behind our house in California and I would just go wander back there. Probably into other peoples yards, but I remember it being a really cool kind of forest-y place and I would just wander back there for hours. There was a little stream I would play in. There was also 2 mean dogs that lived across the street and would chase me. Sometimes I would sneak back behind the house to get home to avoid them. Other times I sat on the curb til my dad got home and could walk me past the dogs. and still other times I would just stand at the end of the road and yell until someone in my family would come rescue me. 

I always got along pretty well with my parents. I always wanted to please them and make them happy.  I rarely did anything I knew they wouldn't like because I was so worried about disappointing them. I was a Daddy's girl and a Momma's girl. My siblings say I was spoiled -- I say I just learned from their mistakes and knew how to word things right to get my way.... 

What are some lessons you've learned from your parents?

I dont know if I could name them all!! The first thing that comes to my mind is that they taught me to rely on my Heavenly Father. My parents had a lot of struggles in their lives, at least from my point of view, but I never once saw them lose faith. If anything they turned to Heavenly Father and because stronger. They were very strongly led by him and trusted in him. I saw my parents as very faithful  people. 

How did you help in your home?

the thing I remember doing the most is setting the table. HAHA kind of strange i suppose... We would also do household projects as a family. I was usually designated hammer holder or something to that effect. When we still lived in Star Valley I remember my mom writing all the chores on a small piece of paper and we had to pick our chores that way. Every Saturday morning, if I remember correctly

Growing up, early years
Where did you grow up? Describe it.

I was born in Star Valley and lived there til I was 9. I honestly remember very little. We had a small farm house, with lots of stray cats. We had a big back yard/field that had old barns and stuff like that. We would play in them sometimes. The only thing that separated my house and my grandparents house was a field full of horses. My family torn down the old garage and built a giant new one.  Soon after that we moved to California. I have already retold my main California memories... and strangely still remember the address there... 44293 Copper Creek way Coarsegold, California 93614

What's your earliest memory?
A family vacation to Portland Oregon. We went to the beach and all I really remember was that there was quick sand or sink holes or something and I wanted to put my shoes by the sign so I wouldnt forget where they were, but Whitney wouldnt let me because she said my shoes would disappear in the sink hole. and I remember being really sad. HAHA

What games did you play as a child?
All the girly things. barbies, dolls, house, teacher, etc. I also played a lot of boy games because all the kids my age in Star Valley were boys. Not to mention I had 2 older brothers. 

Where did you go to school?

Metcalf Elementary, Rivergold Elementary, and Coarsegold Elementary

Who were your friends?
Rhoda Sevingy, Stefanie Pantuso, Olivia Pogue, Katie Peck, Lizzie -- I cant remember her last name.

Who were your favourite teachers and why?

Mrs. Rowley in 3rd grade. She was young, and new to the school and really nice. I LOVED 3rd grade. I also really liked Mrs. Coulomb. She taught 4th grade and took me under her wing when I was new to the school.

What were your chores?
I never had set chores... I did what ever I picked, or whatever I was told I had to do before going to a friends house.

Growing up, teenage years
What activities did you participate in?
I did church volleyball... our team never was good, but it was fun. My Sophomore and Junior years of high school I was a techy for the drama department and found costumes and props for all the plays. 

How did you learn to drive?  What kind of car did you have?

I feel like my parents kind of took turns teaching me. And Lon even taught me some. At first,  I drove an old buick until it died... then i drove my moms bright yellow suzuki Aerio. My first car was my dads old White Chevy malibu

Who were your friends?
Stefanie Pantuso, Mindi Roberts, Lena Rice, Sarah Schrubb, Jenny Gaither, Jenny Trevino

Did you have a boyfriend?
Ha! No. I had several crushes, but I was always to shy do to anything about it.

What did you like/dislike about school?
Friends!! That was my favorite part. I hated math. I was never very good at it. I had to retake Geometry. 

What was your first paid job?
I was a breakfast attendant for the comfort inn and suites. I just kept all the food stocked up during breakfast and cleaned up when it was done. When I was done cleaning, I vacuumed the hall ways, washed the windows to the pool area, cleaned the public bathroom, etc etc. Sometimes I helped clean rooms. I got paid $7.00 an hour

What were your chores at home?
Same as above.

Finished Project!!

Well, I finally finished my project! I have been so busy the last few weeks with a trip to Arizona, spending time with my sister, and a trip to Star Valley. I have just been working on this when I have a few extra minutes.

As you know, I got Annie Sloan's chalk paint for my birthday! I was so excited to use it! It is so great because you don't have to prime, or sand anything and the paint goes on just about anything. It was quite easy to use. The trickiest part was applying the wax afterwords. I had watched several tutorials found here and here and googled even more information. I painted, clear waxed, dark waxed, sanded, then clear waxed again. So... here is the big reveal!!!

Before:

 

 In the process: 

 Finished (kind of):

I kinda feel like the drawer pulls are too modern for the finish I did. I am trying to find other handles that will fit, and look a little better. What do you think?? Not bad for my first try right?

Wait.... 25!?!?!

I just have to post about my  wonderful 25th birthday, BUT I would first like to say 25!?!?!?! Holy crap! When did that happen? 25 year olds are mature, responsible, established, etc.... and I am none of those things... random tangent--- I think age should be given according to those type of things. It may be a more useful tool....

ANY WAY, My wonderful birthday got off to a bit of a rocky start. I woke up, showered, packed up all my stuff, and hopped in the car to go get Brennan only to find that my battery was dead and my car wouldnt start. We think one of the doors didn't get closed all the way. So, I called Brennan, he brought his roommates car and jumped mine, then we ran back to his house to get his stuff and drop off his roommates car.

Once we get to his house, we packed up my car, grabbed breakfast, and he gave my my birthday present!!!! It was the best thing I could ever ask for! As you may know from my previous post, i want to get into redoing furniture and i found this super cool paint that gives an antique look and you dont have to sand or prime or anything like that!! I was SO excited! I love how much he is encouraging me. I don't think I would do it otherwise. Next, we drove down to American Fork Canyon. The ranger at the mouth of the canyon tells us all the spots are already reserved, but there was a spot towards the back we could go. We drove straight there and found a perfect spot! We set up camp, and just hung out  for a minute. From there, we took a quick hike, where Brennan decided to carve a tree with my initial and my age.. HA! He said Now this tree will remember your age forever! To which I replied "does that mean I'm going to be 25 forever??" if only... HAHA

From there we went fishing and Brennan taught me how to fish from the shore. (I had only fished from a boat before) We both just sat and enjoyed each others company and enjoyed nature. We saw the cutest momma duck and baby ducks! One poor little guy had a hook stuck in his beak! :( We were NOT catching a thing, though, and we were getting hungry, so we drove back to our campsite to fix some DELISH food. I am telling you, he and I made these tinfoil dinners in hopes of putting a fish in, but instead we stuck a burger patty in  with the veggies. They turned out PERFECT and it was SO yummy!!! By this time, our friend John showed  up and enjoyed dinner and dessert with us. For dessert, we made cakes in orange peels! I saw on pinterest, and was nervous to try it, but it was SO good! We just hollowed out the oranges and dumped the cake mix in, wrapped it in tinfoil and stuck it in the coals. It was like the PERFECT birthday dinner! From there, we went back to the lake. I read while the boys fished. Brennan still caught nothing, but John was catching like crazy.

After fishing, we went back to the campsite and met out friend Katie, and her two friends. We just made a fire and talked til late. It was one of the best birthdays I have ever had. Very simple, very relaxed. We invited a BUNCH of people, but a lot had things come up, so it was just a small group of us. I LOVE LOVE LOVED spending that much time with Brennan just hanging out. He really made my birthday perfect! I am so lucky! Yay for birthdays! (maybe not so much of a yay for being 25....)

NEW HOBBY! Well, maybe....

So I suddenly, and kind of randomly decided that I wanted to get into repainting old furniture and selling it! I just thought it would be something to do to do entertain myself, AND to maybe make a little extra money (cuz who doesn't like that!?!). Probably the best part of this all is how supportive Brennan is of me doing it. I mentioned it to him kind of as a joke when he told me he found his old power tools. I said, "Really?? that means you could build something cool and I can make it look nice and then we can sell it!" and he wasn't really too thrilled about that part, but the conversation led to me looking for already built furniture and redoing it. So, I started my adventure by spending like HALF of a day yesterday looking at KSL in the free section. Cheap is nice -- free is better!

This is not something for the faint of heart, let me tell you. I just checked every few hours for the heck of it and saw a whole lot of retro couches, free moving boxes, dirt, rocks, and yes even the occasional "tires filled with cement".  Thank goodness! I have been looking for those! BUT all of the sudden I noticed and add for free paint! I thought, well paint could get me started. I need the paint to paint the furniture, right?? So I picked up a 5 gallon bucket of grey paint. Keep in mind here people that my house is SMALL. Emphasis on every letter. I just have a 5 gallon bucket of paint sitting in my room now.

I figured it would be a slow process, but at about 9 last night I looked one last time, after Bachelorette of course....and what do you know, there is a BEAUTIFUL roll top desk for FREE!! It had no information whatsoever though. I text Brennan and told him to go look at it and how cool it was. and then to my surprise he said, "Let's go pick it up!" Luckily, he had his parents suburban. I called the lady and got the information and off we went! I called my friend Cody on the way because she said it was heavy. That was an understatement. I felt terrible because Cody (only has one leg) and Brennan (has 2 herniated disks in his back) had to carry this MASSIVE desk down 2 flights of stairs... I thought for sure they were both going to hate me after that. Amazingly they were both still mostly smiling when they finished.

Oh yeah-- remember how I said my apt is SMALL??? and I was the proud new owner of a GIANT desk?? Well my amazing, handsome, supportive boyfriend willingly volunteered to store it at his house. His house is not huge either. the desk is currently monopolizing his dining room. The desk is in REALLY good condition and has lots of nooks and crannies and is  LARGE so Brennan convinced me just to clean this one and resell it. Both Brennan and I wished that we had room for it cuz it is a REALLY cool desk! We spent about 2 hours today cleaning and shining it up to take pictures and re-post it on KSL to sell! Most the desks similar to it are going for like $200-$400 so hopefully we can make some money off it! yahoo! :)

My next project -- once the desk is gone-- is to redo a little wood file cabinet that used to be my dads. :)