Temperamental

is what Provo, Utah's weather is like today.

Rainstorm.

Thunder.

Lightning.

Sunshine.

HOT.

Cloudy.

Rain.

More sunshine/clouds.

Utah, its okay. I understand this up/down cycle.

All too well.

But tomorrow, let's just have sun? Yes.

Metaphor for life.

Think about it.

We're Gonna Party Like It's 1999.

A week and a half ago, September 9, 2010, I wrote a blog post around 3 o clock in the afternoon for my birthday. I talked about how I had no big plans.
Just was going to have a fun, relaxing evening with some of my closest friends.
WELL.
After Meredith almost ruined it, and Maria bought me the most amazing bra known to man, er, woman I guess. (The "Incredible" bra at Victoria's Secret. The name is not lying. I kid you not. I put it on and instantly proclaimed, "This is incredible!")

...my roommates, Maria and Chelsea, THREW ME A SURPRISE 20TH BIRTHDAY PARTY!
It was simply fantastic! And although I had an inkling as to what was going on a little earlier, I was surprised nonetheless.
The party was such a success! I have never had a surprise birthday, and it was perfect.
In fact, it lasted about five hours with people coming and going.
AND
The cops showed up.
No big deal.

We know how to do it here in Provo. (We, as in the Oregonians, of course).

All in all, the day could not have been better. I felt so loved.
I am so grateful to my roommates and Landon for throwing this party for me and for all the little things they regularly do for me.
I'm so grateful for the birthday wishes, hugs, phone calls and small things you all did!
I am so grateful for the wonderful people in my life.
I'm so grateful to be alive! FINALLY 20 and ready for a great year!

Here are some pictures of the day. (as usual, numerous pictures below. Thanks to Meredith, my personal photographer)
Note: pictures are in no particular order.

Maria and Chelsea. The party planners slash best roommates ever.

Big brudda, Landon.
[Ignore David]

He loves me.

Just singing with Murdith.
[Notice a pattern of David ruining every picture?]

Choir nerds.
[Love 'em.]

Roomzies.

What?

Oh, just interpretive dancing. Naturally.
[Unfortunately, this is NOT when the cops showed up. You would think that though, right?]

With the lovers.

Lifelong friends ♥

All the birthday girls!

Family. Isn't it about...time?

THUPER DUPER EXTHITED!

surprise!!!

One of many faces...

My best friends ♥

Precious.

He's squinting. And he decided to show up finally.

Ward friends. I really was happy, I swear.

party animals.

Why are we so awkward?

Ignore Adam. I love Lauren, el president of choir!

Love these boys.

Gang EXCITED!

gang. in the beginning.

pretty.

...and we DID party like it was 1999.
OPA!

Sexy Lexie

This is my sister, Alexandra Kay Ainge Cottle.

It is her 27th birthday.

She is absolutely wonderful.

Things I love about Lexie:

*She is the most positive person I know. She is constantly looking at every aspect of life in an optimistic way. If something gets her down, she always seems to find a way back up.

*She is the best mother. Brizzy is not the easiest child on the planet. Yet, she truly LOVES being a mom. She tries to enjoy every minute with her child.

She is hilarious. Our family talks about this. Lexie and I are the funniest members. (Not to toot my own horn or anything.) She is ALWAYS making me laugh.

*She is obsessed with So You Think You Can Dance, The Bachelorette, Modern Family, Friends, and Arrested Development like me! (Don't worry, I don't actually watch that much tv)

*I sincerely look up to her and her husband, Nick, for the their marriage. They are not perfect, but they are always laughing together, playing together, and I admire their love for one another.

*She is the most determined person I know. When she sets her mind to something, she will get it done. Although she tends to leave things a lot, she is super hardworking. She was graduated with her masters at a young age. I admire her for this.

*She is such a good sister. She's not as sappy as me, but I know that she is always there for me--even when I sometimes don't deserve it.

(LONG time ago)

Note: SAME EXACT facial expression. My dad is always calling me Lexie, because he says my mannerisms are the most like her. I move like her, talk like her, etc.

Or maybe he calls me that because he loves her more...

*On that note, she is the peacemaker. She's always been the "favorite, easy child." (We all know this, Lu, don't try to deny it). She is so easygoing and nonchalant about things. She never holds a grudge.

*Her example. She has always excelled in every aspect of her life. She is obedient to the gospel and I admire her for her natural born leadership. I apparently love her example so much, I want to be the same thing she is (guidance counselor).

*Everyone loves Lexie. They always want to be around her. She's easygoing and has a light about her.

*She is ALWAYS doing something outside. Whether it be tennis, or running a half marathon (crazy woman) she loves to be active. She's constantly on the go! I wish I had her energy!

*She is so much fun! She makes every moment a memory through her laughing and enjoying the present. No matter what it is, you will have fun with her.

*Her love for Jesse Mccartney and keeping up with the latest "hip" songs. (Even though she sings the wrong words. Ipod, not eyeball, Lu.)

*She is gorgeous. Naturally. She hardly wears any makeup. Every guy in high school thought she was the hottest woman alive. Still is.

Happy Birthday, Lexie.

I love you so much! I am so grateful for your example, lightheartedness, and light.

You are amazing. Have a good one big seeeester :)

&hearts,

Sisi

Would You Still Be My Friend If...

I looked like THIS.

HA. ha.aha.
hahahahahahahahaha.
Oh FatBooth Application on Iphone, you provide hours and hours of entertainment.

(It's a little bit creepy how real this looks.)

Success.

I was called this past Sunday to be Ward Activities Director in my singles ward.
I moved in last Tuesday.
Bishop decided to make me plan an entire ward opening social in three days. (I guess that's what you get when you move back into a ward that knows you)
I guess I'll take it as a compliment that he put me in charge of something so huge in such a short amount of time.
I was stressin pretty bad.
And you know what?
It turned out pretty well!
SUCCESS.

I'm super excited to get to know my ward better.
We had some intense volleyball players attend.
And I like that.
The food was AWESOME. Go Costco.

Let me tell you, being in charge of ward activities is ALOTOFWORK.
I'm not going to lie, I truly miss being Relief Society teacher.
I loved teaching the women and truly getting to know them.
I had that calling for a year and a half.
I guess it's time to stretch my comfort zone.
This calling will help me in enormous ways.
And I have to keep remembering that.
Even amidst the chaos.
Here's to a great year in BYU 179th Ward!

P.S. I love watermelon.
Cade and I bought 7 of them for the activity.
After a lot of stress....watermelon makes everything okay.

Word of advice: Give your full heart into your church callings.
You will notice a difference in ALL aspects of your life if you do.
Especially with callings that may scare you, or take up an exponential amount of time.
The Lord will, in fact, bless you.
(And those blessings may be a bit better than watermelon. Although, that's hard to beat.)

Stay sweet y'all.