Who Knew?

(Yes, that is me)

I got two letters from Tanner this week.

Who knew that letters from your missionary could bring such an ecstatic feeling?!

I peed a little from the excitement.

Just saying.

Oh no. I really have become 'That Mormon girl', huh?

Ew.

Mac Attack.

Another Birthday.

Another Sister.

Still SO special to me.

It is Mckenna Ainge Michel's 29th birthday today!!

Things I love about my big sister:

Her love (perhaps, obsession) with her dog, Baxter. Also, her love for children. Mckenna has a young heart. She loves everyone, and particularly feels a connection to childlike aspects; such as dogs and little kids. She is so good with them as well. She relates to them on so many levels. heh.

(She is the culprit to my newfound obsession with dogs).

Her constant energy. The girl has more physical and social energy than anyone I've ever met! She constantly wants to be going. She's a freakin ball of fury! But I envy this aspect of her. I have social energy, but not half as much as her. Because of this, she is SO FUN. There is never a dull moment in the life of Mac. She makes every situation so fun. Every time I go and visit her in San Diego, it's ALWAYS an enjoyable experience.

Her big heart. She has such a love for everyone around her. She truly means well in all of her endeavors. She never judges, and loves openly. When she gives presents for special days, they are always meaningful. She puts a lot of time and effort into gifts, cards, and with people in general.

Her skinny, hot bod. I don't know what happened, but she got the good genes. I envy her skinny little body and her natural beauty. She hardly wears any makeup, but is still beautiful!

Her advice and sister love. Mac is such a good listener I can call her whenever and complain about anything. And although she will always think of me as her baby sister, she is so easy to talk to. I can tell her anything without any reservations. I can be myself around her.

She's little Miss Fashionista (as my mom calls it: hoochie mama! haha). She is a perfectionist as to what clothes she wears (well in every aspect, really). She a knack for what looks and good and is a good shopping partner. She's lived in California for too long :)

Her ability to laugh and have a good time. She is always willing to laugh in a situation. When we all get together as a family (despite the dysfunction) she'll find a way to laugh (amidst the drama ;)). Especially in her cheesy tone. Let's be honest, she's not the funniest one in the family ;) but like the typical Ainge, she appreciates some good humor :)

Her ability to read people. She has reeled me in with brain typing as well. She's brilliant. School has always come really easy to her. She understands people in a way that others can't fathom. She just gets them in a completely nonjudgmental way.

Her love for music. She is such a gifted musician and pianist. We both have a sincere love and need for music in our lives. She has good taste in music as well.

Happy Birthday, Mckenna!

I love you so much. I can't wait to see you soon. Thank you for your love, guidance, and fight. You're an example to me in so many ways.

Have a wonderful birthday, SIS. xoxo

YEEEEE.

I will be seeing her in less than a week in Salt Lake.

Words can't describe how excited I am.

And all I know is that I'm still breathing. All I can do is keep breathing.
*Keep Breathing: Ingrid Michaelson

Oh Ing, your words and music are perfect.
I'll see you soon.

Dig.

[written awhile ago. not directed towards anyone currently in my life.]

Forgive the "deepness" (no pun intended.)

In the midst of towering birch trees,

a chill wind blew.

Did you know as you stood on our frosty mess that you

discovered my weakness?

You. You were my fault.

You were heavy.

I fell into the ditch of games.

So next time,

Please call before you dig,

So I can warn myself; prepare for how

deep the hole will be.

How many of us have been dug out?

Taken into someone's arms, then slowly let go.

Fallen into the ditch, then left there all alone.

You broke me down, then dug me out.

I'm putting the pieces back together.

Next time,

walk away before you throw me into the ditch.

You want me. Then you don't.

Make up your mind.

This trapeze is making me fall.

This ditch too is deep.

Dig me out before I let myself wait too long.

I've waited around for you for too long.

You haven't dug me out.

It's my turn to dig now.

It's taken hours of tears,

weeks of work,

But now,

I have finally...

dug you out of my life.

THAT girl.

I'm sitting here on my couch in his sweatpants and sweatshirt. Wearing the watch he gave me and the necklace he hand made.

The tears have finally stopped.

After an hour.

I told myself that I would NEVER be the girl who sent a missionary off. I avoided dating pre missionaries for this exact reason.

But yes, now I am THAT GIRL. Awesome.

I said goodbye to Tanner tonight.

He is getting set apart to be a missionary at this exact moment.

He will be serving a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints for two years in Villahermosa, Mexico.

I didn't know it was going to be this hard.

I was warned; and I ignored them all.

I am a mess.

My hair is everywhere.

I will continue crying here pretty soon, I'm sure.

But I know that he will be an incredible missionary.

It's just hard to say goodbye.

For two years. Seems like such a long time.

It's okay, though. I got two years to conquer the world before he gets back.

I am so grateful for his hard work, his example, and his courage to go out on the mission field.

I'll see you in two years, Tan Man.

My super hot cowboy ;)

P.S. I hate bittersweet feelings like these.

September.

Whoa whoa dancing in September.

OH, it was a month of stress, laughter, and love.

No matter how busy I seem to constantly be, I am so grateful for all the wonderful blessings I have been given.

Ergo... September: Scrapbook style.

*Brad Paisley (With Darius Rucker) Concert!

My main man, Tanner took me :)

*LDC (Retreat/performances)

Fake engagement picture #1

Just showing my fellow choir members some sick dance moves.

I LOVE LDC.

just acting as natalie.

I'm a good actress.

Clearly.

CLOSE.

"Friends" picture

ughhhhh

I love these girls more than life.

Meredith: "Whoa Sierra your ___ look really good!"

This picture is pure genius.

:)

Fake engagement picture #2

Fake engagement picture #3.

I get around.

I do modeling on the side. LDC gets my good side.

*Random fun

UTAH POOF.

Roomie pics! Love them!

Oh, Volleyball!

thuper duper exthited.

randomly saw Brad, I mean Elder Smith, at the temple.

Can you tell I felt really awkward not being able to hug him?

HORSEBACK RIDING.

romantic.

I'm not high.

Kittens AND horses?! Unreal.

Just preparing my nervous self.

*My 20th Birthday.

My roommates threw me a surprise party. It was great fun!

*October 2010 General Conference

I am aware that this is technically in October, but since I still felt like this weekend was September, I am allowing this exception. I got to go to the conference center with my roommates and it was a way cool experience!

Standing outside in the mega hot sun.

Please ignore the fact that I fell asleep once they turned off the lights.

They should not dim those lights.

That's just cruel.

And I only slept through one talk.

Judge me, I dare you.

IN conference center. After they told us not to take pictures.

REBELS.

Isn't life so great? September, you were so good to me.

Til next time.

For now, I have to study for math.

I'd rather die.

*End on a positive note*

I LOVE GENERAL CONFERENCE. I am so grateful to be a part of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. It has brought me so many blessings. I owe all my happiness to the Lord.

As always, love you all. ♥