Dear Good Deeds,

We have made it a goal at our home to do one good deed everyday. No one needs to know what it is. No one needs to know if you actually did it. And it can be anything. But imagine if you continue to help those around you the positive influence you are having on your life and in theirs. You can hold the door open for someone, return a cart at the store, entertain a little baby looking over his mom's shoulder, or loan someone a dollar.

There is so much more going on in the world around you. Take time out of your day to brighten someone else's... you never know how your light might glow after. Want to join the challenge?

Love,
Deidre

Dear Sports,

Well it is the weekend. And it going away just as fast as it came! Our weekend is full of football and baseball. Athletic events for everyone. BYU Baseball Alumni dinner last night followed by the BYU Football game. And today? The BYU Baseball Alumni game. Alumni VS the current roster. Let's do this. And then tonight? Maybe some mini golf... gotta stick to the theme! Here is you weekend tune.

Now what are your plans for the weekend?

Anyone watching football?

Or do you have exciting fall plans?

Love,
The Skinnys

Dear Hair,

Hair is scary. Actually. Hair isnt scary... changing hair is scary. Because. I don't know about everyone else. But I get bored with my hair. All the time. And after about 6 months to a year of the same cut, color, whatever... I start thinking "I hate my hair. It never looks good." And sometimes I will even lead in with, "I just look ugly all the time." Which, from what Adam says, isn't true. But what it comes down to is I get mad at my hair and blame everything about me on it. So then what time is it? Time to finally call a hair stylist and get some work done. Here is what I like to call... My hair, a history.

So as you can seem I usually end up at about the same hair style of brown and long. And finally I was back to that again. And I kept it for almost TWO years this time. And then... it was time. Time to change my hair. And do you want to know why I decided good hair was so important? Let the following diagram show you.

See? A GOOD HAIRCUT IS IMPORTANT. So that is why I decided to change it up. Try something totes new. So here you have it. BANGS!

Bangs are scary. And sometimes I think, what the heck did I do?! THESE THINGS ARE GOING TO TAKE YEARS TO GROW OUT. But then I remember. I like them. Because I am not the same as every other girl in Utah with long hair and a middle part. I am "that lady with bangs". And that is a name I am okay with.

Love,
Deidre

Dear Beef Stroganoff,

It is true. I am not only a wife. But I am a homemaker. It is slowly coming along. And last week I made my first real, everything from scratch dinner. We didn't have it much growing up because my mom didn't love it. I forgot how much I love it. And let me tell you something else. Adam loved it too. It was a huge hit. And he rated it as one of the top meals I have ever made. Which could be due to the fact that I usually make fish tacos, beef tacos, or chicken tacos... or some sort of chicken (I did make some bomb BBQ chicken the other night) dish. So here you have it people. I am REALLY proud of it.

Beef Stroganoff

Ingredients:

1/2 cup chopped onion

1 small clove garlic, minced

1 tablespoon butter

1 pound ground beef

2 tablespoons flour

1 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper

1/4 teaspoon paprika

1 cup sliced mushrooms (do not use canned)

1 can cream of mushroom soup

1 cup sour cream

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Cooked rice or noodles (I use one pack of noodles)

Directions:

Saute onions and garlic in a little butter on a skillet

Stir in meat, flour, and seasoning and saute until meat loses its color

Add mushrooms then soup

Simmer for 10 minutes

Stir in sour cream and Worcestershire sauce and heat; do not boil

Add milk if needed

Serve over rice or noodles

It is a big hit at our home. And I would be making it soon again if I didn't have a list of other things I want to try and make! Hopefully you enjoy it too.

Love,

Deidre

Dear Dad,

Happy birthday, happy birthday, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

To the most hard working,

gospel oriented,

honest,

dedicated,

family oriented,

well traveled,

knowledge,

trusting,

honest,

sarcastic,

motivated,

supportive,

and

most wonderful

Dad a girl could ever have.

I love you!

Love,

Your baby

Dear 7 Questions,

 It is time again for me to link up to a great cause. A cause called 7 questions in which you learn more about me than you would ever care to know. And now it is time for you to know something now even asked. I am love Lady Gaga. And a couple years ago I got to go to her concert. And while in this picture you can see my friends blue hair that she wore to the concert what you can't see is that I am not wearing pants. That is right people. I pulled an all time LADY GAGA and wore a leotard with no pants all. night. long. And that concert? Was THE BEST thing. Ever.

 1. Describe your perfect day.
This is very easy. Sleeping in. Waking up to breakfast in bed... Kneaders french toast perhaps? Relaxing and taking my time getting ready. Putting on something comfortable. Hanging out with Adam. Maybe watching some baseball or some Gossip Girl. Going out to dinner. Coming home early. Just hanging out with Adam, eating treats, and relaxing. Makeup off early. Hair in a bun. Sweatpants on. And going to bed whenever it feels right.

2.What was something that you were afraid of as a child?
The witch in my closet. I swear she was there at night!

3. What's something you're afraid of today?
Heights. When I was little I was so trusting of heights. And now I have a panic attack on a ladder... But I still love a good roller coaster and theme park thrill; how does that work?

4. Would you rather be obsessed with yourself or someone else?
Someone else. I get too self conscious already. If I was obsessed with me it would be a serious problem. It is easy to obsess over someone else's life. Just don't let it turn to envy. That is when it get UGLY.

5. What is a favorite restaurant that you could visit over and over and never get sick of?
9 Beans and a Burrito. I ate there almost every day in high school. If you are ever in Twin Falls, Idaho. GO THERE. You will love it. Here are my top recommendations: Bean and Cheese Double Wrap, Soft Taco, or Chicken and Rice Double Wrap... I want one right now...

6. What is one food you used to hate but now enjoy?
I really disliked hamburgers. Which is weird. Because now I want hamburgers ALL the time. Yum. Yum. Yummmmm.

7. Fill in the blank: Star ________.
Shine. Specifically because of this line from one of my fave movies, "Good morning star shine! The world says hello!" Name it and I will love you. Forevers.

Now go link up. I promise you good fun and happy wishes.

Love,
Deidre

Skinny. A Nickname. Not a Body Type.

Deidre was telling me about her last blogger meet up. When everyone was introducing their name and where they blog she said, "I am Deidre and I blog at Love, The Skinnys"... she said they all gave her a funny look, and so Deidre immediately started explaining where the blog name came from. She has always been worried that by using "The Skinnys" people would assume she was talking about her body type and she didn't want to give people the wrong idea. She says, "That is FALSE advertising!" For a long time she wanted to add the tagline "a nickname, not a body type". So here I am today to explain to you where Skinny came from.

Skinny is my nickname. If you haven't already concluded from previous posts by Deidre, I play baseball at BYU. And lots of times in sports guys are called by their last name. My last name was the same as a senior's last name. So how did they decipher between us? Let me show you a picture (not showing his face just in case...) to give you a hint.

Maybe you can't tell from this picture. But I was really skinny as a freshman and the other dude... was not. So that is how they named us. "Skinny Mill" and "Fat Mill". His name was only used at the field that year. My name is now stuck with my forever. Everyone on the team calls me Skinny. And also off the field. That is probably because there are also two Adams. So it is easier to keep using the catch nickname for me. I will forever be Skinny when it comes to my years at BYU Baseball. Although... I have tried to get them to change my nickname to Swole Mill. Because Deidre thinks I have really big muscles. She is probably right. So there you have it. Now you know where Deidre's nickname Deejmbl and my nickname Skinny come from. And you also know there is good reason. And we aren't as crazy as you would assume.

Sincerely,

Skinny

Dear Centerpieces,

More wedding stuff! Last week was cake and this week is centerpieces. I had a lot of fun gathering and collecting the pieces I wanted for my tables. The theme was "shabby chic". We ended up buying 16 birdcages, but I think they got put to good use. Every table was different with the birdcage tying them all together. We used tons of photos, old knick knacks from friends, my grandma, and my mom's collections. There were lots of vintage books, thanks to Miss Gentri Lee, and then pearls, jewels, doiles, and flowers to put on the finishing touches. It was so beautiful and I loved seeing my vision come to life.

I am so happy even time I look at wedding photos. The reception turned out better than I could have hoped. I can't wait to share more with you! After looking at all my pictures again I have decided designing weddings needs to be my career. It is such a rush and I loved seeing the outcome. Everyone always saying planning a wedding is stressful, but I LOVE it!

Love,

Deidre

Dear Saturday,

This weekend has gone by too fast. Group date with the baseball marrieds last night, returning gifts and making a Jedi robe today, and more fun tonight. Plus the Brigham City temple dedication. Weekend, please slow down will ya? Here is your weekend tune!

Love,
Deidre

Dear Fashion Friday,

Two things about this post that makes me not even want to post it:

1. I slept in a little every day. So look questionable and I don't really love my outfits because they were put together from whatever I could find in my messy closet since I need to do laundry.
2. We were in a hurry every morning so the pictures aren't my favorite, which also contributes to me looking questionable.

Why am I even pretending I know how to dress well?! With that being said.... I still feel the need to post Fashion Friday because it is sort of fun. And sometimes people like how I dress... which makes me question your taste in clothing? Just kidding. It doesn't. I know you guys dress better than me. I see your blog posts!

Purse: Miche | Sweater: SheInside | Undershirt: Shade | Leggings: similar | Socks: similar | Boots: Payless Shoes

Purse: Miche | Blazer: Thrifted | White shirt: Downeast Basics | Pants: Gap | Belt: Thrifted | Necklace: Caroline G. | Shoes: Target

So there you have it. Don't say I never tried! Also. Does anyone else find it extremely difficult to dress right now? When I wake up it is chilly and so I put on boots and a jacket. And then when I leave work it is like 78 degrees! And boots are far too hot... Lets just make it fall all the time. What fall fashion are you pumped for? Boots and scarves anyone?

Love,

Deidre

Dear Apple Pie Dip,

Adam had a LOT of homework the other night. And my brother and his family invited us out for dinner. Adam said, "You go, I will do homework..." And I thought... that was a good idea, because I just distract him anyway constantly asking if he is done yet?! So we went to Costco, got him some food, unloaded the car, and I headed to family. It was a great dinner of yummmmy soup (which I love in the fall) followed by a night of helping get a treat ready for church the next night. We made Apple Pie Dip and ate it with graham crackers the night we taste tested it and cinnamon chips at church the next day. My mom and I were on apple duty... which wasn't too bad since we used a Victorio apple peeler. And then my sister in law made the YUMMY treat! But I got the recipe to share with you. It tasted just like an apple pie, and was too good to not share with you!

How cool is that? All thanks to the handy apple peeler. My mom and I bought one for ourselves as well!

Apple Pie Dip

2 cups peeled, cored, and diced apple

2 tbsp fresh lemon/calamansi juice

3 tbsp brown sugar

¼ tsp cinnamon

1 tsp cornstarch dissolved in 1 tsp water

Directions:
Combine all the dip ingredients in a small pan except the cornstarch-water mixture.
Heat for a few minutes until it’s boiling and has extracted juice from the apple.
Add cornstarch-water mixture to the “sauce”
Put back on stove top until boiling and the sauce has thickened.
Set aside. You can serve this warm or chilled. It doesn’t matter. It will taste delicious.

Cinnamon Chips

5 (6-inch) wheat tortillas

2 tablespoons butter, melted

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1 1/2 tablespoons sugar

Directions:
Cut tortillas into desired wedge size.
Put in a slightly greased baking pan.
Brush the tortillas with butter.
Sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar, and bake at 400º F until golden brown, about 5-8 minutes.
Let them cool before serving and serve with the Apple Pie Dip

That is right people. FALL IS HERE. Bring on the boots, scarves, apple cider, pumpkin cookies, and cinnamon treats.

Love,
Deidre

Dear 7Qs,

One of my bridesmaids posted this on my FB wall.
She said, "yeah, new fav. app".
My sister in law said. "Is that what your kids will look like??? Scary!!!!"
I think I make a handsome man.
And Adam makes an interesting woman.
No more face juggler Risa... no more!

1. Do you ever have reoccurring dreams?

Not since I was little... and that one was a doozy. I went to the grocery store with my mom. It was a slip and slide grocery store. She was sliding around like crazy. And then she fell and broke her back. The ambulance took her away and I went on a picnic with my brothers and dad. I was eating a cupcake with a plastic clown on top (did anyone else have those in elementary school) when all the sudden the clown disappeared. I look up to see two kidnapper clowns coming to get me and my family M.I.A. And then I wake up. And I am forever scared of clowns. The dream wasn't bad until those last 30 seconds.

2. It's the first day of Fall (or Spring for you southern hemispherers) in a few days, what are you looking forward to most?
I am looking forward to a lot of things. Scarves, boots, new jackets, my birthday, Halloween, more football, hot chocolate, carving pumpkins. And most of all the color change. Fall is my favorite season of all the seasons!

3. Because a lack of coordination, would you rather not be able to tie your shoes or cut your own food?
Tie shoes. Three reasons. First. I love slip ons most. Second. There is always velcro. Third. I only actually wear lace shoes when I go to the gym. So I can either have someone else tie them or I can just stop going to the gym.

4. Would you rather live in a house made entirely of glass or a house with no windows?
Made of glass. In a dark house I will NEVER ever wake up. Waking up is already hard enough. And a glass house can have shutters or blinds or somethings.

5. Would you rather walk on you toes or heels forever?
Toes. Considering I am a dancer, that is what I am used to. Plus... Imagine how bomb your calves would look.

6. What's your favorite sense? (you have 5 btw)
Sight. Seeing things is the best.

7. What's your favorite movie quote of all time?

"Shampoo is better, I go on first and clean the hair. Conditioner is better, I leave the hair silky and smooth. Oh really fool? Really! *fighting noises* Stop looking at me swan!"
or... the all time classic from my ALL TIME FAVORITE MOVIE!
"HEY YOU GUYYYYYYYYYS!!!" Name the movie. I dare ya!

Well... now you know. Go link up people.

Love,

Deidre

Dear One Track Mind,

The other day I was in my Psychological Science class. We were learning how our minds often times go on cruise control. For example...have you ever driven somewhere that you've driven hundreds of times before? When you arrive, you don't remember a single thing about the drive, this is called reckless driving... just kidding, its 100% natural for a human being. My teacher then proceeded to play the following video to show how "dumb" we really are.

If you did see the gorilla the first time you watched it, CONGRATULATIONS! We need more people like you on the road. If you didn't see the gorilla, no need to worry- 85% of people don't see it. Imagine how many crazy funny things we miss in life. For all we know, something crazy could be happening right now but you aren't even aware of it. I am so glad I WAS paying attention when I saw a guy in the crosswalk on a sit-down lawnmower and when I saw a guy with a unicorn costume riding in the back of a car. My advice is that you try to pay 100% attention 100% of the time; life has got some special human beings waiting to do some super special things just to make your day special.

Last New Years, Deidre and I went to Disneyland with my brother and a friend. I had never been on Tower of Terror before so we went on it. Boy am I glad I didn't miss this face Deidre made! Thanks to cameras, we have the picture so we can remember it foooooorrrrreeeevvvveeeeerrrrr... did anyone catch the Sandlot reference?

Sincerely,

Adam

Dear Wedding Cake,

Two receptions means two wedding cakes. And I loved them both. Really different yet very much the same. So here I am with more wedding photos to share! This time. It is just of the cake and the grand event in which we cut the cake. Once really nicely and once really not so nicely.

First here is the Twin Falls cake. Which I loved. I showed our cake lady a photo from pinterest of a cake that I liked... and she turned it into a cake that I LOVED! She far far far passed my expectations. The flower looked better and she added the little lace accents. It was seriously perfect.

My mom made a BEAUTIFUL cake table with our colors and a few crowns and baseballs to add character. I saw a cake table similar to this in a friend's wedding photos a long time ago and fell in love with the idea. Luckily so did my mom. She set a whole day plus some aside to design this for me. I couldn't have been happier with how it turned out. Our neighbor made us the knife and cake server. She had my mom come over to help pick out beads in our colors and then they spent the evening stringing beads onto wires for our serving set. Adam called them "the special stone set". 

See... we were nice in Twin Falls. Because I told Adam that a messy feeding of the cake was a bad omen.  Messy face equals messy marriage.... I think he knew I was joking but either way I am glad he honored my wishes. I didn't want to clean up and fix my makeup before our first dance.

Now onto California! Adam's mom and sisters did the whole reception down there. They took a lot of things from the Idaho reception and then they had all sorts of tricks up their sleeves. It was almost a twin reception to the Idaho one and I couldn't have planned or decorated it better myself. At the reception down there is was all cupcakes (the chocolate ones were delicious) so the cake was one layer cupcakes one layer a really yummy white cake with a cute bow on top. The cake was from Sam's Club, and I now wish I had a Sam's Club card because that cake was the bomb.

This is where we were not as nice as Idaho.... Adam was feeding me my piece and got some frosting on my face. On accident. You could tell he felt bad because his eyes opened wide and he said, "I am so sorry." But it was too late, plus we already had a nice cake cutting... so I grabbed some frosting and smeared it on his mouth. And then he got me back one more time. So I would say we are even now? Maybe? Probably not...

The top tier of the cake from Idaho is sealed in an airtight bag in the freezer for our one year anniversary. Everyone says it is gross and doesn't taste good. But I love tradition and so keeping that top tier was really important to me. And if the next 11 months go as fast as the first... we will be eating that cake in no time!

Love,

Deidre

Dear Spencer W. Kimball

I always have a hard time making decisions. They sort of stress me out. That is why I love this quote. Because at the end of the day I know what is the right choice. And the sooner I pick it the sooner I can show who I really am. Tall and proud in my values.

Love,
Deidre

Dear Saturday,

Friday has come and gone and now we are in Saturday mode. Two more days left before heading back to the grind. We went to the fair, the gym, and to pick up a bountiful basket. Now all that is left on the docket is one test for Adam and THE HOLY WAR! So until Monday... here is your weekend replay song!

Peace and blessings!

Love,

Deidre

Dear Fashion Friday,

Four outfits and two similar looks. I have been really busy with all the moving and whatnot that I haven't had much time to try and mix and match my wardrobe. Plus. Most of my clothes are in the laundry pile anyway. So I have been sticking with what I know. Which is pencil skirts and scarves.

Outfit 1

Scarf: Gift | Shirt: KMart | Pants: Cotton On | Shoes: Payless {similar} | Belt: Mom's closet

Outfit 2

Scarf: Soel Boutique {similar} | Denim Shirt: H&M | Black Shirt: Downeast Basics | Sequin Layered Shirt: Nordstrom Rack {similar} | Pants: Target {similar} | Shoes: F21

From these pictures I learned that my face with bangs and a top knot isn't super flattering... 

Chubby bunny anyone?

Outfit 1

Shirt: SheInside | Skirt: SexyModest Boutique | Shoes: Dillards {similar} | Necklace: Caroline G.

Outfit 2

Blazer: Deseret Industries | Shirt: ModBod | Skirt: SexyModest Boutique | Shoes: Target {clearance} | Necklace: F21 {similar}

Okay. I just want you to know how BOMB the Sexy Modest skirt is. I love it. And it does with everything. So comfy. So stylish. And it comes in like every color. One of my besties has it in grey. If you need a new pencil skirt GO to Sexy Modest and get this one. If you order online click on the link above, click "On Bottoms", and a few pages back will be "Scrunchy Colored Skirts". You will not regret it.

I am SO SO SO excited for Fall weather which is slowly creeping in. Boots and scarves and tights and sweaters. YES. What fall fashion are you excited for?

Love,

Deidre

Dear Versatile Blogger,

Winning awards is the best! And today Brittney over at The Sweet Life nominated me for the Versatile Blogger award. And now I really feel like I am moving up in this crazy world of blogging. Two awards and finally broke 100 followers. I am on my way! MOVING ON UP!

THE RULES

1. Nominate up to 15 fellow bloggers who are relatively new to blogging.

2. Let the nominated bloggers know that they have been nominated for this award.

3. Share 7 random facts about yourself.

4. Thank the blogger who has nominated you.

5. Add the Versatile Blogger Award picture to your post.

7 RANDOM FACTS

1. My husband has ten siblings and twenty five nieces and nephews. I have three siblings and six nieces and nephews. Together we have a LOT of family.

2. I met Arnold Schwarzenegger at an ice skating rink in Sun Valley, Idaho.

3. My family moved four different times within the same two neighborhoods while I was growing up.

4. Once upon a time I ran for student body vice president at BYU... and lost. Second place was actually pretty exciting though. And my campaign posters were a huge hit.

5. At my senior recital I held the roll of Bert in Mary Poppins. STEP IN TIME!

6. My favorite snack is popcorn.

7. And I can play one song on the piano... "Part of Your World" from The Little Mermaid.

MY 15 NOMINEES

Upclose & Personal

Chevron & Lace

Just a Dash of Keena
Janette the Jongleur
That's Just Lovely
Sincerely Arizona
The TT diaries
Life Unsweetened
Styllist
Manscape Monday
The Fashion Nerd
Just Two in Love
A Muse in Purple
Wives, M.D.
K & R

Stop by and see those gems. Show them some love. And... actually. Show me some love too. Kidding. Not kidding. Thanks.

Love,

Deidre

Dear 7 Questions,

It is THAT time of the week again. You know. The seven questions time. So here is my photo. Of my friend Sarah and I. Breaking all the rules at the Crystal Cathedral in California. There are a lot of other REALLY good ones that I could show you. We spent probably an hour taking photos with statues and with pictures and making ourselves "living art", as we liked to call it... but this one is still one of my favorites from that trip. We titled it, "She Catches Where I Fall".... fitting, right?

1. Do you have any weird food combinations that you love?

Let's see... Grilled cheese and strawberry jam. French fries (chicken nuggets aren't bad either) and a frosty. Cottage cheese with sprouts and sunflower seeds. I am sure I could think of a few others.

2. Have you ever written a blog post, published it, then immediately deleted it?

Nope!

3. What is a hair style you wish you could pull off, but would never be brave enough to try?

Well... until last week I would say bangs. But I did it. I cut bangs! Snip snip and away they go... 

So now I would have to say maybe dying it red. My friend Mallory died her hair red once and I loved it. And I want to do it but I think I would look like a nut job.

4. Would you rather have to always use the sun to tell the time or directions by the stars?

Time by sun for sure. I am really bad with directions. The stars would not help me. At least with the sun I could get a sundial watch or something and then pray for no overcast days!

5. What is a fall trend that you are excited to try?

Ohhh. Military. For sure. I have always been a fan of the military jackets. And now they are on the list for Fall 2012. And leather jackets. So classy.

6. Who is your style icon?

My style icon is actually one of my friends. And a pinterest celeb. And she would KILL me for putting her in the spotlight. Because she actually hates the attention. But Heidi Allen, come on downnnn!!! You are my style icon. I will post one photo from her engagements and then you can go find her on pinterest. Oh... and her husband and her are the perfect model couple. Don't mind that.

7. What's your favorite outdoor activity?

My favorite outdoor activity other than watching Adam play baseball and sometimes attempting to play myself would have to be.... Swimming. Or soccer. Yep. Nailed it.

More pictures today on the 7Qs than regular. Lucky you.

Love,
Deidre

Dear Shabby Apple,

It is that time of year. Time for new clothes. Time for FALL clothes. So you can wear your tights and your boots. And look as cute as ever. And who doesn't LOVE getting discounts while shopping!

From TODAY until September 14th you can get 10% off of your entire purchase at Shabby Apple. Just click on the ad to the left or the ad in my right column and shop around. When you are ready to check out type in favorite10 for 10% off site wide!

Here. Let me give you some shopping help. Here is a list of the 2012 Best Selling Shabby Apple dresses:

1-  Alice

2-  The Red Queen

3-  I'm Late! I'm Late!

4-  Ingrid

5-  El Capitan

6- Elizabeth Islands

And here is a list of my favorite items:

1- Tinsel Town Skirt (this is one item I have been WISHING for all summer)

2- Tambourin

3- Zoology Blouse

4- A Preppy Lady

5- Bellissima

6- Summer Wind (my sister in law wore this dress to my wedding and it is so beautiful in person, plus it comes in yellow for a little pop during fall)

So there you have it. The best selling dresses according to Shabby Apple and MY favorite items as well. That Tinsel Town Skirt will be mine soon. I hope! So go take a look and find your favorite fall item. Who can argue with 10% off? Not me... That is for sure! What is your favorite item on their site?

Love,

Deidre

Dear 9/11,

All status updates, shared photos, tweets, and so on point to one thing today...

I can still remember my mom coming to pick me up from piano lessons and saying, "The twin towers have just been hit by airplanes! It is all over the news." On the drive from Barbara Mix's home to school we listened intently to the radio to hear updates. And once I arrived at school the second tower has been hit. Do you remember where you were when you heard?

Never forget. Always remember. A day that truly made this generation stand up as one nation. Nine eleven is the day my generation will remember. We will remember the feelings against terrorism. We will remember family and friends going being deployed to fight for our country. But most of all we will remember the unity. When our nation stood strong for patriotism. And we stood strong for America. The day when America was turned into a family.

Love,
Deidre

Dear Sleep Walking,

Sleep-walking is a phenomena that has played a major role in my life. Some neural psychologists call sleep walking a "disorder." Who are they to say that my adventures at night are a disorder?! Rather, I see them as getting the most out of my day. Sleep-walking for me is rather different compared to most other sleep-walkers...I am half conscious and upon exiting the adventure, I vividly remember everything that I did.

Here's a little background about my sleep-walking. The first time I realized that sleep-walking ran in my family was when I was about 10 years old. I shared a room with my brother. I was doomed to the top bunk and he joyfully enjoyed his bottom bunk. One night, at about 2 AM, I heard my brother get out of  his bed. I figured he was going to use the restroom. I heard him open the bathroom door, but rather than hearing the toilet flush, I heard the bathtub turn on. When that happened, I knew something peculiar was going on. I went into my parents bedroom to have them investigate with me. We went into the bathroom, and to our surprise, as well as my sleepwalking brothers surprise who woke upon seeing the light turn on, he was sitting in the bathtub as it filled up, WITH HIS CLOTHES ON! From that moment, I knew I might be next to be diagnosed with the sleep-walking "disorder".

Here is another personal story about sleep-walking. I was a freshman at BYU in Helaman Halls. I woke up in the middle of the night (by wake up I mean enter the sleep-walking world). I had to go to the bathroom. For some reason, I felt the need that I had to bring my blanket with me. So, I tugged my blanket off my bed and left my room and began walking down the hall. I went to the restroom in my sleep (number one to be clear), and I went back into the hallway and grabbed my blanket. Then, I couldn't find my room. Imagine being half asleep and trying to find your room. Its a difficult task. I began checking every door. All were locked. I didn't understand why the side of the hallway on which I was looking was different than the hallway that I remembered. After an extended period of time, I finally became full awake. I realized that the reason I couldn't find my door was because I was looking on the opposite side of the hall. I found my room and realized that I didn't have my key. With my shirt off, blanket in hand, I was imagining what my roommate would think once I knocked and he saw me. "Did you have a pleasant night, Adam?", I was thinking he would ask me. I counted to three, then pushed the door, hoping for a miracle that it would be unlocked. It was. I walked in and continued my sleep.

Instead of sharing all of my wonderful sleep-walking adventures all at once, I will share them on future blog posts. Here is what you have to look forward to; spiders coming down and building a web around me, lizards in my bed, smoke detector, roommate watching me kill an imaginary spider, getting lost in an apartment in Mexico, and many many more.

Sincerely,
Adam

Beginning of Eternity || 8.16.12

As promised.... Here is the start of many (more) wedding posts. I just got all of my photos... like 1600... all unedited and raw so I could have them to look at. So today I will share with you photos from directly after the sealing in the temple. And away we go!

Too many pictures? #sorrynotsorry... Oh. This isn't Twitter. Sorry I'm not sorry! This was the best day and it was hard enough to narrow it down. More coming soon... And then again and again and again. If you hate weddings, tune out startinnnnnnnnnnnnng.... now!

Love,

Deidre