changing my crappy attitude.

I cannot believe that fall is over. I went to Vegas last weekend and when I left it was a crisp cool fall feeling outside.  When I came back however, there was WHITE everywhere.  Snow is not my thing.  I'm a California/Vegas girl so I don't like it.  AND I commute to school and work so it scares me.  Anyway, as I was driving home today, I was surprised how pretty the snow actually was.  As long as it's sunny and not freezing cold, this white stuff can stick around for awhile. Here go the random pics....

 

Julie's last soccer game. So proud of our J!

 

Day at the farm.

 

This pumpkin spice apple from Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory is to die for. TO DIE FOR.

 

Pretty Gemzy.

 

Katy Perry & Black Widow take on the HOWL!

 

Pumpkin carving gets intense with the Tatom fam.

 

Our little diva turned 4. Happy Birthday Clairey! We sure do love you.

 

I love her.  Don't know if she feels the same though..

 

Happy Gems last weekend!

 

Our favorite find at Marshall's.

Do you have God in your heart?

I have had an interesting and busy few weeks.  I started out by making a quick weekend trip to Vegas with some of my best friends.  We were able to attend the Homecoming football game and see everyone from high school. It was a blast catching up, seeing the floats and the boys even won!

That night, D and I went to stay at the Marriott because her aunt had a free room that she gave us.  Even though it was short, it was nice to be in luxury for a night. The next day I spent with my sister and her little family hanging out.  Sunday was another busy day.  We went to our good friend Brandon Fish's farewell.  He is going to Madrid, Spain for 2 years and we all are so proud of him.  I used to fight with Brandon til the death when we were younger and now it's so odd he is so grown up!

After church we headed over to see our best friend Julie Owens play her senior soccer game at UNLV.  I cannot believe we are that old.  I feel like we should be watching her play Centennial soccer and making T. Swift music videos.  So proud of you Jay!!!

The next weekend I went back to Quincy, CA to see my old team at Feather River play their arch nemesis, Butte College.  They kicked butt in 3 games.  FRC girls are so good this year.  The trip out to Quincy was a blast and I am sure glad I went.  It gave me a lot of perspective and helped me realize what my future plans are. 

On the way back, I was in the airport wearing my FRC Volleyball sweatshirt.  I sat down and an older man started talking to me and asking how my season was going.  I explained I didn't play there anymore but I used to and I liked it when I was there.  He asked a few questions and then at the end he said, "Can I ask you a personal question? Do you have God in your heart?" I instantly said yes, but I will admit I felt kind of uneasy and uncomfortable.  We talked for a second longer and then he got up and boarded his plane.  As soon as he left I felt weak.  Of course I have God in my heart.  All day, everyday, all the time.  It was an easy question that I answered honestly, but I didn't expand. I had an ample opportunity to have a missionary moment and because of my uneasiness I let it pass me up.  Now if this happens again, I won't let the opportunity pass.  I always have God in my heart.

it's party time.

Meghan and I after eating Tucano's for my birthday dinner.

 

So last weekend, I bought a new car.  I had to drive my old car (newly painted ServPro green) down to St. George and pick up the new car.  I drove Katy and Gemma there so Brooklynn coud pick them up there.  Gemma sure is a cutie.

 

I said goodbye to Zippy, and I now introduce....

RUBY!!!!! She is the best thing ever.  I love her like more than Zippy. And I totally feel bad cause Zip was so good to me, but Ruby will be better. I can already tell.

Just another day on the farm. Prissy and Monty love eachother to pieces.  And Charlotte could sit in that stroller for days watching them.  (This is what we do when its almost nap time and she is reaching her breaking point.)

And just a little note I found while cleaning out Zippy.  Sky Guy left this on my car after seminary one day. Love love love this!!

 

Sorry this post is kinda out of sorts.  But this has been life for the past 2 weeks. Oh and one more thing.... VEGAS BOUND THIS WEEKEND!!! Hallelujah!!!!

fall.

Fall has always been my favorite season since I can remember.  The fresh new start of school, the crisp autumn air, the pumpkin chocolate chip cookies, volleyball, football, and my birthday.  Growing up in Vegas, we had about two weeks of fall and then it got cold. But last year I lived in the mountains in Quincy where my favorite season truly came to life.  It was beautiful.  I really came to appreciate all my favorite things.  I made tons of pumpkin flavored treats, played volleyball and watched football.  Now, I am hoping that living in Utah will bring me some sense of the crisp feeling I desire as well.

 

Missing my FRC ladies.  Only 26 more days!!

 

These two made it to their 28th Anniversary last week.  And to celebrate? They jetted off to NYC today. Love you both!!

 

Last week we ventured out to Richfield, UT to have Gemma blessed.  It was a perfect day! We sure do love our little Gemsicle.

 

Visiting my Little Liam.

 

Lately, my favorite thing has just been taking walks around the country in Lehi.  Babygirl is in there, don't worry.  She zones out and loves to go on walks more than anything.  I truly have the best job in the whole world.

 

As much as I am loving life right now, this is my first year since I was about 12 that I didn't attend volleyball camps in August and didn't start a season in September.  I miss volleyball but on the other hand, life has been good and I cannot complain right now.  That being said, my birthday is in twelve days!! Lucky me, I get to go to school for 10 hours and take 2 tests.  But thats growing up right?  All I want is a pumpkin chocolate chip cookie and maybe a carmel apple cider on that day.  Is that too much to ask?!

reflection.

This year has been such a crazy ride.  I know I have said that before, but between moving from Vegas, to California, to Utah, it has been a whirlwind of emotions both bad and good.  No one ever wants to leave home.  Especially when I knew my parents were also departing our humble abode.  It was hard to know they wouldn't be in the place I grew up, the place I called home.

Then I ventured to Quincy of all places.  It was fun.  I have wonderful memories from there and I truly grew as a person.  It was also the hardest thing I have ever done to date. It sounds dramatic, but you try moving to a town of about three thousand people and being one of eighty LDS citizens.  Then throw in some stomach pain and an emotional rollercoaster and call it good.  At the very least, it built me.  It is part of who I am and I will always treasure it as a wonderful time in my life.  (Even if I didn't feel that way at the time. Time gives you perspective people.)

Next chapter.  Off to Utah I came in December.  Moving in with your parents after not living with them for six months is not exactly a joy ride.  It was hard and I think it's safe to say we all struggled a bit, but it made us closer in the end.  In April I decided to take the plunge and move to Provo. The marriage capitol of the world I would say. (Just kidding....kinda.)  Although this summer wasn't what I expected, it was another one of those treacherous "growing experiences".  I may not have had a ton of friends or had a complete blast, but I became close to a few people who I believe truly matter.  They always have been a big part of my life, but it took me awhile to realize that I really needed them. 

It's weird how things work out sometimes.  Everyone says that your freshmen year is the latest and greatest.  Although mine seemed to be pretty rocky, I wouldn't change any of it.  I know that is such a cliche, but it's so true.  Now as I go into my sophomore year of college, I am excited beyond belief for what's in store. I have a few fun things planned up my sleeve for this fall as well; a trip to Lake Powell with the fam, birthday trip to Quincy to see my girls play, and even some time spent in Mexico in December.  This is going to be such a great year, I can feel it!!

summer lovin.

We went out to Florida for the ServPro convention this year.  It was such a blast. We went to so many fun parks including Epcot, Disney World, Animal Kingdom, Universal Studios, Harry Potter World, etc.

This cutie bug is so chunky and perfect!! I love it! She is growing so fast and she is precious.

All in all, this has been a very fun summer.  A lot different from what I thought it was going to be, but it was fun nonetheless.  I think I grew as a person more than ever, which is odd considering I wasn't in school or doing anything productive besides nannying.  But I just feel blessed and happy and so excited for this new semester to start. New ward, new people. I cannot wait! Here comes my favorite season of all time....FALL!!!

the good life.

I have made an executive decision for myself that May is just my month.  Everything is so fun and spring-y in May and it is also my month because May happens to me my middle name!! I am so lucky! hehe :) Here is just a little recap in pictures of the last couple weeks.

Settling into my apartment well. Community Sunday naps are the way to go!

Wedding weekend in Vegas! Alex Lewis, Lauren Dudley, and Jenn Gregory all have new last names!

Fun high school friends. Love these girls to death!

J-DAWGS with Jenn!

Hanging out with Liam everyday is just my favorite.

Went downtown when Grandma Tatom came to visit and saw Temple Square!

Jack's presentation about Babe Ruth.  He memorized his whole part so well!!

Went to the lake with Dad, Kev, Emily, Steve & Claire.  Such a blast!!

Couldn't sleep ALL NIGHT one night.  Made a list of deliriousness!

Got a new journal....

....and a new niece!! Welcome Gemma Marie!!

She's adorable with all that hair!!

Solar eclipse with Star, Jared and Danny was sure fun!

Skyping with B & Gemma.

She is adorable!! Love this little angel.

All in all, May has been such a fun month! I truly feel so blessed and so loved.  Life is good people, life is good!

oh susan.

Let me tell you about my mother, Susan Marie Tatom.  My mom is the greatest lady I know.  Something I love about her is how selfless she is.  No matter what, she is always putting others before her.  She works like a dog and manages to keep the house sparkling clean all the while looking fabulous! That doesn't happen very often these days! She is seriously hilarious too.  Susan will say the funniest things sometimes and it always makes me wonder where that came from!
She is strong in the gospel and ALWAYS picks the Christ like route.  Whenever someone does something to offend me or hurt my feelings she will come back and say, "Well maybe they were just really having a bad day" or something along those lines.  She always tries to see the good in others no matter the situation. And even though sometimes I just want her to side with me...it's still a great trait to have.
My momma is a crazy good seamstress.  She makes all sorts of things.  She made prom and homecoming dresses for Katy and I, a wedding dress, Gemma's crib bedding, and a ton of other things.  She has so many talents!! She runs like a crazy person and is smoking hot for 50 years old!!
Something I love about my mom is she has become my best friend.  That is one great thing about getting older.  I can't go a day without talking to my mom.  There is always something different to tell her or to talk about. I love that I have such a good relationship with her and am always grateful for the advice she gives. 
My mom is just the best.  She is so loving and so great.  I truly don't know where I would be without her and the example she sets in my life.  I love you momma!!!

happy skin.

Once a week, I make my skin happy. Skinny skin skin likes to be happy!! Mint facemask is the bessssssst!!!

Also, I have new really cool roommates whom I love & adore! Viva Las Vegas tomorrow!

decisions. passion. purpose.

It's no surprise that I haven't exactly had smooth sailing since high school.  It's hard to go somewhere new, especially when you don't really think it's the best decision. Then it's even harder to move back in with your parents and admit you were wrong about it all.  I have been contemplating writing this post for quite some time.  But it is now time! Huzzah!!

Once I got to Utah, I had to figure out what was next.  I knew I would go to school and I also knew that I needed a job.  But I wanted to do something that I liked and that I was good at.  I decided to make a profile on care.com and become a  nanny.  Within about 12 hours of being in Utah, I had an interview. It was the perfect opportunity and really is a great job.  Jack & Liam are a handful but I truly enjoy my job.  I also now will be working part time for another family with a little baby girl.  Even though I was in school and had a few jobs, I still didnt know what to go in to.  I always wanted to be a teacher my whole life and be a volleyball coach, but nursing has sounded appealing in the past few years because of the health issues I have gone through.  I thought about both and definitely have gone back and forth many times.  After much thought, prayer, and many pros and cons lists, I have decided to declare my major as.......SECONDARY EDUCATION.

Being a high school teacher has just always been my goal.  Recently one of my good friends has always told me to find my passion.  Well my passion is children.  It is watching them learn and figure out new things.  Teaching is going to be my passion.  I am so so so excited and so determined to accomplish this goal! Now, I just have to figure out which university to transfer to. But I have some time for that! Hooray for getting one thing out of the way!!

as of late....

school is out. spring is here. moving in with some fun girls this weekend. and i have a pretty fun job. life is good.

monday night baseball is always fun. except when its on tuesday too. shoot.

Easter Sunday.

I love Easter Sunday.  It's such a good time to remember the Savior and reflect on everything.  Also, I love the spirit about the world.  Even though everyone makes a bigger deal out of the bunny and egg hunts and whatever, everyone is still celebrating and happy and wearing bright colors.  I just love it! So Happy Easter!! Hope it was a wonderful day!

                             "He is Risen are the greatest three words in the english language."

sweet freedom.

It would be a lie to say this semester was a walk in the park.  I went into it thinking, Oh LDSBC, no big deal at all. It should be easy.  I was soooo wrong.  It was horrible.  It was hard and I have never written so many papers in my life.  But....tomorrow is my last day of classes! Wahoo!! I only have to write one more paper by Thursday and submit it online. I am so thrilled.  I am so excited to have a fun relaxing spring and summer.  Even though I will be taking classes, I am only taking a few and I will be moving to Provo in a few weeks also! I am so so so excited. One more day, then it's sweet freedom. (For awhile at least.) And guess what else?? Ya girl's a sophomore!!!

life lately.

This week I am on full time 24/7 nanny duty while their mom is on a cruise.  Super hard but also super fun! But here are some pics from the last couple weeks courtesy of my iPhone. :)

Meghan made some yummy lemon meringue cupcakes.

Saw my babies on the way home from Vegas. Surprise! Baby #3 on the way soon :)

Visited my cutie sister.

It's always a good day for burritos!

Went on a super fun double date with my BFF Jenny!

My date James!

Mom's birthday! 50 never looked so good.

We are going to Vegas for Katy's baby shower this weekend! I ordered 17" balloons to decorate!

Cute when he's asleep right??!!

Super fun & super fly.