A 10-year tribute! Part 2! {American Rhmye Stlye}

10 whole years it has been,
Since that awful day when many lost kin.
The twin towers were struck and eventually fell,
Trapping many, so claustrophobic they couldn’t even yell.
Terrorists were here invading our country
Commandeering airplanes and responsible for the deaths of so many.
The pentagon also was a hijacker’s hit target,
Making this day one we won’t soon forget.
Thousands of innocent lives were lost and countless more injured-
So sudden it happened, leaving a sweet, final goodbye completely unheard.
Another plane was taken, but the intended location a mystery.
Because those courageous passengers tried to take back the plane and avoid further treachery.
A Pennsylvania field is where they took their final breath
But because of their bravery, they saved many from blameless death.
Heroes they are and will forever remain
Along with the many police officers and firefighters who went in unnamed.
Many went into the rubble, though not all came out
But their valor is still recognized – of that there is no doubt.
The nation was shocked, glued to the TV;
“Are we being attacked?” “How could this be??”
We united as one, together we’ll conquer
We looked to our nations strong past for a firm, sturdy anchor.
We’ve overcome so much, we’ll do it again!
We’re the United States of America and our land we’ll defend!
We’ve had God on our side, he understands our plea;
Our freedoms are needed - something He has helped us see.
As of today, a decade’s gone by-
We remember that September morning when so much went awry.
There’s a prayer in our hearts to those who lost their lives,
Along with their children, friends, husbands and wives.
And all those affected – the numbers are great
This day will forever hold an emotional weight.
But we will also relish in our American pride..
Our nation-giving liberties are something wanted worldwide!
We’re a blessed people, given so much!
So many people have and continue to fight to make it such!
Because of that I love this land!
No matter you’re ideologies, united we stand!
We’re the U S of A, we’re determined to win!
Simply put, I’m proud to be an American!

A 10-year tribute! Part 1 {Baseball style}

So let’s think back to 2001. What happened? Oh yeah! THE DIAMONDBACKS WON THE BEST WORLD SERIES KNOWN TO BASEBALL. Ok, so I may be a little biased – but it was a 7-game nail biter down to the very wire – Gonzo’s bloop single in the bottom of the ninth. We have a movie of the world series with interviews and stuff… and I get the chills every time I watch it. I’ll admit it.. I’m a nerd. But that team was just so great and so funny!

BUT. This weekend was reunion weekend at the ballpark! Friday they were wearing their purple vest throwback jerseys, Saturday all the 2001 players were coming and they were giving away replica championship rings, and Sunday they were having a 9/11 tribute. Basically it was bound to be a wonderful weekend. SO in like Aprilish when they first released the promotion schedule, we bought our tickets! The weekend came and the players liked the purple and teal jerseys so much they requested to wear them ALL weekend! HOT DOG! It was awesome!

So Saturday we spent 7 hours at Chase Field – and what a very wonderful hours it was. Before the game they had the starting lineup of the World Series team {Along with Jerry Colangelo, Bob Brenly and others]come out of the dugout with their old jerseys on, announced by Mr.Schulte {the 2001 announcer}, with highlights on the jumbotron – all 48,000 in attendance were giving them a standing ovation – and it was just plain cool.

THEN, in-between innings they showed clips from game 7 on the jumbotron. It was still exciting even though we all knew what was going to happen. The sold out crowd was loud and supportive the whole time… and some had great signs!

My favorite part… the legends race! Mark Grace had yet to win one, so his bobblehead man comes sprinting out of the bullpen ahead of everyone! However, when he got about halfway he started acting all winded. But NEVER FEAR the real live David Dellucci was there to pinch run for him (just like in the bottom of the 9th of game seven!) He finished the race.. in FIRST PLACE! They showed Mark Grace in the announcers booth and he was ecstatic! The crowd was so happy for him! But they then announced that there were no pinch runners allowed in the legends race so randy Johnson had won again. Mark Grace threw his papers down in an offended fashion.. everyone was so sad for him. But it was still super funny! 

To make matters even better, the game was great! We won in 10 innings… come from behind wins.. always fun to watch! OH! How did I forget?? We also got the replica rings.. we were expecting little plastic things.. but no. They’re metal. Ah. I love my Diamondbacks!!

Successful day. Successful game. Successful Diamondbacks. I love them… I love them oh so much! The 2001, the 2011… and all those in-between! Even the terrible babybacks of 2003!

I had the time of my life fighting dragons with you! :)

Dear Thatcher,
The hustle and bustle of school starting is fast approaching. Many people are reuniting and the good times and facebook hacks have already begun. The town is picking up, friendships are brewing, the apartments are getting stocked, Walmart is consequently getting UNstocked. Frye Mesa and Cluff Ponds are constantly full of college-aged kids basking in some last minute sunshine before they hit the books on Monday. It’s just like mid August of every year, the excitement and anticipation for the new semester is extremely high.

Facebook has so kindly kept me well aware of this. Yes, it is facebook that is left to fill me in on the latest Thatcher adventures. Sadly, I won’t be returning to you, Thatch. In Mesa I do remain, working hard to prepare for my next life escapade. Bittersweet it definitely is.

But dear sweet Thatcher, you have given me memories to last a lifetime. My time spent with you was hands down the best two years of my life.

It was you who watched me leave home for the first time, you watched me understand who I am, who I want to be, and what I need to do to become that person. You offered me better friends than I ever could have imagined who I will always trust and love, and watched me so willingly accept that offer. You watched our friendships grow as we learned from each other and helped each other through tough life decisions and experiences. You provided us with daily adventures – with ponds to kayak in, rivers & canals to float down, parking lots to chalk, a nearby mountain to climb, cotton fields to run through, and red knolls to explore. You listened to our endless laughter and happy reminiscing that carried us into the early morning. You watched us raid the couches and apartment for quarters on laundry day, sacrifice nickels and dimes for snowcones, and budget our measly earnings for groceries. You laughed as we burned many food items, and rejoiced when we perfected others. You looked upon us as we survived through school, learning more than we had anticipated in the process. You watched us study {and cram} for tests, spend hours doing homework, and listened through endless lectures. You gazed upon the always interesting Mormon, college dating scene with all the institute dances and activities. You listened to our roommate chats that entered the wee hours of the morning. You watched my testimony grow as I learned to rely on the Lord when big decisions came up. You provided me with four semesters of sweet, fond memories that I can’t help but look back on and smile.

Yes, I am excited to move on and do something else with my life, but I have a hard time comprehending the fact that anything could compare you, good ol’ thatch. I just don’t think it can….

Swimmin in Sunshine! {Summer 2011}

In May I thought this summer and next semester were going to be the death of me because I was missing EA and everyone so dang badly. But fortunately for me, it has been quite the opposite! :)

The first week of June Adam, Amanda, Matthew, and I flew to Washington. We stayed with Grandma and Gramps and visited the EMP, Pikes Place, the space needle, Snoqualmie Falls, and some families from Matthew's mission.

At the Emp

Adding a sticker to the sticker poleAdding gum to the gum wall

At the end of the week we met up with the rest of the fam and the Phillips in Leavenworth... one of the coolest little towns in the world!

That weekend we went White Water Rafting down the Wenatchee!! It is definitely my new favorite water activity! Such a thrill!

The next weekend - July 17th and 18th - Jessica Lynch and Leon Bradford got married! Rachel and I went to the temple Friday evening then we met up with Mia and April at the reception Saturday evening! It was so fun to see her again! I'm so excited for them!

The fam was still in Washington and Utah, so Jeremy and I started construction on wiffle ball stadium in the backyard! Jeremy's the mastermind.. I just paint and do whatever i'm told.

The scoreboard. Sweet, eh?

The fourth of July was spent in Utah at a Family Reunion! Always a highlight of the summer! We had a crazy golf family tournament, intense wiffle ball and kickball games, and met Mater on the streets of Gunnison. I even got to meet Joel for the first time.. the newest family edition! Tara and I made cheesecakes for America's birthday... complete with sparklers for candles! What a joy!

2 weeks later - July 16 - I finished another Half Marathon in Bryce Canyon! Soo pretty!
Luckily no pictures of the after race :)

The next weekend, the week of the 24th, I went to Thatcher and bombarded on a Haymore family gathering! It was so great to see ea friends again.. we were even in the parade!

But except for the week in Washington, these have all been weekend excursions. Where can you find me just about any given weekday from 9-5??

In my own little corner...

Of this closet.

Happy Summer everyone! :)

My Magical Night

Well the other night I found myself at home alone and was rather lonley. This is rather rare for me because i usually find myself macking on hott black guyz. Anyway since it was one of my last nightz this semester i decided to go searching for love, the problem was i didn't know where to go. So I decided i would just follow my nose. I started walking north towards the river. As i aproached the river i began to pick up a scent of something or someone irresistible. I followed the smell till i came across a beautiful man with luscious long black hair. He was laying in the cool wet sand in nothing but man panties. It was as if he was tanning in the starz. I shouted rather loudly "hey hey beautiful man what are you doing!". I must have startled him as he jumped up clinching his fists ready to fight. He saw i was just a beautiful girl with long red hair and he relaxed. He asked me what i was doing there and i told him i was on the prowl for love. He was shocked and stated that he had been looking for love for years. It was as if it were magic...as if....as if it were destiny. He swiftly me pulled me into his thick hairy arms and held me sniffing my neck. He looked into my eyez and gently kissed my lips. I wont described what happened from that point on for that is something I hold dear and near to my heart. Since that night we have been spending a lot of time together and there has been some talk of marriage. I will keep everyone posted on this magical man of mine. Here is a picture of some modeling he did last summer. He's such a hunk.

I do NOT want this semester to end.

I do not. I just do not. do not. do not. DO NOT! But alas, in 3 short weeks finals will be among us. The minutes have already started moving faster... And there is nothing I can do about it.... except make these 3 weeks the best weeks EVER! I'm up for the challenge. Even with all the tests, projects, essays, and presentations that need to be finished; I still am going to make these next three weeks as wonderfully wonderful as humanly possible. Thank you. Now please excuse me, I have places to be, people to see, and memories to make. Farewell.

Californ-I-A!

Spring Break 2011: You’re my favorite.
Well guys, I just experienced one of the best weekends of my life thus far. Friday, the 18th, after school, Megan, Kacey, Brenna, Jared and I headed off to Cali. IT WAS SO MUCH FUN! Not once did I think of school, homework, work, or the future… and it was soo relaxing! We laughed all weekend, and there was never a dull moment, that’s for sure!
We went to six flags in the cold rainy weather and rode a whoppin' 4 whole rides, went to church in a 2 story church building, held a giant turtle, toured the mormon battalion and panned for gold, walked up old towne san diego, found what might have been balboa park, walked around the outside of the san diego zoo, drove across the coronado bridge, played at mission beach with no sun in the sky, met up with a big group of people from thatcher to watch the sunset from the pier and go to chuck e cheese, explored 2 of the nicest and most expensive hotels in la jolla and watched all the rich people staying in them, did baptisms in the san diego temple, hiked to la jolla beach, and walked through downtown la jolla to buy a 7 dollar two-scoop ice cream cone. We also made a million and a half u-turns, cut across all 4 lanes of the California freeway 15 feet before the exit…. More than once, spent too much time in the car, and more than enjoyed it all!
I could go on, but I’ll spare you. I’ll just force you to look at these pictures instead.