I was lost . . . now I am found

So I have rediscovered the joys of blogs. I have been lost in the world without it. I know that it has been a really long time since I last post, but I did have some password/technical difficulties. I am back and have gone for a new look on my blog and in real life. I chopped my hair back in September, but I have also dyed it darker as well. Don't worry scroll down a little and you can see for yourself the new look. Keep in mind the pictures don't do the hair justice.

So there are few things that have changed in my life since I last blogged other than my hair. I also have a new position at the non-profit organization I have been working at. I am now a caseworker for victims of domestic violence. I help victims get out of their abusive situations as safely as possible and I also educate them about the dynamics of abuse. I have many other caseworker responsibilities. I am also the coordinator of all our volunteers that are on-call for when a crisis arises and a victim needs to meet with an advocate. I know my job sounds depressing, but it is actually really rewarding to help those that need it the most. I have learned so much and it has already been a great growing experience. My plan is to get my social work license in December, because you have to work for a year, under supervision and then I can take a test to get licensed as a social worker. I am still working at the hospital in the Mother/Baby unit, but I only work every other weekend. I work Saturday and Sunday, twice a month. It has been so amazing to have a fairly normal schedule. I only have to work until 3 in the morning two times a month, on Saturdays. I love working 9am-5pm, Monday-Friday. It is so nice to be able to sleep at normal times of the day (except for every other Saturday) and to have my evenings off. So work is good at both jobs.

So I am still single as they come, but am trying to be more social and get out more now that I am not working 60-80 hours a week anymore. I have gone country dancing a few times, but I am not very good at dancing anymore. I did have a birthday this month, on the 11th so I am feeling old. I turned 24 years old. Even though it really isn't that old, it feels so old and plus my body is already starting to fall apart. I went to the doctors the other day and they tested my cholesterol, lets just say it was high, not in extreme danger high but too high especially for my age. Also, my HDL's, which is the good cholesterol, was too low. So I have set a new goal to eat more veggies and fruits and to exercise more. I also was told I am supposed to eat oatmeal and take those fish oil pills. If anyone else has some ideas for me, that would be great.

So I am attaching some pictures. They are of my birthday. I had a pretty good celebration. I went out to dinner at Ruby Tuesdays with my roommates Laura and Jamie and my some of my family-Scott (brother), Shirlene (sister-in-law), Talan (nephew), Taylie (niece). We had a good time. I got steak and loved it!!! Just a warning, some of the pictures are kind of random, because Taylie wanted to help take pictures. It's kind of hard to get amazing pictures with a 20 month old helping you.

This is my HOT birthday crown, eating a bite of oreo pudding pie, it was delicious. I think I should have worn this to the resturant. I know you are all jealous that you can't have my crown, but you are just going to have to learn how to get over it or find one at a $1 store!!!

Taylie Helped me open the present she picked out. It was a soft bunny, and she called it "baby"

My roommies Laura and Jamie patiently waiting for our meal to come

Talan and (Daddy) Scott. Talan had really watery eyes, so he looks kind of sad

Talan posing with Mommy (Shirlene)

Taylie holding my present and not quite looking the right direction. Still she is so cute!!

I'm BACK!!!

So I finally figured out my blog issue, after months and months of not being on here. So all you fans I am back and ready to roll (j/k). Well my life hasn't changed too much. I am still working two jobs and keep really busy with that. I did move, but just across town to a new apartment. It is nice, because I finally have my own room and my own bathroom. I am loving it tons!!! There is also a swimming pool and a work out room (which I have haven't used of course). I did go to San Deigo this summer and that was way fun. Maybe I will have to post some pictures of that later. This last week my sister-in-law and I got my neice's one year old pictures done. They turned out so cute, and she actually smiled in all of them, she was a little rock star! So here are some of the pictures. I can't decide which ones I like best, so you guys need to help me decide. Make your vote!

1st

Taylie on the Bench smiling away! Isn't she the cutest thing ever!

2nd

Now she is holding onto the bench standing up.

3rd

A close up, but a little off center but that's fixable

4th

On the number one block, since it's for her 1st birthday

5thGetting ready to climb up the ladder

6th

Sitting on the cute tiny chair

7th

Being so cute and just sitting there.

I did her hair all flipped out for these pictures, I wish you could see it more, it is so cute and little out of control. She looks so grown-up in her stylish outfit and hair.

So there are the 7 options. She is just so dang cute in all of them that I can't decide which ones to order and make into a 8x11. I need your help!! Well keep me updated on your lives.

IT'S FINALLY MARCH!!!!!

CADEN MAKING A CUTE FACE!

We went shopping and bought some summer outfits. We of course we had to try them on. They are a little big, but so adorable. You can't see the shoes too good, but they match perfectly and are so adorable. She is such a cute girl. Love her!

Talan Posing for the camera. Making a dramatic facial expression. He got a little close to my phone because he wanted it.

Here are some fun pictures of my adorable nephews and neice. I know I show a lot of pictures of them, but they are my excitement in life. Taylie is seriously the cutest thing. She is so tiny. The picture of the summer clothes are suppose to fit her now according to the label, but they still drown her. She is just petit. Well I know I haven't posted for a long time, but there wasnt' much to post about. I have just been working like crazy at both jobs. I went home for a weekend and had fun. I also got to see some of my old roommates because one of my old roommates just got back from her mission and we had a little reunion. I will post those pictures later. Hope all is well. I am excited that it is March finally. March is my favorite month since my birthday is next week and it is Spring Break usually and Spring might actually come. I am pretty sure it will never come here. We have gotten a ton of snow, but I guess we have to make up for it since we didn't have much all winter long. :( Happy March 1st to everyone!!!!!

Almost Valentines Day

Talan at Panda Express. He loves Straws! He was a stylish boy this day with his jean jacket and spiked hair.

Taylie sticking her tongue out at me. She was ready to go play some tennis with her Wilson sweatshirt and sport headband and tiny pig tails. Her arms really aren't that big, it's just the angle.


Well nothing too exciting has happened this week. I have just been working. Lots of people having babies. We have been really busy this week, I don't know why. There must of been something really significant nine months ago. If anyone figures that out let me know. I would like to make some sense of the baby madness. Well it is almost Valentine's Day, the day of love or for me the day of Single Awareness. I just had to say Happy Valentine's Day to all and hope that if cupid hasn't found you someone yet, he will. That is my hope. I actually saw this really funny thing today at the dollar store. It was an arrow that you could shoot cupids at people. I totally want to buy it. It was hilarious. Hope all is well!! Enjoy this weeks pictures of Taylie and Talan, they were taken on my phone so they aren't very clear. HAPPY V-DAY!!!

ITS FEBRUARY!!!

I am so glad that I survived January and that it is over. It was a touch and go for a while there but then January 31st came and I celebrated. I know that it is weird but I just like February so much more. I am way excited that it is Friday too. I hope all is well with everyone. Keep me updated on your lives. I will post more pictures later when something exciting happens and its worth taking a picture of. Happy February!!!!