Peanut M&M's

Work was very long and cold yesterday. "Cold?" you may wonder. Doesn't she work at a large office supply chain and not at an ice skating rink? Be that as it may, I stand a few feet in front of an opening and closing set of doors, so even though I was wearing two layers of clothes I was still chilly. So anyway, yesterday at work a man bought a large bag of peanut M&M's. I remarked that they looked sooo good (it was dinner time) and that they are my favorite. We chit-chatted while finishing the transaction and he left the store. A few minutes later he came back with a corner of the bag open and held them out to me. My mouth opened in surprise and my hand jumped out to receive them. He poured a generous handful into my palm and walked out of the store as I yelled "thank you!" to him with a huge smile on my face. They were really tasty.

Avery and Me

My nephew Avery is one of my best friends. I spend as much time with him as I do any of my other friends. He is four years old and so much fun! This summer we have had fun swimming in the kiddie pool we bought for him and just playing when I have a day off from work.



The other day he "helped" me make my bed and ended up cuddling up with my covers on the floor.


He loves to tell knock-knock jokes and likes playing with my other friends as well, like Marisa and Natalie.

He looks out his front window (he lives in our basement) says hello to me anytime I am coming or going.

I love when he calls on the phone and asks me to play with him!



Most of all I LOVE being silly with him.

Beauty in "The Beast"

So, our backyard has always been a little crazy. It has recently been described as an "urban jungle". My brother Ryan decided to finally take some action. He has been trimming trees and bushes and making plans for the yard.
He took me on a tour and I was surprised with the beauty that I saw in, what I thought was, an awful yard.

Isn't he adorable?!

The next step in the plan was cutting down some trees! I was excited enough that I even chipped in on the bill! We ended up cutting down four trees, two apples and two pines. I love it! There is so much more sun and we can finally have some room for real grass!

Chicka Chicka Boom Boom!

My nephew, Avery, and I have been practicing our letters together recently which is why I wanted to read Chicka Chicka Boom Boom with him this morning. If you have not read this book I am completely shocked and highly recommend that you do so soon. It is an amazing twist on a classic alphabet book.

As I was reading to Avery I looked at his face and was almost brought to tears at what I saw. He was completly absorbed and amazed. I loved seeing that look on his face and knowing that a book did that! How many times has that look been on my face? Too many to count. I hope he continues to love to read! Being a part of this family I'm sure he will.

In fact, as soon as I finished reading it the first time he said, "Let's read that again!"

New Goal

I want to go scuba diving!

My family and I recently went on a camping trip to Panaca, Nevada. It is the tiny town that my grandpa grew up in. Panaca has a spring that is clear and warm and full of fish! It was amazing to swim in non-chlorinated water with plenty of room to swim around.

The best part was watching the fish (yes, it did smell just slightly of a fish tank). It got even better when I put on goggles and could really see what was going on under the water. As soon as I looked around in the water I immediately thought, "I have to go scuba diving!"

So, I better start planning. And saving.

Congratulations!

This morning I graduated with my associate degree from Utah Valley University. The past couple of days I had been feeling a little silly for walking and doing the whole ceremony thing, because I started to feel like it was silly to do all this for a 2 year degree. The feelings were worsened when I got there are realized that 90% of the graduates were getting 4 year degrees. In fact, I only saw one other girl who was getting an associates degree! My parents said they saw several people, but after they called my name I wasn't really paying attention.

So anyway, I was feeling a little silly as I walked across the platform and received my "diploma" when all of a sudden I heard, "I love you Holly!" yelled above the noise. It was my darling sister-in-law, Stacy! I have never been happier to hear her voice. I immediately felt reassured that my family was supporting me and wanted to be there. It ended up being a good experience, if nothing else to be reminded of my family's love and support.


I guess they couldn't get enough of that dirty, been used too many times, graduation gown smell. :)

Reminders

Speaking of American Idol... I always sing along with the music at work. Even if there are people around. Today I was singing along to a Kelly Clarkson song and a man turned around from his shopping and said "wow, you have a very good voice." "Well, thank you" I said. He continued by saying that I was so good that I should audition for American Idol. Again I said thank you and added a cute smile.

I thought it was kind of funny, because not only does he not know the tremendous lack of talent I have compared to Adam Lambert, but it is funny that Americans now associate American Idol as the top compliment for singing. Consequently, I stopped singing until he left. Ha Ha. Funny, but nice. It is nice to be reminded that I can sing and somehow I need to do more of it.