birthday weekend

So, I turned 22 on Friday. 

22 feels so old.

21 is still young and care-free, but 22 is like okay, get over it, time to be a grown-up.

I don't want to be a grown up.

John spoiled me as always.

This was my gift.

 This is what I looked like when I opened it.

Yes.

He put rocks in my gift.

 And an iPod underneath those rocks. It had it wrapped in styrofoam to protect it from the rocks; they were merely a ploy.

Friday night we went to Tucano's with Daniel, Mandy, and Laird.

Laird was late so he missed out on pictures.

 After dinner we went and carved pumpkins.

Something I've been wanting to do for weeks!

Sunday night we had dinner at my parents' house.

This is me conducting the birthday song.

Another great birthday.

Even though I feel super old.

happy birthday!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THIS GIRL!

Mandy and I have been friends for quite some time.

Like, since elementary school.

We've been through a lot, but we've come out on top!

It definitely doesn't hurt that we ended up marrying best friends. It makes it easy to remain friends. :)

Love you girl!

And of course, 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

to the one and only.

The Laird Swensen. 

Lairdy has been around for a couple of years now, and is definitely part of the family.

We love him.

Happy birthday to both of you! We can't wait to celebrate this weekend!

welcome home soldier

For class, I needed to shoot a photo story, and one of them needed to be a social issue. 

Seeing as I knew there were some soldiers coming home, I figured war would be an easy one. 

Even though I didn't know anyone there, I got some good pictures.

These are just a few.

How cute is this little boy? I instantly fell in love with him. 

Precious moment. 

Won't lie.

I cried.

It was the most amazing thing to witness.

And I officially decided John is never allowed to join the military.

Sorry Uncle Sam.

October

October is my favorite month.

I love fall.

I love football.

But mostly I love my birthday.

broozer

I miss him.

I find myself crying a lot lately, just wanting him to be home.

I know, he's where he's supposed to be.

But he's my best friend, and I miss him.

April can't come fast enough.

I've been on the hunt for a house recently.

From Holladay up to Centerville.

It's been quite the adventure.

I found one that I loved, but John didn't think it fit our budget.

Admittedly, it didn't.

I loved it though.

I'm currently looking in Bountiful, West Bountiful, Woods Cross, etc.

And today I stumbled upon this little beauty.

Historic home.

Yes, it's only 1200 square feet, but it's also on a half an acre.

Room to expand maybe?

It has a two car garage, and TWO sheds for John to do whatever he dang well pleases in.

And guess what? 

It's in our price range.

John is nervous to even think about buying a house. 

He says we're too young.

I, on the other hand, get my hopes up too easily.

I just want a home of my own.

That's all. :)

Remember

I was 11 years old.

I woke up, like any other morning, turned on the news, and watched the second plane hit the second tower.

I don't think at the time I fully comprehended what was happening, but as I sat at my desk on Friday and listened to a local morning show talk about their feelings that day, and callers' feelings, every emotion I had ever felt about that day came flooding back.

I never cried, I never had a reason to. But Friday, I cried.

So many people died that day, so many innocent people.

So many of our armed forces sacrificed their lives that day to save other people.

So many of our armed forces still sacrifice their lives today to protect our freedom.

I am eternally grateful to those people.

I know I will never forget the feelings I felt that day, and the feelings I still feel because of this attack on our country.

I hope you won't either.

God bless the USA.