Skydiving

So I went skydiving for my very first time.... AMAZING! It was an experience unlike any other I've ever had. I had been wanting to go, but was never really serious about it until another friend had set a date to go. We planned on the date and I kept up with the weather for the weeks prior. I was cool as a cucumber the entire time. I wasn't really nervous about going, until we were on the way there and I saw the Huge red airport hangar! I instantly got knots in my stomach and started thinking twice.

So we got there, got signed in, filled out all the paperwork, and got ready to go. Waiting for the first group to get back, was nerve-racking to say the least. They got us all geared up and I started getting followed by my instructor and video photographer. I'm not good with cameras. It was almost embarrassing to have them up in my face, but I knew I wouldn't regret getting video for my jump. When the plane got there, they loaded us all up and got the show on the road. I remember kissing Lindsay and jumping in the plane. On the way up, all I could think of was my dogs and how much I missed them. I was worried that if something happened, they would be alone! Pathetic I know, but they are my whole world!

My instructor told me when we were about halfway up and again when we we were about there. We got all the way up and my instructor volunteered us to go first seeing how we were the closest to the door! I went into a state of silent panic and wanted to back out but convinced myself not to. He scooted me to the door and my video photographer jumped out. All I remember is getting right up to the door of the little plane and looking down. Bad idea!!! I think I would've passed out if there had been time for that. I jumped and spun for what seemed like forever until we got straightened out and I saw Ryan (my video photographer) flying in the air next to us with a huge smile on his face. My goggles kept moving around. I thought for sure I was going to lose them. The whole time I thought I was doing something wrong because my instructor was talking but I couldn't make out what he was saying, thanks to how fast I was falling.

When we pulled the parachute and I realized it went smoothly, I quickly calmed down. It was such a beautiful ride to see Ogden from the air. It seemed like so much happened in the shortest amount of time. I kept trying to wrap my head around everything that had just happened. It was so amazing! Since I was the first to jump out, all the others were behind me. As we were just floating down, my instructor pointed out a couple of the video photographers still "dropping" without their parachutes. I immediately freaked out at sight of the first one, thinking something was wrong because it's hard to gauge the distance between them and the earth from looking down. I realized it everything was fine, when I saw all the others doing the same thing. I was worried about landing, but it went super super smooth. As soon as I got down, Ryan had his camera up in my face! I didn't even have any words to described what just happened the last 8 minutes. All I could do was smile and sigh. I immediately wanted to go back up and do it again! Over the next couple weeks, all I could think about was skydiving! I know it's going to be an expensive hobby! I can't wait to do it again next summer! It was an AMAZING experience I will never forget!!

Here's the link to my Skydiving Video! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NWCBWe4V8H0


Getting all geared up.

Me and my instructor.

In the plane halfway up!

Jumping out of the plane!



My instructor fixing my glass in the air!




Smooth sailing and about to land!

I didn't have any words to explain!

This is one of my friends who I went skydiving with, Ken. He was super nervous the whole time! I don't care what he says about being "brave". He went second right after me and told me when we both landed, that he watched me drop out of the plane and got all scared for my life.... and his! ;)


This is Marcus! The one who set up the whole skydiving trip! Thank you Marcus!! I can't wait to do it again!!

Multiple Blessings

I love the holiday season! It's the time of year when you aren't thinking about yourself, but others. How I wish I could give a little something to everyone. Especially the people less fortunate then myself. It always makes me very grateful for the blessings I have in my life and the people who make up my entire world. What would I do without them, I don't know. I'm trying to make a conscious effort to stop thinking about myself, to do more for others, and always remember what I'm grateful for. ♥ Here's a little list of some of my blessings.

My Parents - They raised my sisters and I in a loving home. We've always had what we've needed and then some. They've sacrificed a lot to give us many opportunities. They are supportive and loving. They are the best parents I could ask for!

My Family - They are always there no matter what! I couldn't and wouldn't be without my family!

Lindsay - He's always been supportive of me, he keeps me smiling, he is my best friend, and the love of my life! He puts up with me and does many things for me on a daily basis. For him, I am very grateful he's in my life.

My Dogs - If all else fails, my dogs are always there for me. They can always put a smile on my face. They love me unconditionally and I love them right back. They are my babies!

My Friends - They are always around to keep me company and have a good time. They are also supportive and non judgemental. I can always be myself around them! I love them like they are my family.

My Work - It's not my favorite place to be but I am always grateful for the work. It reminds me that I have to work for the things I want in life. It keeps me pushing to do better, to achieve more, and to keep a good work ethic. I am thankful to have a job!

My Little Sister - She's such a doll. She's always helping me with my dogs. Keeping them company, letting them out when I'm at work. Since my dog's are like my children, it keeps my mind at ease. Thanks a million Cheech! :)

Life - I am glad to wake up everyday and experience new things. Without it, I would have none of these blessings.

The Troops - All the people out there serving our country so we can be here. I'm grateful for their service and sacrifices.

I am grateful for everything else in my life, the good and bad. These are just the main things that keep me going! ♥

Holiday Creations

I was out grocery shopping when Lindsay, Ken, & I decided we needed to make graham cracker houses: Our rendition of gingerbread houses. We spent a good hour looking for the “perfect” material. We scoured multiple stores before we were satisfied with our $100+ purchase of candy. Yeah, we still have a cupboard full of candy. We also bought 3 boxes of graham crackers just to be safe. We got home, unloaded the 20 grocery bags of candy from the car and immediately started our houses. What we thought would be simple construction, turned into an 8-hour project. We used all the graham crackers so the boys had to make a side trip... TWICE. Needless to say...We had a blast with the houses!! It was the perfect project to get us in the holiday spirit! I like mine the best. :)


Our town of houses.

Ken's house. Note: Ken's pool. He also has a floor plan and a pretzel bay window not shown here! hehehe.

Arthur's house. I love his shingles, walk way, and pile of firewood.

Lindsay's house. He has a sweet car port, wreath, and bridge/walk way as shown in the picture.

My cute house! :)

My house again!

Some of the candy we bought.

Ken is concentrating hard.

Lindsay and his house.

Arthur and that doofy smile.

Crazy man Ken.

Working hard on the construction site.

Hoodies

So during a long night of shopping with the sisters, I found something I couldn't resist buying. The second I saw them; I knew I’d be spending more money than necessary. The most adorable matching dog hoodies, one for the baby girl and boy! And I know most people think dressing up their dogs is ridiculous and I somewhat agree, but it had to happen. I actually think they don’t mind them. It’s the first thing I’ve put on them that they don’t try to chew off! Kiko even growls at me when I try to take hers off. Anyways, here’s a plethora of pictures...

Kiko and her pink skull hoodie.

Matching Hoodies.

Kiko again.

Kenji and his black skull hoodie.

Playing.

Kenji again.

He wouldn't move once i put his hood on.

Kiko love's hers.

Both my baby dogs being good for the camera!