when she plays dress up...

it makes me smile.


It was so cute the way she tried to get the bracelets and rings off the little holder without me noticing. And I just couldn't resist snapping a picture.

a Sweet adventure.

I <3 Sweets candy factory. Today, I went there with my wonderful cousins and decided that I needed to take a tour there soon. It also helped that there was a great lookin' young man who worked there. He even started a conversation. It was great. Maybe by some weird chance he'll come across my blog- which would probably make him feel like I was some sort of a freak. So, it's a good thing I'm only sharing this with you! But, trust me, he was cuuute.

Anyway, here are some photographs. :)

i love my bff, hollie.


Yay! Factory. By the way, isn't my coat adorable?! Although, it isn't mine. Sarah (see below picture) said she "thought of me" and so she let me wear it today on our fun outing. She is so sweet! I felt so chic in it. And guess what? It's a J Crew peacoat and she got it at their warehouse for $25. What a steal!


Me and Sarah- the girl with the lovely coat (And smile, personality, etc).


Holl and I discussing the boy behind the candy counter. :)

I just wanted to say Merry Christmas. It is a few days away, but I wanted to share a few of my favorite things about this wonderful season (and it's better than boring myself with homework on a Friday night).

I love sipping hot cocoa. There is just something so soothing about the warmth it brings to me. On chilly mornings (every morning this week), it has been magnificent to be treated with a thermos of Stephen's Mint Hot Cocoa on my way to school. With the bite of December in the air, every sip is appreciated!

Another thing I look forward to are the lights on our Christmas tree. They are beautiful. When I get married, I am going to have a tradition where the Mr. and I sleep by the Christmas tree for one night. It will be grand. We will be all cozy and warm in our fleece blankets, and it will be wonderful.

Speaking of coziness (if that is a word), what is better than bundling up in adorable winter gear? I love cute hats, warm gloves, and sassy scarves. And blankets! And coats. Wearing a coat is a definite must- one day I want one like this. And of course I wouldn't mind cozying up by the fire with a favorite boy either.

Who can forget those lovely Christmas movies? The ones that make you feel oh-so-calm-and-warm-inside about life? The movies that put a smile even on the most saddened face; the movies that make you believe in Santa Claus as you did when you were but a youngster. My favorite movies to watch at this time of year are: Miracle on 34th Street, White Christmas, The Santa Claus, Mr. Krueger's Christmas, Holiday Inn (I love Bing Crosby), and who can forget- It's A Wonderful Life. Of course there are many others- like Elf (which makes me happy head-to-toe), Christmas With The Kranks, or the classical A Christmas Story.

I must mention the snow- the beautiful, pure, freshly-falling snow. It's glorious. It's beautiful. I love everything about it- okay, maybe except the whole scrape-the-frost-off-the-car-when-it's-freezing factor. Besides that, it is amazing. Snowball fights, snow angels, catching snowflakes on your tongue- wonderful memories!

Also, what's better than getting together with family? I love seeing my family, playing games, and just having a good time. Laughter, food, fun, being home. It is all great. I love reading the Christmas story with my family; I look forward to writing a letter to Santa each year (no matter how silly it may be).

There are many other favorite holiday traditions, what are yours?

Now, I bet you did not plan on reading this long of post, did you? Who knew a Friday night could be so full of reminiscing?

Once again, Happy Holidays.

loves.

Latest photos..

honestly?

I'm not one for horoscopes. I mean, sure, if I am reading the paper, and happen to be on the horoscope page, yes I might indulge. But I'm not one to search high and low to see what the stars say.

Today I was at Bingo (yes I still go...and yes I still love it) and one of the residents (she is an...interesting one) wanted me to read her horoscope to her. So, I went and grabbed the paper. Her horoscope dealt with sharing with a love one (to which she emphatically responded, "Oh yeah right!"). Then I decided to sneak a peek at mine.

Here is what is said, "Trouble lurks around the next corner, and is bound to haunt you..." Okay what kind of fortune is that?!! And, it did finish by saying this, "...should you lose sight of your primary goal even for a moment." So, I guess it's not impending doom, but it still is not what I wanted to see.

Let's hope I keep my eyes on the goal!

the farewell.

pictures from the farewell...

What I Wore Sunday #7

Today has been a SUPER fun day :]

I woke up early to attend farewell #1, but the future missionary was sick :( and couldn't speak. Poor kid, he would've done an awesome job! He leaves Wednesday for the Johannesburg MTC. Good Luck Brad!

So, after being up three hours earlier (I normally sleep in since I have late-church), I decided to relax and watch The Santa Clause. I LOVE that movie! It is so funny, and there are a bunch of things I didn't understand when I was younger. Unfortunately, I was still tired from this crazy week, so I fell asleep after about 40 minutes. When I woke up, I picked out my outfit, and headed off to farewell #2 (well, would've been). Spence did a fantastic job, and he'll be amazing. I picked up some of my friends on the way, and then after his talk, we headed over to his house where we ate many good things. Took some fun pictures, and enjoyed the snow! :]

before I bundled up for the snow:

all bundled up and ready to scrape off the car windows!!


Details:
Black Turtleneck- Kohls, of course! :]
Blue/silver necklace- My surrogate grandma
Silver flower earrings- My mom. Gotta love 'em!
Grey/black plaid skirt- Old Navy, but my neighbor gave it to me. Yahoo!
Black tights with grey stitching- Kohls
Grey boots- Kohls, once again. Haha. I don't shop many other places.
Peacoat- Aeropostale
Grey/white gloves- WallyWorld

sisters,sisters...

It's good to have you back, sister! :] I've missed you.

Let's not wait too long before we have another cinnamon-roll eating/Reba-watching/clothes-trading/boy-gossiping festival.

Choices.

I shouldn't like him anymore; yet, his name STILL gives me butterflies.
I'm over him; yet, I still hope things might change.
I don't think about him everyday; yet, when I see his name, a flood of memories rush in.
I don't want to forget; I just want it to hurt less.
I know I can;yet,I don't know how I will feel once I say goodbye.


photo courtesy of melodyross.typepad.com

Tagged.

Favorite Authors (tagged by: Chrissy)
Who is your all-time favorite author and why???
Ooh this is HARD! I love reading; how can I have a favorite?! However, I would have to go with Dean Hughes...I didn't really get into his books until this past summer, when I was ADDICTED to his Hearts of the Children series (even though I didn't read the first set).
Who was your first favorite author and why?
My first favorite author was probably Peggy Parrish (who wrote the Amelia Bedelia series- I loved them when I was younger!). I also loved Carolyn Keene (Nancy Drew books) and Boxcar Children..
Do you still consider him/her to be among your favorites?
Yes! Great children novels for sure!
Who is the most recent addition to your list of favorite authors and why?
Jane Austen! I had tried reading her books before, but I couldn't understand the language well enough. Then we had to read Pride and Prejudice for AP Lit. I ended up LOVING it, and couldn't put it down! I love the satire too! :)
If someone asked you who your favorite authors were right now, which authors would first pop out of your mouth?
Dean Hughes
Harper Lee
Jane Austen
Louisa May Alcott (Little Women!!)
Anita Stansfield (gotta love a little cheesy LDS romance)
Betsy Brannon Green (LDS Romancey + mystery!!)

I tag:
KAMILLA
AMY
JENNI
JEN
BECKY

What I Wore Sunday #6 + Stake Conference

Today we had stake conference. My outfit consisted of the following:

Dress (That's right, it's NOT a skirt): Ross
Black overshirt: Kohls
Necklace: Street vendor in Chile
Black tights: Walmart
Black Boots: Target
Other Jewelry (not seen well): Earrings- Claires; Bracelet- Kohls; Ring- Vending machine! :)


After stake conference, I got a picture with my grandpadres..

..took a picture with my "little sister"...

...and threatened to kiss cute boy on the cheek with RED lips..

have I mentioned...

I LOVE red lipstick(this post is for my mom, who expresses her abhorrence to it every time I put it on). So far, I have only worn it...around the house. :) I am not quite confident enough to wear it to school, or out-and-about. I have started out slowly by wearing red, but mixing it with another shade so it's not so so dramatic- yet (see second quote). But I like it- a lot. It's bold. It's classic...I love it with the blues and yellows, the blacks and whites.

"Red lipstick is a timeless staple in cosmetics. Many trends come and go but red lipstick will always be here." from here

"Red lipstick is not for those who want to blend into the crowd, so be ready to get noticed. If you're not comfortable with an all out red to start with consider wearing a red-tinted gloss as a way to ease your way into it. You just might find you like the attention." from here



So, what do you fellow bloggers think? Post your [HONEST] opinions in the comments. I know lots don't like it, so I won't be offended :)

Also, I added these pictures of me SMILING for Jen (and the fact that I have one acceptance letter back, three more to go!)...




Oh, and this picture is showing my guilty pleasure- spoonfuls of icecream. I don't take TOO many throughout the day. I used to not like plain vanilla, but somehow...it's simpleness is delicious!

oh boy...

I'm just sitting in photo right now. As I told Becky, it makes me want to "stab my eyes out with a fork." Okay, it's not THAT bad...but, right now we are learning what "taking photos would've been like 100 years ago." I mean, don't get me wrong. I LOVE history, and I love photo. Seems like a great mix, right?! Except that I learned this in Photo 1, sophomore year. And, I would rather be using Photoshop right now.

We had our Christmas Kick-Off Assembly today. I think the senior officers skit was the best. Our fundraiser is selling Christmasgrams. Yep, and I shouted out the line from ELF "What's a Christmasgram? I want one!" Then five of us performed Santa Baby to the hilarious Mr. Ellsworth. He was a great sport. And on the "Think of all the fellas that I haven't kissed.." I pretended to kiss the top of his head. It was so funny. The audience was hysterical. Here are a couple pics taken after the assembly (I wish I would've had someone record our skit, but too bad!).

me and Jake (he is so tall, but an AWESOME guy!)


us girls: Me, Kiera, and Rosie. I'm so lucky to have such great fellow officers!


by the way, don't you love my festive Christmas-tree socks? I totally planned them to NOT go with my plaid shoes. Surprisingly enough, I've gotten SO many compliments on my socks today! I love wearing socks that don't really go with my shoe pattern. :)

November 30..

what a day! My week has been so FILLED, especially these last two days. I would bore with you my past schedule, but I'm sure you don't care what I was doing!

but, briefly, here goes:
-Thanksgiving was wonderful and delicious.
-Friday was EARLY (we arrived at Kohls at 3:59 am, after I only had two hours of sleep!), and then I had a bunch of stuff to do that night (Bingo, helped a friend with his essay, and a game night- so much fun!)
-Saturday..Babysat, bingo, helped w/ essay, officer meeting, government homework..

I can't believe tomorrow is DECEMBER. November flew by. And as much fun as it was posting (cough) nearly everyday, it will be a relief to only post when I feel like it. You may not hear from me for another couple of weeks...okay, I doubt that.

Here is a video..



and..in line at Kohls very early! And a LONG line...1.5 hours.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! Here are some things I am thankful for :)

-my family, friends, and those who are daily examples to me
-the gospel
-journals
-food
-While You Were Sleeping
-other movies that bring smiles to my face :]
-Good music that makes me want to dance!
-playing BINGO with the elderly + Carl
-Getting butterflies when you read texts from certain someones
-Being raised in a good home.
-Karaoke Revolution/ Singstar

THANK YOU. THANK YOU. THANK YOU.

applying for college.

accompanied by:

-prayer
-stomach aches
-headaches
-shaking fingers
-draining bank accounts
-a tall glass of Cherry Coke (zero)
-Taylor Swift

Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving Break starts tomorrow. I'm so thrilled to be off for a few days. I can't believe that Christmas is almost here, and that graduation is in about six months. The year is FLYING by.

Do you have any plans for Thanksgiving?

dance dance.

we call this the Boot Scootin' Boogie.

Late/Early Post.

It's nearly 1 AM, and this will be my post for Sunday. I headed off to my friend's house for a BYU/Utah party. We were all (mostly) Cougar fans. Sadly, the game did not turn out how we would have liked (sniff, sniff). So, a few of us girls (Megan, Annie, Haleigh, and I) and one guy (Brad) decided to go see Twilight. We tried to convince some more guys, but they all wanted to play basketball. We drove to the theater, and luckily they weren't sold out. Then we waited in line, and convinced two more guys (Ben and Lance) to come. It was an awesome movie. I read the book two years ago, and I can't remember it very much. I think that is good though, because then I couldn't complain (or wouldn't notice) if it didn't follow the book exactly. I liked it alot! And, yes I'm a Jacob fan. But, I was rooting for Edward in the movie. I didn't quite picture Jacob or Edward like they are, but that's okay. It's a great film! :)

me and Bryan drinking Mountain Dew in cool bottles while watching the game.


me and Annie in our similar attire.


Megan, Annie, me, and Haleigh waiting in line for Twilight.


Megan, Annie, and me


Annie & me mucho excited!! :)

go cougs!!

I'm going to a party in an hour, where I will be wildly cheering for BYU!! :) Don't worry, I will take pictures (in case you cared?). Love Cougars.

i <3 photoshop.

I discover new things (mostly on my own) in photography. And I love photoshop. I'll post some of my pics on here sometime. Here is a song to get you through Friday:

I love Lenka too! I got her song (The Show) as an iTunes freebie. Here is another song by her (with a weird still photo). I like The Show's music video too.

want:

I want to go see

tonight.

BUT, I'm not one of those Edward-obsessed girls. All fawning over him, and buying the dumb shirts, etc. I just want to see it so I can compare it with the novel.

Anyway, I'm a Jacob fan.

nerd convention.

and I am a nerd :)

Today nine of us from my school participated in the Academic Olympiad. We had to meet at the school at 5:15. So early! But, I wasn't too tired. Our team played Catch Phrase for the whole hour up. Once there, we took four tests (math, social studies- which wasn't bad for the US History stuff, but African Geography and Chinese Culture??!-, science- never taken physics..not good, and language arts). Then we had a delicious lunch, followed by the "StarWars Competition". Each team mate answers five questions (multiple choice, but still..I only got 2 out of the 5 right, although two others I was debating between the right and wrong choice, I chose wrong.), and then there were three group questions. It was really fun. You had ten seconds for the individual answers. Our "captain", Nick, is brilliant. He answered all five right! He is a genius...Here are some photographs..


-logan, me, amanda in the testing room-

-me "testing", or posing for one :) -

-all of us. "Holla!"-

-silly pic including me choking ellsworth-

-me. at 5:00 am. a little too excited for this competition!-

-my awesome group of friends :) Amanda, Kaylee, Malori, Lis, Nick, Alex, Jordan, Me, and Logan

Why I stick with Minute Maid.

Everyday I eat school lunch. And I don't mind it. My favorites? Navajo tacos, country fried steak, and those yummy "Turkey dinners" with the mashed potatoes. I don't really ever enjoy the meat in the lunches (except the navajo taco stuff) but I love the mashed taters + gravy. And the homemade bread is SO delish. I always take the two breadsticks or rolls, even when the sign says "Please take one." I'm stingy like that.

Anyway, I can count on one hand the number of times I have gotten the milk carton. Actually, I can't. I've never gotten the plain milk. I've gotten chocolate milk twice probably. I stick with the Minute Maid juices- either apple, mixed berry, or tropical.

Today, Lance opened his carton of skim milk, and began to drink it. Next time I looked at him, his face was contorted in an awful array of disgust. He proceeds to check the expiration date- Nov. 11. YIKES! My friend Justin and I then set out to examine the contents of the container. Shudder. As we began to pour it onto my tray (I was done with my food by now), we saw chunks fall out. Lance only looked worse as he kept repeating, "I drank some sips of that before realizing something wasn't right!" It was disgusting. Made almost everyone gag.

If I would have had my camera, it would've been captured. But alas, it was at home.

So, that is my theory on why minute maid is better than the ol' carton of milk. Bleh!

"Seven" Tag

Tag from Jenni

7 Things I plan to do before I die
1. Visit Tonga, especially the Nuku'Alofa, Tonga temple
2. Fall in love & get married
3. Stay in love
4. Have children
5. Record a cd and sell it
6. Live in Nashville
7. Go skydiving

7 Things I can do:
1. Play guitar
2. Make up songs on a whim
3. Talk in many accents and weird voices
4. Make others laugh/smile
5. Flirt
6. Write in a journal
7. Eat too much icecream

7 Things I cannot do:
1. Cook meals
2. Draw well
3. Love spiders
4. Go without icecream for a month (or even a week)
5. Skateboard
6. Sing opera
7. Enjoy Star Wars movies (okay, I have never tried...)

7 Things I would have on a deserted island:
1. A best friend
2. My journal and lots of paper and pens
3. Scriptures
4. Toothbrush
5. A bathing suit- although if it were deserted, I wouldn't need to cover up. But still.
6. My guitar
7. Chapstick

7 Things I say most often:
1. "I was kidding!"
2. "It was just a J-OKE" or "A J-K petersen" haha
3. "Whatever..."
4. "Oh my gosh!!"
5. "Uh!! I hate my life.." although, I have tried to not say this as much, because I really don't!
6. "He is SO cute!"
7. "Like seriously?"

7 Celebs I Admire:
1. Faith Hill
2. Tim McGraw
3. Martina McBride
4. Carrie Underwood
5. Taylor Swift
6. David Archuleta
7. Donny Osmond :P

7 Favorite Foods
1. Scalloped Potatoes
2. Apples!
3. Breadsticks
4. Icecream
5. Jamba Juice
6. Tortilla Casserole
7. Chicken Alfredo

7 People I Tag:
1. Chrissy
2. Kamilla
3. Jen W.
4. Amy W.
5. Shanna
6. Melissa King
7. Ceci

Dear Downeast.

Please send me money to buy your adorable outfits that are shown in your catalog. I want so many I can't even choose (except that the first one simply shouts that I have school spirit). Please work with Santa in getting these to me Christmas morning. Thanks.

Sincerely,
Cheri





oh, and these are on sale:
This 1940s shift dress (sigh/drool):

And this adorable skirt that I've had my eye on for a few months (love the colors!!):