HAPpy New Year!

The new year is always interesting to me. It's obviously the time everyone makes their new years resolutions, but it seems that everyone always expects to break them. They say "this year I will actually go through with my resolutions....we'll see how long this lasts." 

I've never been one myself to really make resolutions or goals - even though I probably should. But I'm just as bad as the next person...I end up ending those resolutions a couple months, if not a couple days, after the new year begins.

So the questions is what are we going to do about it? Are we going to just not even try to make resolutions anymore? Do we keep up with the old habit of starting then stopping? Or do we actually try and go through with our goals? I, for one, am going to pick one goal for me to work on this year. Only one.

That doesn't mean I won't have other goals that I will want to do, and habits I want to develop, but as far as really focusing on a new years goal, I'm just picking one. You may think I lack ambition, which may be true, but I also know that taking things a teaspoon at a time can be more productive than grabbing a whole handful. Maybe eventually as I work up to I will be able to handle that handful!


Ready to hear my goal?
                                    
                           I am going to write in my journal at least three times a week.

Why not actually try for writing everyday? Because I know I wouldn't do it. What it the point of making a goal that you know may be little more than you can handle? If I can handle writing 3 times a week for a couple months, then when I get on my mission it will be my goal to do at least 4-5 times a week and then hopefully I will get it up to everyday.

One step at a time, folks. Don't push me (or yourselves).


There is my one New Years Resolution.

P.S. The papers go in Wednesday
      I've been waiting over a month to put those finished papers in. I find myself thinking a lot of the time "meh. I don't need another semester, I'm ready to just get out." But then I realize that I do need this next semester...don't know why. Maybe it will just make me more prepared.

Yo.

I feel like a have a million things to post, but no time to post them.



Juuust in case you were wondering.


This week some of us in the familia watched Anne of Green Gables (both the first and second) and I'm pretty sure Gilbert is amazing. I would say I want a Gilbert but in reality I don't think I do. How about a guy with the personality of Gilbert but he wasn't someone I grew up with? Sounds good to me!
               Now the question is do I watch the 3rd movie? It's not technically a part of the real story, and isn't that great. Maybe I won't waste my time at the moment. And yet, maybe I will.




Did anyone else watch the BYU basketball game yesterday? Love those boys. And Tyler Haws? 42 points? What a stud.

Hope your Christmas was Grand!

 This year we made our 3rd "Christmas Card "Video. These are the costumes from it. I'm sad that I will be missing the one for next year....maybe we can do another one now or somehow have me in it? Deal.

This is the picture we had framed and signed to be a part of our families white elephant. It has become the white elephant gift now. 

I wish I could post the video as well...but that is for family eyes only at the moment :D

{...}

 This picture was accidental. And you know what? I like it.

It's fun seeing the sunset, the Christmas tree, my reflection, and then seeing the window on the other side of the house.

And then this one of Cameron's face in the middle is a beauty.

I have no thoughts for you. No exciting stories. But I am loving those Holiday Hallmark shows. Got to watch at least one of those a day! Bride for Christmas....12 Dates of Christmas...Most Wonderful Time of the Year and...All I want for Christmas. Those are the ones I'd recommend so far. :)

So I guess this is a bit of a pointless post. 

Sometimes I don't know why I even have a blog. I don't do enough exciting things. No dates...no adventures...just Hallmark movies. 

I've got a picture to post that will make you all happy

         It makes me happy :) 

                                                 But we will have to wait another day or two!

We'll have fun fun fun

I wish you could all see what is going on in my living room right now. We are having a party.

New Blog

I've run out of space for this account...as far as pictures go. So I have created a new blog where I will post the pictures I take, and this one will continue to be just be random stuff from life.

Here's the link: click me

It's not set-up all fancy like yet...I'll work on layout and design some other time.



Too many blogs to keep track of...so there will be no offense if you throw one of mine (or more) out the window. I may be a little sad for a minute, but I would get over it.


Eventually :D

Oh, Boy

Yesterday, while I was walking to turn in my chem notebook (that class....I'm done...) , an attractive man was walking towards me. Not towards me, but in the opposite direction I was walking. I was having a crappy day and decided to just see what would happen if I smiled at him.

And so I did. I, Caitlin, smiled at an attractive man. I usually have no such courage.



The outcome was very pleasing and transformed my mood from :( to :D

He smiled back.  And then he stopped and asked me my name and for my number and we are going on a date on Saturday.  And then I wished I would have been brave enough to actually smile (not just a little, no teeth, shy smile) and maybe even say hi.


Anyway. Sometimes I really like boys.

I was told about this and found it completely true. It's like we all had wished (or still wish) that we had a Teddy (Little Women) that doesn't fall in love with us. I just don't like the illustrations...not my type of artwork.

I'm good at following schedules...extremely good.

This morning I had my chemistry final at 7 a.m.

Yesterday I did Chemistry for about 8 hours (meeeeehhhhh).

Here was my plan:

• Go to bed at 10:15 and fall asleep quick
• Wake up at 5:13 quickly throw on some clothes, maybe do make up, leave hair to fend for itself, eat a good breakfast, then study a little more
• Leave at 6:35 to meet up with Jess and Amanda
• Take test and understand everything and do really well
• Finish Chem notebook and turn it in
• Go back to my apartment happy and study for Book of Mormon

Here is what went down:

• Went to bed at 11:00ish. Didn't fall asleep for at least an hour
• Woke up several times during the night
• Woke up to a text from Amanda...at 6:23 (what happened to my alarm? Beats me.)
• Jumped out of bed (literally), pulled on pants, braided hair.
• Put on egg to fry for breakfast while putting on my Bare Minerals. (didn't even have time for eye brow pencil...killed me. )
• Ran into kitchen (egg still not done) - pulled out Cheerios and ate a bowl of that quick.
• Threw away egg because it was completely gross and messed up
• Put on a hoodie and boots and started speed walking to the test
• Got to test - spent two hours and fifteen minutes - pretty sure I failed it. 
• Went to the apartment, grabbed some applesauce, my chem notebook, and chocolate. 

And now I am at the library, just finished the last of my chem questions, and am going to turn in my notebook! At least I did one thing at my list...I guess I will be doing two - Book of Mormon.


This has been a really great day, you guys. And it's only 12.


No worries. The break is almost here.

Well heeeey there.

I know. I said I was done for a couple of weeks but I had to quickly post this!


Claire Jantzen. 13 years old. Photographer.


I just found out about her and HOLY FLIPPIN COW. Check out her website


Oh. And did I say she is 13? Okay, just making sure.

adios.

No more blogging for two or three weeks.

Let it Snow

via

It just feels wrong to listen to Christmas music when it's sunny outside and there is no snow.


C'mon weather, cool down.



We need a winter wonderland going on here.

via

My addiction.

I think I'm spoiling myself. Let me explain.


So, I love love love to look at photographer's websites - mainly people/portrait photographers. And my favorite category to look at is the wedding/bridals/engagements. I literally spend hours looking at them. Literally.

I found one photographer that I totally LOVE. Her work and pictures are just the style that I can't get over or stop looking at. She knows how to capture moments. I found out about her about...a year ago? And as I said, I love her pictures. If I had one wish, it would be to have her as my photographer at my wedding...whenever that ends up happening. But I know that won't happen (having her as my photographer, not the wedding) because, as good photographers often are, the wedding package is super expensive.

Do you see as I'm setting myself up for being let down? I look at other photographer's work and they are good or decent....or not so good, and I compare them to her and it doesn't even add up. And I don't want to be disappointed in my wedding pictures.

Heck. She got me crying while looking at some of the wedding pictures tonight(yeah yeah, make fun). Crying of excitement for my wedding day. Granted I've been super emotional this week because of life and I'm on my period. And it's 1:30 in the morning. Aaand I'm listening to Mannheim Steamroller's Stille Nacht over and over and over again. So all that got me shedding a tear here and there.

Now who is she? Jessica Rae from Rae Portraits. I believe her link is on the side...where it has a list of blogs. Go check her out. I love her work. She seems to know what's up.


There is my addiction. Beautiful photography.

2 more days....2 more days...

December 1st people! Mark your calendar! That's when the wreaths, lights, bows, trees, ornaments, nativity scenes, stockings and everything goes up at the Hall House! *party dance. party dance. party dance*

It's when we eat our hearts out with mint kisses, mint M&M's, pretzels, and egg nog and sprite! *shoulder party dance*

It's when we pull out the Christmas music and listen to HARRY CONICK JR (*P-A-R-T-Y DANCE!*), Amy Grant, Kenny G, R&B CHRISTMAS (*hip dance*), the Chipmunks, David Archuleta (yes, I'm making sure we listen to his christmas album. Brothers, be warned), and probably some James Galaway! And we dance around as we steal an M&M, snatch an ornament, and hang it on the already crowded tree. 

Nothing is better than Christmas time. I even love the cheesy Halmark Christmas movies....guilty pleasure, ya know? 

(Non LED) Christmas lights just make me happy. 

Thought: If anyone wants to go up to City Creek at night....it's beautiful. I would definitely go with you. I ran through it quickly last night on my way to the BYU game and I just wanted to sit there and enjoy the view. Beautiful! And Simple simple simple. 

White and yellow lights...? I love it. It's just classy. 

So if anyone wants to just go enjoy a cup of hot cocoa and sit and stare...I'll be your company.
Also. At Yogurt land this week there is a Peppermint Hot Cocoa flavor...tastes just like it. It's great. 

Confession: Yesterday I woke up with a David Archuleta Christmas song stuck in my head...and I had a breakdown and listened to the album with him and the Tab Choir. I couldn't help it. He's an angel. 

Faith

I don't like growing up.

Growing up means people you know die.
People your age that shouldn't die, but do.


It's a good thing I have the gospel in my life otherwise I don't know what I would do.


Something that tests my faith is when those who pass away do so in some sort of accident - not just of sickness or old age. Those unexpected deaths. Especially when they are young.

But I'm happy to report that it strengthens my faith in the end as well. Everything happens for a reason and I'm glad I have the gospel and know of the amazing power of the Atonement.



I just have to have faith.

Photoshopping.

While in Rexburg I got a little bored when Nat was in class or had stuff to do. So. I just hung out with Christian Bale. No biggie.

 

We went to the Gardens and hung out on the porch swing.

Then we went to some island and took some more pictures...and added some random words to the pictures....(Nat and I were going to go to Zumba). Christian often has the same pose when I take pictures of him.

I do often look at this picture. He is a very fine looking man. 

Then Nat and I took a picture after she was done with school stuff. Wait...Me and Nat...Nat and I...which is which???? 

Who would have thought Christian Bale would be in Rexburg, eh? 

Pictures of Christian Bale from Google Images. 

It's Rexburg, Baby.

This weekend I road tripped it up to Rexburg to visit Natalie (sister), Sarah (friend), and Jenika (friend). The drive consisted of me (the writer of this blog), Jessica (friend), Christian (brother), Amanda (friend), and Casidee (friend). Alright, now that you know who everyone is there will no longer be parenthesis.

Jess and I on the way up!

Can I tell you something? Make sure you go to the bathroom before you go on a road trip with Amanda, or you will  pee your pants. I had a headache from laughing and crying so much on the way up. She will keep you entertained the whole way, so don't even worry about having a long boring car ride. And yes, I had gone to the bathroom before I left. But I had to go really bad when I finally got up to BYU-I.


Saturday Jess and I went to visit Sarah! (woot woot!) We went and got lunch and then had nothing to do so we went to the gardens there.

I can only imagine what it looks like in the summer and spring! Since I had my camera, and a place, I decided to do some pictures with the girls.

It was a party. I may post more of the pictures...there were some funny ones :)

Later that night we had a game night at Natalie's with some of her roommates and friends. It was way fun. Sunday we went to the Boise Idaho temple dedication. Loved it. I love President Monson.

Then we came back to Natalie's and had some waffles for brunch! Then we played ligretto (2nd place baby). Aaaand then it was time for Jess and Christian to go! I'm staying up here until Wednesday morning; that's when Natalie and I are driving back. 

Tonight I get to see Jen! SUPER excited! Even though we will see each other this week cause we are partying hard with some people. :D

Rexburg, it's been fun. Glad I came. 

Feelin' like a Kid Again

The past couple of years I haven't been all that excited for Christmas or Thanksgiving. It was just kind of a "okay, this will be fun" attitude. It wasn't anything like it was when I was a kid where I was stoked.


This year, however, I'm stoked. Whenever I think about Christmas or Thanksgiving I get a little giddy inside and can't help but smile!


There are two reasons that I've come up with as to why, this year, I suddenly can't wait for these holidays.


1. Living away from home and being at college. It just makes you more appreciative of the time with your family. And I get to spend lots and lots of time with my family during the holidays (I do normally, but this is even more)! We do Thanksgiving day (obviously) where we spend the whole day together. We play basketball in the morning, have a little snack time around noon, then eat our faces out in the afternoon! And then usually, while others go home or to in-laws, some will stick around and we will watch a movie. This year I'm hoping for 7 Brides for 7 Brothers....(anyone with me on that?) Then during December we having cookie decorating, if we can some of us drive around to see the Christmas lights, we have game nights (I haven't had one of those in a long time, so I'm looking forward to all the games people), caroling on the 3rd Sunday, fighting over and getting the Christmas tree on the 1st of December (or the Saturday closest to it), and then whatever else we decide to squeeze in there! Oh, and Temple Square (this needs to be a MUST this year).  Family family family.

2. And now for reason numero dos. This year I am more thankful for Thanksgiving, and more thoughtful when it comes to Christmas. Within the past month and half, the gospel has been a HUGE part of my life and has had an amazing impact. I've been studying the scriptures and have been trying to get the most out of it I can. I've had questions that I ask and books that I read and talks that have been such a blessing to me! I've recently really starting focusing on prayer and have actually been talking to my Heavenly Father. I have realized a part of the power of the Atonement - which is SO amazing. I'm excited to learn more about It.
      This year when I think of Thanksgiving I think of the Thanksgiving hymns, and have come to absolutely love them! I think about what I am grateful for, not just the food and fun. When I think about Christmas I think of Christ's birth and His big impact on my life before I think about presents. And I am more excited about the songs that we get to sing about Christ's birth than I am for The Chipmunk Song.
       Seriously, I can't believe how much the gospel has been an impact in my life. It makes me happy!  I wish I could tell you everything that has happened since that missionary announcement, which made me truly want to know the gospel!

{kind of random side note}
Being at a school where you say opening prayers before class, where you can have a gospel discussion about the subject you're learning, where you can put a scripture in your paper (which yes, I did) and where there are good influences all around you, is one of the biggest blessings of my life. I wish everyone could come to BYU.

{back to the point of this post}
Next year I won't be here for these holidays (crazy!). I will be serving somewhere and having a great experience. As far as the next next year (2014) I hope I get home for Thanksgiving...if not that's still okay but I'm hoping for it! :D

And that is why I'm ecstatic about the holidays!!!!!

IRON MAN!

What a stud.

Hm.

Sydney's post for today.



That is all.

I VOTED!

because I can. That's what's up.

I also worked out right before this picture. That's also what's up.


I'm feeling productive today. I guess I should go study now.

My Theme Song at the Moment:

Dreams Are a Strange Thing

A couple nights ago I had a dream. In this dream I received my mission call and I was so stoked to open it. My whole family was there and I was freaking out. Then I opened it. And this is what I read (obviously I can't remember it word for word...but you get the point):

Sister Hall,

We were going to call you to New York or Missouri, but it just didn't work out. It didn't feel right. So you have been called to serve in Taiwan. 

I freaked out and had a heart attack and thought how strange it was that they told me where they were thinking. It felt so real. Then I woke up.

When I woke up I really had my mission call. It was a situation similar to the previous, where all my family was around. I opened it and it was written as the normal missionary letter is written but this time I was called to Yakima, Washington. What?! I did not enjoy that very much. I cried. This was SO real. But then I woke up. For reals this time. 

 Talk about an emotional roller coaster for a dream. It was freaking me out all that morning.

P.s. I will serve wherever the Lord wants me to serve. I have no doubt in my mind I will go to where I'm supposed to. I love this gospel :D

It's Friday

I should be doing homework.

But I'm one who believes in the weekend and in breaks.




                                              They aren't meant for homework.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Now for a picture. I often do some photoshopping on pictures, and they will be in color. I usually like it alright, sometimes I really like it. Then I think to myself "hey. Let's try black and white" and suddenly the color becomes ugly and dull. What??? The color one is dull? Yeah.

Often times I add warmth to the black and white one as well and I like that even more. Even if I'm trying SUPER DUPER hard to stick with black and white. Black and white. Pure black and white. And yet, I often add that warmth to the picture anyway.

Here is an example of a color one I like alright (definitely not my best):

Then there is the black and white one.

I can't get over it. I like the black and white better. SO much better. Even though the cat really blends into her clothes more so than the color and the bar from the grill is still sticking out of her head. So yeah

I resisted the urge to add some warmth to this picture. I will put up another example of that sometime.


Here is my conclusion. Black and white pictures of people are really my absolute favorite. Landscapes and such? Color (because it's all about the color, ya know?)



                  Peace out.

Nursing

So nursing is what I've been thinking about majoring in so far, right? Right. For my nursing class the assignment this week was to watch two of the Perspectives on Nursing videos on the BYU Nursing website. The first one I chose to watch was awesome. It's the Betsy Larson Pediatric Oncology one. I chose it because I want to go into Pediatrics and work at a children's hospital if possible. This really gave me a boost towards that direction :)

http://prenursing.byu.edu/#

It's about 17 minutes long but it's interesting (to me at least). If you have time to watch, I recommend it.

Just wanted to share something I enjoyed and something that added a little piece to this crazy puzzle of life!

Who knew I would actually really enjoy a homework assignment.... ;)

It's not Christmas and I'm an odd ball.

Last year I cheated, and started listening to Christmas music 2 weeks before December. I vowed to never do it again. It really does take away the magic of Christmas music and the excitement. Although I'm always sad and feel that I didn't have enough time to listen to the joyous, amazing, and fun songs of Christmas when it comes to January. I will usually listen to it a couple weeks into the new year then pack it up to wait for next year!

By doing so it keeps the excitement of the music there the whole time period you are listening to it. Last year I actually found myself ready to be done with it. Which NEVER ever  happens. I will make sure that won't happen again!


Why this random post about Christmas music? Because A) People are putting up Christmas stuff already and it makes me sick. Maybe not sick....but disappointed. It just isn't the same. And hey, lets not forget about Thanksgiving! Which brings me to B) I've come to the realization of my love for the Thanksgiving hymns this year and I don't want to skip over those! And then C) PEOPLE ARE PLAYING CHRISTMAS MUSIC ON THE PIANO. And others are requesting those songs as a warm up in ward choir. I jumped on that one like it was going to start the biggest fire in the world. Really, as soon as it was mentioned I objected and made sure everyone knew it. Goodness. I don't know what to think of all of this. I learned of this website last night, and I love it. Type the following into your url:

isitchristmas.com


 -----------------------------------


On another note, this kid in my ward reminds me sooo much of my nephew Oliver. He is the ward choir director. So you know what I do when I walk into choir? Look and him and smile. When I sit down to sing, I just look at him at smile. Seriously, every time I look at him, I just smile!  He probably thinks I'm some weirdo/freak. Sitting there smiling at him the whole time. I just can't help it. It kills me how much he reminds me of Oliver. I wish you all could come sit and smile in ward choir with me so you could see the resemblance.

Life is Happenin'

Blah.

I'm laying in bed with cramps, a sore throat, and the need to throw up. I guess you could say I'm not feeling so hot.

So while I'm waiting for the Presidential debate to start, I'm listening to Rudy and going through Pinterest. I want homemade rolls really really really bad. Pinterest is bad for a sick, unable to move (even if I was able to, unmotivated) person who wasn't hungry at all. Now I want those rolls, breadsticks, pasta, chicken pot pie, peaches and cream crepes, fruit kabobs, chicken rolls and creamy potato soup.

And I have no one to make any of it for me.

The downside of not having your mother right outside your door I guess.


Also, ANYTHING pumpkin sounds like heaven right now. Hot chocolate, pie, cookies, muffins, bars, donuts....anything pumpkin.