Newly Engaged

Its amazing how many people have said:
     "FINALLY"  or "ITS ABOUT TIME!"  or "We were starting to think it would never happen"

To them, I say:
   "You think its about time?  I KNOW its about time!"  But, also, I say:  "It was well worth the wait!"  

I love Travis SOOOO much!

I can't wait to be married to him!

Its funny, this working out the details stuff isn't as much fun as I thought it would be, because

1)Travis doesn't have much of an opinion on it, he just wants to be married and so I fear becoming bridezilla who just takes over and says do it this way that way and forget anyone who has anything else to say!
2)Theres alot of options!
3)I just want to be married
4)It can get expensive, and I have no money
   4a) I don't want an expensive wedding, just a nice one!
5)The wedding isn't what its about.  Its about me and Travis, and referring back to #1, travis doesn't have much of an oppinion reguarding the details.
6)All we've decided on is June, and Alaska-that way, its convenient for us, and it gives our family and friends time to make preparations to come if they're going to.  Just narrowing it down that far seemed to be a daunting task!

But, I guess once I start making decisions other things will start falling into place right?  oy.  Thats what the book Robin got me for Christmas says anyways.

Funny Lysie

All this, just Today:  

First, Lysie is getting dressed for the day.  I got her two shirts for Christmas (and a tea set, I'm not all boring).  One was Faded Glory Brand, and the other L.E.I. Brand.  Didn't think anything of it, but Elyse did.  She comes in with the grumpy face on and shows me the shirt with the L.E.I. tag and says "This isn't my Shirt.  Thats not my name!  My name is Elyse, E-L-Y-S-E not L.E.I."  And then threw a tantrum for a bit cuz the pants mom tried to get her to wear didn't quite fit right.  Oh joys of being 4 going on 14.

Then, in the evening, she's getting ready for bed, and is hounding me to listen, I keep telling her "just a minute" cuz I'm preoccupied.  Eventually, my attention is freed and so I turn to her and ask "WHAT?" Kinda exhasperated, and she says with a big grin- "You and Travis are gonna get married, and when your married I can have sleep overs at your house"  OH REALLY?  I can't say no to her though, so I told her she'll have to ask Travis cuz it'll be his house too.  She's hilarious.  Se wouhe's so smart, she figured out getting married means I'm gonna move-I think cuz Amanda moved. But then I asked lysie where she would stay when she came for sleep overs at my house (her and robin have "sleep overs" here but just sleep on the floor on a blanket in lysie's room) and if she was going to sleep on the floor, or on the couch, and she asked "Will you have a bed?" I Said yes, and she said she'd just sleep there with me-hahaha, no.  Then I asked her what color dress she wanted when I get married, and she answered "white"  hahaha, no again!  I explained that I'm getting married so I get to wear white and that she needs to pick a color. Started suggesting blue, green, yellow-and she piped up "Black"  hahaha, no. I kept trying to explain the idea of color and get her to pick green but she wouldn't have it.  She's pretty set on black, but I'll turn her-don't worry.  I'll turn her!

My Christmas Highlight

(Photo Thanks to Adam Baxter)

There are many legends about the moon. A full moon is said to be a symbol of love and romance.  On that, 

I must agree.

There was a total Lunar Eclipse on Solstice this year, visible in Alaska on the Eve of Winter Solstice. 

My dear wonderful Travis took the special night, December 20th, 2010 to propose :)  

Yes, we are engaged!  

I think there is some special symbolism in it.  

Just as the celestial bodies aligned that night, 

Travis and I aligned our hearts in a promise of celestial significance.  

I love that man!

Merry Christmas!

It has been a wonderful season.  Its now Christmas morning, 10 am, and we still havn't opened out presents.  Lysie isn't even awake.  But Yesterday was great, I got up and went to Breakfast with my dear sweet Abbey, and then we did a little bit of last minute shopping, and then I headed out to Northpole.

 In Northpole, I helped Travis and his Mom put Christmas Eve Dinner on the Table-we even used the fine china!  It was all delicious!  His mom makes delicious moist Turkey, and yummy green bean casserole, and the BEST sweet potatoes-oh, they're like dessert!

Then I came home and with my Family we read the Christmas story and used a nativity set to act it out (usually we do a big theatric production with the Hulls, but they are Utah cuz Tyler just got Married!)  And then did our traditional caroling around the piano-mom accompnying.  Really makes me want to learn Piano so I can continue the tradition with my own family.  I decided last nigh singing around the cd player or Ipod wouldn't be the same....

Then this morning, I got up, finnished wrapping a few presents, and now we're just lazing around till Breakfast is ready.  Rulon brought the genious tradition of eating a big fancy breakfast before Christmas Presents. I love it because it makes the Christmas magic last a little long in the day, the anticipation with the presents builds up a bit more, and beacuse we have our bellies full of breakfast we don't get grouchy because we're hungry and tired.  And we don't fill up so much on candy....   I LOVE the Breakfast tradition.

Usually I'm more excited about Christmas morning and getting to the presents sooner rather than later, but I must confess, Santa got me a few presents early.  More on that coming soon.

Merry Christmas everyone!

Resolutions fufilled

I know its not new years yet, but in preparation for Christmas in a few days and because of the end of the semester, I was going through my junk, tossing and cleaning out-  And I found in my about to be deseased planner, a list of goals that I made at the beggining of this year.  Things I get to check off:

Nanny cousin Alex
Dance in Cali
Cook and cook good (didn't do it as much as I had planned, but I became the banana bread queen in Cali this summer)
Did well in school (in spring semester got a c instead of a c- in anatomy and physiology, and got almost a 4.0 in fall semester-best GPA since highschool!)
Started Teaching Dance (yes, that was a goal, if it hadn't been I probably wouldn't have started)
I stayed fit (except during this last semestester, I was 5 lbs above my determined weight allowance....but I don't mind so much-I got alot of other things done-5 lbs is nothing!)
I'm all set to get my certification on schedule
And I've contacted a girl about starting cello lessons next semester
and I'm registered for a Ballett Class next semester as well (SO EXCITED)
Made some big life altering decisions :)  I'm SO Excited!
Got out of the Car Rental buisness! Whew!

One goal I'm not sure how to approach this year:
Driving the tour buses.  Its been my dream since I was 16.  And now I'm old enough to drive them, but I have a few other things on my summer agenda, that the tour busses would make life unnessecarily complicated.  But I really want to.....and I don't know if I'll ever have this oppourtunity again.....  uhg.  I suppose I could apply and make a decision later.

Finals are underway!

I'm done with my clinical Procedures Class for the Semester, and happy to brag (sorry) that I got a 98 on my Final Exam today, and a 96 in the class overall!  Hoorah!

Bring on the rest of the finals!

Red heads have no soul!

Apples to Apples.  A harmless game?  Maybe.  But I'm a competitive person.

The word:

Friendly

My Word:  AIDS. (I KNOW!  I shock myself!) I'm a horrible person!  My Argument:  Its a virus, it sticks with you! (And I had a reaallly bad hand)



The Word:
 Unscrupulous

My Word:  Women.  My arguement:  I did it to win!  (which I did, a guy was judging that one)


The Word:

Dirty

My Word:  Handcuffs.  (I had figured at this point there was no hope for me)


After the first two cards though, I wasn't given a break at all that night.  Pretty much anytime anyone put something in that was remotely inappropriate or evil I was blamed.  And, ask anyone there, I proved the theory that Redheads have no souls.

Wonders of this Winter-Land! (Part 2)

Guess what, I take it back.  Global warming is a hoax!

Its freaking cold out there!  This is the alaska winter I remember.

Of course, with the cold, I now have a cold and my asthma hates me.  Dr Foote wouldn't let me get my allergy shot today because I have cold symptoms.  I guess, asthma does not like to be hit by a cold and allergic reaction at the same time.  So, try again next week.  Pray for me, and that my car will get fixed!

21 yrs done!

I had a birthday yesterday-and in the terms of the world its a big one.  I got the fancy license that goes side ways like the rest of the world, meaning I'm and adult adult (as opposed to when you become an "adult" at 18.  Whats crazy is that so much is up in the air right now.  I want to make plans but the plans I want to make require a partner in crime, but that partner is having commital issues.  I want to just go to work when I'm done with school, but I also want to drive the tour busses, and i want to get my associates, and I want to go to Idaho and get a bachelors in Dance.  :P  So, Idk.  Here's to oppourtunies, here's to adventures, here's to desicions and heres to undetermined plans.  I've always put all my eggs in one basket certain that that is the plan for me, but I think now is the one time in life when I'll be able to spread them around.  Check out different baskets or maybe more than one.  Its both empowering and exciting.  For the short term though, here's to getting my certificate, and taking a ballet class!

December!!!!

So, I don't know where the year went-but its now December so the greif I should feel at yet another year gone is  overwhelmed by the excitement of the Holiday Season!  I'm SO excited, it hit me in class when I went to write the date and it was 12/1/2010 that it was December.  Just 25 days till Christmas!  And my Birthday is on Friday.  Which let me tell you, I'm not too happy about only being 21 and having forehead wrinkles already.  I blame the fun I had in the California Sun this summer.  I got a few really good sunburns, and the Ultraviolet light did its toll.  :P  Bleh.  But, still, 21 eh?  I could go rent a car, I could not go to bar-they both rhyme but they wouldn't be a crime!  HAH!  Jk, I won't ever be going to a bar, and I don't have the money to rent a car.  But don't worry, I will be celebrating.  Travis is taking the evening off from work and we'll go to dinner (probably with my family too) and then I talked him into going to the Newest Harry Potter with me, and get this, hehe-dressing up as Wizards!  I'm also opening the invite to any who wish to come, just you have to dress like a wizard too!  So, spread the word and dust off your wands!  I'll update on Facebook what time we'll go to the movie, I'm thinking Imax at 7pm Friday, the 3rd.  YAY!  (PS, Travis is gonna be Harry and I'm gonna be Ginny! hehehehe)

Long Story Short:

I'm an optimist, a Ballroom Dancer, Big sister, a friend, a goofball, a student, a dreamer, and I'm a mormon.




Friend was talking to me, suggested I make one of those profiles on mormon.org. This is as far as I've gotten so far. I'll let you know when I have the rest of it together.

What I am MOST thankful for

I am thankful for the Love of my Heavenly Father.

He is the source of love, joy, peace, hope, life, and everything good.

What I'm thankful for this year: (in no particular order)

Adorable little Brother Liam
Adorable Little Sister Elyse
My mommy
Rulon
Robin
Amanda
Jordan
Clara
Travis
Kimmie
Rhea
Oppourtunities to go visit Grampa, Grama's Elmer and Johnson, and Dad's site.
The oppoutunity I had to work for Uncle Sid in California nannying Alex
Human Anatomy-its cool stuff!
Medical Assisting Program/knowing what I'm doing with my education and career!!
Modern Medicine (allergy shots, Liam's hospital visits) and the health care team!
Ballroom Dance Club of Fairbanks
Artisans Courtyard teaching oppourtunity (even though it didn't really work out, I learned alot while using the space for teaching shelly)
Stefani Borrego
Melody Debenham
Abbey Tsigonis
Ariel Cheney
Jennifer Kendall
Krystal Duval
Brittani Sunderlund
Wendy Madsen
Randi Ellingson
Missionaries
The Gospel of Jesus Christ
Temples
The Preisthood
Sealing Ordinance
Uncle Dennis getting sealed to his family
Roses
Pres Duval, Pres Olsen, Bro Maynes and all other church leadership
Lori Moser
Scriptures
Red Wood Forrests
LaMyrl Sandholtz
Family History
Good Music
Dance
Baking
Balloons
Christmas Lights
Mountains
Vehicles
Good Shoes
Warm Clothes
Friends near and far (I love you even if your name was not specifically mentioned.)
Family Near and Far (Again, I love you even if you were not individually named)
Federal Student Loans
The Dividend
Pumpkins
Airplanes
Pools on Hot Days
Indexing
Good Books
Good Movies
Visiting Teaching
Munch n Mingle
Church Choir
Cousins
Family Home Evening
People who adopt Kitties
Sherry Wolf
Penny Tibbs
Christa Barttlet
I love you notes on my bed
Health
Excersise Facitlities
Hot Water
Technology
Pumpkin Pie
Beautiful Weather
Family Recipes
Instant Recipes
Warm House
Alaska
Patch Adams
Old Roommates
Stephanie Quintana



Theres lots more-but I'm getting sleepy.  So, Goodnight!  Happy Thanksgiving!

Wonders of this Winter-Land!

So, I really think MAYBE, just maybe I should have taken my english class last year a bit more seriously.  I took English 213, Writting for the Social and Natural Sciences, but my hippie Teacher turned it into "Envirowriters" or a writting for the environment class.  And we had to reasearch and write about things like Global warming and the vegetarian movement as a means to save the planet.  I thought she was crazy, still do, but on the topic of Global warming-Maybe I should look into it more.  I was convinced it was a hoax, I had my Chemistry teacher on my side, but then, winters like this kinda make me wonder.  Usually, we spend the week leading up to Thanksgiving with negative temps, like, 30 below and colder-I remember!  Every year the week before thanksgiving in the middle of november we would have a whole week of seminary cancelled.  Church cold weather policy cancels the extra meetings and seminary at -30.  Anyways, so when I walked outside for the first time since Sunday today, and was walking through puddles of standing water 2 inches deep-I was slightly alarmed.

Anyways, here's to my first school cancelling because of weather.  The only time this ever happened to me before was on a Sunday in highschool, it rained, so they cancelled Church.  That was weird.  Anywho-hope everyone out there is staying warm and safe!

Mr Turkey

Elyse taught me a new song today, sing it to the tune of  "Frère Jacques"

Mister Turkey (Mister Turkey)

Big and Fat (Big and Fat)

I am gonna eat you (I am gonna eat you)

Just like that (Just like that)

More Shots!

So, Thursday, we gave each other shots in the butt.  Its not that bad, but note:  Go in fast.  The girl who gave me my shot kind pushed on the skin till it broke.....just stab it, I promise, it'll hurt less.  After the shots in the butt, we learned to give them in the leg.  Note to future patients:  If you have to get a shot in your leg, it really doesn't hurt unless you watch, so don't watch.  Its a big needle and seeing it go in, you'll tense up a bit.  I thought I was solid, could handle any needle at this point, but I wanted that shot to stop.  It really wasn't painful except in my head.  Natural response, so just don't look.  (you'll usually get shots like Iron there, so just don't get that low on Iron in the first place anyways-and remember you have to count to 10 before the needle comes out)

And heads up:  Tomorrow, me and Travis are going Snow Boarding.  :)  I've Never Tried it, have always wanted to.  SO EXCITED!  Wish me luck!!

Shots!

Okay, so I'm a student of Medical Assisting.  By May I'll have all the classes I need to have in order to get my certification.  I'll just need my externship and then to take the big ugly test in Anchorage-those will happen during the summer.  So, in less than a year I'll be employable.  Which is exciting.  Another exciting thing:  I GAVE MY FIRST SHOT TODAY!

Let me tell you, Giving a shot is much scarier than getting a shot.  But, thanks be to my peer Toni who was patient and calm and cool as I put 0.5ml of Saline in her deltoid.  whew! Now I just gotta do some interdermal, subQ, gluteal, and ztrack and I think I'm good!  For this semester-this semester is jsut practice.  Next semester is the checkoffs!  OY!

How do you solve a problem like Melanie?

I feel like this song from the sound of Music sometimes.  
You know, the one that goes "How do you solve a problem like maria, how do you catch a wave upon the sand, and how do you hold a moonbeam in your hand??"
Theres a part of the chorus that goes:

She is gentle

She is wild

She's a riddle

She's a child

She's a headache

She's an angel

She's a girl!!

And many another part of that song I feel like they might as well be singing about me.  However, thats what makes me SO thankful for my family, my friends and all the patient people who love me.  

The only way I can explain myself sometimes is that I'm a girl.  And as such I'm prone to emotional feelings that I don't quite know how to interpret and handle yet, so thank you for bearing with me!  

Happy Birthday Pres Uchtdorf!

It is in the quiet moments when I sit and think and pray-that I find peace, and comfort.  Assurance.  I know who I am, I know Gods plan.  I am a child of God, I came from his home in heaven to this earth to become like him, and its back to him that I am striving to get.  I know that Jesus Christ Lives.  He bled in the Garden for me meeting the laws of Justice so that I could be restored to righteousness and therefore qualify for the Kingdom of God.  I know that Christ  arose from the grave, breaking the bonds of death that I might live with my family for forever.   I know that the Priesthood is the power and authority of God, that with it what is bound on earth will stand in full force in the eternities if I do my part.  I know that obedience to the laws and commandments of God brings something more precious that happiness, it brings joy and peace.  I know that repentance allows me to make my wrongs and failings right, and myself complete.  I know the Gospel of Jesus Christ is the truth, and that it was restored, in all its Fullness by the power of God through the prophet Joseph Smith.  I know we are led now by Prophets Seers and Revelators.  They hold the keys of the priesthood.  They know the way, and they are here to teach us and guide us on our journey.

Patience

Something I learned on Sunday:
   Patience is not getting frustrated.

Annnnd Don't pet the cats toes.  They don't like it.



Sad news:
Freckles and Gozer went to the animal Shelter, and Freckles, dear sweet freckles being older and less likely to be adopted, and the shelter being too full, was put down.  Sooooo sad.

At the same time, Liams health is more important, and hopefully will start improving.  Also, Gozer will get adopted.  I'm sure of it.  (So someone go adopt her!  She's so sweet!)

Dance Dreams and Goals

Okay, so a while ago I decided I wanted to be ready to teach some lessons here in Fairbanks AK where I am more than qualified to be a dance instructor (take me to Utah or Cali though and I still gots LOTS to learn) and that goal is comming to acheivement!  I'm still learning new steps all the time (Thanks to help from Rulon) with which to teach people how to dance, but as a general concesnsus, I know how to dance and I may not be ginger rogers, but I know a thing or to to help others improve.  I don't think its about the steps, its about the movement and the enjoyment, and the fun and the health.  Steps are just patterns with which to portray your skills.  So, as a follow, I haven't memorized all the patterns, thats what I'm gonna try and do now.

Otherwise, good news for me, I've been getting lots of oppourtunities to teach through networking with first, Stefani B.  She's amazing.  I told her I wanted to teach, and so she gave my name to Artisans courtyard, and with them I've been trying to get a childrens class going.  So far, the only kid to come is my neighbor shelly, but I'm hoping that will change.  Yesterday I went to Anne Wien Elementry (got reffered by Ballroom Dance club of Fairbanks) and helped a 6th grade class learn some swing for a little show they're doing about their studies on Egypt (dancing and actin, but swining to the mummy rock) I've also taught a couple their first dance for their wedding, and received a few other refferals that simply didn't work out because of time-or communication break.

But here's the cool thing:  Me and Rulon were just invited to teach dance classes at AK land Dance Hall for the Ballroom Dance club of Fairbanks.  It will be monday nights, from 6-7, 7-8, And 8-9.  I'm hoping for a real good turn out everybody!  The more the merrier!  With this oppourtunity, the plan is, Rulon helps me know what I need to know so that in the future, I'll be ready to teach it all with him as the TA.  Cool huh?  I'm excited.

With school-I can't wait to get my CMA, but, after I do, I really want to go get my BA in Dance.  Or go to Cali and work more with Arthur Murray or something like that.  This just makes me happy.  CMA stuff makes me happy to, and I think with the two, I should be set!  I'll definately be busy, but maybe someday people will be dreaming of working for my Franchised Dance Studios  :)  I can dream right?

Patch Adams

What an Inspiring Guy.  I wasn't sure what to expect when I went to his -lecture? today, but it was amazing.  I was in tears in a few spots.  Just overwhelmed with a sense of caring for his cause and the people he meets.  You could tell he was genuine-and his ideas are so idealistic.  He really beleives in his cause and labors for it, its a labor of love.  I think Robin Williams did an excellent portrayal of his essence-his sense of curiosity and love and compassion for other humans.  He's not immune to reality-he just sees the world through a broader lens that allows him to care for the individual.  I wrote so much of what he said down-I wish I had a recording of the evening.  I hope that whenever I start my career-and that whomever I come into contact with, I can share a sense of love and concern for them.

Patch said he never said "Laughter is the best medicine"  But that "Friendship is the best medicine-and laughter, humor is a means to make that friendship."  It was wonderful.  And I will forever cherish his wisdom in my heart, and strive to be a little more positive, a little more happy, a little more concerned and a little more caring with everyone I meet.  Thank you Mr Adams!

Other Than that, today was also fun, because we had our first real snow (didn't stick around much, but it was definately there.)  On my lunch break from Classes I went home to find lysie in her snowcoat, boots, snowpants, mittens, the whole regalia.  So I joined her and we tossed some small, puny snowballs around, but had oh so much fun!  

Top 5 Panda Cheese Commercials

Never Say no to Panda.

Clara is cuter.

Its October and Theres no snow yet.  What is this?
Anyways,
Conference Weekend:
   Good times with Travis.
   We Watched Conference (oops, I fell asleep on Sunday afternoon session)
   We played outside with the frisbee
   We made French Toast
   We bought cheesecake!  ( and ate it too)
   We had a stargate marathon
   And spend pretty much all day both days together, it was nice. I don't think we had had that much quality time since California.  I do love him so!

Also, my past roommate Dana had her Baby Girl!  Congrats Dana and Dallin Broadhead on the healthy arrival of Gabriella!

I must say though, Ella is adorable-no mistake there, but I'm biased and I think my niece Clara is cuter.  :P  hehehe

Welcome!!!!

So, I posted that guess, then I went downstairs cuz lysie had a question for mommy, then mid question the phone rang,

Amanda and Jordan have welcomed their baby GIRL into the world, Clara Hull.  7 lbs  13 oz.  YAY!!!)  Keep her and the parents in your prayers!

Love, Melanie, the Proud Happy Aunt!

Waiting

Amanda in having a baby.  It makes me happy.  She called several hours ago, was dialated to an 8, but still waiting for slow progression.  She had recieved an epidural and was loving that, then the nurse came in so she had to go.  CAN'T WAIT!!  Baby will you please come into the world so I can go to sleep-I need to know your here safe.  And that Amanda is alright.  And I want to know if your a boy or a girl, and how big you are.

My Official guess:  Your a boy.  And you are over 9 lbs.  :)

Strength

I am strong.  I am beautiful.  I am smart.  I am unique.  I dance, I sing.  I am curious, I am my own sort of creative and I can make people laugh and feel good about themselves.  These are the good things about me.  I know theres some not good things about me to.  But to give myself the break that I deserve I don't focus on those.  I try consitently to do better, to be better-not because thats what the world wants me to do but because thats what I want to do.  I want to learn to play the piano, I want to finnish college, I want to be more compassionate, I want to be healthier, more independant, more pulled together and better at managing my time.  I believe that life is about improving and progressing.  I am not perfect, and I will not be perfect try as hard as I might-and I'm okay with that.  While I'm not perfect-I still try to be, because striving for perfection is how I attain the best I can be.   But if I fail, its not the end the world as I know it because I know its a goal I'm not capable of acheiving.  I don't use that as an excuse to mediocrity though, or as a reason to throw a pity party (you know the people who say "I'm not all that I wanted or thought I would be so wo is me, pity party!").  I accept the reality in the truth of who I am,  what I'm doing, and whats at the top of my ladder.  That allows me to focus on what I need to do, what I need to change, and as I commit my efforts to that change I find my own peace of mind knowing I'm doing what I can, and that I'm trying.  Thats my best and thats what matters.

I'm persoanlly tired of seeing women I know saddened because you don't feel beautiful, you don't feel like you measure up, or you don't feel like you fit in.  What you need is to stand up for yourself to yourself.  Then you can worry about confronting the people who belittle you and complicate your efforts to happiness.  Be honest with yourselves about all that you are-beautiful, strong, enduring, hardworking-and just keep chugging along through your tough circumstances.  Noone has been through what you've been through except our saviour.  If you could honestly see yourself and everything you do and have done, you would know that you are so much more than you think.  You are fabulous and beautiful, you do fit in, and you do measure up.

Root Canals

So, yesterday I got a root canal and for half the day whenever I smiled only half my face would go.  Anesthesia is a funny thing.  I think I laughed at myself in the mirror for 5 mins before the procedure while Dr Tanner was getting ready/finnishing up with another patient.  It looked weird, it felt weird.....but it was cool.  I was kinda nervous, cuz the last few weeks (after I scheduled the root canal and before it actually happened) I hadn't been feeling the pain I had felt initially.  So I was wondering-did my tooth fix itself?  Do I really need to pull its insides out?  And Fortunately, when he got in there, yes, it did need the insides pulled out.  We weren't just doing it cuz I was paranoid.  Usually a tooth's nerve fiber stuff is all white, but he showed me mine and it was red and brown and ugly.  But, still kinda facinating.

Why might I have needed a root canal might you ask?  And why might I have been paranoid about it?  Short story-Liam hit my tooth with his head, it was still hurting from time to time a few months later, and I got paranoid when it started looking blackish grey.  NOT happy, as it was my tooth right up front.  But, after the root canal he bleached out the inside of the tooth and all is well.  And I get bleach trays for all my teeth-woo woo!

As of late

here's an Update:

Went to Anchorage last weekend for a wonderful temple trip :)  Enjoyed every min of it, and the weather was perfect from Fairbanks to abt Trapper Creek (just before the road construction) on both days of driving!  Also, the unperfect weather in the southern part of our great state still wasn't that bad.  :)  In Denali Nat'l Park, we saw the Great One-our beautiful mountain Denali/Mt Mckinley-Heres some pictures from the trip:

This I know (a special list of Loves, Loves #7)

Fall is my favorite time of year!

Christ is my Saviour, my redeemer, and my bestest best friend

When we do hard things-we get blessings we don't expect.

Tender mercies are all around us.

Families are forever.

People are beautiful.

I'm gonna be an aunt real soon!

To be anxiously engaged in a good cause is good for the soul-yeah Heavenly Father said to do it, but if you do it, you will be happier.  The more you give of yourself for this good cause, the more you lose yourself in it, the happier you will be.

Gods plan is perfect, God plan is complete, God plan is THE plan of happiness.

My September 11, 2010

Today was beautiful.  I woke up, got dressed (which I really didn't feel like getting out of my jammies, so it was a big deal, thus it gets to be listed in the days activities), got a haircut, then spent a glorious fall afternoon in Nature with my darling Travis.  I've been saying every weekend, "We need to go outside while the weather is still good" And so finally, the weather was PERFECT and the leaves are a beautiful golden.  So we went to Chena Lakes-but past where you turn off to go to the lakes but farther down the main road to where theres a beautiful river campsite and a few walking trails.  Oh, I just can't say enough, but it was beautiful.  There, we threw rocks in the water like little kids-Travis can throw then reallly high and really far (hit the sign on the other side of the river, or threw them really high so they would make cool sounds when the fell into the water, like "THWOOPM") and he's really good at skipping rocks-I've said it once and I'll say it again, I'm easy to please!  I loved it!

Other than that, he made me some dinner, and we watched a movie.  It was a great day.

Kinda Ironic given the anniversary of today, 9/11.......but I think its a perfect example of how God gives us tender mercies.  Beautiful weather and sunshine to light up the shadows and open our eyes to all the beauties and blessings still extended and offered to us.

3 Day Weekends

Remember how I said I couldn't wait for Tuesday-well, now I can wait, except Tuesday is here.  I worked hard to try and get my homework done, and its not done.  :P  LAME.  But, on the plus side, I have more done than I would have had I been in the state of mind I was a year ago-being that I wasn't driven and motivated, and so even though I didn't complete it, my confidence and my ambition to get it done are not shot.  Usually at this point I figure I'm too behind and I'm not going to ever get caught up, this time, I beleive I will get caught up, and I will be successful, and I want to put forth that effort because this is my future.   I love this program-and I've only had two days of classes so far!  I have to go ti bed now, but tomorrow, I will catch up, and be on top of the days tasks because its all so worth it right now, never have I felt more like theres a purpose to it all!  Goals are wonderful things.

Also, in recap of the wonderful labor day weekend:
Steak and twice baked potatoes.  Yum.   And beautiful sunshine and golden leaves, red bushes, fading greens-its soooo beautiful out there!

Not ready for cold and dark, but lovin the moment.

Also, I saw eat pray love with Momma and Kimmie, LOVED it.  I wanna go to Italy and Bali now.  India wasn't as apealing, but still, good movie!

Relax

Day one of Medical Assisting Program went VERY well.  I'm excited!  It'll be hard, but-its good and exciting and I feel like I'm doing something purposeful and important.   And, today I got my first pair of scrubs, they are SO comfortable.  I can't wait till tuesday!  Also, I did my first independant teaching expirience-so now I'm not so scared to do the next one.  So, now I'm headed forward full steam-only a little nervous about the challenges I'll be facing academically, creatively, professionally-This semester is really going to stretch my comfort zones, my talents and my abilities and time management skills!

So to start practicing now, have a good night, I'm off to bed!

Yellow Leaves

Soooooo Its fall.  If you didn't get the hint from my new background.  I love fall though, except now that I've been spoiled (in Cali weather) I'm not so excited about what follows fall (winter).  Really though, Summer and Fall are probably the best.  In Alaska-fall is full of golden green and reds and the aurora usually starts to light up the sky when the sun goes down, and though the days are getting shorter they're still a little longer than in other parts of the country.  The rain smells wonderful and yet as the earth is beggining to decay theres this freshness about the season changing and the crisper winter weather coming in that is just beautiful and sweet.

I'm excited about classes that start this Thursday, and getting into the Medical Assisting courses.  I'm pumped about teaching dance (and a bit nervous) and WAY happy that my schedule will become more regular (which also means more full).  And, maybe, just maybe, I look forward a bit to making a snowman, I did get some pretty cute/comfy warm mittens recently (2nd hand so they're already broken in).

I still got it

Recently I was wondering If I still have any clue as to whats good for me and whats not.  Alot of questions in my mind go around about wether I should do this or do that, and its all been very frustrating and confusing.  I used to just know-but as I've had much to think about-and plans to devise, I found, I still got it.  I know when something is right-and I still recognise it as right for me, something that will make me happy and joyful and successfull.  And I can still diffferentiate between it and that feeling that tells me "This is not good for you."   So, thats a relief.  I guess this last bit of time of frustration hasn't been in vain, but, a step into the dark and unknown. I'm glad for little moments of reflection that remind me that though I have no idea what will happen, I can have faith and peace and assurance that it will work out and make sense in the end.  I may not have my answers yet, but time will bring them to light.  phew.  Right now I need to keep chugging along on the path I'm on.  Details are yet to be established, but the big picture is in veiw.

National Alamo

So-I think Yesterday was my last day at that car rental. I was working up at the airport and my manager had the lot attendants bring me my paycheck, and normally I should have next weeks schedule attached to it, but.....all I got was the paycheck.  I should probably be shocked and outraged that he would tell me in such a way that I'm done working there, and I'm a little concerned about my finaces-but mostly I'm just relieved.  It was a blessing to have the job for the last year, and it was quite the expirience.  Met some cool people, learned patience with some other people-and now I get to move on!   I'll be teaching a couple of childrens dance classes this fall-and I'm SO excited!  As for the car rental-here's some pictures:

First day at National Alamo

Trained and workin on my own

Sooo ready to have Trav home and a regular schedule

New haircut-also moved to Dale rd

Happy Birthday to me haircut!

hehe-Sittin in Chris' Desk

In November-I had a car situation, and so Chris told me to take a dirty home-it wasn't a very dirty dirty

Came to work and someone (Georgie?) had decorated for Christmas!

Love Stephanie!  She's how I survived that place!

Cousin Ian worked in back for a little while!  

Being goofy

Liked it....was on Chris' Desk

Been here tooo long

Happy to be going to Cali!

Back from Cali....

Now, here's the pic I took when I thought I was leaving the first time I thought I was done, and so, now I get to say hooray

Thats excitment on my face!  :D

Goodbye Car Rental!!!

Busy Busy Busy

My weekend, was busy-but Oh SO Wonderful with my Wonderful home!  It stinks having to say goodbye everynight-but I like having him around. And we've entered this phase in our relationship where though I still feel pretty clingy-I think I can handle going about and doing my agenda while he tends to his.  We love eachother-but we don't have to be connected at the hip to survive the day. I only got to see him for a quck lunch at my house this morning-but still had a very good and productive day!  I got all the chores my mom requested done, made a dentist appointment, relaxed, ate good food, and Helped maggie pack up and ship out!  She's off to Denver right now for a quick layover before headed on to Salt Lake City-I'm gonna miss her!  She was an awesome VT companion and Sunday School teacher and just all around lovely person.  I wish her the best on her next adventure-and kinda wish I could drive across country....but ah well.  I have my own adventures here.

:)  With that, I plan on tomorrow being productive as well-Gonna wake up early even though I don't have to and go to the dentist, then read my Medical Terminology book-and if Travis has his agenda taken care of, spend the evening with him.  Life is grand!

I can hardly contain myself

Travis comes home today.  I've missed him!  Its funny cuz I've been so busy it hasn't really phased me-but I really stinkin love that boy!  It hit me today how excited I am to see him again! I just have to endure the last 2 and a half hours of work, then distract myself till 9:30 when he's due to land.  :D  YAY!!!

My Mercury is not whack!

Attention:

Today in Fairbanks Alaska, it got up to 90 degrees.  And right now, at 10:22 pm it is around 80.

I'm very hot, tired, uncomfortable and grouchy.  I have to have a fan on to sleep
And I stayed in my dress all day because it was cooler than trying to wear pants

All this is eveidence that my personal thermometer is back on track.

California's goosbumps at 70 degrees was just a temporary glitch in the system.

Please go about your day as normal, but if tomorrow's forcast is hot-plan your wardrobe accordingly.

Thanks you-
This public service announcement was brought to you by
Melanie Blog industries.

Not much

So, as you may or maynot have noticed-not much has been happening.  Sorry if my posts are boring, thats just the pattern of my days lately.  Except the occasional adventure.

Excitement in my life consists of the small and simple, like bouncy balls made of rubber bands-or the little brother and naptime adventures.  He is just too funny!
Check it out:

Where's Baby?

I hadn't heard him get out, and he was shut in the room so when looking around-I was relived to find this

he really is under there

Isn't he just too cute?  

I love how he ALWAYS curls up with his bum in the air

I told you I'm easily ammused

So:

Normal Rubber band size:

 well the ones at work are like ten times as big as that and so they're completely usless and just get in the way-so today, I finally found a solution:

It was SO much FUN!  I just ties a few in knots and bound them together with the others-and when it bounced, it had this awesome backspin effect that was just mezmirizing.  I can't tell you how awesome it was. You'll just have to take my word for it.  Or, come visit me at work!  :D

Alaska Fun

So, I've lived in Alaska my whole life.  Born on Ft Wainwright, and when I was one, we moved into my current address-but this winter was the first time I caught on camera the simple wonders of winter weather-thanks to Travis's help.  I was going through pics the other day, and these just had to go on the blog.  All you out of towners enjoy!

We went For a walk with Travis' dog, we were probably out in the elements a good hour or more.  It was a lovely walk!

My Eyelashes kept sticking together! And my facial muscles are kinda numb so my mouth looks funny!

Trying to talk , note the frost on the eyebrows, upper lip, cheeks

Frost queen!

Its a new month

So, to finnish off July-I had a crummy week and a crummy attitude.  But, it is now a new month and a new week (on the same day-I always love when the 1st of any month is on a Sunday) and I'm determined to have a better attitude.  Life goes on.  Plus, the fair starts friday-and thats always fun fun fun!  And I should have my textbooks within the next 10 days-and Travis gets home some time soon.......don't know when but it will be soon!

Come Come Ye Saints

So Saturday was July 24th, a big holiday of sorts in my church-its a celebration of the day our pioneer ancestors reached the Salt Lake Utah Valley after traveling through the American Frontier in search of releif from Persecution they faced in the Eastern US.  They were driven first from their homes in Kirtland, Ohio- to Missouri, then persecution grew there and they were driven out to the neighboring clay county and settled into a barren swamp land on the edge of the Mississippi.  In this nook of the river, they tamed the swamps and defeated the Mosquitoes and suffered Malaria but succesfully turned the town into a thriving city where they build the 2nd Temple of the Latterdays.  Before it was finnished the prophet Joseph Smith was martyrd in Carthage Jail, and soon after the persecution grew and again the saints were driven out-in the dead of Winter.  The made a temporary home in Farr West-and then in the spring commenced the Journey westward into the unknown and unsettled wilderness.  They forged rivers, climbed mountains, blazed trails-and on July 24th 1847 Brigham Young made it to the Salt Lake valley and declared "This is the place."  There pioneers again succesfully tamed formerly uninhabitable climate and beat all the odds with guidance and faith in their Father in Heaven and Saviour Jesus Christ.

I've mentioned before that this legacy of faith is part of my history-I am blessed to have a long list of pioneer ancestors who's example continues to strengthen me in my trials.  One such ancestor, is William Clayton.  On Sunday, in honor of our pioneers, we sang (about 3 times between different meetings) the Hymn "Come Come Ye saints"  William Clayton, the author of that song.

Theres a verse in the song that goes "Why should we mourn, or think our lot is hard?  Tis not so, All is right.  Why should we think to earn a great reward, if we now shun the fight?  Gird up your loins; fresh courage take; Our god will never us forsake, and soon we'll have this tale to tell, all is well, all is well."   And I had always admired his faith, but yesterday I was struggling-I had just finnished speaking with my branch president in private about some trials I'm facing at the moment, and one of the last things I said to him before I went to the next meeting where this hymn was the opening hymn was "Its just hard"  And so when we sang "Why should we mourn or think our lot is hard" I just thought "Because it is hard-what was Greatgreatgreatgreat uncle Bill thinking?"  But then he beautifully penned the inspiring words-"why should we think to earn a great reward if we now shun the fight?"  And it hit me at home-how do I expect to enjoy the blessings God has promised me if I don't do the hard things he has asked me to do.  If I just give up and succumb to my trials, I'm not going to make it-so I must gird up-or suck it up, be courageous and face hard things-because God will not forsake me, he has not and he will not.  If I can just do that, and draw closer to my father-make sure that I'm doing right by him, then all is right, and though it may seem to me that not all is well, it will be.  Because Heavenly Father will strengthen me, my saviour will pilot me-and it will work for my good-because I've made covenants with him, and he doesn't abandon his children, he keeps his promises.

This life is scary and this life is hard, but in the words of the Prophet Joseph Smith, "I know in whom I trust. I stand upon the Rock, The floods cannot, no, they shall not overthrow me."

Loves #6

I love Hot Sunny weather and Pool Parties
I love Playing in the Rain
I love hiking
I love that I'm starting the Medical Assisting Program in just about a month
I love getting my textbooks in the mail
I love good speakers at Church
I love waking up to Liam on my feet cuz he climbed out of the crib
I love being Penniless-Its made life simpler
I love when Skype works-cuz then I can talk to Travis
I love Travis
I love Banana Bread
I love fresh fruit
I love good salads
I love kind and inspired leaders
I love my mommy
I love excersizing
I love that in 3 yrs I should have much fewer allergies because I've started taking allergy shots
I love learning to play hymns on the piano
I love wedding announcements
I love the anticipation of new babies!
I love having my nails done
I love scooby-doo bandaids
I love trying on my old prom dresses and finding that they still fit me-better now than they did then!  :D
I love being home
I love musicals
I love 24 hr daylight
I love playing on the beach
I love scavenger hunts
I love playing with Elyse and Liam

Loves #1-#5

An Explanation-I started doing this on Facebook before I did it here, I wanted to move them over so I can keep them all in one easy to get to place.  When I'm feeling particuarly down or frustrated, or blessed, I'll stop and count things that I love.  Enjoy!  (Ariel was my inspiration)

Loves #1-Jan 29, 2009

1. I love to Dance, and to share dance with others
2. I love Lysie peices-my 2 year old sista! And giggling with her at bed time when neither of us are ready to go to bed
3. I love that my mom is having another baby next month and that I'm gonna have a little brother-brand new baby to hold and cuddle ALL SUMMER!!
4. I love when the trees get all covered in frost and look beautiful and crytalized
5. I love freshly fallen snow
6. I love going on road trips
7. I love the temple
8. I love Travis
9. I love hiking, and camping
10. I love flowers
11. I love the feeling of accomplishment
12. I love it when it rains while the sun is shining
13. I love Rexburg!
14. I love Alaska!
15. I love bubble baths
16. I love motorcylces
17. I love teddybears
18. I love to have people play with my hair
19. I love roommates! (previous and current)
20. I love late night girl pow-wows
21. I love my calling-I get to teach on the teachings of our time week!
22. I love reconnecting with old friends
23. I love Family history!
24. I love little people, aka children :)
25. I love packages in the mail, letters in the mail, mail!
26. I love sisters!
27. I love rice pudding (havn't had it in a while and I want some..)
28. I love my grama's quilts
29. I love my gramas cinnamin rolls
30. I love my gramas and grampa!
31. I love hymns
32. I love naps on the rare occasion I get one
33. I love laughing
34. I love singing
35. I love ice scultures/the ice park
36. I love chocolate
37. I love the feeling of doing everything on my to do list (wish that happened more often)
28. I love movies-feel good movies
29. I love love songs
30. I love how Emilia fills the micro-fridge with inspirational sticky notes

I love alot of things...thats why this is Loves #1. I'll be posting more of these. :)






Loves #2-February 28, 2009


1. I love my mommy
2. I love Sundays
3. I love uncles
4. I love vocal point
5. I love BYU-Idaho
6. I love Olive Garden
7. I love religion classes
8. I love stadium singing
9. I love singing!
10. I love dancing
11. I love Sunny days
12. I love dressing up and going on a photo shoot with roommates on sunny days!
13. I love quesedillas at the MC
14. I love strawberries
15. I love calling home and listening to Elyse sing "I am a Child of God"
16. I love sisters
17. I love looong weekends
18. I love road trips!
19. I love chocolate
20. I love clean rooms
21. I love flowers
22. I love quilts
23. I love clear sidewalks (the slushy snow is really getting on my nerves)
24. I love Apples w/peanut butter
25. I love devotionals
26. I love pajama pants
27. I love technology which enables us to talk to loved ones far away
28. I love getting new dance shoes!
29. I love mashed potatoes
30. I love the excitement of counting down till Liam is born!

Loves #3-March 31,2009
1. Travis
2. Ariel is engaged!
3. Relief Society!
4. Easter decor!
5. Easter!
6. 11 days till I go home!
7. GREAT april fools day jokes/laughs!
8. Writing messages in the snow
9. Dance preformances!
10. Adventures to Grama's house!
11. Gramas and Grampa
12. Ice cream and other treats at Grama and Grampa's house!
13. upcoming Trips-or having trips to look forward to!
14. General Conference!
15. BYU-I 61st WARD!
16. Gullible people
17. Reminicing
18. Concerts with cellos!
19. Roommates!
20. Notes from roommates! (thanks Erin!)
21. Men's choirs ;)
22. Cuddly Baby brothers (so I've been told...)
23. Dance shows!
24. My dance team here at school :)
25. Family History
26. Family History Homework!
27. Texts from my Laura about "love letters" aka senior announcements
28. Temples!
29. My friends!
30. my family

Loves #4-November 26, 2009

So, I decided since I havn't done one of these since before I got home in April, it was time to do it again. :)

I love....(in no particular order)

Sun streaming through frost covered trees
Travis, and ya know being where Travis is, hugging Travis, talking to Travis, kissing Travis all that stuff :)
Robin going on a mission...even though I wish it weren't happening quite so soon!
Elyse (on her good days...and even some of the bad ones haha)
Liam-he's so stinking cuddly!
Amanda and Jordan. They make me happy
Phone calls with Ariel (I really hate the phone, except with her....I like Ariel phone calls)(nothing personal to everyone else)
Mommy
Rulon
Family History
Black leather boots that keep my legs warm on Sundays
Pearls
Having my nails done
Stefani Borrego-she's awesome!
Getting good grades back on my labs/tests in my science classes! 
My birthday-being in a week
Thanksgiving so we can kick the Christmas season into gear!
Board Games
Gym time with Mommy(even thought we can't wake up for it)
Telling people I go to the gym with my mommy
Turning up the radio and dancing around the office after Chris leaves...haha...
SG1. 
Pumpkin Pie
Clean house/room
Kitty cats
Friends
Seeing elementry school buddies on campus
Releif Society-and how we hear the elders quarom singing opening and closing hymns. :D its great!
Choir on Sundays
Munch'n'mingle


:) Happy Thanksgiving!

Loves #5-March7, 2010
Travis :D
Strawberry scented car fresheners
Weekly Paychecks
Helping my cousin!
Ice Sculptures
SPRING BREAKS!
getting an A on my first Human A/P lab PRacticle of the Semester
Lysie telling me "MELANIE I MISSED YOU TODAY!"
Letters from Sister Robin Johnson
Baptisms
Liam walking
Seeing all my family In Utah/Idaho last month
Dennis and Beth and their girls going through the temple last month
Seeing Roommates in Idaho Last month
Dancing
Baking
Conference Talks
Having a plan at school!
Breathing-its a big deal for me
Talking to Ariel. I just love her!
Did I mentions spring break? :P
Warmer weather
New Dresses
Family near and far!
Proximity to summer. :)