My Sister's Awesome Sewing Skills

My sister Shauna is incredibly talented at anything related to knitting, crocheting, or sewing. She can make just about anything you could ever come up with.

And this year she made me this awesome Halloween costume!!

Those of you who know me know I am a total Trekkie, and I like the original series with Kirk and Spock the best. :) But I never could find a decent uniform from that era, because that was back when the women were all rocking teeny-tiny mini-skirts, and I didn't want to try to fit into a guy's uniform... that never goes well.

So, Shauna made me this beautiful uniform comfortably extended to knee length. :) I am very pleased with it and in awe of my sister's awesome skills. If you ask her nicely she might make something for you too at a good price. ;)

Shauna's Graduation!

Today Shauna graduated from BYU!

Technically she graduated back in December, but December graduates come to the April graduation.

We are all really proud of her. It was fun watching it all sink in and watching the smile on her face get bigger and bigger. I know she has a very bright future ahead!

Being at the graduation was crazy. I had so many flashbacks to my own BYU graduations in the past. Then, we ran into some friends of my parents--apparently the husband was someone who attended optometry school with my dad. Watching them catch up after twenty years was like catching a glimpse of my future--someday when I run into BYU friends when we're old enough to have college kids ourselves.

Crazy how fast life ends up going. It's been 5 years since I  got my bachelor's degree. It'll be interesting to see where we all are in another 5 years!

Dream Come True

So ever since I went to see the Christmas lights in Temple Square, clear back in my freshman year, I wanted to come back with my family someday so they could see it too.

Mom's in town this week, so last night my sisters and I went up with her to Salt Lake City. We had dinner at the Lion House and then headed over to check out all the lights.

One more thing to check off my life bucket list! :)

Mitt Romney

So, Mitt Romney came to speak at BYU today.

Melissa and I headed up early to get good seats, and I snagged a couple for Shauna and Kristie too. We ended up about 6 rows back in the middle section.

It was crazy to see Mitt for real, after seeing him on TV so many times. Before he came, Melissa and I wondered what to do when he entered the room. For general authorities and dignitaries, we stand up quietly and wait until they are seated. But when Mitt came in, everyone erupted into applause, and soon almost everyone was on their feet.

BYU was super jazzed to have Mitt there. When the Dean got up to announce him as our speaker, people couldn't contain their excitement. "We are pleased to have as today's devotional speaker, former Governor of Massachusetts and former presidential candidate Mitt Romney." Applause and cheers so loud the Dean had to pause. Mitt smiled at all of us in return. "We are also pleased to be joined today by our special guest, Ann Romney, Mitt's wife." More enthusiastic cheering and applause. Mitt joined in and said something to his wife, which in my mind must have been very sweet, about how he appreciates her. "The Romneys also have many friends and family who have joined us in the audience." Again with the applause, just as loud and enthusiastic as the first round. Mitt cracked up. I did too. Yay, Mitt's friends and family!

The Dean commented that at this rate, they might have to cancel afternoon classes. That got the loudest cheers and applause of all.

And then of course, he also thanked the people who played the organ and lead the music for the opening hymn. Same thunderous applause for them. I thought it was hilarious.

Mitt shared a great message. You can read it in full here or even watch the video.

Channeling My Inner Bob Ross

So last night Shauna wanted to do something different from our usual, but she had a pulled muscle so it needed to be something non-strenuous. I'm kind of proud what I came up with. We went to Michael's and got Paint by Number kits (on sale this week! :)

I was surprised how much fun that was. I haven't done something like that since.... well, probably not since I was a kid!

Even though it's totally cheating and not original art... I felt really accomplished when I finished. :)

The goal (in other words... the front of the box!)

In progress

The finished product... Not too shabby! I call it "Finding Nemo"

Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween everyone! I hope you got out there and partied! :) We did. Shauna and I were both brave and wore our costumes up to campus for the first time. It might have been my imagination, but I swear there weren't as many people dressed up this year as there are usually. I felt like wearing a costume made me act a little differently... I felt like I had to be super extra cheerful to match my costume. :)

 Here is Shauna as a mad scientist.

 I was a rainbow unicorn. :)

For FHE, our group watched Monster House (great movie!). Then we went reverse trick or treating with a big group of people. It's a great alternative to regular trick or treating if you're in an area (like university housing) where people won't have candy on hand. You knock on the door, yell "Treat or trick!" and then throw candy into their apartment and run away! :D Lots of fun! I definitely recommend it.

Best Year Ever

Welp, I am back in P-town, getting ready for another epic year to start on Monday. And I determined to make my last year really count! I am going to make this the best year I have ever had! (*knock on wood*)

So far things are shaping up pretty well. My little sister Shauna is rooming with me, and also Kelly, one of my roomies from last year. I only have one new roommate, Natalia, and already I can tell that she is an amazing girl. I think we will have a lot of  fun. :) Can I just say that it takes off a TON of stress to live in the same place two years in a row? It almost felt like coming home when I moved back here.

And as proof of how awesome my ward is, a large number of people from last year have stuck around. :) In fact, at least two people have moved BACK into the ward after being away for winter semester-I think they ventured out there and then realized what they were missing back here. Also, a few of the newbies in the ward are people I already know from my years here at the Y. So again, coming back to the ward was like coming home. Of course there are lots of new people here too that I am excited to meet. Even the bishopric changed over the summer! Hopefully Shauna and I will make a lot of new friends this year.

I have had a lot of good times at BYU and made a lot of good friends, but last year was probably my best year. It looks like this year will be very similar, but better because I have Shauna with me this time. :) I'll try to be a good girl and keep this blog up during the school year, but no promises! I'll be too busy out having fun. ;)

Stupid Biased Dictionary

*Exploring the wonders of an online dictionary*

Shauna: *types in Shelece* "No results found. Did you mean 'shoelace'? Hi Shoelace!

Shelece: *doesn't bother typing in Shauna* Shauna.... No results found. Did you mean Sauna? Hi Sauna!

Shauna: *types in Shauna* No, actually it says the closest result is Shaun.

Shelece: What? But that's not a word.

Shauna: Shaun-a male given name, form of John.

Shelece: *types in Shauna* What??? That's not fair! Your name is practically in the dictionary???

This is what comes from having a name that was randomly made up.