31 years

For Christmas, Taylor and I made a wedding video for my parents. We got a lot of old albums and scrounged up some old pictures of them growing up and then from when we were all growing up as well. "The good ol' days" right? It was actually one of my favorite parts of Christmas break thus far. I want to upload the video, but it's not working currently so I'll just post some of my favorite pictures.

Steve Russo

Cindy Moss

Just in our own worlds

Prettiest girl in the family

Stephen's dog, Brandy

Our "perfect" ages

The two oldest

Christmas. One of my favorite memories!

Dexter the Texter

Just cute right?

Family ski day

Our most recent family picture, missing one little man.

Elvis at McDonalds

If you have been in Orem long enough you know what I am talking about when I mention the Orem Summerfest. Not only do you know about it, but you've probably attended. Well take yourself back to that lovely time in June. Do you remember the crazy people you see, and only see that weekend? You never seen them until the Zipper and Gravitron are set up and once those rides have been taken down they're never to be seen again. Well I am here to tell you that those people exist in other months.

I went to Walmart around 1 this morning to do some last minute gifting. (I waited until then because I am that awesome) I was hungry coming out of the store so I stopped at McDonalds on my way home. I pulled up to the second window to pick up my number 6 order and noticed that the man inside had some wicked hair and side burns. It literally was a mix between Elvis and Danny Zucco from "Grease" only with light brown hair instead of black. He opened the window and gave me my food. "Thank you." I said. Now imagine how Elvis says, "thank you, thank you very much". Take that voice and put it to these words the nice, perfectly coiffed young man said, "yes, you're very welcome". It was so smooth, and totally weird. Just thought I would just share that experience with you all.

See you at Summerfest Elvis.

Christmas with the girls

I have the best roommates in the world. Here is a little taste of our gift exchange.

1741 N. girls

1743 N. girls

Averie

Jilly

Mel

Sami Jo

Kam Kam

Mrs. Clause

THE woman

 Family Photo :)

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

If you know me at all, you know that I worry. I never seem to worry about dangerous things like not watching the road when I'm driving or going on roller coasters. A lot of the time what I deem "worthy to be worried about" are important things, I just tend to over do it most of the time. So when I walked to my car Wednesday night only to find blasted 300 dollar ticket on the windshield, I was pretty worried. It wasn't even the 300 dollars that I was thinking of, I was nervous to tell my parents.

Anyway, after my LAST final today I went to the university parking office in the JKB. Turns out I had exceeded my limit of 7 tickets in a 12 month period and my parking and driving privileges at BYU were revoked. Yep, my car is banned. I am banned from driving it or any other vehicle on BYU property. Weekends, holidays and Sundays included. I kind of feel like I got put in time out. Do you know how many roads BYU owns around campus? The nice lady named Brandy pulled out a map and showed me, they have roads from University Parkway down to 800 North. The only good thing about this was that I didn't have to pay 300 dollars. But I can't drive at all, I should be stressing right now.

Nope. As I was walking to my car I started to laugh. Weird, right? Maybe it is the lack of sleep, lack of brain power and blissful relief that finals are done that led me to this but I couldn't stop. I even thought it would be funny and slightly ironic if I got to my car and had a boot on it for parking on campus. I don't know how long this will last, but this worrying girl is totally relaxed. In regards to this situation anyway :)

Just a good quote

THIS, THE GREATEST OF ALL DISPENSATIONS

 

 "First, we must never let fear and the father of fear (Satan himself) divert us from our faith and faithful living. Every person in every era has had to walk by faith into what has always been some uncertainty. This is the plan. Just be faithful. God is in charge. He knows your name and He knows your need.

Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ - that is the first principle of the gospel. We must go forward. God expects you to have enough faith, determination, and trust in Him to keep moving, keep living, keep rejoicing. He expects you not simply to face the future; He expects you to embrace and shape the future - to love it, rejoice in it, and delight in your opportunities. 

 

God is eagerly waiting for the chance to answer your prayers and fulfill your dreams, just as He always had. But He can't if you don't pray, and He can't if you don't dream. In short, He can't if you don't believe."

JEFFREY R. HOLLAND

Just a good quote.

http://lds.org/liahona/2007/07/this-the-greatest-of-all-dispensations?lang=eng&query=greatest+all+dispensations

Ode to Karen Carpenter

She's a drummer, she's an alto, she's fantastic. Thank you Karen Carpenter.

Rainy Days and Mondays 

Superstar

Merry Christmas, Darling 

Can you tell I want to do ANYTHING other than study for finals?

be true to yourself

When I was in 9th grade I kind of started wearing whatever I wanted. Style wasn't an issue and a lot of the time what I wore didn't match. If I thought it looked cute that was enough. Even if that meant I was wearing a yellow headband, black shirt, maroon sweater, blue pants and red vans.

Yep that was an actual outfit

The point is, I loved not caring. I still don't. My mom told me that I would look back and regret some of my outfit choices, which is very true. But sometimes I would actually come up with something that looked kind of wonderful. Other times...

Tie dye and sweat pants. Always a winner

Comfort is key

This one is a personal family favorite. In Brazil and looking not so wonderful.

Best part about this, I went straight from dance to the wedding in my backyard. No one said anything.

I went all out on dress up days as well...

Things started to get better when I went to Disneyland on choir tour

But I can't help going back to my over sized sweatshirt, patterned thermals, and uggs

You can never go wrong with floral leggings and pigtail braids

It probably would have been a good thing if someone had said something to me before I left the house in the morning. I guess when you're a parent you have to pick and choose your battles. 

Be true to who you are. You'll never regret it. 

"Today you are you, that is truer than true. There is no one alive that is youer than you."
          - Dr. Seuss

Why I dance

For my Orientation to Dance class I was asked to write a personal philosophy paper about why I dance. Growing up I never actually gave it any thought, because I just knew I loved it. That's all that mattered. So if you were ever wondering why, let me put your mind at ease. 

 

My personal philosophy and definition: dance is nothing without a body and empty without a soul. It is the connection your spirit makes to another that takes this art form to a higher level. It is that connection that engages an audience and separates the good from the great. It should be a challenge and a joyful experience. Knowing that, why do I dance?

          The all-encompassing reason behind it all is it brings me complete and utter joy. It fits me and makes my world a better, more beautiful place. Through dance I have met some of the most incredible individuals I have ever known. These friendships are built on sacrifice, love, hard work, laughter, performance and that soul-to-soul connection that cannot be fabricated.

          I dance because it fills me with a sense of purpose.

          I dance because sometimes, words are not good enough to describe how I am feeling. “Movement never lies. It is a barometer telling the state of the soul's weather to all who can read it.” -Martha Graham 

    I dance to thank my Heavenly Father for blessing me with a body and the opportunities that I have been afforded throughout my life because of dance. It is humbling and a good reminder to not take this gift for granted.  

    I dance because nothing wonderful ever came without a sacrifice.

    Dance is for everyone. Put on a song, breathe deep and let your body give in to the movement that it so inherently and naturally wants to do. Dance is nothing without a body and empty without a soul. It is the connection your spirit makes to another that takes this art form to a higher level. It is that connection that engages an audience and separates the good from the great. It should be a challenge and a joyful experience. Knowing that, I have to dance.

We pose well because of our rigorous dance training. Best friends.

           

The Broyas

Tonight I was going through my photos and there are some boys in my life that I need to give a shout out to. Since I was a sophomore in high school they have been the best friends a girl could ask for, always willing to listen and help whenever they could. 

Laser light show date in Salt Lake City - way back when :)

 

 

 

Park City

Summer BBQ

Nate's Birthday 

Supporting us at BYU games

Baby Mansion

Sam and Jesse. Engaged 10/7/2011

Chemistry is gross. Friends are not.

our most awkward lift maybe

You all are lifesavers. I know I can always count on you, I hope you know you can count on me. I love you all.

Love, Sarah

Fan Favorites

My Itunes account has a playlist called Fan Favorites. Basically it is a list of songs that for some reason or another have found their way into my heart. Some just make me feel good, others have actual meaning in my life. It may or may not be the most random playlist you listen too.

My life movie soundtrack

1. Listen - Dreamgirls: Jill Johnson this is for you

2. The Scientist - Coldplay

3. More Than Words - Extreme: Sometimes I think I was born 15 years too late. I love the 80's 

4. You're the Inspiration - Chicago

5. Make You Feel My Love - Adele

6. My Stupid Mouth - John Mayer: I'm going to put a plug in for John Mayer in general. You really can't go wrong listening to ANYTHING by him

7. Be Here Now - Ray LaMontagne: Listen to the lyrics 

8. That Should Be Me - Justin Bieber: Summer 2011. If there was one song to sum up my summer, this is it

9. Storm - Lifehouse: thank you NYCDA for bringing this song into my life 

10. Won't Stop - OneRepublic

11. Misery Business - Paramore

12. Fast Car - Tracy Chapman: I have the most amazing friends. This one is for you, the video isn't great quality but I think you'll understand

13. Drops of Jupiter - Train

14. Total Eclipse of the Heart - Bonnie Tyler: I'm telling you the 80's were great

15. I Need Thee Every Hour - Paul Cardall 

16. My Girl - The Temptations

17. That Don't Impress Me Much - Shania Twain: This is a total driving-in-the-car-with-the-windows-down-song-in-the-summertime song.

18. When you Say Nothing At All - Alison Krausse

19. Hallelujah - Rufus Wainwright 

20. I've Had the Time of My Life - Dirty Dancing

"The fondest memories are made when gathered around the table"

For Thanksgiving this year my family came up to my Grandma Parker’s house in Brigham City. I love coming up here. I always know there are Creamies in the freezer, sprite in the fridge, and fun things to do. But I think the thing I love most about Grandma Parker’s house is all her stuff, she has got a lot of knick-knacks. In almost every room there is a special collectors Barbie doll and tea set. It is always a surprise to see the set up of her house because it is always changing.

Today, after going to Walmart with my mom and grandma and eating at Maddox, I felt like it was time for a nap. I walked up into my favorite room to sleep and sprawled out on the blue bed. I looked around the room and noticed that since my last visit a plaque of some kind had been put up on the wall. I looked closer and realized it was a poem or quote of some kind. I started reading.

Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even the dull and ignorant; they too have their story. Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself. Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time. Exercise caution in your business affairs; for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals; and everywhere life is full of heroism. Be yourself. Especially, do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is perennial as the grass. Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness. Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe, no less than the tress and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be, and whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul. With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be careful. Strive to be happy.

-Max Ehrmann

  

During a season where the things we are grateful for and so blessed with receive a lot of recognition, I feel like I need to say how incredibly grateful I am for my Grandma Parker.

Thank you for your love and your support grandma. Thank you for recognizing the significance of this poem and its meaningful message. I love you and your knick-knacks, Barbie dolls, and tea sets with all of my heart.

Love, Sarah

Grandma and Grandpa Parker at my high school graduation