30. Complete the 2012 page for the Family Scrapbook

I made it! I completed this scrapbook page and checked off the last thing left on my list, with a couple of hours to spare. Scrapbooking is a hobby of mine but not something I do as much as I used to. It can be time consuming and costly, which is why I decided a couple of years ago to put together a family scrapbook album with a page (or two) for each year to feature the family highlights of that year.

I am excited to work more on this album to record family memories and watch our family grow year by year. When I went home last month, I was able to bring a bunch of photos back with me and hoping there will be enough to work on several more years of pages. I now have the last five years completed ... just twenty-five more to go.

29. Buy a New Dress

I like wearing dresses, mainly to church and special events, but often find it hard to find a dress I like. This is mostly because I want a dress that is at least knee length, with a higher neckline and sleeves; which can be pretty hard to find. When I went to Utah, I looked around for dresses there as they have a good selection of modest clothing but didn't find anything that I really loved.

In late spring, I was at a mall just browsing when I went into Jacob and saw a dress that I fell in love with. I thought it was really pretty and would go well with any season. I am currently looking for a yellow cardigan to go with the dress to wear in cooler weather.

Jacob can be pricey but if you wait for sales you can usually get a good deal. Although, I find that for me it can sometimes be a gamble as it seems my size sells out quickly. It worked out well for me this time when I went back a few weeks later and bought the dress. I wore it for a photo shoot with an aspiring photographer who is starting up her own business. It was a fun photo shoot that also included a friend of mine who is a model; she helped us with posing and looking good in front of the camera. I haven’t gotten those photos yet but when I do I will update this post with a photo. 

28. Get Published

As evident (I hope) by my blogs, I enjoy writing. In High School I wrote for our school paper as well as a regional student paper and I loved seeing my articles get published. I decided to set a goal of getting an article published this year but because I waited too long  to start working on this goal I ended up just writing an article for my community newsletter, “The Riverdalian”. I wasn't sure if it would be chosen for publication but I got an email yesterday letting me know that my article will be in the September issue. Whew, that was close.

The article I wrote also includes another side project I had been working on this past year where I took a picture of the same spot of the river that runs through my community on or close to the first day of each season. It is pretty neat to see the changes as we turn from season to season and to find beauty in each season. Once published, you will be able to find it here:  http://www.riverdalians.net/league.php At the side bar you will find links to issues of the Riverdalian, it will be the 2013-09 issue.

My backup plan was going to be having a picture of me with two of nieces published in Utah’s home-schooling Newsletter. My sister submitted it for their section of what some of the children did during Spring Break. Here is a snapshot of the section we are featured in:   

27. Organize a Service Project

When I came across the Billion Graves website I thought it would be a cool project to do for this goal I had. What is “Billion Graves”? Basically there are 2 parts to it: an app and a website. The app can be download onto your smart phone or tablet and uses GPS coordinates to locate the cemetery you are at and takes photos of headstones linked to its specific GPS coordinates. The photos are then uploaded onto the website where they can be transcribed by yourself or other users.

Once the image is available to locate in the cemetery someone searching for the individual named on the Headstone can find exactly where in the cemetery that person is buried. This is awesome because I know how long it can take to find someone that you are looking for. I have spent many hours walking through cemeteries on trips to Scotland, England and Manitoba looking for my ancestors. Some we have been able to find pretty quick, some took some looking around, while others could not be found.

What makes this a great service project is that we have the opportunity to help people outside of where we live find someone they are looking for while someone else can serve us by working on the same project in a cemetery where someone we are looking for may be buried. Another awesome thing about this project is that you can link the individual to your family tree on Familysearch.

In organizing this particular project for this evening I talked with the people in my ward (church congregation) over the FHE program if this was something we could do for our Monday evening activity. For those of you who might not know what that is, in my church members are encouraged to set aside Mondays as a family night or Family Home Evening (FHE). In my ward most people are students and live away from home so we are encouraged to join together as a ward or break off into smaller groups for an evening that includes a spiritual message, activity and refreshments.

Most of the people who joined in for the Service Project

I was really happy that we got a great turnout for this activity at the Edmonton Cemetery and it seemed that everyone enjoyed their time. Although, not all of us were able to take pictures on our phones due to a weak GPS signal. Personally, mine ranged from very bad to medium which was not good enough to take a photo. In the last 5 minutes of the activity, all of a sudden I got a “good” signal and was able to get two photos. I am glad that other people had more success though. I plan to go back another time and hopefully have a stronger GPS signal.

If you are looking for a service project to do on your own or with friends or family or your church group, scouting, girl guides or other group; I would encourage you to consider helping out with this project. I think it goes beyond just taking a photo to be transcribed. It’s taking the time to individually recognize someone who has passed on and acknowledging that at one time they lived and worked in the community you live in. It is also an opportunity to clear off some dirt, grass, branches or trash that may have ended up on the headstone and cleaning up  a bit which I also saw many people do. 

26. Watch All of the Disney Princess Movies

I have watched all of these movies at least a few times before but I have never watched all 11 Disney princess movies in a one year time span until last night. I love all of the Disney Princess movies and happy-ever-after endings!

The following are currently the official Disney Princesses: Snow White, Cinderella, Aurora, Ariel, Belle, Jasmine, Pocahontas, Mulan, Tiana, Rapunzel and Merida (who officially became a Disney Princess in May of this year). Two new princesses, Anna and Elsa, are scheduled to join the line up with the release of Disney’s Frozen on November 27, 2013.

I watched all of the movies, except for Cinderella, with at least one other person which made completing this goal even more fun. Each person or group of people can be found in the picture gallery below.

I love the messages found in each of the Disney Princess movies. I love the stories of finding love and the importance of finding love, friendships and family relationships. I love the message of finding the good in people but also of being with people who are positive influences. I love the story line of good conquering evil. All of these movies encourage its viewers to follow their dreams, others also encourage us to take a step back and see what we really desire. The path we should take may actually be different than the one we are currently travelling on. Many of the storylines also encourage us to stand up for what we believe in. The princesses are often examples of being independent but also dependent which I think is important for people to realize. We are not meant to be alone and we are not meant to know everything or how to do everything. It is important to have others you can rely on and let others help you and serve you where needed. 

I could probably write an essay on each Disney Princess Movie and what we can learn from that movie. Next blog idea? hahaha. However, I would encourage each of you to choose one of these movies to watch and find a personal message from it. 

Watching "Snow White" with Linda, Kristine, Taylor and Barb (who took the picture)

Watching "Cinderella" while curled up in my blanket and knitting a scarf

Watching "Sleeping Beauty" with Katie and Kerry and their little niece, Emily. Emily's Mommy joined in for a bit too.  

Watching "The Little Mermaid" with Cassandra in Picture Butte

Watching "Beauty and the Beast" with Greg, Amanda, Frances, Jake and Linda. Hulda also came to watch her favourite Disney movie. 

Watching "Aladdin" with my adorable nieces: Rebekah, Sariah and Miriam who I think were just as excited about our movie snacks 

                                                       Watching "Pocahontas" with Stephanie, a descendent of Pocahontas!                            

Watching "Mulan" with my sister Mikayla while visiting my family at Christmas 

Watching "The Princess and the Frog" with Barb. The first one to be checked off! 

Watching "Tangled" with Linda and Kerrie and celebrating their birthdays which happen to be on the same day.

Watching "Brave" with Dallin, Alan and Amanda (there was someone else who didn't want to be in the picture so I don't know if I can publish his name but I will give you a clue, he kind of looks like Dallin.) 

25. See Everyone in My Family

There are a couple of things on my list that were changed slightly and this is one of them. The original goal was to have everyone in my family together at one time. It almost happened when everyone but one sister went to Utah over spring break. However, there is still a chance that it could still happen by the end of year. I changed the goal to see everyone in my family which was accomplished by mid-March but to make it a little more challenging I added in getting a picture taken with each person individually.

Here are pictures of me with each family member and a little write up about some things I love about that person. 

My Mom brought me into this world so I have to love her for that. J I enjoy the chats we have and I appreciate that she wants me to fulfill my dreams, desires and goals. One of my favourite memories with my mom as a child was making paper dolls. We would draw out the people and make clothes for them. She is pretty good at drawing. Something I admire about my mom is that she is a great example of a good visiting teacher. She not only does the standard once a month visit but keeps in constant contact and builds a friendship with those she visit teaches. That caring extends to others as well. She also has a Scottish accent which is pretty awesome and made the name Primrose cool before the “Hunger Games” did. 

   

One thing I love about my Dad is how much he loves to create memories for all of us and he loves it when we talk about good childhood memories. Last summer we were sitting in Dairy Queen and my Dad asked me if I wanted anything and I said no. I then started talking about how when I was a child and we had a DQ kids pack, I often got a dilly bar. Next thing I knew he bought me a dilly bar. Hahaha. Some of my most memorable gifts were the ones he made for me which includes a toy box and a doll house. I also appreciate all the spiders he saved me from. My Dad is a great example of a protector and a provider. He is also very caring and accepts many opportunities to serve without expecting anything in return. To me he is the real Duane "The Rock" Johnson. Ironically, he was a wrestler in High School. 

I wasn’t one of those children who asked for or expected a lot but I know that when I have needed or will ever need help, whether financially or in other ways, that my parents are there for me.  

I have the great blessing of being born a twin, she was born first and then about 7 minutes later I was born. Not only is Melissa my twin sister but she is my best friend.  We could never stay mad at each other for long and would often write apology notes to each other. I can’t believe how long we have lived apart now. It was hard for me when she first decided to move out on her own but I am happy for her and where she is at in her life and I am grateful for the beautiful children she has who call me Auntie. We talk on the phone at least once a week and keep up-to-date with our lives. I feel that I can relate to her the most out of everyone in my family and that even though we are at different stages in our lives that she understands where I am coming from and I feel that I too understand where she is coming from. We don’t agree on everything but I think we agree on the most important things.

I have lots of fun memories of my brother Craig. Melissa, Craig and I would often play together ... did you know that Barbie’s and Ninja Turtles can be friends? Craig also had quite the imagination and would make up game shows. He would be the host and Melissa and I would be the contestants.  When Alexandra was a baby he was the leader in making up puppet show skits for her. Craig doesn’t talk a lot on the phone but I really enjoy the talks we have in person. I enjoy hearing about his hopes and dreams and I hope that he will accomplish them.  

One of the things Melissa and I did fight over at 11 years old was our baby sister, Alexandra. Whose turn was it to hold her, feed her, etc. Who needs baby dolls when you have a real baby to help care for? At 19 years old, she is no longer a baby but is now an adult who is in college and driving. Alex has been a good resource as I prepare for my trip to Germany as she has take German language courses. I had fun hanging out with her for a bit last week. Although, she is an adult now, she is still my little sister and I still feel a need to protect her in some ways and I hope she can still look up to me as her big sister.  

   

Mikayla is the baby of the family who I have called my little princess since she was born. At 13 years old, she is not so little anymore, although I told her that she will always be my little princess. I was 17 when Mikayla was born and have been mistaken for her mom many times including this past Saturday at West Edmonton Mall. I have been there for many of her firsts: First time laughing (Alexandra and I were playing Go Go Stop), first time walking, first day of school and most recently I took her for her first pedicure. I had a lot of fun hanging out with her this past week and it makes me kind of sad that she is growing up but happy that she is able to be more independent. When I don’t know the meaning of an acronym or shortened word, I often ask Mikayla what the meaning is. Because of her I know that “jelly” means jealous and “YOLO” means “You Only Live Once”. Mikayla might not like me for saying this but one of the most precious moments of my recent trip home was when she asked me if I wanted to have a sleepover with her in her room. It made me feel loved; she really is such a sweet girl. Like Alex, I also feel the need to protect Miky and I want to be someone she can look up to. 

   

Jonathan (JJ) is my brother-in-law and so far my only in-law relative. He can be annoying at times but is mostly a pretty cool guy. What I love most about him is how happy he makes Melissa. I also admire his work ethic and how hard he works to provide for his family. I enjoy the times I have spent with him and really do enjoy talking to him. He knows he is smart so I don’t want to build up his ego too much but he really does have a wealth of knowledge which is one of the reasons I enjoy talking to him. I am also grateful for the times he drives to Salt Lake to pick me up at the airport.   

Sariah is my first niece and from the first time holding her at a week old I have loved being an Auntie. Sariah is probably the best person at making me feel loved. Recently she was telling me about someone who was visiting and she said “but I didn’t cry when (they) left, I only cry for you because you’re the best”. I also call my nieces my little princesses and Sariah is defiantly a little princess, in a good way. She loves watching princess movies and the colour pink ... just like me. J She even wore a princess crown in the family pictures we had taken last year. Sariah also loves to call family members and has become quite the conversationalist. She even knows when my lunch break is. I love it when she calls me and talking to this precious 7 year old. I also love how much she looks like me. 

Rebekah just turned 6 and I also love spending time with her. She is the little jokester of the family. I think it’s so cute when little kids tell jokes and also when they understand jokes that other people say. Every now and then I will talk to her on the phone and she will tell me that she is Sariah. I have learned though, that if I play along and pretend to believe that she is Sariah, she will tell me that she is Bekah. She also has so much energy that sometimes I get tired just watching her bounce and jump and run. Like Sariah, she also enjoys hugs and cuddles and likes princess-y things. Although, only 6 years old, Rebekah has developed an interest in Family History. Asking questions about her family tree and wanting to know how everyone is connected. I anticipate that she will be the genealogist of the next generation. 

Miriam is such a sweetheart and I love just cuddling with her and playing with ponies. She always makes me laugh too. She also loves to talk on the phone and I love how she says “Oh, hello Auntie”. She recently turned three years old and although she is tiny, she is feisty, she can stand her ground. I love her little personality! 

Over spring break I went to visit for 10 days and not only was I requested to sleep in their bunk bed but I had to have all three girls sleep next to me, which made for an interesting sleep. Although, I needed a massage when I got back home I was kind of sad to have to sleep by myself, not have anyone demand all of my attention and I even missed all the jumping on my back and giving “monkey rides”.

    

Joshua is my little nephew and I love that I was able to be in Utah when he was born on New Year’s Day in 2012. Although, he is such a mommy’s boy he will come to me and want to play. He loves to sing and clap and is also starting to talk on the phone. However, he is still working on saying Auntie.

August 10 Update: I talked to Joshua on the phone today because he wanted to tell me that he can now say Auntie! Made my day. :)

Melissa is currently pregnant with baby #5 due late November. I am really excited to meet the newest member of the family. He or she is going to be born into a great family and a pretty awesome extended family too. I love watching our family grow and look forward to the other members that will continue to join our family.

24. Go Camping

I’m not a super adventurous person but I do like the outdoors and while I am not likely to go skydiving or jump off cliffs and I don’t like bugs and most insects; I do enjoy things like camping, hiking, nature walks and other outdoor activities. Leading up to this weekend I was trying to remember the last time I went camping in a tent and I am not quite sure but maybe 6 years ago (?!).  Although, it is something I have not done in awhile, I do have lots of good memories of camping whether it was with my family or youth camps with my church or even in my own backyard. My parent’s home in Surrey, BC (the home I grew up in) backs onto a forestry area that leads to a creek. Sometimes my Dad would set the tent up in the backyard and we would camp out for the night. Although, there were a few times my twin sister and I would be out on our own and would get scared at some noise we heard and end up back in the house.   

I flew out to Vancouver last week to spend some time with my family. There was a lot happening in the few days I was home and I had a lot of fun. My Dad has been pretty interested in this list I have and  seeing what he can help out with or be part of so when we were planning my trip out to Surrey and his trip out to Edmonton we decided that it would be fun to do an overnight camp on our drive back to Edmonton. My Handyman Dad came out to do some home renovations (Thanks Dad!) and my little sister, Mikayla came out because she wanted to spend more time with me or maybe to go to West Edmonton mall ... probably both. :) 

We stopped off in Valemount, BC at a nice little camping spot with a pretty view of the mountains and a creek that went by our site. While my Scout Leader Dad was setting up camp and getting the fire started Mikayla and I went for a walk and made sure we knew where important things like the washrooms were. We ate dinner, made smores, played Monopoly Deal by lamp light and woke up to a pancake breakfast made by my Dad that we enjoyed before continuing on to Edmonton. It was a quick but fun camping trip.