Bargain Shopper

Saturday, June 15th

So, this morning I woke up and cleaned the basement. The stouts were at some parade where Josh was performing in the Bingham marching band. When Staci got back we went to a yard sale that had SO much stuff. Everything was donated by people and all of the money was going towards two people in their stake that had had heart surgery or something. There was this set of couches that I wanted, but I didn't really have $100 dollars to spend even though it was an amazing price. They were reduced to $75, and then a guy saw how interested I was and finally gave them to me for $50! Crazy right? They are in great condition too! Definitely look like they are from the 90's... but still great condition and cute. Marty, Josh and I went back to get them with the trailer. I fel bad having to keep so much of my crap in their house.. but they are awesome! I'm so grateful for them.

After that I went to the Draper Temple. I definitely was needing some temple time, so I'm glad I went. It was peaceful and was what I needed before Fathers day. I drove to Kelsie Cooks down in Provo when I got done and did her make up for her bridals. She looked gorgeous! I'm so glad that she is so happy. Cute girl deserves it :) I cam home to shower and am and idiot and lost track of time. Bryan texted me at 5:15pm to tell me they had landed and I hadn't even left my house... I still had to go get their car and drive to the airport! I can't even explain the anxiety I was feeling at that moment ha. I hurried over to their house, got into their car and thankfully was only 10ish minutes late since they had to get off of the plane and get all of their baggage. But OH man. I was so excited to see them. I think it's funny I missed all of them. Bryan gave me one of his classic awkward side hugs, and we all got into the care to go back home. He grabbed my hand and kept telling me how much he missed me. I was seriously surprised. I never would have thought that he would miss me that much! :) :) He even kissed the side of my face in the car.

We sat in Bryans room while he unpacked, and he gave me my present from the family and from him. They got me the most adorable Minnie Mouse Shirt! Bryan got me a cute bracelet and a signature from Cinderella. We cleaned his room for a little bit too. That boy has so much stuff in his room that he doesn't need anymore! But oh man, he just kept hugging me and kissing me! I couldn't believe it! He should go away more often I think!

We ended up going to Country Fest in South Jordan to watch the fireworks. We met up with Kyle, Mark, Trent, Missi, and Michael. That was fun of course! Gotta love all the fireworks in the summer. Bryan and I drove to Taco Bell after to get him a Dorrito taco. On the way over he made me laugh so hard that I was crying! I honestly have NO idea what was so funny. He made me look at him since I was crying from laughing, and he was like "awww you ARE a cute crier! You have to cry more!" That boy is SO silly. Ah. I almost forgot! He told me he had a beautiful girlfriend! That was the first time he had called me beautiful. I know that sounds silly that he hasn't called me beautiful before, but for him he doesn't just use that word for anyone. I'm sure I had the most ridiculous smile on my face.

After the fireworks Bryan and I just talked for an hour or two in his car. We even talked with Mark Woodbury on the phone. Man, I just love Bryan. He really is my best friend. I love doing anything with him. Life is just great. I'm so blessed.

TIM MCGRAW BABY.

Friday, June 14th

So this morning was a little stressful. I checked my email and Brandon had lost some deals. I went into work, and we worked until about 1pm. He finally told me I could just go home and finish working from there. After I was done working I went to the pool and got my tan on! I got some quality reading done as well. I have to say I'm so addicted to Harry Potter right now. I'm even dreaming about it. Laying out was great. My face got a little burned though.

I got ready and Heather and Merrill came over. We drove down to our concert, but the trafic was SO bad. We completely missed the first band. It's a good thing I didn't really even know who they were :) We got there, and Brantley Gilbert was playing. He has some really good songs, but also some songs that are a little more rock than country.

 Finally, around 9pm our man Tim Mcgraw came on. Ah. he was AMAZING. His voice sounds so good live, and he just puts on such a fun show. His music is so good. He has so many albums to pick from and each song is my favorite. I'm so glad that Merrill decided to come with us! I have the best friends ever. Tim played for almost 2 hours. We left a little after his second encore song. He played about 4, but we figured it would just be better to get out before the traffic jam happened. The best thing about concert nights is that all the country stations play the bands music after the concert. So, we got in the car and it was Tim Mcgraw Radio jam time. He really put on a great show. I swear I could see him 50 times and not ever get bored or sick of him.

I was super happy because he sang Highway Don't care. I was wondering how he would do it since the song has Taylor Swift singing as well. But the song is so popular right now that there is no way he wouldn't sing it! So, he sang it and they had a video of Taylor Swift singing in the background and Keith Urban playing the guitar. I just love that song. It has way good lyrics. The only thing I was sad about was that he didn't play "Don't Take the Girl," but he did play it the last time I saw him, so it was okay! We were definitely happy girls after that concert. Enjoy the videos with us screaming in the background :)

Sunshine and Reading

Wednesday June 5th - Thursday June 13th

Well! What a fun week. I'm silly and spent so much time working, laying out, with friends or reading that I didn't ever get around to posting on my blog! Well. Lets see....

Wednesday was awesome! After work I went to Byans house for a Mission movie night reunion. They had decided in Ukraine that they would watch the Dark Knight Rises together. Thankfully a few others wanted to bring girls, so I got to come also! We chatted up in the living room until everyone got there. I love these things because I get to see Bryan with the people he was with for the last two years. They are all super fun, and way nice to me. I love how they all know so much about me too. Makes me feel like Bryan thought about me a lot while he was gone. I got to meet Elder Harris, and I got to see Tommy Tautkus again. I'm a fan of these two. Me and Tommy have reached BFF status, which is awesome. We've got a cute little handshake even. The movie was great! We had some cake and Ukrainian drinks that they missionaries were all so excited about! Here is a picture of everyone that was there! :) 

Thursday I went to work, got lots done and then came home. I went to Bryans that night and basically we just hung out around the house. The Pacers vs. Heat game was on, and we watched it with Sam, Jake and Rick. The game was super good, but of course Jake and Sam argued the whole time about which team and players were better. They crack me up. Mostly because my brothers are so different and haven't ever been into arguing about sports. After that they planned which rides they wanted to go to at California Adventure. We had scripture and prayer and then Bryan and I tried cleaning his room again... but I think we kind of fail at that..... He gets a little bit done, but then we just end up talking and laughing. We need to find a more productive way to clean that room! I got to look through some more of his mission things which is always entertaining. I love seeing those things, and I love when he tells more stories. I sent Bree a snap chat, and I thought these pics were pretty funny, so enjoy! 

Friday I worked, but then Brandon told me to start my weekend early. I went home and finished working there, went to the pool and read! Pretty relaxing I have to say. I love my summer. Around 5 I went over to Bryans to go with them to the airport. When they were walking away, I got in the car to drive home, but then Bryan motioned for me to come out. He said "my mom asked if I kissed you goodbye.. and I said I didn't." I thought that was hilarious. I couldn't believe Janet was the one to suggest that. So, he kissed me goodbye and I went home! I hung out with my mom for awhile. She is back in town for a bit trying to get job interviews and get things situated before she brings the family out here. I have to say it was a bit of a rough night for me. After she left I went to Merrills and we laid on her tramp and talked. I texted bryan and asked if it would be weird if I ever wanted to talk to his parents... ha. He said that I could whenever I wanted, which was nice. I felt silly asking, but for some reason I just felt like I may need to at some point, and that it would help a lot. Merrill and I did have a good night just talking and hanging out under the stars. I'm glad I have such good friends. We also take adorable pictures. We also painted our nails :)

Saturday was busy busy busy. I woke up, helped do saturday jobs around the house. Staci had to run and do things for scouts, but her baby niece was over. I ended up babysitting her. She was 9 months and super cute, but oh man she go SO tired and refused to go to sleep. Seriously. I didn't know what to do with her. I've never babysat a child who resisted sleep more than her. Finally she fell asleep with me holding her and feeding her. I then got ready for Amandas bridal shower that Heather was throwing. The party was super cute. Heather decorated her backyard, had fun games and good. We even swam for a bit in her pool. I have to say it was one of my favorite bridal showers, especially because my very
best friends were there.

When the shower was over I went to a movie night at the Deaf Center in Taylorsville. The movie was kind of awful to be honest, but I actually got to catch up with Ben, Matt, Johnny and Mike. I was surprised how nice they were to me. I had a good talk with Ben and Matt. They were finally being understanding about me having a boyfriend, and understand that I love them so much. I wish I could see them more, but me living down in SoJo makes it hard. I can't just go hang out with a group of boys anymore either though. But, in the Fall I will be going back to the Deaf ward, and I know we will stay friends. Matt and Ben expressed being happy for me that things were going so well, they even told me that Bryan sounds like a great guy and are happy that he treats me so well. I'm really glad that I went, even thought I wasted $10 on an awful movie ha.

Baby Jacobsen

Sunday I woke up early to go to Tommy Tautkus's homecoming. He did SUCH a good job. I was crying so much! He talked about the Atonement, and the Love of Christ. He kept saying "And good remembered Rachel, and God Remembers you." It was just an amazing message. He had good at his house, so I went with Mark Smith, and the Baileys daughter. Food was great! I got to talk to Tommy for a bit, but then I left so I could go to a family dinner at my grandparents. Jordan came in for the weekend since my mom was here. We got to spend the afternoon and some of the evening together. It was a tough night because we were all emotional about everything going on. Mom announced at the dinner table that her and daddy would be separating. It made everything so much more real. I didn't expect it to hit me so hard. I'm glad that we got to be together that day. Leaving was hard. Mom hugged me and we just started crying. I know she didn't want us to go, but we had to get Jordan to her ride back to Idaho. Heather and I went for a walk that night, and we played at the park for awhile. I started the fifth Harry Potter that night! So that was good. I needed some time to myself after everything at my grandparents. I'm definitely glad I went, it was just tougher emotionally than I had expected it to be.

My beautiful sister :)

Monday was nothing too special. I went to work, got a lot done. Brandon didn't feel like staying long, so he told me we could go at 3:30pm. Linsey Pickup and I met up in AF at the library to study for the interpreting  written exam. She is definitely going to be a good person to study with. We each read a chapter during the week, bring an outline and a study guide for each other, and then we fill it out together. We should be able to pass that test by the end of the summer. I went home and did FHE with the Stouts. After that I stayed up late reading Harry Potter and eating popcorn. Yes, I am pretty dang cool. 

Tuesday I went in to work, and Brandon wanted to leave early again. I left around 4pm and finished working from home. Heather was busy, so I stayed around the house with the Stouts and ate dinner and then I read for a long time. 

Wednesday after work I picked up Merrill. We went to buy her ticket for Tim Mcgraw :) Then we went to take care of my car. I had the check the check engine light, but it was nothing big. I hadn't screwed the gas cap on tight enough ha. Easy fix :) Then we went to get my tires check and have air put in them. Last, we got my car washed and cleaned! Baby Alice was starting to look pretty gross, so it was time. Merrill and I went on random adventures ater that. We went to the D.I., Asian City and Little Ceasars. Pretty exciting night. 

 Thursday Ron was back, he had been out of town. We had team meeting and we all went to lunch together. We left work early, and I finished working at home again. Merrill, Heat and I decided to go to Country Fest in South Jordan! Fun huh?! It was just a small Carnival. Nothing compared to all of the fun Bryan was having in Disneyland, but we still had a good time! We went on two rides and screamed our little heads off. After that we went to Savers. Man, we have way to much fun in discount or secondhand stores. Heather and I found matching picnic baskets!!! They are so stinkin cute. I can't wait to use them. Before we went home, we went to The Chocolate. We shared a Cazookie that was quite tasty. It has definitely been fun this week to have girls nights with them. I also read more before I fell asleep. I'm on a roll!

Well, it looks like I'm all caught up! :) Surprisingly good week even though Bryan wasn't here. Heather makes me laugh because she just always grabs my phone so that she can read my text messages with Bryan. She apparently loves the way we talk to each other. She finds great enjoyment in it. But yes, Bryan and I talk in a very cheesy way, but it is just very us. I have to say I was surprised that he missed me as much as he did this last week. I thought he would be having to much fun to even miss me. So, basically my life is great. Work is going well, I have good friends there, I have a couple of best friends that are the best, and I have an amazing boyfriend who makes me giggle like I'm a little girl!

Family Tree

Monday was a hard day for me. Why? Because every now and then I let the girl side of me take over and I start bawling my eye out for no reason. Okay, maybe I had a reason. I had talked to my mom that morning about everything going on with her and my dad, and it wasn't good. It was the first time I had heard my mom say she wanted a divorce and was done. See, I've always thought it would happen and I knew it was coming - but my emotions still got the best of me. Thankfully, Brandon left for an hour or so, and while he was gone I got some good crying out. I guess even though I know my parents are better off not together,  it was still really tough to hear about a marriage ending. Especially an eternal marriage. All growing up I was taught that families can be together forever, and I never expected that mine would separate. I do know that Heavenly Father has a plan, and I know that we are still a forever family, even know it doesn't seem like it right now. Reminds me of the song by Cherie Call called "Family Tree".

And in the end I don't know how it will all be sorted out

All I know is that the circle won't be broken

There will be hands to hold, and there will be love unfeigned

And it will bridge the gaps between all the things we can't explain

But in the meantime

God will tend the broken branches of the trees

And as eternity goes on this will be

Because our love is a circle in this human family

And God can mend the broken branches

And He will tend the broken branches

Because He loves all the branches

Of His family tree

I guess those lyrics explain how I know everything will work out, but ah this is still harder than I imagined it would be. I really do love my dad, and I have worked so hard to improve my relationship with him in the last couple of years. I really hope I am able to keep it through all of this. I know this isn't going to be an easy year. I'm grateful that my mom is staying close to the gospel, I know our family is still being blessed and watched over. I guess I'm still human and it's okay to cry. I hope that throughout this year, Isaac will know he's loved and I hope he doesn't come out of this hating my mother. I hope my dad doesn't come out super bitter and will know I do love him. I hope the girls aren't scarred and still enjoy their childhood.  I'm grateful to know of the Plan of Salvation. I'm going to do my best to be obedient, so that I might have those blessings with my future family. 

Sunday Adventures

Sunday June 2nd 

Well, today I went to church with Brittany Russel. I thought I would try out the singles ward that I'm supposed to be in.... and it was awful. I just have no desire to attend a singles ward that I'm only going to be in for a few months. That is just not appealing to me. Church was good though, we had a great lesson in Relief Society. The talk the instructor based her lesson off of was called "Get a Life" by President Elaine L. Jack. First of all, the name of the talk is awesome. Second, it was just a phenomenal lesson about how we can be happy. We did also have a good lesson about temples, and how to lead a life by doing and giving our all. 

After church Bryan invited me over to help make dinner, which I was late for the helping part because Staci and I ended up talking... whoops. Dinner was great though! We went to Jake's seminary graduation. As we walk up to the church, cute little Grandpa Frandsen sees me and says "you know what you're supposed to do", so I walked up to him, gave him a hug and let him give me a kiss on the forehead. Could that man be any sweeter? 

Graduation was good, but oh my how my stomach was in pain. Have I mentioned how sometimes being a girl SUCKS? Thankfully before we left Bryan snuck me some IB Profen.. It's a little embarrassing how open I am with him, but oh well! Anyway, I think we had a good night! We played Trivial Pursuit, girls vs. boys when we got home. Somehow we won, no thanks to me! Janet is a genius. Of course I only answered on question - about Greys Anatomy. Sure shows what I focus on :)

Lovin him is RED

Saturday June 1st 

So saturday was awesome. Basically I spent the whole afternoon laying out at the pool with Merrill and Heather. We love getting our Vitamin D! Lots of good chatting time, and relaxing. 

I finally took a shower around 4pm so I could get ready to see my dear friend TAYLOR SWIFT. I met Jessica, her sister and two cousins on the FrontRunner, and we got ready to party! We walked around the gateway until we decided to eat at Costa Vida. Dinner was good, and we even ran into Janelle Frost!

To preface this, everyone should understand our love for Miss Taylor Swift.

We got to the concert and were dying of excitement. Jess and I had only been talking about it for the last 7 months. We had that whole CD memorized down to Taylors random remarks in the middle of songs. Ah. As the concert started, Jess and I were jumping up and down like every other little 8 year old girl there. Pretty sure Jess started to cry. So basically it was pretty amazing. We jumped up and down, screaming every word the whole time. Ah. she put on an awesome show. She even came over to where we were sitting. They had a platform in the shape of a circle that spun around, and she came out to sing 4 or 5 songs. we ran down and got pretty close to her. She was surprisingly adorable and sweet. She even made fun of herself for all her failed relationships ha. She had amazing pyrotechnics, and dancing. I do have to say Carrie Underwood still has my heart and threw the best show and vocal performance. But oh man, it was a great night! 

Bryan was making me laugh though, because they had a family party for Jakes graduation, and I missed it because of the show. Apparently everyone was questioning him about me, and when we're getting married, and if he loves me and why I wasn't there. I won't lie, it made me happy that they all wanted to meet me that bad. Oh well! There will be plenty of time to meet them all. No way I could have missed Taylor!

Dear Bryan,

I know you hate Taylor... And just so you know, she does have some pretty adorable songs. They aren't ALL about breaking up :) Here are songs that remind me of us. 

Begin Again

Stay Stay Stay

Two Is Better than One

Superman

I'm only me when I'm with you

and Fearless 

Love Chels

Bingham Friend Love

Friday May 31st

Well, summertime is here and what better way to start off summer than by having a BBQ, games, and a bonfire? I sure do love my friends! Newbold, Merrill, Heather and I thought it would be fun if we set up a night for everyone to get together and just have some fun and catch up. We set up a little facebook event and everything. 

That night I went over to Bryans house. He was in the shower, so I hung out with Erika and the boys. Bryan came up stairs and our shirts were basically matching. Whoops. ha. Before we went to the party we stopped back at my house so that I could change and do a quick little work task. We got to the party and I was really happy to see who was there! Tanner Hansen, Amanda Larsen, Stephanie Horrox, Brittany Russel, Trenton Harris, Charles Sampson, Braden Loveless, Michael Christensen, Emily Christensen, Spencer Brown, Abbey Tuckett, Mark Woodbur, Alex Vickory, Soffe Hepworth, Mark Bullough, Hannah Degn, Michael Glissmeyer, Parker Devey, Nick Smith, Heather Soffe, Nicole Newbold, Nicole Merrill, Bryan and Me. It was so fun! Newbolds dad made us hot dogs, we played a game with a hula hoop, basketball, roasted marshmallows and just talked. I think it all went really well! Bryan was even socializing and wanted to stay later than I did. That never happens haha. I have to say it was so weird when I walked into the party because normally I would have jumped on everyone, but this time I actually had Bryan with me. Man, it's times like those that  I still can't believe he is home. I only talked about him for two years, and now he's standing next to me and I'm not telling everyone how he's doing, or how I can't wait for him to come home, or how I'm nervous to see him again. I'm so glad I don't have to worry anymore! 

So I love Heather, she cracks me up. She is so stinkin cute, and all the boys were in love with her. I am secretly hoping that her and Trent can fall in love. Either way, I hope we find her guy sometime soon. I know she worries about it a lot, and she just deserves the best. 

I took Bryan home after, and we of course had a good time talking in the car. I don't know why, but it really is one of my favorite things to just sit and talk to him. Well, I guess that's all for this post. I'm just really grateful that I have been blessed with such amazing friends. I would be such a different person if we had stayed in Salt Lake instead of moving to South Jordan. The majority of the people I was friends with there have not ended up in the best places since high school. The friends I made at Bingham are so great, such amazing examples and are just so genuine. Some of those people I hadn't seen in awhile, and when we see each other we give each other big hugs and it's like nothing has ever changed in our friendship. I'm most grateful for Heather, Merrill, Newbold and Amanda though - those girls have just been there for me more than I could have ever asked for. They keep me on the right path, they make me happy, they support me and they tell me when I'm being stupid. I'm a pretty blessed girl :)