We help the Homeless

August 11th - 17th

Well, on sunday I found out Merrill was going back to SUU a week earlier than everyone :( So I decided to go play with her for awhile. I hate when everyone goes back to school. I am really happy that Heather, Mandy, Merrill and I went to New York because it was really the last BIG thing we could do together before everything would change. I still can't believe Mandy and Tanner worked out. I'm so happy for the two of them! Anyways, tangent over. I went to Bryans house for dinner and then we watched episodes of Duck Dynasty and Top Gear with everyone.

So, on tuesday I decided that it was time for a "me" night. I hung out at home, I watched Charlie and the Life of Pi. Super lazy, but hey! Sometimes those nights are necessary. I feel like I am always going from one thing to the next ya know?

On Wednesday baby Bryan was sick, so I went to his house to keep him company. I finally got him to watch Les Mis! He actually liked it too.

Thursday was the most RANDOM day. We decided at work that we were going to make a video to promote helping the homeless. We bought clothes from the D.I., Little Ceasars and Gatorades. We litterally drove around Salt Lake City looking for homeless people to pass everything out to. I will say, it was a bit awkward, but then there were some people who were so grateful that it made up for it. When we got done, we went to Tucanos. MMMMmmmmmmm yummmy. Sometimes I just absolutely love my job!!

My grandma was in town that night, so I went to see her for awhile! I love seeing her, and I'm g lad she came out to take care of my mom. Grandma helped her set up the house and make it feel more like home by hanging pictures and organizing everything. Vern, my step grandpa asked me to come outside, apparently they had china for me from my Great Grandma! She passed away earlier this year, and there was just so much stuff that they didn't know what to do with. When he started talking to me about them, I found out they actually belonged to my Great Great Grandma and they were being passed down to me! How cool is that? I don't think I have ever gotten something like that before. The china is SO beautiful. So, that night I went back to Bryans house and we watched the Truman show. I have to say, not my favorite movie. The strangest story line, and it was just one of those movies that frustrated me the whole time. However, I got to cuddle and take care of sicky. That makes up for the strange movie.

So saturday I went out to look for bridesmaid dresses for Jessicas wedding. Brooke came with me, and we couldn't find anything at all in her colors. turquoise is such a tough color to find, and it isn't really a fall color. Bryan and I were texting, and I found out randomly that we were going on a double date with his parents? I'm so down, but he hadn't told me anything at all! He's a planner for sure ;) We went to dinner at Johnny Carino's. Dinner was really good, Bryan and I got two different meals and shared. I like how we usually share things. Dinner was really great with his parents. Janet and Rick are so entertaining to me, and I like talking with Janet.

After our date we drove to my moms house to celebrate Laurens Birthday early with my Grandma Sherry. We had Root-beer Floats and cake. We even watched some home movies, and then the beginning of Monsters University. Later we met up with friends down by the Jordan River to have a bon fire. Colton, Garrett, Daryl, Brooke and Kyle. The best part of the night, is that when I got home, I realized I had left my phone in Bryans car!!! Left my phone in Bryans car....... I rushed inside, got on Facebook and messaged him right away. I felt so silly! Thankfully he doesn't live to far because I had to drive back to pick it up! I am a special human being. I'm glad that we were able to fit everything in that night though, because I wasn't sure that we were going to be able to!

To Fairview We Go.

Tuesday

Well tuesday was a fun day. I went to work of course, and after work I got to go to a  drive in movie with Merril and Heather. I wanted to invite Bryan, but he had to do fantasy football with his boys. Apparently the only time they could all get together to do it was that night at like 10pm. Anyways, I got girl time, so that was great :) We went to Despicable Me 2 in Merrils fun little white truck. We had blankets and that movie was SO funny. Those minions get to me. Too cute.

Thursday

Bryan and I went to a Wedding Reception for  The Loveridges. The wedding was cute, but oh how it makes me want to be with Bryan forever. I know I will, just not yet :) When the reception finished we drove over to Brandon Warners house. He also served in Ukraine, and since we had so many missionaries all in one pace we had to go play and talk more. I really do enjoy seeing all of those missionaries because they were so much apart of him for the last two years.

Friday

Ah FRIDAY. The day I was waiting for all week. I worked for most of the day, and when Bryan was finally off of work, I drove up to the point of the mountain to meet up with Bryans dad. Then it was off to Fairview. The drive was great, except I felt dumb because I told Bryan about Angela and Ron wanting to promote me and have me stay with them after I graduate. I guess I felt silly because I have been going to school for ASL and to teach, but now I'm not sure what I want. There is part of me that would love to stay with the company for a long time. I love them, it is a safe environment and I have room to grow there. I can just see myself staying there. At the same time, I've been planning on being a teacher, and I don't want my education in Deaf Studies to not be used. We'll just have to see what feels right.

Well, the cabin that night was fun. We played lots of games, and we ate snacks. I love how being with them is the best thing in the world. I'm not bored ever, and life just feels good.

Saturday, we got up, Rick and Janet made us breakfast and we just hung out! Bryan and I went four-wheeling a few times, and we even went on a fun ride with his parents. Oh how BEAUTIFUL it was. I love how peaceful it is up there, and how the world just goes away and everything feels perfect. On top of that, I got to be with the boy I love more than anything.

That night when we got home, I was not ready to leave at all. However, I was happy because heather asked me to come over and we had ourselves a  girls night. What more could you a girl ask for. Hershey's chocolate milk, fruit snack and hot tamales. Heathers house is the best.

Boating sun and fun.

July 28th - August 3rd

Well Wednesday was beautiful, and I went to work. Nothing much to report of here. However, work is still going great. So, after work Bryan and I decided to cross off another adventure from our summer list! We drove up Cottonwood Canyon to hike up to Doughnut Falls. I love this hike because it is short, easy and pretty. I would call this a perfect nature stroll. Nothing like being able to breath and not want to throw up when I'm hiking (memories of good ol' Mt. Timpanogas). The hike was great, lots of good conversation as always with my boy. We got up to the little falls and it was very pretty! The only thing was it was already getting dark because we started our hike a bit late. Anyway, I really enjoyed getting to spend some quality time with my best friend.

Friday - May I say, I had a great start to my morning :) My thoughtful boyfriend forgot to mention that his family decided they would be picking me up at 8am..... He calls me like 10 minutes before picking me up to let me know they are on their way. I know I was going boating, but I REALLY needed a shower. So I jumped in so fast, washed my hair and yes - I blow dryed my hair so they wouldn't know I washed my hair right before I was about to jump into a dirty, dirty lake. It is magic  that i was ready on time. Well, they arrived and off we went!

After we picked up the boat from his Uncles house, we drove down to Utah Lake. Saturday was seriously a beautiful day! We began  taking turns for water skiing and oh how nervous I was for my turn because I had only skied once in my life and it had been 4 years since. Surprisingly, all went well and I popped right up! I actually think I may like it more than wake boarding. I didn't think I would. Uncle Gary showed up later and he is an insane boat driver. He is a really funny man as well. Anyway, we moved onto wake boarding and we all seemed to do well on that. I'm so glad I got up though, because I had told Bryan in so many letters how I was getting better at it each time I went with my ward. I still can't go in and out of the wakes very well, but hopefully I will be able to someday!

So naturally, I'm always afraid I won't look very pretty at these kinds of activities. Especially as the day goes on and there is not a bit of make up left on my face. But of course Bryan saved  the day when he got home from boating and he told me I am beautiful and the most gorgeous girl ever. Ah. Serious butterfly moment right there. We all went home and showered and got back together for a good old fashioned American summer night dinner. Hamburgers. Yum. Bryan and I went to Walmart to buy 42 and then we all watched it together as a family.  While we were watching, I just had this overwhelming feeling of how much I love Bryan. The blunt little girl in me told him "I know I say this too often, but I really really really love you". He then told me I really know how to give him butterflies :) So we ended the night by reading scriptures with his family and me going home. I'm kind of grateful for my life.

Saturday was pretty dang great as well. Heather, Merril and I drove down to Seven Peaks for a girls day. It was packed, but we still got to go on a few slides, chill in the wave pool and get our tan on. These girls are just the absolute best. I'm sad Merrill will be going back to school in a week.

Later that night I met up with Bryan and we went to his Mission Reunion! There were so many people there. We had food, talking and a talent show. I love meeting all of these people and seeing others that I have already met. Oleg, Fitz, Warner, Tautkus, Harris and so many more were there. They are just kind loving people. They make me feel welcome and part of their group. I'm happy that Bryan served with such a good group of people, and that they all became such good friends. They work hard to see each other often which is something I don't think most missionaries experience. I am pretty sure we will end up being friends with many of them for a long time. Well, I guess  that is the end of this week. But I am so incredibly blessed. 

Happy Birthday Utah!

July 21-July 27th

Well, Chelsea is playing catch up again! This week again. So here are the highlights! 

So on the 23rd, Brandon at work finds out that we celebrate Utahs Birthday on the 24th of July. He thought it was hilarious, and asked if I was going to want to skip work..... I told him I was planning on working like a half day.... One more random thing about Utahns to make him think Mormons are strange :) Well, I ended up working until 2:00pm and then I finished working at home until date time!! Bryan picked me up, and we went with a group up to Salt Lake City to the trail head for Ensign Peak. We hiked up and oh it was SO beautiful. You could see fireworks all over the entire valley.  The group was Colton, Bryan, Carl, Daryl and their dates. I have to say I enjoyed watching each of their awkward first dates! Especailly how one of the girls couldn't stop talking about her ex boyfriend.... and marriage? Awkward for Daryl. Entertaining for Bryan and I.


Well, the date was fantastic. Sitting up on a blanket, cuddling with mu very best friend while looking at fireworks. Life couldn't be more perfect. He also wore his new shirt, and may I say that Bryan O'Dell looks good in his new clothes. I've done good people.

So, now that Colton is home, we have been inviting him to hang out with us. I'm glad that him and I are actually really good friends. It is really cool that he is chill with being our third wheel, but we aren't awkward so are the coolest couple to chill with anyway :) We decided to make cookies, and watch Everybody Hates Chris. That TV show takes me back. 

For those of you who don't know, Bryan and I were hanging out/interested in each other for a good 3 months before he held my hand. One evening we were sitting in his basement talking, and watching Everybody Hates Chris. I had never seen it before, but it quickly became one of my favorites. Well, I'm sure we all know that Chelsea is impatient so that fact that she made it 3 months without going crazy is a miracle! I got my flirt on, and that of course included a tickle fight. Before I knew it, the boy had found a way to grab my hand. One of the best moments and feelings ever. The amazing thing, is that I still get butterflies every time he goes to hold me hand. #Cheese


So on Friday I went to work, and on my way home I decided I needed to go to the temple. I gave my dear friend/cousin Nicole Newbold a call, and we went to the Jordan River Temple together. The temple was peaceful, and catching up with her was much needed. So much has happened in the last couple months for the both of us. She is one of those friends who will always be there, no matter what. I know that I  can go months without seeing her, give her a call out of the blue - and she will be there for me.

Well, as we hopped into my car to leave, I turned the key in the ignition and my car wouldn't start... Of course I was there were cars on either side of me so I couldn't get someone to jump my car, and I didn't have cables to top it off. I called Staci and she sent Marty and little Sawyer to come save the day. Mardi pulled his big ol Truck onto the pavement to reach my car, but then we couldn't get my hood open!!! The cord to pop it open was broken... who knew? Not me. Somehow Marty magically got it open after a good half hour, and we went to get me a new battery. Thank goodness for kind souls. 

I quickly showered when I got home so I could get to Bryans house. He had a good laugh as I told him the events of the last couple of hours. Thankfully we watched a movie, and he held me and the stress from the car was gone.

So, somehow we have gotten half way through summer without a big girls get together. We finally decided to make something happen. We got a group of us to meet at Newbolds house for breakfast. Everyone brought something, and we sat in a circle and took turns catching the group up on our lives. Newbold, Merrill, Cassie, Andi, Heather and I. We are getting so old.... having lunches or breakfasts with "old friends" to catch up. Where is time going? I'm gonna be 30 before I know it! Gross.

Merrill, Heather and I went to the farmers market!!! It was too cute, and I got a new necklace for half of. Love me a good deal.

So that night Bryan and I went on a double date with Parker Harris. The girl he brought was a sweetheart! I had never seen an indoor football arena, so that was new for me! I had to learn the new rules, and thankfully Bryan knows all when it comes to sports. Definitely still a fan of real football, but it was still a fun experience! Here is a cute pic with Bryan looking good in another new shirt :) 

Zoom zoom zoom

July 14 - July 20th

So you know those times when you think you are right and you are not? That happened today. First, we have to back up. Ron decided for his birthday, he wanted to go drive Nascars. Real nascars. To my astonishment, I found out that you need to know how to drive stick, and well, my last experience using a manual car was... not pleasant. Bryan tried to teach me before his mission, and I didn't even make it out of the church parking lot. SO. Needless to say, I may have had a slight freak out on the inside when I found out that they had already paid for me to go with them, and I did not have the heart to admit that I didn't know how. Instead, I told Bryan and made him promise to teach me. So we never seemed to get around to it, and finally had one lesson. I did finally make it to neighborhoods, main roads and finally Bangerter Highway.  However, I stalled the car quite a bit.  So, it gets to the week of, and I'm like thinkin "okay... I have until Thursday to go out and practice once or twice more'. So I show up to work, and Brandon takes one look at me and says, "Where are your shoes? You can't wear sandals in those race-cars" Yup. Heart attack moment. We were going two days earlier than I had realized..... So Ron made fun of me big time, and we had to stop by my house on the way to get my shoes. The whole time all I can think about is how I'm going to stall the car, look like an idiot, or crash. They give us the  orientation/instructions and I thought I was going to puke, until they told me that these cars only had 2nd and 3rd gear. I would only have to shift once. Hallelujah. They put us in sweet suits, took our picture, stuffed us in, and let us go! We drove around a half mile track so we couldn't go too fast before we had to slow down for the corners, but dang! It was still way fun. They showed us our sweet pics when we got done, but they were expensive. Ron just picked up all four of them and paid!!! I was so happy. What a good boss I have :) So here race car model/driver Chelsea. 

Wednesday I got up and went to work as usual. After work I met up with a bunch of our friends at a park and we played baseball! I wasn't any good, but we all had fun together! We had quite a few of us show up, and a few other random people we didn't know. We played until it started to rain, and then we drove to Carl Prince's house. He had a bon fire out back, hot dogs and s'mores.  We didn't stay too long because we only showed up to pick up a present that Mark has picked up for Bryan for Erikas birthday. That night was one of the first nights we actually talked about marriage. Good times. I admitted that I did not want to get married in December. I think he was kind of surprised. But anyway, when we got back to his house we watched the Espies till pretty late. I felt bad when we realized what time it was since we both had work early in the morning. But, it was a night well spent.

Friday, I worked in the morning and then left with Bryan, Colton, Jake and Same to Seven Peaks. Odd numbers are pretty awkward at things like this. We had lots of fun, but I told Bryan and colton to go have some fun together, and Jake had to leave early - so it was just me and Sam. Love the kid, but he's 15, so we didn't really have much to talk about ha.                                                                                                                               When we got back I had to rush home to shower and get ready as quick as I could because we were going to go on a double date with Tautkus and Brooke. I am amazed at how fast I got ready. Thankfully I was ready when they picked me up. We went to the Bee's game for The Sandlot Anniversary. We stood in line to meet the cast, watched the game and when the game ended - we got to watch the movie on the field! I'm not gonna lie, it was pretty sweet. Also, there was a grand slam during the game, so we could use our ticket at a Denny's for a free Grand Slam breakfast! 

Saturday morning, Bryan realized he left Jakes pass at Seven Peaks, so the two of us drove down to pick up the card. On our way back, we stopped for our free breakfast at Dennys. During the afternoon I hung out with Heater. Later, I got ready for  Kelsie's wedding reception and made Bryan go with ne. Poor boy is going to be so sick of wedding receptions. When we got done, we drove to Coltons house to watch the Dark Knight Rises. I think I'm good not watching that movie for awhile now. Well, thats all folks! Another wonderful summer week! 

Swallow bobbi pin say what?

July 7th - July13th

Before I begin this post, I just want to say I am blonde. 

So, sunday I was all by myself! The stouts were out of town so I had to fend for myself. I went to their ward, played with a baby I used to babysit during sacrament. And just enjoyed a good sunday. When i got home from church, I decided to watch/read Harry Potter all day. I know, I'm pretty cool. I just got hooked and couldn't stop! Seriously. Harry Potter has been consuming my free time and even my dreams. So, because I was all by myself, The Frandsens were very kind and invited me over for dinner. Thank heavens, I probably would have starved otherwise.

Monday Bryan was texting me all day about what he should be when he grows up. He has no idea... so we just brainstormed and researched on our own through the day. That night I went over to his house and we continued our research and even chatted with his mom about it. We came down to some kind of doctor or Optometrist. Who knows what will really happen. I just hope he isn't in school for the next 12 years. When we got done, we went running. 

Tuesday, when I got home from work, I made dinner for the Stouts! Then I hung out with Merrill for awhile, and when I left her house I  hung out with Staci. Nothing too crazy, just enjoying time with some of my favorite people! 

Wednesday after work I went to Bryans house and looked up majors all night again. Bryan had a meeting with the the stake president so he could get a new recommend. While he was gone I just played scrabble with Jake and Janet! I didn't do too bad, but Janet still won! She's a word queen.                                                                     Thursday - I made dinner for Stouts again! When dinner was over, I just hung out around home for the night. It was nice to just relax. Before I went to bed Bryan and I talked on the phone! He got to see his mission president that night, so he was pretty dang happy. He even got to go on a lesson with some missionaires that were teaching a couple of Russians. I can't even begin to convey how happy he was about that. 

Friday I worked at home until I went to Seven Peaks with Bryans family! They are just so fun! I love summer! I never want it to end. So before we decided to leave, we all went to play in the wave pool. I wanted to fix my hair because it was driving me nuts. So I pulled out my bobbi pin, stuck it my mouth like I always do when I am fixing my hair, but then Bryan started tickling me and I was laughing so hard. When he was done I tilted my head back to slick my crazy messy hair back. As I did that, I managed to swallow my bobbi pin. It wasn't quite down my throat, but I didn't know what to do! So being the genius I am, I swallowed it completely. Bryan. Flipped. He was so worried about me and was so afraid that I was  going to die. We told his parents and you could tell they were super worried as well. I promised  them I would call a doctor friend right away. So, I called Don Childs, and he said as long as it made it passed my esophagus that I would most likely be just fine. So I thought I would be fine! However, I went home to shower and I just felt so sick. And my chest felt funny. I just shoved off the feeling though because I didn't want to freak anyone else out, especially Bryan. 

So when I finished getting ready I went to Bryans house to meet up with friends to watch The Lord of the Rings. We FINALLY convinced Kyle to watch one. We didn't have too many people show up, but we did have the good peeps. Kyle, Mark, Newbold, Bryan and I. Kyle made fun of the movie the whole time, which is weird because It IS his type of movie. He just needs to have a good attitude. 

During the movie, I still felt weird chest pain, and when I went home to sleep it got even worse. By 4am I was a nervous reck, and called my mom at 6am. I was crying and had no idea what I should do. We decided to go to an Instacare. However, none of them opened earlier than like 8:00am. We drove to one, waited in the car, and I wanted to cry I was in pain and so afraid. I was just afraid it went down the wrong way, and was stuck or scraping something inside of me. We walked into the Instacare at 8:00am just to be told they didn't take my insurance. So we searched until we found one that did, and had to wait a half hour or so until After hours Medical opened at 9:00am. We got in right away, thankfully. They examined me, had me get an x ray, and wait. The doctor came in and told me I was going to be just fine because the bobbi pin had already made it to my colon, so.... it would be "coming out" in the next day or so. He said the pain was the scratching the bobbi pin did to my esophagus as it went down. He had me drink some medicine to kind of numb the pain. This whole time I was in there, I was texting Bryan... BUT I was too embarrassed to tell him where I was, so I acted like everything was just fine. After that, my mom drove me home and when I walked in Staci was so relieved because she didn't know where I had gone.. I explained everything and then took a nap and a shower. I wanted to cancel on the afternoon because I was still feeling a bit funny, but I had promised friends I would meet up with them that day, and Bryan and I had planned a double date for later as well. 

When Bryan picked me up, I told him everything that had happened. He was a bit upset that I didn't tell him, but he was happy I was fine and laughed a bit. So, we drove up to Alpine to this sweet rockslide with Maegan, Austin, Bryce, Faith and Bryan. I was so excited to show Bryan this place since like the year before. We had lots of fun! There were like 30 people up there, so we only went down 3 or so times. The water was frigid, but it was a nice hot day so it actually felt good. I had a  good time seeing Faith and Maegan. I wish we could all get together more often, but life just gets busy. Faith was crackin up Bryan the whole time. That girl is a hoot! So, we left a bit later than we had planned, so we had to rush home and I had to shower as quick as possible. Bryan then picked me up and we met up with Jordan Smith and his girlfriend at Brick Oven. Guess who are waiter was? None other than our dear friend Tanner Hansen! Love that kid! He was a good little waiter. Jordan's girlfriend was really nice, and she is studying Sign Language as well, so we had a lot to talk about. When dinner finished, we went to Coltons for a movie night with Daryl, Tyler, Bryan and I. I'm getting pretty used to this only girl situation. Anyway, the day ended well, and I started to feel better! I'm so grateful that everything worked out, and that it wasn't more serious than it was! I'm also grateful I got to spend the day with some pretty wonderful people. 

My Family Is Home

June 30th - July 6th

Dear Diary,

What a wonderful week!

My little sisters are BACK. How exciting is this? Monday night I got to go pick up my sisters from my mom and we went to play up in Daybreak! Dang, they have grown up so much! I haven't seen them since Christmas. I'm amazed at how much they grow up in 6 months and how different they look. Elizabeth is tall and so skinny, and Lauren is 8 going on 16. We walked around Daybreak lake, played at a park and in the sand and water. Here are the beauties!

The rest of this week was good as well! I'm kind of playing catch up at the moment, so I'm trying to remember what happened each day!

Wednesday night I drove up to a cabin in Park City to meet up with my family. We had dinner, played games, watched Les Miserables. Oh, my grandpa ordained Joshua a Priest. That was pretty cool. I really wished my dad was there though.... It makes me sad that he isn't worthy to do that right now. I just really have been missing him lately. And I just feel sad that he is all by himself. Things are a bit awkward. I'm glad everyone in his family is still very accepting of my mother and that they care about her so much to be there for her still. They have been pretty wonderful.

I had a fun talk with my grandpa that night while watching Les Mis. He was telling me stories about when he was a teenager, and how he would take care of their families ranch all summer. He said he would stay there all week and then his family would come visit on the weekends. He told this funny story about how there was a snake in the shed and how his sisters were screamin' and he came to save them! Or sometimes a cow would go off, and he would have to go search for him and sometimes campout over night until he found them. I really enjoyed hearing about his life growing up! He was a cute cowboy! I love grandpa :)

Well, Thursday some of us when down into Park City to the Outlets. Jordan and I bought a couple things at Banana Republic that were incredibly on sale! We hung out and chatted more up at the Cabin until we took Family Pictures, and then I left. I drove down to South Jordan to meet up with Nicole and Heather for the Bee's game. I'm starting to think Baseball is interesting. Crazy huh? Well, the game was good, and when it got over there were FIREWORKS :) They had some pretty good ones too.

Well, Crazy thing. This weekend there was an insane amount of Rain, so Friday night when Bryans family got back from their cabin, there was a flood into their basement. They had to fix that all night:/ Anyway, Saturday night was rainy as well, but Bryan came to pick me up so that we could go to the Riverton Demolition Derby! Derbys are so much fun to watch. I think Bryan actually liked it! His family was able to join us later and we all had lots of fun!

When the Derby was finished, we had this crazy idea to go to a drive in afterwards, so Bryan, Jake, Sam, Erika and I went to the Drive in theatre to watch Monster University! Ah it was SO funny. Seriously, one of the best sequels I have ever seen. Most of them aren't as good, but this one may have been better than the first movie. Trying to get comfortable in the back of that car was interesting ha. Thankfully we finally got a bit comfortable! I kind of really love this family. All of Bryan's siblings are super funny and they each have such great personalities.

So funny story, after the movie I of course wanted a picture. So, we got a group picture and then I needed a picture of Bryan and I. Well, little boy Bryan could not keep his eyes open to save his life. Every time the camera flashed, his eyes shut. The poor kids eyes got so red, but I of course made him suffer through. So, this is probably the best picture I have ever seen.

Well! That is all for now. Life is so good. I can't believe this boy is home still. I'm amazed at how much I love him. He's definitely my very best friend.