Exciting News

So, yesterday I got to go see my friend Holly open up her mission call. She's been called to serve in the Dominican Republic, Santiago mission. I'm so excited for her and for the people of the DR. Holly is going to be an amazing missionary. She's already such an amazing friend and I'm going to miss having her around. Holly's excited too but she'll have to brush up on her Spanish. I guess that all the years of Spanish in high school and the summer in Ecuador will be put to good use. I'm glad I was able to be there when Holly opened up her call. It's weird to think that all of my friends are growing up, but all the changes are for good. Again, congratulations Holly!

TAG From Shanda

I am. . . taking a break from studying.

I think. . . I want to decorate.

I know. . . miracles happen.

I want. . . to go skiing.

I have. . . a very good life and I love it!

I miss. . . gymnastics. Correction, I miss doing uneven bars, but I could do without the beam.

I fear. . . needles.

I hear. . . music playing in my head all the time.

I smell . . . fresh baked bread. It's in the bread maker right now and I love that thing!

I crave . . . sleeping in.

I cry . . . about the stupidest things. I've got Palmer genes in me.

I search. . . for things I've packed away when moving and haven't found yet.

I wonder. . . when it will snow.

I regret. . . nothing. I don't believe in living with regrets.

I wish. . . I could fly.

I love. . . Brad.

I care. . . about my sisters.

I always. . . burn myself. Cooking, curling my hair, doing dishes, whatever, I somehow end up burning myself.

I worry. . . too much.

I am not. . . warm enough. I'm layered in clothes and blankets and still I am cold.

I remember. . . being a little girl and being so excited to go to Disneyland.

I believe. . . in God.

I argue. . . with Holly. We don't really argue, we just like to tease each other.

I write. . . in my journal. I LOVE writing in my journal. It's one of the best things mentally for me.

I win. . . almost every game I play with Brad. It's kind of funny because I don't mean to and Brad's so competitive that he has to keep going.

I lose. . . my keys. Don't worry, I always find them in my purse right where I've looked 12 times already.

I listen. . . to my favorite songs over and over.

I don't understand. . . why I can't find anything to wear when my closet is completely full.

I can usually be found. . . in the library. Sad, but true.

I need. . . to find time to play the piano.

I forget. . . to pick up things up at the grocery store. I always write a list but I somehow forget something.

I am happy. . . with friends and family around me.

Homecoming

Wow. What a weekend this last one has been. First of all, Brad's mom was in town and I haven't seen Janet since before school started. So, we got together and went to Goodwood Barbeque. Mighty tasty. Then it was off to Homecoming Spectacular. I was so excited because I've never been to Homecoming Spectacular, Homecoming parade, True Blue Football, or anything Homecoming related. I think I got to go to the Homecoming Game two years ago but that's it. I don't know why, I just haven't. Plus, this was the year to go because Brad was singing with the Men's Chorus as the finale to the show. And what a show it was. There was a jazz band, folk dancers, pioneers (of course, it's BYU), and even Jenny Oaks Baker (which was AMAZING!) However, I believe the best part of the show was the Men's Chorus. One of the songs they sang they had sang at their first performance of the year and I absolutely fell in love with it. It might have something to do with the bagpipes. They just give me goosebumps. There was also the hiliarious compliation of Welsh folk songs. There was choreography, whistling, banging sticks, and clanging of bottles added to these traditional folk songs. Quite the sight. Sister Hall also enlisted the folk dancers to help them out. She got down off the podium and had them throw her into the air. And I'm not talking of some small distance. I mean high up in the air. I'll have to post a clip once it comes out on BYU TV.


So, Saturday rolls around. Janet and I went crazy decorating our place. I really enjoyed going shopping with her for stuff to decorate with. We got a few things actually up on the walls which is a big step forward. Once I get everything done I'll get some pics up. Unfortuanetly, some fun must come to an end. Brad and I had homework. But we broke it up by. . .


. . . setting up our tent in our living room! We've been wanting to put it together since we got it and it seemed like the perfect thing to do as a break. Thanks Ryan and Shanda for the tent!

Sunday was also a good day. Sunday was Brad's Dad's birthday. Instead of a birthday cake, we had banana cream pie (yum!) We also got to see our niece Ella Packer for her baby blessing. She couldn't have been a more perfect and adorable baby. There's not too many better ways to spend a Sunday than with the Packers.

Bubba

Byron, in my opinion, is the craziest little brother you could get. This last month I've been able to do a lot of things with Byron. First, Byron turned 11. I can't believe he's that old. I can still remember the day he was born. For Byron's birthday we all went out to Chili's to celebrate.


The weekend after Byron's birthday I took him out for dinner and a movie as his birthday present. We went to Pizza Factory and had the amazing breadsticks. If you haven't ever had one they make the breadsticks by wrapping the dough around a long stick and then bake them like that. Pair it with some alfredo sauce and it's good stuff. We then headed to the movies and saw Indiana Jones. I'm a pansy at scary movies. So, when I covered my eyes I'd cover Byron's eyes as well. He'd just move my hand and shake his head at me. Silly boy.

This last picture is from when we had my family down for some games and cookies. I think Byron and Brad may have had one too many cookies. Basically it ended up with Byron about to get a swirly.


Byron sure is one goofy kid but I love him a lot. He's my only brother and he's so much fun to have around.