my birthday loves.

Two of my favorite people had birthdays today.

Noah, my darling nephew turned 5. He is seriously the funniest kid I know. Always such a crack up.

And my nurse bud, Steph...lots of great memories!

Happy Birthday you two!

crock pot goodness.

Sadly it took me 6 months to use my crock pot for the first time. I have no idea why because it's the greatest thing ever! It is SO easy to use and makes the best food! So lately it's been put to good use. 

One of my favs: Pulled pork sandwiches.

All you need is this:

A lovely crock pot.

McCormick's BBQ Pulled Pork seasoning packet.

3 lbs pork roast

1/2 c ketchup

1/2 c packed brown sugar

1/3 c apple cider vinegar.

and some tasty buns.

Mix the ingredients together, pour a tad on the bottom of the crock pot, 

add the pork roast and pour the rest of the sauce on top.

Cook on high for 4 hrs-ish, shred the pork and enjoy the goodness.

 I've got so much left over (kinda forgot to invite some guests) so come get it if you want some!

stewart falls.

I took my mom and pops on a little adventure one Saturday morning. It was the perfect day. Sunny blue skies, vibrant Fall colors and WARM! We hiked Stewart Falls in Provo canyon--one of my favorites... probably because it's easy :) But also because it's so dang beautiful during the Fall! I've hiked it during the summer but never during the Fall, so go if you haven't! Many photo ops.

fall adventures.

It's weird that I feel this way now but if I had to choose between the mountains and the beach, it'd for sure be the mountains. Those who have known me forever know my dying love for the beach but there is just something so exquisite about the Rocky mountains. I can't get over their beauty during each season and let's face it, there is just way more fun things to do in the mountains than at the beach. Utah pretty much rocks :)

Fall mountains + camera + hard core Bella (my car)=a delightful afternoon of picture taking with my Mom.

Conference with the fam and Linds, aka Cool J.
One bloody hot afternoon!

Bridal Veil Falls with bud Clark.

<--crazy clark.

And yes, I may have gone to my first Utah game...

               ...still a Coug at heart.

gratefulness.

I am so grateful to belong to a church that teaches nothing but true principles and how to become a better person. It's frustrating when I come in contact with those that constantly bash the church and its doctrine. To me they are missing the whole point. The church is centered on Jesus Christ. It is His church. Everything about His life and what He taught is an example to us and what we believe in. We are striving to live as He did and to bring others to the knowledge we have been blessed with. We are so imperfect but the gospel of Jesus Christ is perfect and true. That is why I believe in it. I have so much appreciation for General Conference this past weekend and that I was able to listen to the Prophet of God, Apostles and leaders. Everything they teach is to benefit our lives and help us become better people. One of my favorite talks was President Monson's in the Sunday morning session. His love and appreciation for each of us was so evident and I could only think it was the Savior's love shining through him.

Always be grateful.

"To express gratitude is gracious and honorable. To enact gratitude is generous and noble. But to live with gratitude ever in our hearts is to touch heaven."