My LITTLE Sister's Birthday

So, this is my little sister. Except for the fact that she is taller than me.... But she is still my little sister. Today is her Birthday and she is now 17! Since when did she become a teenager?!! I swear I was just 17! But I'm actually like 19. Ugh. Anyways, Chalene is AWESOME. I love her.

When we were younger, like 9 or 10, I remember we would fight. ALL THE TIME. It was probably more me than her, but it was fun fighting!! I would sit on top of her, with my knees pinning her arms down to the ground, while I tickled her face with my hair, or started to drool spit that I would suck back into my mouth right before I lost control of it. (Occasionally it actually fell out. Maybe just once or twice though) And then eventually of course, mom and dads famous words become a reality, "It's all fun and games until someone gets hurt." And then we would get into a real fight. Well at least for 2 young girls. Not exactly like a cat fight, but as much damage as we could do, without hurting each other enough to get the parents involved. Cuz once mom and dad found out, we'd be worse off than before. But we would hit, Indian burn each others arms, kick, throw pillows, and occasionally pull the hair if we really wanted to fight.

But to my disadvantage, I bit my nails, which meant that I could never scratch her, and it made it hard for me to pinch effectively. I also was, and still kinda am, a germaphobe, so I couldn't just bite her, cuz putting my mouth on other human skin... That's just gross. You never know where that stuff has been! Well, Chalene, seeing as how I was defective in pretty much every way but strength, used this to her advantage. Lets just say I can't remember a time in my life when I didn't have scars on my hands or arms. Clothes were a problem too. Neither of us had more than like 10 shirts at a time, and since I was older and bigger, she always wanted to wear my clothes. This created a bit of a problem because I would find my clothes in her room, on the ground, wrinkled, dirty, and stretched out at the bottom, and would have to remind her (nicely, of course) to put my clothes back, quite often. Well eventually anything I said didn't matter because mom would just defend Chay all the time and make me feel so guilty for not letting her wear my clothes. Thanks mom. But anyways, it was just hard for me having a little sister, and there were so many times that I just wanted to.... Strangle her!! 

Well, as we both got older (and obviously way more mature), we just kind of stopped completely hating each other! Sure we still have to ask to wear the other persons clothes, and sign contracts of agreements, slice each others throats, but that's mostly because of the facial expression the other person displays while fearing for their life. But we can now share clothes in peace, share the same bathroom, curling iron, straightener, room, and even bed. Yes, I live at home, and my parents don't give me a bed. Anyways, I am just so grateful for Chay. She has truly become one of my best friends. She always has a way of making me laugh, and we could stay up for hours, just talking. But of course, we don't do that.... Haha. I love going shopping with her, going to the movies, going shopping, going shopping, listening to her read love novels to me every night, and singing with her at the top of our lungs to all the Barbie and Frozen songs. Chalene is awesome, and I am so glad that I have the opportunity to come home from BYU-I and just spend time with her. I can't wait for her to graduate high school so she can come to church and school with me! (Hint, hint) Sure we have had our hard times - refer to the first 2 paragraphs - but now, I couldn't imagine life without her, and am so glad she is my little sister. She is so talented - shes good at volleyball, all around athletic, great with little kids, plays the piano, plays the violin, has an amazing voice, (when she actually tries) is really good at shooting cans with rubber bands, has a gorgeous smile, strong in the gospel, and just all around, an awesome person. Someday I hope I can be like her, and I am so glad that my little sister is an awesome example to me, and truly one my best friends. She is going to be a killer wife and mom someday and her husband sure is going to be lucky. I love Chalene and I am so glad that we are not only sisters, but friends! Happy Birthday to the best little sister ever! I Love you!

I Love Valentines Day!

      So, since its Valentines Day, I'm just gunna take the next 20 minutes describing my Valentines Day. How horrible it is being single, and how I spent the day with my imaginary boyfriend, and how I bought myself flowers just so that I could feel loved. No, just kidding. I'm not THAT obsessed with wanting to have a boyfriend..... Ok, maybe I am... So what? But in all seriousnessness, today was pretty dang awesome despite my relationship status! You know why? Because I have THE BEST family. Like Ever. Seriously.


      Ok, so this past week, I have just been doing my thing, going to work, you know, making the BIG bucks (Ha), having to go to work... By myself. And just to let you know. I hate being by mythelf. HATE IT. Like.. I can't even go outside to the car at night, without somehow freaking myself out. But dad was gone, and was going to be gone till this Saturday. But on Wednesday night, whenever I got home from institute, I went upstairs to my room, and heard a familiar voice. It was my dads voice!!! He got home EARLY from his trip!! I went in his room to find him and I just felt the Spirit as soon as I saw him, and was so happy to see him I couldn't help but go up to him and give a big hug! Now my dad travels a lot, and by a lot, I mean A LOT. So I mean, he comes and goes often, so its just a normal occurrence for him to be leaving and then coming back home. But this time, I was SO excited to see him, I got teary-eyed! And I just realized how much I love him being home, and how much he means to me. He influences my life in many ways and I love working for him. Anyways, point being.... I love my dad. A LOT. And he is THE best dad ever. I KNOW that he would literally do anything for me. And I am so grateful that he is someone I can look up to. Oh, and can I just add how much I want my future relationship to be like his and moms? He always talks about how much he really does love mom, despite her shopping habit, or her not-answering-her-phone habit. He always makes sure that I know no matter what, that he loves her. And I am so glad because literally- my mom is awesome. No, not that kind of awesome. Think awesomer. Yupp. And he always makes sure that every one of us kids knows how much he loves us too. Working with my dad has definitely been one of the best experiences of my life. And I think its because I get to know him. I get to know what he does at work, I know how stressful his job can be, I know how hard he works, and I know what he sacrifices to make MY life better. I just love him so much, and am so glad that I am his daughter. I know I can always look up to him as my awesome example of what I want my husband to be like. I love you daddy!


      So then, today. Valentines Day. Oh Valentines Day. I have never really hated it, nor loved it. Except maybe when a guy I liked got me a whole big bag of skittles and chocolate. Best day of high school. But anyways, I was just on facebook, and saw all these girls posting about either A: How lucky they were to be with their husband/boyfriend/man of their dreams... etc. Or B: How...(Refer to sentence #2 of blog). I get it. If I had a boyfriend or whatever, HECK ya I'd be posting a cute picture of us, and every cute thing that he did! And if I was desperate to get sympathy comments about how so many guys are probably just secretly in love with me, or how cute I really am, or how boys are crazy to NOT want to be with me, I think I WOULD post a picture of me by myself! But no. At least not today. I might eat my words next year... But Honestly, today I realized how awesome my life really is, despite my lack of a significant other. Back to Facebook. As I was scrolling through, I happened upon an article that caught my attention, so I clicked on the site, and started reading. And holy cow. I am so glad that I did. Here it is. You just have to read it for yourself because its pretty awesome. Its a great way to view life. Especially if your single and just want to get married! It just kinda speaks for itself, and I agree completely. Oh and I love the movie comparison.
http://malcolmravenclaw.com/spiritual-experiences/single-wondering-will-life-begin/#more-1015
Oh and while I'm on the subject of being single, I also found another blog that I always think about, and refer back to, whenever I get down, or try to blame others. Just read it. Whether your single or not. Seriously
http://www.forwardwalking.com/when-happiness-hurts-2/
So ya, hopefully you actually read both of them. I know the first one is kinda long, but you NEED to read the second one. Its super awesome, and short! Both are pluses.


      So another reason why today was awesome was because I just got to talk to Nathan. Yes, my brother who used to do nothing but tease me, but now, he is one of my best friends. And I am so grateful I have him as an example to look up to. But I called him today, and was just talking to him about the boys nonexistent in my life, and his shoulder injury, and how he is still playing on it, but not to worry, because he is only blocking.... Crazy person.... and just about life, and Valentines Day. And you know what he said to me??? He said, "Well you know Caryn, (finish reading picture below, if you haven't already)





Ya. Despite his cruel, heart-stabbing comment, I still love Nathan. And forgave him of his sins. Haha. Its a good thing he was kidding.... I think. I hope. But I really do love him and miss him a lot. He has been at college with me, EVERY semester, and this semester, he is up there without me. And next semester is our last semester together at the same school. Sad. But I am so SO grateful that he treats me like more of a best friend instead of an annoying, immature little sister. He is just awesome!!


      Ok, so the other reason Valentines Day was awesome was because of my awesome sister in law, Stephanie!! I came home from work, just expecting the usual- everyone gone but Jordan, who is sitting at the TV, playing tank wars, so I go and lay on the couch and watch him strategically die-or not die, while asking him questions about the game, so that if I ever actually play, I can be a pro, while waiting for dinner to just magically appear on the table, and mom to say that dinner is ready, so we sit down and eat! But, tonight, this was not the case at all!!! I came home, and saw something on the counter, that was pink. And it had MY name on it. And it was Valentines Day. My awesome sister in law had gotten me lotion, and a necklace that she made herself! Just for me. It was just so awesome and so thoughtful, I found myself rubbing a couple tears away. I love Stephanie. And I am so glad that she married my awesome brother Davin. We also went shopping the other day (Me, Chalene, and Stephanie) and it was SO fun!! We were at San Tan Mall literally ALL day. I just love my family.


      Another reason Valentines Day was great was because I got paid!! Hooray!


      Another reason why my Valentines Day was awesome was the fact that my family came over tonight, and we just chilled at my house! I love it whenever Justin's family comes over. I always have so much fun just sitting in our family room, talking and listening to conversations, and just laughing. Side Note/Story: 2 Nights ago, I was over at Justin and Ashleigh's, just chilling with her and my sweet niece and nephews, waiting for Justin to get home. Well after the kids were all in bed, we tried hooking up my phone to her computer to get a video that I recorded of Ellie, while they were gone in Chile. (I WILL post it sometime because it is AWESOME.) So while trying to get it to work, Ashleigh noticed that Ethan's new guppy that he got from school, about the size of a small paperclip, had already dirtied its water after just two days, so we tried to figure out the best way to dump out the old water down the drain, without Ethan's friend going down as well. We figured the best way was to fill up a bowl of water, stick the fish inside of it, dump out the nasty water from the cup, refill the cup with fresh water, and dump the guppy back into the cup. After Ashleigh had filled the cup with the fresh water, we then had to think about how to stick the fish back into the cup. But before we had any brilliant ideas... The fish jumped out of the bowl, and into the sink. Before I could even think, Ashleigh starts screaming this blood curdling scream, and to my surprise, all I could do was laugh and watch as she hopped around, trying (with a fork), to keep the fish from flipping itself down the drain. Well after she stopped screaming, we had to figure out how to give this fish some water, so it could stay alive, when Ashleigh said "Oh man, if this stupid fish goes down the drain, Ethan is going to KILL me." Then it started to flip again, pretty high for a guppy about as big as a paperclip, and I hear Ashleigh say to the fish "Oh man, if you get up on my sleeve..." Haha. I seriously tried so hard not to laugh. It was probably because I had never seen my beautiful, sweet, always in control, sister in law, be.... NOT in control. Haha. You should have been there because it was hilarious. Seriously. And I'm not trying to make fun of you Ashleigh, I promise, because hey, I was scared to touch this paperclip-sized fish, but this is just now one of those times that you think about, and you just have to laugh because its so funny. Anyways, back to the story. So I grabbed a spoon, to try to scoop the fish into the cup, Ashleigh with the fork, and we tried to kind of pick it up and put it into the cup. Well finally, after a few more screams, and jumping, we got it into that small cup, and as quick as I set the spoon in the sink, Ashleigh had put the lid on the cup. Man. It was hilarious and this story DEFINTELY makes it into my 'funniest memories'. I could not stop smiling. It was just a fun-filled night with Ashleigh.


      I am so grateful for her, marrying my oldest brother Justin, and practically teaching me everything I need to know about babies, and kids, and other grown-up stuff! She is always so nice to compliment me, and do my hair, and just talk to me, and trust me with her kids!! I love Justin and Ashleigh's kids and Ashleigh is DEFINITELY another mother role model for me. You can just tell that she loves all of her children and would do anything for them, and Justin. She has shown me what being a mother is all about, and the joys and happy moments that come from spending time with your kids. She has a quote upstairs in the play room that says, "Love is spelled T-I-M-E" and this is so true. I have never seen another little girl besides Ellie, so sad to the point of crying, because she misses her mommy so much, after just one day of being gone, and so happy to go to the airport to get her. I hope that when I have kids someday, they will love me just as much as your kids love you. You are awesome Ashleigh, and I have always looked up to you and wanted to be just like you. I am SO glad that you are a part of my family, and that you married my angel brother. You guys are just the cutest, and I love you both! And of course your children, whom I could never get sick of*. (*Disclaimer: This is NOT an invitation to take off, and go to Hawaii for a year) :D


      So last week, I got an email from my favoritest brother in law- Nate. Thinking it was just a reply to a dota conversation my family has going on right now, I opened it and was shocked to see a picture that he had sent, of Chanda playing dota, with the subject line reading: Girls I need your help. And the email reading: So I plugged Chanda into the electric pacifier (aka dota) and tried my best at braids. I need yall to teach me the ways of the hair!
At first, I looked at it, and thought that it looked like something was growing out of her head, and then I realized it was just braids. Just kidding. I was actually pretty impressed at how well a boy-I mean a man, could braid hair! I don't think I have ever seen such a well-done braid completed (except for that little left out piece in the middle) by the opposite species. Job well done Nate!! I really miss Nate and Chanda! Chanda is always so good to make anyone feel loved and cared about, which is apparent by her calls at least once a month which I absolutely LOVE. The other day she called me (pretty much in desperation) and asked if I could come to Utah to curl her hair for the next two hours before Nate got home, and they went on their date. I love Chanda. And Nate can always bring a smile to my face, even if I do take forever going to the bathroom, getting my shoes, and getting a drink RIGHT before we leave. I can't wait for them to come and live in Arizona!! (This last comment is to be taken literally)


      Lindsay also sent me an email the other day asking everyone in our family to remember a memory or something about family dinners. It took me a while, but I finally got one. Thank you Lindsay for allowing me to laugh and remember this awesome moment that I had with Jordan and Chay. And thanks for marrying Barrett! I love you both and am super sad that you guys are graduating and won't be up there with me and Nate! You were always so nice to let me babysit your daughter, and pay me with dinner!! Best dinners I had all semesters. Seriously. Good luck with finding a job, and a home, and raising your adorable daughter, Celeste Lynn Smith! (Say that 5 times fast) Anyways, here is just one of my many memories at the dinner table. I would say its a poem, but it doesn't sound like one at all... Anyways, you can read it if you want!


So one time, me, Jordan and Chalene sat down to eat dinner at the table,
but mom hadn't made it yet, so we just snacked on whatever we could find, whatever we were able.
Luckily, we spotted some goldfish, and freshly picked tangerines, sitting around, just waiting to be eaten,
So we started to eat, but I realized this needed some chocolate, or something that would sweeten.
I ran upstairs, to find my secret stash, and sure enough, I found exactly what I wanted,
"These M&Ms are perfect, a scrumptious treat that I found" running back downstairs, I vaunted.
So we joyfully continued to eat the M&Ms, tangerines, and goldfish. Separately of course, but all still turning into chyme,
But just then, me and Jordan had a BRILLIANT idea!! Why not eat them all.... At the same time??
That obviously sounded like a good idea, we all thought, and a pretty dang good combination as well.
After all, M&Ms and tangerines must taste like a chocolate orange, those yummy things at Wal-Mart that they sell.
Chalene backed out, probably a little too gutsy for her, but she got out her camera recorder, cuz after all, we were still waiting for mom.
Jordan and I were still up for the challenge, and we had one tangerine slice, 3 goldfish, and 5 M&Ms, all just sitting in our palms.
Me and Jordan glanced at eachother, hoping one would back out, but Chay counted to three, and into the mouth, our food went squish.
At first, you just bit into the tangerine, which was really good, but then came the weird combination flavor of, the goldfish.
This flavor was definitely not worth the effort or calories, and obviously not worth the cringe that so easily came,
And when we thought it couldn't get any nastier, we had the M&M flavor, at which instant, me and Jordan thought exactly the same.
We learned an important lesson that day. Food is good by itself, but never make eating it together, just a simple game.
This video, P.S. is not available for public consumption.


      So anyways.... My point of this long post, is to tell the whole wide world (Or just you) how much I love you!!! Since your most likely part of my family. Yes, I know, I'm so popular. But I LOVE my family and am so grateful that I have all of you part of life! You are the best family EVER. Ethan the other day was asking some questions about how we are all related, and how we are a family, and Justin said something to him along the lines of "Someday your going to be lucky enough to meet a girl that you want to marry, and you'll be so happy, you'll want to become part of a new family, and start a family with her, and be with them together forever." This is probably really badly quoted, but I hope that someday I marry someone who loves me and my family, and is so happy that he wants to create a family with me. And of course we live happily ever after with 8 kids. :) But today, MY family is the best family for ME, and I am so grateful for my grandparents, parents, brothers, sisters, brother in-law, sisters in-law, and my nieces, and nephews. You have ALL influenced me in my life and have made me want to be a better person. I will always look up to your examples and try to follow in your steps so that I can be a better person, always growing with you, trying more and more each day to be more like our Savior. I love you and am so grateful the in the pre-existence, we chose to be sealed together forever, as an eternal family. I'm so glad, and you all just make me so happy! Oh and thanks for reading my blog! K, Bye!