Country Roads, Take Me Home :)

This break. Has been so great. Already :)

-Pit Stop in Cokeville to have a singing party with Nathan, Tyson and Sullivan
-Rekindling memories from high school while waiting for my sister to get done with dance practice.
-Eating Christmas treats that were ready for me as soon as I got home.
-Getting asked to babysit already :)
-Being with my family again -- FINALLY. someone to understand my inside jokes again!
-Wrapping Christmas presents til all ends of the night.
-Heart-to-heart with Mom
-Sleeping in my own comfy bad.
-Saturday morning french toast :)
-Constant quote-age of movies.

i'm freeeeeeeeeeee! :) :) :)

I made it.

I made it out alive.

Even with good grades!!! After some stressful finals...about 59 papers later...and not to mention the amount of mi dinero spent on useless textbooks and school supplies...I'm here. Alive. Free.

So relieved.

Wanna know why I did so good this semester? It's cuz I only had 2 classes with tests in them. Yayyyy for typing papers instead of having to take tests. Thank you. Thank you. But Yep. No Tests....EQUALS...sucess. Complete success. Maybe I will graduate one day. SO...I finally decided on a minor. Criminal Justice. Yep. Be afraid cuz I'll kick your trash. Maha. Just playin.

Yay for CHRISTMAS!!!!!!!!!!! wahoooo! Can I get an amen...

Now that school is out...my christmas spirit has increased DRASTICALLY. No Worries. About...a.n.y.t.h.i.n.g. *insert deep sigh of relief here* yay.

Things about Christmas that make me happy right. now.

1.) Lightsss. In our apartment. On houses between my apt and my most common destination aka North Ogden.
2.) ALABAMA WINNING!!!! (ok. so that really has not a whole lot to do with christmas. but hey. makes me happy)
3.) Christmas songs in church. yay.
4.) SNOWWWWWWWWW :) rooftops covered. As long as it doesn't tear off shingles. Snow covering my truck. not so much.
5.) My truck still being in 2 wheel drive so I can have fun and save gas at the same time :) but boo to utah drivers. There's nothing Christmassy about Utah drivers.
6.) Jed giving me the chance to make my first gingerbread house EVER. :)

7.) Gift exchanging. I have a few more last minute things i need to get on. yikes. Window shopping. and real shopping. Not spending money tho.
8.) Christmas moviesssss :) and the crew being able to stay as long as we want cuz wait. we don't have school tomorrow!!! :) :) :)
9.) Being bundeled up head to toe yay. And cuddling by the fire. double yay.
10.) Fooooood. Baking in Mom's kitchen. so. freakin. excited. YAY.

11.) LOVE EVERYWHERRRRRE! ♥

Things I'm soooo excited for:
1.) PHONE CALL FROM TY-B!!! eeeeeeeeeeeeeee! so. excited.

2.) Girls Night!!! Sad it will probably be only me, Savannah and Jessica Marie this year tho. Boo for besties biting celestial dust. haha

3.) The "Christmas Break Basketball game" GO BRAVES!!!!
4.) To see my little Hodges family.
5.) Family friends parties!
6.) Jed visiting!!!

7.) To get my hair trimmed by mi madre!

seriously!?!?!

Ever had one of those days when your music is psychic? Yeah that happened to me just now.


I was going over and over in my mind what the next move I wanted to make in my life and what I need/have to do to get there.



Then the Taylor Swift song called "A Place In This World" came on.



I was such a baby...I never ever do this, but I could not help but want to cry when I listened to the lyrics.



"I don't know what I want, so dont ask me, cause im still trying to figure it out. Don't know what's down this road, im just walking, Trying to see through this rain coming down. Even though I'm not the only one who feels the way I do....



I'm alone, on my own, and that's all I know. I'll be strong, I'll be wrong, oh but life goes on. Oh I'm just a girl, trying to find a place in this world.



Got the radio on and my blue jeans, and I'm wearin my heart on my sleeve. Feelin lucky today got the sunshine, could you tell me what more do I need? Tomorrow's just a mystery oh yeah but that's ok .


Maybe I'm just a girl on a mission, but I'm ready to blow....


Oh I'm just a girl... Trying to find a place in this world."




I listened to it over and over and over.


How can life be so perfect and just turn around in such little time? I don't know what I'm doing, but what I do know is that I'm doing it all very, very wrong. They say sometimes people put walls up, not because they want to block people out, but because they want to see who cares enough to knock them down. I've been blocking people out for so long that I don't know how to even start letting them in. Have you ever really thought about it…you’ve got this guy, head over heels with you. He’d do anything for you. But for some reason, you don’t want to see that. You know it’s there, but you just won’t accept it so you try to make him go away in a sense, even though you want to spend every second with him, forever. Maybe this boy is perfect for you. And that’s what really scares you, doesn’t it? This is me. And I'm sick of screwing things up.



I need to change. NOW.



This is going to be a rough ride.



I know that to find out who I really I am, I need to find my place in this world. The best way for me to do that is to get out and live. Take chances. Trust people. Especially those that deserve it the most that haven't been getting it. And that is exactly what I intend to do. No regrets.

sometimes....

Sometimes I wonder what it would be like not to be left with all these thoughts.
Sometimes I wonder what it would be like to really tell people how I am feeling.
Sometimes I wonder what it would be like if people really knew me.
Sometimes I wonder what it would be like to get all my thoughts out, with no regrets.
Sometimes I wonder how if it's possible to feel so much and yet so little at the same time.
Sometimes I wonder what it would be like if I was brave and did not care.
Sometimes I wonder how my life would be if I was a little more mean and did not have to be the nice girl.
Sometimes I wonder what my life would be like if I told you how I felt.
Sometimes I wonder what my life would be like if I really got what I wanted.
Sometimes I wonder what it would be like to feel like I did those years ago.
Sometimes I wonder about how I could have changed the past.
Sometimes I wonder where I would be in my life now if I just took that risk.
Sometimes I have no idea where to put all the thoughts I have.
Sometimes I want to run away and have a new life.
Sometimes I really love the one I have now.
Sometimes I wonder what it would feel like to just be content.


Sometimes I wish I could bring my daddy down to Utah and show these people a thing or two about snow removal. grrr.

ROLL TIDE ROLL!!!

Mark Ingram for Heisman. Player of the game, hands down!


The #1 ranked Alabama Crimson Tide will face the #2 Texas Longhorns in the 2010 BCS National Championship Game on Thursday, January 7, 2010, at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California

P.S. People need to stop complaining about the stupid BCS and how they don't have a playoff to determine the champion...so...boycott in order? perhaps.


And actually, I would have liked to see TCU give us a run for our money, but Nebraska just had to screw it all up. Yes, TCU would be a better game. It would have at least provided a less disputed national champion but oh well!



GO BAMA!!! ROLL TIDE! :)

A day like this...

"I am going through the motions but I cant remember how to feel."

Dashboard Confessional.

This is how I feel all the time. Its like my emotions are so drained I go through being happy, sad, upset, excited, angry etc... but I really cant remember what it feels like.

...thankful

Since Thanksgiving is right around the corner...(16 days yay!) I figured I would write about all the things I'm so grateful for in my life. I really don’t appreciate the little things in my life enough! I often complain about small daily things, but those things do not need to overshadow the great things in life I have to be thankful should be grateful for! I'm thankful for my life. Without my life I wouldn't have any of the other things I'm thankful for. I'm thankful for being able to live in a free country (well sort of free). I'm thankful I'm healthy. I'm thankful I can go to any college I want to get my degree. I'm thankful I can listen to music, watch my favorite tv shows, drive a truck, vote if I wanted to. I'm thankful I can have fun with family and friends. I'm thankful I can go anywhere I want in the world when I have the money to do so. I'm thankful I can be myself. Without life I wouldn't be able to do any of this.
I'm thankful for my mom and dad; If it wasn't for them, I wouldn't have anything to be thankful for. I'm thankful for my mom and all the things she's taught me through example and experience. I'm thankful my dad helps me pay to get my car fixed when major repairs come up and let me use his truck when he was working on mine. I know that they would do anything for me and I am so grateful for that. I'm also thankful they took care of me for 19 years of my life, before me moving out, and they still care for me so much. I'm thankful for my older brother, who I got to spend my entire weekend with. I'm thankful for the Christmas present he is getting and installing for me:) I'm grateful for my little brother and his willingness to serve the Lord. I'm thankful that he was ok with leaving his family for 2 years so other families could be together for eternity:) I'm grateful for my little sister and her standards. This world is so crazy and I'm glad that she knows where she stands and what is right. I love my family so much and I would do anything for them. They will always be there for me. Always. Even 400 or 2000+ miles away.
I'm grateful for the mess I have to clean up at 1 in the morning after a party because it means I have been surrounded by friends. I'm so thankful for my true friends. Without them I wouldn't have many people to talk to when times get tough or have someone to share good news with. I wouldn't have anyone to go to the movies with or go eat out almost every day like we do. Friends that listen to my crap and still continue to hang around with me even though I'm sure they think I'm so out there. I'm grateful for the letters from basic training, the calls from friends at other schools, the letters from the mission field, the hugs I receive when I walk into my apt, the friendly text in the morning that says 'i love you and have a great day', the late hours sitting on my bed just chatting. I've had some wonderful times with my friends and will keep on having wonderful times in the future.
I'm thankful for the spot I have to park at, at the far end of the parking lot because it means I am capable of walking, and it never really hurts to take the stairs. I'm thankful that I'm employed with one of the best jobs ever. I see my friends walking by every day, and get paid to do what I want. I’m thankful for Farmer’s Markets, especially when there’s great weather, and great company! I’m thankful that I have a place to come home to at night. I’m thankful I get to come home, crawl into a nice, cozy, warm bed. The beautiful colors of fall right outside my window. I'm thankful for this amazing weather; the clear blue skies, the crisp fall air, and friends and family to enjoy it with :) I'm so grateful for the gospel and where it has gotten me in my life. I have hope for my future. In this world today, filled with doubt and faithlessness, it's amazing to know that I have someone who loves me, has a perfect plan for me, knows me and my needs better than anyone and keeps his promises. I'm thankful today that the Lord always knows exactly what I need. And I love looking back and realizing He has always given that.

I am thankful for the life I have, the people that are in it, and the challenges I have faced.

Now, It’s time for me to buckle down and get some things done. I need to figure out a way to stay sane through all of this craziness I like to call life!

holy inspiration!!!

I got this in an email from my amazing mother today!!! :)

I've learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today,life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow.

I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/shehandles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangledChristmas tree lights.

I've learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents,you'll miss them when they're gone from your life.

I've learned that making a 'living' is not the same thing as 'makinga life.

I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance.

I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitton both hands; you need to be able to throw some things back....

I've learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision.

I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one..

I've learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone.People love a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back.

I've learned that I still have a lot to learn...

I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.

Believe in YOURSELF and all you WANT to be. LAUGH as much as possible. Let in the good TIMES and get through the bad. Be happy with who and WHERE you are. You are in the RIGHT place and your heart is leading you on the way to a great TOMORROW. The longer you practice the habit of working toward your DREAMS, the easier the journey will become. You were meant for great THINGS. Learn as much as POSSIBLE...and always follow your DREAMS.

Hello. My name is Sydney. Sometimes just Syd. I am twenty-one. TWENTY ONE!!!

Just trying it on.

I think 21 means I'm an adult. Or maybe something else means I'm an adult. And maybe I'm just supposed to be one by age 21. But I think I was terribly adult-ish when I went on a trip for the first time by myself. I even ate dinner with my best friends and left a tip. Twenty percent probably. I was fourteen. I felt the same again as I drove down the highway all alone for the first time on the way to cheer practice. And that time that I had to say no. I was seventeen. And again as I walked across that stage at graduation, high school diploma in hand. And again as I said goodbye to my family and grown-up friends leaving on missions and going to other schools. And again as I sat on a bare mattress at Promontory Tower, just staring at open boxes and mismatched shoes. Then again when I moved into my first real apt. And again as fajitas sizzled away in my very own skillet in my very own apartment. And again as I fixed my grown-up friendships. And again when I worked more than 20 hours a week. And again when that boy broke my heart. And again when I realized that I needed to kick it into gear. And again when I chose to reach my dreams.

And again.

And again.

But then, I'm not so sure I know what an adult is. I may or may not be getting there because Peter Pan is still my favorite. And I know that if I ever go to Disneyland it will be my favoritest place ever I think. I kinda wish I still lived at home so my mother could hand me a brown sack lunch as I rush to my grown-up job. I like my birthday candles to be pink and I think that Hannah Montana is a rock star, and I know her entire Throwdown Hoedown. But I'm not ashamed. And I love to start sentences with conjunctions.

So here's to 21, whatever that means and whatever I am. I feel like an awfully inadequate, insane, incredible 21-year old. Here's to 21 pink candles. To new dreams, new grown-up friends, old grown-up friends that will be returning home soon and be sooo different and I'm sooo nervous for, and many more sizzling fajitas.

"Time is free, but it's priceless. You can't own it, but you can use it. You can't keep it, but you can spend it. Once you've lost it you can never get it back.”

Time hates me. And yes, I realize that time is what keeps everything from happening at once, but sometimes it makes me wonder. Sometimes I think...I wish that I didn't have to do this; that I could just jump over this moment. I wish that I could stay asleep for five more minutes. I wish I knew what to do, which road to take so that I don't waste any time on anything that's not worth wasting time over. There's sooo many days when I find myself thinking...I really wish the next two years would fly by. So I could simply be done with school. Mostly anyway. And I could go on a mission and live my life. Then I stop myself and think how much I love right now. And how dang fast time really does go.

Examples: (these are rough estimates btw)

--I turn 21 in 6 days. 21 years on this earth? really? eeeek.
--Thanksgiving is in 41 days. Yay for family parties.
--This semester is over in like...50 something days. Hallelujah.
--Christmas is in 70 days. I get to talk to my best friend. aka my little brother.

★I get to see my best friends Ssooooon★

--Robert and Ryan will be out of basic training in 60 days.
--Elder Humphreys comes home in: 160 days. Seems like just yesterday we were on our senior sneek.
--Elder(s) Sessions come home in: 225 days. Where has the time gone? It was so much harder at the beginning.
--Elder Dahl comes home in 264 days. That's only 9 months. We get to chat soon :)
--Elder Nielson comes home in 292 days. exactly. He already has his release date.
--Elder Tanner comes home in 383 days. I really will write you. Tomorrow.
--Elder Barnes comes home in 614 days. Love this boy more than anything.

Really!?!?! where on earth did all the time go. I should just appreciate the time that I have. And not miss anything. Life is all about timing. And I don't want to ruin anything.



On another note, I've really been in the Christmas spirit as of late. Me and Jennie are putting up Christmas lights real soon like. I've already started using my new Vanilla Bean lotion from BBW even tho I promised myself I wouldn't start using it until after Thanksgiving. I've been listening to David Archuleta, N*SYNC, SheDaisy, and 98° Christmas albums. That make me wish I was sitting by the fireside. With my family. With hot cocoa after snowmobiling and sledding, watching our new movies and the smell of evergreen pine and cinnamon. Buying gifts. Say what you want, but it really is just as fun if not more so to give than to get. I love Christmas shopping, really I do. I would be a liar if I didn’t say that yes, I am looking forward also to getting things on Christmas just like everybody else. Anyone who says otherwise is selling something. I absolutely LOVE the goodwill of the Christmas season. Let's face it, there's a place for it all year round, but a bit of a boost never hurt anyone. And...the anticipation. Of family, old friends, talking to my little brother...in...70 DAYS!!! :) :) :) I can't wait til I get to fall asleep on Christmas Eve :) and I can't wait until Utah decides that it's time to start decorating :) Countdowns, Fuzzy Socks, Reindeer and Elves, ABC Family 25 Days of Christmas, Cards with pictures in them. <3

it's hard to fight when the fight ain't fair

"There is nothing wrong with change"

Ya. As long as that change is pointin ya in the right direction.

But how do we know which decision is going to put us where we're supposed to be? Change is terrifying. I don't cope well. I like to think that I'm up for anything. But sometimes I'm just not. I need to learn to just live a little. For someone whose life is turned upside down when dinner plans are changed, life-altering moments don't sit very well. Sometimes I like to think I can roll with the punches, when really the rolls just punch me. Often in the process of change, I suffocate in my own fear. And just sit there. I don't change friends. I avoid goodbyes. I certainly won't chew gum with the wrapper on or shift with the other hand and will always drink my water with a straw. But things are bound to change. Even when we don't want them to. It's inevitable. And I'm not the biggest fan. I.......need......to.......decide......asap.

Everything happens for a reason. God has a plan for me, and I just need to remember that in order for Him to guide me in the right direction. I am super stubborn and i don't make this easy for Him. I constantly am reminding myself of this, it really helps me get by each day. I know that people will come and go in my life. I know that there are certain people that I will be friends with for a long time. I know that God puts these specific people into my life for a reason, I just need to remember and try to figure out why. Sometimes things happen a lot differently than you expect them to. Sometimes I wish someone could just make my decisions for me. And sometimes I wish things at times were a little different.

[Title Here]

I am a Daughter because I love my parents’ approval, even when I don’t need it. I am a Sister because I’ve screamed your name in 200+ halftimes and I secretly smile when you sing obnoxiously in the car, giving you advice on girls that you really don't need. I am a Student because I trudge to class cuz I should. I am a Social Work Major because I really do want to help. I am a Roommate because even when I think I’d rather live alone, I walk with you to get the mail or bus and just love you. I am a Friend because I will always laugh with you and never forget your birthday again. I am a Best Friend because I’ll cry at your wedding, partly because you are ecstatic and partly because it will never be the same. I am an Employee because I get paid to do my homework, talk about awkward dates, and eat ridiculous amounts of stale, Halloween candy. I am a Worker because I still believe in the American Dream. I am a Shopaholic because I don’t need company or money for a successful excursion. I am a Musician because I play my radio quite well. I am a Singer because I am one of those people you laugh at while stopped at a red light, the ones who belt and bop like Beyonce, completely oblivious to the rest of the driving world. I am a Dancer because I still miss it. I am a Talker because I want you to understand. I am a Listener because I try not to be a talker. I am a Child because I am horribly selfish and sometimes insecure. I am an Adult because I worry about the well being of my family. I am a Mormon because nothing makes me happier and surer. I am a Lover because I’m human. I am a Romantic because love should happen in the summer, barefoot and slowly. And I'm still waiting for that. I am a Sydney because Dad and Mom liked the name…with an S. And a Y. Just like Australia. I am Me because I try to be.

efy ♥ ♥ ♥

It's been about FOREVER since I have gotten on this thing. I have tons and tons of pictures to post! I love life! Can it get any better? I submit that it cannot!!! I am convinced that being an EFY counselor is the best job everrr, and I wish that I could do it forever. I am so becoming an efy junky. Don't judge. It is challenging, it can be hard, it's physically and emotionally draining.. but the MOST rewarding thing I've ever done and the best experiences I have ever had!!! I have met friends that I know I will keep forever! I have learned and grown so so much. Pretty much, it's just amazing. The kids are so strong and teach me so much. I know I go as the counselor; I'm supposed to teach them, but I learn so much from them every day it's unbelievable!!! The counselors all had a movie night in the institute lounge. That was way fun. I was serenaded by two different boys..."can you feel the love tonight" by little Bryce and "Out Of My League" by Dallen Fiscus. so great. I got 2 C.O.W (crush of the week) letters...went on a way fun date with an amazing guy, we had a counselor swim night and had so many other little adventures! Life is so great!! :) Hope everyone else is doing just as great!

p.s. I hate decisions...and choosing between multiple...things/subjects/people/roads *sigh* oh well. Everything happens for a reason right?

my crazy brain.

I'm so mad that dearelder.com isn't working right now. Irate actually. Just to get that off my chest.

As of late, I’ve had so many different little things cross my mind. Let’s start out with me letting all of you know that I’m one of the shyest people you’ll ever meet,if you haven't noticed. And sometimes it comes over to some ppl as stuck up. Which doesn’t create a very good start when I’m meeting new ppl if you can imagine. I never let anyone know everything about me and it’s hard for me to let people get close enough to hurt me. Just when people think they have me figured out it's as if I'm destined to flip everything upside down. I really struggle in social situations/groups. I tend not to say a lot. This doesn't mean I'm in a mood or that I'm ignorant, I just don't have anything to say and I really don't like having to compete for the spotlight. I hate people who only talk about themselves. Even if you don't care what other people are doing, it doesn't take much of an effort to make conversation and ask how they are. I hate it how in a conversation, some people always bring it back around to themselves. I keep all of my emotions locked in and don’t let them out unless I know for a fact that there is a trust between me and the person I’m telling. And I may talk a lot but don't say how I feel. Ever.

I’ve noticed that I don’t get really close to ppl. I have lots of friends that say things like. “I’m going through withdrawals not seeing you!” and I realize, hmm. I love being with you and have fun and you're one of my best friends. But when I’m not with you it’s not like I’m dying. Even if I'd so rather be doing something with you anywhere than what I'm doing right now. I am also incredibly blunt. Obviously. I think that it comes from a childhood of being around two-faced, lying little girls and rather than hurt someone by telling them what they want to hear I'll be honest and try to be kind about it. I would like the same treatment. While I'm blunt, I don't have the guts to tell some people exactly what I think about them because I know how much it would hurt their feelings or screw up our relationship we currently have. But MAN ALIVE I wish I could sit some people down and say, "YOU'RE SUCH A JERK! DON'T YOU REALIZE YOUR BEHAVIOR HAS CONSEQUENCES?!" See? I realize that me behaving like that would only hurt some people, so I don't do it. Is that so hard? And I really really think grown adults should not throw a tantrum like five year old. Sorry lady I missed the memo that you are more important than anyone else in the world. Adjust your attitude! I am one of those closed-minded and judgmental people, but only toward people who try to attract all sorts of attention to themselves. If you have different beliefs than the people around you, great, but you DON'T have to prove anything to the rest of us. We already know what we believe. Oh. And people-particularly girls- who are mean, just to be mean bug the freaking crap out of me!!! And it would help my life if other girls wouldn't get all super ready in the morning and make everyday a fashion show. ugh. Girls tend to have this hate towards me. And I hate it...but try to deal with it. My mom used to get calls when I was in elementary school about it. And Katie Heiner's mom MADE her invite me to her birthday party. And now we're best friends. I'd like to believe that it’s because I speak my mind (or maybe it's just cuz I don't have a filter between my thoughts and them coming out of my big mouth) and have no patience for girl talk, but really it’s because I tend to hold grudges, and I don't make an effort to keep people in my life once they've upset me I think. And I easily get along with guys better and have more friends that are guys than girls, but I'm deathly afraid of guys when it comes to dating...and my friends and family often (ok, all the time) have to coach me...and after all of this, of course, I'm not a perfect girl...my hair doesn't always stay in place, I spill a lot of things and I'm pretty clumsy, but when I really think about it and take a step back I remember how life truly is and just maybe...I like being imperfect.

But after what a mess I am, I’m so incredibly amazed how one person can have soooooo many incredible people in her life. I am fortunate enough to have many, wonderful, AMAZING friends in my life. And for that I am very grateful. I wish I could hug all ya'll right this very second and it makes me super sad that I haven't seen some of you for years now. But I promise to do better. I promise to call. I promise to be a better support. I promise to write you back. I promise to pay more attention to the important things going on in your life. I am working on these. I promise. Savannah, I'm so glad that we're besties and play every day. Even if you did set me up on a date with that 17 year old that you work with, and didn't realize that he was really that young. I'll protect you from mr. creepy kleenex man. Jess, I wish that you would move back to Ogden with me. I don't see you as much as I should and you live less than a mile from me. And after all the crap you've been going through, just know that I'm only a phone call away and I'll drive right over. Jessica Marie, you're probably getting proposed to right now. I can't wait til you come home from Flaming Gorge with Nate's family. He's seriously so great for you. I honestly think that you two are 100% meant for eachother. I love that. Katie, I can't wait for your wedding. And if you need any more help with anything I'm 3.7 seconds away from your house:) I hope that we can still play when you and mikey are married just like old times. After all, we do share everything right ;) bahaha. Jennie, I'm sorry I haven't seen you all summer. Tasha, Jennie, and Aisling, I'm sorry I never call or text you. My phone is so unappreciated during the summer. I can't wait to live with you next year! To all my NOG friends. (you know who you are:) I love you and I'm sad I couldn't come bowling last night. Thanks for the call tho! I will see you all in a few weeks and I'm so excited! :] :] :]

On a different note: I think it’s funny when people write really dramatic facebook status updates. Like the kind that are really deep and make you think. Cuz who wants to have to think when they just want to know what’s going on in other ppl’s lives, that’s why. Oh. And I thought I'd switch things up from everyone else's status... I did NOT go to Harry Potter at midnight last night...my mom and I are going this weekend :)

Hey You!...Yes YOU!!!
Why aren't you commenting? I see you reading. There's lots of you!!! I don't know who you are, but I want to know. We could be best friends. We could giggle and laugh together via internet. Who knows, maybe you are my friend in real life, and we could giggle and laugh via my sofa. Why don't you comment? I want to know who thinks my life is interesting!!!! (or not interesting, whichever is applicable:)

xoxo, Me. (Syd)...duh. =)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA!!!

I just love the 4th of July.
It epitomizes summer, and celebrates this country, and is just a good time all around.
BBQ's, friends and family, fireworks, feeling like we're all in the together.
I love it.
Pictures on facebook:)
6 AM. Came wayyyy too fast. I called up Josh and we headed to Canyon View Park to dominate in the mud volleyball tournament. Funnest thing. EVER. Our team consisted of me, Savannah, Micah, Josh, Jackson, and Chancy. Oh, and Dustin. When he wasn’t about to hit a tree on his drive there….or letting his truck roll into the ditch. Bahahaha We had sooo much fun. The water was soooo cold. And the sun wasn’t out yet cuz it was so early, and the mud…actually had little rocks in it in some places. Totally ate up my leg. My knees are the worst. Ppl at church even asked me what happened haha Me and savannah were the divers. Our trademark. Haha The first dive was rough tho. It was sooo cold. I mean your feet up about halfway up your calf got numb way fast but falling in that muddy water and standing back up was fetching cold. We so won shirts too. Sweeeeeet. I can’t wait til next year’s tournament. We will win next year. I went home and showered. After being hosed off, of course. Wow was that irrigation water cold. I just got in the shower with my shoes and clothes still on. Classy. We got ready to head to the Afton parade. So freaking hot. Crazy Star Valley weather. A/C and heat within the same hour. Yep. Did that. The parade was good. I recorded Lindsay and her other little brave cadettes dancing and marching….and saw a ton of old friends and caught up with them while walking main street to get to the fairgrounds where the parade ended. I took a nice cat nap before we headed back up to Afton for the third time that day for the rodeo. Best rodeo ever. Ppl always say the PRCA rodeos are the best? Nope. The ones done by the search and rescue here are the best. They have the best events ever. Grocery shopping event….baha. reminds me of out cold. When they have to ski down the hill and whoever has the most beer in their cup at the end wins? Yep that’s this. 3 ppl on a horse. A couple of the horses buck their ppl right off. Poor kids. Haha and the trailer one? One guy, after they roped their calf and got it inside the trailer was runnin his horse right to the trailer, grabbed the top, swung off the horse and slammed the door. Winner winner chicken dinner. Domination. I LOOOOOVE the ribbon chases. They have 3 age groups…4-7, 8-10, and 11-13 I believe. The kids line up…and there’s 3 calves with ribbons on their tails…and the kids that are able to grab them win money. So sweet. I love watching the kids in the mud. So cute. Oh! And the calves in the 11-14 group are bigger than the ones used in the 2 other groups…and this one girl sooo had this calf cornered…and the calf was soo not happy. He faced her…put his head down and started chasing her. She was runnin and it kept butting her in the back. The entire crowd was laughing so hard. It was great. I hope someone got that recorded. And just the luck it was probably some utah girl. Bless her heart. Haha but the search and rescue rodeos are so entertaining. Love them and look forward to them every year. I’m already excited for next year’s!!! right after the rodeo the fire dept did fireworks. So fun. Just for future reference? Fireworks+rain+lightning=so freakin sweet! There were times when the lightning was SO much cooler than the fireworks. Tony would say “point for God” cuz He was doing such a better job than the fire dpt at entertaining us haha after the fireworks at the arena we were supposed to go to the tippetts house for a little family shindig. Me and savannah made it to about Ace Hardware and I realized that I had no idea where my phone was. Super. It had fallen out of my ponket. We turned around to go back to the fairgrounds to look for it. Fetch. It had already been raining. Like….tsunami rain for like 2 hours. Savannah dropped me at the curb and I ran to the arena. She was going to go look where we were parked. I looked everywhere. I was out in the rain. In my cowboy wear. My hair was soaked. Like the rest of me, of course, and I looked like I had been thrown into a lake. Fully clothed. I had finally given up and started walking back to find Savannah. I had lost my phone. Forever. I couldn’t find her. So I went and sat on the curb. For only about 7 minutes until I looked over to this puddle and guess what was there? Yep. My poor phone. I ran over and got it. Dead. Soaked. Ruined. Bah!!! :’( I finally found Savannah and we drove to Phil’s house. I took the battery out and put all the pieces on the defroster. Superb. Just what I needed. When I haven’t even had this phone for a year yet. We got to the Tippetts’ parked, and got out. Sure enough…their dog jumped into Nana’s car. Fetch. I just went in without her. I got in. all eyes on me of course dangit. And told everyone the story. When it ws done mom was all “did you just get dropped off? Where’s savannah?” I was all…oh. She’s getting the dog out of the car. So she came in and was all… “Squid, will you help me get the dog out of my car?” so me and phil went out and helped her. So….we had…some food. More fireworks. Michael Jackson jokes. Totally sweet connections with meeting new ppl. Me in phil’s t’shirt, huge shorts, my peace sign socks to my knees and my cowboy boots. Classy. And….we went home. Way late. This was the best 4th of July yet I believe. And I have a little hunch that next year will be even better!!! :)

The Proposal!!! ♥ ♥ ♥

Dear Ryan Reynolds,
Please come find me.
Love, Syd ♥



My new favorite movie. Of all time. No joke. SOOOOO freaking cute...SOOO freakin funny. everything. And Ryan Reynolds and Sandra Bullock in one movie. What more could I ask for? Maybe substitute Amanda Bynes for that stupid blonde from 27 dresses that they had play Gertrude. Ya. That would be basically perfect I think. But OH. MY. GOSH. Ryan Reynolds is such a sweetheart in this movie. I couldn't have acted Sandra Bullock's role. Not even close. I would have wanted to just rape Ryan Reynold's face right off. Put him right on a hot fudge sundae. Mmmm.



Basically, Margaret Tate (Sandra Bullock) is ths executive editor-in-chief of a book publishing company. Pretty much all of her employee ppls hate her. She is threatened to be deported to Canada (yay canadians!:) and she comes up with this little plan...where Mr. Hotty McHot Hot Andrew Paxton (Ryan Reynolds) has to marry her in order to avoid being deported. He grudgingly accepts, under the condition that he is promoted to the position of editor. When the government investigates, the Magaret and Andrew ♥ are forced to spend the weekend with his parents in Alaska in order to prove it to them. The family suggest that they get married that same weekend, and they decide to. Through the whole movie you can so tell that they start to fall genuinely in love as they spend more and more time together. Because Magaret falls in love with Andrew, during the wedding ceremony, Margaret confesses the business arrangement in front of everyone--including the immigration officer handling their case, who tells her that she has 24 hours to get back to Canada. She goes back to New York to pack her things and...drum roll please. Andrew shows up at the office and confesses his love for her in front of the entire office staff, proposing marriage all over again. ♥ In case you forgot...come find me ryan ;)

Elder Barnes to the MTC!!!

So…Tuesday the family climbed into the F-550 and headed down to Utah after President Allred left so we could take Tyson to the MTC the next day. I MISS HIM SO MUCH ALREADY!!! But he’s seriously going to kick some Peruvian trash!!! (And by kicking their trash I mean…befriending them and save a ton of souls!!!) the way down to Utah was way fun….singing some good tune-age-most importantly, Fishin In The Dark!!! :) and having a blast, of course! We stayed at our grandparents’ in Orem that night. Good times I suppose. We had some family over and had a little party (the same Wednesday was my parents’ wedding anniversary and that Friday was Tony’s birthday! Dropping Tyson of at the MTC was totally lame-er-ific. Like. Lame beyond comprehension. In case you haven’t heard yet, nobody can go into the MTC anymore, besides the missionaries of course. Because of the swine flu. Dang you swine flu!!! So ya. You drop your boy at the curb. Literally. So sad. So lame. It sucks. Hard core. Way mucho bad. Anyway. So we drive over to the MTC…a little old man stopped us at the entrance and asked us if we had a missionary with us. My first thought? “nope, I just came to check out this week's crop.” OF COURSE WE HAD A MISSIONARY WITH US DUR! Anyway. The old guy told us to drive to #1 and he tried (keyword there being TRIED) to put a slip of yellow paper in our windshield wiper. We were in the Ford…so the little guy was all on his tiptoes and…still couldn’t reach. Bless his heart. So he just told Dad to put it on the dash. So…we drove to another gate…with yet another old geezer. And…a pansy looking boy with a BYU security vest on. Oh puh-lease. Does that vest make you feel tough…? Did it come with a purse? That’s kinda what I thought. Pathetic. Bahahaha. I'm so rude. Anyway. The old guy was all… “Where’s your yellow slip?!” and I was all, “Dude, chill. Your man out front was too short. Don’t even give us that. Get him a step stool. Good freak almighty.” Ok, so I didn’t REALLY say. That. But I sure did think it. Don’t even doubt me there. I sure wanted to tell him what was up tho. So he was all… “ok, drive to number one.” So…we did. And they had numbers like…1-15 or something…so we had to go the whole way around. I don’t think I’ve ever had that many ppl staring at me. Those poor utah boys. They looked at us like they’ve never seen a bright red four-door flat-bed F-550. It was either that or the Wyoming license plate. Or the fact that me and Lindsay were in there. Being our hot selves. Haha joke. But still. Those boys need to get out more either way. And stop by the Toyota/Mazda dealership and trade their gay little prius and their hatchbacks for their balls back. Anywayyyy…..we pull up to #1 and there’s an old lady and some veteran MTC boys. (bet they felt real tough looking up to 6’4 Tyson with their buck 10 selves :p) the old lady asked Tyson what his name was while tony unloaded ty’s luggage off the back of the truck. We hugged Tyson ….and may I add, that when I hugged him the lady was all, “She’s a girl.” And I was like “no way? Thank you captain obvious. I’m his sister, brilliant.” When what I wanted to say was… “No Shiz Sherlock.” Man, that woman made me down-right furious. So the lady gave us a card with TyB’s address on it and next thing we know, the pansy ‘helper boys’ started rolling Tyson’s luggage away and leading him up the sidewalk. Yep. That was it. We drove away. Tell me how gay that is. Keep families out. No. how about we just keep stupid ppl out? Like…the huge Utah families that bring in 30 of their family members to see their boy off that just got home from their family vacation to Mexico the week before. That’s a better plan. And…no way you can argue with me that it wasn’t a Utah family that brought in the Swine Flu to the MTC. I mean…WHO BRINGS 30 PPL?! Ya….this is my 5th cousin’s mom’s grandmother. Twice removed. C’mon people. Let’s be real here. Please. Ok. I’m done venting about that for now. I promise.
Welp. We headed home. And the trip back from provo took freakin 6 hours instead of the regular 4. We were stuck in traffic from a wreck…well…a one car roll. Ya know what really makes me wonder…?! How the heck a one car roll happens. In the middle of June. When there's no ice. Just drive. Crazy people.
Friday was an amazing day!!! I went running...wrote Tyson a letter, wrote carson a letter, organized a bunch of stuff on my computer, went out and checked on the garden; SUCCESS! Then from noon til 5 I went swimming with the neighbor kids. It was some super good times. I got some wicked sweet tan lines too. Haha oh. And I saved 3 little kids while I was at it. Parents need to…watch their kids. I only have so much patience. but hey, my lifeguard skills came in handy and yes. There were 2 lifeguards there. But you know how that is. Haha and to end the day, made some wicked good dinner with my mom, had cake and ice cream with the fam and had Tony and Dad open all their freaking sweet presents! :)
Tony’s birthday weekend and Father’s day have been so great so far!!! I love my dad, Tony and Tyson soooo much!!! They are such amazing guys and awesome examples in everything that they do! They’re all so strong, determined, ambitious and hard working! I’m just waiting to find a guy that comes close to measuring up to them!!! :)