Beckett's Blessing

This kid is so loved and he doesn't even know it yet.

I have always dreamed of being an aunt. And roughly 7 weeks ago this little boy came into my life.
When his parents stop by, my life stops. I drop everything to come and be with him. Even if I have to let others hold him *wink*. 

Beckett Brandt Anderson was blessed on 7.3.16.

He was the perfect baby. Slept through his blessing and still didn't fuss when everyone held him instead of being fed.

I love you little Beckett. ♥ Aunt Heidi.

Humans of Salt Lake City

I have a dream. A huge bucket list item.

I want to be on Humans of New York.

I realize how unrealistic this dream is. The biggest step back being: I don't live in New York. But, one day I was in Salt Lake City taking Jennie's senior pictures. I was in the middle of taking this picture of Jen, and this guy with a camera got a little close for comfort. 

Jen and I were both slightly freaked out that this man was just watching us. He then asked me what lens I was using and what setting. I noticed his camera was a Nikon so I knew I could trust him. (ha). He then asked us if we had heard about Humans of New York. I was like "dude, not only have I heard of HONY, I am a huge fan." And that is when I put the pieces together. I knew that he was the guy who ran Humans of Salt Lake City. I started following his page when he first started out. I thought it was cool that a guy from SLC was trying to bring the New York Vibe to our little city. And if you know me at all, I jump over every opportunity that includes New York. 

Anyways, he asked if we would like to be featured. 

umm....

Is that even a question?

He first took a picture of Jen and I, and he interviewed Jen. She talked about her plans after graduation. She wants to go on a LDS mission and then work with Cancer Patients. 

And then he took a picture of me and interviewed me.

'As a photographer, I want people to remember a particular moment, like something they're trying to capture because it won't happen again...time is fleeting and we need to capture the magic while we can. I usually like landscapes but I like people too. I'm here now to photograph my sister as she gets ready to graduate high school and I want to capture her in the best light possible.'

 

Sometimes I still freak out when I think about being on Humans of Salt Lake City. I love the idea behind these projects. First off, everyone's story is different, and these interview show how unique every person is, but it also shows that you aren't alone. When these stories are posted, people comment with their stories. It brings the community together in the weirdest way. Second, it brings familiarity to a place where you feel anonymous.

Taylorsville Dayzz

My siblings thought Taylorsville Dayzz sounded fun, so we went.

I have never been before, crazy I know.

But it was a lot of fun!

People watching never gets old.*hehe*

 The sunset, the lights ♥

 So, the Starship.

Somehow Brandt convinced me to go on this ride. I was freaking out because you don't get strapped in and you just stand there while it spins you. It is the weirdest thing. But I loved it. Once it starts spinning, you pull your legs up so the only thing holding you up is the force (Star Wars anyone?). If you don't believe me, look up Starship Mania Ride.

Heidi, Jennie, Joe, Keshia, Gavin, Laynie, Brandt, and Meme.

7 Day Challenge

I love music. This is mostly likely no shock to you.

I can hardly explain my love for music but it goes something like this. The words speak to my mind but the notes speak to my soul. Put that combination together and you get a powerful message. These messages can be good and bad, depending on how you use it. This past week I decided to use music for good and listen to music that is good (not that I listen to terrible music).

For seven days, when I was in control of the music, I would listen to uplifting music. So when I was driving the car or doing homework, I was listening to "Christian" music. I found a radio station called Air1. They play Christ centered music 24/7. They even have "59 seconds of hope." They use the 59 seconds to share a thought-a mini devotional. Sometimes it was a scripture and a thought, the artist talking about the song they wrote and the reason behind it, or a quote to help you get through the day. These 59 seconds set the mood for the next song to play. It helped me feel the Spirit stronger because I had the right mind set.

I found that this week was better than most weeks. My train of thought was different. My mind likes to wander and ponder and by having an uplifting car ride, I was able to ponder thoughts of value. In my train of thought, I saw more blessings. My prayers were full of gratitude and were more personable. Through out the week I was reminded constantly of Christ and His love for me. And all it took was a change in music.

These past 7 days have been a game changer. I can see how music is influencing me. Even though I am not listening to bad music, it isn't His music.

Oquirrh Mountain Temple

Birthday Weekend Extravaganza

I have the best friends and family.

I am going to try and explain my weekend, but in all honesty, I don't think I can even begin to explain the amazingness. 

First off, Friday night I had a great girls night (plus baby.)

Shaelee, Max, Marnie & Heidi

We ate at Chickfila, my fav, and went shopping for some wedding shoes. Did I mention Shaelee is getting married?!?! After shopping, we watched Princess Diaries, my fav, and played with baby Max.

You could say things are getting pretty serious.

Second, Saturday. Jami planned an entire day. She spoiled me. 

When she picked me up, she gave me an envelop.

She gave me a "plane ticket" to New York.

Well, more like she brought New York to me.

We ate lunch at Rich's Bagels, a cute bagel place in Holladay. Bagels is a very New York thing to do. 

Next off the aquarium. This was the original plan for the day. I have been craving the aquarium for about two months now, and Jami was the lucky person to go with me! I will be the first one to say that I am not an animal person. But I love the aquarium and the zoo. My favorite part of the aquarium is the shark tunnel.

 The aquarium was a little crowded so I didn't get a full tunnel picture like I did last year but this one will do. The shark tank was so clean that it was even better than I remember. We were able to see everything. I just love watching the fish, I feel like I am in the Little Mermaid and all the fish are going to start singing "Under the Sea."

Jami & Heidi in Shark Tunnel

Also, my other favorite part is the penguins.This time the penguins were actually swimming. I have a video if you want to see :)

After the aquarium I got another envelop for NY Pizza Patrol.

How can you go to New York without eating New York Pizza?

You can't.

I would highly recommend this place to a friend.

That garlic bread was to die for.

Next up, another envelop with "Broadway Tickets."

Guys, I think I found a new favorite musical.

That's right, I said musical. 

Jami and I were both pleasantly surprised when they started singing. The music was beautiful and the talent was exceptional. (I have actually been listening to the soundtrack for the past two days.) 

So even though Jami couldn't take me to New York to celebrate the big two one, she did the next best thing. 

Next stop on the the birthday weekend is Upton.

My family goes to Upton once a year for Memorial Day.

It is gorgeous up there. So green. *heart eyes emoji*

We eat dinner and hang out with the cousins. 

Heidi & Jennie

Also, I watched "You've Got Mail" on the way up. This is probably my favorite NON-Disney movie. 

Monday: The actual day. 

This day started out just like every other Monday. I did my school work. Economics to be exact. 

Every Memorial Day we visit my aunt's cemetery plot and then go out to eat.

This year we followed the tradition, except this year I had a baby to hold. A buddy. A new partner in crime (sorry Jen).

Beckett

He makes every family gathering more exciting. Understandable, right?

After the cemetery and food, I went back to Economics. Being the responsible adult my parents raised me to be. Went shopping with my mom and sister and then dinner with the four of us.

Basically, best birthday weekend ever. 

I spent time with all my favorite humans.

And I even have an adult license now. #grownup

Mormon Monday

These past couple of weeks, the Relief Society lessons have spoken directly to my heart. Yesterday, the lesson was on Tomorrow The Lord Will Do Wonders Among You, a talk by Elder Holland.

I know when I watch General Conference, I know I can do anything. I can become this person worthy of the celestial kingdom. I have hope for my future. But then General Conference is over and the adversary creeps back into my mind. Whispering how I won't ever be good enough. What is the point of even trying because you are just going to fail. Sadly these thoughts are regular in my mind. I am constantly comparing my progression to everyone else. And that is the most discouraging thing. 

Elder Holland included this picture in his talk.

  

He compared it to General Conference ending, but in reality, I think we feel like this everyday. With the responsibilities of school, work, church, family and friends, we are all stretching ourselves pretty thin. Every day we are trying to finish that "to do" list. I am guilty of just trying to get through the day. I am constantly wanting to get through today, this week, this month, this semester. I find it hard to see the progression in my life. While I am putting my entire heart on the web, I might as well say, that sometimes I don't see progression. I wonder if I am the same person I was a year ago or even five years ago. Or even worse, have I backtracked and now I am just trying to get back to where I was?

But then Elder Holland says this:

"With the gift of the Atonement of Jesus Christ and the strength of heaven to help us, we can improve, and the great thing about the gospel is we get credit for trying, even if we don’t always succeed."

*Sigh of relief.* I get credit for trying.

I don't have to be perfect. Ever. I don't need to magically overnight become the person I was meant to be. It is going to take time. I will be the first to admit that I am not perfect. There are somethings I will just have to keep trying to fix. I will fail over and over again, but at least I am trying.

"Keep loving. Keep trying. Keep trusting. Keep believing. Keep growing. Heaven is cheering you on today, tomorrow, and forever."

To end, I wanted to include this video. We watched this at the end of our Relief Society lesson. I love what Kim says "I began to think maybe I couldn’t do this. Maybe I wasn’t strong enough. Maybe I might fail. But the Lord wasn’t going to allow me to fail. I know that’s not unique to me. He does that for everybody... The greater our sorrow is, the greater our capacity to feel joy.”

 I know we are all going through trials. Some are outward and everyone can see them, but some are inward trials that you must carry, but please remember that Christ is carrying those burdens too. You don't have to carry anything alone.

Aunt Heidi

I want to introduce you to someone.

He is my favorite human.

He is perfect.

He is all I have dreamed about my entire life.

His name is Beckett Brandt Anderson.

He was born 5.18.2016.

He was 7 lbs. 9 oz.

And 20 inches long.

I can't express how much I already love him.

So everyone wish Brandt and Meme congratulations on making one cute baby.

Heidi & Beckett

And Then There Was One

I will forever be grateful for Deseret First Credit Union for bringing me Marnie and Shaelee. All three of us applied for a job not knowing what epic friendship was about to happen.

But, over a year ago Shaelee left the Murray Branch to work at another branch. This was a sad occasion, so we worn black to mourn her last day. Although she was just moving branches, it felt like she was leaving forever.

Marnie, Heidi, & Shaelee

 Now Marnie is leaving to work at another company. She is leaving DFCU and so that called for another all black day. It is sad that I won't be able to instant message Marnie every time our "favorite" members come in. We won't be able to have dance parties on Saturdays, or bonding time in the vault. Life is about to change for the both of us. She is starting a new chapter in her life and I am so excited for her, but sad for me.

With Shaelee gone, and Marnie gone, that leaves just me. 

Marnie & Heidi