First Week of Senior Year

Hello Ramblers!

I have some exciting news, I am a senior in college! 

[insert screaming and jumping up and down]
It was an eventful first week. I wrote my schedule on a sticky note. Professional, right? Anyways, for my night class, I had it in my mind that my class was in the LA building. Well, it wasn't. My class was four buildings over. I was mortified that I was going to be late. I am rarely late. I was able to speed walk my way across campus in 9 minutes. Lucky for me, my professor started class a minute after I got there.  Night class has a few downsides, but a few perks as well. One perk being, the sunset.

I'm excited for this semester. I can tell it will be a good one. Stressful but good. 

Turning Point

Who am I?

This question has been on my mind the past couple of months.

How do you explain yourself to a stranger?

How does your family and friends view you?

Are you living a life, that once you meet your maker you can say you are proud of who you've become?
* * *

My life has become very repetitious. Which isn't a bad thing. Most the time I prefer it because of my personality. But with the repetition, you lose yourself.
At least I know I did.

* * *

This summer I am taking three classes for school, working, and attending church. Those three classes are consuming my summer, and I am trying to work at DFCU and as a photographer. I got in a groove of finishing my classes for the week just in time for the next week to start. It was/is an endless cycle. 

 For a month or so I didn't feel like I was progressing. In any stage in life.
So what did I do? I went to the temple. I received personal revelation that life as I knew it was changing. I listened to a prompting and within days everything was in motion.
One second I was texting about an appointment with the Bishop and next thing I knew I was in his office to talk about receiving my endowments. I was on cloud 9, and he noticed. I left this meeting with direction. I was so excited for this next step. Of course I was nervous because this is a huge step, but the right one nonetheless.

I started attending the temple prep classes and reading the Preparing for the Holy Temple pamphlet. I have gone through the class before and I've read this pamphlet many times but this time, I saw them both through different eyes. It really is amazing how the Lord works. Even though I had done this prep before, it feels different when you have a date in mind and a temple picked out. It was a testimony builder for me. I was learning more because of my readiness to enter the temple.
* * *
Seven weeks went by. I had chosen my date and which temple I wanted to go through. The next step was telling those who would attend the endowment session with me. I think that telling Brandt and Meme was my favorite moment leading up to the temple session. They didn't know I was preparing for the temple, so it was a total surprise. Watching their faces light up will be a moment I cherish for the rest of my life.
* * * 
The week leading up to the "big day" was the hardest. I wanted to tell every single person I saw that I was going through the temple. But I also wanted to keep this little piece of gold all to myself. I felt ready, but at the same time I was scrambling to read everything about the temple. My feelings could be described as: anxious, excited, nervous, and comfort. All the extremes. Talking with Shaelee was a huge comfort, since she just went through these feelings last week. She gave me great advice that calmed my anxious heart.
* * * 
I have completed this journey, even though my journey has just begun. I am so grateful for all the support I have gotten during this time of my life. I am excited for what the future holds. This experience was something I can't put into words. So grateful that I can go back and remember the important promises made on this day.

Tyler, Christina, Keshia, Joseph, Brandt, Meme, Grandma L, Mom, Dad, Heidi *Not Pictured Grandma and Grandpa A. Strongly missed Grandpa L.

Mom, Dad, Heidi

8.6.16
Mount Timpanogos Temple

Shaelee is Married!

My best friend is married!!

(Those are the weirdest words to type.)

Shaelee is my first close friend to get married, and I am so excited for her and what the future has in store for her. I have loved watching her love story unfold over the past year. I wish her and Carson every ounce of happiness.

I was lucky enough to take her bridals, which you can see HERE!!

Marnie, Shaelee & Heidi (Bridals)

Shaelee was married in the Payson LDS temple. 

We had a yummy wedding luncheon at a Country Club in Farmington.

To top off the day, there was a reception at a cozy barn in North Salt Lake.

Marnie, Shaelee & Heidi

Shout out to Marnie for driving across three counties for all the wedding festivities, including a pit stop at the Salt Lake Temple for another sealing. 

Carson + Shaelee

♥July 30, 2016♥

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