"You must have control of the authorship of your own destiny. The pen that writes your life story must be held in your own hand." ~Irene C. Kassorla

Monday, December 27, 2010

Snuggies + Cousins = Best Family Christmas Party EVA

Mewwy Chwistmasss! :)

WHAT?!?!?! TWO posts in ONE day?! No way... WAY! Since people double gift for my birthday and Christmas.. I'm making a statement to "double-post" ;) Just jokes... but seriously.
It was a good, yet weird Christmas. Well, it started off weird anyway. Mom and Dad came into my room early to wake me up to open presents. It was sooooooo strange opening presents with just me, mom and dad. Isn't it like an unwritten and rule that your siblings come home for Christmas???? From the words of Bon Qui Qui- Rude. It was still good though. I felt pretty spoiled opening present after present after present with no interruption. That was ONE pro to add to my mainly CON list of being the only one home for Christmas morning. Traditionally, we had some of the extended fam come over for a Christmas feast later that day, that was fer fun :) Drum roll please........ and the highlight of the day goes to............. TALKING TO SAMMERS in LA:) TA DA! We even got to Skype him with the entire family. He looked SO good and happy! Awh.. we're proud of you Sammie Wammie :) Mewwy Chwistmasss! :) I hope everyone had a good day! I know I did. In fact, I had SUCH a good day that I'm going to go celebrate at the gym at 5:30am tomorrow morning. Awesome.

Happy Birthday To MEEEE :)


At this rate I'm probably blogging about once a semester. Sorry. I guess my life just isn't that exciting? What IS exciting is that I'm twenty fetching years old now. Weird. My teen days are over. I think I should expect people to take me more seriously now, right? Anyway, it was a pretty good birthday for it being on a Sunday. Not too eventful, but we had an awesome dinner (thanks marrm) and fun presents and a couple of grammies and gramppies that came to celebrate with us. OH and I can't forget to mention Grammie Cottrell's famous red-velvet cake! YUM. She even dyed the frosting pink for me since this time, Sam wasn't there to share the celebration due to him bein on the mish. She said out of all the years of making that cake, that was the first time she dyed the frosting a different color. So pretty much, I'm kind of a big deal ;) It's crazy to think what this year could bring! I might be either married or on a mission this time next year. (Most likely on a mission)

Thursday, September 23, 2010

Unexpected New Adventure!

Could this be the climax of this chapter in "Sara's Story???" A few weeks ago I randomly and unexpectedly tried out for the UVU ballroom dance team. I really didn't expect anything to happen except for maybe to get my face out there so when and if I actually became somewhat good at ballroom dancing, they might recognize me down the road. When I got to tryouts, they had me dance the Waltz and Cha-Cha. I felt okay about my performance but as the tryouts went on I felt more unsure so I kept telling myself, "This is just for fun Sara, this is just for fun." Me being the competitive person that I am, I really wanted to be on the team but I realized that most everyone else had been dancing pretty much their whole lives and that I should definitely not get my hopes up. The judges said, "Okay, now we're going to call out some numbers that we want to see how fast they can catch onto choreography, so those of you who's number is called, stick around. The rest can go home." They must have called 50 numbers and mine wasn't one of them. The only numbers that weren't called was mine and what seemed like the handicaps.. alright that was mean, but I honestly thought after that, that whatever chance I had before, it was gone out the window. So I went home and called my mom. I told her I didn't make it and told her I didn't even need to go look at the results. So I didn't. They posted them on Saturday night at 5 pm and I didn't even think twice about going to check if I made it or not. Well, Sunday morning rolls around and there's a thought in the back of my mind that I should at least go check while no one is around and no one was at the school since it was Sunday. So on the way to my cousins homecoming, I stopped by the school. I checked the doors and they were locked. Drat. Just as I go to leave, I see a news paper holding open the last door. Curiosity got the best of me. I looked around to see if anyone was watching and I go inside. For the life of me I could not find where it was posted. Just as I turned the corner, a police officer comes out in front of me with his hand on his gun. Talk about wanting to wet myself. He says to me, "can I help you?" "Um, yeah, I'm trying to find the ballroom dance team posting?" "I don't think it would be posted on a Sunday" (like i'm an idiot) "Well, it was actually posted last night and I wasn't able to get here." (I lied) I'm so sure, I'm such a threat in my pencil skirt. So he helped me find it and let me have my space. I looked on the "Bronze" team and couldn't find my name. I thought to my self, I told you so. As I went to leave and then I remembered that I had circled the "Silver Team" as well, just for kicks and giggles. So I went back and looked and guess who's name was #3?!?! Sigh... mine :)... I kept starring at it like I was hallucinating or something. So I took a picture of it with my phone to have someone else look at it to make sure what I was looking at was for real. Seriously, I half expected to show up to practice and have them tell me it was a mistake. So before class I literally went and checked the posting one more time, and prepared myself for them to tell me it was a mistake. I didn't even tell anyone outside of my family that I made it before I showed up to the first practice and made sure they accepted me! Anyway, obviously I'm the worst one on the team, but I'm starting to catch up to everyone and so far it's been sooooo fun! I love it! Our first performance is in a few weeks and our big show is the first of December :) YAY for UVU Ballroom!!!!!! :)

Finally.. the video of the new apt

Friday, August 27, 2010

On to the Next Chapter in Sara's Story...

Welp, I've moved into my new apartment, met my new roommates, and have just about completed my first week of school this semester. I'm taking some really fun classes like Ballroom and a Tennis class and some interesting ones like Humanities and Psychology, so I'm really excited for a new semester! I found out the other day that if all goes as planned, I can get my associates in April! So that's pretty exciting. My apartment is really cute and even nicer than my other one! I've got three really cute roommates that I already love and I can tell we're all going to become really close. I'm going to post some pictures somehow but I'm kind of limited because my camera is broken. Lame. (It's on my Christmas list). But I'll figure it out ;) Anyway.. let the good times begin!!

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Coming to the end of a wonderful chapter in Sara's Story


As most know, I've been staying at my sister and brother-in-law's house all summer working and helping out around the house in Georgia. Well... I leave today :( I'm going to miss them soo much! It's definitely bitter-sweet.What an incredible experience I've had! From working my first full-time job at an Orthodontist office to learning what it takes to be a mom, it's been quite the learning process this summer to say the least! Words can't express my gratitude to my sister, Cami who has let me take over a whole bedroom and bathroom in her house, eat her food, and making her take me back and forth to work every other week for about 3 1/2 months! Thanks for puttin' up with me Camayamaya :) It's been such a blessing to save some money for college, I'm gonna need it! Plus, like I said before, I've gotten a little taste of what it takes to be a real live mom! Cami and Erik trusted me enough to leave me with the kids for 4 days while they went to Las Vegas. Shocker, right? My goal was to just keep them alive till they got back! It actually turned out really well though! No problems whatsoever! We went to the pool, I took them on some walks in their wagon, Mcdonads, a church activity and  I even took them to the pet store and let them pick out a fish to take home (without Cami's knowledge by the way) oops. My bad. But they ended up LOVING Gill, the fish. Even though he looks like a worm that swims. Gabe absolutely insisted that the worm with fins was the one we needed to take home. Every morning Grace would get up and point to Gill and say, "Gi, Gi!!!!"and then laugh hysterically. Worth EVERY penny! And Gabe would go up to everyone we saw and say, "Hey, guess what? We have a new fish! And his name is Gill! He's visiting us for a while." Now, every morning he say's "Good morning Gill!" I had to win them over somehow, right? Anyway, that was the highlight of the weekend I think. The kids were angels (like they always are) and it was a good time! It's going to literally break my heart leaving them! I'm excited about a lot of things, but definitely not that! Who votes the Cannons move back to Utah?? MEEEEEEEEE!! Sigh.. I need my sisters closer to me. Cami? Laci? Lets be mature and come back home where you belong mmkay? Anyway, I just wanted to make sure Cami (and Erik and the babies of course) know how appreciative I am to them! This experience will help me the rest of my life!! Thank you sooo much for being such a good example to me in so many ways! You've taught me by example patience, love, having a good attitude when it's nearly impossible, doing things even if you don't want to and how important service is :) The light of Christ radiates from you! Wub you big sissner! Give the kids a kiss for me :)

Depew Orthodontics

This summer I had the incredible opportunity to work at Depew Orthodontics in Georgia. On of my friends Dad who used to be in Cami's ward hooked me up! It's not very often that jobs fall into your lap! Especially in this economy! Talk about a blessing! Everything worked out soooo well. Dr. Depew even runs an Orthodontic assisting college as well and he even signed me up for it online for FREE! And I can do it on my own time at my own pace! Everyone was so nice and welcoming to me and I made so many friendships, memories, and not to mention all the benefits I've gained from it! I even had a couple missionary experiences! I definitely lucked out :)



Shannon was sooooo nice to me! Love her!

Dr. D, Brittney and Shannon

They got me a cake! So cute and nice of them :) not to mention a card that they all signed and a $25 visa!

Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Lets Play a Game of "Would You Rather," Shall We?

1. Would you rather be with someone who is always warm or always cold?

2. Would you rather be with someone who is tan or pale?

3. Would you rather be with someone who is freakin' ripped or fairly skinny?

4. Would you rather be with someone who says to you "You wouldn't have to change for me. I'm in love with you, and I want you to pick me instead of him" or "I promise to love you every moment of forever"

5. Would you rather be with someone who would make it so you would never have to say goodbye to any of your family or friends or someone who would make it so you would have to say goodbye to everyone you ever loved... besides him of course?

6. Would you rather be with someone with a temper or someone who has a lot of self-control?

7. Would you rather be with someone who you can continually progress with or someone who you stay happily frozen in time with? well.. we would assume (happily).

8. Would you rather have grandchildren or stay beautiful for the rest of your existence?

9. Would you rather be with someone who rides motorcycles or someone who shimmers in the sun?

10. And finally, would you rather be with a Vampire or a Wolf?

Tis' true! All us girls saw the very anticipated premier of "Eclipse" last night at mid-night! Actually we got to go earlier and see a "Twilight" MARATHON and watch all three movies in a row at the theater!!! I got there at 5pm and the movies started at 7. It was more than well worth my entire night and we got fabulous seats if I might add (you're welcome girls). We had a blast. If you can't tell, after much thought, tossing and turning at night, and weighing my options... I'm leaning towards team Jacob. BUT before you jump in, cut me off and say "wait, wait! Bella is meant to be with Edward, Sara!!" (like most would) I say, by all means, PLEASE DO Bella! Leave the mutt to me! I'm completely ok with that. Probably more than ok, but that's besides the point. Anyway, I can't wait for the next movie to come out.. or should I say "movies?!?" I just heard last night that the last movie (Breaking Dawn) is going to be split up into 2 movies?? AND the first of the two doesn't even come out till November of two-thousand ELEVEN! What the? Who ever came up with that pleasant proposal of the schedule should be fired... just sayin. Anyway... I think I'll go see Eclipse a few more times, who's comin' with? :)

A Hot Mess

Thursday, June 17, 2010

Georgia Family Reunion 2010 "10 things..."

10 things that have made me laugh at the family reunion thus far...

1. Laci saying "That's what she said"

2. Gabe "transforming" every time a stranger walks by.

3. Mom throwing her head back in laughter, but no noise comes out.

4. Grace and Elle treating each other like little babies even though they're both babies and the same age.

5. All the girls quoting the famous "Bon Que Que" from YouTube nonstop...Rude.

6. Gabe saying, "Oh why thank you papa,that was so kind of you to do" after papa gives him a handful of popcorn.

7. Grace's unexpected trail of poop all over the floor during dinner.

8. Me tripping up the stairs. Oops.

9. Putting the kids on leashes so we don't lose them.

10. Dad burping/hiccuping(whatever you wanna call it) and scaring the crap out of everyone and then afterwards busting up in laughter.

Thursday, May 6, 2010

Ok, straight up, the church is true, that's all :)


So at the beginning of Spring semester there was a Book of Mormon challenge. At first I was like, "Sweet!" because I was already half way through. But then they said, even if you have already started it, we would like you to get the blessings of having the faith to start over. My roommate Brittany and I decided to start reading it together so we could discuss it while we read. Immediately I learned more in the first few chapters than I ever had before! It was amazing. The challenge was definitely inspired. Britt and I even joked about being adequate to teach Gospel Doctrine, definitely a joke but we really did feel like we were learning a lot though. It was hard to move as quickly through it while still getting as much out of it as we had been. It was the last day of the challenge and I wasn't even close to finishing. Good thing it was a Saturday though so I had all day to finish. I started at 9 AM and ended at 11:30 PM. Let's just say it was a long day. BUT I got it done and it was AMAZING. I hope everyone takes the challenge at least a few times in your lifetime. It'll change your life.
Speaking of a Book of Mormon challenge, I was reminded of an experience I had on the air plain going to Georgia just over a year ago as I again began my journey to Georgia on Tuesday. There was a guy I sat by and he was probably in his late 40's, early 50's. He asked where I was from, when I said Utah he immediately asked if I was Mormon (typical). I was so Happy because I had pleaded to Heavenly Father to give me a missionary experience while I was on the plane. I thought to myself, ok here it comes I took a deep breath, said a little prayer and started to speak. He had so many questions and I was trying so hard not to mess up and to say the right thing. He was fascinated that I actually WANTED and had the DESIRE to obey all of these "rules" He eventually ran out of questions but I still wanted to talk about it, I felt like shoving it all down his throat just so he could take it all in, but I decided to contain myself and let him read his magazine. I remembered the paperback Book of Mormon I slipped in my bag after I prayed to have a missionary experience on the plane. I carefully took it out of my bag and wrote my testimony and LDS.org on the inside cover while trying hide it a little bit so he wouldn't see it. Just as we were about to get off the plane I said to him, "Hey, I was given a challenge to give out this Book of Mormon, will you please take it?" He kind of chuckled and said, "Ha, ok." I know I'll never see him again, but it was definitely the coolest missionary experience I've ever had in my life. That's why I envy Sam so much for sticking it out and going on a mission. I know he'll have so many amazing experiences. Sometimes I just want to shake people or something just to get it through to them of what they are missing out on! ah.. words can't even describe the bursting feeling I sometimes get. I WILL serve a mission. Whether it's when I'm 21 or retired. It WILL happen.
Last experience I've had with the Book of Mormon. I went to the Provo Temple a few weeks ago looking for answers. I was so frustrated because I had already gone at least 3 times that month and it was only the middle of April. I entered the confirmation room. It was then that I realized why my answers hadn't come. The cute little old man said "even though you guys have been waiting for a long time to do confirmations, these people have been waiting for hundreds of years to receive the Holy Ghost." I was in the temple to serve others not for me. Right as I made the conscious decision to forget myself, I received all my answers through the Book of Mormon, the Spirit and the Ensign. I've had to learn that lesson before but I have come to realize that that's probably a lesson I'll have to learn the rest of my life. My home teacher was kind enough to give me a blessing a few days later. Even though he didn't know the situation, he told me that Heavenly Father KNEW that my desires were to know what He wanted me to do with my life and that I would be blessed for it and He loves me so much for my intentions. That's exactly what I needed to hear. The thing that brought me the most comfort and joy was that I know that He knows I'm trying. And I'll keep trying! Anyway, I've had some cool spiritual experiences lately and I wanted to share since testimony meeting isn't supposed to be story time ha.

Saturday, April 10, 2010

POOF

You've got a 'lil somthin' on your face.

Every year at the Hare Krishna Temple in Spanish Fork, they celebrate Holi or, The Festival of Colors. The festival represents the passing of winter into spring. Apparently the colored powder or water is thrown to signify the joy and colors of spring arriving. I almost felt sacrilegious and Hippy-like as I listened to the old Indian man sing praises about mother nature and earth and wind, but I must say, it was pretty entertaining. I almost felt offended when I got there at first when some random guy threw dark blue chalk-powder all over my clean, white t-shirt while he said "Dude, she looks WAY too white" but after the first throw I thought to myself, "Indulge baby!!" We went crazy! At one point some guy counted down from 10 and everyone threw ALL of their chalk at the same time. He said that last year someone said that they could see the colorful cloud 10 miles away! It reminded me of a food fight that consisted of 15,000 people. Even though I couldn't breath afterwards, it was definitely a success. I had a lot of fun :) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U3OZ2OZjPHs (I found this on youtube if you want to check it out)

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

AHOY! I Blog! I'm a Blogger!

I finally did it! I'm officially a blogger. As if Facebook didn't take up too much of my time... 
I feel as though most people that blog have babies and houses and more important things to display, so could it be possible that I'm not 100% qualified to be a blogger? Maybe so, but maybe I've got somethin' to say too, right? I guess we'll see. 
A little bit about me: I currently live in Provo, Ut and am going to school at Utah Valley University. I'm mainly just doing generals at the moment, but the ultimate goal is to get into the Dental Hygiene Program. Apparently, they only let in 14 people a year? What's that about? I guess we'll see what happens. There's so many opportunities at my fingertips. Thus, begins Sara's Story!!!