Rachel Margaret

Finally :)

2011-03-03T20:17:00.002-07:00

It finally happened!!!

< before

after >

Everyone warned me that my teeth were going to feel "slimy and huge" ....boy I couldn't wait!!

I got to the Orthodontist with tear filled eyes...literally...

In no time at all the brackets were off and my teeth felt suuuuuuper slimy...yet rough as a scuffed up sidewalk!

They smoothed off the glue, and my tongue was instantly addicted to its new best friends!

The first thing I wanted to do was FLOSS!! It used to take me a good 10 minutes to feed the floss between the wires and then repeat that process over and over. I was amazed when I finished a good flossing in less than a minute! Oh the simple joys in life!

The first glance at my new smile was a bit awkward

"I look just like my brother."

I felt timidly-naked as I smiled in the mirror...It was a bitter-sweet feeling...(I can't tell which one is the bitter and which one was the sweet...timid and naked?? hahaha)

It was strange looking in the mirror...like I was spying on a strangers mouth...or at least my brothers...??

But soon it began to grow on me! At every stop light on the way home I had to check on them in the rear-view mirror...I don't know what I was looking for....just...checking them.

By the time I got home my smile was ear to ear and I couldn't hide my new smile even if I wanted to!

My teeth were actually straight!! A sight I haven't seen in a very long time!

What a neat experience to re-due a biggest regret (losing my retainer when I was 16 and never doing anything about it...) Never again!! I learned my lesson!! This is my forever smile!!! ...And I am definitely ok with that! :)

Spending time with Sisters

2011-02-24T21:19:00.001-07:00

This month I have spent more time with my sisters than I have in my entire life!!!

...ok...so that might be very far from the actual truth...but it has sure felt that way!

We LOVE spending time together!! There is no one that compares to their...uniqueness...hahahahaha

They are AMAZING!!! I look up to them in EVERY way and hope someday I can be just like them. :)

we party hard.

hahahha Welcome to my life! :)

sexy staches ;)

2011-02-17T17:44:00.019-07:00

Good friends + Nickle City + tons of tickets = Sexy Staches :)

Daily Delights:

2011-02-11T17:43:00.001-07:00

Tuesday, February 8:

We were outside in the hall in working on a reading assignment when I asked Victor, an adorable 12-year-old, Latino boy in my 6th grade class, to go check what time it was. He replied, "Miss Kitto, I don't know how to tell time on those old-fashion clocks." (Referring to the clocks that aren't digital haha) I was very surprised...and yet very excited! "Alright, bring me a piece of paper instead!" I said as I smiled. :)

When he returned, I quickly drew a large circle and began to write in numbers and draw little dashes between them. I drew a little :00 next to the 12, a :05 by the 1, :10 by the 2, :15 by the 3, and so forth... I saw his eyes start to light up. Then I explained the "big hand" and the "little hand." "But what if the little hand is in between two numbers??" Victor asked, you could tell this was something that has really bothered this kid...he was so anxious to learn! I explained, "Once the little hand hits the number it becomes that hour, and it stays that hour through all of those little dashes, until it hits the next number." (It made more sense when we were looking at our picture! haha)

You could have seen that little light bulb in his head light up from a mile away! "Miss Kitto!!!! I GET IT!!!!" :) My favorite phrase in the world :) Throughout the rest of the day he would come over to me and announce, proudly; "Miss Kitto, (he always says my name haha) It is 12:17!!" then later, "It's 1:02!!" ...and so forth. :)

Knowledge is power. And Victor was definitely feeling it. :)

Disciplined

2011-02-11T17:16:00.002-07:00

I did not get around to transferring my photo's off this blog and onto my new one....meaning...I still don't have enough room to post new pictures. That kinda sucks some fun out of blogging. I love pictures so much! They just bring life....to life! hahaha So, I'm sorry you have to read another picture-less post from me! Hopefully I can get around to it tomorrow! :) (I am trying to post more regularly...seeing as I wont be able to post for 18 months, starting in 33 days!!!)

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On the first Sunday of every month I always take it as a great opportunity for me to give up something, or to try to gain a new habit, and really focus my efforts on something that will bring me closer to Christ. This month I am working on DISCIPLINE.

I am soon going to be living a VERY structured life. Wake up at 6:30...always, exercise for 30 minutes, hours of studying, teaching, preaching, serving, and in bed by 10:30... consistently, for a year and a half. I always picture myself 19 months from now and try to think of the woman I am going to be. It excites me sooooo much! I am excited to gain these habits! I am excited for my growth! I am excited to be that much closer to reaching my potential!

After making a quite lengthy list of the woman I desire to be by the end of my mission...I got to thinking: "Rachel, why wait? Be her now." I looked back over my list and realized that I did not need to serve a mission to be this person! I felt inspired to make a few adjustments in my daily schedule. I felt inspired to be DISCIPLINED.

The first habit I need and truly want, is to be an early riser. I want to be the girl that gets up every day at 6:30, opens her eyes with a burst of energy, pops out of bed, makes the bed immediately, (I have been doing pretty good at that one!) pops on her cute 80's workout video (that I LOVE), and then completes most of the days to-do's before 10! :) (In Preach My Gospel it states that the most important hours of the day are 6:30 am -10:00 am....and what you do in that time will greatly effect your success as a missionary...but I also think it applies to everyone! Something to think about!)

Well in order for me to keep up this habit, I have to master another....go to bed by 10:30 each night....or in my case, 10:00. Let me tell ya, it has been AMAZING!!!! I know everyone's lives are different, so it might not work out for you to get to bed this early...but it is the best thing I have ever done! This week has been productive and successful!! Although when 6:30am roles around, I still feel all sorts of sleepy. I am hoping that it is just something that my body needs to get used to and that one day I wont feel tired anymore! :)

This life is all about self-mastery (control or restraint of oneself or one's actions, feelings...). No one can change us, live life for us, or make us become a certain way. We choose our lives. We choose how to live them. I hope that as I focus on becoming more disciplined, I will be able to overcome many weaknesses in my life. What an exciting thought! :)

Here's to a month of DISCIPLINE!

Success :)

2011-02-08T19:07:00.001-07:00

Failure only brings us that much closer to success....and I can prove it.

You see, after spending way too many minutes creating (and cute-ifying) my new photo-blog....blogger laughed in my face and recited his familiar, taunting chant:

"We're sorry, but you have exceeded your photo upload quota. For more information do not click on the following link, for it will not help you at all. Thank you, and have a picture-less day."  

To which I replied: 

"How can this be? This is my FIRST post on my NEW blog.
.......oooooh......"

Something hit me,

"It's not my BLOG that has run out of space...it's my ACCOUNT! I need to create another blog using a different email address!!"

SUCCESS!!!  I created a new email...and my new blog was born!! 

 I will begin the process of moving my photography from this blog to the new one tomorrow....right now it's Biggest Loser time...

:)

Maybe?

2011-02-08T17:21:00.000-07:00

So I just made a photography blog in hopes to transfer over my photoshoots from this blog over to the new one...which will clear up TONS of room for me to post more pictures of my crazy life!!!

I really hope this works!!

Cross your fingers!!

icky...

2011-02-07T18:29:00.000-07:00

the weather outstide is a good representation of how my heart is feeling on the inside....

completely icky and gloomy.

but in-spite of the cause, I have learned a very valuable lesson...
{ a lesson I have always known to be true...but this solidified it greatly }

my family members are {literally} my best friends.

even when they are crazy.
even when it seems they don't care.
even when they are smothering and curious.
even when they don't agree.

friends come and go...unfortunately...

but my family is forever....thankfully!

Young Victoria

2011-02-06T23:55:00.000-07:00

I just saw the most amazing movie. YOUNG VICTORIA. Ah-mazing! If you have not seen it...stop whatever you're doing...and watch it. (Ok, maybe just find a time when you want to watch an inspirational/true/incredibly-tender love story.) I never knew the story of Queen Victoria...the woman they named the "Victorian Era" after. If an entire era is named after this woman, that must make her a pretty big deal. She was smart, stubborn, friendly, and caring. She is a new heroine of mine. (And I will most likely name my future daughter after her...haha I have always loved that name!) The movie is based on a true story...and the most beautiful love story I know. True, real, non-hollywood, selfless, love. (It might make you crave to be married....or want to express more love to your one-and-only....I definitely fall in the first category.....I guess I can curb the craving for another year and a half! Chile, here I come!!)

Just thought I would share that before going to bed! :)

Night!

PROBLEMO...

2011-02-06T21:30:00.000-07:00

Well I went to write a lovely post about my fabulous weekend....when blogger reminded me that I have run out of picture space...is that even possible?! Have any of you faced this problem?? Did you pay the extra money for more space? I am leaving in 5 weeks...so I think I should wait till I get back....but that is 5 weeks of visual un-documentation of my life! What to do...what to do?! It's 5 dollars a year.....is that an on-going-for-the-rest-of-my-life type of deal? I need some input! I've got some great pictures just waiting to be uploaded. I have decided posting pictures on my blog is a lot more satisfying that posting them on facebook. I feel like facebook is for more public events....but my blog is for me. It is so I don't forget my life. It's more personal, and I love it.

...I guess that is worth the 5 dollars...right?

the UGLY truth.

2011-02-05T11:02:00.000-07:00

no not the movie....
my face.
particularly my EYELIDS.
they are driving me nuts!

...I think I am allergic to my eye shadow...

it is pretty old...so it makes sense...but still!

how does that even happen?

well one day I decide to use a shade in the pallet that I haven't used before.
to my surprise, I LOVED it!
...the next day I woke up and my eyelids had blown up to the size of "slugs"...(thank you Kristie)
(this was the UGLY truth.)

I had washed my make-up off that night...just like I do every night...
I thought it might be an eye infection...I was getting sick, so I thought this was just another symptom.
I thought it might be eczema. (dry, itchy, cracking skin...sounded about right.)
I did not think it was an allergic reaction.

so I decided to test it out.
I wore no eye shadow for a week. (but the irritation caused my eyelids to be permanently pink!)
low and behold...my symptoms went away!
my eyes were healing (with the help of tons and tons of lotion!)

so yesterday, in all of my brilliance, I decided to try that same shade of eye shadow again,
just to really see if it was, in fact, the cause of my eyelid disformaty!
...about half-way through my night (playing chess up the canyon with Justin)
my eyelids started burning....itching...and felt crusty....oh no!
I came home, took off my make up and quickly applied my healing lotion before going to bed.

this morning I woke up, and with difficulty, opened my eyes.
as I looked in the mirror...there in their rightful place...were the two slugs...right where my eyelids were supposed to be.

never again.

here's to another week of healing.
don't worry...I think I learned my lesson last time...
my trashcan is now the happy home to that awful (but so freaking cute) shade of eyeshadow.

to you readers, today you can count your blessings:
*"I have healthy, non-crusty-itchy-burning-permanently pink-eyelids. Oh how I am blessed!"

hope you have a great weekend!!!

Gods Plan for Me

2011-02-03T13:38:00.001-07:00

I have always loved to be in charge.

I love feeling necessary, intelligent, creative, fun, and important.

I have always known that I am not the only one who is in charge of my life.

I began my relationship with my Father in Heaven long before I can even remember. If I counted how many times I said silent prayers to Him on a daily basis....it would definitely beat out anyone's amount of texts or phone calls for the day.

I am sure many people feel this way...but I hate making mistakes. I hate doing things wrong. I have always wanted to live a perfect life. (I remember growing up I would always pretend that I was perfect. I tried to show that I was *always happy. Nothing was *ever wrong. But since growing up, I know that having emotions other than happiness is not wrong. It's OK to let people know that you are struggling, having a hard day, or that you are discouraged. That is normal. In fact, it is healthy to be real with your emotions! That little fact has done more for me than anyone can imagine!)

But back to "being in charge," and wanting to be "perfect." I am a very couscous, and careful planner. I want to make sure that my decisions are correct, and that they are the *best (good, better, best) thing for me to do.

I decided that having two jobs during these months while I prepare to serve a mission would be the best thing for me to do. It would keep me busy and allow the time to pass quicker. I could have a fun social life and make lots more friends. I would have enough money to pay off my braces. But the biggest reason I was working two jobs was so that I could pay as much as possible for my mission.

I was blessed with 2 amazing jobs that I loved. I looked forward to going to work everyday. I loved the people I worked with. I loved the difference I was making. But my body began to tell me otherwise...

My daily schedule looked just like this:

*6:30-7:00, Wake up, get ready.

*8:00, Out the door, be at work by 8:30.

*8:30-4:00, Work at the Elementary School

*4:15-5:15, Come home, make myself dinner, get ready for work.

*5:30, Out the door, be at work by 5:45.

*5:45-10:30, Work at second job.

*11:00-12:00, Come home, short work out, get ready for bed, read scriptures, write in journal, say prayers, get in bed.

I don't know if you noticed how often I was home, compared to how often I was gone. I had ONE HOUR to myself everyday...and even then I was always rushing to get things done. This began to be very draining. I wanted to sit down and really read a book. I wanted to have dinner with my family. I wanted to go to the temple. I wanted to see my friends. I began to do the bare minimum so that I could save my energy for the next day. I was sick and tired of it. My body got sick, and I began to panic.

My loving parents scheduled an interview with my Bishop. I wasn't sure what it was for exactly, but we all got in the car and went to his office. We started talking about missionary stuff. All of the sudden my dad tells Bishop about my schedule...and I unexpectedly broke into tears. He told him how I had mono a few years ago and was scared that if I kept working myself to death, that my body wouldn't be able to handle it and get sick again.

My amazing Bishop looked me in the eyes and told me that I needed to cut back. Being busy and working all day was not the answer. He didn't want me to burn out before I even got to the MTC. He strongly advised me to work only one job, spend time with my family, go to the temple, study the scriptures, and spend time with friends. The money would come. I am in the Lords hands.

I went home and immediately emailed my wonderful boss and explained the situation. She lovingly responded and told me she understood and that all is well. A huge burden was lifted from my shoulders. I felt like I could breathe for the first time in months. Not only breathe...but I wanted to dance!!! I was soooo happy!!!! I was amazed at how happy I was!!! (We even went out for a celebratory dinner!! haha)

Here was a prime example of my plan failing, and Gods plan being a blessing from on high. I thought I was dong the right thing....as hard as it was. I thought it would be selfish of me to quit my second job. I was doing what I thought was best. But I was so wrong. I was too busy. The Lord needed me.

I still have no idea how I am going to make ends meet, but I am not afraid. When God asks us to do something, He always provides a way for it to be done (1 Nephi 3:7).

5 weeks and 6 days until I leave for the Missionary Training Center. I couldn't be more excited. I have no fear. How could I? I know the Lord is with me and is CLEARLY watching out for me. I know He has a plan for my life...and it is far better than my own.

the reality of today.

2011-02-02T21:10:00.000-07:00

I am sitting with my 6th graders today, when my stomach loudly reminds me that I didn't feed her this morning. I told her to hang in there till lunch....

Lunch time finally came! I quickly got back to my desk, opened my storage cabinet...intending to find my lovely home-packed lunch. But the reality of my mistake made my tummy growl. I LEFT IT AT HOME!!!

What's a girl to do?

A. Eat the skittles you bought for your students in the after-school program.

B. Eat the microwave popcorn that's in the cupboard.

C. Eat the last Krispy Kreme doughnut in the box on the faculty table.

D. All of the above.

To my dismay....I selected D.

hahaha Oh my goodness. Has anyone has a sugar headache before?? Skittles, popcorn (movie theater butter style), and a warm glazed doughnut for my lunch....Yes, I am training to be the next contestant on the Biggest Loser. Feel free to tune in next season! ;)

I think my stomach was more angry with me after I ate, than she would have been if I would have let her starve for a few more hours. Lesson learned!!

P.S. Don't worry....I saved some skittles for my after-school students. :) haha

January has been

2011-01-30T23:11:00.000-07:00

a BEAUTIFUL month.

Each sunset has been so VIBRANT.

Each gathering has been so CHEERFUL.

Even being sick was somewhat PLEASANT.

{ I was able to catch up on my favorite shows: The Bachelor and The Biggest Loser...while eating lots of Lime Sherbet...that felt good on my poor sore throat! }

My birthday trip to Las Vegas was exceptionally INVIGORATING.

{ hahaha typical Kitto Family vacation :) hahaha }

What a month, huh?

I am so excited for FEBRUARY!!!

*Closer to when I leave for my mission

*Matt and Jonathan come home from their missions

*Get my braces off!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

*....nothing I think of can't even compare to the joy I feel towards getting my braces off!!!

2011...best year of my life!

Major Inspiritation

2011-01-26T13:23:00.002-07:00

I received a comment a few weeks ago asking about what my favorite inspirational books are.  I am sorry for the delay, but I am finally here to answer your inquiry!

I love ANYTHING and EVERYTHING by OG MANDINO!!!!!

They are the most motivational/inspirational books I have ever read. His books are so short (80-120ish pages) and to the point and way easy/fun to read!!! No lie!!! I would start with "The Greatest Salesman in the World." No this is not a "how to" book on how to become a great salesman! haha Don't let the title scare you away. Its about truly becoming the BEST you can be. It has changed my life, my dad's life, my sisters...and anyone who has ever read it!

Then continue to read his other masterpieces!

*The Greatest Secret in the World

*The Greatest Miracle in the World

*The Greatest Success in the World

...he has written a TON more...

READ THEM!!!!

I have also loved "The Influencer." This one has completely changed my life and how I deal with things: my life, my peers, my family, co-workers...

It is amazing! You realize that you can influence anyone...and it teaches you how. (Not like in a creepy, hypnotic way haha! But like getting people to want to do the right thing. I can't explain it...it's incredible! AND IT WORKS!! I have applied its principles and it proved itself!!! )

Another book I read this past year that was truly life-changing was "The 5 Love Languages." If only I could have read this one years and years ago! You learn so much about yourself and how everyone feels loved differently. You learn how to express your love to others, using their love language, so that they KNOW you love them! This one book can save marriages! I can prevent soooooooo many communication problems!! It will be such a blessing in your life, and in your families lives as well!!

I also loved reading "The Secret." This book has changed my way of thinking and how I view life! You become a natural optimist after reading this book! You learn how to be grateful for every little moment in your life. You learn how to focus on the positive, and by doing so, you attract more positive things to come into your life. For my fellow religious readers: it is all about how to increase your faith. How to trust in faith. How to use your faith everyday. It is a beautiful, inspiring and uplifting book!

A few years back I read a book on Benjamin Franklin, (I can't remember the exact title) and it also changed my life. He was such a creative man. He had the attitude that "anything is possible." And it truly is. Reading about his life has given me more of a desire to become like him. Inventive, creative, open-minded, smart, and hard-working. If you were to pick up any book about Benjamin Franklin, I know you will be moved and inspired by this wonderful man's life.

I am currently reading 3 different, but very similar books.

*Our Search for Happiness- by M. Russell Ballard

*Jesus the Christ- James E. Talmage

*The Book of Mormon- by Ancient Prophets :)

Each of these books are incredible. I just started reading "Our Search for Happiness" last night, and I am already loving it! Elder Ballard writes so clearly. It isn't wordy, but specific. It is entertaining and wonderful! It is written for anyone, not only for members of the LDS faith. It's about our history. It's written so the world can know who the members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints really are.

Great read!

I have been reading "Jesus the Christ" off and on for a few months now. It is an INCREDIBLE book!!! James E. Talmage has such a way with words that you begin to think more poetically in your everyday life! This 900-something paged book is fully and completely about our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. There is nothing like it. If you want to know who Jesus Christ really is/was/and ever will be, then this book is a must read!

I have been reading "The Book of Mormon" all of my life, but it wasn't until this past year that I have found a deep love for the book, and it's teachings. It is the book I read on a daily basis. It brings me closer to my Savior, and Heavenly Father. It is where I turn for knowledge. It is where I receive answers to my prayers. It is where I discover my heroes. It is where I learn how to follow Christ. It is where I learn of the Commandments of God. It is the Keystone of my religion. It holds the truthfulness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It is a testament that Christ is the Son of God, and our Savior and Redeemer. It testifys to the world that He lives! That He came to this earth to atone for OUR sins. It is a witness that He is coming again.

 These are all incredible books that have helped shaped my life. 

I highly suggest them to anyone and everyone, no matter who you are, or what you believe...they are an inspiration to all.

Life is Beautiful

2011-01-23T21:36:00.002-07:00

This last week I celebrated my 21st birthday!!!

I LOVE GROWING UP!!!!!

(no really....I do!)

I love getting older!

I've never liked being considered as one of the "young ones"

I always dream of of the next stage of my life,

and look forward to it, longingly!

So far being 21 has been amazing! :) hahaha

Most people don't feel any different on their birthdays.

its just another ordinary day, but with birthday cake and candles...

Well not me! I feel like I am finally here!

I am amazed at my life, and so happy to see where it has brought me.

I have a wonderful family who loves me! We have such a strong love

for one another. We are truly best friends!! They are the most amazing

people I have ever known and I am so blessed to be a part of something that great!

My parents are still love birds and it brings joy to my heart!

I have incredible friends who love me and accept me for who I am.

They have been great examples to me throughout my life, and I am so

lucky to call them my friends!

I have experienced some of the most incredible opportunities people only dream to have!

(literally...)

Above all, I have finally discovered my true self.

I have become the person I have always wanted to be.

I know my Father in Heaven lives. I KNOW it!!

I know that I am His daughter, and that I have the potential to actually be like Him!

(Isn't that amazing?!?)

I know my purpose here on earth.

I know that I have been given agency to choose for myself what kind of life I am going to live.

I know that through the Atonement I am able to reach my potential, and be forgiven of my sins.

I don't know where I would be if I didn't know these truths.

...but I am pretty sure I'd be searching for them.

How lucky am I to be able to serve a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints? That is huge! I am not only a representative of the Church...but a representative of Jesus Christ. What a calling, huh? I really hope I can make Him proud, and give my absolute all to the work. At first I was pretty scared about the task ahead of me. But that feeling is long gone. I have no fear. Even if I try to think of things that would scare me...it doesn't work. I am at complete peace about my decision, because I know this is what the Lord wants me to do. There is no greater feeling then when you feel like you are following the promptings of the spirit and fulfilling the Lord's Plan for you.

I have never been happier.

I could bet all the money in the world that I am the happiest girl here on Earth...

Life is beautiful.

Night and Day

2011-01-10T18:46:00.000-07:00

This is my favorite part of the year! I LOVE change....more than anyone will ever know!! I love new possibilities, new opportunities and new beginnings. I love this time of year because I feel joined by millions of people who want to better their lives. This is the time of year when people aren't afraid to recognize their weaknesses and resolve to overcome them. It's the time when people dare to dream, set goals, and seek to reach their full potential. I believe that everyone wants to be the best they can, but sometimes it's scary to change. Thank goodness for new years for giving us that courage!

2010 was very bittersweet for me. It was by far the hardest year of my life. It was also the most rewarding. I have never grown so much in all my life. As I look back on the last 12 months, I literally can see my growth! I am a completely different person than I was 365 days ago! It's like night and day!! I experienced my highest-highs, and my lowest-lows. This is my life...and I would not trade that for the world.

Some highlights from 2010:

Went on a (much needed) road-trip to St. George with my best friend in February

Had way too much fun with my roomies!!

Dug up graves with my family

(hahaha only kidding...we cleaned off my grandparents graves on Memorial Day! :)

Conquered my biggest regret by getting braces

Got my wisdom teeth out with my sister Kristie

Prego-photoshoot with Rachel

Who then made me an Auntie shortly after! :)

Saw Carried Underwood in concert

Tied up loose ends...

Gave a Book of Mormon to a non-member!

Kicked butt in school

Got balloons from random boys on our Girls Night Out

Acknowledged myself as an artist

Biggie-Mouse, Mini Mouse, and Itty-Bitty Mouse for Halloween with the sisters!

Went hot-tubbing in bubble bath

Received my mission call to Osorno, Chile!

Received my Endowment in the Timpanogos Temple,

Was blessed with two incredible jobs,

and

Went to Disneyland

(more Disneyland pics to come)

It doesn't seem like much....but it was one heck of a year!

....in every sense of the phrase! ;) hahaha

Here is to 2011! I am empowered with the reality of my agency and am so excited to use it to its fullest.

"I am the designer of my destiny."

Bring it on!

LIFE AS I KNOW IT

2010-12-18T13:19:00.000-07:00

1. I am a dreamer and an avid goal setter! I want to see and do everything I can! I know that I can have, do or be anything that I want to, so why not live the life that will help me achieve my dreams?! :) Life is amazing!!! MY life is amazing!!

2. I ate Top Ramen everyday my freshman year....but only the Beef flavor... haha My mom even asked my roommates to make sure I didn't buy it when we went grocery shopping...too bad mama....I LOVE IT!!!

3. I love to LAUGH: laugh till I cry, laugh till I get a stomachache, laugh till I am gasping for breath, laugh with the ones I love, laughing at an inside joke, laughing because someone has a funny laugh that makes me laugh...it really is the best feeling in the world to me!!

4. My favorite scent to wear is PURE SEDUCTION by Victoria Secret.

5. I was born in Reston, Virginia...just 15 minutes outside of Washington DC.

6. My idea of a perfect day would be waking up and watching the sunrise with the man of my dreams, eating a huge french toast breakfast, then going for a walk in the sunshine, hand in hand with that same man, go shoping for an hour or two, go boating with all my family and friends, do some tubing and waterskiing, have a BBQ, play in the sprinklers, watch the sunset, and go star gazing. Man I miss summer time!!!

7. I had a lazy eye when I was a kid....and I had to wear a patch on my good eye to try to strengthen my weak, lazy eye.......but I hated wearing the patch and would always pull it off, so my mom would wrap magazines around my arms so I couldn't bend them to pull my patch off..... OH!!! And if that is not bad enough, on top of that I wore pink rimmed bi-focals because I have the eye sight of a bat.... Yeah...quite the childhood huh? %)

8. If you go to YouniversityTV.com and click on Campus Tours, and go to Utah Valley University you will see ME representing dear old UVU! :) lol don't make fun when I say "Snee-- skiing" ....you'll see! lol

9. I love to sing...and I love to sing LOUD! haha It is my dream to sing the National Anthem at a professional sporting event!

10. I love art! Photography is my favorite medium!! I love capturing people as they really are! I also love drawing, watercolor, sewing, mod podge-ing, designing, and creating. Life is a masterpiece, create it!

11. The only fight I have ever gotten into was in the 3rd grade at Bonneville Elementary. It was at the end of the day and we were all getting our back-packs to go home and a was being rude to everyone...and it was getting on my nerves, so I turned around and whacked her in the face with my back-pack and ran off!!! (If you ever read this Lisa...sorry about that! haha!)

12. I love popsicles more than I love to breathe....

13. Celine Dion is my favorite singer! That was the first CD I ever got when I was a kid! I want meet her someday!!! At least go to one of her concerts! ....do you ever feel like you know a celebrity?? Well...I feel like Celine Dion is my cousin or something!! hahaha I feel like I just know her!!! hahaha (I have many celebrity "friends" like this!! haha)

14. I am a strong believer in The Secret. Do you know about The Secret??? If not...come talk to me...it will change your life! It has changed mine!

15. I love going horseback riding! I don't have horses but I have been riding countless times! ...One time when I was riding in the Sand Dunes down in St. George, all of our horses were galloping and then the horse in front on mine stopped, and mine had to stop really fast so it wouldn't hit it....and my horse kicked his back legs up, and I did a front flip in slow motion...off of my horse..and into the sand!! Not many can say that! hahaha Not many want to....I don't blame them!! But it really was sooo funny!!

16. I sang a solo in front of 10,000 people at the Marriott Center

17.I was at Target the other day, and was texting and walking, when all of the sudden my feet slipped out from under me....I let out a huge scream...my phone went flying in the air...I caught my balance, caught my phone, and kept walking! hahahhaha I was in front of all of the check out lines...hahaha I put on a very entertaining show for everyone! hahaha ;)

18. I am 5'8 and a half!I was always the second tallest girl in my grade {thank you Debbie Scoffield}. I never liked being tall...until recently. I am finally proud of my height! Love the skin you're in!!!

19. I have really big cheeks....I dont know if anyone really knows that about me....I try to keep that to myself...haha ;) When I smile, my cheeks cover my eyes and I can't see....it's a Kitto thing! (thanks a lot Dad!)

20. One of my lifetime goals is to be a contestant on a GAMESHOW!!! Preferably Family Feud...I think my family would Dominate that game!! I dont know why...but I absolutely LOVE gameshows!! haha

21. I love to blow bubbles with my gum!!!! I do it subconsciously now and I dont think people like that all the time....but I just love to pop my gum!

22. I not only talk in my sleep, walk in my sleep...but I was told that I also SING in my sleep!!!

23. I have OCD about always having lotion/perfume, gum and lipgloss! I will turn my car around if I have left the house without them. It's better to be late and have my necessities, than going through the entire day longing for them!!

24. In my film class the teacher sang "Who are these children coming down?!" and looked at us and said, "Name that movie!" I proudly shouted out "Saturdays Warrior!!" ....and I was the only one to shout it out...hahaha I grew up in a musical family, ok?!

25. My most embarrassing moment was...at the Special Olympics...hahaha I was a junior in high school and went with my school's special needs students to play Volleyball at the Olympics. Well, little did I know, these students were SO GOOD at Volleyball!!! I felt like the underprivileged one out on the court! haha So I had to up my game!! ...and boy did I ever!!! hahaha I was so into the games! My team won game after game! We were on a roll!! Well we were almost to the Championship game, and I was playing front and center. The opposing team bumped...set...and was ready to spike, when all of the sudden I leaped up with all the adrenoline I could muster, and stuffed the ball back on their side.......knocking over a down syndrome boy!!! :( It finally hit me: "RACHEL, YOU ARE AT THE SPECIAL OLYMPICS!!! I felt so bad!!!!! Here was his big chance to spike the ball, and I ruined it for him. Can you tell how horrible I was feeling at that moment?!!? This event still haunts me!! hahaha I remember my team cheering me on and being so proud of me, but I just felt like crying!!! I felt so bad!!! ........But.....my team ended up taking home the Gold!!!! :) hahhahahaha

This is only a glimpse into my life. I wouldn't trade it for the world ;)

Roses are Red..

2010-12-08T13:59:00.002-07:00

So here is an update with some watercolors I have been working on. Actually, I will show you the step by step of just one art piece I worked on recently. More to come when I upload my pictures!

Pretty fun!

Watercolor is pretty difficult. Everything had to blend and be transparent...and its hard to keep it neat (well, hard for me!!). I wonder what oil painting is like?? Are any of you artists or enjoy different mediums of art? Let me know what you like!!

Well I gotta go finish my sketchbook!! 60 sketches due tomorrow...I am not close to being done! Wish me luck!! :)

Choosing to Change

2010-12-08T10:38:00.000-07:00

Sorry for my long absence, it seems I have been MIA!

But guess what....I'm baaaaaack!!!! :) :) haha :)

So a lot has been on my mind for the past few months,

but one thing in particular:

HUMILITY

I have come to the realization that I have a huge struggle

with this principle...and I always thought

I was pretty good with it! Haha!!

How prideful is that?!?

Well as I have been really focusing on this issue,

I have stumbled across a very valuable lesson.

When asking God to help me become more humble,

He will not change me into a humble person, but will

give me opportunities to choose humility.

The one thing God gave us that he cannot take away

from us is our agency. He will never make us be a

certain way. He cannot!

This week I have been focusing on forgetting myself and

focusing on helping others. I asked my Father in Heaven

to help me become more selfless.

So what happened?

Did He snap His fingers and erase all of my selfish-tendencies?

Did I suddenly become the most giving person on earth??

Nope!!! In fact...nothing changed.

He didn't change my heart, but He did allow me

the opportunity to prove myself, and to show

that I really do want to become a more selfless person!

That opportunity came to me only a few hours after my

prayer. My phone rang with an urgent opportunity to forget

myself and to go help someone in need!

I wasn't all-of-the-sudden unaware of how busy I was,

or what I was in the middle of. But I was blessed with

the spirit and with love for the person who needed help!

I was able to see them through God's eyes,

and knew that that He needed someone to go help one of His

children. I was happy to be the one to do that!

I am grateful for all the learning opportunities God gives me

so that I can become the person He wants me to be.

I know it's hard to be humble: to give up our will, and forget

about what WE think is best for us. But I know that His plan

is far greater than we could ever imagine!

This life is about change.

It's about changing from the natural man and becoming like God.

That wont happen unless we choose to change.

Here is to baby steps and to continually striving to be our best selves!

Convenient

2010-11-16T10:57:00.002-07:00

My sister Kristie

demonstrating just how convenient little nephews can be:

hahaha Happy Holidays!!!

Neat Experience

2010-11-15T18:47:00.002-07:00

I had forgotten this experience until a dear friend of mine reminded me!

A few years back (2006) I was watching a segment on TV
during the half time in between General Conference sessions.

It was a special on South America and its people.

I remember sitting there by myself, glued to the TV...

My heart ached for these people.

All of the sudden, I was overcome with the Spirit,
and I felt that I was supposed to serve these people!

I knew right then that if I was called on a mission-
that's were I would serve. (South America)
.............................................................................................

It's amazing to see that personal revelation come to pass!
Again, I am overwhelmed with the Sprirt,
knowing that I have been called to teach the gospel
to these people whom I already love!
...Just like I was told that I would!

:)

Called to Serve

2010-11-15T18:14:00.003-07:00

I know this update is a little late. For some reason, I have been hesitant to write it. The reality of it all has still been sinking in, and I wanted to make sure I was in full awareness before posting about it. :)

On Wednesday, November 10, 2010

I was sitting in my English class when I got a text from my dad saying: "It's here!!!"

My heart stopped...."My call is here?!?! I only turned my mission papers in 10 days ago!!!!"

{ I was not expecting it this soon! }

But ready or not, a letter containing life-changing information was waiting for me at home.

I wanted my family and close friends to be there with me when I opened it....which meant I had to wait until 8:30pm to open it! Usually people hate waiting. They want to know, and they want to know NOW.

That wasn't the case for me. I was not ready to open it. I was scared out of my mind!! hahaha

I literally thought that I was about to go into cardiac arrest!

I felt sick to my stomach (due to nerves)
and was afraid that when I opened my mouth to read my call,
throw up would come out instead of actual words.

{ I tell ya...I was all sorts of nervous! }

I can't put into words what it felt like to be in that position; to find out where I would be living for the next year and a half of my life.
Not only that...but really acknowledging what it was that I "signed up" for.

I would leave everything: my family, my friends, my education, my job, my home, my bed, most of my clothes and material posessions...everything! It's not like I am just picking up and moving somewhere new...

I am leaving everything I have ever known.

It is an intense feeling.

But what I would be getting in return has no price-tag. It is invaluable. This is the first time in my life where I have the opportunity to fully consecrate my life to the Lord. To give him ALL that I have.

To give ALL of me.

Ok, so finally everyone arrived! All 30 of us crammed into my tiny living room. Smiles were on everyone's faces. You could feel the excitement! { I could feel the love of my family and friends, and that was so overwhelming in and of itself! That meant more to me than they will ever know! }

We began with prayer...and then...it was time.

I slowly opened the envelope, and pulled out the contents within.

Quickly my eyes caught the name of a forgein country!

My heart leaped!!

No one knew except me...

{ I may or may not have done a small victory dance at this point }

I began to read aloud the letter:

"Dear Sister Kitto,

You are hereby called to serve as a missionary of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

You are assigned to labor in the Chile Osorno Mission..."

An erruption of cheers and applause broke out! haha I think I even heard some "Arrriba!'s" hahaha

It was a struggle to finish the letter, as I was overcome with the spirit and many emotions.

Tearfully, I got through it all.

{ I am to report to the Provo MTC on March 16, 2011. }

I you are like me, you are thinking: "Chile=WARM!!! Yay!!!!"

Well...unfortunately, this is not the case!

hahaha

You see, the Chile Osorno Mission is the most southern mission in the world...

AKA

We are the closest to ANTARCTICA!!!! (So keep me in your prayers!)

Yes, I will be preaching to the penguins!! ;)

There seasons are opposite of ours here in America! I will have warm Christmas' and freezing 4th of July's!

I can't even begin to tell you how excited I am to serve a mission! I am so excited to be Hermana Kitto :)

I am excited to speak Spanish!!! I am so excited to serve the people in Chile and to bring them the blessing of true gospel! This is the beginning. I hope and pray that the Lord will take my inadequacies, and make me equal to all He has called me to do. I hope to continue to prepare myself in every way to be a worthy and able missionary of the Lord.

"Come what may, and love it."

Shout out to the winners who guessed correctly:
*Shea Terry
*Jana Boschetti
*Anthony Holst
*Rachel Lanham Kitto
*Tuare Garrido
:)

101 degrees

2010-11-12T14:18:00.000-07:00

Last night I was feeling a bit under the weather...

My temperature was rising and I was shivering under 4 blankets & a hoodie!

I finally decided that I would go upstairs and take some medicine.

My mom suggested that I take Niquil.

I looked and looked and looked {...for a good 30 seconds...} and could not find it.

...this brought me to tears...

hahaha...I was literally crying!!

When I realized I was crying, and what I was crying about,

I gave up my search and headed straight to bed...

"I am too tired to be sick...."

Luckily, my mom came down a few minutes later...with Niquil.

She made sure she gave me the one that had alcohol in it...apparently I looked like I needed it...hahaha

Last night I slept like a baby....I woke up multiple times, crying...hahaha I was definitely not in my normal state of mind yesterday!!

Today I am still feeling under the weather...and all I want to do is watch ELF...and eat Beef flavored Top Ramen.

Here's to a speedy recovery...

Wish me luck!!

3 weeks and 3 days

2010-11-08T22:06:00.005-07:00

So. I have another problem that I would like to share with you.

I know, I know...I have MANY!

But I tend to only share them as they become a problem in the present time.

This current problem is an example that too much of a good thing can be a bad thing.

What am I enduldging too much in?

EXCITEMENT.

You heard me! Excitement!!

Being excited should be fun and exhilerating!

...and it was...

But now excitement has become sickening....

haha

These butterflies in my stomach make me feel like I am on-going rollercoaster...

I think I need a breather!!
(or a barf bag)

Why am sooooooo sickeningly excited, you ask??

Well, it just so happens that my best friend in this entire world

is coming home in TWENTY THREE DAYS!!!!!!!

That is 3 weeks and 3 days!!!

(ahhh...here come those butterflies again!!)

It's becoming less surreal...and becoming more painful!!
TIME: do me a favor and speed up, would ya??

I am DYING inside!!!

I don't think our bodies are made to handle all of this

joy and anticipation that I am experiencing!

It's like I have never wanted something so bad in my life!!!

I feel like I am 7 and its Christmas Eve....except Christmas Eve lasts for 22 days...

painful!

;)

It's fun going through something like this.

It's fun to know that I am truly happy for that which is to come.

It's fun to be excited and to be living for something beyond myself.

It's funny to look back at a previous blog entry here

and realize I feel the same now as I did 80 something days ago!

I can't wait to see who he has become!

I got some pictures from him this week...

(Justin's the babe on the left!)

:) :) :) :) :)

It's crazy what 2 years can do to you:

*Confidence

*Knowledge

*20 lbs

*True happiness

(...glasses...)

...and sooooo much more!!

I am so proud of him!!!

I am soooo ready to see him!!!!

I am soooo ready to be able to breathe again!!

I am sooo ready to be able to sleep again!!

23 days....please go by as quickly as possible.

Thank you!!

Auntie Ray-Ray :)

2010-11-06T19:51:00.000-06:00

Can I just take this moment to tell you

that I absolutely LOVE being an
AUNTIE?!

Because I do!

And here is why:

I have the cutest nephew in the world!

No competition...

No questions asked...

THE CUTEST!

Look at that FACE!!!

...such a charmer...

..YUP..

I love being his auntie

Leaps and Bounds

2010-11-04T19:15:00.003-06:00

As of late, I have been in full swing in trying to tone up.

From Halloween till New Years is the easiest time for me to get in shape.

Why?

Because with so many treats available, I find it easier to stay clear from them.

...As apposed to the other 9 months of the year

when I welcome treats with a big chubby grin on my face...

Well this year, besides trying to eat healthier,

I have also been making leaps and bounds of progess

on making exercise a part of my daily routine!

{ I have always stayed some-what active,
but I haven't really experienced the results my heart secretly longs for }

...Since being in my Nutrition 2010 class,

my teacher (basketball coach/weight-lifter/healthy man)

has ingrained into my head that...

*The key to a lean, healthy body is...

weight lifting!

Seems kind of backwards, doesn't it?

I thought so!

I have an athletic build, and am always self-conscience that if I weight lift

I will get HUGE and not be cute and feminie.

This is not true.

I am amazed at how quickly I have seen results--

{ in my loose clothes and on the scale }

I am getting a cute and more feminie figure everyday!

Weight lifting is vital to losing fat!

MUSCLE BURNS CALORIES!

did you hear me?

The more muscle you have, the more calories your body will burn on its own...

aka = faster metabolism!

My daily routine will usually include one or both of my favorite work out videos:

The early 90's hit:

Synergetics

*12 minutes, 2x a day

* No sweating

*Fun to watch
(spandex leotards in bright colors)

*AMAZING RESULTS!

{ My family swears by this video!! It transformed my sisters'
pre-teen chub into teenage bombshell! ;)

I feel my body getting tighter and tighter after everytime I work out! }

{ man, doesn't this picture just make you want to work out?? :) }

.....

My second, and all time favorite is Chelen Johnsons':

Turbo Jam

*5 AMAZING work outs

-Learn & Burn

-20 min. Work Out

-Turbo Sculpt

-Cardio Party

-Ab Jam

{...sounds pretty fun, huh? ;) My FAVORITE is

TURBO SCULPT

and AB JAM

I am still trying to find love for Cardio Party.

...cardio is definitely not my kind of party...

yet. }

*Simple to do

*Time flies by

*...I may or may not want to cry sometimes...

*Sweatiest work out ever!!!

*QUICK RESULTS

{ Especially when you incorporate her eating guide! AhMazing!! :) }

{ Can't you just see how much FUN this work out is? ;) }

I highly suggest BOTH of these work out plans!

Synergetics: $3 used on Amazon.com

...pretty sure you can afford this little beauty...

(or it could possibly be in your mom's VHS collection at home)

Turbo Jam: $15.59 used on Amazon.com

That's a steal compared to what I paid for it!

This was my first ever informercial purchase :)

{ Very pleased with that decision, btw! }

Just thought I would share my happy thoughts with you all!

Start exercising and you can be happy, too!

"Exercise gives you endorphins,

endorphins make you happy!

Happy people just don't shoot their husbands.

...They just don't!"

Too true, Elle.

Happy Holidays to you!

Feel free to join me in staying away from too many treats,

and lets start shaping up!

Dumb Habits

2010-11-01T23:07:00.000-06:00

I have some dumb habits...
one in particular is dominating my life at the moment.

I have the habit of keeping myself completely busy...all the time.
I LOOK for things to do, not out of boredom (I am usually pretty excited about the not-so-important task) but out of feeling that things need to get done.

I don't know if this is anxiety...I don't know what I would be anxious about!

This bad habit is especially annoying at night time...
I don't let myself go to bed until I do a whole bunch of nothing!!
Like for real! I find myself up SUPER late: cleaning/organizing...writing letters...goal setting...exercising...editing pictures...staring at my ever-changing teeth...freebreezing my room...reading...facebooking...blogging...reading other blogs...pretty much anything but sleeping.

THIS ISN'T HEALTHY!!!

IT IS RIDICULOUS!!!

Tonight I am doing my watercolor assignment.......but as I wait for the layers to dry, I feel the need to upload all of my CD's onto my iTunes...why?? Haha I have no clue!!!! (And while I am waiting for that to upload, here I am blogging!)

{ sneak peak of the work in progress: washes + layers of masking = sooo fun }

I need some kind of chill pill!! I don't like taking naps...I feel like they are a waste of time...because, OF COURSE, I should be using that time to do some sort of job or project or ANYTHING!

I think it would be great to be OCD about doing homework...too bad that one hasn't caught on yet...

Well. I am going to go finish my painting...and then go STRAIGHT TO BED!

No more lolly-gagging...
{ Why in the world do we say "lolly-gagging"??? haha }

Wish me luck!!
And if you have any suggestions for me...I would love to hear them!!!

"For I have been made new"

2010-10-29T15:06:00.002-06:00

One year and one week ago, one of my best friends { Nate Last } was baptized into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This was one of most amazing experiences I have ever witnessed.

Last night we were listening to Owl City, when the song "Meteor Shower" came on. He said that he heard this song for the first time a few days before he was baptized--and that he felt like it was about him.

I had never heard this song before.

So we listened to it...and I bawled as Nate sang out the words:

I can finally see

that You're right there beside me

I am not my own,

for I have been made new

Please don't let me go,

I desperately need You

I am not my own,

for I have been made new

Please don't let me go,

I desperately need You

.........

The song is only 2:14 long,

but it was one of the best 2 minutes and 14 seconds of my life!

If you haven't heard it...

{ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VqH470Hdn4Q }

go take 2 minutes and listen to it.

Try and imagine someone who has finally found what he has been missing/looking for.

Think of the excitement!

Think of the peace!

Think of the hope!

...then try not to cry...

I love you Nate!

I have ALWAYS looked up to you. You are the most loving and accepting person I have ever met, and HANDS DOWN the HAPPIEST person I know!!! :) I love that you idolize my dad's mustache, and are well on your way to having one just like it! ;) You are one of the most talented people I know! I am amazed by your creativity and skills!! You have the BRIGHTEST future ahead of you! I can't wait to see where life takes you! Nate, you have brought so much life and happiness into my life! I am so grateful to have you as my friend!!

I have the best friends in the whole world!

2010-10-29T03:20:00.005-06:00

I had an AMAZING night

with my AMAZING friends!

...and not just ANY friends...

my BEST friends!!

friends I've had since Elementary and/or Junior High!

friends that know the REAL me!

friends that can go two years without seeing each other,

and pick up right where we left off!

friends that say "i love you" when we depart,

and truly mean it.

They say 1 true friend is

worth 5 therapists...

i believe it!

Tonight was the first time our group (well, partially...excluding the current missionaries) has hung out together in YEARS!!! It was quite the reunion! Eventful? ...not entirely. Meaningful? ...definitely!

It amazed me to see how much life has changed...but how little it has changed us...(in a good way).

He still smells soooo good!

{...and is getting marriend next week!!! Welcome to the gang Michelle!!!...}

He is still the HAPPIEST person I know!
{...and can grow the best facial hair EVER...}

We still have our "special hug"

{...and it still makes us laugh every time!!!...}

She is still sooooo hilarious!

{...and by hilarious, i mean...HILARIOUS!!!...}

Inside jokes are still funny,
Laughter is still constant,
and

We still bring out the best in each other!

{...my cheeks still always hurt after we hang out--from non-stop smiling...}

I am so lucky! I truly have been blessed with the most amazing friends. I look up to them soooo much!!! These are the types of friends that people wish they had! They are the kind of people who make you want to be a better person just because of who they are. They are the FUNNIEST FREAKING PEOPLE you will ever meet!!!

These are the people I am going to stay friends with for the rest of my life!

.............

My love goes out to the rest of the gang!!

Keep working hard!

I love you all!!

.......

:) Life is so good (:

Cheer up Buttercup :)

2010-10-28T00:34:00.001-06:00

I am going through some old files tonight, and came across this photoshoot I did with

my beautiful sister Kristie Bea!!

She is definitely one of the most photogenic people I know!!

I love doing photoshoots with her!! :)

I love getting her to laugh, and capturing her in the real moment!

This week has been a tough one for her...so I hope I can send her my love and help make her feel lots better!

"Cheer up buttercup! I love you from head to toe!"

...waiting

2010-10-25T10:48:00.000-06:00

As you may know...I have decided to go on a mission!!!

{ The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints }

I am THRILLED about this decision!

My papers are IN...

My schedule is CLEARED...

.....

now all I've gotta do is...

WAIT.

...and then I will know WHERE I am going...

only to wait some more before I can actually GO!

.....

{ In the mean time }

I am keeping myself busy by:

*Kicking butt in school, and managing to get A's!!

*Keeping in touch with my creative side, and doing many fun artsy projects!

*Spending hours and hours with my wonderful friends!

*Spending many more hours laughing and talking with my family!

*And...as always...dreaming about my life and getting excited about the things to come!

Waiting isn't as bad as it seems...

soon enough, the wait will be over!

I want to fill this wait time with TONS of fun memories and experiences to look back on.

What good would all this time be if I just waisted it doing nothing but

...

waiting?

{ Early mission pictures...will take more once these braces come off!! }

Too true...

2010-10-17T18:53:00.000-06:00

"A Little Bit Stronger"

By: Sara Evans

I heard this song a little while back...and I can't get it off my mind.

This song has helped me realize that

I am not the only one who has felt this way...

Sometimes we feel like our suffering is so unique and no one understands.

And then reality slaps us in the face and we realize how "normal" we really are.

It's kind of a good feeling!

The lyrics to this song mean so much to me.

It's like she read my journal before she wrote it! haha

So...this is how my heart is kind of feeling at the moment

{...and for the past few months...}

Woke up late today,
And I still feel the sting of the pain,
But I brushed my teeth anyway.
I got dressed through the mess,
And put a smile on my face.
I got a little bit stronger.

Riding in the car to work,
And I'm trying to ignore the hurt.
So I turned on the radio,
Stupid song made me think of you.
I listened to it for a minute,
But then I changed it.
I'm getting a little bit stronger,
Just a little bit stronger.

And I'm done hoping we can work it out,
I'm done with how it feels
Spinning my wheels,
Letting you drag my heart around.
And I'm done thinking you could ever change,
I know my heart will never be the same.
But I'm telling myself I'll be okay,
Even on my weakest days,
I get a little bit stronger.

It doesn't happen overnight,
But you turn around and a months gone by,
And you realize you haven't cried.
I'm not giving you an hour, or a second, or another minute longer.
I'm busy getting stronger.

And I'm done hoping we can work it out,
I'm done with how it feels
Spinning my wheels,
Letting you drag my heart around.
And I'm done thinking you could ever change,
I know my heart will never be the same.
But I'm telling myself I'll be okay,
Even on my weakest days,
I get a little bit stronger.
I get a little bit stronger.

Getting along without you baby,
Better off without you baby,
How does it feel without me baby?
I'm getting stronger without you baby.

And I'm done hoping we can work it out,
I'm done with how it feels
Spinning my wheels,
Letting you drag my heart around.
And I'm done thinking you could ever change,
I know my heart will never be the same.
But I'm telling myself I'll be okay,
Even on my weakest days,
I get a little bit stronger.

I get a little bit stronger.
Just a little bit stronger.
Little bit, little bit, little bit stronger.
Get a little bit stronger.

Sometimes I think I waste too much time

thinking about the past and wishing, hoping, thinking, and praying

that I would've done things differently.

But I know...

Everything happens for a reason!

The way things happened like they did...

was for a reason.

...I'm getting along...

...I'm better off...

I know I am gonna be okay,

even on my weakest days.

{...I wish I didn't have those darn weak days...}

But I know, through all of this,

I am getting

{ just a little bit }

...stronger...

Disneyland...kinda

2010-10-15T15:51:00.002-06:00

On Thursday morning I went to the dentist
to get my wisdom teeth out...

{ just the top 2 }

My doctor asked about my family,
and what we were up to this weekend

{ fall break }

I told him how my mom and sister
took off to DISNEYLAND that morning...

{ without me and dad }

Dr. Johnson said:

"Don't worry...I'll get you some Percocet.

You'll feel like you are in Disneyland in no time!"

hahahahahahahha

Well, he was right!
I felt nauseated and everything! ;)
hahaha But don't worry...that didn't last long.

I am healing pretty well...
resting a lot.
...should probably sleep more.

But overall I am happy :)

Life is good!
And I LOVE the weather!!!

Autumn...where have you been all my life?!

You can stay as long as you want!! mmmhmm!!

Hope everyone is enjoying their Fall Break!!

Be safe! Have fun!!

xoxo

a work in progress

2010-10-01T13:02:00.000-06:00

So I have been looking through old pictures...when I came across this little beauty....

This is what my teeth used to look like.

{ ...gross... }

Since then I have gotten braces...and I am just so excited to show you

the differences that have already taken place!

I have only had them for 4 months.

4 more to go!

I was so hesitant to get braces as a 20 year old.

But I decided that it would be so worth it.

8 months of braces,

for a lifetime with a perfect smile.

If anyone is thinking about getting braces,

I say GO FOR IT!

And DON'T WAIT!!

Think...you will never wish you had a perfect smile...

because you will be well on your way to having it!

There is my two cents!

Have a good day!

Connecticut

2010-10-01T12:38:00.001-06:00

I am missing this place so bad today!

Isn't it gorgeous??

NY

2010-10-01T12:26:00.004-06:00

Concrete Jungle

pencil drawings

2010-09-30T23:42:00.001-06:00

I was looking through my high school art folder and came across some drawings I had done over the years.
Just thought it would be fun to share some.

This one is my cousin Kade. I took this this picture of him, and then converted it into a pencil drawing. I was giving him a bath and we were having a grand time...and then while we were drying him off...I cant remember why he started crying...but I thought it was SO CUTE....so instead of picking him up and making everything all better...I had to take a picture first! ;)

I love this picture. I was on a family vacation driving down the freeway in our RV, when I decided I would shoot for the stars and sketch a picture of Jesus Christ. That is quite an intimidating task! But ultimately, a very cool experience.

...It is a weird feeling, posting my art for the world to see...
It's always been a private thing to me.
I kind of feel embarrassed...I see all the flaws that I could fix...wonder what other artists will think...
But, I feel grateful for the talents the Lord has blessed me with.
No more hiding under a bushel ;)

BFF's...and goats...

2010-09-27T02:24:00.002-06:00

Saturday was a great day!

My best friend { Savanna Grow }

texted me in the morning and said we were going HIKING!

Woo!!! :) :)

So I get all ready and get in her car....

...and see this...

Meet Miss Daisy...the goat

...oh and Savanna's cute little sister { Doody }

;)

Miss Daisy loves going on walks with Vanna!

So of course she had to come with us on our hike...

We loaded her up in the back

{ and by we I mean Vanna }

but she decided to jump out of the back seat

and poop all over the seat by Doods.

hahahahhahaha

Luckily goats poop in pellets!

So we { Vanna } got out the vacuum and cleaned up the mess.

Before Miss Daisy got back in the car,

Savanna had to put a diaper on her...

{ a special goat diaper, of course! }

We were finally ready to go!

We put her in the back and hoped she wouldn't get car sick...

...We went up to Big Springs

which is up South Fork Canyon...

B-E-A-UTIFUL!!!!

...the cutest girl I know...

{ Savanna Grow }

...and her "baby"...
{ Miss Daisy }

...wherever Savanna went...Miss Daisy would follow...

I looked down and saw this little guy crawling along!
How freaking cute is he??

...better question...WHAT is he??

...this hike is also a horse trial....look out...haha

...do you remember what Heaven is like??
Apparently I just got back from hiking there!!!
These pictures DO NOT give this place justice!!!

I have always wanted to spank a biker as I pass them...how bad would that really hurt?

Can someone tell me how long this has been there??
I have NEVER seen it before...
and I have been coming here for more than 15 years!!
hahahaha It's so cute!!

Remember when they had the rope swing at this place, and there would always be people swimming and playing here? What ever happened to that?

Fun day!
If you have not gotten the memo yet...

GO UP THE MOUNTAINS!!!!!

It is PERFECT up there right now!
:)

Cascade Springs

2010-09-21T15:23:00.001-06:00

Yesterday,

my family and I took a drive up Provo Canyon for Family Night.

The Autumn leaves are BEAUTIFUL right now!!

For some lame reason,

I always get car-sick whenever we drive up the canyon...

...smelling an orange and having the wind blow in my face are the only things that help...

After many winding roads...and passing many colorful landscapes...

...we arrived at Cascade Springs!

I had never even heard of this place until now...

...if you haven't gone...I would HIGHLY recommend making the trip...

It is breath-taking!

Me and my cute dad...

My boots loved having a day out of the closet...

Every detail of this place was so gorgeous...

Cute sister Kimberly and me...

Can you believe these colors?! GORGEOUS!!

Go ahead and plan a day trip out here...

..they even have flushing toilets!!!

..but they don't have trash cans...so bring some garbage bags of your own :)

we did not get this memo soon enough....

Cute mom and I...the flash was a little strong...

{ sorry mom }

We decided to come home the back way through Midway/Heber.

Sooooo glad we did! It was GORGEOUS!!!

Overlook of Deer Creek Reservoir

What a night!

If you haven't already, go up and enjoy the Mountains!!

I am so blessed to lived in beautiful Utah.

Watercolor 101

2010-09-21T13:56:00.003-06:00

I just started taking a Watercolor class at UVU...

...here is a glimpse of what I do!

Hopefully, as the semester continues, I will be able to see improvement in my artwork!

distraction

2010-09-15T23:47:00.001-06:00

lately I have been needing a distraction
from myself.

my thoughts are of the past
my body is in the present
and my dreams are of the future.

i found a way for them { my thoughts, body and dreams } to collide.

painting.

is is like an escape to the present
gently forcing me into this beautiful reality called
life.

i love it.

at first, i immediately felt embarrassment...
why?
it looked like a little boy had conjured up that mess called "art"...

but now...
now it excites me!

i love blending colors
contrasting color levels
putting in unnoticeable details...

and calling it mine.

this is my distraction from my daydreams...

art is my reality.

Seth & Katy

2010-09-10T13:45:00.035-06:00

{ ...Meet two cute kids... }

...Seth...

...& little Katy...

{ ...I had so much fun with these little munchkins... }

{ ...Such a fun day... }

Happy September!

2010-09-06T11:57:00.002-06:00

I am in love with SEPTEMBER!!!
:)

The air begins to cool off,

You can start pulling out your sweaters & boots,

"Back to School" excitement,

The homework load is still light and new,

Kimberly's Birthday: 17th,

Justin's Birthday : 26th,

LABOR DAY: 6th

{ that little twinge of excitement for the thought of Halloween }

FOOTBALL season begins,

Autumn is my favorite time of year!

{ ...just wanted to share that... }

Happy September Everyone!

New Beginnings

2010-08-27T18:41:00.003-06:00

I love life right now

New school year, new opportunities, a new start to life. It is the time of letting go of what has held us back in the past, and the time to start anew.

I love setting goals! I probably set too many...but then I ALWAYS have something to work towards. I get a great sence of accomplishment when I can check off a completed goal from one of my many { MANY } lists! I have lists from years past of things I have yet to accomplish...but let me tell you, I will accomplish them. :) I never want to stop learning, or experiencing new things. That's what this life is all about! I want to see & do as much as I possibly can!!

Goals for this semester:
* Complete my General Education courses
* Get my mission call!!
* Run the mile in under 7 minutes { I am shooting for 6.59 haha its been a while, ok? }
* Go to the temple once a week
* Go to Florida
* Finish the Book of Mormon
* Read 5 books written by Og Mandino { if you haven't read his stuff yet, START NOW! He is INCREDIBLE!!! Greatest Salesman in the World, The Greatest Miracle in the World, The Greatest Secret in the World, A Better Way To Live, The Christ Commission, The Gift of Acabar...ahhh sooo good! }

I am currently taking 3 Institute classes and I L O V E them!! They will definitely help me as I prepare to serve a mission this winter. Missionary Prep, The Teachings of Jospeh Smith, and The Gospel & Productive Life. Going to these classes while going to school is the highlite of my day! I love being able to feel the spirit and take it with me throughout the rest of my day. I can already tell that this year will be a lot different than last.

Something else that is very different for me is this whole dating thing. I am a pre-mish and so I dont want to get romantically involved with anyone before I go. Some guys are great with this and are very supportive....while others just aren't...that is so weird to me! Haha So I am just trying to take it easy and focus on school and working this semester...if it is meant to be...it will be. I dunno, it is just a weird spot to be in! haha What guy wants to go out with a girl and hear, "Oh and by the way I am going on a mission!" He is either going to:

1. Stop pursuing you...for obviously you are a lost cause.
2. Take it as a challenge and try to win your heart and get involved anyways.
3. Be encouraging and respectful to your decision, and be ok with just being friends.

{ These are from my own experiences at least... }

I know that for some darn reason I need to serve a mission....I have no clue why...but I am SO EXCITED to go!! I can start my papers 120 days before my birthday...and that means that in THREE WEEKS the process will begin!! I want to be sooo prepared to go, so that I can be the best missionary I can possibly be.

This semester is going to bring life-changing possibilities to me and my future. I am excited to get going and to achieve these few goals, and really become the person I want to be.

Bring it!

Soooo Excited :)

2010-08-21T18:59:00.003-06:00

Lately I have been finding it hard to sleep. I get thinking about the future, start making plans and setting goals, and picture how things are gonig to be...and I get too excited to sleep!

Last night was no different. I was up till 3 am, thinking about when my

best friend { Justin Unbedacht }

finally comes home!!!

I cannot wait any longer!! He either comes home in 63...or 104 days!!!

I am praying for the first!

This guy is seriously the sweetest man you will ever meet! He is so selfless and is a friend to
E V E R Y O N E!! I don't know one person who has met Justin that does not love him.

He has the best and biggest smile in the whole world! I love it!! He is so fun & spontaneous, and just loves having a good time. He is an amazing guitar player, pianist and songwriter! He loves giving service and being there for his friends. He is the best friend you could ever ask for!

We have been best friends since we were Seniors in high school! These past two years he has been gone serving a mission { Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints } and I am so proud of him!!! He is such a hard worker! He has grown so much, it is incredible!!

Justin is such an amazing man! :)

I miss him so bad!!!! Sometimes it hurts!! I cannot wait until we can spend hours talking and laughing together like we used to!! I am so excited for him to come home!!!!

...but hopefully this excitement can take a break at night so I can finally get back to sleep...

The life of a nanny

2010-07-27T19:47:00.003-06:00

I just got back from nannying in Richfield, UT.

It was a week full of fun, fun, FUN!!!

...we roasted hot dogs and marshmallows over a fire...

...we had a campout on the top deck and watched the fireworks for Pioneer Day...

...we went star gazing...but the moon was full and bright...aka...couldn't see any stars haha...

...we made amazing Applesauce Cookies...

...and after a long week of playing, I got to relax in the HUGE jetted tub :)...

We also:

*went swimming

*bowling

*saw Toy Story 3

*played games

*colored

*went to grandma's house

Funny Story:

So one morning I wake up to little Steven at my bedside. He poked me and said:

"Hey Rachel, guess what?! I just went potty...and I farted in the toilet...and it sounded like a tuba!"

hahahahahahaha

WOW

If only I could laugh that hard every morning!!

I had a great time with the kids! I am going back in three weeks and will be there for over a week.

i am an auntie

2010-07-27T17:56:00.003-06:00

...i am in love...

with a boy

he is seven pounds

& seven inches taller than a foot

he smells...incredible

& has the softest skin

i could spend all day just staring at him

..but i would much rather have him in my arms

his name is Curtis James Kitto

...i am thinking we will call him CJ...

wanna see him??

what do you think?

a keeper, right?

I think so too!

Rachel Lanham Kitto

2010-07-20T15:02:00.004-06:00

This is my beautiful sister-in-law

{...Rachel Kitto...}

she married my brother...and now we have the same name! :) haha

She is going to have her baby any second now...so we decided it was time to take some pics!

She is going to be such an amazing mom & I am so excited for her and Michael!

I love you Rach!

Good luck with the delivery!!

{...I can't wait to be an auntie...}

...Summer Nanny...

2010-07-13T11:08:00.001-06:00

I was just offered a job to go nanny for my cousins this summer!

WAY EXCITED :)

{...seeing as I just quit my job...this morning...this came at the perfect time...}

I will be gone on:

July 21-25th

August 13-21st

We are gonna have a blast! I love being a nanny and playing with little kids! We are gonna make their summer the best one yet! :)

Swimming pools, swing-sets, popsicles, hiking, drawing, making play-dough, finger painting...

this is definitely going to be fun.

Special Delivery!

2010-07-07T23:39:00.007-06:00

I came home from work today and found a note on my door

saying that this flower delivery company had tried to drop off an order,

but no one was home...so they left it at a neighbors house!

So I skipped across the street

to get the flowers...and see who they were for...

...and much to my surprise...

they were for...me!!!!

...I LOVE flowers...

...I love smelling flowers...

...I love looking at flowers...

{...but most of all...}

I love being SENT flowers!!!

This made my whole day!

This is the most beautiful boquet I could ever imagine!!

I LOVE lillies & roses!!!
And I looove Yellow, Red, Orange, with the soft pink!!
...it is perfect...
{...i could not have done it better myself...}

...T H A N K Y O U...

{...you know who you are...}

Late Nights & Best Friends

2010-07-06T20:00:00.003-06:00

Just a fun shoot late at night with my friends!

...Blonde bombshells...

Gotta love 'em

Andrea and Kenny

2010-07-06T19:39:00.005-06:00

Fun photoshoot with two BEAUTIFUL people

who make one AMAZING couple!

...seriously...check them out!!

So HOT right now!

I absolutely loved this shoot

They are such a fun couple and will have BEAUTIFUL children!!!

Congrats Kenny and Andrea

You are both amazing people and I am so glad you two found each other!

{ http://mcaffeeadventures.blogspot.com/ }

My summer so far!

2010-07-05T17:31:00.008-06:00

This summer has been going by sooooo fast, and I have no clue why!

...maybe it's because...

..it snowed in June...

..or because my sister Kimmy came home from her mission...

...or because I have moved back home....

...and have been spending a ton of time with my family...

...I got braces...

...and my wisdom teeth taken out...
{braces and wisdom teeth in the same week}

...maybe summer is going by so fast because I have been busy making cute crafts...

...or because I have been playing fun games...

...while wearing a really ugly hat....

...maybe it's because I went to the Manti Pageant...

......twice.....

....or it could be because I have gone to Costa Vida so often....I am obsessed with their Sweet Pork Salad...

...or because I have eaten way too many popsicles...

...oh wait...that is impossible...you can never eat too many popsicles...

...or it could be the fact that I have done so many photo shoots already this summer...

...and plenty more are on the way...

...maybe it's because I have spent a ton of time with a ton of fun people...

...or maybe its because when I go on a run, I see views like this...

.....uphill both ways I swear.....

...but when I bike ride, things slow down and see views like this...

...time could be flying while I am taking naps with grandma...

{hahahahahaha she would kill me if she saw this!! hahahhaha}

...or maybe it's because my life flashed before my eyes when the fireworks at the Stadium of Fire shot into the audience...

...people were diving to get out of the way...two people's clothes caught on fire...it was intense..

...but soooo funny!!!

HAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAH

{I am sorry if any of you got hurt!}

So whatever the reason may be...summer is flying by!

But luckily I have spent plenty of that time with people I love, and doing the things that I love!

...plenty more summer fun memories still to come...

:) i hope you are enjoying your summer :)

Utah Valley

2010-07-05T15:27:00.005-06:00

I took 2nd place in the Lehi City Art Show with this peice above.

"Delightful Day"

Utah Lake

2010-07-05T14:58:00.003-06:00

Tulip Festival

2010-07-05T14:43:00.004-06:00

I went the the Tulip Festival at Thanksgiving Point with my family...and I think we went a little too early...

There were only a few flowers that had bloomed!

My Front Yard

2010-07-05T14:01:00.003-06:00

Views from my front yard...

....besides the flower in my bathroom ;)

My Backyard

2010-07-04T15:49:00.005-06:00

Go out and enjoy the simple pleasures in life...

Independence Day

2010-07-04T14:42:00.017-06:00

On Saturday, my family abandoned me and took off to Bryce Canyon.

I stayed home to check off an item on my
Bucket List:
-see Carrie Underwood Live in concert!!!!
:) :) :)
{Which was amazing, by the way!}

Now I am home alone...
celebrating
INDEPENDENCE DAY
...independently.

God Bless America!!!

(...we kind of need it...)

Christopher Moore

2010-07-04T13:38:00.004-06:00

I have yet to post any of my photography up here, so I thought I would do that today!

This was my latest shoot with Chris Moore. He is such a stud! These are a few of senior pictures. We had such a good time and as you can see...he is a great model! :)

This guy is an amazing guitar player!!

hahaha This one was blown up and made into a poster! hahaha

Oh the cap and gown! Doesn't he pull it off nicely? :)

I love this big smile! :)

I told you he was a great model! :)

Congrats Chris on your graduation, and good luck to all that you do! You are AMAZING!

Wisdom Teeth

2010-06-07T23:37:00.003-06:00

On Tuesday, June 1st, Kristie (my younger sister) and I went and got our wisdom teeth out. We went to a research clinic and were compensated $550 for the extraction of ONE tooth! Sweet deal, huh? We will go back in August and do it again....and yup, you guessed it...recieve another $550!!

They were researching the type of medicine (1000 mg of Bayer Asprin) they gave us after the surgery. I am pretty darn sure I got a PLACEBO! I was in so much pain!! haha I would look over at Kristie and she was doing fine...so I tried to be tough and think mind of matter...but that only worked for so long! I asked for more meds and they hooked me up with the goods! After that I was totally fine and have been ever since! I recovered SO quickly!! I didn't even bleed after the surgery!

While Kristie and I had to stay at the clinic, we were able to have some great sister bonding time :)

We layed in bed and watched chick flicks and ate applesauce together! haha All the nurses would laugh and smile as they walked by!

This is the only picture we have our one chubby cheek from getting our tonsils out. I got the bottom left one out and Kris got the bottom right one...she doesn't even look swollen at all! Haha

This was surprisingly a lot better than I thought it was going to be, except for the surgery itself. The doctor numbed me up, and then went right to work. There was SOOO much PRESSURE!! I could hear him grunting as he tried to pull it out...that made me so nervous! I was sweating bullets! I remember being pretty freaked out, and so I was praying for some comfort, when all of the sudden I felt a hand interlock with mine and just hold on. I closed my hand around theirs, and opened my eyes to look and see who it was...but no one was holding my hand. I have never felt the Comforter so present in my life as I did at that moment! What an amazing experience for me! After that I was totally fine and all my nerves disappeared and I was able to find relief.

God lives. I know it. :)

Work Hard, Play Hard

2010-06-07T23:24:00.002-06:00

I just started my new job today and I absolutely love it! For some reason I was scared to death to go today, but I had NO reason to! I love the people I work with and the product I am selling! This is the start of something great I just know it!!!

This summer is going to be the best summer ever!!! I am already having the time of my life! I have great friends, an amazing family, and now a job that I love. Life could not get any better! I am so grateful for all that I have been blessed with! God is watching out for me and has blessed my life in more ways than I could have ever asked for! I have never been so happy! :)

I cant wait to fill this blog with all the fun I will be having this summer! Tonight my family and I spent the evening up Rock Canyon (behind Squaw Peak) and it was sooo beautiful up there! I only had my blackberry camera with me, but here is a pic from tonight!

Beautiful, huh? :)

Braces

2010-05-29T12:35:00.010-06:00

On Wednesday, May 26, I went from a 20 year old to 14 year old in about an hour!

I got BRACES!!!

Now I gnaw on food like a teething baby, my mouth is all cut up and sore, and I think I have developed a lisp. Cute...I know! ;)

I had braces back in Jr. High and then when it came time to wear the retainers...I couldn't stand it! The doctor gave me two removable retainers to wear- but I have a really small mouth so I felt clastrophobic and I couldnt talk at all. And I would grind my teeth during the night and when I woke up, my retainers would be somewhere in my sheets! haha It was my fun little scavenger hunt every morning. ;)

Well eventually I ended up losing the bottom one. I asked for a permanent one instead...but me being the push over that I am...allowed the doctor to talk me into getting another removable one. Biggest regret of my life. I never wore them. Gradually my teeth moved back into their not so perfect place and I became deeply ashamed. :( I decided that if I ever did it again, I would do it right.

So this is my chance to re-due the biggest mistake of my life! How exciting is that!? I am wearing elastics right now to correct my cross bite, and let me tell ya, I am in pain!!! Haha 9 months...9 months...9 months... Knowing that I only have to deal with this for 9 months is my light at the end of a tunnel! I know this will be so worth it! I have wanted this for a long time now and I am so grateful to finally be on track to achieving this goal! :)