Adam and Emily's Wedding

It was a beautiful wedding! Jami, Adam's Step MOM, totally out did herself on the flowers. They were beautiful. I loved getting to help her.

It was CRAZY hot in Austin already, but I guess that's why the yard was gorgeous ! It was the sweetest wedding having the close family there.

I was there for like 5 hours helping Jami, and just about when I was done we had a little accident. I was picking up a vase that was going on 

the sign in table and it shattered in my hand and cut my finger really bad... I was worried that I needed stitches, but I was about to put Emily's 

hair up. I wrapped it in gauze and duck tape and did her hair with NINE fingers and one throbbing. It turned out great. She loved it, that's 

all that matters. Corrie, her Bridesmaid, is one of my clients. I actually did her hair for her wedding before I even knew that her and Emily were 

friends. It worked out, she was going to have me do her hair for the wedding any how. She is such a sweetie. The wedding went perfect, and

everyone was in tears. We had a really fun dinner afterwards. I am so happy for these two!

(also this is the first time to shoot the NEW CAM) Not too bad! It was really fun, and no editing. I have a long way to go!

Matty's Graduation

Lost to catch up on but I am going to try to stay in order. My wonderful brother graduated from college this month!  YES he is a stud muffin.... Was and always will be .... But NOW with a college degree! We are so very proud of him and his dedication to sticking it out even after basketball was well over. There couldn't have been a more proud sister there that day. I had been with him through the ups and downs and it was really neat to see him reach a goal that he thought at many times was unattainable! HE DID IT.  I have always known he could do anything that he set his mind to.  He is brilliant, and has so many great qualities to be admired. I love him no matter what he does, but when you see him succeeding your heart just swells out of your chest. My family all feels the same way, my parents got him a stellar car as a graduation gift. As if he wasn't already good looking enough, just imagine him pulling up in a black 7 series BMW and stepping out in linens with his shades. One word HOT! Yes, I am proud to say he is a Hottie! Watch out ladies...  

The best part though, he has the sweetest heart to go along with those outward looks. I am probably not the best at expressing my feelings towards him. You know two really close brothers and sisters give each other a hard time 98% of the time. We both have a pretty good sense of humor. I love that, but sometimes you don't get the chance to be serious long enough to really share how you feel! 

I have an amazing brother, and he is so many things that I am not. Many times growing up I think we compared ourselves to one another because it was just the two of us.  I always wanted to be like him. You know skinny and all... No I am playing. He possesses many qualities that I admired over the years. He is very compassionate, caring, gentle, thoughtful of people's feelings, a great listener, and most of all a great friend. He has always been one of my best! I remember when we were little we didn't care about having any other friends besides one another. We always wanted each others full attention! I have so many great memories. 

I love you Matty, thank you for always being there for me, and loving me when I am unlovable... I am a super proud and so blessed to be able to call you my brother. I know you will do great things in your life, and will touch many peoples lives for the good. I look forward to growing up, maturing, and being able to become closer everyday. I have accepted the fact that I'll never be skinnier than you, or as good at wake boarding as you, or as good at making anyone laugh. Most of all I will never beat you in any kind of video game no matter how much you try to let me win (so i might keep playing) ;o) I am OKAY with all of that! I am GLAD you are! You thought I'd never say it! 

( I can still beat you with a trick off the diving board and a "creative" coloring contest) Sorry, I had to!

I love you MATTY.

-Your PROUD SISTER

WE are BACK!

We had the TRIP of all ETERNITY! 

The Kona Temple was amazingly beautiful... What took place inside was even more! 

Thank you to everyone that was at home thinking about us, and the ones we could share it with! It couldn't have been better. 

We love you all. 

(I took 800 pictures in Hawaii, so there will be many more to come! One quick edit will have to do for now.)

Lesson's Learned by Newbie

 Revelation and a Living Prophet

Chapter 16

From the Life of Joseph Smith

Following this conference, the Prophet recalled, “my time was occupied closely in reviewing the commandments and sitting in conference, for nearly two weeks; for from the first to the twelfth of November we held four special conferences. In the last … the conference voted that they prize the revelations to be worth … the riches of the whole earth.” The conference also declared that the revelations are “the foundation of the Church in these last days, and a benefit to the world, showing that the keys of the mysteries of the kingdom of our Savior are again entrusted to man; and the riches of eternity [are] within the compass of those who are willing to live by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.”

God has always guided His people and His Church through revelation.

“Salvation cannot come without revelation; it is in vain for anyone to minister without it. … No man can be a minister of Jesus Christ except he has the testimony of Jesus; and this is the spirit of prophecy [see Revelation 19:10]. Whenever salvation has been administered, it has been by testimony. Men of the present time testify of heaven and hell, and have never seen either; and I will say that no man knows these things without this.”7

The President of the Church conveys the word of God to us for our day and generation.

“Like those who held up the hands of Moses [see Exodus 17:8–13], so let us hold up the hands of those who are appointed to direct the affairs of the Kingdom, so that they may be strengthened, and be enabled to prosecute their great designs, and be instrumental in effecting the great work of the last days.”

Those who reject the living prophet will not progress and will bring upon themselves the judgments of God.

Noah was a perfect man, and his knowledge or revelation of what was to take place upon the earth gave him power to prepare and save himself and family from the destruction of the flood. This knowledge, or revelation, … was not believed by the inhabitants of the earth. They knew Adam was the first man, made in the image of God; that he was a good man; that Enoch walked with God three hundred and sixty-five years, and was translated to heaven without tasting death. But they could not endure the new revelation: the old we believe because our fathers did, but away with new revelations. And the flood swept them away. …

“The same principle … was signally manifest among the Jews when the Savior came in the flesh. [They] boasted of the old revelations, garnished the sepulchres of the dead, gave tithes of mint and anise, made long prayers for a pretense, and crossed sea and land to make proselytes, but yet when the new revelation came fresh from the mouth of the great I Am himself, they could not endure it—it was too much. It showed the corruptions of that generation, as others before, and they cried, away with him; crucify him! …

Prov. 29:18 Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he. I LOVE THIS SCRIPTURE... It is so true!

My Testimony,

I am so thankful that God calls men to be Prophets. I know that he has a plan for everyone, and each child of God are to follow prophecies. I am very thankful that I may pray and receive revelation and conformation that these things are of the Lord and not of man. He hears your prayers, and will answer you. I can feel the Holy Spirit confirm to me that it is truth. The Lord will overtake you with peacfullness. I am also thankful that I am able to seek the Lord for direction in my own life. He will reveal to me exactly what I am suppose to do. Where, what, and how I am going to do something. He is always by your side, when you call upon him he is there to guide you. I feel very blessed to have a TRUE prophet here on earth today. 

In the name of Jesus Christ

Amen

WAY excited!

I just sold all of the current Salon furniture to one lady. YIPPEEE. They are coming to pick it all up Saturday Night when we close! Whew... what a relief. One less thing to worry about. Not to mention I got decent money for it all. It is still good stuff. I don't know how many clients this week have said, I don't see anything wrong with what you have. There isn't really, but I just want something more MODERN! I can't have my house all black, so it is my outlet! I am not sure what they are planning on doing with it, but I think it will make for a great salon. I am keeping one station and chair for my personal use. I am not ever going to be an at home stylist it's just not my thing, but I will do my family!!! I can't wait for this weekend to hurry and get here!!! I have been waiting over 4 years for the day I could have all NEW STUFF!!!! It is here and worth every minute of working hard to accomplish this goal!

European Design HERE WE COME! The NEW KADIZA!!!!!!!!!!!!

New Stuff!

i JUST FOUIND OUT THAT THE SALON FURNITURE WILL BE DELIVERED TOMORROW AFTERNOON! I CANNOT WAIT TO SEE IT! The plan is to unpack tomorrow once it arrives. Saturday after we close we are going to pack up everything and haul it off somewhere. The floor guys are coming in late Sat. night to do the refinish. This should be completeley done my Monday morning, then we get to have the real fun!!!! Setting up, rearranging, and seeing the FINISH PRODUCT!!!!! I just know I am going to love it!!!!

Also last night I was studying some scriptures, and felt convicted to start something new. Since we teach primary, I don't get to learn all of the releif society leasson from Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith. I loved learning each lesson when I was a RS teacher in the branch. I know that I will gain lots of knowledge. I am going to start where I left off, and study one lesson each week. To keep me accountable I am going to blog each week on what I learned from the lesson, and share thoughts and scriptues. Not only will it help me grow, but hopefully all my blog readers will get something out of it too!!! Whether a memeber of Our Church or of any other faith I feel like something will apply to you. If you don't want to read it, then just skip over post called "Lesson Learned by Newbie Natalie"

I am looking forward to this addition!

FHE

Tonight went really well. We had a couple from our ward over for dinner. They just had their first baby about three months ago... She is still so tiny and so sweet. She's precious! We made Grilled Chicken Pesto and Artichoke Rigatoni as the main dish. We had a green salad with Strawberry Balsamic Dressing homemade, Rep Pepper french bread, and the Famous Jello salad for dessert. It was great getting to know this sweet family a little better.  Thank You for Cummings! (that's their name)

Today we got lots done. I met a gal from first ward today at the gym. It seemed like we really hit it off. I definitely want to get together with them soon! Her husbands is in his residency here. Her in I have lots in common. We talked for probably half an hour. Thanks Jill.

We bought all sort of plants and flowers and we got them all planted, and Nick got them fertilized. We went with purples of course :0) and a little lime green plant. They really aren't looking that great yet... I might give them a week or so before taking any pictures! It was such a pretty day though, I am glad I got to get some sun! Even if it was bent over digging in the earthworms.

Sunday Funday!

We had an amazing day at church. My friend Anna went with us. She is just so stinking cool! I am so glad that she is a part of my life these days. She makes me want to be a better person! You can't help but just love her she is soo sweet!

After church we hurried home and ate some left over Spicy Pasta YUMMY! I made Iced Sugar Cookies from scratch. Frosting and all! That was a first for me. I am trying to use that kitchen aid whenever I can. (Thanks Annie) I made the frosting purple because K State was having a great weekend against Texas, which is BIG. They turned out really good! I was proud. We took them over to the couples home that is teaching out Temple Prep class. There was only  few of us there for our meeting, so we took the ones left over to my parents house they only live two streets down. I grew up with this families boys at the neighborhood pool. They were so gracious to have us over, and help us catch up on material. We are going to the temple before the class was suppose to end, and they were great to help make it work! We have really learned a lot, and we are really excited. We feel ready. 

As soon as we walked in the door Nick changed and we left for Emily and Adam's Shower. It was their couple shower, and it was so much fun! They got lots of great stuff and the hostesses did a wonderful meal, treats, and drink. It was at a great house with an awesome outdoor living area with a TV screen mounted. That means we got to keep up with the Draft a little while we were watching the present opening. We are excited for them. The plans have sort of changed because of Keith's situation.  They are getting married in Austin May 6th. We are going down Tues. night when I get finished at work, and coming home Thursday night. Everyone just has great attitudes, and are just rolling with the flow. I am proud of them, and can't wait to spend this really exciting day with the two of them. I love them both! 

We came home tired, but knew we couldn't take a nap or we wouldn't be able to fall asleep tonight! We worked out on our flower beds in the front yard. We are going to try and plant some stuff tomorrow. Wish us luck, Nick and I do NOT have green thumbs! We are just going for PURPLE and ALIVE! Anything would be an improvement at this point!

Can someone of you leave a comment letting me know if you can see the entire collage or if part of it cut off??? My screen looks fine but on the phone its cut.. Just trying to figure out the most efficient way to blog still. The collages are really simple to Blurb, so I just need to figure out the post! Thanks

Super Saturday

WEDDINGS, PROM, AND MORE PROM!

Today work was crazy. I LOVE doing hair for special events. You get to be super creative, and people feel really beautiful getting all dressed up! I have got to meet a lot of the high school girls from church lately, and they have wanted me to do their hair for prom. They are super cute. They are totally open to let me do whatever, and I love that! It makes my job really fun...

Here is the picture one of them showed me...

I also got the pleasure of doing my favorite client today... NOT! He is an older guy that really makes me uneasy feeling. I wish I could tell him not to come back anymore, but he really hasn't done anything to warrant that. It's just that I don't get a good feeling from him. STRANGE. I just try to treat him as if it were any other client. Last time I had Nick come up to the the salon during his appt, but he still came back!

One of my friends I grew up with, was in her little sisters wedding tonight.  I go to do a few of the bridesmaid do's. They had great hair so that was easy. They looked STUNNING.

After work Nick and I got to meet my uncle for Dinner at a fabulous Cajun restaurant.  Nick loves that kind of food. He played college ball with a guy from Louisiana who's mom would make gumbo, freeze it, and ship it to them. Then he played pro ball in Mississippi, so he is a huge fan.  The guy who owns the restaurant came to Lubbock when Katrina hit, and never went back. It is a great little place downtown topped off with live Jazz on the weekends and all. I don't even know how to explain what Nick got... a stuffed chicken with cream sauce. I had a chicken and sausage pasta with a creole red sauce. It was amazing. We had a great time chatting. We are really enjoying the family time we have got to spend with my uncle. This week we celebrated the 3 year anniversary of my aunt passing away. I feel like he is really doing well. I am proud of him. He is enjoying life, and doing so much for himself to stay active. What more could you ask for?!?!

Speaking of active news today that Nick's oldest brother Brandon, is coming to the BIG LBK at the end of June to compete in the Buffalo Lake Triathlon. Nick entered today as well. I am trying to decide if my Dad and I are going to enter the team one or individually. I know that I can do it alone, but then again I think it would be great to complete it Daddy/Daughter too for our first time. We will see. THE TRAINING BEGINS! WAHOO

Also my sweet new friend is coming to church with us in the morning, and I am super excited. She is amazing. We already feel like we have known each other for a long time. She showed up to the salon today, and brought me a Sonic Lemonade!  It was such a crazy day I hadn't eaten or anything so it was a pleasant treat. Her boyfriend is a seasoned triathlete, so I think he will be able to help us out. I think he is actually going to compete himself as well. We were joking today that we thought Will, Nick, and Brandon should swap the all spandex "traditional triathlon" outfit in for a matching thong... Hey they might win because they will definitely be distracting the other in the race!!! ;o) I won't do a picture for that one! hehe