Oh Baby...

So as many of you know and are experiencing... this week is finals week. Most people are almost done or completely done with their finals by Thursday...nope, not me! This is my own fault; however, I have been studying and not slacking off. I don't think I remember a week in my scholastic career where I have been so stressed out! I just keep telling myself that it will all be over soon and then i can finally enjoy Christmas. I have learned a few things and have had a couple of realizations over the past couple of days:

1. I am way too highly emotional and over dramatic at late hours of the night.
2. When feeling large amounts of stress, I become on the verge of psychotic.
3. My body requires 8 hours of sleep to function properly.
4. I am a much happier person every other week of the year, except this one.

Needless to say, I feel like the cat in the picture.

Holiday Fun!

Beautiful snow-the view from my apartments
Pretty temple square lights

I love Christmas time! It's a bit different trying to celebrate the holiday in college-you have finals and so much to do that I realized I really haven't done many Christmasy things. One thing we did do is go to temple square to see the lights. I love doing this! It is so beautiful and really is a great way to put you in the Christmas spirit. However, the night we were there it was super super freezing and really busy...but that's ok, I still loved it. Also, today it finally snowed! I hurried out with my camera to take a picture-I've been wanting it to snow so badly! And I was a little miffed when I got a phone call from my family in Houston, Texas the other day saying it had snowed there! What the heck?! When does it ever snow in Houston and not Provo?? They even sent me a picture of their little snowman they built, they were so proud! Anyways, I hope everyone is having a great holiday season!

Thanksgiving!

This Thanksgiving I got to go to Devon's house in Burley, ID-we had so much fun! We got in Tuesday night and ate dinner with his family and then some of his high school friends came over. It was fun to be able to meet them and to get to know Devon's family better. The next day we spent pretty much all in Twin Falls. We went to see the new temple there, went to the mall and then went to some water falls that were so beautiful! That night we went on a double date with Devon's friend Brock-we went out to eat and then roasted smores. The next day was Thanksgiving! We started off by watching the Macy's Thanksgiving day parade (a tradition in my family) and then helped a bit before dinner. Alot of Dev's extended family were able to come, so I think there was about 25 people at dinner. We played games later that night and visited with all the family. The next morning I had to leave to get back to work for the oh so highly anticipated black Friday. It was a really nice break, and I was so glad to be able to spend it with the Gibby's. Here are just a couple of pictures-most of the Thanksgiving pics are on Devon's camera, but here's a couple from our trip:



On our way to Burley, I know....this could be our most attractive picture yet!In Twin Falls at the new temple

The product of my father

So today I was thinking about my family and trying to figure out which one of them I am most like...and I've decided that as I have gotten older I have become so much more like my dad! My dad has very strong views on certain things, and as I've gotten older I've realized that my views are pretty much the same when it comes to politics and such. I called him last night ranting about a certain political issue that's been bugging me, and he just laughed at my emphatic views on the matter....it all comes from you, dad! Also, my dad loves people and is a very social person. I always am impressed by how many different connections and friends he has throughout the world-I love people too; I love meeting new people, getting to know about them, and making new friends. This is always a trait I have admired about him. For those of you who REALLY know my dad, he is kind of an emotional guy; needless to say, I follow in his footsteps. We both share the gift of crying...well, I don't know if it's really a gift. This really is something I appreciate though-my dad is very emotional, especially when it comes to his children. I remember at a young women's activity each father had to tell a little bit about their daughter. When it came my dad's turn he started talking about the day I was born...and the crying began. At the time I was embarrassed, but as I look back on it now I realize that he only cries when something is really important to him; I appreciate his emotional side. I'm glad my dad and I share different traits; being away from home and talking on the phone to him often has really made me realize just how much we have in common! He is one of my greatest friends, and I'm really grateful for the relationship we share.

Blessings

So I decided that since it is the month of Thanksgiving, I should take some time to remember why I am so blessed. So here it goes:

1. I have an AMAZING family-immediate and extended. I am so blessed to have such a wonderful family who does so much for me and loves me!
2. I have the most loyal, wonderful friends in the world! And an amazing boyfriend :)
3. I live in the best country in the world--where so many opportunities are available
4. I attend a great university, where I receive an excellent education
5. I do not have any debilitating diseases and am able to see, hear and walk!
6. I have financial security-a home to live in, food to eat, nice clothes to wear, and a job.
7. I have been born into the gospel, and have a testimony of the happiness it brings!
8. I live in a beautiful place, with gorgeous scenery
9. I have talents that bring me joy, and that I can expand on

Now for the more trivial blessings:
10. my car! --love this thing :) it takes me to wherever I need to go
11. yummy food--i love food, esp. good food. it brings me so much happiness
12. my ipod--music is such a huge part of my life, my favorite is to listen to it while I'm getting ready
13. my cell phone--oh my, what would i do w/out this thing! it's my lifeline to a world outside of BYU...
14. make-up! oh my, how grateful i am for this...
15. television--keeps me updated on my fav. shows
16. computers--amazing invention.

There are so many other things that I could list...this is just a short summary. I'm grateful for this time of year that we have to really think about what we're grateful for, hopefully we can remember that all year round!

Baby Mania!

So I've had a very strange baby hungry yearning lately...where does this come from you may ask?? I have no stinkin clue! I'm not married, so it's not even remotely possible...so why do I want one? Is this normal? I ask myself...do other people feel this way? I work at a kids clothing store, so I see cute kids and babies all of the time; plus, I see adorable baby clothes constantly and want to buy them. But for who? Definitely not me. On top of this, I have baby dreams! I either dream that I'm pregnant or have a baby. Exhibit A: Last night I dreamed that I had a 2 year old baby boy named Logan. He was the cutest, sweetest baby ever! He had bright blonde, curly hair and big blue eyes-adorable. Anways, this is my ranting topic of the day-do other people feel like this? Is baby mania normal?

"A Collection of Thoughts" By: Ashley L. Vincent...

Thought #1:
I love the fall! Today as I was walking from class, the sun was shining, the leaves were blowing, and it was just an absolute beautiful day. I have been noticing lately how pretty the leaves are getting. Devon and I went on a walk in the canyon on Sunday, and it was just gorgeous! I'm so happy that I live in such a beautiful place.

Thought#2:
Domestication (Is this a word?). This is my new goal. I have found that I rather enjoy cooking and have decided to broaden my cooking horizon's to make a new goal and try cooking new recipes. I would also like to be a bit more crafty, and possibly take up sewing one day. However, it will not be for a while considering school seems to be more important at the moment.

Thought #3:
Throughout my experience working at The Children's Place I have discovered something...the mother's of Utah are beautiful! I see these mom's come in all of the time looking absolutely perfect-dressed well, hair is great-and the amazing thing is that their children look the same. I don't know how they do it...I strive to be like this one day--hopefully that doesn't sound too vein. However, I do realize that other things are much more important.

Thought #4:
Samuel the Lamanite is amazing! Today as I was reading my scriptures I realized just how much courage and guts it must have taken him to preach repentance from the top of a wall. When I realize that the people I so admire in the scriptures are real, I am in awe. I don't know if I would have the strength or gall to do some of the things they do- they are all my heroes :)

Thought #5:

The other day I went to Kung Fu Panda and one line really stuck with me. The old turtle (can't remember his name) said something like "Each day is a gift, that is why it is called the present". (bet you didn't know animated movies were so inspiring!) Anyways, I LOVED that and really think it's true. Each day is truly a gift filled with new adventures, opportunites and blessings-- my new goal is to tr y and realize that, and live accordingly

We carved pumpkins for a date we went on. Our's is the cat on the right, hopefully you can tell it's a cat...Me, Devon, and pretty tree-on a walk in the canyon

I've Been Tagged!

*8 Favorite TV shows:
1. What Not to Wear
2. The Hills
3. Hannah Montana
4. What I Like About You
5. American Idol
6. Take Home Chef
7. The View
8. Wizards of Waverly Place

*8 Favorite Restraunts:
1. Carabbbas
2. Happy Sumo
3. PF Changs
4. Cafe Rio
5. Benihanas
6. Brio's
7. Cheesecake Factory
8. Kneaders

*8 things that happened yesterday:
1. Got to eat lunch at the Cannon Center
2. Ate Pasta Roni for dinner
3. Slept in :)
4. Had time to read a book
5. Talked about life lessons with Meg
6. Hung out with Dev
7. Bought new Halloween decorations
8. Went on a walk


*8 things to look forward to:
1. Getting paid tomorrow
2. Cold weather forecasted for the weekend
3. the Twilight movie
4. the weekend
5. pumpkin carving
6. hanging out with my friend Amanda
7. using my coupons to go fun places
8. HSM 3!

*8 things I love about fall:
1. Walking past Bath and Body Works and smelling the scents
2. Crunching leaves
3. Halloween and Thanksgiving decorations
4. Fall clothes
5. 13 Nights of Halloween on ABC Family
6. Pretty drives through the canyon
7. Going to Thanksgiving point to the corn maze
8. Thanksgiving, and lots of good food

*8 Things on My Wish List:
1. To do well in school this semester
2. To travel to lots of fun places
3. To go to watch the Olympics in 2010
4. Learn to play the violin again
5. Be more organized
6. To learn to cook better and become a bit more domestic
7. I really want a watch with fake diamonds around it...
8. To just continue to be happy, healthy and love life!

*8 people I'm tagging:
1. Kaitlin
2. Audrey
3. Leslie
4. Rachelle
5. Lorina
6. Hannah S.
7. Lauren F.
8. Dani

I am mortified!

For anyone who saw a bad picture linked to my blog, I never ever ever ever ever would post that! I had no idea it was on there until someone mentioned it, and I took it off immediately! I am so sorry for anyone who may have seen it , and promise I was totally unaware and would never have any association with such a thing. I am so mortified and have no idea how this happened. It just goes to show how sick, twisted and sneaky the world is. Again my total apologies! ~Ashley

A fun visitor!

So last Wednesday my dad flew into town to visit for a while...little did he know he would be here longer than expected (due to Hurricane Ike). It was so fun though! I love when any member of my family comes to visit me, especially since I'm so far away from home. He took me out to eat every night, which is such a treat for a college student! My fridge has been filled with leftovers :). It was just so fun to be able to spend time with him and talk to him. We also went to the very exciting BYU football game on Saturday! My dad is a very avid football and Cougar fan so it was fun for him to attend one the games live. We were a little worried about the rest of the family back home with the hurricane. They are all doing ok, our fence got blown over but that is it. We are so grateful! I love my family and am so blessed to have such a great one! I'm especially grateful for the wonderful relationship I have with my dad, he's the best! So thanks dad for coming to visit, love ya!

Home Sweet Home!

So I'm totally moved into my new apartment. I love it, and I love my roommates! We've had a great time so far and have met some nice people in our complex. Classes have started and are going great! This semester I'm taking: Language Science, Language Development, Phonology, Food Science, Teaching of the Living Prophets, and a vocal class. I love speech pathology; I'm so glad that I chose it as a major! The more I learn, the more I love it. So that's just a brief recap of my life the past couple of weeks: moving and school. Here's just a couple of pictures of my new apartment!

In love with Lochte...

I love the Olympics! I have had so much fun watching them...especially one particular swimmer, Ryan Lochte. Now don't get me wrong, I think Michael Phelps is amazing and all, but I think Lochte is great too :). (And not to mention very, very attractive...) He has currently moved to the position of my computer screen saver. I was so excited for him the other night when he snatched the gold in the 200m backstroke. I think he's a great olympian, and has made my olympic viewing experience much more enjoyable! So congrats to Lochte and the other olympians-Go team USA! P.S.-photos provided for your viewing pleasure

My Best Friends Wedding

I went to my best friend's wedding this past weekend in Portland. It was beautiful! Rachel and Mike are so happy, and I was so glad that I could go and be a part of their big day!

Life

The other day I had the opportunity to attend the funeral of my great aunt who passed away on my birthday. I didn't really know her, but was encouraged to go by my dad to represent our family. I was so glad that I attended. As I heard the stories of her life and sat there I realized what an amazing thing life is...and how I should never take it for granted. I feel that so many times in my life I only hope for the next phase...for example: "Oh things will be wonderful when I'm done with school!" or "When I get married life will be great". I have realized that I need to live in the moment and enjoy each phase as it comes. I feel like life flies by so fast...I mean where have my first 20 years gone?! But each day is a new adventure and I'm grateful for the opportunity to live it.
As I sat in the funeral my thoughts were also turned to those important people who have had a great impact on my life. Every time I attend a funeral I think of my mom, and remember the day that I attended her funeral. Besides my dad, she has had the greatest impact on my life, and I believe still does. I want to please her and make her proud, and I feel like that helps me to be a better person. She is the most caring, giving, and courageous person I have every known. I feel so much a part of her, and love the similarites that we share. Even though I only had her here for 14 years, I feel that I have been so blessed to have her as my mom and to still learn of her through letters she has left behind. She had so many friends and was one of those people that everyone just adored. I'm so grateful for the plan of salvation and to know that I will see her again. That news brings me so much comfort and peace. I'm grateful for each day and for the gift of life! It's such a wonderful, beautiful thing and I'm grateful for all of the people in my life who help to make it so great :).

My Birthday!

I had a wonderful birthday yesterday! It was so much fun, and I can't believe that I'm 20! It started out with a great breakfast at my friend Leslie's families house. Me and my roommate Audrey went and it was a great way to start off the day! The day followed with lunch with my Kingwood friends and later, the Stadium of Fire. Me and Audrey were so excited to see Miley that we went and bought Hannah Montana logo attire...it was so much fun! We had a wonderful time at the concert!! The fireworks were great too :) I had so many friends that called or texted me and it was so nice, I have the most loyal, wonderful friends in the world! My family was also great and reminded me 14 times throughout the day that it was my birthday via texting or phone calls :) I gained a sense of greater gratitude as I thought about my first 20 years of life. Life goes by so fast, and I'm constantly reminded that I need to enjoy it. These 20 years have been filled with wonderful moments and hopefully the next 20 will be just as great. I also have a great appreciation for the independence of our country. I love having my birthday on the 4th of July, I always thought I was a little firecracker! So, thank you to all who helped to make my birthday spectacular!


Shortly after the clock striked 12 on July 4th...woohoo I'm 20!
Audrey bought me the same bag I got her for her birthday, just in white
Erica, Me, Thuy, and Audrey at Mimi's Cafe for a birthday lunch
Ready for the concert!
Glenn Beck, the host

MILEY!!
and more...
Miley on stage
The Blue Man Group

more Blue Man group...

Miley singing. good shot, huh?
We love her!
Me and Audrey freaking out!
My beautiful birthday cake, made by Jan Noble...thank you :)

Make a wish!

My Slide Show

Summer Fun

Our Amazing Gingerbread city
We worked on the residential area. D.K., Annie, Me, and Nathan
Me and my roommate Annie
Me and Lauren were matching so I had to get a picture!
Cami, Amy, Lauren, me and Annie...all on our laptops!

I'm finally moved into my new apartment and am all settled in! I'm still in the same complex but decided it was time for a change...so I changed buildings. It's been so fun! I have really cute roommates who are super sweet so everything has worked out great :) I'm so glad that I decided to come back and stay for the summer. There's always something going on, and I've met some really nice people. Last night we went and made a ginger bread city...if you look at the pictures you can see how fabulous it turned out! I have also started my new job...full force! I love it! The kids that I work with are so adorable and I can tell that this job will be so great and rewarding. So things are going wonderfully, and I will keep you all updated on adventures to come!

Recap of Alaska

Chris and I at dinner our first night
Our boat! The Norwegian Pearl
The Mendenhaal glacier and a pretty waterfall
Glacier Bay

The port in Ketchikan

Well I've been back from our cruise for about 1 1/2 weeks now, and am finally getting adjusted back into normal life! It was absolutely beautiful and we had a wonderful time! Some of the highlights of the trip include: visiting glaciers and seeing beautiful scenery, spotting wildlife, shopping in the different and very unique ports, taking a train ride through the mountains, going to a lumberjack show, eating lots of yummy yummy food, and just spending time with family. This was a great experience for me and Chris and I'm grateful we were able to visit this part of the country! Thanks grandma and grandpa!