Karly

Scripture Case Tutorial

2012-01-25T16:22:00.000-08:00

My sister came over the other day asking if I was interested in making a scripture case with her. My reaction? "WELL DUH!" :P You can find the tutorial we used HERE!
All we used was some old scraps of fabric, an elastic hair tie, and a button. :) I didn't use the measurements given here, but just measured my scriptures and added 1/2" to each side. I LOVE IT!

I took it to show off the my friend Bryce, and he was oddly jealous, so I made him one. :) His does not have the accent stripes/handles and is a bit too big, but he likes it. :)

Mom's Famous Chicken Salad

2012-01-25T16:14:00.000-08:00

Hmm... this is kind of pasted down and I don't believe there is an actual recipe, but I will try my best to share accurately. :P

- 1 can of mom's canned chicken
- mayonnaise
- mustard
- green onions
- 1 handful of red grapes, sliced in half
- pita pocket halves
- 1 can of mandarin oranges

Mix the can of chicken with mayonnaise until it is desired consistency. Add a few squirts of mustard (not too much). Add desired amount of onions and grapes. I like to warm up the pita pocket halves for about 10 seconds each because it helps them be a little softer and it seems they don't fall apart as easily this way. Fill pita about 3/4 of the way full with chicken salad, and add orange slices on top for a fun texture and flavor. If desired, put oranges in actual salad. ENJOY! :D

Chicken Paella

2012-01-25T16:00:00.000-08:00

((Serves 4))

- 1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 3 ounces chorizo sausage, casing removed, sliced into 1/4-inch pieces
- 1 pound skinless boneless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 10-ounce package frozen peas
- 1 cup uncooked white rice
- 1 large ripe tomato, chopped
- 1/4 cup sliced green Spanish pimento-stuffed olives
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon ground turmeric
- Small pinch of saffron threads

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a large, heavy skillet over medium-high heat (use a skillet that has a cover). Add the chorizo and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned, about 3 minutes. Add the chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned, about 5 minutes. Transfer the chicken and chorizo to a plate.

Heat the remaining 2 teaspoons of oil in the skillet. Add the onions and cook, stirring, until softened and translucent, 3 to 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook, stirring, for 1 additional minute. Return the chicken and chorizo to the skillet and add the chicken broth, peas, rice, tomato, olives, salt, pepper, turmeric, and saffron. Bring to a boil, cover, and transfer to over. Cook until the rive is tender and the liquid is absorbed, 25 to 30 minutes.

MY COMMENTS:
I most definitely did not include the olives in this dish, but that aside, I was rather nervous to try making/eating this dish. As I was making it, I became more and more excited to eat it. It turned out very delicious, and everyone had a good word to put in. IN FACT, a few days later, my brother Jared asked if we had any left over so he could eat it for his lunch. :)

Mixed Berry Cobler

2012-01-25T09:34:00.001-08:00

((Serves 6))

FILLING:
- Cooking spray
- 2 12-ounce bags frozen mixed berries, thawed (about 6 cups)
- 1/4 cup whole-wheat flower
- 1/4 cup sugar
- Finely grated zest of 1 orange (about 2 teaspoons)

TOPPING:
- 1/4 cup whole-wheat flour
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons chilled unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- 1/3 cup low-fat buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons canola oil

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. coat an 8x8-inch baking dish with cooking spray.

In a large bowl, toss the berries with the whole-wheat flour, sugar, and zest. Transfer the berry mixture to the baking dish and set aside.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flours, 2 tablespoons of the sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Cut in the butter using 2 knives of a pastry cutter until many small pebble-size pieces are formed.

In a small bowl or pitcher, whisk together the buttermilk and oil. Add the mixture to the dry ingredients and mix until just moistened. Do not over mix. Drop the batter onto the fruit, forming mounds. Sprinkle with the remaining teaspoon of sugar. Bake for 30 minutes, until the fruit is bubble and the top is golden. Let stand for at least 10 minutes before serving.

MY COMMENTS: We made 2 separate cobblers, both with only all-purpose flour (no whole-wheat) and they were both fantastic. The orange zest was a PERFECT addition. On the second round, we doubled the topping, and it was a perfect choice. I highly recommend doing so. :) Definitely a keeper recipe.

3 Part Dessert

2012-01-22T15:56:00.000-08:00

((Serves 4))

PART 1: Ricotta Cream
- 1 cup part-skim ricotta cheese
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Put the ricotta cheese, honey, and vanilla extract into the small bowl of a food processor and process until smooth, about 1 minute. Transfer to a small bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
MY COMMENTS:
You cannot process this enough. The smoother, the better.

PART 2:
- 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 16-ounce container fresh strawberries, stems removed and quartered
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil leaves, cut into ribbons
In a small saucepan, combine the vinegar and sugar and bring to boil. Simmer over medium hear for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. Allow to cool completely. In a medium-size bowl, toss the berries with the basil and balsamic syrup. Cool in fridge until ready to serve (not totally necessary.)
MY COMMENTS:
I was sure that this was going to be disgusting, but with the other parts of the dessert, it turned out rather fantastic and just the right amount of bitter with all the sweetness. Also, I left out the basil.

PART 3: Powdered Sugar Crisps
- cooking spray
- 10 wonton wrappers
- 2 teaspoons canola oil
- 1 teaspoon confectioners' sugar
Preheat the oven to 275 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray a baking sheet with the cooking spray. Cut the wonton wrappers in half on the diagonal so you wind up with 20 triangles. In a medium-size bowl, toss the triangles gently with the canola oil, separating the pieces gently so each piece is coated with oil. Place the triangles on the baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for about 10 minutes, until they are golden brown and crisped. Dust with confectioners' sugar and let sit until ready to serve. Crisps will keep up to 4 days in an airtight container.
MY COMMENTS:
Don't let it burn, that's all. :P

Put it all together starting with the ricotta cream, then adding the strawberries, and topping it off with the wonton crisps. The extra crisps were set out on a plate for people to take and eat with their dessert as they wished. I LOVED THIS DESSERT!

Pasta Salad

2012-01-22T15:32:00.000-08:00

((Serves 4))

- 2/3 cup plain Greek-style nonfat yogurt
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 2 teaspoons finely grated lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon minced fresh dill, or 2 teaspoons dried
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 (14-ounce) can wild red salmon, drained, skinned and boned, and cut into chunks
- 1 10-ounce package frozen peas, defrosted
- 1/2 pound bowtie or corkscrew pasta, cooked according to package directions and cooled
- 2 scallions (white and green parts), minced (about 1/4 cup)
- 8 cups chopped red-leaf lettuce

Combine the yogurt, lemon juice, mayonnaise, lemon zest, dill, salt, and pepper in a bowl and whisk to incorporate. Add the salmon, peas, pasta, and scallions and toss to incorporate. The pasta salad will keep up to 2 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

To serve, mound 2 cups of the lettuce onto each plate or into to-go containers and scoop about 1 3/4 cups of the pasta salad on top.

My Comments:
I made this dish for lunch and none of us are huge "fish fans," so we left out the salmon. The only problem with this was that the dill was a little lonely. Chicken would have been a great substitute and will definitely be used next time. Also, I plan to replace the dill, salt, and pepper with a hidden valley ranch seasoning packet. Other than that, it was a fantastic dish and was loved by all in our house who tried it. EVEN BRYCE! :D

Bookmarks

2012-01-06T20:55:00.000-08:00

So I found this cute bookmark tutorial and fell in love with it. It only took a few minutes to make 2 of them and was a fun little project. Oddly enough, this makes me want to get a new book. :P

The picture about is from the tutorial which you can view here. As to how mine turned out, I'll show you. :)

Closed book view.

Front of book mark #1.

Back of book mark #1.

Front of book mark #2.

Back of book mark #2.

Mine aren't very good on the edge because the pathetic excuse of scissors I was using. BUT... Better next time, yeah?

To make these, all you need is an envelope, paper (colored, or patterned,) Scissors, and double sided sticky tape or a glue stick. Other than that, it is pretty self explanatory. :) View the tutorial for more details here.

I'm not the only one

2012-01-03T13:43:00.000-08:00

Apparently, I am not the only one feeling creative. My sister came over a few days before Christmas and showed my dad a picture of a rocking elephant for a child. My dad said he would make it, and my sister didn't believe it, so she said "yeah right, I don't think you will." She really didn't believe him, but she also knows, as everyone else in our family, that if you challenge him to do something, he WILL do it. And guess what! On Christmas day, little miss Kemiry had a rocking elephant from Papa. :) The best part? It was made out of Nanna's old oak entertainment center. SO COOL!

Pro...duction???

2012-01-03T13:11:00.000-08:00

One more thing that I have found myself doing, is making white board Christmas presents that can be used as to do lists, shopping lists, note boards, or anything you would like. They didn't turn out quite as I would've liked, but I have seen my mom use hers every day as a to do board, (much better than wasting endless amounts of paper) so I hope everyone else is enjoying them. I just went and bought a decent quality picture frame, vinyl stickers, some embellishing stickers for the kiddo ones, and some white board markers. I put the stickers on, and placed a colored piece of paper where the picture would normally go, and VOILA! :)

This was a smaller board intended for a little girl, so I used pink paper for the background, and pearls for the accent.

This was also a smaller board for a little boy, so I used a light green paper and puffy travel stickers.

This, and the following two are the larger sized frames. I love the paper because if you don't like it or decide it doesn't match wherever you want it, you can change it.

You could also put stickers on the large boards if desired. My mom has added 3 or 4 gold butterfly stickers to hers. :)

I think I might just have to make myself one, now... where to put it? XD

Baking

2012-01-03T13:02:00.000-08:00

Something else I have done in enhancing my skills, is try to cook. for any of you that know anything about me... BAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!! right?! hehehe. I made cookie (peanut butter, and another batch of chocolate chips) that actually turned out pretty good. :) I have no pictures of the outcome, but here is the process. :P

Okay! Okay! A little scary, I KNOW! But we're not to the worst part. Lets just say I need to MAJORLY work on my kitchen skills. I decided to make my dad's birthday cake. Since I worked (for a month) in an ice cream shop, i was like "OOOHHHH! I'LL MAKE AN ICE CREAM CAKE!!!!" It failed. It was like 9/11 all over again, but in my FREEZER!!! D: BUT... I was magically able to cut it down, and frost the top layer enough to present for consumption. To my surprise, it was the best cake I've tasted in a very long time. I guess I just need to work on production methods and presentation. :P

Sewing

2012-01-03T12:41:00.000-08:00

I recently moved from Hawaii back to Oregon (for those of you who did not know, I was in Hawaii for 6 months, just getting settled with a job, friends, a support group, possibility of school, everything. I decided to come home very spontaneously, and was here less than 48 hours later.) As much as I prayed about the decision and know it was very much so the right decision, it is still very hard since things just aren't really working. No job, No school, all my friends are in school. BLEHH!!! BUT... I have decided that this so called "down time" is a time for me to work on things that actually require time and obligation. Some of those things are cooking, organization, sewing, and other skills that I need and wish to acquire before becoming a wife and a mother. SO... My first ambitious example of this, was 2 skirts and a tie. They obviously fall under the category of sewing. I made them without a pattern, and tried my hardest to keep the costs low. They were intended for new years, and turned out fabulously. :D ENJOY!!!

The skirts I made were inspired by this skirt.

Which was inspired by THIS skirt.

You can find the tutorial for the little girls skirt HERE.

AND NOW... for my creations. :)

I Am Thankful.. Day 23

2011-11-30T12:19:00.000-08:00

I am thankful for a body that heals quickly.

I Am Thankful.. Day 22

2011-11-30T12:18:00.000-08:00

I said it once, and I'll say it again. I am thankful for my mommy.

I Am Thankful.. Day 21

2011-11-30T12:17:00.001-08:00

I am thankful for new experiences.

I Am Thankful.. Day 20

2011-11-30T12:16:00.000-08:00

I am thankful for vacations.

I Am Thankful.. Day 19

2011-11-30T12:15:00.000-08:00

I am thankful for best friends.

I Am Thankful.. Day 18

2011-11-30T12:14:00.000-08:00

I am thankful for this earth.

I Am Thankful.. Day 17

2011-11-30T12:13:00.002-08:00

I am thankful for adventure.

I Am Thankful.. Day 16

2011-11-30T12:13:00.001-08:00

I am thankful for an eternal family.

I Am Thankful.. Day 15

2011-11-30T12:12:00.000-08:00

I am thankful for my mommy.

I Am Thankful.. Day 14

2011-11-30T12:11:00.001-08:00

I am thankful for serenity.

I Am Thankful.. Day 13

2011-11-30T12:10:00.000-08:00

I am thankful for the ocean.

I Am Thankful.. Day 12

2011-11-30T12:05:00.000-08:00

I am thankful for rainbows.

I Am Thankful.. Day 11

2011-11-18T10:52:00.000-08:00

I am thankful for visitors.

I Am Thankful.. Day 10

2011-11-18T10:51:00.000-08:00

I am thankful for rainbows. (Who thought I'd ever say that again?!)

I Am Thankful.. Day 9

2011-11-10T12:02:00.000-08:00

I am thankful for heroes.

I Am Thankful.. Day 8

2011-11-10T12:01:00.000-08:00

I am thankful for chocolate.

I Am Thankful.. Day 7

2011-11-10T12:00:00.000-08:00

I am thankful for the amazing things cute boys do for girls.

I Am Thankful.. Day 6

2011-11-10T11:58:00.000-08:00

I am thankful for children's art.

I Am Thankful.. Day 5

2011-11-10T11:57:00.000-08:00

I am thankful for shopping sprees.

I Am Thankful.. Day 4

2011-11-10T11:53:00.000-08:00

I am thankful for the Beatles.

I Am Thankful.. Day 3..

2011-11-03T21:11:00.000-07:00

I am thankful for rain.

I Am Thankful.. Day 2..

2011-11-03T21:09:00.001-07:00

I am thankful for art.

I Am Thankful.. Day 1..

2011-11-03T21:06:00.000-07:00

I am thankful for piano.

Wisdom Teeth

2011-07-13T10:57:00.000-07:00

BOOOOOH!!!! D: No fun. I got my wisdom teeth out this monday.

DAY ONE... Bryce and my mom took me to the doctor and took me home. It was 7/11 free slurpy day, say I got lots of slurpy's throughout the day. I stayed on vicoden all day, played x-box, and watched movies with bryce. I think I took about a 30 minute nap, but that was about it. :D It was all good. VERY little swelling.

DAY TWO... Bryce came over again, as well as my good friend Jordan. Even though I had company, I was SOOOO bored. I felt creative and restless, even hyper. I just wanted to do something. I started about 6 different projects but couldnt finish any because I was being forced to lay down and "relax." >:P I now understand why. By nightfall, I WAS MISSERABLE!! D: The pain began kicking in.

Today is the Wednesday and I am in quite a bit of pain, but I unfortunately have no company, and nothing to do. :/ bleck. I suppose I'll update you all later. This is it, for now.

Even MORE ((birffday))

2011-07-13T10:18:00.000-07:00

Just like my last post, I forgot to include pictures from the camera, so here are some pretty cute pictures from my birthday party. Also, in our family, birthdays tend to last a few days, so here's a brief description of my birth... week. :P haha.

Thursday, my boyfriend Bryce and I went on a bike ride from his house to mine, which is a very long ways for me. It takes 22 minutes in the car, and took a few hours on bikes. I believe it was about 12 miles. Afterwards, we ate dinner and watched the sunset. :P

Friday, (my actual birthday) I took my mom to work, met up with bryce, went bowling, then to make a build a bear. Throughout the day, we did many things. It would take forever to list them all, so here's just a few. Dutch Bros. Photobooth pictures. Movie theatre. Shopping. Cabellas. Claires. Skateboarding down big hills on our butts. Watched more movies. ate lots of taco bell. and Played X-box.

Saturday, My parents took Bryce, my friend Colton and me rafting. It was a blast. Colton flipped out of the Kaiak during the 2nd hardest rapid. Then I almost died after stupidly jumping in after the kaiak. :P hahaha but all is well. After returning home and quickly showering, we went to my very small birthday bash at the park. It was just family and a few friends who actually just happened to be at the park. We had dinner, cake, and presents. Here are some pictures. :)

For my birthday, I asked for an original and unique picture of the Salt Lake or Portland Temple. My sister Kristen Moss, being the oh so creative girl that she is, used her amazing photography skills to do just that. BEST PRESENT EVER! I shall cherrish it forever. :)

This was just way too adorable to NOT post. Beautiful Kris, with most precious Kemiry.

Hehehe. XD Kemiry started humming when we were singing, next thing I knew, she was falling asleep. I love her so much. :D

Bryce, Colton, Kemiry and I relaxing.

Kroten and Kemkem swinging away to their hearts content. :P

And whats a birthday without an awesomely awesome birthday cake. :)

The last day of my birthday marithon, was Sunday. Actually, it wasn't really for me. I had lost my wallet on Friday, and found it on sunday. That was a highlight. BUT, I realized that for Bryce's birthday (the 19th) I will be away at girls camp, so I decided to make him an early birthday dinner. I unfortunately did not get any pictures, but I will admit, it was DANG good, and I am not a good cook, or a cook at all for that matter. I made chicken wrapped around asparagus and cheese with baked potatoes, fresh garden salad, zucchini, and koolaid. :D I was uber proud. After that, we sat in the hot tub for a bit. What a great way to end an awesome birthday weekend. Thanks to everyone who helped make it amazing. :D

Now, just to brag about the wisdom teeth.... O_o XD

MORE utah

2011-07-13T09:55:00.000-07:00

I realized after i had posted all of these cath up items yesterday, that I forgot to include pictures from our camera. :P here are a few with some brief descriptions.

A very nice fireman in Park City let Peyton go inside of both his fire truck and his ambulance. It was soo cool. Peyton loved it. :)

Hehehe. During our mini one day family reunion, Shannon could NOT find Peyton anywhere. This is where we ended up finding him.. I guess he DID need that nap. :P

I don't believe this needs a caption. We love our gramma :D

We found this absolutely awesome market in Park city called the silly sunday market. It was HUGE and so much fun. This is Shannon, Peyton, and I eating a chocolate covered banana while waiting in the face painting line. Let me add that we waited for 45 minutes only to find out that there was still a 1 hour wait... We decided to get a balloon from a creepy clown instead. XD

Peyton got an all day pass for $3.00 to the awesome bounce house. HE LOVED IT!

birffday :D

2011-07-12T16:56:00.000-07:00

I turned 17 last week. I got to hang out with my two best friends as well as go rafting with them and my parents. it was a blast :D

UTAH

2011-07-12T16:45:00.000-07:00

The first week in july, we made an impromptu trip to utah, ill keep it short, but here are a few photos.

CRISPY CREMES!!!

Fire works..

Ring pops..

glitter tattoos..

more glitter tattoos..

EVEN MORE GLITTER TATTOOS!!!!

Awesome crafts from the silly sunday market in park city.. so much fun :P

GRADUATION

2011-07-12T16:35:00.000-07:00

HOW COULD I FORGET!!!!!! I GRADUATED HIGH SCHOOL!!!! :D

Portland

2011-07-12T16:33:00.001-07:00

Lastly in june, i got to go on an awesome road trip to portland with my boyfriends family. here are just a few pictures.

Prom

2011-06-19T11:15:00.000-07:00

Another exciting thing that happened in the month of may, was my SENIOR PROM!!! :D hehehe. it was so much fun, even though it wasnt an actual prom. Bryce and I decided that instead of paying $50 to go to an actual prom, we would kick it like kool kids and go to the mormon prom. It was WAY better than any highschool prom could ever be. :P anywho, here are some pictures. enjoy. :)

Senior Recital 2011

2011-06-18T09:42:00.000-07:00

I realize i haven't posted since easter, and its almost july, so i thought i'd update. One thing thats happened in the past few months was my Senior Dance recital. I'll keep it short, so here are some pictures :)

These first two photos are of my Moder/Contemporary 3 class. well.... some of us. xD

These following two are of our ballet 3 class.

Next is my solo. I don't yet have any photos of the actual dancing, so these will have to do. :P

Lastly, here are pictures of the "anual post recital party" at sharis. :P

I'll be sure to post some more... "professional" pictures... when i get them. For now, ta-ta. :P

Easter Baskets

2011-04-24T09:36:00.000-07:00

HAPPY EASTER EVERYONE!
It is still pretty early in the wonderfull day, I will post about it all later, but for now, I must dwell on the feeling of being an only child.

I remember waking up on easter morning to find five or six, sometimes seven baskets around the fire place. Kind of like this.

WHAT HAPPENED!!!! Now there is no confusion as to whose is whose. THERE IS ONLY ONE!!!!

I think it is safe to say... I MISS MY SIBLINGS! :/

the DEATH penalty

2011-04-19T13:25:00.000-07:00

“Before whipping and beating Jeanette behind closed doors in a flesh-and-blood spattered “torture room,” McAnulty would turn on a vacuum cleaner and leave it running so her two younger children couldn’t hear what was happening. Dr. Daniel Davis, the Lane County deputy state medical examiner, said Jeanette suffered so much harm inflicted so many ways that he could not determine which injury killed her. He said his Dec. 11, 2009, autopsy showed that Jeanette had experienced “prolonged starvation,” and found evidence of at least 200 different injuries. Detective Carl Wilkerson likened the room where the girl was beaten to “something out of a horror movie,” with her blood and bits of her flesh spattered everywhere.”

There has always been a thick debate in the United States as to whether the death penalty should or should not be legal. Some support it saying that it is too expensive to house criminals in jail cells for life. Some say that people should pay for their crimes, and others completely disagree saying that inflicting death upon someone for any reason is inhumane and unjust, no matter the circumstances.

All these opinions are valid and have a good point, but it is rather difficult to satisfy everyone’s wishes, especially concerning only one matter. The death penalty is on a state to state basis. Each state has made a decision regarding the matter choosing whether or not the death penalty will be legal in that state. In 1984, the state of Oregon reinstated the death penalty making it legal. Since then, there have been 73 death sentences issued, with 49% having been dropped. Although capital murder cases are rare, they cost 10 times the cost of a case not risking the death penalty. For this reason, and many others, people still protest the death penalty. Trials and penitentiary housing is payed for by Oregon tax payers, and according to Mary Mooney, writer for “the Oregonian,” by the long time one member of death row’s appeals are exhausted, the money used to support their trials from tax payers, could have funded up to 1,000 student’s full tuition to the University of Oregon.

Although this unnecessary amount of money is a great reason to not support the death penalty, there are also many reasons as to why the death penalty should be supported, and in some cases, enforced. There are some situations where death is a reasonable punishment and others not. If there has been an accidental death, it is believed that the person at fault, guilty or innocent, is not worthy of death because it was not a premeditated murder. On the other hand, how would you personally feel if someone brutally raped, tortured, and murdered your best friend, or little sister? You would want justice to be served. You would want them to get what they deserved. Through their actions, some people choose to abuse their rights to life, and deserve it to be taken away from them. Granted, this is not our decision to make, and for a good reason, but it is a decision that must be made by those of correct authority.

Angela McAnulty tortured her 15 year old daughter Jeanette in unimaginable ways. On December 9, 2009, Jeanette was pronounced dead in her Eugene Oregon home.

“Angela Darlene McAnulty became the first Oregon woman sentenced to death since state voters restored capital punishment in 1984.”

The debate of the justification in death trials is a very difficult one that has never been fully solved. There are issues about money, and morals, but there are also points of justifications. If one person knowingly takes away another’s right to life, especially in a brutal way, it is only fair to have their life taken away in return.

Prom?

2011-04-17T18:29:00.001-07:00

GUESS WHO IS GOING TO PROM!!!!

MEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :D

Home

2011-04-08T08:31:00.000-07:00

"Another aeroplane
Another sunny place
I’m lucky, I know
But I wanna go home
Mmmm, I’ve got to go home

Let me go home
I’ve had my run
Baby, I’m done
I gotta go home
Let me go home
It will all be all right
I’ll be home tonight
I’m coming back home"

I have really enjoyed my visit here with my family. It was nice to see them as well as get a little break from my daily life, but there comes a point when it's just time to go. That time is now. I loved my vacation, but i miss my bed. :P

GOODBYE DENVER COLORADO!

HELLO EUGENE OREGON! (by way of portland) :P

Park

2011-04-07T21:48:00.000-07:00

Today was our last day in Colorado (we fly out tomorrow) so we went to lunch, then to the park to play. It was a ton of fun. here are some pictures. :D

Helping ben with his awesome scooter from grandma. :)

:D

I LOVE MY BEN!

I LOVE MY GENEVIEVE!

MORE ZOO

2011-04-07T21:02:00.001-07:00

WHAT! MORE ZOO?! Yeah, I know. I just got more pics. SO... here are a few more pics from the zoo. ENJOY! :D

Birdie :) on my shoulder :)

I definitely think someone needs to make a book of "Ben's Epic Faces" haha

Genevieve thought that was pretty cool. :D

How perfect is this >_<

hehehe. nuff said :P

We were in a bear exhibit, and the only thing doug cared about was the fish. oh boy :P

ben was scared of giraffes, and birds, but he could care less about the giant BEAR sitting behind him :P

:P

BAHAHAHA! ISNT THAT DISCUSTING! >_<

And that's even worse. BLECK!

This is me and mai baby giraffe. :P he was SO CUTE! "mommy, you can take a giraffe home if its this one."

ZOO

2011-04-06T20:07:00.000-07:00

Today we (mom, dad, brother doug, sisterinlaw gina, nephew ben, niece genevieve, and myself) got to go to the colorado springs zoo. It was so fun. I am not a fan of zoos, but this was crazy. Im gonna go with the "pictures speak louder than words" thing again, so enjoy. :)

Mommy's FAVORITE THING! We got to pet and feed the giraffes. SO COOL!

I think this picture speaks for itself. :D

Ben and I on the statue lion. :)

HAHAHA! We called this the "punk monkey." XD There were tons of other monkeys. One with a mohawk even. :P My favorite were about the size of my hand. They jumped all over and it made them look like they were flying.

Being 3 feet away from a pacing mountain lion was a tad bit scary. XD

hehehehe. no explanation needed... its called BROTHERS!

We got to hold birdies. super cool.

hehehe. Dad has a bird on his head.

We decided that this guy was a tad confused. We named his "gizehogoat." (giraffe/zebra/horse/goat) XD

This guy was my favorite. He was doing all sorts of poses. It was hilrious. He came up to the glass so i put my hand up. he SERIOUSLY gave me a high five. it was SOOO COOL!

Genevieve liked this guy. A perfect play mate. :)

I totally wished i had my wallet. This shirt is hilarious. :)

There will be more pictures to come. Hope you enjoyed these. :)

BASEBALL GAME

2011-04-06T19:53:00.001-07:00

My parents and I decided to take a random one week trip to visit my brother, his wife, daughter, and son out here in Denver, Colorado. Yesterday, my dad, brother, nephew and i had the opporunity to see an doggers/rockies game at coors field. IT WAS A BLAST! Sorry for all the pictures that you are about to see. I have learned well from my dear sister kristen, that pictures speak louder than words. I will try to put captions. but for the most part. just pictures. enjoy.

We got to watch the players warm up. That was interesting.

My brother Doug was so incredibly impressed that there was perfectly green grass in APRIL... in COLORADO! "I wish I could just... roll around in it." hahaha.

My precious nephew Benjamin and I. :D

I don't think it gets better than this... Ben during the national anthem.

HAHAHA! Like father, like son... right?

Doug and his son ben.

This is the awesomely GIANT screen. It was incredibly huge.

Welcome To The Circus…

2011-04-05T09:39:00.000-07:00

I would like to invite anyone who is interested, to join me in my “circus circuit.” I know it’s hard to start working out, especially when you’re doing it alone. SO, I decided why not do it together. Ladies and Guys, JOIN ME! We will do the circuit once a day, 6 days a week, taking Sunday off. It will be completed in three stages, one stage per week, but can be adjusted to your own pace if needed. The third stage is the last stage, and can be continued as long as you wish. I intend to continue throughout the summer, so I have provided weekly check lists below to be filled out daily. This lists continue through the last week of August 2011. I have also provided a list of exercises for each stage. While doing the circuit, I also encourage you to eat healthy, drink lots of water, and take a little bit of personal reflection time, even if that means 10 minutes in the shower, or 10 minutes while laying in your bed before you go to sleep. These things will be included on the check list I have provided. I am so excited to do this, and I hope you will join me, go ahead and jump in whenever you feel you’re ready. WE CAN DO THIS, LET’S DO IT TOGETHER! :D
Yours Truly,
Karly Hurst (:

STAGE 1(week 1)
3 minute jog
100 crunches
15 belly-ups or pushups
15 toe touches
3 minute jog

STAGE 2 (week 2)
3 minute jog
100 crunches
15 belly-ups or pushups
15 toe touches
100 crunches
3 minute jog

STAGE 3 (week 3)
3 minute jog
100 crunches
15 belly-ups or pushups
15 toe touches
100 crunches
15 toe touches
15 belly-ups or pushups
100 crunches
3 minute jog

I Have Succummed.

2011-04-05T09:04:00.000-07:00

A few years ago, my dear friend Tina got me really into a book series I hadn't yet heard of. As someone who absolutely hates reading, and will do nearly anything to get out of reading, it was a big deal that I fell in love with these books known as the "Twilight Series." About the time I got to the third book, they had become a huge deal. EVERYONE was reading them, even my 20-some year old brother. I hated that. People were becoming obsessed with something that I had come across. I felt like I was following the trend, which is simply not my style. I got barely into the fourth and final book of the series, and decided to quit. I knew the ending, what was the point? Its been a while since I've even thought about the books, but this week my family is visiting my brother in Colorado. I was sitting at the computer on Sunday and happened to look up to see a book shelf, filled with all sorts of interesting looking books. I stood up and glanced through the selection. Among the twilight books, I also found a book called "The Short Second Life Of Bree Tanner." It is a side story of one of the minute characters in the 3rd twilight book. It was a small book, and I definitely had time. So... after a few seconds of contemplation, I decided to read this 178 page book, simply out of curiosity. It seems like such a small deal, but the fact that I read that in a matter of two days, or at all for that matter, is a huge deal for me. I am very proud. :P If you have read the Twilight series, I HIGHLY recommend this book. Its a great, entertaining, easy read. So go ahead. READ!!!

Ever Wonder What Dance Looks Like On Paper?

2011-03-29T12:31:00.000-07:00

November Thirteenth

2010-11-13T19:53:00.000-08:00

Novemer Thirteenth: I am thankful for my crazy, wierd, hilarious family.

November Twelfth

2010-11-12T09:45:00.000-08:00

November Twelfth: I am thankful for very talented sibling/photographers.

November Tenth

2010-11-10T15:15:00.000-08:00

November Tenth: I am greatful for fruit.

November Ninth

2010-11-09T22:23:00.000-08:00

November Ninth: I am thankful for inner (and outter) child. :)

November Eighth

2010-11-08T07:44:00.000-08:00

November Eighth: I am thankful for time!

November Fifth

2010-11-04T14:46:00.000-07:00

November Fifth: I am thankful for color.

November Fourth

2010-11-04T14:11:00.000-07:00

November Fourth: I am thankful for sleep. (All Though the hours are few.)

November Third

2010-11-03T12:12:00.000-07:00

(ON TIME! WOO!)
November Third: I am thankful for my beautiful nephews and nieces who can make smile when skies are grey. :P

November Second

2010-11-03T12:10:00.000-07:00

(Late, I know!)
November Second: I am thankful for music!

November First

2010-11-03T12:08:00.000-07:00

(Late... I know)
November First: I am thankful for loving friends who are always there when i need them.

Halloween

2010-11-03T11:54:00.000-07:00

This halloween was fun. Just about everyone had the flu, so it was interesting, but of course we still dressed up. :)I have some super cute pictures of the boys and the pumpkin festival as well as the most adorable little boy from our church who dressed up as harry potter. :P but our computer is being silly and won't let me access those. :/ Thiss is the only picturte i can get. This was my costume before the makeup was finished and the outfit was on. I was Kat Von D. :)

My Munkin

2010-10-25T19:17:00.000-07:00

As Kroten J would say, "This... is my... MUNKIN!" :D

EARTH QUAKE!

2010-10-25T19:04:00.000-07:00

This last Saturday I went down to the local fire station to be a victim and participate in the mock disaster for the training EMT's. It was a blast. There was an "earth quake," and I was "pregnant and histerical." It was pretty hilarious. They did our makeup and made us look injured. It was almost too realistic. Freaked me out a bit. I had tons of fun, acting, serving, and loosing my voice. :) I would TOTALLY do it again. :P

This here is one of my dead friends I met, he threw my mind for a loop. Pretty creepy. haha.

Hair

2010-10-21T19:20:00.000-07:00

My sisters Kristen, Sarah, and I have all decided to grow our hair out. I saw a girl with really cute short hair and asked myself, "WHY AM I TORTURING MYSELF!?!?" The next day I put my hair extensions in for homecoming. Right then I realized why I was doing it...

It is SO GOSH DARN PRETTY!!!

Random i know. hehehehe.

This was after homecoming. :) I cant wait for it to REALLY be that long. :P

Homecoming 2010

2010-10-10T17:22:00.000-07:00

FOREST GROVE HOMECOMING!!! It was quite an interesting adventure to be honest. Mom and I drove for a good 3 hours to Forest Grove, then spent another 3 hours being introduced to my friend Levi's parents. I spent, oh, probably 30 minutes getting ready, and 15 minutes getting pictures taken. hahaha. it was a blast. and so was the dance. It was nice doing something i didnt HAVE to do for once.

This is my handsome date Levi and I before the dance. :) oh so cute, arent we? hehehe. >_<

I love this picture. (left to right: Josh, Me, Levi) Its my unofficial date and my date and i. :) Thanks for the amazing night guys.

Family is Forever

2010-10-10T17:15:00.000-07:00

This is a 1/2 family picture. haha. It's missing Kristen, Jared, Kroten, Kemiry, Shannon, Ryan, and Peyton. BUT STILL! i figured it shows our true family. crazy and wacked out. haha. :) ENJOY!

GLEE FREAK

2010-09-29T08:24:00.000-07:00

This weeks Glee theme: BRITNEY SPEARS!

Okay. I admit it. We all have guilty pleasures. Mine is Glee. Heck yes! :) Every week. I dress up according to the glee episode theme and head over to Jordan's house to have a glee party. hahaha. Its great fun. My outfit was so awesome this week, I couldn't help from posting it. :)

Pep Band

2010-09-21T08:11:00.000-07:00

One of the things that I was so exited for this fall, was highschool football games. I am in the band at North Eugene High School so I get free admission to all the home games to play in the pep band. I LOVE IT!

I always dress up for the games which is an adventure because their main color is red which is my all time favorite color. :) I'll be sure to get some of us actually playing next week. ;)

Reunion

2010-09-11T09:13:00.000-07:00

When I went on trek, they split everyone up into "families." Over the fun and trechorous week, we really created the bond of a family, enough to have a "family reunion" three months later.

Luckily, we didnt wear our trek clothes. :P We just hung out, went boating, did some intertubing and had a great time over dinner.

It was hard to say goodbye to everyone, but I'm glad we did it. :) Can't wait til next time. >_<

This was the view from the boat during/after dinner. BEAUTIFUL!

This is my amazing "Ma." Or as we call her, "Adopted Mommy."

HAHAHA! This is my baby sister Rebecka and I, and her sad attempt at hiding from the camera. :P

And my favorite, most terrible picture, EVER! hahaha.(left to right) My little brothers David and Josh. My Pa and baby sister Rebecka. ME, and my two other little sisters Renee and Ashley. I have one younger brother (Ridge)and one older (Buster) who unfortunately couldnt make it. None the less, it was a blast. :)

NO MORE BRACES!!!

2010-08-30T13:37:00.000-07:00

Yup, you read that right! NO MORE BRACES!!!

AUGUST

2010-08-30T13:20:00.001-07:00

August is always the busiest time of the summer, so, I figured I should at least brief you on our August happenings. :) Here it is, lots of pictures, little description. (as always) ;)

We decided to go to Utah for a week which ended up being a very eventful trip. This first picture is of Xander and I in Murrey Utah at a close family friends wedding.

We also got to be there for baby genevieve's blessing. It was nice to meet my oldest baby niece for the first time. :)

I was super awesome being able to play with my two oldest nephews. Man, are they quite the handfull. :P

Sadly, we dont have pictures of everything we did there, but a couple other things were hanging out with distant family and friends, swimming, playing, boating, and even playing a $200,000 piano. heck yeah! :D This picture is of me and my two brothers. Allthough they had allready been off to college by the time i can remember, they deffinately carry the role of my brothers. I love them. :)

Picture Wars

2010-08-28T11:43:00.000-07:00

Over the past week as I was traveling in a very packed car with a crazy two year old, I began a three way "picture war" with my sister Kristen, and her husband Jared. It sure is fun. Thank goodness for unlimited picture texting because there were well over 100 pictures taken and sent just over a very short period of time. Here are a few of the pictures.

This was deffinately tons of fun. This has been concluded as our favorite picture. :)

So, next time your on a long road trip, or just bored, try having a picture war. Its a blast. :)

Short and Sweet

2010-08-19T16:19:00.000-07:00

I just realized that I have yet to post about nearly anything this summer, and this is the last week of it for me. So, to spare your time, I will keep this short and sweet. :)

My handsome little nephew Kroten J Moss turned TWO!

I turned sweet, sweet SIXTEEN!

My sister Kristen had her 2nd baby, and 1st little girl, KEMIRY K MOSS!

I went to the beach with my amazing FAMILY!

I AM IN UTAH!!!

GOOD NEWS!

2010-07-03T11:50:00.000-07:00

I recently found out that a very dear friend of mine from Columbia has decided to be baptized. :D I am so very happy to have been an example of this wonderful gospel. And I am so glad that he has made this difficult life changing decision. CONGRADULATIONS DIEGO!

Trek

2010-07-03T11:18:00.000-07:00

I just spent an hour writting about my experience, and then my internet stopped working and I lost it all. So, this will have to be enough.

This is my Trek Family. From left to right: Pa Hansen, little sister Ashley, Me, My big brother Buster, My little brothers Ridge, David, and Josh, Ma Hansen, My other little sisters Rebecka, and Renee, and our Captain, Captain K.

This is my Pa, My big brother Buster, and me. (HECK YES, I rocked those glasses all week.)

This was when we were making our Tonka (family nickname) Macott. You can kind of see him at the top of the stick. His name was "TONKA NEPHI."

Lastly, I am putting this picture up to show how hot it was. I ALWAYS had that thing in my mouth, and I was ALWAYS drinking it. Hahaha. :D

I MISS ALL YOU TREKKERS!!!

English poem

2010-06-02T16:06:00.000-07:00

A passion
A choice
A freedom
A voice

For love
For life
For family
For a wife

We were pushed
around for years
Forced to marry
Despite our fears

At one point
We became less deranged
Giving people a choice
What a wonderful change

We see couples
Greeting with a kiss
As it is a choice
It surely is bliss

Hearing the words
"I love you"
Doesn't that make you
Want that too

Now don't you worry
And don't you fret
That also is yours
Surely I bet

We all have
A wonderful right
One that takes away
Quite a bit of the fight

We have the ability
To choose who we love
For that I am grateful
And thank those above

Ketchup

2010-05-23T22:12:00.000-07:00

It's time to "Ketchup." Hahaha.

1.) Two Different Proms (and i thought i was homeshooled. lol)

((PHOTO.CREDIT.PHOTOGRAPHERS.AT.DANCE?LOL))

((PHOTO.CREDIT.KRISTEN.MOSS))

((PHOTO.CREDIT.KRISTEN.MOSS))

((PHOTO.CREDIT.KRISTEN.MOSS))

2.) Birth Of My #1 Niece Genevieve Lynn Hurst.

3.) Dance Recital.

((This pic is of 1/2 of my flowers revieved, pictures of actual dance up soon. I PROMISE))

AUNT AGAIN!

2010-05-07T17:53:00.000-07:00

I'd just like to annouce the birth of my very first niece. miss Genevieve lynn hurst (spelling?) who weighed in at 6 lbs. and 11 oz. :D

THREEE?!?!?!

2010-05-04T11:13:00.000-07:00

Yeah, yeah, yeah. I KNOW! This is my THIRD POST OF THE DAY!!! O_o But I have alot to catch up on. I promise this will be the last of the day, I think. :P

I'll make it short and sweet. :D

My bestestestest friend in the entire world (Michaela Katheryn Kelly) got to come home with us after our trip to Utah (where she now lives.) She got to stay with us for about a month.

Sadly, we had to say goodbye as she jumped on a plain back home last Wednesday. :( I just wanted to say home much I appreciate her being here and putting up with my craziness forever. :P

I love you lots Kayla, and I allready miss you tons. :/ COME BACK SOON PLEASE!!!

HomeSchool=FUN

2010-05-04T11:01:00.000-07:00

To my suprise, I have recently come to the realization that homeschooling, is indeed, FUN! :)

- Sleeping in.
- Not doing your hair/makeup.
- Texting.
- Field trips with Mommy and nephews. :D
- NO DRAMA!
- CHOOSING your friends.
- More time.
- Flexible schedule.
- REAL lunch.
- MUSIC WHILE YOU WORK!

hehehehe. Those are just a few of the perks. There are also downsides, but I'll save that for another post.

The latest exitement with homeschooling, it going on a field trip with my biology class out at the cost. It was a blast. We got to go on a sea boat, and the best part, MY FAMILY GOT TO COME! :D

We even stayed over night and added our own little fun the the field trip that consisted of a visit to the "Quarium" by request of little mister Xander, and a walk on the beach by request of miss Kayla

Mid-Morning Dreams

2010-05-04T10:00:00.000-07:00

For some reason, I rarely dream at night, but I ALWAYS dream if I go to sleep after seminary. Those mid-morning dreams are all rather odd. This morning, it wasn't sci-fi, or about magical powers, or even of my dream husband. This morning, it was about "THE SECRET," and my amazing big brother.

Two things have been going on lately.
1.) Dad and Kris are planning something I can't know about ("THE SECRET.")
2.) My big brother Doug had his -- birthday yesterday. :P

In this dream, we had lots of people at Darris and Sarah's house for some special occasion, just like all family accassions. Everyone ussual was there and we were all talking and laughing and doing our own thing while having a good time. Randomly, and unexpectedly (to me at least,) a big (and I mean BIG) knock on the door came about. Everyone turned and stared at me, (I was farthest from the door) and told me to answer it. At that point, I knew something was up. I opened the door and almost didn't recognize them. It was Doug and his little family. :)

I ushered them in as everyone sat smiling with a giant smile on their faces. I gave Ben and Gina a big hug first, after which I turned to Doug. Now let it be known, our family is not very, affectionate, ESPECIALLY Doug. He grabbed my shoulders with fully extended arms. He stared at me for a few seconds as the room got silent. Then he embraced me with a wonderfuly big hug. I patted him on the back as I realized he was crying.

MY BIG BROTHER! The rough and tumble. HE WAS CRYING! It was apparent that he felt some way about not being here as I grew up and as I continue to grow up. He felt some way about the young women I had become. Over all, it was acward, wierd, and breath taking.

I was a little astonished when I woke up. I didn't know what to think, but I think I like that dream. It just shows me how much I really miss my brother. :P And yes Dad, I know this is not the actual suprise. :( Actually, I really have no idea what it is. THIS IS DRIVING ME NUTS!!!!

(P.S.)
.HAPPY.BIRTHDAY.TO.YOU.
.HAPPY.BIRTHDAY.TO.YOU.
.HAPPY.BIRTHDAY.TO.DOUGLAS.
.HAPPY.BIRTHDAY.TO.YOU.
.we.love.you.doug. :)

Raisen in My Nose

2010-04-05T19:43:00.000-07:00

Saying Goodbye

2010-04-04T10:16:00.000-07:00

): As I've gone throughout my tough 15 years on this crazy planet, I have come to realize that one of the hardest things that we will ever do, is say goodbye :( So, I took it slow. I started with the Columbian family party thrown by my aunt and uncle. It was pretty much dinner and then a giant dance party. :D It was amazingly fun.

The next morning Mom, Aunt Jean, Uncle Leo and I went to the conference center to watch the first session of the 2010 semi-anual conference. It sure was an unforgetable experience. I am very lucky, and very glad to have had the opportunity.

After conference, while waiting for Uncle Leo to pick us up with the car, I decided to walk around the conference center and temple square, it is so beautiful. If you have yet to go, you should. It is truly breath taking.

While walking around, I found THIS.....

That made my day a katrillion time better. :D But at that point, it was REALLY time to say goodbye. We headed back to the house, I ate lunch, and as the second session of conference started, My cousin Bryan, new friend Diego, and I all decided to take a little nap. :P

We said our goodbyes and I headed home with Mom and Kayla at my side. It was a semi-rough flight, but none the less, it was fun. :) We got home into Eugene at about 12:00am and let me tell you, I was, and am, SOOO TIRED! haha. It is indeed good to come home.

These Are a Few of My Favorite Things

2010-04-01T15:54:00.000-07:00

snow fights with leo and driving in blizzards
techtonic dancing and smelling like gizzards
learning to dance with diego and sing
these are a few of my vacation things

playing piano and learning merengue
having a good time and tackeling the day
driving in blizzards in middle of spring
these are a few of my vacation things

playing DDR and sleeping until 10
buying new things and seeing the cute men
hearing the choir and the late church bells ring
these are a few of my vacation things

when the snow bites
when the plain flies
when im dreading home
i simply remember my vacation things
and then i dont feel so bad

Major.. Minor..

2010-03-19T15:06:00.000-07:00

I am still unsure of what I would like to major in, but I think I would like to minor in Theology. :O

Brand New Ending

2010-03-18T11:08:00.000-07:00

Though no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending.
~ Carl Bard

Oh No!

2010-03-11T17:51:00.000-08:00

I think I'm turning into a Hurst. O_o first blog stalking. Now kraft day. :) I had fun. :D

My New Favorite Thing

2010-03-11T09:58:00.000-08:00

Necklace

2010-03-11T09:54:00.000-08:00

I think that Kristen's blog obsession is wearing off on me. :P I found this craft blog called tatertotsandjello. There is this super cute necklace that I am hoping to win in a contest for mom for a mothers day present.

here it is. Go look. Enter the contest. :)

http://tatertotsandjello.blogspot.com/2010/03/giveaway-for-this-week-personalized.html

DONT TELL HER!! SHhhhh! :D

Past Times

2010-02-22T09:24:00.001-08:00

"See Mom, when you clean, you find things, good things that make you smile. For instance, THESE!"

Enough Said

2010-02-22T08:51:00.000-08:00

Oh, How I Love Oregon (Day Three)

2010-02-16T20:55:00.001-08:00

Day three, the mountains. XD

Oh, How I Love Oregon (Day Two)

2010-02-16T20:45:00.000-08:00

Day two, the beautiful beach. :D

Oh, How I Love Oregon (Day One)

2010-02-16T20:40:00.000-08:00

Day one, the comfort of our home. :)

My Newest Project.

2010-02-01T10:35:00.000-08:00

We're done with the quillo's and I have had way too much time on my hands lately, so I took Kristen's advice and decided to do something that has LONG needed to be done. Some of you allready know what it is, and even though you can probably TELL what it is, I'm not saying anything more. :)

Ask Anonomously

2010-01-28T08:27:00.000-08:00

What is there to know about me? Why not just ask? Are you embarassed? Why not just ask anonomously? :)

Click on this link and you can ask me ANYTHING, and I promise I will answer the question with complete honesty. It could be random, about me, nothing to do with me, ANYTHING! :) This should be fun.

Here is the link -----> http://formspring.me/karlyhurst