Candlelight Serenade

Last week I had the opportunity to volunteer at a benefit concert that my friends non-profit organization, Child Rescue, was putting on. Child Rescue Association of North America is a non-profit organization that exists to eliminate the child sex trade in the United States and Canada, including child trafficking & exploitation.
The most common practice of trafficking is forced prostitution or child sexual slavery. Estimates are that 200,000 children in the Untied States are currently being harmed by this trade, similar percentages are estimated for Canada. Additionally in 2001, the University of Pennsylvania released a study finding that as many as 300,000 American children at risk of commercial sexual exploitation.
When my friend asked me to come help out at the concert, I couldn't pass up the opportunity or experience.  I never thought that this concert would effect me in any way, but listening to a girl who was just able to get out of the trafficking system made me cry.  I cannot even imagine the trials that these kids have to go through throughout their life.  Also, I was able to meet an amazing lady who is the first generation in her family who will not have to suffer through the trafficking system.  I will never forget this concert or experiences that I had this day!
Below is a song that was written just for this concert.  This song was the last song of the night and all bands that had performed that day got up to sing this for the first time together. When all of the bands got up to sing this song, all the lights were turned off and everyone in the crowd were given candles.  It was a sea of candles and sea of emotions...at least it was for me! 


Not only was this a great experience for me, I was also able to meet some of the bands that performed that day.  I met Chris Carrabba from Dashboard Confessional, Nick Hexum and his brother from 311, Neon Trees, Relient K, and many other bands.  Everyone was so down to earth and really there to help with the cause.  It was such an amazing night!

Me and Alyssa, who came to support the cause

Me and Betty sitting backstage listening to Chris Carrabba

Masters Swim Team

My friend and co-worker, Chelsea, started working for my company again this past week.  Not only do I have a ton of fun with her, but I love swimming with her!  But as a warning...don't ever play water polo with her.  She plays SO dirty!  ;) Love ya Chels!  Chelsea was telling me about a Masters Swim Team that she has recently joined, which I thought sounded like a ton of fun.  After hearing all about it I asked her if I could crash her party and join also. As of right now I'm swimming in Kerns 3 days a week for an hour, but as soon as the Orem program starts in September I'll be swimming 5 days a week for an hour and a half.  It's a HUGE butt kicker, but it feels so great to be back in the water again!  Now I just need to get my shoulders up to par and things will be so much better!  After pulling about 1000 yards this morning, my shoulders are wanting to kill me!  Guess its time to start doing some major shoulder workouts on days that I'm not swimming

Y Hike

My goal right now is to hike the Y at least 3 times a week and maybe one day be able to run it.  Right now that's a goal and only a goal!  There is no way I'd actually be able to do that right now.  The Y is a pretty steep hike that for sure gets my heart rate up.  You gain 1000 feet in a mile, which you'd never know just by looking at Y Mountain.  I had a lot of fun hiking it with Brynn!  Can't wait to do it again.  If this wont kick my behind into shape, I don't know what will

Me and Brynn about half way up

Sitting on the Y

This doesn't do the height any justice

Our view on the way back down.  I live right across the street
from the pool that's on the left side of the picture.

Meteor Shower

Last night Stephen, Anna and I went up to Squaw Peak to watch the meteor shower.  Midnight to 4 am were supposed to be the best hours to watch, but we were a little disappointed with how little we saw.  As much as we would have liked to see more, we still had a great time together!  We talked, laughed hysterically, and just had fun lying on the ground looking up at the stars

Stephen didn't have faith in me.  He said he wouldn't be in the
picture so he didn't look at the camera.  Does he not realize
his sisters skills?! ;)

Mobile Photo Booth

I think the hit of Mauro and Katie's reception was the photo booth.  I loved it so much that I want to do it at my reception one day!!  The pictures are free to everyone and they are totally unlimited.  There are two sides that print, and one goes into an album for people to sign and then other goes to the people taking the picture. Katie bringing props for it was a hit also!  Here are some of my favorites.  And don't ask me why my mouth is open in at least 1 picture from every strip because I have no idea :)

Thank You Spiderman!

Last night my roommate and I came home and the lock on our door wasn't working.  We have a key less entry on our door, so you just type in a code and the door opens.  Well I guess the batteries ran out, so we were locked out.  We don't have a key to our place, so I thought for sure we were going to have to call a locksmith.  Thanks to Spiderman AKA Kory, we didn't have to spend a ton of money on a locksmith.  Kory was able to climb up 3 stories to our balcony, break in and let us in the front door.  It almost made me worry a little bit how easy he was able to break in.  Guess I shouldn't feel so safe being on the 3rd floor anymore.  :)  Thanks Spiderman for saving us money and lots of time sitting outside our door!

Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Natale

Congratulations to my best friend and the love of her life!!

Mauro and Katie's wedding day was a lot of fun!!  It started off for us getting our hair and makeup done, then taking a few pictures, getting picked up in a really nice and big limo, and then off to the ceremony we went.  Katie looked absolutely beautiful!!  It took a lot for me and others to hold back the tears throughout the day, but I think we all did pretty dang good  :)   My dad also did a great job marrying them.  I had people coming up to me all night and even the next day telling me what a wonderful job my dad did.  Yep, my dad pretty much ROCKS!  :)  I'm so glad that I was able to be a part of Mauro and Katie's big day!

Wedding Rehearsal

The last few days have been busy with last minute wedding errands, so tonight's wedding rehearsal and dinner were great ways to relax, spend time with everyone and have fun!  The rehearsal went pretty fast and smooth once we got started.  After going through everything twice it was time to head downtown to dinner.  Dinner was really good and was filled with lots of laughs! 

Lake Arrowhead

It was finally that time of year again.  The time of year I look forward to every year! Most of my family was out of town the only week that worked for me to be up at the Lake, so Kelly and I went up for 3 days, Justin came up for 1, and some great friends for 1 or 2 days. We missed the rest of the family, but still had a really good time! It was another year up at the cabin with many great memories made!

I just love this little girl!  We had a lot of fun swimming together.
No one else would get in with us. 

I'm so glad that Jamie and I reconnected! We met in
middle school and met up again not too long ago.  I just love
her and her family!

My awesome sister and Julie, who'd I take for a sister any day!

Sisters are the best!

Thanks Justin for pulling me!

Justin is pretty much amazing!

Feeding the ducks at the village

Chloe LOVED Justin!  He was everyone's favorite

Justin is going to be such a great dad!