Happy Friday!

Life is moving. Here's what's been going on:

1. I'm rockin' my anatomy class. Love it. Cadavers make me feel icky. Probably more due to the formaldehyde seeping into my nostrils. Gag. Still love it though!
2. Still doing my karate thang. The Garrett's Kenpo Karate School will be expanding to Folsom! Neat. Just gotta get that black belt. I know what you're thinking... Don't worry. I'm thinking it too.
3. One more game of soccer for this season before the next one starts. This time, we are not the captains. At least, we will not be putting down all the money upfront before getting payments from people. We learned our lesson at the beginning of this season. No fun! But... soccer? WAY fun. I didn't meet my "one goal" quota for this season. I guess we have one more game left. Come on, cheer me on!
4. Searching for a HOUSE. Yep. The only problem is, there are so many buyers in our price range that houses in Folsom ESCAPE us before we even know it! Patience is key in this game...
5. Anxiously counting down the days for my nanny/auntie job in April. Could not come sooner!
6. Our Sunday school kids LOVE us. Basically we are the coolest teachers ever. We even held a gaming party here in our little nest at their request! They wanted an "outside of church" party pretty bad.
7. 70 degree weather is creeping our way and I love soaking it in. Seasonal Affective Disorder? It's real. So it's nice to be out in the warm, warm California sun. 
8. I basically wear my hair in a side fish tail braid everyday. It's my favorite style right now and my hair is long enough for it.
9. Our lease here at the Falls ends April 30th. Hmm.. Mom and Dad? Gotta question for you... again...
10. Paradise by Coldplay is my new song. Sorry, Adele. It's time to like something else. Oh, and if you like them, go to likeacoupon.com for a link to buy Coldplay's new album for $0.25 on Amazon. Yes, seriously that easy. You could probably go directly to Amazon and search for the album Mylo Xyloto and it'll take you right to it. In fact, I'm listening to it right now as I write this all informative post. Lucky me. Better do it fast. Like now. GO. NOW. Peace.

Violet

getzphotography.wordpress.com

My cute niece, Violet. Good thing I had that frilly pink baby skirt and handmade bow on hand for our little mini photoshoot today. Who am I kidding... I have BOXES of baby clothes in storage from family. haha. 

Mini

I did it! I made a mini Gospel themed quiet book. Eight pages of activities. Truth be told, if I had more pellon, I'd have had a few extra pages of something. 

Maybe later. 

But for now, I'm glad I finally did it. It's off my list of DIY's. These ideas came from other quietbooks in the bloggersphere,  but with my own tweeks and personal creative touches added. So, if you're ever lacking in an idea, just google it and I'm sure there's one out there for you! Some of these even had templates. Pain in the butt, but in the end, it makes life easier. Happy sewing!

Arrange the flowers at the {Sacramento} Temple 

Help Jesus find his 3 lost sheep

Fish

Pull Lehi along the iron rod
Fruit on the tree velcro on

Noah's Ark

Put on the Armour of God

Find Jonah

Pocket for pad of paper and pencil

Gospel Quietbook

I'm almost done with this project. Quietbook: Take 2. Theme: the Gospel.

Much smaller than the first, but much more detail than the first. Stay tuned.

a day to ride

Some days I just need to get out of the apartment and go for an invigorating bike ride on the trails. Camera bag in tow, of course. Man, I was panting a little harder than I should have been, but I loved it! Nothing better than verbally encouraging your legs(aloud I may say) to push you up the hill.

Everett

 I love this guy! You walk into the room and he lights up while running toward you with that sweet smile and those squinty Getz eyes. Just gotta love him, and kiss him, and squeeze him! And he's got the best tickle laugh. Oh my.

"Wait, are you serious?"

That was my response when Dr. Pikul called "Ashley Garrett" during the lottery this morning for the Human Anatomy class. I couldn't believe my ears. 

I went to a class last night and didn't get picked. I skipped the second section that evening because I was already home and I doubted I would have gotten picked...plus The Bachelor was on. HA. 

This morning, there were 3 sections which meant 3 chances to be picked out of the lottery. I left, thinking I had plenty of time for the 9:30 class. I got to campus in time, but due to the HORRENDOUS traffic and parking, I was late and knew I couldn't just waltz into the classroom 5 minutes after and expect him to have not already started the lottery, let alone let me add my name to the list after being tardy.

So, I waited an hour and a half for the next section. Just chillin' in my car. Time came and I started for the classroom. As I approached the building, I realized I locked my keys in the car. GREAT. I came all this way, and I probably won't get picked.  Not to mention, this is the 3rd or 4th time I've locked the keys in the car and it's such a hassle! I called my dad really quick to ask him for a really, really big favor. I told him I'd call him back after calling the apartment complex about letting him into my apartment to get the spare key. All the meanwhile, I'm getting my name added to the list of 60 other names. I wait for the lottery before stepping out to call the Apt. complex. 4 spots. 4 chances. 60 names. Crap. 

At this point, I'm already zoning out. Going through the motions type attitude, thinking "Get it over with so I can get my dad on his way to come pick me up!" 4 numbers are drawn. First name: "Ashley Garrett."

Say what?! 

I was so shocked, students had a good chuckle at my astonishment. All the sudden, locking my keys in the car wasn't looking so bad :) I did not think I'd be in school this semester. Glad I was wrong!

I had been praying lately about what I'm supposed to be doing with my life. I know my calling in life is to be a mother. There is no doubt about it and it's all I think about and dream about. But I knew I needed to provide a way for myself to earn a living should Max ever leave this life unexpectedly. Read this story to see where this realization hit harder than it has before.

And let's face it, it feels good knowing I can have a job that's really worth it. Can't say that being a cashier at a grocery or retail store is life changing, you know?

Back to prayers... I needed help. Help push me in any direction that I should really pursue. You get a little lost when you're feeling down and I needed reassurance. The fact that I was the first name pulled, with all the odds against me, was an answer to my prayer and an act of God nudging me in the direction I should keep pursuing. I am feeling pretty grateful and I know it's because of Heavenly Father that I'm in this class right now. 

All good things come from God.