Waterton

I'm sitting here on a porch distracting my Canadian cousins as they play a long, boring game of Rummikub. Have I ever mentioned on this thing that I'm a halfie? Half Canadian/Half American. In fact, I'm in the process of becoming a full-blown legit Canadian citizen. My dad was born and raised in Canada, so every year for the 1st of July we come up to pay homage to our roots.

Below is a list that I have compiled over the last hour, of the top 15 Canadian terms that most Americans don't know. Most of these were completely new to me... Even after years of being 1/2 Canadian, I'm still learning too... After conversing with my friends at the border and being informed of my approval for a Canadian passport, I felt especially inclined to educate myself on these common terms. knock yourself out eh?

eeeeeeeeeeehhhhhhh!!!!

(list in no particular order ps.)

1. Canuk...Canadian 

2.  serviette ..napkin 

3. washrrom..bathroom

4. pop..soda 

5. homo milk.. whole milk 

6. canadian tire money.. hardware store that allows you to redeem stuff? I didn't really get this one... 

7. mountie..cop

8. may 2-4..case of beer  ps. thanks Chantelle ;) 

9. loonie..1$ (coin)

10. toonie..2$ (coin)

11. participaction..gov. sponsored fitness program 

12. zed.."Z"

13. touque...beanie

14. chesterfield..couch

15. poutine..fries, cheese (mozzarella) and gravy ---secretly...I really want to try this...

 Cardston Temple 

about to get on"Miss Waterton" 

lake shot..

Mom, I love it when you wear your sunglasses on TOP of your glasses...Speaking of spectacles...ahem...

I went on an awkward tour of my parent's honeymoon sweet up at the Prince of Wales hotel. 39 years later and they're still madly in love. Me and the bell boy chilled as they went on a trip down memory lane... 

My goal for next year is to learn all the words to "Oh Canada"

My grandpa's backyard is incredible. He still gardens several hours a day. 

This morning we all did a race around Raymond. These are a bunch of my cousins. A few Canuks and a few Yanks...

took 2nd in my age category. holler.

I will post all day long about how much I love my job.

I know I have previously posted about how much I love my job, and how it's the best...yahda yahda yahda...But Imma do it some more! I LOVE MY JOB! Most of you know I had the chance to go to Italy for a year and a half to teach people about what brings me happiness. For a year and a half I left my life behind and was able to completely give my life over to God and teach Italians about how we can come closer to Jesus Christ, and better our lives! It was a life-changing experience for me, and I truly learned how to depend on God daily, and how helping other people gives you crazy happiness!!!! (To learn more about what Mormons believe click HERE.)

After I saw so many people change their lives for the better, it gave me a strengthened desire to want to do all that I can to be more like Christ each day. Now I have the chance to teach missionaries who are about to venture to Italy, just as I did. I teach them a little Italian in the 9 weeks they are there, but mainly I try to help them learn how to be good teachers, so they can help as many people come to understand as possible!

Mainly I just love that I am still such a part of what is happening in Italy! In about 1 year, there will be a Mormon temple in Rome!  I thank God every day for allowing me to have come to know the Italian people, and for opening the door to so many new friendships. I made memories I will cherish for the rest of my life thanks to the experiences I had on my mission.

Meet the District... Anziano Christensen, Peachy, Baer, Malloy, Benson and Sexton. 

These kids are all so stoked to be doing what they are doing!!! They keep me laughing every day! What they do is extraordinary and it's honestly inspirational to be in their presence.

 I love these Elders!!!!!

I'm in love.

I would like to proclaim to the world that I have found love. I am in love with Kneaders Raspberry bread pudding. Perhaps because I did a cleanse/complete sugar fast the week before it was extra-ooberly delish, but I think it's always gonna be that good...All I know is it was truly the best thing that has ever happened to me and everyone needs to go there and GET IT! The best part is that Kneaders has a drive-thru, so you don't even have to waste the energy getting out of your car to stuff your face with blissful calories :)

Portlandia (round II)

My amazing Dad surprised me with a plane ticket to Portland to visit my brother for Memorial Day. It was seriously a blast to go out and spend some time with Brock and Amy and their 2 darling boys. They are the coolest little kids. It makes me think "how can my kids even be this cute?" Daegen is a great joke-teller, and he knows how to PLAY. I love how green it is in Portland, but I think I would miss the sun!! Check out how sweet this trip was though

did a little hiking at Multnomah Falls. 

 Roasted marshmallows in Brock and Amy's backyard

told scary stories around the fire...

Meet my Boo. Pierce LaMont Sky Miller. He is almost 1 year old and is a sweet little bundle of honey. I love him!!!

 We spent Sunday afternoon strolling around some rose gardens in Portland. Beautiful!! 

 It was quite the group! My sister and her 7 kids also came out for the weekend! 

 You can never please everyone ;) 

 Me and Robby got to be buddies on this trip! Always striving to achieve the "favorite Aunt" status...

Look at this attractive family! This needs to be submitted somewhere! .... 

Grandma and Pierce having a stare-down. I think Pierce would win every time...

Strolling the streets of Portland

 We also went for a drive along the Portland Coast. The dogs were loving it, I was so proud of baby (not really) Brimmer for being so brave at his first trip to the ocean! 

They are like...the ultimate COOL family. They have a sweet house in the woods, Brock builds PotterBarn quality tables and mirrors, they have beautiful kids and are hilarious with them. Brock and Amy, you are my inspiration! Especially when you do raps together and cool dance moves... 

 Pierce was a big fan of that stick! It fulfilled many purposes..shovel, fork, self defense mechanism...

 Look at that outfit. Baby Bauer

Gorgeous Portland coast! 

Portland, until next time!