Willi Nixon

Learning to ski

2012-01-22T10:34:00.001-08:00

So I bought a pass to Snowbird and I decided I'm learning to ski this winter. I've always snowboarded so skiing has been interesting to say the least. The first day was rough but after a few days I think I'm getting the hang of it. So happy for the snow this weekend

2012

2012-01-14T11:13:00.001-08:00

Baby, it's cold outside

2011-12-20T12:03:00.000-08:00

We had such a great roommate Christmas celebration on Sunday. We drew names and bought each other gifts, and Santa (Jelissa's mom Camille) spoiled us with tons of stocking stuffers and presents. I love Christmas and these ladies!!

After the gift giving we made yet another holiday dinner feast.

This pseudoChristmas made me so excited to go celebrate with my family in Arizona. Gotta go pack :)

Christmas Partying

2011-12-12T20:11:00.000-08:00

Baked all day, partied all night. Anna and I, all of the roommates too, we had so much fun putting this party together. People came, ate our treats, and all is well.

Christmas crafting

2011-12-06T12:15:00.001-08:00

Our house is completely cluttered with saws, paint cans, fabric, newspaper clippings, staple guns, and other assorted tools. And what for? We are decking the halls.

Janelle made these stockings out of sweaters she bought at DI. She whipped them up in a couple hours. So impressed!

Becca had Teddy and I over last week and made us dinner (Peter made it, really) and we made these Christmas letters, to hang on the door or in this case over a frame.

Another cute idea from Janelle, made with pages from an old book or magazine.

Our perfect tree! Jelissa wrapped those beautiful presents and wrapped the ribbon around the tree.

I practiced the skills my mom taught me so many years ago and made a bow for the tree topper. Hers are better, of course.

And lastly, this little piece of work. I'm happy with it and love how it turned out, but I didn't realize one little Christmas tree would require multiple saws, types of glue, clamps, and staple guns. Glad this project is over :)

Let the Christmas cheer begin!

Tiny feet = free shoes

2011-12-05T18:21:00.001-08:00

One perk resulting from having small feet, people find cute shoes that are too small for them, and buy them for me. Two pairs in one week!

Thank you Ted, via Goodwill

and Alaina, via DI

Really happy about both of these.

Brother

2011-12-04T01:01:00.001-08:00

It was so fun to have Acey here, having a sleepover at my house. He flew in late Thursday night and spent the day on Friday interviewing at Roseman University which is a new dental school in South Jordan. I loved making him chamomile tea to make sure he was warm and ready for bed, and loading him with melatonin so he could fall asleep quickly. I loved being his chauffeur all day, and going to get sushi after was great as well. I miss my brothers, it's been so long since we've lived in the same place. I would be so happy to welcome Acey and Jenny as Salt Lake residents if this is where they are supposed to be.

"All good things are wild and free" -Henry David Thoreau

2011-12-03T12:34:00.001-08:00

Painted for my bare wall

Leather jacket transformation

2011-12-02T10:42:00.001-08:00

Really cool, via http://poppytalk.blogspot.com/

Ora Bags from Alex Pask on Vimeo.

Holocene

2011-11-30T23:10:00.000-08:00

And I could see for miles, miles.

Thanksgiving at Home

2011-11-28T19:04:00.001-08:00

Thanksgiving via photo timeline

Dad and Grandma Marsha getting dinner ready in the kitchen at the cabin

Our cute dining room set up

Parker being to cool for a picture with his mamma

So she tickled him

Teddy holding Veda holding a sock monkey

Swapping babies and mammas

Baby Elyse

Wrestling match, Kodi against mini Kodi

Myself and my baby

Parker really couldn't wait for dinner to be ready

Twins right? Acey trying so hard to photo bomb in the back

Parker and his biggest fan

Little man and his black eye, he front flipped onto a wooden chair

Walking to the gate

Photogenic family, yeah?

Kodi: "I bet my forehead is warmer than your forehead"

Panda, why oh why are you always so tan? I am a vampire/ghost

Grandma and baby V

Ray using his magic touch and putting babies to sleep

It was my parent's anniversary so they celebrated, with plastic wine glasses.

Yahtzee!

Cutest baby, in Gilbert at my parent's house

This is what our family looks like these days.

Elyse

Veda

Parker

Happy family with Jar-bear

Twinz

Lovin

And downward dog.

I love my family, I loved my quick trip home. I'm so thankful for every minute I get to spend with people who love me.

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Type written

2011-11-28T09:22:00.001-08:00

Friendsgiving

2011-11-23T17:59:00.001-08:00

It's been a few years since I've been home to Arizona for Thanksgiving, and I've grown pretty fond of Friendsgivings. Don't get me wrong, I'm SO excited to go hang with my family this year. We'll be at the cabin and that's one of my favorite places in the world. But this Sunday my roommates and I had a killer Thanksgiving dinner. So elegant, we are. The pictures say it all. We had a sit down dinner with just the roommates at 5:00, and friends came over after to help us eat all of the delicious food and desserts. One of my favorite parts of this dinner was our "Self esteem circle" compliments of Janelle. She suggested we all take a turn and say what we love most about each roommate. Good thing we're all obsessed with each other. In all honesty it about brought tears to my eyes! These ladies I live with are so great and we all benefit the house in a different way. I love you guys! Happy Friendsgiving everyone!

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Every night

2011-11-21T22:58:00.001-08:00

Health care and kidney stones

2011-11-21T19:03:00.001-08:00

I am so happy I have health insurance. I got my bill today from the kidney stone adventure I had last month. $6,000! It makes me so terrified for the future and what's going to happen with health care in the US. But as for now, I will just be grateful that I know I'm in good hands in case of emergency. Plus, they gave me this uber dreamy doctor.

Dress up time

2011-10-30T18:30:00.000-07:00

Wikipedia: Halloween (or Hallowe'en) is an annual holiday observed on October 31, which commonly includes activities such as trick-or-treating, attending costume parties, carvingjack-o'-lanterns, bonfires, apple bobbing, visiting haunted attractions, playing pranks, telling scary stories, and watching horror films.

the evening of October 31; the eve of All Saints' Day; Allhallows Eve: observed especially by children in costumes who solicittreats, often by threatening minor pranks.

Mean Girls: "Halloween is the one night a year when girls can dress like a total slut and no other girls can say anything about it"

No matter how you define it, Halloween is a holiday when children are adorable and adults look ridiculous. It spans a whole weekend and then some. Some girls dress sexy, and some just wear the costume their mom made them when they were 7 (see the black widow below). Happy Halloween weekend friends.

The roommates putting our costumes together about 5 minutes before we left. We have a cat on the left and Charlie Chaplin on the right

And then there's a ninja

Evan, pretty injured at SLC Photo Collective

Gaddafi never looked better

Ferris Beuller

Zorro

My friends are in this great band called Gossip Ghoul. They play only Halloween inspired music. Nothin' better than that.

This is when I busted out the old black widow costume. Fits like a glove, 15 years later.

Everyone participating in Gossip Ghoul

Great group of kids in this picture [circa January 2010]

Me and Ev boat, waiting to jump start his car

What was your costume this year?

Pumpkin carving and Apple press

2011-10-29T10:46:00.000-07:00

We are a happy family

2011-10-29T09:38:00.001-07:00

How rare is it to live in a house of 6 girls who actually enjoy each other's company? In this house, we are a family. We went to the store last week and made a delicious dinner for Alaina's birthday. Tortilla soup, soft tacos, guacamole, salsa and chips. Yum.

Introductions starting at the left: Anna, Jelissa, Malorie (not a roommate but we still like her), Magen, Janelle, myself, and Alaina.

Pumpkin roll with cream cheese filling

2011-10-23T14:55:00.000-07:00

Ingredients

1/4 cup powdered sugar (to sprinkle on towel)
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 large eggs
1 cup granulated sugar
2/3 cup Pure Pumpkin puree
1 cup walnuts, chopped (optional)
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
6 tablespoons butter or margarine, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup powdered sugar (optional)

Directions

PREHEAT oven to 375 degrees F. Grease 15 x 10-inch pan; line with wax paper. Grease and flour the paper. Sprinkle towel with powdered sugar.
COMBINE flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves and salt in small bowl. Beat eggs and sugar in large mixer bowl until thick. Beat in pumpkin. Stir in flour mixture. Spread evenly into prepared pan. Sprinkle with nuts.
BAKE for 13 to 15 minutes or until top of cake springs back when touched. Immediately loosen and turn cake onto prepared towel. Carefully peel off paper. Roll up cake and towel together, starting with narrow end. Cool on wire rack.
BEAT cream cheese, powdered sugar, butter and vanilla extract in small mixer bowl until smo
oth. Carefully unroll cake; remove towel. Spread cream cheese mixture over cake. Reroll cake. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate at least one hour. Sprinkle with powdered sugar before serving, if desired. (I decided to spread the extra cream cheese frosting I had over the pumpkin roll).

All things are fall things

2011-10-18T16:14:00.000-07:00

Loving October for apple cider

and for cooked pumpkin seeds

And for carving pumpkins

I want fall to last forever :)

My babies

2011-10-17T19:03:00.001-07:00

I took a last minute trip to AZ to surprise my dad for his birthday. It feels so good to be surrounded by my family and long time friends. Though we were only there for two short days, the trip was worth it thanks to my babies. I am completely obsessed with my two nieces and nephew. It's one of those things that you just don't understand until you have some of your own. I get so sad when I hear about them growing up when I'm not around. With no more ado, my bunch of pictures of this weekend.

Parker waiting for his corn dog to be cold enough to eat

Elise bein' sassy as always

Pete's fish and chips

Jenny and I eating delicious food

Acey being a cute dad, Veda just being her cute self

Plugging her ears, not sure why

Parker dressed up as "maan"

AZ sunset

Joes BBQ with the fam

Teddy and Elise playing

Love those grandparents of mine

Stink eye Parker

Such a prettttyyyy baby

Handsome bebe

Besties.

My baby giirl

Love these girls so much! I'm so happy we are still great friends.

Saying bye to Sister Webster because I won't see her before she reports to London for her mission!

And the reason AZ keeps me coming. These two lovely people right here. I love you mom and dad, miss you already!

Le' Spectacle

2011-10-17T07:55:00.000-07:00

Last week we had a show in the backyard. It was a freezing night, but still a great time.

St. Boheme

The turnout... before all the people came

Alexander

Evander

Dallin and his new drunken old man

Gothen

Dancing for Matteo. Everyone had a good time. Welcome Fall!

Monday morning

2011-10-03T08:28:00.000-07:00

We are all brilliant in our own ways

Carrot Cake Muffins with Cream Cheese Filling

2011-10-01T10:40:00.000-07:00

I made these last week for my weekly staff meeting, following the King Arthur Flour recipe. I ran into a few bumps along the way, but it actually turned out to my benefit because I found something I like even more :)

Preheat the oven to 400' F. Lightly grease a bite size muffin pan (which was the bump in the true recipe, but I promise the bite size are better), or line a regular size muffin pan with paper muffin cups and grease the cups. If you'd like to you can do half small and half regular, which is what I did.

For the filling, place one unwrapped 8 ounce package of cream cheese in a microwavable bowl, and heat for 40 seconds. Stir in 1/4 cup granulated sugar.

Now for the dry ingredients, whisk together the following:

2 1/4 cups all purpose flour

1/2 cup granulated sugar
¼ cup light brown sugar, firmly packed
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
¼ teaspoon baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
3/4 teaspoon ground ginger
3/4 teaspoon salt

Mix the following wet ingredients separately:

2 large eggs
3/4 cup water
1/3 cup vegetable oil

Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, and add 1 cup of grated carrots (about 2 large carrots). Stir the ingredients together (do not beat).

Now for the regular size muffins, fill 2 Tbsp of batter in each muffin paper. Then dollop on a heaping table spoon of the filling. (For the bite size muffins, just half these measurements).

Cover with enough batter to fill the muffin cups quite full. The batter will come to within about 1/4″ to 3/8″ of the top of each muffin cup.

If you'd like to, you can add course sugar to the top before putting in the oven, or you can leave them plain and frost them with any extra cream cheese filling.

Bake the regular size muffins for about 20 minutes, and the bite size for about 11 minutes, each on 400'. Once they are done, use a for to tilt the muffins on their side. This way the bottom of the muffin doesn't continue to cook or harden.

And then you're finished! These muffins are much more tasty when they are warm and the cream cheese filling is soft, but they keep well for breakfast also. I thought my bite size ones were even better than the regular size, but maybe that was just me. Let me know what you think and if you have any other suggestions :)

- And everyone loved them, might I add.

Coconut Banana Bread with Lime Glaze

2011-09-30T09:23:00.000-07:00

So it turns out that having only 1 job leaves me with a lot of free time. I haven't had free time in 3 years so this is new for me. Basically I'm just trying to figure out what I like to do... and that is a crazy concept. I've been cooking, which means you guys get lots of nom nommy recipes to try. I started doing Yoga 5 times a week which is really good for my back, and for my mind that never stops. It's helping me relax and just be present, something that doesn't come naturally to me. I've been shopping, but trying not to. I started painting again. I read Jayne Eyre, Tinkers, The Help, and Franny and Zoey, which would be more novels than I've had time to read since I started college. Moral of the story, expect a lot of hobby blogs coming your way.

Now for the bread:

This bread is AMAZING. I loved the contrast of the lime glaze to the sweet bread. I used the plain yogurt instead of sour cream, and milk rather than apple juice. I found the recipe on Our Best Bites, and they have tons of other good recipes as well. I love this because it's very simple, but different than your traditional banana bread. Enjoy -

Coconut Banana Bread with Lime Glaze2 C flour

3/4 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 C sugar
1/4 C (4 Tbs) real butter, softened
2 large eggs
1 1/2 C mashed ripe bananas (about 4 large bananas)
1/4 C sour cream or plain yogurt
3 Tbs apple juice or milk*
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 C coconut

Topping: 2 Tbs additional coconut
Glaze: 1/2 C powdered sugar whisked with 1 1/2 Tbs fresh lime juice

*as in: don’t go buy apple juice just for this recipe. If you don’t already have some, just use milk!

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Whisk flour, baking soda, and salt together and set aside.

In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar until blended. Add eggs and beat to combine. Add banana, sour cream or yogurt, apple juice (or milk), and vanilla. Beat until blended.
Add flour mixture and beat at a low speed until just combined. Stir in 1/2 C coconut.

Pour batter into a 9×5″ loaf pan that has been sprayed with non-stick spray. Sprinkle additional 2 Tbs coconut on top.

Bake in the oven for about 1 hour or until a knife or skewer inserted in center comes out clean.Note: Check bread after about 40 minutes. If the top has browned and the coconut pieces are looking toasty, cover top of bread lightly with a piece of foil. Continue baking until done.

When done, remove pan from oven. Let cool on a cooling rack for about 10 minutes and then carefully remove from pan. Whisk powdered sugar and lime juice together for the glaze and then drizzle over top. Cool for another 15 minutes before slicing.

Couscous and summer veggies

2011-09-29T14:34:00.000-07:00

My roommate Alaina works at a farmer's market and always brings home pounds and pounds of squash, apples, peaches etc. I steamed squash, zucchini, peppers, onion, cubed garlic, and mushrooms with a bit of olive oil and red wine vinegar. The couscous was only seasoned with lime juice, and at teaspoon of olive oil was added so it wasn't dry. Healthy and delish!

Hiked Timp, again

2011-09-11T21:49:00.000-07:00

Jamie and I went for our 2nd annual hiking trip on Friday. Refer here for the details of the hike last time. Such a fun hike to do with my Jamers. It was crazy how different everything looked this year, because we went about the same date as last year. The glaciers were much bigger and everything was a lot more green.

You can see how beautiful everything was. We learned our lesson last time and brought a lot more food along, which made the hike that much more enjoyable. There's probably only a couple weeks (if that) left of no snow up there so now's the time to do it :)

The new house

2011-09-05T10:32:00.000-07:00

You've been asking and here they are; pictures of my new place :) My roommate Jelissa owns this house and she's done amazing things with it as far as finishing the basement and refinishing everything. I love this house so much and it's such a comfortable place to live. Pictures honestly do this house no justice. Enjoy!

The front of the house

The living room to the left of the entry way

Dining room with mismatched chairs, all the same color

The TV room and comfiest couch

The basement living room with a really awesome exposed stone wall original to the house

My bathroom, how much do you love the vanity?

My room finally all settled. I still need to make myself a head board but I'll save that for a rainy day

Our fun backyard. It was just begging us to have people over. Saturday night my roommates and I had a BBQ which was a birthday party/my house warming. It was fun to finally have friends come see the house.

My chicks

Thanks for still loving me when I live far away!

Zach back in Utah with his brother

Sista sis and Matty

I owe you two a big thank you for ALL of the help you gave me when I had no car and when I was in the process of moving.

So into my veggie burger nom nom nom

And last but not least and the one I owe the most thanks to, Jonathan. We really felt like this night was such an accomplishment after many months of stresses and changes in my life. Moved cities, started my career, ended my job at RLob, had a car break down on me, borrowed a car from my parents, got rear ended in that car, bought a NEW car (pics to follow soon), and so much more.

I honestly couldn't have survived the last 8 weeks without J's help, as well as Teddy, Matt, Jamie and my parents. I know there are even more of you who have helped me whether it was through helping me move, or just keeping me in your thoughts and prayers. I have amazing people in my life and I'm grateful!

Adam's Canyon

2011-08-29T21:13:00.000-07:00

Saturday after a looong night of fire-alarm mishaps, I went hiking in Layton up Adam's canyon. Perfect hike for a summer night :)

After some long sandy swithchbacks, and getting lost on the lack of a trail a few times,

And after me learning how to fly? Idk.

We stumbled upon this:

And we couldn't have timed it any better, because the pink sunset was amazing

Nixon family reunion '11

2011-08-24T21:28:00.000-07:00

My whole Nixon side of the family got together for our annual reunion this weekend :) We stayed in Ogden which was nice and close to me. It's funny how these reunions evolved over the years from the time I got to see my cousins, into the time when I get to see my immediate family. Most of my cousins have lived in Provo while I've been here, and I never really get to see my fam. It was such a great weekend!

This is Miss Veda. She is the prettiest baby in the world! She seriously kills me. And she is happy 99% of the time.

It wouldn't be a Nixon reunion if there weren't strange games involved. Kodi and Chris trying to stack 4 golf balls on top of each other.

Parker boy drinkin' his chocolate milk. Parker said my name for the first time this weekend (he says "Wiii") and I about died. I love him and he is growing up so fast!

Twins

Siblings minus Ted

Saturday we took the Gondolas up to the top of the mountain for a little exploring

Lindsey and her cool guy

Mamma Panda and myself. I've missed this one so much.

Just snuggling on Veda again

The whole fam, minus Rob

So beautiful!

V and her flower

I didn't want the week to end :( I already miss them so much.

I've been at my job 3 weeks now and I'm so happy to be there. I finally (as of like 5 minutes ago) am settled in my house. Pictures to come asap. Xoxoxo

How to refinish furniture

2011-08-12T14:40:00.000-07:00

Find a good piece of furniture for $20 that has character and a good shape.

Remove all of the knobs and reinforce any of the drawers that are not sturdy. Then use a fine sand paper to take the smoothness away from the wood finish

Once it's sanded, spray "kilz" primer in an even coat.

It should look about like this

Pick a color you like in a semi gloss, and give it a couple coats. After it dries, put the handles back on (or buy new handles at Hobby Lobby or Antrhopologie). Then you're done!!! I did a peachy pink with gold accents. Fun project and cute for my new room

Cha cha cha changes

2011-08-11T22:58:00.001-07:00

Did I tell you all that I got my RDH license? Well I did. I've been temping all summer, and finally found a job that is so perfect for me. I'm working full time as a hygienist at Mtn View Dental Care. If you need your teeth cleaned, I'm your girl!

I've been back and forth between Salt Lake and Provo for a few weeks now, and Saturday I'll make the official move. I bought myself a "big girl bed" (aka not a twin), I've been working on refinishing some furniture, and I think I'm just about set. I'll get some pictures up soon, this week is crazy though!

Did I mention I'm doing all of this while my car is sitting in a mechanic's parking lot? If anyone wants to give me a car, you know how to reach me.

Such a crazy and exciting time in my life!

When it rains, it pours

2011-08-04T12:28:00.000-07:00

Don't be surprised if my hair starts turning gray at age 22.

Newport

2011-07-24T14:16:00.000-07:00

Life's been interesting this summer. Between graduating and trying to find a job, there have been lots of other little stresses that have been weighing heavy on me. It's weird, I'm not the only one who feels this way. It seems that now is a time of change and so much is different than it ever has been. In the midst of all these fears and stresses, the beach was just what I needed. Jamie was kind enough to invite me to stay with her family this week. It felt so good to get away from Provo. It just further proved a favorite quote of mine:

There isn't much that a good cry, endorphins from a workout, or sitting by the ocean won't fix.

And this is what went down in California.

Spent the night in downtown Redlands swimming and eating yummy gourmet pizza

Lots of beaching

Finding some Smarts and beaching more

Jane's corn dog with Greg and the sister wives

Digging holes in the sand compliments of Lindsey and Emily

Spouses pushing each other over

Balboa Island

Fair food

And even more fair food.

After some time away and being able to clear my head, I can happily announce that I'm moving to Salt Lake in 3 weeks, and I'm excited and somewhat anxious to do it!

I never shut up about tin foil dinners

2011-07-18T16:15:00.000-07:00

It's true that I have a slight obsession with the things. Someone finally entertained my idea and let me cook them a couple tin foil din dins. We were all too hungry to actually go build a fire and cook in the canyon, so we ventured out to the grill at my apartment.

Bon appetit!

Harry Potter

2011-07-17T09:54:00.000-07:00

These books and the movie series have been such a part of growing up. I remember reading the first book in 5th grade and falling in love with it. It's the only "book fad" I've ever really joined in. For some reason I hated the Twilight series without ever reading them, and there's a perfect quote to help explain why.

Stephen King said "Harry Potter is about confronting fears, finding inner strength and doing what is right in the face of adversity. Twilight is about how important it is to have a boyfriend." JK wrote these books so incredibly well. I'm embarrassed that I haven't read the last book, but after seeing the movie I know I need to!

This is at the midnight showing of the first Harry Potter when I was in high school :) All the boys are dressed up, doing their seminary homework.

Remember how precious and little they were?

And see how grown up they are now?

Emma Watson is a superbabe and I will always love you Ron Weasley

Gardens and Lemonade

2011-07-15T12:20:00.000-07:00

Most of our days in Salt Lake somehow revolve around this cactus garden. Finding new plants at the farmers market or going to buy pots and planting them all. Look how precious it is? Since this picture we also planted lavender, two grass plants and more mint.

And a bonus to growing herbs and things is this delish lemonade. A couple years ago Teddy and I went to the Provo farmers market and had this really awesome lemonade that was frozen with ground mint mixed in. It's so fun to cut mint off his plants and make our own :)

Ready, set, go!

2011-07-13T00:16:00.000-07:00

Time for me to get movin'

Meet you in Zion

2011-07-11T12:59:00.000-07:00

There are few things I love in life more than camping, hiking, planning, and picture taking. That's what my weekend proved.

Step 1: make the drive to Zion National Park

Step 2: find a camping spot

Step 3: find a map of the park and let the adventures begin.

Panda and Teddy you would have loved all of the wildlife. Ie; stinkbug
My chipmunk friend named Alvie

Mr. Fuzzy caterpillar (seconds before I let him fall to the ground, oops)

If you've never been to Zion's before, my favorite hike there is Angel's Landing. Luckily we finished the hike with about 20 minutes of daylight left, and the rain was just a light sprinkle when we were on top. It could have been really bad if it rained more while we were hiking the narrow cliff to the top. You basically hold on to a chain and pray that you aren't clumsy enough to trip/slip. So much fun.

This picture is almost at the top, where the chain part begins.

Once we made it to the top... before my hair started standing on end from the soon to be lightening storm

On top of the world

If you look at the larger file of this photo you can see that there's a double rainbow, not just the one! This is on top of Angels landing as well.

The next morning we hiked the Narrows, which I wasn't able to do the last time I came. It was an adventure, that's for sure! I knew that a lot of the hike involved wading in the water (Teddy and Becca did you just think of that choir song I used to sing?), but I didn't realize that ALL of the hike was trudging through at least 1 foot deep of harsh current. And some of it involved me swimming with backpack overhead. Definitely a fun experience.

It sprinkled a couple times during the day, this is one of the water run offs. Good thing there wasn't a flash flood!

The virgin river... trying not to drop our camera's and phones in the water

The water was FREEZING. And the walls of the narrows were so high that the sun barely ever made an appearance.

Such a fun weekend! All the things I love crammed into two days.

God bless the USA

2011-07-07T01:14:00.000-07:00

This weekend was filled with a whole lot of patriotic attire, walking/sweating outside, and fireworks. Always such great 4th of July celebrations in Provo!

Emily sandwich

Frozen cheesecake [I'm still envying this]

Showing off their new chairs

Baby you're a firework

Ash and I waiting for Stadium of Fire Fireworks

Blurry

How precious are we that we accidentally matched?

Cirac Sandwich

Wahooo I loved this weekend :)

Cataract Canyon

2011-06-27T23:03:00.001-07:00

What a fun trip. For those of you who aren't aware, Cataract Canyon is extremely high water this year (90,000 CFS) from all of the snow and rain we've had. This makes the some of the rapids extremely huge, and kind of scary! It was the first time I've ever had adrenaline pumping on a river trip. Thanks to the huge water and some great company, it was such a great week and I'm missing it already.

On our way down river road to put in the river

Me and sissy getting on the S-rig the first day

This was Jamie's first river trip ever. I told her she can never go again now because nothing will compare!

This is a hike called the loop, you can see the river from both sides of this mountain

River guide Matt

All my fave ladies

Jamie and I trying to cool off our Diet Cokes in the river

This is the sign as you enter the canyon and rapids... awesome

Panda and I sat on the pontoons for the first rapid, Brown Betty. It was SO much bigger than we thought it would be and it was terrifying sitting out there!

Stephen the river guide after I gave him his rose tattoo

More water action.

Pictures of the rapids do no justice, so I'll leave those to your imagination. I loved sleeping under the stars and peeing outside... something so great about being outdoors. Thanks Nicki and World Wide for such a good trip :)

Winter weather

2011-06-22T01:37:00.001-07:00

It's almost July and the water is rising. I tried to hike up near Park city the other day and what did we find?

Snow

Fallen trees, and so much snow melt that the trail was overcome by river.

The hike had to end here, better luck next time.

Since the rain keeps ruining my fun, I'm going river rafting down Cataract Canyon tomorrow through Saturday :) Wahoooo!

Shower notes

2011-06-20T14:19:00.000-07:00

Jamie and I write each other notes on the bathroom mirror. This is what happens after the steam from the shower gets to it. Creepy!

Pizza with the Ciracs

2011-06-19T16:55:00.001-07:00

Em has a really great recipe for whole wheat crust. Such a great idea :)

Their BBQ chicken pizza

My veggie pizza:
Tomato
Onion
Mushroom
Rosemary
Mozzarella and Parmesan
Alfredo and olive oil sauce
Nom nom nom.

I <3 the Cirac fam!

What's cookin' good lookin'

2011-06-19T08:36:00.000-07:00

I love how many pictures are taken on this table runner. Jamie, we need to invest in a few more so my pictures have some variety.

Anyway, I've been trying to cook more lately. I love cooking but it's hard to be motivated when I'm just cooking for myself. I usually just end up eating yogurt for dinner haha. But this is my lovely display of dinner from the other night. Grilled tomatoes, blackened tilapia, sauteed mushrooms, grilled red potatoes, roasted artichoke, and edemame. Yumm.

Please note how pretty the peony is! I picked it from my grandma's yard a week ago, and it just keeps blooming.

Megs and Tan

2011-06-16T02:56:00.000-07:00

It's always so fun to get together with my school friends. Hygiene school was such a hard & stressful time and these are the only girls who know exactly what I went through. Megan and Tanner Ham are moving to California this week and I'm so sad to see them go. We had a BBQ to say goodbye. I am going to miss you so much Megan, I can't wait to come visit in July! Good luck with everything :)

Our Sunday nights...

2011-06-13T16:23:00.000-07:00

DC, guac, and salsa. I love my girls.

June 13th

2011-06-13T00:18:00.000-07:00

"Live with your head in the lion's mouth" - Ralph Ellison

Absence

2011-06-10T07:38:00.000-07:00

I haven't blogged in 11 days. This is probably a record for me! What have I been doing in the mean time?

Update:
-Riding my new bike, laying by the pool, working at Red Lobster, working interviews as a dental hygienist, cleaning my room and having it messy by the next day, walking around every foot of Salt Lake [city], picnics up the canyon with my family, and last night had a girls night [Plus Tyler and Jarin] with the school friends. Basically I'm just loving that it's summer and I never want it to end.

Good News:
-I've worked two days in two offices, and I LOVE the career I chose. Relief.
-I'm really happy with my decision to stay in Utah instead of move back to AZ. I love and miss my family but this is where I need to be right now.

Picture time:

Dear self,

2011-05-30T10:09:00.000-07:00

Birthday

2011-05-26T23:19:00.000-07:00

Filled my day with people I love and things that I love to do. Love you guys :)

The wedding and the rest of AZ

2011-05-26T17:24:00.001-07:00

Megan I love you and I'm so happy we were able to come to your wedding :) Miss you already.

Me and the ladie's at Megan and Brandon's reception

World's biggest sparklers

Practicing our modeling and photography skills, I think we're really onto something.

I just thought this was cute... Parker REALLY wanted to blow my candles out but he's been super sick all week so his mamma didn't want his germs on the cake. Haha.

Robbie Rob it was so great seeing you, sorry I seemed preoccupied. I love you!

Overall a very successful week in AZ. I love my family and friends :)

What Arizona has that Utah doesn't

2011-05-23T16:11:00.000-07:00

Bosa doughnut

Gecko Grill

Fili B's

Liberty Market

Sauce

Sweetcakes

The list could go on for days. I'm up to my eating out quota for the year.

Love me some Arizona cookin'

Aunt Willi

2011-05-22T13:21:00.001-07:00

I'm diggin' this. I wish I could be around these kiddo's all the time.

Veda girl, you are the cutest. Your cheeks are so chubby, and I love it.

Parker is my nephew. He's 2, and such a crack up. He's been really sick all week, but that didn't stop him from cheesing the camera.

This is at Liberty Market, again Parker kills me! Baby Elise is my newest niece. Cute family :)

Can't I just take them back to Utah with me?

Lovely Sundy

2011-05-16T22:35:00.000-07:00

Bike ride
Picnic
Popsicle
Reading

With Jamie and Teddy.

Unlike me

2011-05-15T10:29:00.000-07:00

I had a very unlikely week. First, BYU baseball game.

Then burgers at Fleming's

Petting a dog that's bigger than me (the picture does no justice)

And working on 3 pints of icecream at a time.

This is what summer's about. Doing random things with random people!

Rings and things

2011-05-09T19:23:00.000-07:00

I've been waiting for you! Best piece of mail EVER.

I just ordered this little hammered rose gold stacking ring.

Likey!

Happy Panda's day

2011-05-08T14:05:00.000-07:00

Mother dear. I'm so grateful to have you in my life. Can't wait to come visit next week!

Pie Night

2011-05-06T17:30:00.000-07:00

It's finally starting to feel like summer in Utah. We're getting started on our summer checklist of things we would like to accomplish. First off, pie night at Village Inn

Jordan and Alex enjoying their triple berry

Braden the child... so disappointed that his pie tastes like jam.

Summer '11 has officially begun

In one hour -

2011-05-05T09:47:00.000-07:00

- I'll be starting the biggest test of my life. Other than a little nausea, I'm feeling pretty great. I know that I have prepared the best I can for what is in my control. For all the things that are out of my hands, I am anxious. Good luck to my girls, we will all do great!

Give this picture a click to read a quote that's been following me around the last few weeks.

Bam

2011-05-04T19:18:00.000-07:00

Cray Cray

2011-05-04T01:12:00.001-07:00

Sleeping in

2011-05-03T11:30:00.001-07:00

I'll admit, I've been taking advantage of my freedom since I graduated. I've been staying up till the sun comes up, and sleeping in till 11:00.

Last night the Cirac's came over for some hot tubbing and movie time. We watched "It's Kind of a Funny Story", which if you haven't seen I fully recommend. By the time it was over, we'd worn them out. Adorbs!

Today my boards patient kindly called me at 7:30 a.m. to confirm his appointment. Have you ever been woken up and instantly needed to speak a 2nd language? I guaranty my spanish was horrible, but lets hope it was coherent enough to give Mr. Diaz all the details he needs to know about my exam.

When I finally got out of bed, I had the most rockin' bed head you've ever seen.

These are the gems that fill my days. Nothing too exciting, but many plans in the making :)

Leisure books?

2011-05-03T00:10:00.000-07:00

I'm digging this whole "spare time to read books" thing. I can honestly say its been over 2 years since I read something for fun.

The little people

2011-05-02T15:33:00.000-07:00

When I'm constantly getting pictures of my nephew and nieces, how am I supposed to resist them? I just booked my flight to go play!

Devaun reminded me of this video today. You can't not smile while you're watching it! Life is good :)

Para ti

2011-04-28T21:16:00.001-07:00

Huh. True!

2011-04-26T14:31:00.000-07:00

Traditions

2011-04-25T00:07:00.000-07:00

Remember this Easter, and that one too? It's been really fun to start my own traditions since I'm not always able to be with my family.

These lovely ladies always help make my Easter amazing. I'm glad they wanted to do it again this year.

Two of my favorite couples in the world, Greg lookin' so fly with his new stash.

I'm so grateful for Jamie in my life, just so all of you know.

Em I think you need to either replace me in this picture or come sandwich me from behind. I love you guys so much!

Vegas Baby

2011-04-24T00:13:00.000-07:00

What a good idea Jamie :)

I can always count on Vegas to provide sun, shopping, good food, and entertaining people to watch. Our trip was perfect.

Getting my gamble on

Me and my chicks

Inside the Bellagio

Please note Cody trying to drink out of the fountain haha

Getting FRIED and didn't even know it

Serendipity

Perfect weather (thanks Cody for always being our photographer)

New massive H&M in Caesar's Palace

And then it was over all to soon!

Always such an adventure to get away. Too bad I had to come back to work :(

I'm having an Easter Potluck tomorrow at my place, be there or B²

Going to Vegas

2011-04-20T12:24:00.000-07:00

Gotta get my retail therapy on. Oh and some sun too!

Well,

2011-04-19T14:14:00.000-07:00

Sometimes what I say and what I feel are two very different things.

Keeping busy

2011-04-17T20:29:00.000-07:00

Lesson to be learned:

I've suddenly come upon a ton of free time. What to do? Fill it with people I haven't seen in months because I've been studying too much.

Lunch with Jacie for her birthday

Crepe night (and a fabulous day with Jamie, Ashley and Cody shopping in Salt Lake and eating... all day)

And burning my scrubs from school, and all of my notes and lectures from the last 2 years down by the Utah Lake.

Tyler making a paper airplane out of my notes, and lighting it on fire. Classic.

I love college, hey!

2011-04-15T09:56:00.000-07:00

Alriiight I've been post happy about my graduation all week, but here's the last one :)

Cap & Gown, ready to start the commencement ceremony

Dear parents, thank you for supporting me through school and in my life. I owe so much to you for helping me achieve my goals. You are babes and I love you both.

Best friends and sisters of mine, you got to see the stress of hygiene school on top of working basically full time. I know I've been boring but it's time to party! A special shout out to Jamie for living with me through school and still liking me. You are babes and I love you all.

This right here is my Golden Scaler award. Every dental hygiene graduating class awards a student this award. My professors and the administration of my school voted for me to be the recipient! The award means "best clinician". It's very nerdy but this is a coveted award and I was so happy to receive it.

Even though this day is very exciting, I will miss seeing my girls at school every day! Thankfully I'm staying in Provo a while longer so I don't have to say bye to many of them yet. Megs, I want you to know that my family said "that was the funniest graduation speech I've ever heard, they should have just stopped after her". You're hilarious.

Roommates! Megan I can't believe you are moving out... we will miss you. We've spent so much time together the last two years and I'm sad to see you go!

Dearest married friends of mine, thanks for being supportive of me and coming to my after party at grandma's!

Grandma Marsha and Grandpa Nick win for the most ridiculous present, once again. My great great grandma's dentures. Classy.

Rob, I can't believe you are such a sweat heart. Thank you for surprising me and coming to my graduation. I always know I can count on you for ANYTHING. And that tooth girl... she's just adorbs. Love it hahah.

Last but not least, thank you to myself for my new present. I'm in love with this watch. I'm so good to me. :)

Graduation Week

2011-04-13T15:00:00.000-07:00

Liberated. Having free time. Seeing people I love and miss. Last day of school for my bachelors degree. Shopping. Parents coming to town - this has been my week thus far! It feels so good :)

Yesterday was the last day of school, and we had a potluck to celebrate. I'll admit it was a little bit sad cleaning out my stuff from the clinic and my locker... it still doesn't feel real. Here are a bunch of pictures of all the girls that I know I am going to miss!

Janine, I will miss you being sassy at school. You've helped us all so much through school in finding patients and I have loved working with you!

Megan, we would not have made it through school without each other. I can't believe you're moving home in just a few days. Sad but exciting for you.

This is my lovely clinic group from this semester. I'm so happy we all helped each other out so much, and that we all found boards patients.

Megs taking off our last paper link in our graduation countdown!

The back row ladies :) Thanks for always letting me sleep on my desk.

Day Thirty

2011-04-13T00:15:00.001-07:00

A picture of someone you miss

Can you believe how fast the time has gone? My 30 day challenge just flew by, as did the rest of my time at school. Today was my last day of college for my Bachelor's degree. It was a really great day :)

My sister in law posted the CUTEST pictures of my nephew Parker recently, so he wins the category of "someone I miss". This little guy is growing up so fast and I just want to be there! Soon enough I suppose.

Please note his black eye, from being hit by a swing. Still adorable.

This 30 day 30 photo challenge has been fun for me, now it's your turn!

Day Twenty Nine

2011-04-11T23:50:00.000-07:00

A picture that always makes you smile

Get ready, this content may be hard to hear. I, Willi Nixon, have a fetish for cute dog pictures lately. I don't like animals. Mainly pets. But really? These little puppies totally kill me! So cute and such sassy personalities.

Meet Jeremiah Johnson. He is a tea cup Yorkie and weighs about a pound. I'm obsessed with him.

I can't stop searching "cute puppy pictures". It's really weird and uncharacteristic of me, but join the fun! You'll love it too!

Day Twenty Eight

2011-04-10T22:14:00.000-07:00

Warning; T.M.I.

A picture of your biggest fear

While everyone knows that breaking a tooth is my claimed biggest fear, I have one other that might beat it to the punch.

Loneliness. No one likes to feel that way. I am not literally afraid of being alone, more just the emotion of being lonely. As Panda [mom] remembers, this started in about 6th grade when I moved to a new school. I was so shy, and really worried that no one would like me. For years I was too afraid to call anyone or try to play with anyone on the weekends. My mom would actually pay me to call people... sad. There have been a few other times in my life where I've gone through these stages of loneliness, maybe after a break up or a move. All I'm saying is that I hope there comes a time that loneliness isn't a factor in my life, and the fear can go away.

While being alone is a fear that many of us have, take comfort in a certain genius' wise words.
I will say that I'm very happy to be getting my bachelor's degree this Thursday, and I'm also happy to say that I've done it while I'm single. I feel like the past 4 years here in Provo at school have been such telling years for me. I am a complete different person today than I was 4 years ago. Instead of letting the "fear of being alone" play a role in my life, I get to learn and grow as a person, alone.

All the single ladies, put your hands up!

Day Twenty Seven

2011-04-09T22:55:00.000-07:00

A picture of you and someone in your family

I chose to go a little bit old school. This picture is my family hiking Havasupai in June 2006. There are a few things I love about this picture.=:

1. I used to HATE hiking, and my family was very persistent that I come with them on such endeavors. This particular time we hiked Havasupai, something changed. I fell in love with hiking :) If you haven't had the chance to do this hike, you must do it. It's so beautiful, and worth it.

2. I love that my "family" is a loose term. We continue to add people into our family, whether they fit the definition or not. Marianne and Becca are very much a part of our immediate family, as is Rob. The more the merrier.

Day Twenty Six

2011-04-09T01:30:00.000-07:00

A picture of something that means a lot to you

I couldn't narrow it down. There were three things on my mind tonight.

1. Education

2. When people notice things, and are genuinely interested in what you have to say.

3. Thank you cards, or even a random note. I will admit, I've had a few thank you cards and blog comments that brought tears to my eyes in the last few months. Writing your feelings down is so underrated.

Senior banquet and sleepover

2011-04-08T09:31:00.000-07:00

Last night, I went to my senior banquet with Jamie as my + 1. She is the best spouse I could ever ask for. I'm already feeling a bit nostalgic about school, and these girls. We watched a slide show of our journey the past 2 years together. Keep in mind this has been a 4 year process and to finally be graduating is surreal.

Our class voted on awards to give each other, things like "most school spirit" or "most dolled up for class" etc. Of all 60 girls, it was a unanimous vote for me to win "most likely to sleep in class". Erica and I won "does the best on tests while studying the least" and last but not least I tied for "most laid back". These have been stressful years but at least I pulled off looking relaxed :)

The roomies
Megs, I think we both need a suntan...

My school wifey

School family

I told everyone to be goofy... this is what happened

Pinata for Jess

All the single ladies - not very many left!

And THEN. Megan Ham's family owns a condo in Midway, so a bunch of us had an after-party. It's so nice to do fun things together instead of worry about school.

Coming up with ideas for our charades game

Megs "probing". Look at that fulcrum!

Britt giving an "extreme infraction". So classic.

Courtney... well let's just say those of us who were there know what you were trying to do :)

Megan acting out a dental chair

Jessica "krumping". Hilarious! "I've heard of it but I don't know what it is!"

These were just a few of my favorites. What a fun night just being idiots with these girls.

Day Twenty Five

2011-04-07T16:29:00.000-07:00

A picture of your day

My LAST day of clinic EVER!!! Can you believe it? I never thought this day would come.

It made me a little bit sad knowing that when my dad called me at 7:10 this morning for my daily wake up call, it would be the last time ever. As petty and stressful as dental hygiene school is, I know I will miss it. Just a little bit.

Day Twenty Four

2011-04-05T20:43:00.000-07:00

Something you wish you could change

Sometimes I wander too far to the left side. I wish I could change that.

Which are you?

Day Twenty three

2011-04-04T20:34:00.001-07:00

A picture of your favorite book

Read it... I promise. Such a great lesson about being true to yourself, not just pleasing others.

"Live with your head in the Lion's mouth... overcome 'em with yeses, agree 'em to death and destruction, let 'em swaller you till they vomit or bust wide open"

Day Twenty two

2011-04-03T22:43:00.000-07:00

A picture of something you wish you were better at.

I keep my house clean... but as for my room, not so much! I always say "I'm too busy to clean". And I am known to pay Jamie, Becca or Teddy to clean my room. So what.

Day Twenty one

2011-04-02T14:58:00.000-07:00

A picture of something you wish you could forget

It's not something that I want to forget per say, but more what I would never want to do again.

Putting myself through school is what I'm talking about. Doing whatever needs to be done to pay for rent, tuition etc. Whether that was donating plasma twice a week when I didn't have a job, or sucking up my pride and getting a job at the RLOB, on top of being in school 32 hours a week or more.

Me hiding from the camera on my first day at Red Lobster.

These have been some of the most stressful times of my life, but I don't think I'd necessarily want to forget them because I have learned so much. I've learned to be grateful for the job I have, and the importance of doing whatever it takes to pay the bills :) Such a good lesson to learn, and a motivator for getting my degree NEXT WEEK.

Day Twenty

2011-04-02T01:03:00.000-07:00

A picture of somewhere you'd like to travel

Hadrian's Wall, Scottland. Seriously? It's beautiful here.

Day Nineteen

2011-04-01T01:03:00.000-07:00

A picture of you when you were little

Most of my pictures are still at my parents' house in AZ, but I have a few of my favorites digitally.

Baby BYU fans, I'm the little one :) Also, the one and only time Acey wore his glasses.

Me and sissta sis. I still sit on her all the time.

Look how blond my hair was! And how brown my skin! So much has changed. I do love Teddy's classy watermelon painted play dress. Props to Panda.

I kind of wish we were still all this little...

Day Eighteen

2011-03-30T21:58:00.000-07:00

A picture of your biggest insecurity

I'm a big believer in this ^^ statement. My biggest insecurity is that I hate being alone!

PS. I got my scores back from National Boards today :) I wish any of you could understand the time, stress, the worrying, and the waiting that went into this exam. I did really well... and I'm so happy to have passed. One more thing to cross off my checklist.