Charity of the Month: Autism Speaks

As I'm starting out on this blogging journey I know that I can't change the world right away. But I keep the hope in my heart that maybe someday I can. That's why I keep doing Charity of the Month. Whether or not people donate to the charity, I'm raising awareness for it, and that's a good start.

This semester in one of my classes we split into groups and gave presentations on a certain mental disability and how we, as future educators, can use this information in the classroom to make sure each student gets the education they need. While I don't know if I'm going to be a teacher anymore, I absolutely loved these presentations and learning about these incredible students and what they're capable of.

The presentation that stuck out most in my mind though was on autism. One of the girls in the group stood up there and shared this video:

The girl in my class had tears in her eyes as she told us that that boy was her younger brother.

The video truly inspired me to raise awareness of autism on this blog and give it a chance on Charity of the Month. I believe that those diagnosed with autism are not limited and have the potential to do great and wonderful things. They are different because they only work harder to accomplish great things. Their potential in life does not change because of autism, and it's incredible to see these autistic children push autism aside and show they are capable of anything.

This month's charity is Autism Speaks which is "dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and a cure for autism; increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders; and advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families." (Quote found HERE) 

I urge all my readers to help raise awareness for Autism Speaks and make a donation. The Autism Speaks's online donation page can be found HERE. Remember that you don't always have to donate money to make a difference, you can also donate your time or simply share their message. Remember that with any money made on this blog through sponsorships, 70% goes straight to charity. 

So please donate to the cause! Please bring awareness to Autism Speaks! And please enjoy one last video of an incredible child with autism:

My Trip to St. George

For this post I'm starting at the very beginning, which means Valentine's Day morning. It all began with me waking up and getting ready like it was a normal day, because at the time it was. I've never been a fan of Valentine's Day so the fact that it was February 14th didn't faze me (except that I was happy for my parents because it's their anniversary).

When my husband woke up he hurried and got ready and we decided to head to Kneaders for French Toast. I was super excited because I've been wanting Kneaders French toast since forever but things always come up and we could never get there in time for breakfast. But this time we did and it was delicious!!

P.S. All the pictures were taken with my new phone and are shaped weird, but they honestly turn out better than if I take them with my camera.

Then I had class to get to and Chris went off to go find my Valentine's Day gifts, which included beautiful earrings, chocolate covered strawberries and a super cute card! It was simple, but honestly, we both knew we were going to St. George and we're trying to save up our money so it was perfect.

After class Chris went and got his new driver's license because he's 25 and old now. Then we ate at Carl's Jr. and started driving through the snowy canyon to my in-law's house.

Ugh! Worst picture ever! And why is it a different size? I don't get it! 

Once at my in-laws, we transferred all our stuff to their car and we took of for St. George!! I was super excited to get away from the stress of school and just relax! On the way there we stopped at a gas station/petting zoo where I found a souvenir with my name spelled right!!! It's honestly a rare occurrence.

We arrived in St. George late that night and we visited Chris's Grandma Joyce before heading to our hotel (which was beautiful and amazing). We fell asleep soon after in the most amazing bed and now I really want pillows like that...

The next day was MY HUSBAND'S BIRTHDAY!!!! We woke up, ate pancakes and bacon and went off to the soccer tournament! My father-in-law coaches a team of twelve-year-olds that were playing in the tournament. While there, I ran into my best friend! Her dad is a soccer ref and he was down there for the tournament and I got to talk with my best friend Lauren and her mom, which was so wonderful! I miss them so much! They are seriously like a second family to me.

After soccer we went bowling! And I sucked!! I seriously don't think I've ever done that badly before! However I think I know why. Friday in class we learned about Social Anxiety Disorder and they gave us a mini-test to see if we had it and... yeah... there's a very great chance I have it. And looking back on my life I realize just how much I really do probably have this. I don't know what it means for my future, but I suppose it's a good thing I finally figured it out. Anyways, while bowling I feel incredibly anxious and stressed because I don't like being put in the spotlight, so when I go up and bowl and they all either cheer for me or say "oh, that's alright", I get this tension throughout my body because I don't want to be the center of attention. It's always happened, but I never knew it was a part of Social Anxiety Disorder. When I'm bowling with just Chris, I don't feel that pressure because I'm so in love with him and everything is comfortable and different around him, but apparently when I'm with other people I suck at bowling.

Outfits of the Week: February 25th - March 2nd

Monday I wore my black legging/jeggings and my gray jeweled top and black vest from Vanity. Not the best picture. It looked a bit better in person. 

Tuesday and Thursday I had work at the daycare. I honestly don't understand why they makes us wear white and tan for working in a daycare. I deal with messy kids and babies with dripping bottles and crayons. It's not the smartest idea to make us wear light colors. I feel like I have to clean my work clothes after every time I work. (But I have two shirts now so I can trade!)

Wednesday I supported my USU Aggies!!! I'm getting really anxious/excited to go back to school soon! I really like this shirt and I got it at Walmart!! 

Friday I wore one of my favorite outfits ever!! I wore my favorite red pants, also from Walmart (seriously people, I don't think it's necessary to spend a lot of money on clothes) and then a gray tank top that I've had forever and my new black cardigan from Target. I'm sorry I forgot to take off my ID badge from my NEW JOB and it caused a weird glare. I loved this outfit!! Note to self: wear it again!

Saturday I wore jeans and a t-shirt. I didn't even do anything to my hair really. I'm from Utah, I support the Utah Jazz even though I'm not a huge basketball fan. I spent the weekend in Logan so Chris took the picture and didn't understand the concept of a full-body picture. But I forgive him. :)

I forgot to take a picture on Sunday which is slightly depressing because I looked great! ;)

Why Scheels Is Sort of Evil

So a Scheels opened up near my house in September. At first I was excited! It has a cool aquarium, tons of incredible clothes and a Ferris Wheel!! 

It's even where I got my favorite pair of boots!! 

See? I hugged them when I got them for my birthday! I'm wearing them right now! Favorite boots right there. 

So Scheels is a great store. It has a little bit of everything and it's huge. But here's the problem... If you want to drive anywhere near Scheels... it's nearly impossible. Scheels is constantly packed and it causes traffic problems on State Street, which lately, since I've been doing all my Christmas shopping last minute, that's been a huge problem!! 

My brother and I sat in traffic FOREVER just trying to get past Scheels. Because everyone was trying to turn into the Scheels parking lot, and they were blocking the road. Awful. Simply awful. 

So despite it's awesome aquarium...

Stuffed animal mountain...

Airplane in a sea of fishing supplies...

Indoor bowling alley...

Presidential salute...

Ferris Wheel...

... it's kind of evil...

Okay, let's face it, I still love the darn place. I just hate how busy it always is.