Viva Las Vegas

This past weekend was our fall break. We knew we needed to go on a vacation and Vegas was the final pick. Tuesday night Mckell and I drove to Orem to start our fall break with a concert. We went to the Jason Derulo concert with Lexi. It was a blast! Jason Derulo is so good looking. B.O.B., Auburn, and Iyaz did awesome. The concert was so much fun.

Wednesday Megan, Macy, Mckell, Sam, and I packed up the car and hit the open road. We didn't leave until 5 so we got to Vegas around 10. We dropped Sam off at her boyfriends house, checked in, and headed to the strip for some food. Thursday we slept in, went to the pool (it was so hot) shopped and then I went to dinner with Mike. While I was at dinner Wade, Sam, and Daren drove from Logan and met up with Meg, Macy, and Mckell. After dinner I met up with them and we walked the strip then headed back to the hotel. We talked for ever, had "family" prayer and hit the hay. Friday, we checked out of our hotel then headed back to the pool. We then went to check in at the condo Mckell's mom was staying at. Then came a fun filled night. We started the night off with some frozen  goodies from Serendipity's, went shopping, and headed for Stratosphere. We did two rides on Stratosphere. The Big Shot and XScream. Big Shot was SO scary but so much fun. XScream was just scary. We ended the night with a nice dinner at The Cheesecake Factory. Saturday we woke up, packed up, got some frozen goodies (gelatto and frozen hot chocolate) and then hit the road. The drive home is definitely not as fun as the drive there. Overall the trip was a much needed break and so much fun!

The gang

Big Shot. Can you tell we were scared?

8 years..

8 years ago today I was involved in an accident. 

I was riding on a mo-ped with my friend. 

I had just picked her up from her piano lesson and we were on a nice ride. 

We were going to visit Devin and Cody.

They got on their bikes and the race was on.

Kelsie needed something so I reached up around her to drive.

Kelsie's finger got pinched.

I let go and grabbed on to her waist.

Next thing I know I'm standing up not knowing where I was, what had happened, etc. 

I was so confused.

Kelsie landed on her piano books.

I landed on the concrete.

My head hurt.

I started to cry.

We decided to go back to Kelsie's house.

She wanted to ride back on the scooter, but I wouldn't get back on.

We got back to her house and I called my mom.

Right when I hung up, I asked if I could call my mom.

I couldn't remember anything.

My mom picked me up and I told her what happened. 

When we got home I started throwing up.

What I thought was minutes, but actually hours, went by of me throwing up.

I went to the insta-care.

The doctor started asking me questions.

I hesitated on an answer so that I wouldn't have to go to school the next day.

He said he thought I only had a concussion & I should be okay, but just to be safe, I should go get a cat-scan.

I got a cat-scan.

Next thing I know, we're in a room with a doctor and he is trying to tell me that I have a blood clot that is pushing against my brain. I need to have surgery. Tonight.

I was so scared.

My parents called all my family.

My uncle was on his way to be my anesthesiologist. 

My uncle felt it best to call in another surgeon.

I was trying to be so brave. 

I wanted to prove to my mom that I wouldn't cry.

I didn't cry when I got my iv.

My dad and uncle gave me a priesthood blessing.

The nurse told me they wouldn't only shave a tiny part of my head. 

Next thing I know I'm wheeled into the operating room at 11 p.m.

My uncle was sitting next to me.

He gave me my medicine and told me to count to 10.

I was scared I wasn't going to fall asleep.

I don't really remember what came next.

My parents told me I came out of surgery at 1 a.m. 

I remember people visiting me in the hospital.

I remember being so mad that the nurse lied. The doctors had parted my hair straight down the middle and shaved.

I remember the nurses checking on me once an hour every hour.

I remember going home.

I remember my dad shaving the other half of my hair off.

I remember getting my 27 staples out.

That hurt SOOOO bad.

I'm lucky to be alive. 

The doctor said if I hadn't had the surgery that night, I would've gone into a coma and never would have woken up.

I'm so thankful to be alive.

Some adventures

A few weeks ago I was invited to go to Wyoming with Megan and her family. We spent the day horseback riding and taking in the beauty of nature. It was an amazing getaway. The scenery and ride was unforgettable. Nature is so beautiful and spending a whole day surrounded in it was awesome. I must say, after riding 8 miles on a horse I was pretty sore for a while.
Thank you to the Robisons for letting me come to Wyoming with them!

 

Then, I was lucky enough to go to Idaho with my family. Let me tell you, I was in need of family time. We went to Island Park and stayed at my aunt and uncle's cabin. We spent one day in Yellowstone, another riding four-wheelers all day and just spending time together. I loved the vacation and it went by WAY too fast.

biggy :)

how cute are my nephews?

 

cooper doo :)

Mac and me :)

I was in desperate need of a shower..

Mac a.k.a. king of the tree stump

 

Yesterday, we were off to Frightmares at Lagoon. I love Lagoon! It was so much fun. Some of the characters were pretty scary and the haunted houses were really scary ( keep in mind I get scared very easily.) Of  course the rides were my favorite part :)

 

** I have more pictures but my camera died, so they will come later :)

women

Today in relief society our lesson was on women. In this generation it is so hard to be a woman. There are so many negative ideas and views directed toward women. Our society is based on worldly attributes and we are supposed to keep up with the ever changing views. Hairstyles, clothes, attitudes and so on change so fast how can anyone keep up? We're supposed to dress, act, and look just like the famous people. The famous people live by the worldly standards so we are supposed to look up to them. But what really is the role of a woman? I always thought being a woman was so sacred. Being a woman meant you were put on earth to be a mother. To give birth, nurture and raise children. Why would we look up to the "famous people" who have so many problems and don't take the roll of a woman seriously? Without even realizing, we all fall into the trap of trying to fit in. So many times I have caught myself feeling insecure or self conscience because I have a bad hair day, may not be skinny enough, I can't find anything cute to wear, and so on. Shouldn't I be confident in who I am? 

Today someone made this comment: "Heavenly Father created us and we look exactly how he wanted us to look. He loves us for who we are and he made us this way."

Why can't we remember that? Why do I always envy everyone around me and compare myself to others. My Heavenly Father created me. I am Carly Christiansen. I was sent to the Christiansen family on purpose. I look the way I do because Heavenly Father took time to create me. I need to love me. I need to love who I am, what I represent, and the way I look. 

We got this challenge by our teacher and I will pass this challenge on to everyone else:

Every day, when you look yourself in the mirror, tell yourself: This is me. I am beautiful and I love me.

Lastly I need to say thank you to the women in my life. I truly have the best examples in my life. I am so lucky to have two sisters, a sister-in-law, and a mom to look up to. They show me the ropes and give me plenty of advice. They help me with my self confidence and always give me the boost I need. 

Mom- 

Thank you so much. For everything. I look up to you so much. I admire how hard of a worker you are. I admire how loving you are and ALWAYS make sure everyone is included. You taught me the value of friendship and to make sure I am the kind of person I want in a friend. I admire your strength. You have the strongest testimony and I was lucky enough to use it as my guide. I look up to you and your sisters. You guys never let your testimonies falter. You sacrificed so much for the gospel and never let anything get in the way. I love that you guys never gave up on grandma and grandpa and were patient enough to wait until they were ready to come unto Christ. I am so thankful you guys were examples to them and now our whole family is sealed. 

I am so thankful for the relationship we have. YOU ARE MY BEST FRIEND! Thank you for never leaving my side. No matter how many times I made STUPID mistakes, you always helped me and stood by me. I'll never forget the way you stood by me through all my many trials during my senior year. I could not ask for a better friend. I love that we text and talk so much. Everyone always says "you are always talking to your mom." It is so true. I hate when we barely talk in a day. Thank you for teaching me so many things. You have shaped me into who I am. Thank you for being my best friend and example in life.

Court- 

Court you are amazing. Thank you for being my "second mom." I appreciate everything you do. I honestly look up to you in so many ways. I remember being so sad when you went away to college, and now I'm the one at college. I still miss you just as much. Then when you got married it was even harder. As much as I love Chris I didn't want to lose you. I love all the times you lived at home or when mom and dad would go out of town and you would come stay with us. Even though you're so much older than me I have always looked up to you. I am so thankful that you guys moved in with us before I left to college. You and I were always home during the days and we bonded so much. I miss running errands with you and Coop, watching so many shows with you, and just sitting around talking. I loved all the advice you gave me and that you were always willing to listen. I admire you so much. You are an AMAZING wife and mother. Chris and Cooper are so lucky to have you in their life. You have always been so mature and prepared for everything. I know you are a hard worker because you have parents who are great examples of working hard. Watching you work so hard and get your education has inspired me so much. I truly look up to you so much. Thank you so much for being my second mom. I feel so close to you and I know we have a special relationship because I am the baby and you're the oldest. I love you Court!

Kar-

Brooks was so lucky to marry you. I love the way you push Brooks and expect so much out of him. Brooks is so lucky to have you. You are such a great mom and work so hard to help provide for your family. I love that you are able to work from home and that you can work and still be a mother. You are great at balancing work and family and I know that family will always come first for you. You have had to sacrifice so much with moving away from everyone for summer, or being away from your husband for the summer. I know you do it for your family. Thanks for being such a good example to me and loving me like a sister.

Cass-

Oh Cass where do I even start. I love you. I am so thankful for our relationship. Yes, we fight so much, but the good times we have together out rule the fighting. You are my role model. I honestly look up to you and try to be more like you every single day. It has been hard trying to follow in your footsteps but I am so lucky to have you go before me. You always push me and make me the best. I would have never been the cheerleader I was if it wasn't for you. You always are by my side and stick up for me. To be honest, lately, I think of you as a friend more than a sister. You helped me with the transition to college so much and introduced me to so many people. You showed me the ropes and helped me prepare for what was to come. Every time I was doubtful about my decision to come you always encouraged me and helped me see that coming to Utah State was the best choice. 

You are always there for me and give me the best advice. I know I can count on you no matter what. You have honestly given me the push to face my mistakes and to make me be a better person. You are always there to give me a self confidence boost and make sure I am happy. The way we laugh and bond reminds me so much of when we were little. We always know how to have a good time together. We have been best friends for ever and I know we always will be. Now that we are going through the same things in life and trying to grow up we are once again so close. I am so thankful we have been able to spend so much time hanging out and doing fun things together since I graduated. I am so excited for what is ahead of us. We have so many things we need to get done and experience together before one of us gets married (I still could get married before you sissy.) Thank you for always making the path for me and helping me ease through each transition in my life. I love you.

Thank you all for being you. You guys mean the world to me and are great examples for me.

**Dad, Brooks, and Chris. I love you guys too!!!

mental health

College is so hard. Why do all of my classes have to have tests the same week? Geez.. Give us a break here. I had 5 tests this week. Can you believe that? My poor brain is worn out. I can not study anymore. I was going nuts last night trying to study. I literally thought my brain was going to explode. There is only so much this little brain of mine can handle. Reading chapter after chapter, memorizing term after term is hard on me. I thought I would never be the same after last night. Especially because I decided I needed a break from studying so I went to the grocery store (I was fresh out of groceries). Well that was disappointing. Walmart was completely out of chocolate oreo's. I was heartbroken. That was exactly what I needed cure my hurting brain. I then looked for my second favorite cookie, E.L. Fudges, well guess what, those were completely out of stock also. I can only imagine what other customers thought of me as they passed me in the aisle. I was in shock. I just kept saying (out loud) how ridiculous this was. So.. I settled for double stuffed oreo's. They were okay, but just not as good as chocolate.

Thankfully, I finished all my tests today. I think I can return to being sane. I need this upcoming weekend to forget school. 

Here's to a weekend of relaxation, saneness, sleep, and the restoration of my brain. Happy weekend!! :)

Football games and Walmart runs

Walmart has come to be our very favorite place in Logan. We go there all the time! To be honest, there have been many days we've gone more than one time. Walmart has given us laughs, adventures, and satisfaction on boring nights.

Dear Walmart, 

Thank you so much for being open 24/7, carrying spumoni ice cream, ben and jerry's, popsicles, and for being so cheap. We love you!

Sincerely, the freshmen girls from building E.

Yesterday was our first home footbal game. Mckell, Avery, Megan, Macy and I dressed up in our aggie gear and walked to the stadium. I loved the game! We met new people, enjoyed snow cones, and rooted on our aggies. By the 4th quarter we were worn out, cold, and bored (since we were killing Idaho State) so we left a little early. But we still consider ourselves great fans!
We went to the school dance after the game and danced (and sweated) our butts off. It was a great dance. Overall yesterday was just a great day.

Highlights of Saturday September 11, 2010:

I got to sleep in- till 2 in the afternoon!

I found 10 dollars in my pocket :)

Cheered on the aggies!

Danced my heart out!

 



































** Can you tell I love college??

a little update!

I went home for the wonderful labor day weekend. I had been in Logan for a week and a half and needed an escape to Orem. Mckell and I packed up (all our dirty laundry) and headed home. The weekend was quite eventful and loved all the family time. I came back on Monday with a prescription so I can hopefully get better and a positive attitude ( I actually missed Logan over the weekend. Shocker). 

I've loved being back and know that coming to Utah State was the best choice for me. Monday night was full of unpacking but last night was full of ice cream, laughs, and spiders.

Monday, Wednesday and Fridays I have one class from 8:30-9:30. I came back exhausted and decided to lay down for a little nap. Woke up 3 and a half hours later. Guess my sleep schedule is still struggling.

The wonderful weekend:
Thursday- Family dinner at the Elder's. Loved seeing all my cousins and spending time with them! Slurpies with Rach- great time to catch up
Friday- Doctors appointment (sinus infection) and cheering at the homecoming game! The game was so much fun! I was so sick of cheer by the time it ended my senior year I thought I'd never miss it. I was dead wrong. I miss it so much.
Saturday- Shopping with my mom and sissy. Frozen yogurt with the girls. Catching up with Lexi, Rach, and Cam was the best. I miss those girls.
Sunday- A nice sunday dinner with Cass and the parentals.
Monday- Running errands with my mom, packing up the car, bbq at grandma and grandpa Christiansen's. Tearful hugs, and the long drive back to Logan.

I'm back and ready to have some fun (and learn). I loved the visit back home and can't wait for the next.