bidding summer farewell

i know this is a bit late, but i've decided that it is time to say goodbye to summer, literally and figuratively.

almost exactly five months ago, i walked up to the stage and received my diploma.

that grad cap really flattened my hair volume.

how young i was.

i had no idea of the crazy adventure i was about to embark on.

i'd have to say it was one of the greatest summer's of my life.
i have also had so many great vacations in past years, driving with my whole fam down the alcan.
i miss those days.  and i love my family.

this summer, i made mistakes and did stupid things.

now that we got all the positive stuff out of the way...
just kidding.
(my mom's sense of humor ^)

i have learned so, so much the past half year of my life.

i have learned to set my priorities straight, to always, always, always love my family and listen to them, to communicate clearly with others (still working on this every day), to ask questions, and to do the simple things every day that will bring me closer to my Heavenly Father.

I have learned that being happy is all dependent upon whether or not I choose the right.

i feel like high school was a dream..
in fact, i feel like the past few months have not been real.
it was years ago that Lo and I floated on that dock for hours.

reality sort of smacked me in the face a few times lately.

once again, i have grown out of my mallory shell.
i have changed.

i think that every day i am growing into a new person.
every day, i learn more about myself.

i appreciate that i have a home, family, clothing, running water, shampoo and conditioner, two jobs, the gospel, and happiness.

this summer, i met an amazing girl named Logan.  she is such a blessing in my life.

she has taught me to be a better me.
when i'm with her, i just want to enjoy life and to become a stronger daughter of God.
i admire every quality about her, and i thank her for being my friend.

i'm about to become an aunt again, to two nephews.
i am SO excited!!

i wear two rings almost every day.
one is a little diamond from my mom my last birthday.
the other is my birthstone on a braided ring, (i got this one my 15th birthday).

i'm not sure that had to do with anything,
but thought i would write it down anyway.

that's all i have to say now.
tata!