Never grow up...

Lately I've just been listening to Taylor Swift while editing pictures and I always get stuck on the song Never Grow Up. I know it probably seems like all my posts are about this, but right now this is what I feel in my heart and it is what has been on my mind. I guess as I think about when I was little and couldn't wait to grow up and now I'm growing up. I've been looking back at my life and I see all the "phases" I went through. I wasn't ever a rebellious one and I still don't have a desire to be, but I had plenty of stages.  I went through my I have no idea how to wear makeup but I'm going to anyway stage, that one didn't work out very well for me. The I really want to have a boy like me so I can finally hold someone's hand stage, ya that one didn't go over very well either. The freshman stage of not knowing where I fit in exactly or what I should look like. The try to be cool sophomore stage, and finally a little bit of growing up my junior year. Finally being comfortable with who I was and not caring too much about what others thought or if I was the cool, popular and pretty one. Funny that when we're little that's how we are. I think back to elementary school and anyone could play with anyone. We were all cool back then. We were all popular back then. And we were all good looking back then. But what happened? Why all the stages? This is what I personally think, and you can definitely agree to disagree; it's because we're trying to grow up when we don't need to. Life comes at us fast enough and we don't need to rush it. I wish someone would've told me that before I looked like a raccoon trying to put on makeup. I don't wish that I would've grown up differently, but I wish I wouldn't have been wishing to be older when I was younger. I wish I would've taken more time to stop and smell the roses, swing on the swings a little longer, and to have enjoyed all the little moments that I missed along the way. So lately I have tried to stop and smell those roses that I have overlooked before, take more time to enjoy the little things, and soak in all the memories I can. Here's some pictures of my nieces and nephew just being little and not worrying about growing up.

Superwoman

Kylie- this isn't edited so don't judge too harshly on this one

Katelyn

And sometimes when I have the opportunity to spend time with my family, I take it for granted or I don't cherish it as much as I should. These next photos are of my wonderful family. I love them and thank them for putting up with me and being patient with me. Love you!

I guess this has been on my mind for another reason as well... You see, I have this best friend who for the past year and a half has had my heart. I talk a lot and sometimes he is more quiet and thoughtful, and when I ask him why he's so quiet, he simply says, "I'm just enjoying the moments I get to spend with you." Honestly, it steals my heart every time. But now my moments to be with him are dwindling as he leaves for his mission August 24 and I understand a little better that sometimes I just need to focus on not growing up and just enjoying the moments. Kyle Killpack has changed my life with his quiet way about him. And I'm so blessed to have had his influence in my life. Thank you Kyle! He truly amazes me and I know he will do miracles in the mission field. And for now I'm just enjoying the moments...

One of my favorites- our senior bbq

Enjoy the moments you have, stop and smell the roses, and "never grow up"

The ones who mean the most

I suck at goodbyes. I will just get that one out right now, and today I had to say goodbye to Troy, Carrie, Katelyn, Kylie, Mason. And you know what, I'm extremely sad about it. Between hugging Troy and Carrie, I always cry. And it may just be that I'm a softy, but for me I just don't like saying goodbye. I like to have everyone close, but I understand that life doesn't stand still and I can't control how, when, or where things take place. But I do know that the ones who mean the most will always be closest to me. It may not be physically but they're always closest in my heart. They only left hours ago, but I miss Katelyn and Kylie pretending to be whatever animal was their favorite for the day. I miss Mason's "Ma, ma, ma" noises. I miss Troy's teasing and laughter. And I miss Carrie for her talks and her love. I'm grateful for the time I was able to spend with all my family here and it is such a wonderful feeling to know of forever families and the sealing power that temple marriages bring. I just want to thank Troy and Carrie for coming out! It was a wonderful summer with you!

This picture still makes me laugh every time :)

My wonderful big brothers

Kylie

Mason

Katelyn

Troy and Carrie family

Family pictures with all of our new additions and soon to be additions

I will add more family pictures when they are all done. I miss and love my family. But they are never too far away to be close in my heart. Those who mean the most are family and those who love you and help you become a better person. I know because of my family, I try to become a better person every day. Thank you family :)

Our newest addition! Baby Fowler

Logan Fowler was born last night, July 2, 2011, at 9:55 pm. He weighed 7 lbs. 15 oz. He is the cutest little baby. I didn't see him last night, but I saw him earlier today. The delivery was quite the experience, but Lindsey is a trooper! I'm so excited for Trent and Lindsey; they will be great parents! To me and my family, Logan looks like Lindsey. As my mom and I talked about him, we decided it is such a wonderful thing to know that last night Heavenly Father was holding his little boy one last time before He sent Logan here. We talked about how our Father was probably giving him some guidance an instructions for things he will do here on this earth and things he needs to know. I know that my Heavenly Father sent Logan to wonderful parents. I'm grateful to know of the plan of salvation and that my Father in Heaven has a plan for everyone. I love this little boy and I can't wait to watch him grow! :)

Lindsey and Logan's arm bands

Welcome home Elder Fowler!

Elder Cody Fowler came home this past Tuesday after serving our Heavenly Father for two years in the Slovenia/Croatia mission. Cody has changed since he left. He hasn't grown or physically changed, but his heart is changed, his testimony is changed, and the little boy is now a man. I know that sounds so cheesey and cliche, but it's true. I know that this mission benefitted Cody as much as it benefitted the people of Slovenia, Serbia, and Croatia. I have now watched all four of my big brothers go on missions and honorably return home. I'm grateful to be the only girl in my family and to have grown up with these boys, they are truly strong and wonderful men. I know that their missions have changed each of their lives, and I'm grateful for the men they are because of the way their missions changed them. Welcome home Elder Fowler! I missed you! But I'm so proud of you! :)

His flight is the onethat says in air

Gotta love the friends!

Cody with the girls

Phone skyping with Troy

Meeting Mason

This is what Uncle Jared does to entertain the kids :)

Hello handshake!

Mom's little boy