Hair

I am never satisfied with my current look. I get bored quickly and seek for a new do. Since I've been home from my mission in March I have permed, cut, and colored my hair. I've been reddish brown with blond highlights, blond with blond highlights, and brown with blond highlights. Now I'm back to blonde again, but lighter. You see? I just can't stay the same for long.

I do not believe this to be a bad thing, in fact I find it rather humorous. You'd think I was a hair school student! Nevertheless, I recongnize that at some point in my life I may have to resign to a simple boring hairstyle to there remain for the remainder of my life. But what's the hurry?

I've decided to post some pictures of the many hairstyles I've sported in the last 9 months. And if you know me well, you know I have this crazy obsession with self portraits, so humor me.

Natalie Michelle Findlay

Pilgrimage to Manti

What is it that is so appealing about road trips? When I plan them they seem so exciting and I wait to go with great anticipation. However, by the time the trip is done, I am more than ready to be done with cars forever! This was such on my trip to Manti with two of my mission comrades.

For the most part the trip went smoothly. We even ran into a former missionary from our beloved Chicago South. He lives in the same dorm as my brother Josh in Ephraim. This simply confirms what I've been finding out the last two years, that we live in a very small world.

Thankfully for this trip I was the driver, which helped matters quite considerably. I was able to control some of the situation in that aspect. The radio was another story, but I won't go into that. Thankfully one of these two had enough compassion to let me listen to some of MY music on the trip home.

All in all it was a good experience. The temple was beautiful as ever, and the workers so kind. I wandered around the grounds a bit and enjoyed the scenery.

We drove to Gunnison and visited Tyler's family, then we turned north to make the journey back to Salt Lake.

As soon as I was in the house, my pajamas were on and I was ready for bed! It was a good day, but I think that much driving will tide me over for at least a month.

Family Night

One of my favorite childhood memories was our family adventures at Copperton Park. I loved the old playground. They have big tires from the giant trucks that haul dirt in the Copper Mine. I used to hide underneath them as the big kids would run and jump along the tops. Well this past Monday was our last together as our miniature family. Josh is off to bigger and better things. So we packed our dinner and made the trek out to Copperton for an evening of nostalgia. We brought our tennis rackets and did our best to hit a few balls around. We had a good time together. Our family will be shifting around a bit in the next week or so, but change is a good thing. We all grow. So here below are some lovely pictures of our evening together.

The Invalid

Training Trek

Friday July 18th at 3:00pm a group of Young Single Adults and stake leaders gathered together and piled into vehicles to make their way to Deseret Land and Livestock in northeastern Utah. Upon arrival they eyed the carts that would pull their belongings into the wilderness...onto the plains.

They were divided into families and loaded their carts. When one of the families drug their cart onto the road they noticed some problems. It was falling apart. Thankfully there was a spare, unlike the pioneers.

So after the cart was traded out, this group began their journey. The road was rocky and the wind intense. However, it was much appreciated due to the warm temperatures. They pulled and pulled their handcarts along the dusty trail. When twilight was descending they made their way to the base of a hill.

At this time they faced a new trial. The men left. The women were left alone to pull on their own. A prayer was said and the journey again moved forward. It was hard, but they were determined not to give up. Once the hill was crested, the men walked along side, but they did not assist. Then all at once they jumped in to help. The load was lightened, the burned was lifted. They reached their destination. Tears were shed as they joined in the beloved anthem "Come Come Ye Saints".

That night they bunked under the stars with the full moon to give them light. It was cold, but they endured. At first light they arose and packed their carts. Then came the fun.

Games were played and a yummy breakfast eaten. This was not just a time of sorrow and difficulty. Friendships were strengthened and spirits were lifted.

Then it was time to move again. As they turned their carts back home they remembered the laughter, the love, and the spirit that was felt.

Halfway back along the trail one sister stepped in a hole and sprained her ankle. Before she could say another word she was surrounded by assistance. A place to sit, a cup of water. Her ankle was wrapped and iced and help was on the way. This was the end of her journey, but the others continued on without complaint.

They made it back. What a time they had. Never to be forgotten. They were able to have an ever so small taste of what it was like for their pioneer ancestors. Now they wait and prepare to help the youth have the best Trek experience possible. The preparation continues...

Family Visits

This past week John, Misa and their five children spent a couple of days with us. I love seeing my family! We had fun playing. My mom took some super cute pictures of Abby in my pioneer bonnet.

We also took some fun pictures together.

I have such a cute neice! I think I connect well with her because she's the only girl just like me. Rock on!

My Day Off

Going downtown is somewhat of a "glamorous" thing to do when you live in Utah. It's the epitome of coolness. Today Christina and I happened to both have the day off, so we planned to trek downtown to do a session at the SLC temple. Unbeknownst to us, the temple is closed for cleaning. Isn't that always how it goes?

However, we did not let the day get away from us. To redeem the experience we took the train to Gateway to do some fabulous shopping. Actually though, we mostly just longed to get some more practical clothing to change into for strolling the streets of downtown Salt Lake City. We enjoyed a lovely lunch at the Nauvoo Cafe, my new favorite restaurant downtown, then we strolled the streets of Gateway. After a long slew of shopping we found our way to the food court where we refreshed ourselves with cold drinks and some ice cream.

Throughout the day we tried desperately to locate my former companion Sister Torres on Temple Square. After much searching, we found her in the North Visitor's Center. I was so excited to see her again.

We made our way to the train and took the slow ride back down to Sandy. It was a good day. I'm a bit sunburned and sore, but I had a great day off!

The Haircut

If there is anything in this life that I am unafraid of, it's haircuts. Throughout my life I have gone through the never ending cycle of haircare. I have had more perms than I can count, more color jobs than I can remember and more haircuts than I can recall. However, in my mind there are few things more liberating than chopping off those obnoxious locks! Don't get me wrong, I love long hair, but after a while I reach the breaking point. I come to a wall where I must either drastically alter the color or chop it off. As you can see by the picture, this time I opted for the latter. However, in this instance I did indulge myself in some dynamic highlights. I am quite pleased with the result.
I shall never understand why some women are so terrified to cut their hair. Hair grows, and always will. Due to this glorious fact, I have the wonderful opportunity of changing my hair whenever I see fit, with really no eternal consequences. Life is good.

Mormon Miracle Pageant

With the oncoming warmer weather and summer plans comes a season of pageants throughout the church. Currently showing is the Mormon Miracle Pageant which takes place in Manti UT. This past weekend I had the opportunity to go with a few friends. We carpooled down to Sanpete county Friday night for the event. I enjoyed the spectical. The soundtrack is getting a little out-dated, but the drama is still present. My favorite parts are first when Christ appears to the Nephites and second, when the light up the temple at the end emphasizing eternal families and life after death. I had a wonderful time.

The Five A's

Aren't they the cutest little family? My oldest brother John and his wife Misa decided that all their children would have "A" names. Adam is the oldest and he is also the oldest grandchild on both sides of the family. He just turned 7 this year. Aaron is such a charmer, he is now 5 years old. Abby is the only girl and I can totally relate! But she plays rough with her brothers. She can take care of herself. She's 3. And finally our new arrivals Ammon and Alec. The twins. We think they're identical. Can YOU tell them apart?

Congratulations Class of 2008

Yesterday my little brother Josh graduated from high school. He is the final one. The Findlay chapter of high school has been closed. Now we move onto the future. He looked very nice in his cap and gown. I'm so proud of him. He is off to Snow College to begin is post-high school adventure! It was nostalgic watching the students as they marched up onto the stage to retrieve their diplomas. It is an exciting time of life.

Twins are Born!

Yesterday morning at around 9:30am Ammon and Alec Findlay entered this world. We had the privilege of going to see them and hold them before they were even 12 hours old. They're beautiful and healthy. Each time I hold a new baby, I can't help but wonder about what they know and where they've come from. They're so pure and perfect. Babies are such a treasured gift to us. I'm so grateful to have the joy of being a new aunt for the 12th and 13th time!

Forever Friends

When I had been on my mission for 12 weeks I was assigned a new companion who had only been out for 6 weeks. Her name is Christina Borrowman. Almost from the first day we became the best of friends. We got along so well and had such a wonderful time serving together. Now we're both home and loving the fact that we live so near. She is such an awesome individual and I couldn't survive post-mission life without her. It's so cool how you can go to a place not knowing a single soul and make such wonderful life-long friends.

Mother's Day

I have the best Mom on Earth. She is my friend, my confidant, my teacher, my support, my everything. I would be lost without her loving support and nearness. I can honestly say that I never went through a single period of my life when I didn't absolutely adore my mother. Perhaps it was the fact that she and I were the only females in the house. I'm so grateful we have that common bond. Yesterday we went to lunch together and it was so pleasant to just laugh and have a good talk. I am so incredibly blessed to have her in my life. She has been through a lot. Any woman who can raise six sons that turned out amazing deserves a prize. She is an astounding woman. I hope that someday I can be just like her. I love you mom!

Young Adulthood

Okay, so I've been home for 2 months and4 days. I had a feeling that were I to serve a mission it would slingshot me into real adulthood. And I was right! However, it's not as bad as I thought it might be. I can honestly say that I am more happy now than I ever was in the pre-mission life. I have employment, health, safety and happiness. Adulthood is scary, it's unknown. However, each step in my life proves to give me even more happiness and joy. If this is how life is going to be...Bring it on! I am ready!

The joys of being young. One of my favorite things as a little girl was playing dress-up. In fact, I'll confess that I still like to dress up sometimes. I had so much fun with my nieces Jane and Lizzy (who turned 4 today). They're such cute little girls and I love to laugh and play with them. They're like the little sisters I never had.

Together Again

One of the advantages of serving with a Temple Square missionary towards the end of your mission is that you will get to see her while she is on her mission still. That is if you're from Utah like me! I had the happy reunion with my former companion a couple of weeks ago. It was wonderful to see her again. She's a marvelous missionary!