6TEEN

"sweet sixteen" they call it, and now i understand why. today has definitely been one of the "sweeter" days of my life.

a few days before i turned 16, i was talking to one of my friends asking her if turning 16 even made that big of a difference, i mean people make a pretty big deal about it.

"yeah its totally everything it's cracked up to be" she told me.

and it was.

first of all WHERE HAS THE TIME GONE!??

it seems like ever since i saw "16 candles" with debby ryan on disney channel i've been looking forward to this day.. and its already here! i've accepted the fact that my fairy godmother probably won't show up at my bus stop and grant me 16 wishes like in the movie, but that didn't make me any less excited about today.

being a mormon makes this particular birthday 10x more important because now i'm considered  "dating material" Now, i can finally have a boyfriend!!!! (don't worry mom i'm 100% joking)

..but like seriously, forget boys, the thing that makes turning 16 the bomb.com is that YOU CAN FINALLY DRIVE. and let me tell ya, driving makes a world of difference in the life of a teenager. like you have no idea. as much as i appreciated my parents willingness to drive me places (#sophomoreprobs) i could not be more stoked to drive off in my 2005 acura with the music blaring and no one to tell me to turn it down. (only 50% joking this time)

this morning i woke up and listened to "sweet sixteen" by hilary duff on repeat while i got ready. i've been waiting many years to be able to scream every one of those lyrics on my 16th birthday. lol.

after making myself look super dateable, i rode the bus to school for one last time. i won't miss you, big yellow twinkie. 

it was a rainy short day. and it was absolutely perfect. you know those conversations where you're talking to someone and they remember something important [my bday duh] halfway to the conversation? yeah well i had about 928375973245 of those today, it was hilarious. also, shout out to social media for being home to every ugly selfie i've ever take today. sorry to those who had to see those pictures....

after school all my (girl)friends came over and we ate homeade cafe rio and cupcakes. fun fact: angelie and brook can fit a whole cupcake in their mouths. now thats talent.

after everyone left, i treated myself to the wedding episode of 19 kids and counting, just cause it was my birthday and i could.

when my mom got home we headed straight to the DMV and picked up my drivers license. after going to get insurance, i drove home. ALONE. it felt sooo good.

 per tradition, we had a small family party with my cousins and I GOT A 50mm LENSE AND I CAN'T STOP PLAYING WITH IT I LOVE IT SO MUCH. also some cute clothes and a year subscription to adobe photoshop (is it just me or do i hear some photoshoots calling my name?)

after the family party maddy came over and brought the cutest photo book with a bunch of our memories in it, as well as room to add new ones. we had a little heart to heart and were almost in tears over all the amazing memories we've made together this past year. boy do i love that girl.

just after she left, mariah came over and brought the prettiest yellow tulips, a cupcake, and some ben and jerry's fudge ice cream. (which i ate immediately heheh)

gosh i love my friends, they are the sweetest girls ever and i can count on them anytime, anywhere for anything. me and mariah were talking about how fast my birthday came, and how fast life goes in general. but i couldn't be more excited, BRING IT ON SIXTEEN.

me smoking my candle lol. thug life.

gotta love trick candles hahahaah

as amazing as it feels to finally be 16 and all, i think i might actually miss the lovely age of 15. it is easy for me to say that my 15th year of life was the best yet. it was a year filled with new people and new memories, as well as many new trials and lessons.

15 taught me that relationships are fragile and people are sensitive.

it taught be to try a little harder to be a little kinder.

it taught me that even if you have 3 hours of homework, you should always put others needs before your own.

it taught me that if you want something to happen, the best way to make sure it happens is to do it yourself. (for example if you want a cute happy birthday banner on the fireplace for your 16th bday, just make it yourself--true story)

being 15 taught me that girls are mean and boys are dumb….but it also taught me that everyone has good in them and everyone deserves to be loved.

it taught that i have a loving Heavenly Father who cares about me and will always be there for me, no matter the trial.

15 taught me that change is ok. change is good.

and most of all, being 15 taught me that life is hard, but it is beautiful. it is oh so beautiful.

and though i am faaaaaar from perfect, my fifteenth year of life taught me more then i ever dreamed of and was full of memories and people that i will never ever forget. thanks for being good to me, 15. and here's to you, 16, i'm excited to see what you have in store.

have a happy day lovelies
xoxox