What's Special about 17?

Oh buddy! It's already February?!! Yikes.

You know age is a funny thing.
At 16, you can drive and sneak out.
At 18, you can drive to the store and buy sparklers and krazy glue.
But what about 17? It seems like it's just a 'filler' year, right?
I am happy to tell you that this just is not true because when you're 17 you can start doing the craziest thing of all--you can donate blood!! Muahaha!!


I guess I've been thinking about this for a while, since my birthday is coming up, and yes indeed, I will be voting in this year's elections--boo-ya!--and I wondered what made my 17th year special. Well I am happy to say that while many things happened through out the year, I was able to give blood and save up to three lives! I'm like a super hero!!!


And I'm going to do it again before my birthday. I got a call the other day, and happily agreed to schedule a time to donate.


Donating blood is so important, and I am uber-proud to be a part of this life-saving service. Fortunately I'm not one to faint so it's easier for me that it is for others, but I strongly recommend getting out there and donating!


You too can be a superhero! And if you already donate, then I commend you, superhero!

Finally! A name!!

I haven't put my name on the pictures I've done because I couldn't think of what to write. Should I put "Matilda Photography"? Lame. So, I fiddled around, and I found one that I think is pretty darn cute. Enjoy these new ones! :D

Kimmi Pics. Part II

Aw dats right! We done it--and we done it good. ;)

Collage of Kimmi that I am quite proud of--note the socks.

Senior Year-Senior Pics.

Yikes! I have kept BUSY!! Senior Year!! Oh buddy! OU classes started--LOVING college!

but...this isn't the real reason I wanted to post. I have some senior pictures that will leave you wanting some more. And, I was the lucky duck who got to take these awesome pictures! :D This is one of my besties, and one of the most gorgeous people EVER. I adore her! :D So, here's a sneak peak of the awesomeness that is to come.

I know, I know--jealous. ;)

Finland Memories

Here are a few of the most memorable times in Finland:

When Mom, Merinda, Mikaela, Katie, Kai and I made a music video, and we carried the high chair all around Jyväskylä. :) We got a few stares from onlookers.

Making food at Katie's house--this is Merinda's delicious cheesecake! YUM!!

Merinda made a friend. Yay Merinda!

Going to the temple with the Jyväskylä ward.

Playing with Kai!! I have found my new best friend!!

Tomorrow we head back to the blessed U.S.A. I can't wait to be home again, but I'm not looking forward to the long plane ride...

Jyväskylä is Simply Maawvulous

I feel the need to reiterate my love for Jyväskylä: I LOVE JYVÄSKYLÄ!!!

Okay, that's done. :)

Now, on to share all of my favorite events that have happened!

Last week, Jenni, Pihla, and I went out for Kebab! Yum! The thing took up my whole plate! (I ate less than half, took the rest home, then ate the rest and felt super sick! Never again!...or that's what I tell myself.)

After lunch, we found nail polish on sale, and we didn't know what the polishes would look like, so I showed them. They were completely bewildered that I would try the polishes. I asked them,

"How else do you know what they look like?" An American thing??

After our day with Jenni, Pihla and I started our

traditional Pride and Prejudice marathon. We had our candy and footstool--we were set. :)

When we were playing cards, Pihla gave the cards to me, thinking I couldn't shuffle. I promptly proceeded to "show her what I'm made of" and shuffle like no other! :) haha (this picture is her shuffling...I took it so I could remember the story.)

One night, when we were bored I suggested we play dress up. She asked what it was, and I told her...I shall never make any such suggestions again...she really got into it and covered me in scarves, and I made her look like a gypsy.

We spent a lot of time training and playing with Nelli, their new puppy! :) So cute!

And Pihla, Saku, and I babysat Kai so that Katie could work on her homework. :) She said, "He's pretty grumpy, so if he starts to fuss, just give him a cookie. And, to get him to go in the stroller, give him a cookie. And if he starts to get tired-"

"Give him a cookie?" I asked. :)

Merinda and I helped Katie make decorations for Kai's 1st birthday party!! :)

These are the skeletons that I made. I'm quite proud of them. ;)

Jyväskylä: Where the Piranhas are Green

You may not know this, so I shall tell you: Jyväskylä is the place to be when in Finland.

Because, honestly, where else do you:

*Make pulla the same night you arrive?

*Go swimming after making pulla (around 11 p.m.) and come home around midnight...

*Wake up the next morning at 7

*Go to a mökki (summer cottage) for several hours

*Have a Twilight movie marathon (until 3 a.m.) after going to the mökki

*Sprain your ankle on a trampoline, standing still, after jumping about like crazy for a long time (oops.)

*Spend over 2 hours baking kääretorttu (rolled cake...dessert) and cookies for the 4th of July party

*Watch Stardust, and get to bed at a reasonable hour, but the sleep until noon the next morning

At the mökki! :) Gorgeous view!!
And where else do you see Kai?? So cute!!

I LOVE JYÄSKYLÄ!!! :D

Note: So far, I have not seen, smelt, heard, or tasted any piranhas in Jyväskylä, so for all I know they could be green, but don't take my word for it...