Sunday, November 25, 2012

THANKSgiving, or Giving Thanks

This year's Thanksgiving was very, very different from any other year. Our dinner consisted of the best pizza in San Francisco and a movie in the hotel room. Sound like a complete disappointment? Well, to us, it was one of the most memorable Thanksgivings in our live.

More to come on my trip later. Just thought I would leave a cruel cliffhanger...

I am thankful for so many things, above everything I am thankful for my family.


Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Worst Movie EVER?

Twilight. and the rest of the saga...

Sometimes I have the t.v. running in the background while I'm supposed to be doing homework (when I'm really blogging instead). Seriously, Kristen Stewart stresses me out, her acting is beyond horrible. However, like most people who hate Twilight yet are strangely attracted to the movies, I'll probably end up watching the last movie anyway. *sigh* Hollywood knows how to keep us hooked...

But that has nothing to do with what I want to write about. I really need to learn to update more often, unfortunately I have a horrible habit of stressing myself out to the point that I don't want to do any of the homework I'm supposed to do. So where do I turn? To blogging of course--and catching up on Lost with the fam (speaking of Hollywood...). Horrible habit. So here I am, trying to desperately remember what it is that I have been doing these past couple weeks. It is such a good thing that I take pictures, otherwise I would be at a loss.


November 3rd, thats a good place to start. I met Sydni in English freshman year, she thought my name was Susan for like 3 days until I was brave enough to correct her. It sort of became our inside joke and we hit it off from there. We had our second section of English together again and had some good times, even hit up the Halloween dance that year! Anyway, beautiful Syd got engaged last semester. Her wedding/reception was on the 3rd way up in Altonah, Utah. Nat joined me on our little 2 hour road trip to the reception (thanks for bearing with me Nat). It was so good to see her, she looked so happy! We had a lovely dinner and desert, watched the daddy/daughter dance--shed a few tears--and the newly weds danced the night away. I'm so happy for this girl!



I absolutely love getting mail. Nothing makes me happier than seeing my name on an envelope, even if it's from Sprint, haha. So here is a little shout out to Liz for making my day! I loved my letter, even if it took like 2 weeks to get here from Jerusalem. I miss her and Sara and I can't wait to see them in December. Thanks Liz!


 Oh the adventures that lacrosse bring... The sun has been setting earlier because of our time change, we didn't really realize that until our usual 5:30 practice felt like 9:00 practice. That definitely did not stop us though, we pulled cars around and turned on the headlights! It was definitely one of the most memorable practices ever. We may be few but we sure are dedicated, I love these girls already. It is going to be a great season!
 As I mentioned, I dressed up as Katniss for Halloween this year. I lost all record of it but something miraculous happened! Since my family and I had missed out on the Sierra family coming over to trick-or-treat we decided to recreate Halloween! We have grown to love this family so much. I spent the summer taking care of these beautiful kids while Carla was pregnant with baby David--she gave me one more kid to love! Her family loves our Colombian arepas so we made an evening out of it! Gus Gus dressed up as a little puppy--tail and everything and Sofia was a beautiful princess. Tina put on my cowgirl hat and my mom brought the arepas! We had a great time. I love this family.



Snow is here! My doggy is not the only one that's excited about it. I love the snow, but with it comes one of my pet peeves... I am kind of upset that the world is ready to skip over Thanksgiving just cause we have snow, Christmas music on the radio already?! Don't even get me started on Costco and Walmart... Something about hot chocolate (you already know how addicted I am to the stuff), warm blankets, jackets, scarves, movies... Ah it's my favorite time of the year! 
 On another note: My poor puppy is getting old... She's almost 8 years old and her back is starting to act up. We had to rush her to the vet this last weekend because she could barely walk, $100 dollars and 3 bottles of pills later she is back to normal-ish... I wish she could live forever...

This has been a fun week for my sister and I. We like to go on random adventures to the mall, to UVU in search for tickets for the Synergy dance company's performance on Thursday and of course, a hot chocolate run! Love this little tyke, many more adventures to come!

Monday, November 5, 2012

Blessings

They come when we least expect it... Or when we need it most.

Bishop called me into his office yesterday after church, someone in the ward offered to pay for my whole mission.

Whoever you are, thank you. Thank you so much.

Tender mercies. Heavenly Father is aware of our needs, our desires, our hopes.

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Happy Halloween!

I usually hate halloween, something about all the gore and scary people kinda freaks me out. This year hasn't been too bad. I've gone to a couple parties with friends rocking my Katniss costume and I look pretty dang legit. Unfortunately I don't have any pictures... about that a little later.

I found a temple buddy! Alyssa-- one of my all time favorite people--volunteered! I loved going to the temple with her and grabbing breakfast at Kneaders last Thursday. We investigated the car accident outside the window and discussed our lives. Oh, and it snowed for the first time! It ended up being a really beautiful day. I visited Carla and her kids, they got to play in the snow for the first time!

About the phone thing... I have been having issues with calls lately, turns out I had to go all the way up to Murray to see if they could do anything about it. The erased my whole phone... no more pictures of playing with Carla's kids in the snow and no pictures from the previous weekend. Unfortunately my only source of journaling is through pictures, I'm in big trouble.

Saturday night I spent all night worrying about what I was going to speak on during Sacrament, then my bishop called and told me I didn't have to speak anymore! Bad news is, I have to speak sometime in November... I think I have spoken more than anyone else in my ward.

Sunday night I hung out with Carter and Leandra for a while. It was fun to catch up with them and see their new puppy! We had a nice dinner together, it was a lot of fun!

I feel like this week has dragged on forever. I still have to wait until tonight at midnight to sign up for next semester's classes. Fortunately I have them all picked out already, just need to wait until it opens!

Have a lovely halloween-and be safe! *This is the only holiday where it is acceptable to eat stranger's candy...sorta*


Wednesday, October 24, 2012

#extremecheapskates

#theworstshowintheworld... seriously. You are allowed to watch one episode, let me know what you think. TLC has the most interesting/addicting shows.

Anyway. Take a look at this:


Do you see that? No homework due until Monday! Let the heavenly chorus begin! Who celebrates a whole weekend with no homework? THIS GIRL. 

Last week flew by! On the weekend I hung out with Kaylor and Ben at the Provo eXtreme Air Sports place, which was a TON of fun! We dressed up for the halloween dance held there and got to jump on the huge trampolines and play in the foam pit. After we got some frozen yogurt and went back to Ben's apartment to play some guitar and sing.  

This week has dragged on and on. It's only wednesday and I have had something due every day. I lost my planner last week and I went absolutely crazy! I got behind on a lot of stuff so this week has been catch-up week. Luckily I got almost everything done so all I have left is to read a couple chapters for my marriage class. I might actually have some veg time! wohooo! 

For those that know me know that I have a deep love for concerts. Actually I just love music. For my half birthday yesterday (another wohoo!) my buddy Amy, her friend Shaunelle, and I went to the All-American Rejects, Parachute, and Boys Like Girls concert. Here are some pictures from last night.

Parachute at the top left and Amy's love Tyson Ritter's camper.
No big deal. 
AAR
The men of the night!

So funny story about the picture above, we decided to head home pretty early so we started to walk to our cars... guess who we see!?!? Will from Parachute. I chased him down so we could get a picture! Look at his beautiful face! Oh and on the left we have Tyson Ritter. Crazy, and even more drunk than we could possibly imagine but one heck of a memorable concert! Thank you Amy for such a fun night! 

Last of all, I love my mother. I had drawn a balloon on my hand-made chalkboard and she made an addition of her own:

Thanks mom!

Monday, October 15, 2012

P.S.

There is nothing better than hearing my mom and sister laugh in the living room over Modern Family... Life's simple pleasures. 

adkfja;fieana;iefndfm

That kind of describes my day today, just another Monday. The whole day I have been thinking about updating this thing but there are so many things I would like to say and none of them have to do with what has happened the last couple weeks. Sigh. I guess I'll find a way to incorporate it as I highlight these last two weeks.


First, conference. It was both maddening and amazing all in one. The rush of kid lining up to fill out their mission papers is going to be pure chaos--but ultimately really good for sharing the gospel. For those of you that didn't know, I had been planing on going on a mission for a while, these news could not have come at a worse time for me. I have been so anxious to go that the moment I heard I wanted to leave right away; however, thinking of my future children and spouse, I decided finishing school might be a good idea before I go.... grrrrrrrr. I will be a grandma compared to those 18 & 19 year olds... Regardless, I am still very excited to go. Besides that little--major--freak out I really enjoyed conference. (Oh, and my sister and I play "spot Kingman"--an old, but favorite, choir teacher--while she sings in the choir... it gets crazy).

Second, I am so happy with the weather we have been having.  I absolutely love Utah. Yes, I know that it is ever so frustrating to head off to school in a cozy jacket only to walk out dying to be in a short-sleeve shirt and shorts, but I am in love with this place. I even pulled out a beanie that my lovely sister bought me. Oh and p.s. colored jeans are my favorite. 



With fall comes halloween!! I have a pet peeve: halloween. I am sure this will be my future kid's favorite holiday but I strongly dislike it. I don't like creepy people, much less being scared... and for some reason I have found a deep love for the thrill of being scared out of my pants!! Ever since I went with Natalie two(?) years ago I have been dying to go back to Hee Haw's Cornevil Night Terrors... To some this might be the baby version of a haunted corn maze but it is more than enough for me! My good lacrosse buddy Kaylor and her cousin came with me during fall break, we had a blast! A quick ride up the hill lead us to the Timpanogos temple, Kaylor had never been before so I showed off my most favorite temple ever.

 Fall break was a lot of fun this year. Not only was the corn maze an adventure but I got to see my best friend! Nat spent a couple days with my family, it is always so nice to have her around. Tina, Nat and I were going to go to the BYU Art museum but it got too late, instead we visited Subzero for the first time and saw Taken 2! We made fun of the guy with the tag still on his sweater and ran through the rain... we are soooo funny.

The best part of the weekend came when I had the brilliant idea to surprise my family with some pumpkins. Since I am a broke college student I suckered them into giving me money and I returned with "punkins", carving utensils, paint, and a little creativity. My grandparents (being from a land far, far away that doesn't believe in carving pumpkins--jk they just have never done it) had a great time cutting into the pumpkin and caving out the bats. I love being able to create new memories with the people I love most. More than anything though I am glad my grandma is doing a bit better. Her memory has a ton of missing spots but I'm happy to still have her around.



These are the final results of our punkin adventures, can you guess who made what??
(Please insert your ooo's and aaaahhhh's here. )

To add to this glorious season, I am so happy that the lacrosse season is getting closer and closer. We are looking a little small but it is still pre-season, hopefully by January we can have more than 9 girls playing. This new mission announcement has taken about 5 girls, leaving us kind of vulnerable for the season. Our first scrimmage is coming up this Saturday against the glorious University of Utah... we will get our butts handed to us but that's not what lacrosse is about--we are very determined to have more fun than the U. Hopefully this will help our team grow closer together, if not... well there goes $500! Haha. 

Although it has kind of been a crappy Monday I am excited for this week. I have made a goal to go to the temple twice a week since I have school later on Tuesdays and Thursdays. If anyone would like to join me just holla!--man, I think I'm so funny. 

Anyway, I think that is all the updating I have to do. I will try to not get so behind on blogging, but I make no promises.




Thursday, October 4, 2012

Catching Up

So it has been quite a few days since I've posted last and, as usual, I am here to overwhelm this page with updates... This blog, after all, is not for your benefit but for the torture of my future kids. Mwahahah!!

This semester has already been a huge miracle. Every time I look at my planner I get completely stressed out but as I take it day by day I am able to recognize God's hand in everything I do. I mentioned how hard this semester has been in the homework department, I have yet to miss or turn in an assignment late... not to mention, my grades are nearly perfect. This is an impossible feat for me; not once in elementary through high school did I ever get such incredible grades (even my mom was amazed... how sad).

I got my results for my art history test: 95/100

Results for Astronomy: 90%

Shakespeare essay and sonnet memorization: A

Total grade for Marriage and Relationships: 97.9%

History:... to be determined after midterms next week...

What is going on?!?! This is too ridiculous. However, I am very grateful for the blessings that have come through hard work.

I strongly believe these blessings are coming about for 2 reasons: (1) I have been reading my scriptures and saying my prayers more than ever before, and (2) I am trying my best to magnify my callings. This year's General Relief Society conference was incredible. I had the great opportunity to go with my mom to our stake center to watch it, I am so grateful for the technology that allows us to watch and re-watch these great women speak. If you haven't had the chance to watch it, please take the time to. There was nothing more comforting than hearing Sister Reeves remind me that "the Lord has not forgotten you". I love this gospel.

Although most days I won't admit to it, I really do love living at home. Not only does it save money but it saves my sanity. A big perk of living at home is having the choice to attend my home ward. Don't worry, my bishop hounds me about going to single's wards all the time but I refuse. I will get married one day but for right now let me prepare for a mission and play with all the kids!

I miss my calling in the young women's a lot. I missed teaching them every Sunday and listen to the drama I am so glad I don't have to live with on a daily basis... that was until I got called to teach sunday school. Hahaha. I am once again to teach these wonderful young women and the young men.... This will be another adventure. Fortunately I have another week to prepare for this madness... thank heavens for conference weekend!

"For it must needs be, that there is an opposition in all things..." 
2 Nephi 2:11

This has been my motto for the past few days... In the midst of all these great blessings my family has experienced a great opposition to test our faith.

Besides my mother there is one other woman who has played a huge role in my life, my grandmother. My mom's mother has been there for us since birth. Every step of the way she has been here to support and love us, now it is our turn to do that for her. For the past couple years she has been having mini-strokes, or so they think. She will pass out, convulse, and finally lose her ability to move and speak for a while. Her memory is erased from that moment forward... The second time this happened my sister was the one who found her on the floor of our house early one morning. Despite test after test doctors cannot find anything wrong, only making this more frustrating for our family.

Monday was the third time that this happened. My grandfather, who usually leaves early in the morning for work, felt the need to stay home with my grandma... Miraculously he was able to catch her before she collapsed again. I got the "call me, its urgent" text from my mom and she delivered the news that they were rushing her to the hospital, yet again.

It is so hard to see someone you love in so much pain. Test after test was done and again nothing out of the ordinary was found. My poor grandma still can't remember what happened, who came to see her, or what she did earlier in the day... We can only hope she recovers and that doctors can find a way to help her. Through this time we can only hold on to our faith and trust that Heavenly Father will hear our prayers and bring comfort, patience, and understanding to our family...


Sunday, September 23, 2012

Weekend Bliss

I was completely swamped yesterday between having my grandparents over (hence the little post yesterday) and desperately trying to memorize 25 pieces of art and countless details per artwork... I'm still not done but I figured I would decompress by posting about the concert on Friday.

Andy, a friend of mine, recently introduced me to the band The Head and the Heart, I had heard of them before but I hadn't really listened to them until Andy invited me to go with him and some of his friends to their concert... I walked out of there speechless. I have been to my fair share of concerts but that was, without a doubt, one of the best concerts I will ever go to! Blitzen Trapper and Bryan John Appleby opened for the band, only adding 2 more names to my favorite music list.

Bryan John Appleby

Blitzen Trapper

the amazing Head and the Heart

A little story behind this last image:

I wore my Hunger Games/Harry Potter shirt to the concert that I made. I had never had someone recognize/realize so it kind of caught me off guard when the lead singer John Appleby of BJA recognized it and loved it, I was in absolute shock! Not only did he love it but he gave me a free beer cozy (that little brown thing around the rootbeer bottle) and the whole band autographed it. I felt beyond awesome. 

The moment I got home I bought the Bryan John Appleby album, I have been listening to it non stop since Saturday!

In other news, today has been quite the long day. I spent more than half the morning still working on my art history test review and writing a couple papers for other classes. My day got better though, I love it when Nat takes time out of her day to come visit! Last time she came to visit it was Labor Day weekend, we spent the night goofing around and making crafts.

This was what I came up with:
My grandpa was sweet enough to help me out with sanding the picture frame while I made home-made chalkboard paint (thank you Pinterest). I wish I had a picture of Nat's craft, we didn't finish it but it looked really cool.

Today we worked on some homework together, Tina pinned her insects for biology, and listened to more music. We took a break from homework to work on a craft for Nat: 
We covered a canvas with the same chalkboard paint from last time, spray painted the wood gold and added a little quote--it says: "We live in a jar and think it is the sky"--I think it turned out great!

I love Sundays with family!

Now back to more homework... Let the week begin! 


Saturday, September 22, 2012

I'm supposed to be doing homework...

.... Instead I'm sitting at the dinner table with my mom, sister and grandparents lipretending to do homework) to my grandpa talk about his crazy times at work (while I pretend to do homework...). This guy is a hoot, he's like a little kid in an old guy's body... Age is a beautiful thing, whoever said getting old is bad is most definitely wrong.

I love him. A lot. And not just because he's the funniest man alive.

Wednesday, September 19, 2012

The Kids That Hold My Heart

This is David, the sweet boy that has captured my heart. Okay, thats a lie--his brother (who i call Gus-Gus) also has my heart... and his sweet sister. These three kids, all under the age of 4, belong to my visiting teacher, Carla. (I wish I had pictures  Her kids reflect just how amazing this woman is, she is kind, warm, and very patient with her kids. I had the privilege of babysitting Gus-Gus and his sister Sophie while Carla was--ultra--pregnant. Although Carla was limited to how much she could do per day she still made sure she spent time teaching her kids. It was absolutely beautiful to see.

I grew up with a mom that I imagine did the same with me when I was young, but seeing how Carla teaches her kids step by step and by example is something truly beautiful. It is wonderful to see a mother-not much older than me-be so strong. This is a woman who married her best friend, who not only believes in this gospel but applies it and lives it 100%. I am grateful for my mother and women like Carla that show me what it is like to be a good mom. I pray I can be like them one day.


In other news,

I had a good day today, and by good I mean RIDICULOUSLY good.

I don't really know why but it was a good one. I shouldn't have had a good day because I was running late this morning and I had a test in my astronomy class--which by the way I got a solid 85% on, please hold your applause.

A new song for today by Andrew Belle, who I completely fell in love with today, called "The Ladder". Enjoy!

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

It's a Safetysuit Kind of Day... (Extra Long Post, Beware)

To be more specific, it's a Life Left To Go kind of day--If you haven't heard it listen to it here.

I woke up late this morning and for some reason I still decided to straighten my hair (which I haven't done in a reeeeally long time), and of course it took way longer than it should have. I am happy to see that my hair is slowly coming back from the dead--quite literally. I have spent basically all summer with curly hair so it was a nice change to see it straight. For those of you who are curious, you are in trouble because (1) I am at school and I would look like a goof smiling at my computer for a picture, and (2) I already tried that and I'm wearing a black blazer--and my hair is black...

Anyway, I just wanted to jot down a few things that have absolutely nothing to do with above. I am taking a Women in the Scriptures class for institute with Sister Terry... For those of you who don't know her, you are 100% missing out. She is the most inspirational woman in this world, if she wasn't as humble as she is I'm sure they could have included her as one of the great women we talk about. Yesterday sister Terry taught us about Lucy Mack Smith, Joseph Smith's mother, and all the inspiring qualities she had. To tell you the truth, I was already having an emotional day (more like emotional week...), but I cried the whole freaking class. We talked about her strength, her faith, her support of Joseph. Her husband was equally as amazing, he had several visions that helped him prepare for what was to come. Joseph Smith Sr. even dreamt about the tree of life when Joseph was 6 years old! Lucy, the most inspirational journal writer ever, made record of it and many other experiences. What did I learn from all this? Well, first, I need to write more, not just about the good and the bad but everything in between. Second, I need to work on my faith... a lot. Last, being a good mother and wife is hard work, but there will never be anything more enjoyable than the blessing of being married forever and raising kids.

To get a glimpse of just how incredible this woman's faith was, sister Terry read from History of Joseph Smith by His Mother, I was so intrigued that I bought the book... Here is the story that we read in class: 

(Lucy's experience of the surgery performed on Joseph's leg)

"His leg soon began to swell and he continued to suffer the greatest agony for the space of two weeks longer. During this period I carried him much of the time in my arms in order to mitigate his suffering as much as possible; in consequence of which I was taken very ill myself. The anxiety of mind that I experienced, together with physical over-exertion, was too much for my constitution and my nature sank under it. Hyrum, who was rather remarkable for his tenderness and sympathy, now desired that he might take my place. As he was a good, trusty boy, we let him do so, and, in order to make the task as easy for him as possible, we laid Joseph upon a low bed and Hyrum sat beside him, almost day and night for some considerable length of time, holding the affected part of his leg in his hands and pressing it between them, so that his afflicted brother might be enabled to endure the pain which was so excruciating that he was scarcely able to bear it...


"The surgeon was called again, and he this time enlarged the wound, cutting the leg even to the bone. It commenced healing the second time, and as soon as it began to heal it also began to swell again, which swelling continued to rise till we deemed it wisdom to call a council of surgeons; and when they met in consultation they decided that amputation was the only remedy. Soon after coming to this conclusion, they rode up to the door and were invited into a room apart from the one in which Joseph lay. They being seated, I addressed them thus: 'Gentlemen, what can you do to save my boy's leg?' They answered, 'We can do nothing; we have cut it open to the bone and find it so affected that we consider his leg incurable and that amputation is absolutely necessary in order to save his life.' This was like a thunderbolt to me. I appealed to the principal surgeon, saying, 'Dr. Stone, can you not make another trial? Can you not, by cutting around the bone, take out the diseased part, and perhaps that which is sound will heal over, and by this means you will save his leg? You will not, you must not, take off his leg, until you try once more. I will not consent to let you enter his room until you make me this promise.'

"After consulting a short time with each other, they agreed to do as I had requested, then went to see my suffering son. One of the doctors, on approaching his bed, said, 'My poor boy, we have come again.' 'Yes,' said Joseph, 'I see you have; but you have not come to take off my leg, have you, sir?' 'No,' replied the surgeon, 'it is your mother's request that we make one more effort, and that is what we have now come for.' 


"The principal surgeon, after a moment's conversation, ordered cords to be brought to bind Joseph fast to a bedstead; but to this Joseph objected. The doctor, however, insisted that he must be confined, upon which Joseph said very decidedly, 'No, doctor, I will not be bound, for I can bear the operation much better if I have my liberty.' 

"'Then,' said Dr. Stone, 'Will you drink some brandy?' 'No,' said Joseph, 'not one drop.' 

"'Will you take some wine?' rejoined the doctor. 'You must take something, or you can never endure the severe operation to which you must be subjected.' 

"'No,' exclaimed Joseph, 'I will not touch one particle of liquor, neither will I be tied down; but I will tell you what I will do—I will have my father sit on the bed and hold me in his arms, and then I will do whatever is necessary in order to have the bone taken out.' Looking at me, he said, 'Mother, I want you to leave the room, for I know you cannot bear to see me suffer so; father can stand it, but you have carried me so much, and watched over me so long, you are almost worn out.' Then looking up into my face, his eyes swimming in tears, he continued. 'Now, mother, promise me that you will not stay, will you? The Lord will help me, and I shall get through with it.' 


"To this request I consented, and getting a number of folded sheets, and laying them under his leg, I retired, going several hundred yards from the house in order to be out of hearing. 

"The surgeons commenced operating by boring into the bone of his leg, first on one side of the bone where it was affected, then on the other side, after which they broke it off with a pair of forceps or pincers. They thus took away large pieces of the bone. When they broke off the first piece, Joseph screamed out so loudly, that I could not forbear running to him. On my entering the room, he cried out, 'Oh, mother, go back, go back; I do not want you to come in—I will try to tough it out, if you will go away.'


"When the third piece was taken away, I burst into the room again—and oh, my God! What a spectacle for a mother's eye! The wound torn open, the blood still gushing from it, and the bed literally covered with blood. Joseph was pale as a corpse, and large drops of sweat were rolling down his face, whilst upon every feature was depicted the utmost agony! 

"I was immediately forced from the room, and detained until the operation was completed; but when the act was accomplished, Joseph put upon a clean bed, the room cleared of every appearance of blood, and the instruments which were used in the operation removed, I was permitted again to enter...

"Having passed through about a year of sickness and distress, health again returned to our family, and we most assuredly realized the blessing; and indeed, we felt to acknowledge the hand of God, more in preserving our lives through such a tremendous scene of affliction, than if we had, during this time, seen nothing but health and prosperity."

What a wonderful lesson this was. This woman's great faith was reflected in her children. Joseph, being so young, was so incredibly faithful. This, young yet trusting, side of the prophet is one we rarely get to see... This woman taught her children well, so much so that they trusted the Lord with all their heart--like she did. I pray that I can be a fraction of what this lovely woman was; if we all strive for this kind of love and faith we can change lives.

I am so grateful for this gospel, for the opportunity to become better than I was yesterday. I am grateful for the examples of great women, like Lucy, that have brought children to this earth and changed our lives...





Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Fall 2012

I have this really bad habit of not doing any posting during the summer, then things get awkward and I have to sabotage my page with like a million pictures. So ready or not, here it comes...

This summer consisted of:
Tanning.. Kind of.

Sunday Silliness

The city I fell in love with:

SAN FRANCISCO

Celebrating the grandparent's 50th

Slurpees 

Strawberry days fair and rodeo!

A little bit of lacrosse (I'm awesome I know)

Movies that made us laugh and cry 
Morning silliness 

Sister missionaries*

Random trips to City Creek with the sista

ISAAC RUSSELL CONCERT

Ping pong/golf/football... all in one

eXtreme Air Sports 
....And many, many more adventures in between. Now the school year has started (we are three weeks in and I've already found myself struggling to keep up), lacrosse has started, and the time to blog has come again.

Now, the thing with blogging is that it becomes my procrastination escape. Like now, for example, I have an astronomy test next Wednesday and an art history test the following day that I have yet to study for--however, I did write a paper that is due today and read/analyzed a Shakespeare play. That is the beauty of 15 credits... Last year, since I managed to get a more than decent GPA I decided to step it up a notch and get all my schooling done before the mission, this requires me to take 15 credits this semester and another 15--I believe--for next semester.

 So my days end up looking kind of like this:

I know what you're thinking, Kathy quit your complaining... it really does not look that bad... My head can barely handle what I've had to do so far, not to mention all the little in between things that I have to do while my mom is at work, bahhh I can't wait until my sister can drive!!!! It's only Wednesday, I hope I can make it through the last two days of the week without any collateral damage.

That is all I have for you so far but trust me, the busier I get the more likely I am to post things... Which is horrible but at least it helps!

Monday, April 16, 2012

False alarm!

Just kidding, lacrosse season is NOT over! Wooooooooo!!!! I got a text on Saturday from mama coach (coach's wife) telling me that we made it to the playoffs!! I did a little dance around my house I was so happy. Our official last game for the season is this Saturday April 21st at Westminster's Dumke field @ 10 am. We will be playing Westmin to determine if we go on to play at 4 or not. Hopefully all goes well, as coach says, "every team is beatable on any day." Gotta love that man.

In other news, yesterday was quite an eventful day. My puppy turned 8 years old! I am about to go on a search for Tuck Ever Lasting's stream, just so I don't have to ever worry about my puppy getting too old. After church we made her some treats once again, she loved them.
Hugs for the birthday girl!
One happy pup.

Sunday was not only eventful because of Lady's birthday though. My 20th birthday is coming up, as nervous as I am to be out of my 'teens' I am excited to actually be taken seriously as an...adult. Sure, we will go with that. Turning 20 means lots more responsibility, means I am one year closer to marriage. It also means I am one year closer to deciding whether to go on a mission or not. Through the past couple years I have been toying with the idea of going, which means I have also been trying to find excuses not to go. Every now and then I would come across a quote or a person that said something about going on a mission. I would hear it and "take it into consideration" but not really LISTEN to what they were saying. 

The last time I bore my testimony during sacrament meeting was probably 10 years ago when my grandma would nag me so much that finally I would go up just to make her happy... Our ward's testimony meeting was yesterday, and for the first time in ten years I felt my heart beat like I was already up there. Immediately I knew that I had to go up (isn't that THE worst feeling ever?? gahhh). I tried bargaining with the Big Guy.. I tried to pick someone in the audience and use them as an excuse, "well, if 'so and so' goes up I will" and every single time I did that they would go up. I tried convincing my sister to go, she said no. I looked to my right, down the bench sat Sister O, the young women's president. I caught her attention and invited her with a very subtle head nod.. she said yes. 

Since she is my partner in crime in young women's I should have known better to ask her. Here we were, president and secretary, making our way up- the bishop with a big ol smile on his face... I thought I was headed towards disaster. Before I knew it my sister had followed me up (no wonder the bishop had smiled... ).After all was said and done, I couldn't remember what I had just rambled- I prayed it was something somewhat spiritual, I made my way back to my seat next to my mother and realized how much of a relief I felt. Like the whole world was lifted off my shoulders. As I sat I realized something, the reason why I hadn't gotten up in so long... Years ago I had made a New Year' resolution to bear my testimony during sacrament meeting every month. GAHHHHHH! Well, I guess I will just have to get used to that heart-in-my-throat feeling... 

After sacrament meeting my mom and I had a lovely talk with a newly married couple in our ward about their life, studies, and missions. I thought, "oh no, here we go again. More mission stuff." 
Before I knew it I was disclosing all sorts of information about what I had thought and heard about missions. How everyone keeps bringing it up. I guess you can call yesterday a major change of heart. After a few tears and a really guilty feeling for not listening to the spirit/prepared earlier I realized I now have ONE year to prepare. So I guess this makes my decision final, within a year and a little bit I will be out somewhere serving the Lord for 18 months. 

Some may say this decision was a bit rash, but I know deep inside that after YEARS of thinking about it, it was finally time to make a decision. And now, by sharing it with all of you, I am now committed to see it through. It will be very, very hard to leave my family. It will be hard to be out there with people I don't know, but I also know that many blessings will come to my family because of it. I am thankful for the things I felt and experienced yesterday, I know Heavenly Father loves me. I cannot wait to share with others this glorious, life-changing gospel. I hope for all of your support and most importantly, I expect letters every week!!

Well, you read it here first. I guess I should have titled this post, "BREAKING NEWS: mission announcement." haha. 

"What is the point of being alive if you don't at least try to do something remarkable?"- John Green

Have a great day.

Friday, April 13, 2012

Another semester has come and gone...

Where does time go?!?! Seriously, I feel like the lacrosse season is just starting and I'm still trying to get to the new schedule. Apparently time likes to continue while I'm still stuck in the last month or so... I have been absolutely horrible with blogging, so as usual here comes my ridiculously long blog post about all the wonderful things I have done.

First, lacrosse... I made it through the season- ALIVE! Who would have thought I would fall in love with this sport? Definitely not me. It was hard work to try and get to the level of these girls, I feel blessed that Coach even let me stay on the team. The season started with the Boise Tournament where we got a taste of collegiate level lacrosse, I guess it's a faster paced game (what do I know?), one in which we got our trash kicked but for a first year team we held our own and even won one of the 4 games. Oh, I didn't mention, 4 games in one weekend- 3 games on one day.. It was killer but it was a TON of fun.

Don't we look happy after so much pain?

After that tournament things started to look good. Despite having to play the top 2 teams in our division (Utah and Westminister). We completely turned the tables for our Salt Lake Classic tournament where we again had to play 4 games in two days, but instead of winning only one, we won all but one! This team has seen an incredible amount of improvement, I even scored my first goal at this tournament! I ran around the field like a nutcase, I was so happy. First goal ever!! Please check out this picture and clap for me, wherever you are, a single clap will do :)


We came across the same team as above the following but this time on our field, where once again we were able to come out on top. April brought a game against Weber where we won 25-13, another win for the Wolverines! Our last game for the season was against BYU... I was sad that we closed the season by playing them because 1) they are a division above us, and (2) let's be real, it's BYU.. we got murdered... But in the end it was a successful season where we ended raking 3rd in our division, right under Utah and Westminister. Not a bad place to be, especially for a first-year team. I could not be more excited for next season, I am missing lacrosse already and our last game was only last week. 

I guess this is a better time than any to thank everyone who came out and supported through the freezing cold and the blazing heat of bipolar Utah. I love having all of you there. There is a picture that was taken during a game that sums up the support of all my family and friends, take a look: 


I don't know if you can tell but all the people that mean the most to me are in the background... My mom, Tina, Natalie, the Border clan, and Andy. Despite Natalie being busy with school she has taken the time to come up and see some of my games, My mom and my sister endure endless hours of heat and cold to come support- here or when we played in Boise and Salt Lake. And of course Andy, he has been at EVERY SINGLE game. I am so thankful for all the love and support. 

Last night UVU had a club's banquet in which the men's lacrosse team won an award for Most Improved. Jorie, being club president, and I went with our men to support. It reminded me how blessed we are to have coach Williams. His dedication and hard work with BOTH the men's and women's lacrosse amazes me. His work is purely voluntary, he does not get paid to coach us, yet he puts in so much love and dedication. "Practice makes... PERMANENT." Love you coach and mama coach. 

I am grateful for the experiences and the friendships I have made. Here is to a successful season, to new friends and to a successful second season. Can't wait to get back out on the field.