Tuesday, December 28, 2010

My favorite moments of 2010!

Well, 2010 has hung its hat. Does anyone else think that is weird?
I do.
2010 seriously flew by.
It was a year full of fun and awesomeness and I want to reflect on the top moments.
(In no particular order.)

1. The Winter Olympics.
I love the Olympics! They are always so inspiring.
I've always wondered what it's like to be SO good at something.
Yes, I have been blessed with many talents, but there's not one that I am just SO ridiculous at, unlike Olympians.
I love the competitiveness, I love all the nations coming together, I love cheering for the USA, and I love just holing up and watching.
This picture is from a little shindig I held to watch the Olympics...complete with mini corn dogs.
2. Seeing THREE of my best friends get married.
All of them bit the dust in the same year. It has definitely been a year of weddings and love. Katie Claire tied the knot on April 17th, Leah just a short time after, and Brittany at the end of the summer.
I love that my friends have picked guys that love them and that I can be friends with their husbands.
It is always awkward when your friends marry guys you do not like, so I'm grateful I get along with their significant others.
3. My sister getting pregnant with my niece!
I remember so clearly when Kar told me. I was at Charlotte Russe working. I answered the phone and this is how our conversation went:
Me: "Charlotte Russe at University Mall, this is Kaycie."
Karly: "Kayc, it's Karly."
Me: "Karly?"
Karly: "Yeah, Karly...your sister?!"
Me: "I KNOW who you are, I'm just not used to hearing you while at work."
Karly: "Well, I called your phone and it was off. I called Magleby's and you weren't there so
I figured you had to be at Charlotte."
Me: "Ok, well that's kinda stalkerish, but whatever..."
Karly: "Yeah, well I have something to tell you."
Me: "Ok..."
Karly: "I'm...PREGNANT!"
Me: *silence* then *crying*
I was SO excited! Yeah, I started crying AT work and told everyone that walked in!
That was a happy day.
Ms. Laela is going to be born any day now and I don't know if any other aunt has ever been as excited as I am!
Can't wait to hold that little bundle!
4. EFY!
EFY is always a highlight of my year, the last 4 years.
I love that EFY has been able to be a part of my life basically since I was 12.
I went as a participant ages 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, & 18 and have been able to work at ages 20, 21, 22, 23, and soon to be 24.
This past summer I was the coordinator, alongside my trusty partner, Ammon.
EFY, as always, was fabulous again and always makes me re-evaluate my life to make sure I'm where I need to be.
I'm always grateful for the experiences I have, the friendships I strengthen and gain, the
Spirit I feel, the lessons learned,and the testimony I gain.
To read my EFY post, click here.
5. Dancing in a drum circle.
When EFY was over, my flight from Tampa back to
Salt Lake City was 2 days after EFY ended. So my dear friends and I all camped out at Nina's house for the weekend.
One night we went to the beach where we took some awesome pictures and walked around. There was a drum circle going on and my friends decided I should go in and dance.
I was scared at first, but I just did it and I am SO glad I did.
It was quite exhilarating! I felt so fresh and spontaneous!
After a few mins some of my friends joined me and we had a blast! From then on out everyone called me Shakira since my hips were definitely not lying! :)
6. Life Changing Concerts!
I've seen some good concerts in my life: 98 Degrees, *Nsync, Justin Timberlake, Carrie Underwood, Rascal Flatts, Colbie Caillat...just to name a few.
But WOW...this year offered some concerts that were seriously record charting in my book.
I got to see Mr. John Mayer in August at the Usana Ampitheater.
He was seriously so great. He is SO talented.
Not to mention I went with a ton of great friends, so that made it even better being able to dance, sing, and rock out with them!
Then in November I was ever so privileged to see Sara Bareilles!
She was SO amazing and I aspire to be like her.
To see my post on her concert, click here.
7. Braves Playoff Game in San Francisco!
Seriously one of the greatest experiences of my entire life!
When the Braves headed to the playoffs, my die hard friends and I decided to get our butts to CA and support our boys!
My friends searched for tickets and finally got 5 of them and we headed out!
We left at 11 p.m. on a Thurs night, drove the 12 hours there, slept for 30 mins at Ashley's family's house, went to the Golden Gate Bridge, then went to the AT&T Park a few hours early, watched the game, and immediately drove back to Provo so we got back at noon on Sat. Talk about a quick trip, but OH SO WORTH IT!
That was the best game I have ever witnessed.
It was the only game the Braves won that series AND it was from coming from behind with our bench players...what?!
It was Bobby Cox's last ejection AND last win of his career.
I've never been so invested in a game before.
There were moments where I had to lean against the railing I was shaking so bad.
It never felt sweeter to win than that night because Giants fans were SO classless.
The entire road trip home (whenever all 5 of us were awake) we would say, "Remember how we just experienced that?!"
It was SO great.
Playoff games are rad...worth every penny.
To see that post, click here.
8. Getting my job at New Haven.
Is it hard?
Oh mercy yes.
But the good moments TOTALLY outweigh the times where you want to hide in the staff office.
I love those girls with all my heart and I have loved everything I have learned while working there.

9. Living with such awesome roommates!
I was SO blessed with the roommates I received when moving into my house.
I only knew Ash, which was great, but I was scared not knowing the other 4.
I could not have lucked out better.
They are each such amazing girls.
Ashley, Brittany, Megan, Amelia, & Suzanne are such amazing people and I have loved living with them...and Nicole, our honorary roomie! :)
10. Celebrating 30 years of being a forever family!
December 19th, 2010 marked 30 years since my parents went to the temple with Krista (as a wee and Karly in the womb) to get sealed as an eternal family.
I am SO grateful that they made that decision so that I could be born into such circumstances.
They have started a chain that I hope goes on for generations to come.
11. BYU Graduate!
I do not walk and have official graduation until April, but I am a BYU graduate!
I finished up everything this December and it feels awesome!
I am so excited for all of the festivities come April!
12. Lastly, but certainly not leastly, having Alexander Michael Foster become my other half.
I never expected this year to turn into a year of falling in love, but it has.
Alex is the best boyfriend anyone could ask for.
Do we have our differences? Sure...but who doesn't?
We get over them so quickly, because neither one of us can stand it, that they just end up laughter worthy.
He has taught me so much about myself and more of what I want out of life.
He's so caring, loving, thoughtful, and honors his Priesthood.
Not to mention...I think he's quite the stud.
I'm so grateful for the journey we've taken this year, even with its ups and downs.
We're better for it and he has made 2010 such an awesome year.
I love you!
More posts on him? Click here, here, here, and here.

Yes...2010 has been a good year.
Here's to 2011...

Monday, December 27, 2010

Picture Texts

Ok, so it has been exactly one week since Alex left for California.
I know I'm pathetic, but I miss him SO much!
He flies back on Thursday night and it cannot come soon enough!
I wish I could meet him at the airport and just squeeze him as soon as he arrives, but unfortunately I have to work...so alas, I have to wait an extra few hours to give him a squeeze.
He's been sending lots of picture texts, which helps my anxious heart.
I thought I'd share because these pictures are just too great not to.

First, this little baby...Alex's homemade ornament from kindergarten.
I crack up EVERY time!
Christmas Eve at the Foster home.
Alex & Jack in matching pj's with the animals.
Christmas Day...the cat is glad he's home.
Their newest puppy, Jett...elf ears and all.
I had to answer back with something so Krista and I decided to be funny and take these...
This took much longer to take than you would think!
So maybe afterwards, Krista and I were cracking up! We thought they were funny.

Anyways, I miss my boyfriend a lot.
I know he's enjoying sunny California, but I'm ready for him to come back!

Sunday, December 26, 2010

Merry & Bright!

Hello One & All!
I hope your Christmas was holly and jolly!
Mine was.
I must say, it was a tad quieter than what I am used to.
I missed my mother singing.
I missed my father's lap.
I missed Karly's jokes.
I missed my tree.
I missed going to the beach.
However, my Christmas was still grand because I got to spend the entire day with Krista!

Christmas Eve I had to work early in the mornin' to get all the cakes ready for all those who wanted Magleby's dessert for Christmas.
Once that was all out I had to run to K-Mart to pick up some cooking utensils. Then I headed to my friend, Kjell's, house to drop off those cooking utensils and a dessert. She was sponsoring a family in need for Christmas and needed some help. As soon as I heard I wanted to help! It felt so great seeing all of the presents and food people had offered to Kjell to take. That family will so grateful, I know!
Then I headed on up to Bountiful to the house of Krista & Frit. (Christmas music playing the whole trip, of course.)

Later that night we watched The Santa Clause 2 and then chatted on the phone with our fam bam, complete with grandparents.
My daddy always reads us "The Night Before Christmas" so he did it over the phone. (And apparently my mother was acting it out while he was reading. He kept cracking up all through the story.)
Then we attempted to watch "Prancer." I found it at K-Mart for $5 and it was a childhood favorite of mine so I bought it right away!
Much to my dismay, it was not as exciting as it was when I was 10. Pity.
We turned it off, but Kris is too determined to know what happens so I'm sure we will finish it at some point.

I ended my night with talking to my main man and drifting off...

Christmas Morn I slept in! It felt great!
I went downstairs to see Krista and we immediately opened presents!
Santa brought me a stocking! Twas exciting! He brought me a darling mug, hot cocoa, rubberbands, decorative tape, jacks, animal print kleenex, playing cards, & Frit snuck in a $15 iTunes card while Santa was filling it up...tricky little bugger.
Then Kris and I opened up each other's gifts.
She made me some homemade warmers that you can stick in your pockets when you go outside to keep your hands warm! Muchly needed.
She also made me a skirt that is drool worthy! Seriously! I cannot wait to wear it! I will take pics when I do end up struttin' it out in public.
Then we made waffles and watched "The Holiday." Krista loves that movie...I kinda love it too. It is quite the great romance. Jude Law & Cameron Diaz are gorgeous together.
We finished up our Christmas dinner and ate the damage! We had turkey, mashed potatoes, corn, sweet potatoes, broccoli, and rolls. Delish! It was seriously the best turkey I had ever had!
Then it was craft time! Krista helped me make a headband, a pin, and a ring to wear with my skirt. I'm lovin' ALL of it! Krista is so talented!

To see her other work, click here. She's great!

We ended off the night talking with my favorite middle sister, Karly, and watching "Home Alone." I had only watched it once recently, but fell asleep cause I was SO tired. I made it all the way through. Krista and I were dying laughing! It's hilarious! Frit was not so lucky to make it through. She passed out on the couch. She partied too hard this Christmas. :)
Then I headed my bum up the stairs and talked to my sweet Alex. I love that kid. And I miss him a lot! It's been hard without him. I never want to spend a Christmas with his absence again! Too hard! He had a good Christmas too, which I am grateful to hear!

It was a lovely Christmas. It was so nice to not have anything pressing, spend time with Krista, and relax! I am so grateful for the Savior and for that first Christmas night!
...I can't wait til my niece is born and I can finally see all of my family together! We alll haven't been together since Karly & JJ got hitched! OH HAPPY DAY!!!
Merry Chrissamissa! :)

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Extra Extra! Kaycie is a BYU Grad!

Wow...it has been quite awhile and SO much has happened! I do have much to update on and I apologize if this post gets semi-long. I will try to be short in everything, but we shall see...:)

So first of all...the most exciting thing to happen in my life most recently is that I am DONE with school. A Bachelor's Degree will soon be in my hands! That is so weird, but so amazing!! When the heck did I grow up? I'm the baby. I go to preschool...not college. But I sure did go to college. And I was so privileged to go to the greatest school in the world. I love BYU with all my heart. It has provided me with the most amazing experiences. When I came to BYU I was just a little girl. I feel that I have grown up quite a bit. Yes, I still have my baby moments, but I have learned so much in my time at BYU.
Some of my favorite memories from BYU are:
*sporting events
*Club Style
*the CougarEat
*dorm life
*creating the friends I will have for life (these are not your average high school relationships :)
*Religion courses & teachers
*Cosmo (is the man.)
*dances
*General Authorities coming to speak

There is SO much to say about BYU. I LOVE BYU and I am so proud to say I am a cougar. I am so grateful for tithing money so that the way was provided for me to come and I am also so grateful for parents who paid for tuition and books. I seriously get overwhelmed with joy when I think of my BYU experience. I had the hardest time of my life while being here, but I will always look at BYU with such a fondness. On the up side...I am done with homework, tests, quizzes, papers, assignments, and stupid group projects where there is always someone who is a slacker! It feels great!

In other news...I love Christmas and Christmas time! It has been a blast this season. I got to decorate my house with my roomies, throw an ugly sweater party, and go to Temple Square. All grand things!

In other other news...I love Alex's family! The majority of his family lives nearby. His mom's parents, his dad's mom, his sister and her family, aunts, uncles, cousins...it's great. Until the last few months I was not close with any of his family. He was obviously close with mine since he served his mission on the fabulous island of Hilton Head! However, it feels so great to become tighter with his family too. Everyone is so kind, loving, and genuinely interested in knowing me. The outpouring of love has been much appreciated.

And lastly...some sad news. One of my girls at New Haven got discharged yesterday. She was already planning on flying out today to go home for Christmas, but was supposed to come back on the 2nd. However, her parents told her yesterday that they could no longer afford it and that money was way too tight. (New Haven is A LOT so unless insurance or government is paying for it, that is quite a feat to pay every month.) Her parents felt bad having to pull her, but they had no other option. I found out right before I went on shift and when I got on shift they were having a goodbye meeting for her with our house. I have not seen some of the girls cry like that. She was quite a leader in our house and lots of girls looked up to her so the house is really going to take a hit with her absence. Gosh, I love her. SO much. She was one of the first girls to get close to me and she and I have so much fun together. It still feels surreal. I think I'm in denial. I still don't believe it. Last night was so hard. She was there and was upset. She is one of the girls that actually wants to be at New Haven. She sees how much she has grown in the last 6 months and wants to finish the program. It just sucks cause there are girls who have the money, but could care less. It makes me sad/angry. She deserves to be there and I wish so badly she could have stayed.

I had a rough time saying goodbye to her. I still cannot believe she is not coming back and I cry every time I think about it. I love her so so so much and I really hope she sticks to what she has learned at New Haven. She has the potential to do amazing things in her life because of her strong influence. I have never been more grateful for the bijillion pictures she took of herself/herself and me/herself with others/herself more on my computer. I will cherish those photos forever. If you can't tell I'm so sad...

Anyways, on with Christmas! (p.s. my Alex left on Monday and I may have been a wreck. I'm not ok with all of these goodbyes....at least he's coming back. :)

Thursday, December 2, 2010

Belated Birthday Madness!

Ok...so maybe I've been busy, but that still is no excuse for not wishing my friends a happy birthday on my blog. So since I am at the treatment center just watching a girl run on the treadmill, I shall take this opportunity to wish some important people in my life a birthday shout-out!

First, Rachel's Birthday is today!
I love you with all of my heart, Rach!
You are so full of life, love, & laughter.
I forget my worries when I'm around you and you are much sweeter than you give yourself credit for! Not to mention...you're gorgeous.
I am so grateful EFY brought us together!
I can't imagine life without you!
Happy Birthday, Rachel dear! I love you!

Next up, Brittany Dahlin's Party Day was Monday!
Oh, Britt...where do I begin?!
I am so happy we became roommates and can experience so much together.
You are so smart, insightful, beautiful, and make me want to be better.
I am so glad I could be a part of your birthday. (complete with dancing!)
I love love love you! You're fab!

And lastly, but certainly not leastly, my main squeeze: Mr. Alex Foster.
I think we all know how much I adore this kid.
He has brought so much life to my life and I will be eternally grateful.
He got me out of a bad spot, and even though he didn't know it, he made me the happiest.
It was his golden birthday this year! (23 on the 23rd)
I am so glad I could just eat dinner, give him his present (which was a hit!), and just cuddle up to watch "Harry Potter."
I love you!
You're everything.