Kaycie as a Foster

Somber Moments...

2012-02-13T10:22:00.003-07:00

So the past few days have definitely had some somber moments.

Some happy ones as well.

But, these somber moments help remind me of how precious this life is and how we can make our lives worthwhile every, single day.

First, Whitney Houston died on Saturday night.

Alex and I were at our Stake's Valentine's Dinner. Just as I walked in the door I got a text from my friend, Kate. It said: "Whitney Houston is dead. I hope you are coping."

Of course I stopped dead (no pun intended) in my tracks to process what I just read.

Wait, WHAT?!

I got the same gut wrenching feeling I got when Michael Jackson died.

Now a lot of you probably think I'm pathetic for being so attached to people like Whitney and MJ, but I don't care.

They are icons to me.

Did there personal lives suck? Well...yeah.

But when I look at them that's not what I see.

I see MJ's amazing moves and I hear Whitney's superstar voice.

I immediately youtubed Super Bowl 1991 to watch Whitney sing the national anthem.

Look it up. It will change you.

If you don't already love this great country...you will.

I started crying. Alex made fun. Then I quickly (perhaps scoldingly) reminded him that if Ben Folds died today he would probably cry.

He stopped making fun.

RIP, Whitney. Your talent will live on.

Second, the next day we get to church.

I'm sitting all settled in the pew and excited for the choir to sing because they sound REALLY good, even though there's only 6 of them.

Then our Stake President gets up and has the nerve to tell us our Bishop is getting released.

Again...what, WHAT?!

NOOOO!!!

Bishop Sonnenberg is literally the best Bishop I have EVER had!

He was one of the best things about moving to SLC.

He made me feel like I was his daughter.

He always cared, always listened, and he would even compliment me on my outfits. (Who does that? Oh yeah...my Bishop does.)

He remembered anything I would tell him.

He would have us over to his house for open houses, firesides, and dinners.

He and his wife are an amazing couple and examples.

He helped me feel at ease with being in SLC.

Once again...I started crying.

I've never cried over someone getting released.

Do I know calls (both callings and releasings) are from Heavenly Father?

Well yes...of course. But it was/is so hard.

Our new Bishop seems cool, but he definitely has some hard shoes to fill.

Bishop told me we could always show up on his doorstep.

I hope he knows we're going to take him up on that offer...

And lastly, my mother called me up this morning to tell me one of my childhood friends died last night from an asthma attack.

Sarah was one of those people who had a contagious personality.

She was always fun to be around and always thinking of something crazy to do.

Unfortunately, she was always stubborn and hard headed sometimes.

One of those being not listening to the doctors to get her asthma under control.

(Plus her smoking was not helping...)

I feel so much for her mother, Janice.

Sarah's dad died a few years back and then Janice battled cancer shortly after that.

Janice has just been through a lot.

I wish I could go give her a hug and tell her everything WILL be alright.

So for now I can pray for her and send positive vibes her way.

As with any sort of death of someone you know, you start to reflect back on good times you had with them.

My favorite memory with Sarah is when I was in 6th grade. We were both home schooled at that time and our moms had us together a lot for extra curricular activities.

We were together and decided to make some music videos.

First up...Spice Girls. We got allll decked out. (I was Baby Spice)

Then we did Backstreet Boys.

Sarah put make up on her chest and arm pits to make it look like she had hair.

When we were getting cleaned up she COULD NOT get the makeup out of her arm pits.

I had to SCRUB them so hard with face wash, but nothing was working.

Her arm pits had a shade of black for a few days.

It was awesome.

I wish I had that video with me so I could watch them.

Only thing I can do now is remember how this life is a gift.

I need to tell people how much I appreciate them.

I need to make each day as fulfilling as I can.

And I need to go to Bishop Sonnenberg's...I already miss him. :)

I LOVE Y'ALL!

My little dancer, Gracie.

2012-02-03T20:34:00.002-07:00

So I currently am teaching 2 hip hop classes at 2 different studios in Bountiful, and will add on 2 more come March.

One is called Groove: The Dance Studio.

You should click on that site and then go to faculty. I'm there. Yep, that's right. I'm official. :)

The other studio I teach at is called Dance Impressions.

My niece, Isabelle, dances there and my sister-in-law, Brittany, teaches there.

So thankfully I had some hook ups and am now there too.

(the claim to fame I love: Sabra, the winner from SYTYCD 4, went to Dance Impressions.)

I am not THAT official yet to make it on their website.

Anywho, I was teaching at Dance Imp. this afternoon.

I really love that class. They're in elementary/middle school, but pretty advanced for their age. They pick up on new moves quickly and are a joy to teach.

Today they asked me if they could do the "Hoedown Throwdown" and then if I knew it.

(First in my head I was like, "Duh, I know that dance!")

Then Gracie (who rocks it, btw) goes (with much exasperation towards the other dancers): "Kaycie knows everything!"

I about died.

Hopefully Gracie always thinks that and I don't let her down.

Blah-ging

2012-01-23T10:24:00.002-07:00

So my dear friend, McKell, (who is on a mission in ITALY!) made up this things she calls "Blah-ging."

It's you blogging about your blah/random thoughts.

Hence...Blah-Ging.

I decided I'd like to give it a try because well...I want to blog today, I'm just hanging out in the living room at work because a girl is on sick bed and can't go to school, and I don't have anything specific I want to blog about.

- I may have gotten teary eyed when I watched my husband bless the Sacrament in church yesterday. Something about him using his Priesthood, being so adorable, mixed with it being that time of the month made me emotional.

- I played the card game "speed" with a girl at work for over an hour. It was glorious.

- I really want a pet. Blast apartments.

- I have not had sugar for 3 weeks. THREE weeks, people. That's the longest I've ever gone. No cakes, cookies, pastries, candies, etc. for me. It's actually getting pretty easy to say no to things.

- I have officially mastered chicken tacos and chicken parmesan. They are dang good. I am proud. :)

- It snowed. As long as it stays out of the road, we're fine.

- I'm working on my Audrey Hepburn puzzle. It's about 1/4 done. I la la la LOVE it! I think I'm going to frame it so I can always look at her pretty face.

- We played Phase 10 with Leah and Bryon on Friday night. Alex couldn't even remember how to play when we started and yet he ended up winning.

- I go to NYC in 5 months!! (and counting...)

- Justin Bieber has earrings now. Ew. AWFUL. He was cuter before.

- I am so so so so sad that Romney lost the South Carolina Primary. I'm even more sad that Gingrich won it! The only semi nice thing is that my home county gave Romney more votes than the other candidates.

- I heard on the radio this morning that Heidi Klum & Seal are getting a divorce. Sad. I liked them together.

- I'm reading The Great Gatsby again since the new version is coming to the big screen in December! CAN NOT WAIT!

- We leave for AZ on Thursday and I'm so excited! HELLO family and sunshine for the weekend!

- I'm really hoping my future home is going to shape up to look just how I've planned it on Pinterest. That'd be lovely.

- I think I'm done.

- Yep, that's all I can think to blah-g about.

Happy Monday, y'all! Have a great week!

Roomies!

2012-01-17T12:23:00.015-07:00

Disclaimer: I LOVE my husband. He is the best thing to ever happen to me and I am so grateful he is my best friend. I am happily married and seriously cannot imagine my life without him.

However, moving to Salt Lake has been very hard. I am a social person. I thrive off of relationships. I crave spending time with people, especially with my girlfriends. I know SLC isn't even that far away from Provo, but it's far enough that I can't see my friends as often as I want to, so sometimes I get a little down. Poor Alex has to deal with it and when I get sad...he gets sad. So he just holds me in his arms while I cry and then tries to make the rest of that day/evening all about making me happy. One night when we climbed in bed he held me tight and said, "I wish your friends could see how much you miss them." I seriously am so blessed to have such an amazing husband. I also am so blessed to have lifelong friends come across my path before BYU and during my time at BYU.

So I decided to think about each of my years down in good 'ole P-town and what I cherish most about those years in college.

Freshman year, August 2005-April 2006

I lived in Deseret Towers, T-Hall, 5th floor, room 522.

My roommate was one of my best friends growing up, Brittany Balleck who is now a Malouf. (We missed our Katie Claire! :)

This first picture is us at our first BYU block party so we were pretty excited!

Highlights from that year: Book of Mormon classes, becoming a part of Club Style, my Freshman ward, under-roo runs around our floor (yeah, that's where all you wear is your underwear/bra and run/dance around the 5th floor), dance parties, tubing at Soldier's Hollow, football games, dressing up as a duck on Halloween and then looking like I had jaundice from the body paint not coming completely off for a few days, Britt and I throwing our rock hard Peeps out the window at people, food fight in the Morris Center, eating Subway EVERY day, my first trip to California, Britt talking in her sleep and me singing in my sleep to her, late night chats with boys over the dryer vent so it's warm while you're out in 15 degree weather, sharing a 15 X 10 feet block with another person, becoming addicted to BYU Creamery chocolate milk, jumping from bed to bed with Brittany and then me shimming down her like a fire pole, making lifelong friendships.

This is Britt and I on our last night in the dorms together. We each attempted to drink a half gallon of chocolate milk and then climbed up into our closet just for this picture. Now we're both married. How far we've come....haha

Sophomore Year August 2006-April 2007

I moved in to The Glenwood, Apartment 165.

My roommates were: Beth Shultz (now Dorsey) (freshman ward), Natalie Ginos (freshman ward), LeAnne Bennion (freshman ward), Alyce Allen, and Shauna Booher (freshman ward, only for 2 months because she got married and moved out.)

L to R: Alyce, Natalie, me, Bethy-poo, LeAnne

Highlights from that year: becoming the Club Style VP, getting a larger living space and sharing that with Beth, football games, dance parties, my first time in the Homecoming parade, painting our living room and kitchen, doing baptisms in the San Diego temple, Carrie Underwood/Brad Paisley concert, going to Mesa for the first time, Justin Timberlake concert in Vegas, roommate dinners, beating Utah in football, Rascal Flatts concert, my first pudding wrestling event, doing cartwheels/wheelbarrow races in our hallway, doing Luau for the first time, spending whole days scrapbooking/eating/watching movies, sleepovers, making lifelong friendships.

This picture is of Bethany, me, and Amanda. They lived directly above us. They basically were our roommates. We always joked about creating a fire pole so we could go from apt to apt without having to go out the front door. I'm so grateful for them too!

Junior Year August 2007-April 2008

I moved to The Crestwood, Apartment 304

My roommates were: my sister, Karly, Ciri Putich (friend from home), and Shilo Ward.

We also acquired Wicked, the cat, who we successfully kept from the office managers knowing about until the last 2 weeks.

This is us before Christmas break, including Wicked. :)

Highlights from that year: living with my sister, having my own room, becoming the President of Club Style, my 21st birthday party (80s party at Krista's), throwing SO many things off of our balcony just for fun (including a watermelon and an old stereo), getting NEIL (my 4Runner), true blue football, letting Kari dye my hair green, then being the color green for Halloween, sleepovers with Amanda & Bethany, snowboarding for the first (and only) time, beating Utah in football, trying out for SYTYCD and then making it 4 rounds, Colbie Caillat/Trevor Hall concert, doing Luau for a 2nd time, tons of baseball games, 2nd pudding wrestling event, Karly graduating, my World Religions and Mission Prep classes, deciding to switch my major, having Wicked, my amazing Bishopric, making lifelong friends, knowing my life was going to change but did not realize how or to what extent at the time.

Kar, me, Ciri, and Shilo at Magleby's Fresh!

Senior Year August 2008-April 2009

I stayed in The Crestwood, but moved apartments to 134.

My roommates were all random: Leah Siebach, Lindsey Nielsen, & Ashley Wolff.

Leah and I became the best of friends...fo' real. Our other roommates were alright, but she was the glue that held me together.

Highlights from that year: bonding with Leah once we found out we both did EFY, baseball games, our TV being taken from us in the MIDDLE of a World Series game, staying President of Club Style, football games, going to Denver for the first time, seeing the SYTYCD tour, meeting all the SYTYCD dancers, final Homecoming parade with Club Style, dance parties, shooting a bow and arrow for the first time and getting a bullseye, sleepovers at Kari's, making smores over a candle indoors, 1st Presidency Christmas Devotional, basketball games, meeting my future husband and not knowing it, getting up and dancing with a belly dancer at a Moroccan restaurant in Denver (who really needs to hang up that hat), Trevor Hall concert, getting a Valentine's gift from Leah, going to Rexberg for the first time, becoming friends with McKell, Karly's bridal shower, Britney Spears concert, my Chinese dance class, my New Testament class, causing trouble with Leah in the library, starting to work at Charlotte Russe, Leah leaving 50 balloons in my room with each one saying a reason she loved me, going to the gym with Ashley, sleepovers in the living room with Leah, countless tears into Leah's shoulders, learning a lot about myself, going through a trial I would have never imagined being grateful for, making lifelong friends.

So this one time Leah and I had a photo shoot. We got the mooooves.

Super Senior Year August 2009-June 2010

I moved to Old Mill, in 2 different apartments due to a mold issue.

My roommates were: (1st apartment) McKell Forbes (for 3 days because she's allergic to mold), Sarah ?, Tasha?, (2nd apartment) Leah Siebach, Jen ?, Becca ?...we were obviously close.

Since I wasn't all that tight with my actual roommates (until I finally got to move back in with Leah), Kell & Leah were my psudo roommates. (And Ash was there a lot too!)

This is us up at McKell's family's cabin about to go four-wheeling!

Highlights from that year: FINALLY letting go of someone, driving across the country with Ashley, going to Lagoon with Kell, winning my first horseshoe competition, football games, an epic win over Utah, being in the Homecoming parade with the folk dance team, seeing "Thriller" in SLC, doing floor sets at Charlotte Russe, crafty days with Ashley, my amazing home teachers, being in Christmas Around the World, started dating my husband, road trips to Rexberg, finding out Karly was pregnant, Trevor Hall concert, Winter Olympics, my 23rd baseball themed b-day party (that Alex surprised me for), dates with Alex, my last Club Style performance, going to San Diego for Kate's wedding, falling in love with Alex.

Leah and I on my first trip up to Rexberg to see Alex!

Super Duper Senior Year August 2010-April 2011

I moved in to the "Green Gables" house.

My roommates were: Ashley Sant, Suzanne Whitehead, Megan Sollis, Brittany Dahlin, & Amelia Wallace.

Here we are having pancake breakfast (Megan and I in our newly acquired onesies).

Highlights from that year: only having one semester of school, starting my job at New Haven, getting to know my amazing roommates, sharing a room with Ash, Braves playoff game in San Fran, baking with Kari, "warm treats," roomie photo shoot, making fun of our landlords, watching a meteor shower with friends and Alex, slurpee runs, Alex moving to Provo, going to my first rodeo, John Mayer concert, Sara Bareilles concert, knowing without a doubt I wanted to marry Alex after some soul searching, our house Ugly Sweater Christmas Party, getting to know Alex's family, throwing Alex a surprise b-day party, dance parties in our vanity room, my niece being born, Jimmer-mania, Just Dance on the Wii, being obsessed with Texas Roadhouse, getting the Justin Bieber cutout, getting scared by said Bieber lurking in the shadows, Tangled, trip to Santa Barbara, Festival of Colors, getting engaged, buying my first adult onesie, the dishwasher exploding bubbles everywhere, tanning parties on our porch, Celine Dion Vegas trip, getting LASIK, walking for graduation, my bridal shower, living with Leah for 6 weeks, taking engagements, having an epic last year as a single lady.

One of our roomie photos. They're so pretty. :)

After going through allll that, I'd say I'm one lucky girl.

None of that would have been possible without amazing friends and family.

So to my friends: I miss y'all dearly. If you're married, I'm sure you understand. If you're not married...you will. You truly cherish friendships more when you get married. Know I think of y'all often and wish we could all just live in one place and have it be one, big party all the time!

Here's to living with my eternal roommate! I love you, Alex.

My Job ROCKS.

2012-01-09T10:53:00.003-07:00

I know I say it time and time again, BUT...

I LOVE my job!

I think I love it even more since I can focus on it more, due to me not having school and Magleby's Fresh to compete with it.

(p.s. Went to Magleby's Fresh the other day because I was passing by. SO glad I don't work there anymore!)

Where were we?

Ah yes...how much I love my job.

I love coming in knowing I'll get along with ALL of my co-workers.

I love coming in knowing the company cares about its employees.

I love coming in not knowing what the day will hold. Some days will be crazy, but there will always be a few girls that will tell you they're sorry for other girls acting up and will tell you how awesome you are. Hello boost for me! :)

I also love that we can have onesie day and I won't get fired for dressing inappropriately.

Could you imagine a CEO coming to work in a onesie?

Yep...would not work.

I'll take my job, thanks. :)

(Me and my shift: Chelsey & Courtney)

Ashley the Kay girl is 24!

2012-01-01T07:57:00.015-07:00

So my dear dear, Ashley Kay, has turned 24!

Well...it was yesterday.

So apologies are in order!

Sorry Ash...I just spaced giving you a blog shout out yesterday!

So I shall give it to you today!

As I look through the pictures I have with Ash, they perfectly explain why I love her so and why she is one of my besties!

1. She is not to cool to listen to "uncool" music with me like Justin Bieber (hence the cut out), Clay Aiken, Backstreet Boys, etc. It makes for a way fun time and I can always count on a dance session happening even if it's in the car.

2. She is such a great road trip buddy! This is on our trip to Las Vegas for Celine's concert! She always keeps me entertained during long drives and we always come home with countless memories!

3. She has drive. I was so lucky to be able to walk and sit by Ash at our BYU graduation! You feel such a sense of accomplishment and I'm so grateful I was able to share that with her! Ashley has a lot ahead of her and I know she will do amazing things.

4. She will eat with me. Hey...it's a requirement in a good friendship. She's always down for Subway, Taco Bell, Costa Vida, Spoon Me, Papa John's, Zaxby's, or whatever! I know that when I'm in the mood...she'll be in the mood. Now that's love.

5. She's up for crazy adventures! We had to stay in this little boy's room during our Stay at Home session in Miami and we were a little afraid for our lives! Haha...no, but really. I cannot imagine anyone else that this would have been as funny with, so I am glad Ashley was my roommate for such an experience!

6. She doesn't think "friendiversaries" are weird. Cause duh...they're not! This is us on our 6th year friendiversary! It's also July 4th. Yep...we're just that special.

7. She shares my love for EFY. Maybe because we were participants together. Maybe because we've worked it for so many summers together. Or maybe it's both, but we understand our obsession with EFY. We make fun of the kiddies all summer long crying their heads off on the last night, but then we're just as bad, if not worse, on our last EFY night of the summer. It's pretty pathetic how we cling on to each other and bawl our eyes out. And yet, I'm not embarrassed by it because it's with her.

8. She's a great dance partner! Dances are not the same with out this lady of mine.

9. We share the same sense of humor. We pretty much think all of the same things are funny. At one of our variety shows at EFY we were laughing so hard at something the MC said, that no one else thought was funny! We could NOT stop laughing and our cheeks were seriously KILLING us...hence where this picture comes in! There's nothing like laughing with Ash.

10. She helps me out. Having Ashley as one of my BC's for 2 summers was a huge blessing! She was always asking what she could do to make my load lighter. She helped me so many times emotionally, mentally, physically, and spiritually. I am forever grateful! (Thanks for helping me direct traffic on pizza night! :)

11. She loves the gospel. Through being her roommate, co-EFY-worker, and just being her friend, I know that Ashley puts the gospel first. She always reads her scriptures, says her prayers, goes to church, and finds ways to serve those around her. I am so grateful I was able to be in the Sacred Grove with her this summer! Every friendship should do it because it's awesome! :)

12. Ashley has a killer smile. I want it. Enough said.

13. Ashley is a supporter. Through everything with Alex, she has supported me 100%. She helped out so much with my wedding and I love her even more for that. I could not have imagined my wedding weekend without her. It was a comfort just seeing her face whenever I would feel jitters in my tummy. I only wish she could have been in the sealing room with us!

14. Ashley is always there. See this picture below...the music starts, Ashley starts making her way on over to dance the night away with me. That's a silly example, but it's true. She's always one of the first people that's there for me when I really need it. She's the epitome of a true friend.

Well, Ash.

Sorry this post is late.

Sorry I haven't been able to see you as much.

That dang city of Salt Lake! :)

Know that I love you.

Know that I was thinking of you constantly yesterday.

Know that I think you're beautiful. (And so does Alex. :)

Know that you're a special daughter of God and He loves you.

Know that you're one of my best friends and always will be.

Miss you lots and lots.

Can't wait to see you when you get back from your GA excursion!

HAPPY 24th BIRTHDAY!

Goals for 2012!

2012-01-01T07:35:00.003-07:00

Welp...2011 resolutions were pretty much a fail.

You can read them here.

I've decided 2011 was too crazy to keep all of them. :)

Nah...I just didn't do it...it's my own dang fault.

Last night for New Year's dinner, Alex and I headed on over to The Cheesecake Factory. It was delish. However, the wait was one hour and 20 minutes so we had a lot of time to sit and talk.

So that's just what we did.

I pulled out a piece of paper and a pen and off we were to making our New Year's Resolutions.

Alex kept laughing at me because he's never made them before and for some reason he thought it was funny.

We made an "Alex list" a "Kaycie list" and an "Us list."

Alex was up first:

1. Have personal scripture study 4 times a week.

2. Go to the temple once a month by himself.

3. Exercise 3 times a week.

4. Write in journal every day.

5. Take better care of his diabetes.

6. (This was my goal for him, but he agreed. :) Take accountability. He has a little trouble not taking fault, so we're going to work on that. :)

My list:

1. Have personal scripture study 4 times a week.

2. Have personal prayer every day.

3. Write in my journal once a week.

4. Exercise 4 times a week (which cannot include teaching dance classes).

5. NO sugar until I reach my goal size/weight. (Exceptions are holidays and my birthday)

6. Practice piano 3 times a week. (which will be SO much easier now that we have a good piano in our apartment!)

7. Write 1 song.

Us list:

1. Have scripture study every day.

2. Say our nightly prayers together before bed every night.

3. Go to the temple at least once a month.

4. Start a new tradition every holiday.

So those are our goals!

I've decided I'm going to make a monthly chart for us so that we can check things off when we do them throughout the week.

That way we have something to be accountable to and we can see our progress or regress.

Once again...Alex kept laughing at me while I was telling him such things.

The Cheesecake Factory was telling us it was still awhile until we could sit, so then we explored baby names for the next 20 minutes.

DO NOT take that as a baby announcement.

It was exploration for the FUTURE! :)

The whole point of going to The Cheesecake Factory was so I could get a piece of cheesecake as my last sugary thing before going off sugar! It was definitely worth that wait!

And now we have decided that having cheesecake on New Year's Eve is a good tradition.

So whether we're near the restaurant or I have to make it, that's the first family tradition we have started.

And once again I was giddy and Alex was laughing at me.

Good thing he's cute. ;)

HAPPY NEW YEAR, Y'ALL!

My favorite 2011 moments!

2011-12-27T14:01:00.030-07:00

Welp...2011 has come and almost gone. I can't believe it!

Time sure does fly...especially when you're having fun.

And this year, my friends, I had a lot of fun! :)

So to celebrate 2012 comin' on its way...I shall recap some of my favorite times that went down in the year 2011. (And in chronological order no less. :)

1. The birth of my niece, Ms. Laela Carolina Barksadale. (January 2011)

I sure do love that little peanut...though she is not so little these days. That kid is walking around, saying a few words, dances, and is the cutest thing on the planet. I wish I could see her every day. This picture is us on her blessing day in AZ shortly after she was born.

2. Out with the old, in with the new. (January 2011)

So I got rear ended a few days after Christmas 2010 and since my 4Runner was not worth much anymore (to the insurance companies...not I) poor Neil was totaled out and I had to get a new car. This picture is of me with Neil on our final day together. We drove around to our favorite spots, blared some music (on his old speakers), and I told him how sorry I was I had to get rid of him. The day Neil left was seriously sad. I cried. I don't care if you think I'm pathetic. I loved Neil with all my heart and soul and whenever I see a tan 4Runner, I think back fondly and sometimes I tear up. I am grateful for my Millie girl, though. She's been good to me, especially her MUCH more efficient gas tank. I know I could not still be at New Haven if it weren't for Millie girl. So for that, I am truly thankful.

R.I.P Neil...I miss your handsome bod.

3. Jimmer-mania! (Basketball season 2011)

Everyone in the USA knows the name Jimmer! And it was so exciting to be at BYU for it! Every game was so thrilling and you could only stand there and wait for him to do something extraordinary, because he did pretty much every game! It was so great to see BYU's name all over ESPN and have professional players talk about Jimmer. I love when I have an extra reason to have school spirit...and he certainly brought it!

4. My 24th Birthday. (March 2011)

I always love my birthday, and this year did not disappoint. I had awesome friends around me, we did awesome things, and who can't help but love having a Justin Bieber cut out?! He was a nice addition to our home, even if he lurked in the shadows early in the morning and would sometimes frighten us. :)

5. Going to Santa Barbara for the first time! (March 2011)

Alex and I are just little bfs/gfs in this picture! Feels so long ago. :)

It was great to go to my future husband's home town, meet his parents, and start to join our lives together. I'm so glad we are both from paradise spots so that going home is always a pleasure!

6. Getting Engaged!!! (March 2011)

The engagement happened shortly after we returned from Santa Barbara. He even had the ring with him the whole time while we were there...that little stinker. BUT...our engagement night was a memorable one and I was SO happy to know that we were actually doing this thing! :)

7. Festival of Colors (March 2011)

I have wanted to go for SO many years now, but would always have something in the way...usually work. Thankfully they're now making more sessions of it, so that you can find a time that works for you! We went the morning after our engagement and it was SUCH an amazing way to celebrate! I can't wait for the next one...it is seriously a great event!

8. Celine Dion Concert in Vegas! (April 2011)

I have DREAMED of it my whole life and it actually came true. I actually saw Celine Dion sing...live...right in front of my eyes. Her style, her grace, her voice...ah! Everything about her was flawless. She was just how I imagined and I love her even more. It was literally a day trip, but it was worth it and I so enjoyed going with my friends to see this diva!

9. Graduating from BYU! (April 2011)

Ok, so technically I graduated in December 2010, but there was no celebration to be had until April! My family all came out and it was so nice to officially recognize all of my accomplishments while I was at BYU. I love BYU with all my heart and soul and can't imagine going to school anywhere else. It was just where I needed to be. I learned a lot secularly, spiritually, and personally. It's where I grew up. (Wait? Am I a grown up?) Graduating was definitely a reason to party it up and it was awesome being able to sit next to my bestie, Ashley Kay, for both ceremonies! I'm so happy to be done! :)

10. Gettin' our engagements on! (May 2011)

I'm SO grateful my awesome sister, Krista, is a photographer!

11. Being at home for a few weeks! (parts of June, July, & August 2011)

I love being home during summer. Beach, boats, and pool are in full swing! It was also great being with my family and just being in the paradise I call home. This happened one day: a lizard slithered in our house and I was SO terrified that all I could do was trap it under this tupperware and wait for daddio to get home. I left this sign so no one would move it!

12. Braves game! (June 2011)

So sad that it was the one and only game I could go to this season, but it's always a good time. Love those baseball boys of mine!

13. EFY! (June-July 2011)

This was my 5th year of working EFY! It is SUCH a huge part of my life. Some of my very best friends are because of EFY. Some of my most precious spiritual times are because of EFY. A lot of who I am today is because of EFY...both as a participant and worker. My last year did not disappoint! It was such a blast and I am so glad Alex was able to join me this year and see him love being a counselor. I truly am blessed to have been able to work it all these summers.

14. Palmyra EFY! (August 2011)

I am SO fortunate to have been picked to be a counselor at the special edition EFY in Palmyra, NY! It was an unforgettable experience. I was able to go to the Sacred Grove, Cumorah Hill, Fayette, the BoM printshop, the Whitmer farm, and so much more. I loved my kids and I loved that week. I want to go back so badly! Everyone should go...it's seriously amazing!

15. Got hitched! (August 2011)

'Nuff said. There's nothing like being in the sealing room of the temple knowing you're making the right decision. I love being married and I love my husband.

16. Honeymoon! (August 2011)

Honeymoons are awesome! I highly recommend them. Ours was perfect. Right on the beach, laid back, plenty of things to do, lots of relaxing, etc. Twas a sad day when it came to an end. Moral of the story...get married and go on a honeymoon! It's great! :)

17. Rascal Flatts Concert! (September 2011)

I've almost convinced my husband how awesome they are! He had a good time, not quite as good as me, but it was still a grand 'ole time! I quite enjoy going to concerts with my hubby...especially when it's Rascal Flatts.

18. Salt Lake Cemetary (October 2011)

If you're in SLC...go there! We loved seeing all of the prophets that are buried there, but Pres. Hinckley was by far the coolest. He's "our" prophet and we love him so. It's an amazing experience to stand by his grave and reflect on all he did in this world and all he did to me, personally. He's a role model and I miss him lots.

19. Santa Barbara Reception (October 2011)

Our 2nd reception was a blast! Love my family, love my friends, loved going to the L.A. temple...which is where this picture is taken.

20. Thanksgiving (November 2011)

Yes...my husband rocks. He put on this get up and I love him for it!

21. Our first Christmas! (December 2011)

Our first Christmas together as a married couple was a success! He did a good job in the present department, and so did I! :) It was so nice to have our siblings around and just have a few days to be with each other and feel of the spirit the Christmas season brings! Here's to many more Christmases!

2011 was for sure a year that will go down in history!

I mean...I got engaged, graduated BYU, AND got married all in one year!

PHEW!

2012 is already looking bright and I'm excited to see what the future brings for us Fosters.

How was YOUR 2011?! Do tell! :)

Random Christmas Thoughts.

2011-12-23T23:45:00.004-07:00

I don't have anything profound to say.

Only fragments of thoughts strung together.

So maybe I can make them Christmas-y?

1. I've worked a lot the last few weeks. Good for the bank. Bad for seeing my hubby. I am SO excited for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day to be with him.

2. Karly, JJ, and the babe are here. We went and saw Santa tonight! It took over an hour to get through the line, but that's fine. Laela did really well until she looked up and saw who was holding her. The look was priceless.

3. Don't tell anyone, but I wish it would snow for Christmas.

4. I realized I am not so great at being a mom during this season. There are so many things I wanted to make, cook, bake, create, etc. and did next to none of them. Good thing I'm not a mom and my husband didn't know I had such plans to do so. (Until he reads this.)

5. Our BEAUTIFUL Christmas tree is dead. We discovered it was not taking in water. We're thinking the idiot man at the tree lot did not cut off the bottom. We sawed it off ourselves, but we think it's a lost cause since it's still wilted. It's still pretty when the lights are off though.

6. We're taking care of my friend's cat, Nahla, while she's home for Christmas. She's great until bed time. Then we hear her batting ornaments off the tree and then chasing them around or she pounces on us in bed. It is so fun coming home to a pet though! I'm grateful I married someone who likes cats.

7. I have not watched nearly enough Christmas movies. And by that I've only seen half of Elf and half of Charlie Brown Christmas. The rest of Elf, Home Alone, and Rudolph...here I come!

8. Alex and I finished the final season of "Friends." We started at season 1 shortly after we began dating and have finally finished season 10! No matter how many times I see the final episode, I cry. It's so exciting that Chandler & Monica got twins. You love that Phoebe is still quirky, even though she's married. You feel SUCH a sense of relief that Rachel and Ross are together!! You are saddened, yet excited that Chandler & Monica are moving to the suburbs. You can't help but feel sad that everyone has someone, except for Joey...what's he supposed to do?! I know, I'm ridic. I feel like they're my own friends. I love them and I love the last episode.

9. I hate fruitcake.

10. I played laser tag with my girls today at work since they don't have school right now. I chose to have them play the "Pirates of the Caribbean" soundtrack during our 30 minute battle: red vs. green. I was on the green team. My girls and I dominated 240 to the red's measly 209. The bloodbath plus Pirates booming in your soul was quite the experience. You could call it epic.

11. I really hope we make gingerbread men tomorrow.

12. I have not seen nearly enough Hallmark commercials recently. C'mon people...

13. I love my job. No seriously. Like...i LOVE it. Not many people can say that. I am a blessed chica.

14. I'm SO excited for Christmas!

15. Though I do love all Christmas music, including those classic peeps like Bing & Frank, this season has been full of Christmas selections by the Biebs, Hanson, Mindy Gledhill, & Michael Buble. Now if only Ms. Sara Bareilles would release a Christmas album, my life would be complete. She'd sit up there with Celine in my book.

16. I bought a 1000 piece puzzle of Audrey Hepburn. I canNOT wait to start that little baby so I can stare at her perfectly, delightful face.

17. I'm loving this photo I found on pinterest. It explains it perfectly. Christ is the real reason we celebrate. DUH. Even Santa knows!

The perfect Christmas combo!

2011-12-17T11:00:00.003-07:00

What do you get when you combine Christmas spirit, best of friends, magical decorations, savory tunes, and a sugary sweet voice?!

Oh just the one and only Mindy Gledhill's Christmas House Concert at the other one and only Krista's house!

It was such a great way to kick off the week before Christmas!

The house was busting at the seams with how many people Krista jammed in her living room/dining room, which made it all the more exciting!

The opening acts set the stage and once Mindy came out, she had the whole audience eating our of her hands.

Her charm, her band, and Krista's amazing decor made the aura in the room unforgettable!

You seriously need to get all of Mindy's cds, but especially this time of year, get her Christmas album, Winter Moon. It will be the best thing for your soul.

Thank you, Krista & Kim, for hosting such an awesome concert and thank you, Mindy, for having a God given talent.

Thank you, friends and husband, for being with me at such an event.

Twas a memorable night for all! I love getting together with people I don't get to see on a daily basis anymore!

Gotta love those Holidays!

And this is my favorite picture of the evening.

I decided at the last second I wanted to be just like Mindy.

Merry Christmas y'all!

Merry Christmas from the Fosters!

2011-12-12T10:23:00.009-07:00

A few Saturdays ago, my amazing sister, Krista, with Island Belle Photography, took our Christmas card pics. Her friend let us use her cute house, I brought some lights, Krista brought her camera, Alex brought his good looks, and we were set to go. It was a super quick shoot, but we had fun and we got some good ones out of it! Here are some of my favs! I think I am officially a grown up, married person because well...we had a Christmas photo shoot for a card. It doesn't get much more grown up than that.

Thanks, Krista, for always being willing to take pictures of us! You rock.

The Dark.

2011-12-09T08:54:00.004-07:00

So I have this fear of the dark.

I cannot walk around outside at night by myself.

I cannot walk around my own apartment in the dark.

I'm much better than when I was little. I can now at least sleep in the dark. No more night lights for me! I'm a big girl now! :)

The girls at work always make fun of me because if I have to walk to my car after the sun's gone down, I make a co-worker walk with me. I just can't do it!

I just can't handle the increasingly rushing heart beat, the ears heightened to every noise, the eyes darting to and fro, the walking briskly, the feeling I want to cry...nope. No thanks. Not my cup of tea. (I hate tea.) Why put myself through that when I can just make a co-worker escort me?

Since it's winter, when I leave for work at 6:15 in the blessed a.m., it is still pitch black. This presents a problem since there are no co-workers that live at my house.

I DO have, however, a husband!

The amazing man that he is, gets up every morning I go to work, and walks me out to my car.

Once I'm ready I go in, rub his back, and wake him up.

He makes some funny faces and funny noises, but after a few minutes he is up.

He puts on his moccasins, sweatpants, and big coat and heads on out with me.

The poor kid is so groggy, but he does it without complaining.

Then I kiss his tired face goodbye and he trudges on back to our apartment.

Thank you, husband!

I now have one less thing to worry about during my day.

Take that, dark!

O Christmas Tree!

2011-12-06T16:06:00.005-07:00

So once upon a time, 2011 came to a close.

Seriously?! Where did this year go? But, here we are at Christmas time!

I LOVE IT!

I love everything about the Christmas season: the music, the food, the decor, the movies, the parties, etc. It's just all so magical!

This is Alex's and my first Christmas as a married couple.

Not our first Christmas together, though...no no no...that happened Christmas of '08.

But I was a broken hearted, fragile, not ready for a relationship girl and he was a hard working, guitar playing to impress Kaycie, missionary guy.

I have a feeling this Christmas will be a little more fun for us. :)

We for sure had to have a tree on our first Christmas!!

I can only remember having a real tree once, due to family members being allergic.

So I do not have the type of memories where you go and pick out a tree.

I remember helping my mother pick out an artificial one at Wal-Mart and my memories include us trying to get that tree up and down out of our attic, which was always quite the task! You have to go from the shelves, to the water heater, to hoisting yourself up in the attic hole. Was definitely quite comedic at times and I have a lot of funny memories surrounding that attic!

Since neither of us are allergic, I decided we needed to go get a real tree!

I was so excited and giddy!

We aren't hard core enough to go chop one down at a tree lot up in the mountains, so we just drove to Smith's Marketplace and rummaged through their selection, which was many.

We finally came to the conclusion of what tree we wanted and bought it! They were having a little sale as well so both the tree, some ornaments, and the tree stand were all on sale!

Alex's poor hands were frozen, but he still strapped it to the top of our Element and we drove it home. Alex carried it up the stairs and once we decided where to put it and got it settled in the stand, we began to decorate.

Except for one little problem. I thought I had enough lights, but...I was wrong. We got a tad over half way up, but we were too tired to venture out that night and the next day was Sunday, so for 2-3 days, our tree looked like this:

This picture doesn't do it justice. I should've taken it at night because it looked so funny! Nonetheless, we were so proud of our Christmas tree!

Eventually I was able to run to the store and pick up another strand so we could finish our masterpiece!

Here she is:

We decided we had already spent enough on Christmas decor so we skipped the tree topper this year...perhaps next year...

I LOVE our tree! I love staring at it with all the other lights off snuggled up next to my husband.

It definitely has brought the Christmas spirit in to our home and I couldn't be more excited for Christmas day to come!

I hope your tree is up! Tis the season! :)

Today is Husband's Birthday.

2011-11-23T11:47:00.003-07:00

YAHOO!

Happy Birthday to my husband.

His name is Alex.

And he is the greatest Alex there ever was.

It's crazy how much I love that dude.

Marriage has taught me a lot about being selfless.

And even though I had a slight break down about it yesterday (we're good now,) I love serving my husband constantly.

There's no one in this world I'd rather do it for.

(Ok, confession: I still do not like laundry, especially now that it's double.)

I love birthdays, so I was so excited to celebrate his 24th!

I've been trying to be extra frugal this last month so I could get him some nice goodies.

We woke up this morning at the lovely hour of 8:15.

I usually have to get up at 5:45, so 8:15 was glorious!

Then while Alex was showering I put up the "Happy Birthday" sign and set out a 2 liter of Diet Dr. Pepper and a bag of Hot Cheetos on the couch to greet him when he sauntered on out.

Then we headed on over to this restaurant called "The Blue Plate Diner."

It was DELISH! Alex devoured his omelette.

Definitely going back there again someday!

We came on back home and he opened up his presents!

I found him the "Back to the Future" trilogy at Graywhale so it's slightly used, but works just great, was cheap, and he loved getting it! I was informed that's what we are watching tonight.

I also got him some things from Urban Outfitters. HOLLA 40% off discount! That portion of the present included: a Gibson Les Paul guitar shirt, a button up v-neck sweater, and some mittens. He wears his full on snowboarding gloves and he looks ridiculous since y'know...he's not in the snowy mountains snowboarding so obviously something had to be done. Thankfully they fit his big 'ole hands and he loved them. :)

Lastly, I gave him his homemade gift, which was a book full of people we know wishing him a happy birthday through a picture.

I had to be sneaky, which is hard in a small apartment, but I pulled it off.

He absolutely loved it! He just kept going through the pictures over and over again.

It really is a stellar book. I was so happy people put their personalities in it and had a fun time.

Sadly, he forgot to request work off for today so he had to leave me to go there for 3 hours. So unfortunately, the zoo got nixed off the birthday activities list since they close shortly after he gets off.

So we will head on over to "Color Me Mine" and have a grand time there.

Then dinner tonight is at California Pizza Kitchen; compliments of a gift card. yes.

Then we will go over to the U for a classical guitar performance; compliments of free admission. yes again.

When we head back home we have high hopes of making a killer fort in our living room, watching "Back to the Future" part 1 and eating whatever dessert we can find.

And finally, our birthday festivities will end with us in our cozy bed...because well...we can.

TMI?

Welp, too bad. I'm married. :)

Happy Birthday, my cute birthday boy!

You're more than I could ever ask for.

Thank you for loving me, for rubbing my back whenever I ask, for making me bagel sandwiches, for letting me cry, for going to the temple with me, for attempting to fold laundry, for striving to become better, for dressing up with me, for going shopping with me, for praying with me, and most importantly, for being my best friend.

I love you more.

Search for the piano = completed!

2011-11-20T09:38:00.004-07:00

So for those of you that know me...I play piano.

For those of you that know me...know I've been trying to get a piano in my newlywed home.

For those of you that have been to our apartment (which is not so many; shout out to Leah, Bryon, Krista, Frit, Jack, & Jeremiah)...you know our stairs are a teensy bit narrow. (Getting our mattress and couch up those stairs was a nightmare.)

Alex's Papa knew a lady in his ward that had an extra piano that she did not need in her apartment and would give it to us for free! Holla! So we went to go look at it, play it a bit, and see what we thought. It was a studio upright and was a really pretty color. I was down for it. So Papa wrote down all the measurements and then we went to go measure our stairs to make out a game plan for moving that sucker up 3 flights of stairs. Well, we could not do such a thing. The mixture of the piano being heavy, amateurs (Alex and other family members) moving it, and our narrow stairwell was not serving us well. So we called around to see how much it would cost to move the piano by professionals. Oh just a nice grand total of $375. Plus after moving a piano you have to get it tuned, which is another $100. Hmm...did we mention we're newlyweds? That's what I thought. Sigh...

Amidst the time Alex and I were trying to figure out how to fork out almost $500, Papa told us about another lady in his ward (he's a Bishop at a downtown ward) that was needing a new home for her electric piano. So we set up a time to go over and meet this old lady and see the piano. However, there were some rules we had to abide by:

Rule #1: Do not mention we are related to Papa. She no likey Papa. Um...rude. Who doesn't like Papa?

Rule #2: We HAVE to take this piano. Even if we don't like it, take it and get rid of it some other way.

Rule #3: We have to write her a thank you card pretty instantly. She gave away an organ once, never got a thank you card, and still tells everyone 5748394875 times about it.

Well...alright. We're desperate enough to do this. So we met Jack, as well as the couple missionaries that serve in that ward, and headed on up to her apartment. Her name was Mary. And boy was she a firecracker. She does not mess around. She was telling everyone that walked in where to sit and if they said, "oh, I'm fine standing" she got upset and told them they had to sit. Even though she was for sure a bossy lady, she was also very sweet. She wanted to tell me her journey to getting this electric piano and what to do with it when I'm done using it. She also proceeded to tell us a little TMI about her health and her first husband (who apparently wanted her to be the first wife of a few, which Mary did not go for...clearly.) She did ask Alex and the missionary to give her a blessing and Heavenly Father for sure loves her, so that was cool to witness. It was very interesting, but fun talking with her. She told us that when the couple missionaries told her they had found someone to take her piano, she said she felt so warm inside and was so happy Heavenly Father had sent someone to take it and love it.

Thankfully we like it so we don't have to dispose of it. Double thankful it's much lighter than a regular piano so Jack and Alex were able to get it up our stairs! It has a nice sound and touch for being an electric and it's been so nice to have a piano in our home!

Now to get going on sending Mary a thank you card so she doesn't haunt me when she passes on...

NBD. (no big deal...[for those that aren't aware of nbd.])

2011-11-14T09:06:00.004-07:00

Just thought I'd share a pretty cool experience that we, the Fosters, had last week.

It was our Stake Conference weekend so our Stake Presidency decided to also have an extra meeting the Wednesday evening before at the chapel in the Salt Lake Temple.

We weren't sure if our schedules were going to be able to make it, but we were able to attend...and boy am I glad!

We knew a sealer was going to be talking with us. It was going to be a little more in depth in talking about our marriage sealings since we were inside the temple. We were just excited to go, so we got ready and headed on downtown. We saw some familiar faces from our ward when we entered the chapel and then picked a pew about 10 rows back. The chapel was gorgeous, of course, and it just felt great being in there.

The meeting began and then the man conducting announced who was speaking. He said that the sealer who would be talking was Brother Dalton. Alright. Then from the pulpit he asked if his wife, Sister Dalton, would bear her testimony at the conclusion of her husband's talk. I assume said lady nodded because he kept on going announcing the layout of the meeting. Alex and I looked at each other and we were like, "Wait...Dalton. Do you think he means Elaine S. Dalton? No. Couldn't be. Well maybe...?" We just stayed in suspense.

Well Brother Dalton gave an amazing talk on the temple and temple marriages. He was a sweet, sweet man. Then sure enough...up walks Sister Dalton. THE Sister Dalton. Her testimony was obviously amazing. She was so sincere and it was so lovely witnessing it happen.

I, of course, wanted to meet her after the meeting. Much to our convenience, our Bishop's wife was sitting next to her. That made it highly easy to waltz on over there. We said hello to Bishop's wife and then said hello to her. She was so sweet and shook our hands. We spoke with her for a few minutes and then just randomly she kinda stood back and stared back and forth at Alex and myself a few times. Then she said (no joke), "Wow! You two, as a couple, really stand out! I just know and feel that you have an amazing future ahead of you and will do a lot of good!"

NBD. Just THE Sister Dalton felt the need to tell us we stood out and that our future is looking bright. It was seriously incredible. She said it so sincere and with such power. I about died. We were definitely on cloud 9 the rest of the evening and are so grateful we were able to have such an experience!

A lazy day.

2011-11-07T15:35:00.002-07:00

So I was not feeling too hot from Thursday to Sunday.

I was having some serious stomach issues.

I'm not sure what it was (I think it may have been something I ate) but let's just say my tummy was a'rumblin for 4 days and it was close to unbearable to deal with.

I was not the most fun to be around since all I could do was hang around on the couch.

Thankfully my husband is so sweet and just stayed by me unless he had school or work.

One day we watched "Friends" for 7 hours straight.

It was awesome.

The laughter felt good for my body and soul.

Are we ashamed we watched for that long?

Nope. Not one bit.

Fact or Fiction?

2011-11-02T11:40:00.002-06:00

Alex got a B on his latest sculpture, a 70 on his art history exam, an 80 on his color theory exam, and a 90 on his other exam...Fiction. He got an A- on his sculpture, an 83 on his art history exam, a 92 on his color theory exam, and a 97 on his other exam that I can't remember the name of the class!! YAY husband!

I got the assistant supervisor position at work...Fact! I am SO beyond excited!

I made garlic shrimp last night...Fact! Shrimp was on sale over a month ago and we finally ate it. It was seriously delicious! I don't even care that my apartment smells like the ocean.

It's now super cold and I'm liking seeing the snow in the mountains...Fiction. I hate it. I do, however, love the fact that it means Christmas is around the corner!

My husband put his ice cream in the microwave (which is above our freezer) instead of in the freezer after he was done eating it so it was in there all night until he discovered it the next morning and he's now all upset since the carton wasn't even half gone...Fact. And oh how I had a good laugh! (he's going to kill me for putting that on here as he is very embarrassed he did such a thing.)

I don't like the Hunger Games craze...Fiction! I freakin LOVE the Hunger Games and want to read them all over again! I canNOT wait until March when the movie comes out!

My husband is the best husband in the whole wide world, the most good looking man in the whole wide world, the sweetest guy in the whole wide world, and I love him so much. I think I may be obsessed with him...the biggest FACT there ever was.

Happy Wednesday, Y'all!

Gift cards?! Yes, please!

2011-10-27T12:10:00.002-06:00

Yesterday was so so great!

(emphasis on SO.)

It started out with some relaxing in bed. I love those mornings when we both wake up, have no work, no school, and can just lay there cuddling and talking. Seriously the best! My sweet husband is such a little boy in the mornings. He is NOT a morning person so he acts like he's 4...him and all his bed head glory. :)

After we did the dishes and made some bagel sandwiches, we marched our little tails on over to Williams-Sonoma & Bed, Bath, and Beyond to spend our heart's delight in...gift cards. Yes, folks...gift cards. We got over $400 worth of goodies and did not spend one dime! Oh it was glorious. We FINALLY got some pots!!! We have been cooking everything in our giant stock pot! Amongst the pots were other treasures, that I was so happy to receive! Thankfully, Williams-Sonoma had food samples out so that kept Alex entertained there. :)

We also made a pit stop at Home Goods to try and find a jewelry holder (since my jewelry is ALL over the joint) and the perfect wall hanging for our bathroom. We found BOTH and they were both under $10! Love me some Home Goods!

After Alex's one class of the day we finished up our errand running at Smith's to get some groceries. The Elder's Quorum is having a chili cook off tomorrow and Alex wants to win SO badly! Has he ever cooked chili in his life? Well, no, but he is determined to win. So he looked up some recipes, found one he liked, and we picked up those items as well. When we got out to the car we realized we did not pay for the milk on the bottom rack of our cart. BLAST! So we had to go back in. Oh well, we picked up a pumpkin to carve on our way back inside.

Unloading all our newly acquired treasures (while I was waiting on the burger meat to thaw) was oh so fun! Then I made homemade french fries and grilled up some burgers on our George! Alex ate it all up. Success!

Then we finished off our evening by visiting with baby brother, Jack, watching Family Feud and eating our cheap ice cream that was on sale for $2.

So there you have it...a day in the life of the Fosters.

Moral of the story...get married! You get gift cards! :)

(oh yeah...and marriage is just awesome in general. That's why you should do it. :)

Seesters

2011-10-24T08:53:00.008-06:00

I've decided I miss being able to be with my sisters all the time. I wish I had realized how lucky I was when we were all under the same roof growing up. But, as little ones do, we don't realize and argue over stupid things (especially if your name was Karly & Kaycie. :) I was able to spend time with my sisters over the weekend while we were all in California for the 2nd reception. It was so nice to relax, talk, and laugh with them. I have a feeling heaven is going to be glorious because there will be no such thing as long distance. And that my friends, is worth being good for. :)

Along with my own sisters, I am so grateful for my new sister-in-law, Brittany. She is the best new sister I could have ever asked for and she fits right in with all of us. Well...she may need to change her name to Krittany. Is that alright, Britt? :)

I love all y'all! Thanks for being my friends. :)

Cars. (not the movie)

2011-10-15T14:59:00.004-06:00

Any one of these options are looking mighty fine right now:

The fasteners on my bumper came off and screwed up everything on our way home from California (long story), so now the whole bumper needs to be replaced. Add all the different bumper parts, plus the paint, plus the new fasteners...$905 whopping dollars. Um, ok. THEN the next day after we took the car in, Alex and I are driving to a reception in our other car and a rock hits the windshield and cracks it. We're praying it doesn't spread so we don't need to fix it any time in the near future!

I'm thinking we need to find other options of transportation! Cars are so dang expensive! Dang you, modern world, and the need you have for cars!

(Hi, we're newlyweds. We're taking donations for our cars.)

Texting can be awesome!

2011-10-06T09:45:00.002-06:00

These two men in my life have made me laugh fairly hard recently through the wonderful world of texting. No...but seriously...really, truly laughing.

The first one came from good 'ole Daddio on September 27th. I was cleaning and organizing our spare room when my phone beeps. I look at the screen and it says "Daddy." So I open it up and it reads: "Dreamed that Justin Timberlake was living w/ us. Your mom kept giving him 20 dollar bills and I had to tell her to stop walking around topless in front of him!"

Ohhhh mannn...when I responded he just said back: "You just can't make that up!"

Yep...that really happened.

Then yesterday while I was at work my husband texted me and it read: "Sooo, I may have figured out that if I yell "hey you turkeys!" to Aladdin and Jasmine, then they have to respond...I know how? Because they were from the Ottoman Empire which was modern day Turkey. And her dad was the sultan...So Agrabah is really Constantinople which is modern day Istanbul." Then a text later: "Turkeys hahaha"

Oh my husband.

How I love both of these men and how they bring smiles to my face.

Mr. Moe

2011-10-03T09:19:00.007-06:00

So the hubs and I kinda love going on hikes. It's great exercise, the fresh air feels amazing, and the scenery is always to die for! We've only been on a few hikes together, but this latest one was so much fun! We were gone a big chunk of the day and we hiked 3 miles up and then the 3 miles back down. This is us at the top: we obviously felt very accomplished with ourselves.

We began to eat our lunch when all the sudden this little guy popped up!

I was SOO excited because I had never seen a chipmunk in real life before! He was just scampering around and wasn't too skiddish of us. He would come fairly close.

Then the little guy scampered over and grabbed the corner of my sandwich that I had thrown in the bush! Then he perched up on this rock and ate the rest of it! I was laughing so hard because I thought it was hilarious that he had done that! (Well...I couldn't laugh TOO hard because I didn't want to scare him away!)

Then he left the crust! Just like a little kid.

Then we had the brilliant idea to give him a hot cheetoh. He totally ate some of it! I guess he wasn't too fond of it because he didn't eat the rest and wasn't too keen on being by us anymore! Haha...we probably set his tiny mouth on fire! So that was the last we saw of him.

On our way back down we decided to name him Moe. Moe gave us quite the entertainment for a good 20 minutes! I'm hoping he will rendezvous with us again soon!

Elder Anderson

2011-09-27T09:38:00.005-06:00

I'm having a proud Mama Bear moment.

Mr. Ryan Anderson is entering the MTC tomorrow and after learning his language will head to the Philippines, where he is going to tear it up!

Ryan was in my first EVER company at EFY! Way back in 07, he was one of my boys. I can still remember the first time meeting him. He had so much energy for life and the gospel and I just knew we were going to be the best of friends. And we did become that. That week he would always fight over getting to escort me. He wanted to go to classes with me, dance with me, sit by me, etc. He even threw rocks at my window on Saturday morning until I woke up to come out and hang with him until his ride got there. Seriously...that kid made my week and now has made such an impression on me these last 4 years that I will cherish him always.

efy 2007

efy 2008

still inseparable at free time.

efy 2009

even as a BC, he made me feel like I was his counselor.

gateway mall 2010

Ryan is just one of those kids that has a tender spot in my heart. I can only hope I have a son just like him. He always lifts up my spirits and I know he does that for a lot of people. I couldn't help but tear up as I watched him give his farewell talk on Sunday. He was so strong in the gospel in 07, but it's amazing to see how much he's grown. I know he'll do awesome in the field! He knows where his priorities lay...and that's with Heavenly Father. And THAT'S why I know he's going to be the best missionary.

Love you, Ryan! See ya in 2! Make me proud and return with honor!

TREEEEHUGGERSSS!!! :)

My own "Bucket List"

2011-09-20T11:45:00.003-06:00

So...last night Alex and I watched the "Friends" episode where they all go through their 30th birthdays and how they reacted. Phoebe gets to do all the things she wanted to by the time she was 30, until her sister shows her their birth certificate and Phoebe realizes she actually turned 31, not 30. She is devastated because she didn't get to do all the things she wanted by the time she was 31. Well, that got me thinking. I really need to finish my bucket list. I started it in high school, would add a few here and there, but this morning I've really given it some thought and I feel I have come up with the perfect bucket list for me. So here ya go: (stars mean already completed)

1. milk a cow

2. ice skate in rockafeller center

3. ride a gondola IN Italy

4. ride an elephant

5. go to each continent

6. visit 100 temples

7. swim with dolphins * (August 2006 in St. Augustine, FL)

8. see Celine Dion in concert * (April 2011 in Vegas)

9. get married to an amazing man in the temple * (August 12, 2011 :)

10. have children with this amazing man

11. see a Braves playoff game * (October 2010 in San Fran)

12. go to a real fashion show

13. go on a humanitarian mission to a cool country

14. help someone's testimony * (EFY, EFY, EFY...but always trying on this one)

15. always be healthy

16. forgive others

17. learn how to ballroom dance

18. walk/run in a race for a terminal disease

19. ride a jet ski

20. learn how to play golf

21. climb the Eiffel Tower

22. go horseback riding on the beach * (August 2011 on our honeymoon on Amelia Island, FL)

23. be able to communicate in spanish

24. learn the 100 basic ASL signs

25. learn how to play the Ukelele

26. make a CD with my own songs

27. go snorkling

28. write thank you notes and send them to everyone who has influenced me in my life

29. learn how to do a Rubik's Cube

30. see Justin Bieber in concert

31. have a sunflower and wildflower patch in my garden

32. see a live Olympic event

33. ride in a hot air balloon

34. see tulips in Holland

35. kiss my husband at the top of the Eiffel Tower

36. visit all 50 states

37. do something to get on Ellen

38. audition for SYTYCD * (February 2007 in SLC)

39. invent something

40. listen to every piece by Frederic Chopin

41. build a treehouse

42. learn how to sew

43. Go to a jazz club at the French Quarter in New Orleans

44. be on a game show

45. go to a big event holding a "Free Hugs" sign

46. get pampered at a really fancy spa

47. see a Broadway show ON Broadway

48. hop a mile on a bouncy ball (inspired by Phoebe from "Friends)

49. kiss my husband under mistletoe

50. visit CoCo Chanel's apartment and boutique at 31 Rue Cambon in Paris

51. send a message in a bottle

52. take a train

53. go to Hollywood and drive through Beverley Hills

54. cross the intersection at Abbey Road

55. sing the national anthem in D.C.

56. sleep in a castle

57. volunteer at a soup kitchen

58. go to a PowWow

59. eat a peanut butter and jelly sandwich every day for 2 weeks

60. learn about the lives of the latter-day prophets

61. do a 365 photography project one year

62. eat Belgium Waffles in Belgium

63. read 25 classic books

64. carve my name and a heart into a tree with my husband

65. go on a European vacation

66. always pay my tithing

67. see Sara Bareilles in concert * (November 2010 in SLC)

68. run a lemonade stand with my kids

69. write my life story

70. buy a polaroid camera

71. participate in a mud fight

72. spend all day in a wildflower field doing whatever i want

73. memorize "The Living Christ" and "The Family: A Proclamation to the World"

74. go to a Nascar race

75. take a paddle boat on the Mississippi River and read excerpts of "Huckleberry Finn" and "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer" while riding

76. go on a Disney cruise

77. be content in life and always trusting the Lord

78. Go to Michael Jackson's Neverland

79. kiss in the rain (like really kiss.)

80. visit a redwood forest

81. go to the world's longest yard sale (Michigan to Alabama)

82. be a street performer for a day

83. go to a drive-in movie

84. eat breakfast at Tiffany's on 5th avenue while dressed up like Audrey Hepbern

85. take a picture with a celebrity * (Matt Damon, fall 1999, Savannah...but I'm always up for more :)

86. have a paint war

87. have a picnic in Central Park

88. learn the Thriller dance

89. see the Hill Cumorah and Manti pageants

90. teach a child how to play an instrument

91. donate to a charity

92. go to the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

93. learn how to do a cartwheel and a hand stand

94. take a pottery class

95. go to a Luau in Hawaii

96. take a hip hop class from Napoleon & Tabitha

97. ride a bicycle built for 2 with my husband

98. hold an exotic animal

99. spend a week at Walden pond

100. be the best wife and mother i can be

101. document all of it with pictures, journal writing, video, etc.

(subject to be added to)

So there ya have it...101 things I want to for sure do before I kick the can.

I've already completed 9.

Only 92 more to go! :)

Randoms.

2011-09-15T15:49:00.004-06:00

-an Asian couple lived here before us. and apparently she loves catalogs. cause we get them now. at least she got good magazines because i really enjoy getting one every day. HELLO Nordstrom and Urban Outfitters!

-speaking of Urban Outfitters, did you know they have a warehouse in Trenton, SC? (bet you didn't.)

-also...I want a chair from Urban Outfitters. it's called Madeline. how awesome. too bad it's $350. see ya next time, Madeline.

-we recycle now since we have a recycling bin. i kinda love it.

-i made delicious chicken tacos last night. alex ate 4...mission accomplished.

-i never thought i would love the idea of getting tupperware and kitchen utensils. but i do. that means i grew up at some point...BLAH. when did that happen?

-i bought enough flour and sugar to last us probably 2 years. yay case lot sale at Smith's.

-i still love my living room rug.

-kris, alex, and i skyped with karly and laela yesterday. it was glorious. i miss that AZ duo.

-i am going to use my kitchen aid for the first time as soon as i am done with this post. i am going to make cookies. yay case lot sale at Smith's...again.

-i miss provo. (but don't tell alex cause he feels bad that he took me away from there. but he reads this blog...oops...love you :)

-i still love new haven and all those lost teenage girls. bless them.

-putting together our apartment is taking WAY more time than i ever anticipated.

-santa barbara reception in less than a month! WOOT.

-we went on a date last friday to rascal flatts. we ate nachos, went in the free photo booth, and danced our little country souls out. (well...me so more than him...but he still loved gary, jay, and joe don.)

-i've made our bed way more times being married than i ever did in my single life.

-i wish gas weren't so blasted expensive.

-krista's coming to my adult hip hop class and i'm way happy about that.

-and lastly: i had a dream last night that John Mayer came to perform at our Stake activity. yeah ok...cause that would happen. anywho, Johnny boy agreed to come to a room and do a private performance for Alex and me. don't know how that happened either. BUT John played "Slow Dancing in a Burning Room" and my man and I slow danced. um....nothing more romantic than that. if only it had been real...

-happy thursday!

Sister Forbes & Mermaids.

2011-09-08T16:29:00.003-06:00

K, first...I am happy to announce that my dear friend, McKell Lyn Forbes, has been called to serve as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Milan, Italy!!!! Um...Italy is her favorite place in the WORLD! She loves it with all her heart and soul. So this is quite amazing she is now going to be a missionary there since she already has a love affair with it. Talk about dream come true! She reports on Nov. 16, and I am OH so proud of her! This has been a big decision for her and I'm so happy it's happening!

And in other news...

Alex and I have to go down to Santa Barbara for our 2nd reception in early October. I was trying to think of something fun we could do during our road trip since it is a long drive. Then I remembered seeing "The Little Mermaid" is going on at Tuacahn, which is on our route. So I looked it up and it will still be playing then! AND, nosebleed tickets weren't all that expensivo, so we got 2! I am SO SO SO excited! The Little Mermaid is one of my favs (and Alex's too). I watched The Little Mermaid so much when I was 3-4 that I broke my first VHS and they had to buy me a new one. Alex didn't quite break his, but he watched it an awful lot as well. We're just two peas in a pod, aren't we? :)

Ariel...I'm a'Comin!

AHHH!

Our first night in Florida.

2011-09-04T21:30:00.005-06:00

What are newlyweds to do when you get to Florida and it's thunderstorming outside?

(Ok...well I know y'all had an idea of something we could do. But no.)

Perfect solution:

Watch "Aladdin," eat Cheez-Its, and take PhotoBooth pictures.

It. Was. Awesome.

Kids in the dumpster?

2011-09-01T09:26:00.003-06:00

So being as we live in married student housing, there are more than just adults at said complex.

There's babies, infants, toddlers, and even a few grade school children.

Our favorite kiddos to watch are these 2 black kids that live in our court.

The boy is probably 7-8 and the girl is probably 5-6.

They ride their scooters like nobody's business around the sidewalks.

The brother usually tries to crash into his sister.

We may have laughed when we witnessed it.

The other day Alex and I came home from some errand and we saw the little black boy positioning himself between the trash dumpster and the recycling dumpster.

I was like, "what is he doing?!"

Then, he reached in the recycling dumpster and pulled out a large tupperware that I, yes myself, personally put in there only hours before.

It had no top, it was starting to yellow, and just not too useful anymore so I threw it in there earlier that day.

I seriously couldn't believe it, I was laughing so hard.

Alex couldn't figure out why I thought it was so funny, until I told them that was our tupperware.

Then he had a good laugh as well.

The little boy hopped down and ran.

We saw him show his sister and who knows what they did with it.

Then on sunday while Alex and I were throwing the baseball back and forth, the little girl had a cardboard box (which she dumpster dove for) in her hand.

Alex asked her what she was going to do with it.

She said, "Play with my brother."

She said it in such a "duhh...what else would I do with it?" tone in her voice.

I guess the saying "One man's trash is another man's treasure" really is true.

Alex and I tried to think about all they could possibly be playing with the cardboard box and plastic tupperware.

My personal favs were train cars and space shuttles.

Maybe I should go dumpster dive in the recycling dumpster...

last night.

2011-08-30T09:47:00.002-06:00

We ate pretzels while both sitting in the La-Z-Boy.

We picked out our activity from the FHE jar which said, "Eat at a local hole in the wall joint. Those usually are the best places."

I texted Krista since neither one of us knew of any holes in the wall.

She gave us 3 to choose from.

We sang "I Am a Child of God" from the Children's Songbook.

Him on the ukelele, me on...nothing. Just singing.

We sang all FOUR verses.

I gave the spiritual thought.

To the car.

Stopped at Michael's to get wire for hanging pictures purposes.

Stopped at a nail salon because my acrylics had got to go.

Lady told us 30 mins.

An hour and a half later...we're walking out.

Alex's tummy was grumbling and blood sugar dropping so we needed to get somewhere quick.

Sorry hole in the wall joint.

Training Table beat you out.

Better luck next time.

Got home and put that FHE slip back in the jar for a later date.

Watched Cake Boss.

Got ready for bed.

Said our prayers.

Mmm...bed.

Husband. y'know...that Alex guy.

2011-08-22T16:35:00.003-06:00

I don't have much time to blog as our apartment is still in quite the process mode. We have all of the furniture moved in or put together (yay IKEA) except for a bedside stand and a shelf for the bathroom. (NO storage in the bathroom so our stuff is all on the floor.) However, the unpacking is taking a long time and now that I am home from work and Alex will soon be home from school, our FHE activity will commence. FHE activity: unpacking more! bleh. Oh well...it's been fun.

The reason though I wanted to blog, was to publicly say how much I love my husband.

That's still a little strange to say.

Husband.

I am a wife.

Hmm...

We randomly have these moments where we look at each other, stare for like 4 seconds, then say at the same time, "We're married."

It's cool though. I highly recommend marriage.

Anywho: reasons why I love my husband of one week and 3 days:

1. He was EVER so patient with me on our wedding night. (too much info? oh well.)

2. I still find him staring at me. Just because.

3. He tells me he loves me probably around 20 times a day.

4. On the last night of our honeymoon we took a night stroll on the beach. We walked barefoot back to the hotel and I started to cry. I love the south and the coast and was really sad to get on a plane the next morning. He lifted me up on the bed, hugged me, kissed my cheek, and let me lay down (feet dangling since they still had sand on them). Then he went and got a wet washcloth and a dry towel and proceeded to wipe all the sand off my feet and even got in between my toes. Then dried them off and came back to cradle me...all while I'm crying.

5. He's done with his getting ready for bed routine quicker than me. When I get in the room he is kneeling by the side of the bed waiting for me to join him to say our nightly prayers.

6. As I was leaving for work this morning he jumped up out of the chair to give me a big hug and kiss (or 5 or 6 maybe...) and told me he loved me. Then asked if there was any house work I wanted him to do. I just asked him to make the bed. I got back from work...and it was made.

He's a great husband, he is.

I love being married to him.

Bridezilla?

2011-08-08T17:23:00.005-06:00

First, EFY was AWESOME! Sad it was my last year, but so happy the summer was a success.

Second, Bridezilla?

Well...I am definitely not at this stage:

I am, however, in this stage:

Completely and totally overwhelmed. The to-do lists keep getting longer. Even though things get checked off...the bottom gets longer so it feels like there's no headway. I am so so grateful I have sisters, a mother, sisters at church, and bridesmaids coming soon! This day could not happen without them. Whenever I get overwhelmed though, I just think about this handsome guy and it helps remind me that I am marrying such an amazing person. And that all of this will not be remembered because the wedding happiness will fade it all away.

I seriously am so excited to get married.

I love him, I love him, I LOVE HIM.

When I say "Raw" you say "Chester"

2011-07-30T15:06:00.002-06:00

So this one time I flew to New York.

Rochester in fact.

I flew out of Jacksonville at 5:45 this morning (after getting 4.5 hours of sleep) and after a layover in D.C. landed myself in NY at 9:30 a.m.

After finding out the shuttle to Palmyra is $75 I thought to myself, "There must be another way."

So I contacted the EFY team up here. They were still in MA at their last session.

So what am I doing, you ask?

I am waiting here until Ash & Liz arrive from Atlanta at 11:30 p.m. when the EFY team will pick us all up and take us to the Palmyra Inn.

Yeah...you add that up.

9:30 a.m. - 11:30 p.m.

14 HOURS!

I have found myself a quaint spot by baggage claim. I have big windows to look out of, a rocking chair, a short couch, a Pretzel Maker & a TCBY. I finally gave in to hunger and after purchasing $8 worth of crap food decided the airport will take my money no more today and I will live with the hunger that will most likely consume me around 8 p.m.

Good thing I have a lot to occupy my time with.

I've done lots of things for the wedding. (YAY checking things off my to-do list!)

And I've made a lot of headway in The Hunger Games. (LOVE it.)

And of course I've chatted it up with friends and the love of my life. (His name's Alex in case you were wondering...)

And this is me:

8 hours down...7 to go! WOOT!

Just what I needed.

2011-07-18T21:23:00.002-06:00

Well, here I am.

I have a quiet moment.

And I decided I wanted to use that quiet moment to blog since I have not done so in quite some time.

I can hear the girls next door singing "I Know that My Redeemer Lives" in the next room over as they prepare for their nightly counselor devotional.

It's heavenly.

Just a little update:

EFY is amazzzzing as always! I am continuously in awe of the youth. Sometimes in awe of their lack in maturity (jk), but mostly in awe of how incredible they are. The Lord really has been keeping his strongest spirits for this time and I have no doubt they will just keep getting stronger.

Having Alex at EFY has also been amazing. His youth love him every week and he loves them too. Our new session director asked us to write down the thing we love most about being an LDS young single adult in 2011. Alex wrote down: being an EFY counselor. Cute, huh? Of course the kids think it's adorable when we dance together or hold hands or what not. I feel almost like a celebrity couple. Angelina and Brad got nothin' on us!

Every week has been different from the other and they have all taught me something different.

I will go in depth a little bit more into each one as to why they were so special when I have more time, but let's just say I am very sad it's our last week in the south! However, Kentucky has already been so great in the 2 days we've been here!

For example...tender mercy today:

Flip back the pages to GA EFY 2007...my very first week as a counselor.

I was 20 years old and pumped/scared spitless to be a counselor. The Sunday before EFY began, Kate & I were in the cafeteria eating breakfast and no one else was in there. In walked our session director for the week...Brother Hadley. He sat down and talked to us in the most genuine way. He wanted to know everything about us. Where we were from, how we knew each other, where we went to school, what growing up in the south was like, and on and on and on. We sat at that table for probably 2 hours talking with him. He loved him instantly.

The next day EFY began and I was having a pretty great first day. Then, as always, we had our counselor devotional. The topic for monday nights was "The Challenge to Become." I had my devo all set up, girls all around me, scriptures and pens ready when I heard a knock knock knock at my door. "Who would that be?" I thought. I knew I wasn't getting observed by a BC that night so I didn't know who it could've been. So I get up, open the door, and there stands Brother Hadley! With a smile on his face he asks, "Can I join you for devotional tonight?" What am I going to say? "No?" Obviously I can't so I sheepishly say, "Yeah, sure! Come on in!" He thanked me and took a seat in the corner. So now, not only am I teaching my first EVER devotional as a counselor, but the session director is in there now. I was praying SO hard that I would have a good devotional.

Well...I thought it went alright, but I did not remember too much because I was so nervous. After I bore my testimony Brother Hadley asked if he could speak. Of course I said yes so he proceeded to turn to the New Testament. Then he started talking about the woman at the well and the type of woman she was. After he painted this amazing picture about who she was, he turned around and told my girls that their counselor was a woman at the well. Um, excuse me...ME? Is he fo real?! He was fo real and told them to be thankful for having me as a counselor. After I thanked him for coming that night and getting my girls off to bed I was so overwhelmed with love for EFY and Brother Hadley. GA 2007 was an awesome week and Brother Hadley was great!

Finished my sessions 2007, counselor again in 2008, BC in 2009 and on comes 2010 with my first year coordinating. We had a coordinator/session director training for 2 days up at the UofU Institute Building. I was so busy I hadn't thought much about it, but as everyone started piling in I saw Brother Hadley and his wife! I about hit the floor! I ran over to say hi! They knew me almost instantly and were just as excited as I was! It was awesome spending those 2 days with them and just feeling their spirit.

Then today, Kentucky 2011, check in has begun and Ammon and I are at the solutions table (our least favorite place all week) waiting for people to come complain or walk on when I see a familiar face...Brother Hadley!!! Then it dawned on me, "Duh...they live in Tennessee!" I looked up and called his name. He saw me and with zero hesitation said happily, "Hey Kayc!" That right there made coming to Kentucky all worth it! His wife was there too! They were bringing their oldest to EFY. We talked for good while. They of course wanted to meet Alex, which they did, and were so happy for us! As Brother Hadley was shaking Alex's hand he said, "I hope you know you're one of the luckiest guys in the world."

It's amazing how the Lord orchestrates our paths with others so that we can have reunions like that. I will be very grateful in my prayers tonight.

Anyways, my quiet moment is running out...time for another meeting.

But I did rummage up this picture from 2007 of Brother Hadley and I.

I am so baby!

And for your viewing pleasure...GA 2 Games Night 2011!

Until next time, my friends...

Go make someone feel good about themselves.

I promise you they will remember how you made them feel for years to come.

EFY has currently...

2011-06-21T20:28:00.002-06:00

...taken over my life.

Which is fine with me since I love it so much.

I've only been here for 5 days, but it has already consumed me.

Everything I do revolves around one goal:

Making sure EFY is running smooth so the youth can have the best experience possible while gaining a stronger testimony, building healthy and lifelong relationships, and drawing closer to Christ.

That is my ultimate goal every day I put on the polo.

And that, my friends, is such a great goal to have every single day for 5 weeks straight.

Since this is my last EFY, I better make it worth it!

So if I'm a little absent, I do apologize.

the things you remember while in the shower.

2011-06-16T21:58:00.002-06:00

So tonight while I was preparing myself to leave for EFY, showering was on the to-do list.

So off I went.

I have no idea why, but I had a memory pop in my head from when I was like 12 or 13 when I practiced kissing in the shower. Yep, you read right. Kissing. Just me and the shower wall. Not every time I showered, but every once in awhile. I was just so frightened some boy would try to smooch me and I wasn't going to be ready...so I took some practice out on the shower wall. I'm hoping I looked like this, but I most likely did not. (bummer.)

Tonight when I thought about it I started laughing. Out loud. To myself. In the shower. It was a great memory to think about. Well...no boy tried to steal a kiss from me until I was 17 years old, but I guess that shower practicing paid off because this boy below seems to enjoy my kisses.

And I couldn't be happier I get to smooch his face the rest of my life.

New to the Haven, what?

2011-06-12T13:05:00.004-06:00

So it's no secret that I love this place called New Haven.

No secret at all.

Cause I do.

I really really do.

This job literally changed my life.

Ok, maybe not my LIFE because I'm still the same person.

But it has changed the way I look at obstacles in my life, the way I look at relationships in my life, and how I view teenage girls.

I am more understanding of other's circumstances.

I am more loving in my relationships and I am better able to see when people are struggling.

I am in no means a therapist or an expert, but after working there I have learned so much about the human brain, meaning in your life, relationships, and what makes you do the things you do.

I don't even know if any of that made sense.

It's really hard to explain exactly what you do when you work at New Haven.

It's easy to say you're a therapist.

It's easy to say you're a teacher at the school.

It's easy to say you're the cook or the HR director.

But to say you're a "Health Care Assistant" (or just get called "staff") is a whole 'nother story.

Cause yeah...we take them to the movies, we eat with them, we make sure they do their homework, we go on hikes with them, we go out on the swings with them, we pluck their eyebrows, we rub their heads, etc.

However, it's much more than that.

We are responsible for their safety physically, emotionally, mentally, and physiologically.

We're their therapeutic friend / mentor basically.

If they're in their room isolating, get them out.

If they're on their way to running down the street, stop them.

If they're crying after a bad therapy session, sit with them and let them cry in your lap.

If they wont eat their food, drop them to safety. (5 feet from staff at all times)

If they're being belligerent and rude, find out what's REALLY going on and talk them through it.

If they're having a power struggle with you, break down those barriers.

If they want to self harm, help them understand the necessity of self respect.

All that and much much more.

And really...I can't explain it.

You just have to work there.

When I told the girls I was leaving New Haven I thought I was going to get bombarded with the drama queens bawling hysterically and the rest ignoring me because they were angry.

But instead, I got so much understanding and excitement for the events going on in my life.

They had so much maturity.

Sure, there were some definite tears, but my little girls were so great.

My last 2 weeks was full of hugs, conversations, quality time, some of the best compliments I've ever received, and love.

This is what they did for me on my last day...made me a cake.

This is only half the girls cause the other half were off with their parents for graduation weekend.

Aren't they so adorable!?

They're so dang cute and I can't even describe the amount of love I have for them.

Then we took them to a talent show in Springville.

I seriously had the GREATEST co-workers in the world!

Mari is in the middle and she is only one of the best people I know!

I miiiisss her!

Well...I could seriously go on and on and on about how much I love New Haven.

I get easily attached any way, but especially while I was working at the treatment center.

I saw so many of these girls come in scared, angry, hurt, lonely, confused, and literally hating themselves.

Through the process of their treatment I saw them become happy, loving, understanding, accepting, mature, and courageous.

It's the most amazing thing to witness and so rewarding!

I knew I needed to leave for the summer to work and get married so I have no regrets, but I do miss those babies a TON!

I cried on Tuesday since I was not there with them.

I have a bunch of letters to write because I promised quite a few of them that I would write soon!

On the up side...our HR lady called me and said they were so sad I had to leave and that they wanted me to apply at the other campus (which is closer to SLC) when I come back after the wedding. She just said that they did not want to lose a good employee and that they really want me to consider coming back. I was SOOOO happy to hear that so I probably will!

Well anyways...I've gone on enough...if you've even read this far!

NEW HAVEN ROCKS MY WORLD!

Auntie Kaycie.

2011-06-08T21:19:00.002-06:00

So I have a confession.

I am slightly obsessed with this baby...

...but how could you NOT be?!

She is SO stinkin cute!

I remember thinking my friends that had nieces/nephews were a tad ridiculous, but I just didn't understand. I TOTALLY get it now.

Instead of exercising or going to the beach, I played with her all morning, again after her morning nap, again after her afternoon nap, and then again before bath time and bed.

She is the most entertaining little bundle.

She is seriously the funniest baby...she cracks me up.

I guess my exercise was my abs working so much from her being so dang funny.

Oh, I love my happy Laela Carolina.

Tomorrow I shall try to be more productive, but it is going to be hard as this little one pulls on my heart strings so.

In other news...

I did NOT get the bear or the dolphin on my flight from Denver to Atlanta.

Dumb.

I got Freedom, the eagle.

One day I will get the animals I long for!

4 Truths & A Lie

2011-06-06T12:38:00.002-06:00

Truth: I had to say goodbye to my best friend/fiance this morning as he dropped me off at the SLC airport curb. It was sad. He had trouble letting me go. (literally. He would not let me out of his arms.) When I saw a Quiznos in the airport (Alex's fav sandwich place) I teared up because I already missed him so. Pathetic? Perhaps. Do I care that it was perhapsly (is that a word?) pathetic? NOPE.

Truth: I just paid far too much for my lunch. Dang you, airports and your ridiculous rates!

Truth: I am grateful airports are now getting with the program and offering free WiFi.

Truth: I am SOOOO excited to be in the South for the next 2 months!!!

Lie: I won $1,000 for doing a Wal-Mart survey.

But gosh darn it...I wish I did! I keep doing those dang surveys in hopes I will one day be the winner! Every time a receipt of mine says a survey and you perchance could be a winner of a gift card, money, etc I do it! Target, Wal-Mart, Panda Express, IHOP, Walgreens...you name it. I'm a sucker and I do it. I'm hoping my efforts are not in vain and I will one day be the winner!

Ta Ta for now...they're about to board my plane from Denver to Atlanta.

I'm flying Frontier. I REALLY hope I get the bear or the dolphin on the tail of my plane for this flight.

From SLC to Denver I had the parrot.

His name was Carmen.

I don't wanna be a grown up anymore!!

2011-05-31T19:18:00.002-06:00

So...being graduated is an awesome feeling.

I accomplished something huge. Something that a lot of people do not get the opportunity to do.

I conquered tests, projects, papers, and presentations.

But now...I feel like I would rather have that.

Being grown up is dang scary.

I am applying for jobs right now.

I am moving home to SC in a little less than a week for EFY and wedding plans and wedding festivities. Then in August Alex and I are moving to Salt Lake so he can finish up his schooling.

Which means I have to get a new job.

Alright...it was easy enough in college.

I pretty much got hired wherever I applied.

Well...real life grown up jobs are a little different.

I have been searching on Monster.com for weeks now and either nothing looks interesting or you need a Master's degree or you need 10 years of experience. Hello, people?! I'm a fresh grad...how can I have 10 years of experience in anything?

So the search keeps continuing.

And then there's housing.

Housing is more expensive as a married couple because you're not splitting it up with 5 people.

So it's all just conglomerating together to one big stress ball.

Thankfully I have an understanding fiance who could tell I was getting stressed.

He kindly reminded me that we will be ok.

We are doing the right thing. We are starting an eternal family, which is what we are supposed to be doing...at least that's what they keep telling us. :)

If we're doing that, we will be alright.

Heavenly Father knows our needs and he is not going to just drop us on our butts after making such an important decision as an eternal marriage.

True.

I felt better after he gave me my mini reminder.

So on to more application filling out and resume sending! Bleh.

If you know of any good job openings in the Salt Lake area...I'm your girl. :)

i love...

2011-05-27T11:10:00.007-06:00

being engaged to my best friend...

meaning I will be MARRIED to my best friend.

How great is that?

(so great.)

My dad always used to make fun of me because I would call multiple friends my "best" friend. He would always say to me, "You can't have more than one best friend." I had to explain to him time and time again that I can have more than just ONE best friend. And I can. And I still call those certain girls in my life my "best friend." Because they are just that. They are some of the greatest friends I've ever had in my life.

But Alex is a different kind of best friend.

He's that person that I want to spend all of my time with.

He makes me laugh.

A lot.

He is kind to me.

And he makes me feel special.

He is my best friend.

And that's nice to know that I will be married to my best friend.

Forever.

Inspiration.

2011-05-21T17:55:00.011-06:00

So today was a lot of thinking day...and the day's not even over.

This morning I got up and met Alex at the Provo temple.

He was going with some guys in his Elder's Quorum for a temple trip and I decided to join because I love going to the temple with my boy.

I put in my iPod to listen to EFY music to prepare my mind for the temple.

The first song that came on was "Praise the Man" from EFY 2005.

It's a tribute song to Joseph Smith because it was his 200th birthday celebration that year.

I have always loved that song. Always. When it was sung at EFY in 2005 I was 18 years old. I had never had that amazing testimony of Joseph Smith. I never doubted he was a prophet, but I just hadn't had an experience that really made me just awe inspired by him. Well...when "Praise the Man" was sung at EFY it brought that experience. We had a big lesson on him then the song was sung. I remember having chills shooting throughout my entire body and the tears quickly filling up my eyes, rolling down my cheeks, then filling back up again. For minutes it did this. I couldn't quite get a hold of myself for about 5 mins. I KNEW, without a doubt in my mind, that Joseph Smith was a prophet and restored the gospel to the earth. I KNEW it.

Well...back to my morning...

I was listening to this song on the way to the temple and thinking about all the sacrifices Joseph Smith went through. The challenges and trials are numerous and too many for me to put down in detail. Any kind of persecution, hardship, or hate, he (and Emma) dealt with and then kept moving forward in the building up of the kingdom. That takes determination. That takes love. And that takes knowing Heavenly Father is bigger than man. Seriously, he would not have kept going if he didn't know he was fighting for the truth, and through it all, he did it. Sure he had his weak moments, but he did it. He did whatever it took to meet the goal.

Now I know this is a stretch...but somehow my mind then shifted to my own life.

Do I have that kind of determination and love? Do I do whatever it takes to get through the tunnel? As I was taking this mental inventory of my life, I realized I am in some areas of my life, but not in others.

As far as the workplace goes...I do. I am very driven and thrive on the people higher up than me being pleased with my work.

As far as my relationships go...I do. I feel even though there is always room for improvement, I am a good person to have a relationship with. I am loyal, I am caring, and I would do pretty much anything for someone.

However, as far as taking total care of myself mentally, physically, and spiritually I am lacking.

I don't exercise enough anymore.

I don't eat as well as I should.

I don't read enough good books.

I don't read the scriptures enough.

I don't say as meaningful of prayers as I should.

I don't have enough balance.

So therefore...Joseph Smith has inspired me to change that. (Does that sound odd?)

I have a new found determination to read my scriptures every day.

I have a fresh desire to take better care of my body.

I made goals with Alex today...at Coldstone...haha I know that sounds ironic.

It was my last treat to myself.

From here on out til my wedding (cause c'mon...you have to eat good on your honeymoon) I am going to exercise at least 4 times a week and not have any sweets or fried foods. Whenever I get a craving I am going to grab a fruit or a smoothie or something of the sorts. (I did tell myself I could have Zaxby's when I get to the south because I only get it there so I have to take advantage of it while I'm there for a few short weeks!)

And I have a huge desire to add more variety to my life.

So if that means renting a tandem bike or going to fly a kite...gosh darnit I'm going to do it!

So thanks Brother Joseph. By george you've done it again...thanks.

I'll let y'all know how it goes!

And in other news...here are a FEW favorites from our engagement sessions with my sister, Krista Maurer with Island Belle Photography. We absolutely la la la LOVE them! We can't decide what ones we want to put up on our newlywed walls...and we still have wedding pictures to take! Krista is seriously amazing! If you need some pictures taken call or email her!

Feast your eyes...

Mama's Day

2011-05-08T12:36:00.003-06:00

Happy Mother's Day to my beautiful, loving, supportive, and great Mama!

If you don't know this lady, that's a shame.

You should.

You won't regret it.

She will put a smile on your face and will make you laugh with just how ridiculous she can be.

I know I get embarrassed, but I know I should just be grateful she is a crazy.

Hope you have a great day, Mama!

Love you!

3 Friends.

2011-04-28T20:43:00.007-06:00

Sometimes I get a little nostalgic.

Lately is one of those times.

I miss being a teenager and running wild with these 2 companions by my side.

Ms. Brittany and Ms. Katie Claire.

We all began to know each other about 12 years ago.

Twelve.

That's half of my life.

And through thick and thin, we've stayed friends.

The best of friends, in fact.

We've had our ups and downs, struggles, and challenges.

But just like any other good, lasting, healthy relationship...they filter away to nothing and become an insignificant thing of the past.

Because to out weigh those ups and downs, we have a whole lotta laughter, inside jokes, and the funniest memories.

Memories I hold dear to my heart and think upon with the most fondness.

Only Britt knows what you really should do with Peeps. (no, not eat them.)

Only Kate knows how to properly say, "I love you."

And only the 3 of us know how to really make a church dance the best time of your life.

(Just ask any of our church leaders, who also penned us with the nickname, "3 Musketeers.")

We understand each other.

We've seen each other go through heartbreaks, triumphs, more heartbreaks, milestones, and finally marriages.

Kate & Britt have beat me in that department, but I am following right behind.

(As y'all may know.)

And you know what?

I don't know if many more people were as excited as these dear sisters of mine when I told them of the engagement.

I know growing up is a part of life, but with it comes some sacrifice.

One of those sacrifices being not having the chance to be with these hot mamas every spare minute we could find.

We were pretty much attached to each other, especially in high school.

These ladies have seriously helped mold me into who I am today and I couldn't be more grateful.

So here's to sliding down the Woodbury stairs, many a trip to Wal-Mart at 2am, EFYs, Homestar Runner, hot dogs, Girl's Camps, road tripping to Atlanta, clutching each other for dear life and bawling at testimony meetings, Taco Bell, and Backstreet Boys love songs.

I love y'all with all my heart.

An Official BYU Graduate!

2011-04-27T10:50:00.008-06:00

One of the BYU signs as you enter campus says, "The World is our Campus."

However, the campus, since Sept. 2005, was my world.

I can still remember my first real day of school.

I was on crutches, because I had broken my foot 2 nights before.

Don't hike in flip flops...bad things happen.

(not that I know from experience...)

Krista's dear college roommate, Katie, picked me up at the Deseret Tower dorms so I did not have to crutch my way to campus. (She did that the entire time I was on crutches, bless her heart.)

My very first class was Family Life 100 at 9am. I was taking it for a GE credit.

It was all about Strengthening Marriage and Family and gave us an in depth look on The Family: A Proclamation to the World.

I remember starting the class with a prayer, having an amazing discussion, and leaving (crutching) feeling invigorated and alive inside.

I'm pretty sure I smiled all the way to my next class with excitement.

From then on I knew I was going to love BYU.

And that I did. With all my heart.

Every year at BYU offered its different challenges, triumphs, milestones, and trials.

Different roommates, apartments, wards, boyfriends, road trips, professors, and classes.

But each year brought with it something I needed to learn.

Something I needed to grow.

Something I needed to become a better person to myself and to those around me.

Not very many campuses offer prayers before every class.

Not very many schools leave a student speechless after class because the discussion was so inspiring (whether it was New Testament or Biology).

Not very many universities have their graduates feeling closer to the Savior because of their education.

BYU does all of the above...and some.

I learned a lot during my BYU Graduation weekend about what it means to be a BYU graduate.

The completion of the Bachelor's degree does not mean my work is over.

The harder exams are yet to come.

There comes a high expectation when entering the world as a BYU grad.

I am excited and ready to take on the challenge.

As exciting as it was to march into the Marriott Center during Commencement and walk across the stage at Convocation, there was a slight sadness in my mind.

Is my BYU life seriously over?

I know I can't stay a student forever, but before graduating was always in the future.

But there it was...right before me...the future was now.

I remember my guidance counselor in high school, Ms. Crimmons, telling me that college would be the time where I would gain the most life pertinent knowledge and make the friends I would actually stay in touch with as life marches on.

She was right.

And when I sat down, after they said KayLie instead of KayCie, I thought to myself, "WOW."

BYU has provided the best education, both secular & spiritual, and provided lifelong friends.

The motto of BYU is "Enter to learn, Go forth to serve."

So here I go.

I have entered.

I have learned.

Oh how I have learned.

And now it's my responsibility to go out into the world and serve my fellow men.

I have been given so much and am so fortunate that I was able to attend this amazing school and now it is my responsibility to give back.

Have I mentioned how much I LOVE Brigham Young University?

Wedding Website!

2011-04-13T16:01:00.002-06:00

The Wedding Website is FINALLY done.

Only took me seriously 7 hours today...bleh.

But it was fun. :)

There's still a few sections we need to fill in, but besides that it's lookin pretty good.

Go take a gander:

www.theknot.com/ourwedding/AlexFoster&KaycieMaurer

(p.s. I really love the boy I'm going to marry...just sayin...)

My Heart Will Go On!

2011-04-07T15:06:00.003-06:00

Ok. So Celine Dion was epic.

Literally.

She is the most amazing thing ever.

I knew going into it that I was going to be blown away, but she still surpassed my expectations...by a TON!

When we sat in our seats I was SO antsy...my heart was racing.

Then when the lights dropped and a video of her came on, I could not stop smiling.

And then when the video was over, the curtain parted, and there she was.

CELINE.

Celine DION.

Right there in front of me.

My dream of seeing her since I was in the 4th grade (the first time I remember hearing her) was coming true!

Gorgeous as ever she opened with this.

That video does not even do it justice.

Her voice was flawless and her singing just filled the theater and I'm pretty sure everyone's soul who was there.

She did a bunch of her classics, some covers, and some not as famous songs.

She sang a song in French and she was so into it she had tears rolling down her cheeks.

Ah...I'm still getting chills just thinking about it.

Ash and I kept grabbing each other's hands or legs whenever she blew us away...which was constantly.

I'm pretty sure I had chills at least every 30 seconds.

NO EXAGGERATION.

Also during her fast numbers I'm pretty sure she looked right up at Ash & me dancing because no one else around us was.

Pretty sure.

She is just so classy. So genuine. So gorgeous. So cute. So funny. So talented.

A voice like that is a gift from God.

Celine is one of those people that I'm grateful is famous, because she is a class act lady.

She does good around the world.

She loves her children more than anything and she is loyal to her husband (even if he is a billion years older.)

That night is Vegas will be forever ingrained into my life.

I am so grateful I had the opportunity to see her and check that off my bucket list.

This is the only other video I could find of her current show.

Yeah...she did MJ.

Well...I'll stop now, but seriously...

Celine has changed me.

Don't worry...

When I'm in the car she's on my iPod and when I'm at home she's on Pandora.

Celine 24/7 is the name of the game currently in my life.

Dear Celine,

Thank you for singing to me last night.

Let's be friends.

I'll just come live with you, k?

Love, Kaycie

April Showers?

2011-04-04T13:23:00.003-06:00

I know I have lived in Utah for 6 years now...but I will never get used to the weather.

It's ridiculous that it will be 70 degrees one day and then snow storm the next.

Me no likey.

On a better note...

My LASIK surgery went awesome!

I do not look like a pirate or anything, so it was a success!

The whole procedure is about 25 minutes.

Crazy, huh?

The only trippy part was how I could obviously see everything going on, but could not feel a thing.

So weird!

Once the numbing eye drops wore off I was in excruciating pain.

Wanted to rip my eyes OUT...it would have been less painful.

But thankfully after 3 hours or so it wore off to just being achy.

I had multiple people assisting me in my ridiculous amounts of eye drops, How to Lose A Guy in 10 Days to listen to (because I had a blindfold on, the light was killing me so badly), and even Nicole brought me a balloon...which I could not look at for the first 2 hours in was in my house.

When I went back in the afternoon for my check up I was already seeing 20/20!

Bizaaarree.

Everything was a little hazy, but by today I am seeing great.

It's so weird that I am not wearing contacts and I can SEE!

That Dr. Lohner is a miracle worker.

Not QUITE as cool as Jesus, but still up there on my list.

Living the March Life.

2011-04-01T00:50:00.004-06:00

March was a fantastic month!

It was full of fun and life.

Now if only Utah weather would cooperate and give us spring...

March brought me:

My BIRTHDAY, as well as a J. Biebs cut out.

Every birthday I am reminded at how awesome my family and friends are!

Here's to year 24!

Getting out of Utah and traveling to Santa Barbara to visit Alex's fam bam.

It was such a fun visit!

We did not want to leave!

Probably most epic...getting engaged!!

Always a nice touch.

Good job, March. [and Alex.]

Annual Festival of Colors!!

[i love him even when he's pink.]

Not to mention I saw Tangled TWICE in March.

If that's not great, then I don't know what is.

So yes...March was awesome.

I'm hoping April is equally as awesome.

I start it out tomorrow by getting laser eye surgery.

After I made the appointment I wasn't sure if getting it done of April Fools Day was the best choice...but oh well...here I go.

Please pray everything goes smoothly so I do not have to have a seeing eye dog or a glass eye the rest of my life.

Thank you kindly!

Have a happy April!

Bride to be!

2011-03-30T16:28:00.005-06:00

Yes...it's true...

I am ENGAGED!!

To this boy I am sort of in love with...

Go figure?

My GORGEOUS ring!

I love love love it!

The next day we celebrated by going to the Festival of Colors at the Hindu Temple.

It is always SO much fun!

What could be better than throwing chalk at total strangers?!

Date TBA...

But let it be known...

I am going to be the next Mrs. Foster!

Whaaaa?!

Called to Serve.

2011-03-25T14:04:00.004-06:00

So while in California at Alex's house, we decided to go through his mission stuff.

16 planners, hundreds of letters, lots of pictures, notes of encouragement, and 2 journals.

2 journals which look like ancient books of scripture, mind you.

He got them at Barnes & Noble when he went through the temple.

These journals are seriously a gold mine.

They have been SO fun to read.

The first time through we skipped to the parts where he talked about me.

My personal favorite is from Christmas Day 2008.

"...we hung out at the Maurer's all day...The Maurers are way tight. Kaycie is hott."

Another great one is from before he left (10/13/07)

"Today I got a haircut. I hate it. I hate having short hair but I know I have to do it. Serving the Lord is way more important than having my long hippie hair."

So cute, huh?

I love this one too from near entering the MTC (10/24/07):

"Today we went tracting with Elder Murphy. Elder Butars has a broken foot. It was so amazing. I've never had the spirit actually follow me like it did today. We didn't see any miracles, but it was definitely worth it. I know this is just a taste, but it has made me even more excited to serve. I'm gonna tear it up out there! I can't wait. I even started talking. People listened to me and I wasn't even scared, I just went for it. I don't wanna sound cocky or prideful, but I think I'm going to be able to do this great work that I have been called to do. I know it will be hard, but I think I can do it."

I loveeeee it!

I love that he let me bring his journals back to Utah and read them all the way through.

I am still where he is in the MTC.

He is so dang cute.

I love that he writes how he talks. It makes it so entertaining.

I am so proud of my boy.

He was such an awesome missionary.

I know he gets down on himself a lot because he feels like he could have done more, but he did awesome.

He did what he was called to do.

Hope you enjoyed those little treasures.

I'm sure I will find more...keep ya posted! :)

Kris.

2011-03-13T15:37:00.007-06:00

So I have an apology to make to my big sister, Krista.

Life was SO busy on her birthday (March 4th) and I did not get a chance to publicly wish her a happy birthday!

Shame on me, I know!

I did call her though...do I get partial credit?

(Krista's shirt is awesome.)

Krista has always been the epitome of the oldest sister.

She takes on that role and even though sometimes it has been hard being the one everyone looks up to, she has done an amazing job at fulfilling that spot.

She has taught me many many things.

When I was a baby she taught me that she would always rock me to sleep when Mama had shows to perform at. (Even though Daddy thought his "cry it out" method was working. HA!)

When I was a little girl, she taught me to never trust her when she is trying to feed me something. (like the ginger root I bit in to or the spoonful of salt that I thought was sugar.)

Also as a little girl she taught me to never let her drive the Barbie car. (because it would always happen to drive off a "cliff.")

When I was in elementary school she taught me that it was cool to say hi to your sisters and give them a squeeze in the hallway. (We went to a private school with all grades.) And all my friends thought so too!

When I was in middle school she taught me the principle of selflessness as I saw her go into the mission field and give her whole heart to the gospel and the people of Washington.

When I was in high school she taught me that you are never "too cool" to have real fun.

In college she taught me that when life seems like it is throwing you a bad deck, you turn around and make it an opportunity to better your talents, add more talents, think positively, and trust in the Lord's plan.

If you don't know...Kris is amazing.

She knows how to inspire.

She knows how to teach.

She knows how to love.

She knows how to cook, sew, photograph, sing, create, throw an epic party, and if you ask me has some pretty sweet dance moves. (if you're lucky, she just might show you.)

Krista Quilhot Maurer is just one awesome person!

If you don't want to take my word for it, just go look yourself:

kristamaurer.com

Happy Belated Birthday, Kris.

I sure do love your guts.

Don't forget how amazing you are and everything life has in store for you.

2 to the 4, wha?!

2011-03-09T16:42:00.011-07:00

It's my birthday!!

So far the day has been great, and it will only continue to grow in greatness!

Here's a little journey of what pictures I could scrounge up in a jiffy...

Enjoy this little slice of heaven.

Hope your day is as happy as mine! :)

On the way to the hospital for the C-section.

Right after she had just directed the choir for Stake Conference. Ha!

All cleaned off.

Daddy's first time holding me.

And now with my mama.

2nd Birthday!

7th maybe? 8?

The big 2-1! (80s party!)

22!

Baseball themed 23rd party!

Somebody.

2011-03-08T13:23:00.002-07:00

Do you ever feel like you are missing out on life?

That you have not done enough in this world?

You have not gone after your dreams enough?

Or that what little you do, does not cut it?

Sadly, I feel like this a lot.

I go through the list of things I do not do enough...

I need to pray and read my scriptures more.

I need to serve more.

I need to be more crafty.

I need to be funnier in social situations.

I need be more noticeable with my talents.

I need to lose more weight.

I need to...I need to...I need to...

Or I go through how I do not go after the things I once dreamed of...

Why did I not go to California and try out to be a music video dancer?

Why did not I not audition for shows?

Why did I quit ballet my senior year?

Why did I stop practicing piano on a regular basis?

Why am I not famous?

Why did I not study abroad?

Why did I not go on a humanitarian service project?

I feel like even though I am young, the majority of my care free years are behind me.

The reality of graduating college has hit me in the face.

How did I get here?

Did I do enough in my classes?

Did I contribute to campus life enough?

Was I nice to people?

What more could I have done?

I feel like it replays in my head over and over a few times a week.

It's draining really.

But then...

I get a note from a girl at the treatment center that says:

"When I need you the most, you are always there."

That was it.

That was all the note said.

And when I got that note, it did not matter that I was not Beyonce's back up dancer or that I could not play every piece by Chopin.

What mattered in that moment was that I meant something to someone.

I meant something to one of my precious girls.

I love them so so much.

I just need to remember that feeling more in my life.

I need to remember that my life is great and that I have had many wonderful experiences.

I am very blessed and in the times where I have been most happy is while doing good.

As Robert Byrne said:

"The purpose of life is a life of purpose."

Dorothy Louise...My Grandma

2011-03-07T00:24:00.005-07:00

My Grandma Q passed away on Wed, March 2.

It was a tad sudden and unexpected...definitely not something I would have imagined happening this year.

Mostly because my Grandma is a fighter.

She has been through so much, but holds on to her convictions, almost to a fault, and rises back up again.

We were never super close, but she was still and is still my Grandma.

Grandma Q joined the church when I was 15 years old and went through the temple to get sealed to my Papa when I was 16.

Since her baptism I have seen some amazing changes within her.

She became very understanding, very open minded, and very caring.

She would always want to know all about my life whenever I called and would always ask how dating was and if I was "playing the field" or "narrowing in."

The conversation would always end with her telling me she prayed for my happiness every night.

She was just the way a supportive Grandma should be in these last few years.

(3 generations at Kar's wedding, Jul 09)

Some things that will always remind me of Grandma Q:

cough drop smell (that woman ALWAYS had cough drops in her purse so she by default smelled like it.)

romance movies.

makeup counters at department stores.

Dillards.

strong perfume.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Marley & Me.

I love you Grandma!

Sorry I could not be there in your final days.

I know Papa was there waiting for you on the other side.

I'll see you again.

Bieber Fever!

2011-02-23T20:41:00.005-07:00

I don't know what it is, but I am slightly obsessed with Justin Bieber.

Not in the way that all of teenagers are (cause that would be gross since he was born in 1994) but more in the way that I think he is so adorable, so funny, way talented, and his music is clean and fun!

My love for the Biebs started back in August 2009 when McKell had me listen to this song called "One Time" when he barely started getting his name out there.

I was obsessed with it!

Then my fetish for him began to grow and has only intensified with every single he released.

I love that little purple hoodie wearin kid!

His movie "Never Say Never" came out 2 weeks ago.

Have I been to see it 2 times already?

(Yes...yes I have.)

And if any one wants to go PLEASE let me be your movie partner.

For those of you that know me, I HATE paying full price for movies and usually wait until it goes to the dollar theater.

Hence my love for the Bieber transcending full price.

"Never Say Never" is AMAZING.

It takes you through his life, how he was discovered by Scooter Braun, how Usher sponsored him, and snippets of his tour.

You also get to see how INCREDIBLY talented the kid is!

'Fo real. So talented.

Alex was a good sport and has gone both times I have gone!

After the first time he pulled me aside, once the roommates were out of ear shot (except Megan who still heard) and said, "I actually really liked the movie."

Alex loves the Biebs! :)

Justin Bieber is too great not to love.

(And maybe I want to get a Twitter account solely so I can follow J. Biebs.)

This is the video that really got him a flight to ATL.

Sneak peak of the movie, as well as showing he can do more than just sing.

And lastly, this song never gets old. (Plus Usher is...well, Usher. Greatness.)

**In other news**

There have been rumors of Nsync putting on a comeback tour!!

Be still my heart.

I would pay close to anything to go to that concert!

Please release tour dates SOON!

Pop

2011-02-20T15:21:00.005-07:00

So recently I have been doing a lot of thinking.

I'm an adult. A real live ADULT.

When did that happen?

I am almost 24 years old and by no means is that "old," but it definitely is an age where people regard you as responsible and mature.

I try to live up to that standard, but sometimes it is so stressful.

Gone are the days of Freshman year where I had zero work, easy classes, lots of play time, and all the care free of the world.

I love my life, don't get me wrong, but it is out of whack.

I work TOO much. Since I graduated, all of my work places are demanding more of my time, which would be fine if it were only one of those work places...but it is all 3.

I have been putting in far too many hours at work and not many hours into sleep, hobbies, and time with others.

When I was at the gym the other day I had an analogy pop into my head.

I like to chew gum when I am working out because I feel like it makes me go harder.

As I was amidst chewing, I blew a bubble.

Such as this:

Depending on the type of bubble gum, the bubble size varies.

However, no matter how skilled you are in creating such bubble-ness, it always does this:

POPS.

And that is where I am at.

About to pop.

I have stretched myself in too many directions and I am at the breaking point.

I consider myself good at time management and skilled in my jobs.

But no matter how good I am, I can only go so long before I will look like that cute blonde up above.

So with all of that said...I did it.

I actually took a step in simplifying my life.

I told my manager, Brooke, at Charlotte Russe that I could no longer work there.

She was obviously sad, but said she knew it was coming since I was working so much and that was my lowest paying job.

It was seriously so hard to do.

I am so loyal to things and I felt like I was letting her down.

However, I have to do what is best for me.

We worked out a deal though where I will only work floor sets.

So I will only have to work there when the store is closed, like 10 hours a month.

So no having to deal with customers and I get to keep my discount.

If that isn't great, then I don't know what is.

My last real shift was yesterday.

It felt so liberating to walk out of there and know next week I will have those hours on my hands to do what I want to do.

I will admit, I am going to miss helping people pick out clothing and gain confidence in themselves, but I know I am going to be so much happier.

So long Charlotte Russe customers...it's been real.

And here's to being able to practice piano, choreograph dances, watch movies, scrapbook, read, and spend time with those I love!

Fire in Chip Form

2011-02-17T18:17:00.002-07:00

So Alex is slightly obsessed with hot chips:

Hot Cheetos was his drug of choice for a long time. (Still is.)

He might have turned me on to them...cause I crave them on occasion.

The other day he discovered Hot Doritos and for the first time could not eat an entire bag.

Then yesterday I got this text:

"Babe....you've gotta try Hot Funyuns!!!"

Only my boyfriend...

Valentine's Day with Mr. Foster!

2011-02-16T13:36:00.009-07:00

Valentine's Day is such a great day.

I know a lot of people get all upset they don't have a Valentine, but who cares?!

February 14th is a day of love.

And I love love!

It is nice to reflect on all of the people I love as well as those who love me in return.

One of those people being Alex Foster.

He loves me. Yep...it's true.

This was actually our 2nd Valentine's Day together.

Last year he told me he loved me the day after, the 15th.

Well...more like I pressured him into saying it.

I knew he wanted to, but was too scared to do it.

So I ever so graciously helped him out and finally got it out of him.

He's grateful...:)

This year our day was split in to 2 days because of work.

On Sunday night Alex made us dinner because we would not have time for a nice dinner on Monday.

It was his very first time ever cooking a whole meal by himself.

He was so nervous. It was so cute!

I gave him his present that night.

I got him a sterling silver guitar pic that said, "Every Day, You Save My Life."

Inspired by this song...it's how I feel about him.

(you can now think "awww" in your head.)

I told him not to get me any presents. I want all of his effort and money going to a special fund...if you catch my drift. :)

After dinner we watched "Glee."

We've been going through the first season....Alex loves it.

It makes me love him that much more.

Then on Monday I had to work and he went to school.

I got off work at 6 and I went home, he picked me up, and we went to grab a quick bite to eat because that is all we had time for.

We went to such a fancy place...Carl's Jr, ladies and gents.

That's right...

Don't worry that my boyfriend got a 7 piece chicken tender, fries, and a jalapeno burger.

SO MUCH FOOD!

I was content with my chicken sandwich and Oreo shake.

We were slightly surprised at how many people were actually at Carl's Jr.

I thought it would be a ghost town.

We headed out of there and went to downtown Provo.

Mindy Gledhill so graciously held a Valentine's concert at Velour.

It was such a perfect way to spend Valentine's evening.

The atmosphere was awesome, the music was mesmerizing, Mindy was darling, and the concert as a whole was magical.

I love the way her music makes me feel.

Alex loved her too.

I mean, who wouldn't? But still...he usually only likes music that was made 40 years ago.

Afterwards we went to say a quick hi and we were on our way.

I grabbed some of her sheet music she had on sale, so I cannot wait to play it!

Other highlights of the day:

Kari making me a pancake with chocolate chips in the shape of a heart while we were working at Magleby's.

Nicole leaving me some Mike & Ike's and a balloon.

Wearing pink and red.

Listening to Justin Timberlake's, "My Love" 3 times in the car.

Ash wanting to take a picture with me.

Getting texts from people.

Krista's card coming in the mail with awesome pics of my fella and me.

Alex telling me he loved me almost every text.

Twas a great day.

I love my family, I love my friends, I love my boyfriend. (I am quite twitterpated with him.)

McKell's (late) Shout-Out!

2011-02-14T13:37:00.004-07:00

A VERY special friend of mine had a birthday on Saturday!

She totally deserves some love, even if I AM a slacker and this is 2 days late.

So...here it goes...

Do you know my friend McKell?

Her name is actually McKell Lyn Forbes. (But don't say McKell and Lyn too close together so you say Mckelllin...she might hit you.)

She is kinda short, reddish hair, cute freckles and dimples.

She is one of the most rockin dancers I have ever danced with.

Her style will blow you away! (For realsies.)

She has a lot of passion for art history and gets giddy when she talks about it...especially her main squeeze: Van Gogh.

She loves to travel. And she has been lucky enough to travel a lot in her short little 21 years of life.

She has a Jetta named Leo. (and can stick shift with the best of 'em.)

She turned me on to cottage cheese and wheat thins.

She has amazing taste in music.

She loves old musicals and movies. She has been trying to get me to watch Calamity Jane for almost 2 years now...someday, Kell...someday.

She is a great sleepover friend.

Not to mention...she's HILARIOUS.

But those are her outward things....let me REALLY tell you about McKell...

She is a true friend.

She listens.

She's patient.

She's thoughtful.

She's caring.

She is always up for an adventure.

Her texts/calls/visits always come at the right moment.

After being real friends for like 2.67 seconds she decides to visit me on Hilton Head.

She accepts you for who you are.

She will dance like a nutcase with me.

She was the first person I listened to Justin Bieber with. (That's huge.)

She's beautiful inside and out.

She makes a room light up when she steps inside.

She has a killer smile that is contagious.

She makes you feel like you're the funniest person in the world because she laughs at all my jokes...even if no one else thinks it's funny.

She makes me want to be a better person.

Overall, McKell is just an awesome person.

She has so much ambition and drive and it rubs off on others.

She was in New York this year on her birthday so I could not see her in person.

However, I hope to soon so that I can give her a squeeze like in said picture above. ^^

I hope you know I love you, Kell.

You're great...I mean...gweat. :)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Karly's Birthday!

2011-02-12T12:23:00.007-07:00

It's a very special someone's birthday today! And that person would be Mrs. Karly Quilhot Maurer Barksdale!

She is the big 3-0 today!

(which is weird...she was just 23.)

Karly is not JUST my sister...but she is much much more.

If you don't have a sister, you probably don't understand...

But if you DO...then you know that there is just a sister bond that no other relationship has, and no matter what happens or where life takes you, that bond is always there.

(the above picture totally captures our relationship when I was little! [she had just splashed me while I was TRYING to model for the camera.])

Even though it is extremely bizarre that we are all growing up and moving away from each other and not able to spend day after day with each other, we will always be sisters.

Karly is one of the most fun people I know. Even though she's a college graduate, with a real job, and a real family, she's still Karly. She's such a hoot and is down for a lot of craziness.

I've never been more proud of her than the day she became a mother. She's SO good with Laela and mothering suits her. Laela loves her mama and Karly loves her. She's so patient and even with how hard it is to invest all of your time into such a tiny human being, she does it with minimal complaints and a whole lot of maturity. I know Karly will do such a great job with Laela and any other munchkins that come along.

I love you, Karl! Thanks for being my big sister and for being my friend. I will always be grateful for our relationship. You are beautiful, caring, smart, loving, generous, and quite the teacher. Never forget that we all love you so much and would do anything for you. Hope your birthday is full of laughter, food, love, and happiness...because that is what you deserve: the best. Love you!

Love this man!

2011-02-07T20:26:00.002-07:00

So in Relief Society on Sunday, the teacher ended with this video.

I just HAD to share.

1. Because I love Pres Hinckley and miss him with my whole heart.

And 2. His message is incredible and made me feel all tingly and great inside.

So feast your souls upon this.

Carry on.

Remember who you are. :)

R.I.P Neil

2011-01-30T19:21:00.004-07:00

So for those of y'all not aware...I am extremely attached to a special boy in my life.

He has sandy/tan skin. He has bright eyes. He is big. He is patient. He is a fighter.

No...it's not Alex. (though I do love you.)

His name is Neil...my 1994 Toyota 4Runner. I LOVE him.

Some of you reading this might not get attached to your cars and will probably think this post is a tad ridiculous.

Those of you who do get attached to your cars, then you will totally sympathize with me.

I am forever going to be attached to my boy, Neil.

I can still remember the day Neil came into my life.

My Daddy came in town to buy me a car.

My grandparents had bought both of my sisters cars in high school and I never got one, so they decided to give me a check and I had to find a car.

He was at the first dealership we stopped at: Brent Brown Toyota (which I hate, btw. They're terrible people.)

I saw him and immediately fell in love!

Then I test drove him and was falling even harder!

I told my Daddy that was what I wanted, but he said we should keep on looking.

The other cars I drove that day were just not cutting it.

Daddy could tell and was like, "Alright...let's go back and get the 4Runner."

He was going to ask $500 less than what the price was and told me to be prepared to walk out if they don't give it to us.

I was SO nervous because I wanted him so badly!

The guy at first said no so we started to stand up from the table and the guy quickly was like, "Ok, let me go check with my manager."

He came back and they said yes! PHEW!

A bunch of signatures later and Neil was mine!

I was beside myself with excitement! I wanted to show him to everyone I knew!

(the night I got Neil!)

I had to name him. Well, I was obsessed with that previous season of So You Think You Can Dance and right before I had watched the rerun marathon of it on MTV. I watched the whole season for 2 days straight! (maybe I skipped church to watch it? I read the Ensign on commercial breaks to make myself feel better about skipping.)

Anywho, my favorite dancer on that season was Neil. LOVED him!

So I figure why not keep Neil alive in my life and I named my 4Runner: Neil.

I saw that season on tour a month later and met all of the dancers and you better believe I told Neil I named my car after him. He was flattered of course. HA!

And from then on...Neil and I were inseparable for the next 3 years and 4 months.

(this happened the very first week I had him! I think it was a mistake because none of my friends had seen him yet. So...someone's joke got played on the wrong car.)

Then tragically right after Christmas, Neil got hit in the rear end...BAD. A fresh of the mish RM rammed into him during a snow storm and I think my favorite part of the situation (can there be a favorite part?) is when the guy who hit me said, "Yeah...I don't think this will be more than $1,000 in damage."

WRONG.

Even with getting used parts, it would have cost over $6,000 to repair him...and even though to me Neil is priceless, State Farm thought otherwise and pronounced him to be worth $3,750, but bumped it up for new tires and the inside of the truck being in good condition so rounding it up to $4,160...ish...

So...they called Neil a total loss. :(

So then I had a choice: do I cough up the extra cash to get him fixed? Do I keep him and try to sell him for parts? Or do I just let State Farm write me a check to put a down payment on a new car and let them take him?

Well...I chose the last as depressing as that is.

I had to start thinking rational.

I cannot lock Neil's doors. I cannot roll up the trunk window which means I can never roll it down which means I can never get into my trunk. Neil has no AC. Neil's transmission has been acting really funny. Neil's windshield wiper fluid squirters will not work even though I have fixed it twice now (which gets scary in the snow sometimes.) Plus...I'm spending SO much money in gas every week driving this 13 mile/gal boy around.

(just cruisin with Neil)

So I started my search with my sweet sister, Krista. Car shopping is terrible!

You have to deal with car salesmen, you have to find what fits you, you have to find the right mileage, you have to find the right price, and on and on and on...I hated it!

However, I found a killer deal up at a dealership in Bountiful that Krista and her roommate suggested because the dealership has built its reputation upon being honest with people. Plus, they only take cars that have low mileage and are in pristine condition. So I headed up there. I was reluctant in getting a car because I'm so used to driving an SUV.

But...I test drove a 2008 Honda Civic and loved it!

So I slept on it for a night and decided that was what I wanted to do.

So I put the majority of my settlement in a down payment (some I am sending to Daddio as a thank you for putting so much money into Neil) and have low monthly payments! It's great!

I picked up my new car on Friday night with Alex & Krista.

That night while I was driving back I decided my car had to be a girl. It's just TOO soon to think of having another boy in my life. I'm too loyal to Neil...that's just the way it is.

She is way cute!

She's black with grey interior. She has a great dash and stereo system. No stains on the seats or carpet. She gets GREAT gas mileage. And she will be very dependable.

And I decided last night her name is going to be: Milly!

Yes...dear Milly. It suits her just dandy!

And as much as I love her...I still get super sad that the Neil era is over.

(What happened to my car the day of the MLB season opener: Braves vs. Phillies. Braves won, thank you very much! I STILL have yet to find out who did this!)

State Farm is supposed to pick up my Neil today.

So this morning I gathered everything out of him. Having a big car makes you put a LOT of stuff in there! Then I cleaned out any trash or anything that I was not keeping.

And then...

I drove him around for the last time.

Did I cry and tell him I'm sorry?

It's a good possibility.

Am I pathetic?

Yes...but I could care less.

I love him SO much.

I did not realize you could love something that is not a human being this much.

I know I can't take Neil to heaven with me since he is a material possession, but still...Neil and I have deep feelings for each other.

Can I tell you a little secret?

Neil helped me through the hardest time of my life.

When I broke off my engagement I was distraught. I was depressed and could not explain how I was feeling to people very well.

There were so many nights when I wanted to be by myself (which is hard in a college town) that I could climb into Neil and off we would go to a secluded spot so I could cry my eyes out and pray. I would pray for strength. I would pray for help. I would pray to be happy. I would pray to stay faithful and true. I would pray that I would find someone who had the same goals as I did.

And you know what Neil did?

He was patient. He has heard some of my most heartfelt prayers and some of my most anguished cries.

And now I know that sounds silly, BUT...I feel an emotional tie to this boy of mine.

Not only did he let me cry to him, but he has gotten me where I needed to be.

He has taken me to Vegas. He has taken me to Rexberg. And he has taken me to Salt Lake many a time.

He also let us use his trunk the first night Alex and I ever kissed. :)

(Thanks for that, Neil!)

I have endless memories in Neil and so it is very hard for me to say goodbye.

I think another reason I am having a hard time saying goodbye is because me getting a new car is just another step in me becoming a real grown up. Even though graduating from college is a huge accomplishment and very exciting...I am also scared silly. Neil was my college car. He was a beater and I did not care. I always thought he was handsome. I don't do well with change. I like where I am when I am happy.

But something I DO know is...even though change is scary...it is usually a good step forward.

I can't stay at BYU forever and I can't have Neil as my car forever.

We all grow and change and that is why we are here.

To my parents:

Thank you for letting me have Neil, even with how much he costed in repairs.

He provided me so much happiness and y'all could see that.

Y'all are the best!

And to my sweet Neil:

Thank you for always being there and for providing some awesome times!

Don't forget me because I will never forget you.

I sure do love you.

Love, Kayc

The day I became an Aunt!

2011-01-12T10:52:00.005-07:00

Ok so yesterday, Jan. 11th, was a special day.

Not only was it my Grandma's Birthday, (if you're reading this, I love you Grandma) but it was also the day a certain little person grabbed my heart.

My sister, Karly, went into labor on Monday and the big event kept on going through Tuesday until 8:10pm arrived and a beautiful baby girl was brought into the world.

I was at New Haven when she was born. The girls were all so into it because I kept announcing the updates my mama would text me!

The girls were all so cute and so excited as well!

When she arrived I jumped up and down as soon as I laid my eyes on the picture text!

The girls all wanted to see her and I proudly showed everyone!

8 pounds, 11 ounces, 20 1/2 inches.

Meet Laela Carolina Barksdale:

(said "Layla")

I don't think there ever was a more gorgeous baby.

I normally think newborns look like wrinkly old men and do not think they are cute until about 2 weeks old.

However, not this little one. She is the most pretty baby.

Those baby rolls give me the squeezies and I just want to pinch her.

OH MY GOSH.

And that face....ugh! Already has me mesmerized!

I canNOT wait for next week to come so Krista and I can go down to AZ for her baby blessing.

I just want to sit there for hours rocking and smooching those cheeks (both face and bum.)

I lost it when Mama sent me this picture:

My dear sister is a Mama! So weird, but so great.

Kar is going to be such a great, fun mom and I can't wait to watch her with Laela.

Karly only deserves the best and I hope Laela is a good baby for her.

Having a baby in the family is something we have not had for a LONG time.

Well...since I was born almost 24 years ago!

It is going to be so fresh and new and exciting!

I hope Kar pops out another one soon! I could get used to this baby thing! :)

Ok Ok...I guess she can rest for a little bit of time.

Until then I am going to love Ms. Laela like nobody's business.

Laela,

I know you do not know me yet, but you have already wrapped me around your finger.

I promise to be the best aunt I can be.

I am going to kiss you over and over again and I won't even mind changing your stinky bomb diapers.

In a few years I will play dress up all the day long and since your Uncle Alex has diabetes I will always have candy in my purse. (yeah...you know where to go.)

You are always welcome for sleepovers and I will take you as long as your Mama lets me!

Once you become a teenager I hope you talk to me about your triumphs and struggles.

I am so excited to be a part of your life and help you in any way I can.

Listen to your parents, grandparents, and Aunt Krista...they all love you so much.

Follow the prophet and the promptings of the Spirit.

Rely on the Lord and put your faith in Him.

I love you SO much, little Laela...I really do.

I'll be seeing you soon...

Love, Aunt Kayc

Hope.

2011-01-09T14:50:00.002-07:00

I have been trying to think a lot about the concept of HOPE recently.

One of the girls at the treatment center is doing something for one of her values projects and she gave us all a piece of paper with this question at the top:

What gives you hope?

At first I thought it would be easy to answer it.

But every time I would sit down to write it I would get baffled.

Not because nothing gives me hope, but because it was a way bigger question than I first thought.

Hope is defined as:

the feeling that what is wanted can be had or that events will turn out for the best;

to feel that something desired may happen;

So what is it that gives me that feeling of events turning out for the best?

What is it that makes me know what I desire will happen?

I've concluded these are the reasons that give me hope:

In a spiritual sense:

*I've had answers to prayers before, so because of that experience it gives me hope that future prayers will be heard and answered.

*I've seen miracles happen and I have hope miracles will continue to happen.

*I've personally been taken out of the hole of despair through my belief in the Atonement.

*Basically my belief in Heavenly Father & Jesus Christ give me the hope to know everything in my life will turn out the way it should.

*I believe in a living prophet so because of that it gives me hope that what they advise us to do will make our lives better and we can be the best people we can be.

In other senses:

*I have seen people that you would not expect to do good, do good. That gives me hope for anyone who is in a tough spot.

*I have seen people overcome tragedy through their personal goodness and that gives me hope that I can do the same.

*I have hope for human kind after watching this video.

I feel like there are more reasons that even I don't understand that give me hope.

But for now that is good enough for me.

All I need to know is that I do have hope.

Hope gets me up every day.

Hope motivates me.

Hope is lasting.

New Years Resolutions!

2011-01-05T11:38:00.002-07:00

First of all, I LOVE Resolutions.

Rarely do they stick, however.

I heard on the radio that only 13% of the resolutions people set, are kept.

I believe that statistic because that's just where abouts I am with mine from last year.

Here they are, check 'em out...

I needed to complete 1.2 of my 9 resolutions to get 13%.

Let's see...

I half completed these 3:

Write the grandparents.

Get all A's and B's my last year at BYU.

Save money for a vacation.

I did call the grandparents more, which I was proud of!

I called them more than any previous year at BYU.

However, no letters, which I should work on.

I did let one C sneak in my last year.

Out of the 12 classes I took during my last year, one C did get in there.

But do I get credit for all the other A's and B's? I think so...it's BYU, c'mon!

And as far as vacations, I did not plan a big one necessarily, but some vacations have just fallen upon me, like San Diego & San Francisco and thankfully I had some money saved up to be able to go to those places.

I think all of those halfers should count for at least one.

Then I DID complete my last resolution which was getting a boyfriend. :)

Oh that Mister of mine...he's lovely.

So I completed a total of 2 of my resolutions, which equals 22%! YES!

Ok...I really am going to try harder this year and here are my resolutions for 2011! (are you excited, yet?! :)

1. Once again, I am going to try harder to read my scriptures EVERY day. Some days are super hard since I work from 6:30am-11:30pm...straight. I need to even just read a verse before I lie my head to sleep. It's so important and I need to get that every day habit back in my life.

2. And also once again, write in my journal at least once a week. I used to do it every day, which seems impossible to me now. Ok, I won't lie to y'all. I quit writing when things got bad with Dan. I did not want to write in a journal...I just couldn't. I did not want to record my crappy emotions into pages that would be read for generations. I've had a feeling for awhile to write it all down just FOR posterity's sake...so I'm in the process. And it feels great. I have missed getting lost in my journal.

3. Practice piano 2-3 times a week. I have let weeks go by where I have not touched the piano. That is sad considering it is one of the greatest talents I have. I love the piano, I really do. I need to get back to playing all the time.

4. It's always on everyone's resolutions, BUT...lose weight. Not a ton. I more want to get toned again. Ashley and I are going to create a plan this evening, and going to help each other accomplish it!

5. Go to a cultural event once a month. That can be a play, a concert, a festival, whatever...just something to make me appreciate the arts more.

6. Be serviceable. I do not quite know how to measure my success on this one, but I just want to serve more...however that happens...

7. Be a better family member. I am a sister, a daughter, a granddaughter, and soon to be...an aunt! I want to fulfill those roles the best way I can.

8. Write 2 songs. I have not written songs in SO long. I will admit, I am so daunted by this resolution, because I'm so out of practice. My problem that has plagued me for years is not being able to finish songs...so I figure 2 songs is a good starting point for a 12 month time period.

Well...those are the resolutions I currently have.

Let's hope 2011 is good to me! :)

In other news...Karly is having her baby on Tuesday, the 11th!!!!

Krista and I will venture down there the day before!

I am SOOOO excited to be an aunt to that little one!

Ashley Kay...the Birthday Girl!!

2011-01-01T16:11:00.010-07:00

So I have this friend.

You may or may not know her.

I kinda think she's pretty great.

Her name is Ashley Kay Sant.

And New Years Eve was her 23rd Birthday!

I have been able to be with her on her birthday quite a few times in the past, but since I had to stay in Utah to work, I was not so lucky and could not party with her in the A.T.L.

I made her a pretty great post last year and you can click here to see that one.

Ashley Kay is seriously one of the best friends I have ever had.

She would benefit anyone's life just from being a part of it.

She is such a great friend and I will share some of my favorite things about her.

She loves her family SO much and would do anything for them.

I hope someday my future family can be like hers.

She is so giving to all of her siblings and respectful to her parents.

Not to mention, her extended family loves Ash a ton too.

I have loved being able to spend time with them.

She will jam out and dance like a crazy person with me.

I'm pretty sure everyone at EFY wants to be us at the dances!

We just go out there and do our thing...no matter how ridiculous it may look.

We also can entertain ourselves when no one else is even around.

I love it.

As you can see above...we are a little obsessed with Slurpees.

They can turn any day into a great day.

I'm so happy she's as nuts as I am and will want one at any time of any day...doesn't matter if it's 3am and freezing outside.

The Braves have brought us even closer together, which I love.

There is such a bond that happens with you both like the same team.

Especially when you're SUPER obsessed with a team, such as Ash & myself.

I'm so glad she understands and will be hard core with me.

Like remember that one time we went to San Francisco for the playoff game? Yeah...that was fun.

Ash is a babe.

'Nuff said...

Ashley loves to have fun...which is always a nice thing to have in a friend.

She can crack me up always and can make me happy.

Lastly, I just want to say that Ashley makes me want to be a better person.

She is giving, loving, caring, spiritual, happy, fun, smart, and genuine.

We got to celebrate our 5 year Friendiversary this past 4th of July.

I know it was a joke and a reason to throw a party, but in reality I love that we did it.

I loved celebrating my friendship with her because it really is special to me.

I can't wait to see where the next 5 years takes us.

Happy Birthday, Smash!

I LOVE YOU!

My favorite moments of 2010!

2010-12-28T16:02:00.018-07:00

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...

Picture Texts

2010-12-27T15:02:00.008-07:00

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!