Saturday, August 21, 2010
she glows.
Posted by KaycieQ at 10:27 PM 4 comments
Friday, August 6, 2010
eternal love.
I was a Freshman at BYU and my Freshman ward had their opening social.
I was in a wheelchair due to an unfortunate event which resulted in me tumbling down a mountain and breaking my foot. [Don't go hiking at night in flip flops. Been there, done that...not a good idea.]
Anyways, much to my dismay I had to meet my Freshman ward in a boot and wheelchair/crutches...whichever I was feeling. Don't you worry...my friends and I made MUCH use of those toys.
Anyways...back to the social. That was the first time I met the majority of my ward (that I grew to love with all my heart) and my Bishopric.Bishop Hatch.
Brother Mott.
Brother Shepherd.
What incredible men!
Brittany and I instantly connected with Brother Shepherd, but I still remember Bishop Hatch coming up to me and shaking my hand and asking about my foot.
From there on I had the best Freshman year.
Our ward was awesome! We had THE best activities every month and everyone became so tight. Some of my most fond memories from my time here at BYU were during that year.
I saw Bishop Hatch from time to time after Freshman year ended.
He and his wife, AnneMarie, would come into Magleby's every so often, so we would chat.
Or I would see him walking across campus. (He was a Professor in the English Department.)
I always loved seeing him and his wife together though.
They had so much love for each other.
Every testimony meeting when he was my Bishop, he always said how he was grateful for AnneMarie and that he loved her.
It had been awhile since the last time I'd seen Bishop Hatch, but in the beginning of May, I picked up the BYU newspaper and read something I did not expect.
Bishop had passed away unexpectedly on May 1, 2010.
I did not believe it at first.
I thought, "There must be another Gary Hatch."
But as I kept on reading, it was him.
I started crying right there in the middle of the Wilk.
How could this happen?
What about his family?
I didn't know what to think anymore.
Shortly after that I was at the new Magleby's in Lindon when the wives of my Freshman Bishopric walked in, including AnneMarie Hatch.
I got super nervous.
I knew who they were, but I did not expect them to know me...it had been over 4 years since the last time I'd seen all of them.
As they came up to order I was thinking, "Do I say hi? Do I say who I am? Do I ask if she's alright?"
As they all ordered I just acted normal, but once the last one went through I told her who I was and that I didn't know what to say earlier because of the passing of Bishop Hatch.
She got SO excited and was SO glad I had said something.
She said that today was Bishop's wedding anniversary, so that's why they were with AnneMarie.
I about crumbled up in a ball of tears right there.
She said I HAD to go say hi to AnneMarie.
So towards the end of their meal I went up to their table and said hi.
She was so sweet and gracious.
She was grateful to hear that her husband had made a difference in my life.
As I walked back behind the counter I just started thinking about what a mess I would be if such a thing happened in my life.
How do you get up in the morning?
How do you keep on living?
How do you get through the day?
Just tonight, 2 months later, AnneMarie came back into work. This time with her circle of friends from THEIR Freshman year at BYU. SO FUN! They were all so funny and you could tell were so happy to be around each other.
AnneMarie was very sweet, said hi, and remembered my name. She looked better than last time I saw her. She still had her wedding ring on. (I would've too if I were her.)
They sat at the big, round table and were there for three hours!
They were having a grand time!
I hope someday I can do that same thing with my dear friends from college.
AnneMarie came up and asked if I would take a picture of them, which of course I did.
They left shortly after that, but not without another smile from her as she looked back to say thank you.
Gosh...I was such a sap.
My eyes welled up with tears as soon as they walked out the doors.
How does she do it?
How is she still able to get up, do her hair, put on makeup, get dressed, and get out there every day?
But then for the rest of my shift tonight I thought about how she does it.
Knowledge.
That's how she does it.
She knows that Bishop is on the other side waiting for her.
She knows that they are still married.
She knows that they will live together forever.
She believes in her temple covenants.
She believes in the concept of eternal love.
She loves him more today than she did yesterday, and he does too.
I was so grateful for the time I had to reflect on the temple and eternal marriage.
I am seriously SO grateful for the gospel and the peace it brings to our lives.
I am grateful for endless love and I am so excited to have that as my own one day.
I am grateful for parents who have an eternal marriage, who keep their temple covenants, and raised us girls to know they love each other no matter what...for eternity.
Bishop Hatch, Thank you.Thank you for being an example in my life and in the lives of all you touched while being a Bishop of the BYU 14th Ward.
Your wife is alright. She's as beautiful as always.
We all miss you and love you.
Posted by KaycieQ at 10:38 PM 3 comments
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Happy Birthday, Daddio!
While I was in South Carolina for 2 weeks, my daddy had his birthday!
And he is most certainly deserving of a post!
So here goes!
My daddy is one who never was big in to celebrating his own birthday. Whenever we ask him what he wants, he can rarely tell us something so it usually results in the popular Zebra Cakes & Cap'n Crunch. I had the brilliant idea of getting him the Andy Griffith seasons...I figured it would last me awhile. I'm all out now. Time to figure out something new for this daddio of mine.
My father is an amazing musician. He always amazes me with how much he knows and how talented he is. Ok check this...he has composed trios for oboe, flute, & clarinet, piano solos, and piano accompaniments and he can't even play them. Who does that? Who can just hear the part in their head and write it down. My daddy, that's who. He has written some pretty cool stuff and I've only heard a few of them. I'm glad I got some of my parent's musical genes.
I really love my daddy's lap. It has always been a safe place. I still climb up in the chair with him...and I'm 23. He always goes, "What do you want?" and groans...but I know he likes it. What dad doesn't want their little girls still wanting to cuddle with them? I know my daughters will love it just as much as I do.
I've always loved my daddy's sense of humor. He can make us laugh whether it's from his jokes, dancing in the living room, or the same one-liners he has in his repetoire. I won't lie, his dance moves are pretty sweet. I'm almost positive that's how he got my mother to marry him. haha. If you've seen Bill Cosby dance, that's just about how Mark Maurer cuts the rug. Dance parties in our house are always pretty funny.
I've always known that our family is his first priority. He has worked so hard since he got married to make sure my mama and his girls were taken care of. We had everything we needed and most of what we wanted. I learned the value of hard work from him and that attribute has certainly paid off as I've gone out on my own. Posted by KaycieQ at 12:26 AM 2 comments
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
I'm already missing you, Escobar.
Chipper Jones, Brian McCann, Jason Heyward, & Jair Jurrgens are among my current favs.
However, Yunel Escobar (who is beautiful) got traded to the Blue Jays.
Ash told me while I was at work.
My mood greatly shifted.
How could this happen?
Well, he was in a slump. Which is a pity.
They all go through slumps, but his slump costed him leaving.
I will definitely miss this little Cuban of mine when I go to Turner Field next.
Posted by KaycieQ at 7:58 AM 2 comments
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
the EFY life.
(this is how much we love EFY!)No, but honestly. I am the happiest at EFY. I seem to always use EFY time as my checkpoint for my life. Every year is always so different. 07 was exciting and new, carefree. 08 I was engaged. 09 I was just getting over the breakup. And now 10 just all around made me a better person, or at least that's how I feel. I am so grateful for the experiences I got to have and for the opportunities presented before me for growth and renewal. Those 3 weeks zoomed by, but those 3 weeks were jam packed with events, tears, laughter, feelings of the spirit, learning, friendships strengthened, friendships gained, and commitments made. As much as I wish I could explain all of EFY to y'all, it's just impossible. There is nothing that could do justice to it. You just have to be there. However, here are some of the highlights that stick out to me as I look back on these last 3 weeks.
1. Having Ammon as a co-coordinator. Ammon is a rock. He is consistent in everything he does. I couldn't have asked to learn from someone better. He has more wisdom to share than your average person. It is common to see Ammon in the hallway reading his scriptures or the Ensign in his free time. (what little we have.) Being in this coordinator position is the closest thing I think I will experince to being in a marriage relationship. You are together all the time. Seriously, if Ammon was out of my presence for like an hour I would start to feel anxious. Pathetic? Haha, perhaps. You make decisions together. No matter if the decision is big or small, you have to talk and be on the same wave length. We are equal. Not one of us was better than the other. He would always ask my opinion on things, whereas some guys would have totally pulled the Priesthood card or the more experience card. But Ammon never did. You pray together. Not one night went by when we didn't pray together for the session, for our counselors, for our team, and for us as a partnership. I am so grateful for everything I learned from Ammon and I only hope he at least learned a tiny bit from me in exchange.
3. Friendships. I have the greatest friends in the world. They are amazing counselors. They had amazing lessons and whenever I would get the chance to hear their testimonies, it brought life to my soul. Once the kiddies are gone there are many silly times and laughter. I love y'all!
4. Ashley Kay Sant. Ash is the best friend. She was always there to lend her support, words of kindness, and humor. It was great having her as a BC so I could see her a bunch! She did an incredible job as a BC and the team was better just because she was a part of it. Can't wait to live with you, Smash! LOVE YOU!
5. My Team. Wow. What a powerhouse group of people! Our team was the best mesh of people and I was so happy with how we all worked together! So many counselors came up to me and said how much they enjoyed the team this year, even people who have been around A LOT of teams. I felt truly blessed to have every single one of them. I miss them all dearly. They became my family. At some point each one of them lifted me up and gave me something to smile about. Can't wait until we are all reunited! Love y'all!
Lastly, I am grateful for the spirit I felt every single day. The spirit brought me comfort, truth, and realization. I am so blessed to be a part of the EFY program. It is the greatest job in the world! Including my years as a participant and worker, this was my 10th summer at EFY! I have EFY to thank for a lot of my testimony, strength, & relationships. However, without the gospel it could not be possible. I have a renewed appreciation for the gospel of Jesus Christ and the peace, hope, and happiness it can bring to anyone who decides to accept it.
Dear EFY,
I miss you greatly.
Thank you for the best times of my year, once again.
Love, Kaycie (your biggest fan)
Posted by KaycieQ at 5:48 PM 4 comments
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
still alive...and currently being a Georgia peach.
Hello Friends & Family, I promise I'm still breathing and alive! I am seriously so busy! As soon as I landed on the East Coast it has been go go go. Which I love, so I'm very happy. I know this statement might come as a shocker, but...
Posted by KaycieQ at 8:17 PM 2 comments
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
mid-week letter.
My love comes into town on your day.
You probably remember him.
Tall, killer smile, guitar in hand.
Yeah, that guy.
Well, I'm beyond anxious for him to arrive.
So if you could just pass it along to your friend, Wednesday, that we don't really need him this week, that would be awesome.
[And I don't really need the first part of you either. Thanks.]
Kind Regards, Kayc

Posted by KaycieQ at 5:02 PM 1 comments
Friday, June 4, 2010
lean and mean.
Summer is here, but I'm not 100% pleased with my swimsuit bod.
I know I know...I'm sure through all yall's heads you're saying, "Oh stop it, Kayc."
I don't think I'm fat by any means.
But there's some lingering pounds that have taken residency since my Freshman year and it is time for them to leave.
I want to be completely satisfied with myself.
People tell me I look good and my boyfriend is always saying I look...how does he put it? Ah yes: "Straight up FINE."
And as grateful as I am for those compliments, I want to lose 12 lbs.
I know it's not going to be easy.
Especially since I work at a restaurant that drips with calories, fat, and sugar.
But I'm saying this because I need yall's help.
I always say I'm going to lose weight. It's ALWAYS a resolution, but I never try hard enough. So I'm hoping by making this public, yall will help me.
If you work with me...DO NOT let me eat cake, fries, or breadsticks.
If you see me often...please do not pressure me into lots of situations where my self control will be tested and don't be offended if I say, "No, thanks."
Don't be scared to say, "KAYCIE, PUT THAT DOWN!"
I am going to try to have the most self control I have ever had.
I eat pretty well. I do. I eat protein, fruits, veggies, whole grains, and healthy fats.
And I exercise a fair amount.
My problem is...I also eat the crap. I'm always down for shakes, cookies, and chocolate.
I need to stop that.
So please help me.
I am going to allow myself SOME fun, or I shall go crazy. My treats to myself are frozen yogurt and dark chocolate. I can live with that.
Oh...and if it's a birthday or special holiday, I will cheat cause c'mon...you can't NOT have cake on someone's birthday. [course, it's someone's birthday somewhere every day...hmm...ha kidding.]
I'm going to try my best to work out every day as well.
We shall see how that pans out since I work a ton, but hopefully...
So basically...help me become a lean, mean, fat burning machine.
'Preciate it. :]
These stars are my inspiration.


They're just hot.I will be hot.
...hopefully soon. :]
Off to the gym I go.
On a Friday night no less.
Why? Well...I got off work early, all of my friends are gone, my boyfriend is in Idaho, the gym is a ghost town, and I want to look like said stars above.
That's why.
Posted by KaycieQ at 9:48 PM 2 comments
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Nostalgia
Well, that's where I am tonight.
Nostalgic.
I am missing those times and people I love.
I feel like sometimes I live in a hamster wheel.
Don't get me wrong, I love my life.
But there are times where I feel like I have this routine of work and school and I just go round and round and rarely have time to dance, laugh, and spend time with my friends and family.
I am grateful that I go to an amazing school such as BYU and that in this economy I have two jobs.
But sometimes...man. How nice it would be sometimes to go back to when school was easy and I worked 15 hours a week?
I'm done rambling now.
I thought I would just share a handful of the people and things I'm thinking of while I watch the moon rise over the mountains.
I miss my island and my boats and my water. I'm craving the sand between my toes, dolphins playing in the wake of the Holiday, and seeing the sun set beyond the water's edge. I miss hearing my daddy's narration and seeing ladies with big rimmed hats. I miss old men running ahead to open the door for you and hearing "yall," "maam," "sir," and "bless your heart." Hilton Head Island is calling me home and I can't wait til I can answer. It truly is the greatest place on earth...I don't care what anyone says.

High School. I know I know...who misses that? Well, I do. Life was so simple then. Life consisted of great teachers, dancing for hours every day, piano lessons, choir, stake friend sleepovers, musicals, beach, girl's camp, and these two ladies: Brittany & Katie Claire. They were my life! For real. Kate just got married and Brit just got engaged. Geez...weren't we 16 yesterday?
I miss my amazing Mama. She really is an amazing woman. I know she thinks all we do is make fun of her, but sometimes man...she makes it all too easy. [ha jokes, ma.] But really we love her so much and she will do anything for anyone. Currently I am missing her back scratches, singing in the grocery store at the top of her lungs, lasagna, and late night chats. I'm finding I'm more and more like her every day. That used to scare me, but I'm alright with that. I hope I can continue on with her spontaneous, fun loving, selfless, Christlike personality.
My sisters. They're couldn't be 2 people in this world that I would rather have as my sisters than Krista & Karly. I think we have the funniest childhood stories and I'm grateful we could share them with each other. I want to hear Kar's people impressions and her laugh. [she has a great one.] Even though I get to see Krista more than anyone in my fam bam, I'm missing her tonight as well. I could really go for playing the piano while she sings right now. If I could have anything though, it would be a sleepover with these two at this very moment. We would be laughing, talking, singing, and cuddling. Mmm...that sounds lovely.

My sweet Daddy. This man is my hero...always has been, always will. He always lets me crawl in his lap, even now. He has the corniest, but funniest humor around. If I were home right now I would want to spend an entire day with just him. I would want him to make breakfast, cause he's so good at it. Then we'd drive around in the truck going to the bank, the dump, and the harbor. We'd eat at Harold's Diner for lunch. [heart attack on a plate.] We'd go on the sunset trip and watch dolphins. Then at night we'd watch Jungle Book and have 2 separate popcorn bowls. [cause we like different kinds.] That's a perfect day for me.

I kinda just miss my whole family in general. Being in college and in student apartments makes you crave being around a family. I want grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, siblings, etc all around me.
Bethany & Amanda. Two of my dearest friends ever. We were inseparable my sophomore year. I seriously had some of my fondest memories with these two ladies. I could go for a lazy day with them: movies, giant journaling/scrapbooking, celestial pumpkin bars, dancing, talking, and laughing. I miss them lots.
My sophomore apartment. Glenwood #165. I think out of all my years, this was the apartment with the most memories. Probably because we were OUT OF CONTROL. There was NEVER a dull moment. LeAnne had her harp there and I had a rented piano. Muddy Buddy Sundays. Wheelbarrow and horse races in the hallway. Playing "True Colors." FHE. Never going to bed before 2am. There was so much more that I could go on and on about, but I just cherish these ladies so much and everything I learned from them.
Being in charge of Club Style and being with the club all the time. That was a hard thing passing on the club. Even though it was necessary I still have moments where I miss it. Lots. I couldn't even really go a ton this last year cause of work. I miss the people, I miss the dancing, I miss the fun, I miss the bonding, I miss the atmosphere, I miss bringing the joy of dancing to others.
I miss Turner Field. I miss my Braves. I am craving that exhilaration of being around Braves fans and doing the tomahawk chop. Only a few more weeks until this nostalgic moment can become a reality! I can't wait to see my boys! [p.s. I miss Ash too, even if we are both in Provo. Our schedules are NOT meshing and it's sad.]

BethyPoo! I have no other friends like Beth. And I love that. She is responsible for much fun. I wouldn't mind reliving a day with her. I'm sure it would be full of pranks, dancing, cookies and candy, kitties, and laughing. She's made my BYU experience a memorable one and I know will be life long friends. We just gotta get together more. ;]

EFY EFY EFY!! I'm always nostalgic about this little activity that is my life. Only a few more weeks until I get to have 3 weeks full of youth, dances, classes, firesides, late night talks, cheers, games, nasty food, bright polos, testimony meetings, and feeling the spirit constantly. Please come faster! :]
I think we all know how I feel about this guy right here. We are both SO over saying goodbye to each other. That's so winter semester. :] Ha...for real though. Saying goodbye gets harder and harder...not easier. Idaho has a hold on my boy for only 2 more months, but on nights like this, that seems far too long. Especially when he sends me texts that say this: "Hey wanna know something random? I really wanna slow dance with you right now." Who couldn't love a sweet boy like that? Well too bad...he's mine. When he's gone I feel very empty and I don't like it. I think that's the main reason why I'm feeling so nostalgic tonight and reminiscing on memories. I miss this fella a lot and I can't wait til I can see him every single day. That sounds delightful.Posted by KaycieQ at 10:34 PM 5 comments
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
pb&j
or you realize how much the stars are aligning?
Well...I had one of those moments today.
In my cooking class we were doing breakfast foods today. Breakfast is my favorite meal of the day. I rarely skip it because I think it is so satisfying and I think breakfast foods are awesome: pancakes, eggs, french toast, muffins, smoothies, toast, sausage, waffles, scones, bacon, granola, fruit, crepes, breakfast burritos, bagels, oatmeal, cereal, yogurt, and of course OJ. Now that I made you completely hungry...I shall now get to my point.
My kitchen was assigned to make a few things, one of which were PB&J Muffins. Now I was a bit skeptical at first...like how is that possible? PB&J is seriously one of my most favorite snacks, but how can you put it in a muffin? Well...we did. [And even hid some carrot puree in there to get some veggies in our diet. Sneaky sneaky.]
Well, they were delicious. Definitely something I fell in love with.
The flavors all melted together and oh man...it was just awesome.
So as I'm walking out of class I'm texting Alex informing him of this heaven sent muffin. He was telling me that he wanted to try it, but then I decided to ask him if he really even liked PB&J...cause if you don't, I don't think you'd like this muffin. And this is how our convo went from there:Me: Do you like PB&J sandwiches?
Alex: As long as its smooth peanut butter and there's not a ton of fruit chunks in it.
[me with a huge grin on my face because wow...that's exactly how I like my PB&J's.]
Me: Oh man...we are perfect for each other.
Alex: Yes! I was afraid of how you liked yours. haha
And there you have it ladies and gents...if I didn't know before...I know with a surety now that this Alex kid is UH-mazing. :] Shoot...I just realized I don't know his favorite brand of peanut butter OR jelly. This is vital to the PB&J experience. I'll ask him another day...
[sorry if this blog turns into an "Alex tribute" but let's face it...it just might.]
Posted by KaycieQ at 4:18 PM 3 comments

