R.I.P Neil

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!

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.

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!

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!!

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!

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

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!

Merry & Bright!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Extra Extra! Kaycie is a BYU Grad!

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

So first of all...the most exciting thing to happen in my life most recently is that I am DONE with school. A Bachelor's Degree will soon be in my hands! That is so weird, but so amazing!! When the heck did I grow up? I'm the baby. I go to preschool...not college. But I sure did go to college. And I was so privileged to go to the greatest school in the world. I love BYU with all my heart. It has provided me with the most amazing experiences. When I came to BYU I was just a little girl. I feel that I have grown up quite a bit. Yes, I still have my baby moments, but I have learned so much in my time at BYU.

Some of my favorite memories from BYU are:

*sporting events

*Club Style

*the CougarEat

*dorm life

*creating the friends I will have for life (these are not your average high school relationships :)

*Religion courses & teachers

*Cosmo (is the man.)

*dances

*General Authorities coming to speak

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

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

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

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

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

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

Belated Birthday Madness!

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

First, Rachel's Birthday is today!

I love you with all of my heart, Rach!

You are so full of life, love, & laughter.

I forget my worries when I'm around you and you are much sweeter than you give yourself credit for! Not to mention...you're gorgeous.

I am so grateful EFY brought us together!

I can't imagine life without you!

Happy Birthday, Rachel dear! I love you!

Next up, Brittany Dahlin's Party Day was Monday!

Oh, Britt...where do I begin?!

I am so happy we became roommates and can experience so much together.

You are so smart, insightful, beautiful, and make me want to be better.

I am so glad I could be a part of your birthday. (complete with dancing!)

I love love love you! You're fab!

And lastly, but certainly not leastly, my main squeeze: Mr. Alex Foster.

I think we all know how much I adore this kid.

He has brought so much life to my life and I will be eternally grateful.

He got me out of a bad spot, and even though he didn't know it, he made me the happiest.

It was his golden birthday this year! (23 on the 23rd)

I am so glad I could just eat dinner, give him his present (which was a hit!), and just cuddle up to watch "Harry Potter."

I love you!

You're everything.