Christmas and Time.

This Christmas season has been absolutely great. December was a hectic month for me because I was finishing up my first semester of college and cleaning out my apartment and felt like there was no time to sit back and watch a Christmas movie and enjoy the holiday. This week has been awesome though because my whole family has been together. We keep saying that this may be our last holiday season together for awhile. You never know when people will get married(by people I mean my sister) or life will push us into a different direction. That thought alone has made me an emotional lady over this past week.

So today I am super grateful for time. Time cannot be taken back. You must enjoy every minute you have with family and friends and not take them for granted. The new year is coming in and I always hate setting goals because I can never remember them by the end of the year. This year though my goal is to not waste time. Time is precious. People are important. We must focus on what matters most. I can honestly say that I am a self-absorbed college student and spend a little too much time worrying about homework, boys, clothes, or other lame things. I challenge myself and the three people that read my blog (I hope I get more than 3:)) to take set aside time to be spontaneous and leave time for the good stuff like; talking to loved ones and helping loved ones by showing them you love them. Here is a video a short video by Thomas S. Monson called What Matters Most.

A few tid bits: For Christmas I got a waffle iron, loads of clothes, movies, money, frozen and one direction soundtracks (kin got the movie, we drooled), and of course my grow a boyfriend from my roommates(pictures will be up next time)! I also got a head band that makes me look like I am on the tv show Survivor, or so Avarie says.

Don't know what my face is doing...

YAY for my new jams! This is a Christmas selfie and I believe in staying in a my pjs all day, don't judge!

Last tid bit: I love missionaries. They are my heroes, no joke. I am currently in touch with 8 of my missionary friends. They are spread throughout the world wanting to share a sweet message with others. Some are in the states, Hong Kong, Africa, Australia, Mexico, Norway, and Ukraine.They are individually amazing and each a special friend to me. This is the first time in forever that I actually look forward to Mondays because I get to hear from all these great people thru email. I am grateful for there bravery and their faith in the Lord. Leaving your family for two years I imagine it being pretty sad and scary. I miss them each dearly but am so proud of them. They make me want to become better. Gordon B. Hinckley once shared that we must "forget ourselves and get at it." These friends are a very nice example of that.

Hope you all have a lovely week!!

Brave White Lady Award!

This week has been hectic heading up to finals but I have been super blessed with so many things! I have learned so much this semester away from home. And am not embarrassed to say that I am moving back home with my family next semester!

While I have been away I have found that I have guts. Yep, that is right, I have done lots that I never thought I would ever do. First, I am a pretty picky eater. Food scares me if I don't know how it is made but, this past week I tried INDIAN FOOD! It was delicious! Aretha, Jason, and Naveen that we had over for Thanksgiving dinner invited me over for Indian food! They are such sweethearts. They kept asking me if I was scared and I wasn't afraid to say yes, don't kill me with the spicy stuff. But they didn't!! I am still alive and it was so good. They were so cute about it, they got me yogurt to mix in with the spicy sauce so it wasn't as hot. It was the best experience! I was the only white person in the house! It was amazing to hear more about their culture. They are all going to be such great missionaries in India. We said an opening prayer in Spanish and a closing prayer in Hindu! What a cool, cool thing! I know that the gift of tongues is real and the spirit is felt through every language.

Only white in the house! Yes, I blend in with the wall.

Another brave thing I have done...I am a sneaky jokester, that is all there is to it! I love to tease, its a big part of my life. What do you do on a Saturday night when you are bored, don't got a boyfriend, and are in the Burg? Well you go get a mistletoe and put it in front of the door for your roomie that does have a boyfriend! WOOOH! Best idea alive! Darbie and Courtney my roommates helped me be crafty and we put up a mistletoe and a note that said, "Lovebirds, look up." With a picture of Santa and Mrs. Clause! Aren't you laughing inside, I promise I am mature ;). Yeah and we spilled super glue on Katelyn's hands but hey that's what I get for doing something so rebellious and crafty! My dating roommate didn't kill us, no worries!!

"Pucker up and kiss it Whoville!"

Few other fun things, BYUI canceled school! Yep, power outage from here to Shelley. So I got 10 hours of sleep that day and played card games with my roomies.
I am on a walleyball team! Yeah, I played volleyball for like 3 years in middle school then quit because I love my lake time in the summer. But the cool kids in Activities begged me to participate so I did! And I usually feel like I lose the game for us, because I do. This week though, I got voted as MVP. I got out my old granny underserve out and made the other team cry. I couldn't stop laughing, they hated me.

Hopefully this post doesn't sound too vain! This week has been fun and now its time to buckle down for finals! Everyone have a great week and don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and be brave because you could be missing out on something just too great!

Turkey weekend

This Thanksgiving weekend has been awesome! My hipster big sis came up from Provo and now since Trey took over her room she gets to chill in my room with me! My Grandma also came up from Salt Lake and spoiled us! Thanksgiving day was a blast we had my whole family, grandma, my aunts from Idaho Falls, and a few of my dad's friends from India. It was a joyous day filled with turkey and lots of other delicious food!

Happy Blurry Turkey Day: Love Kinny and Me

Now I am proud to say that I did not participate in Black Friday until Friday, wooh!! I got up at about 8 and went to Idaho Falls. I do not understand why they have pushed shopping deals onto Thanksgiving day, I think its absolutely ridiculous. I think it defeats the purpose of Thanksgiving because you are supposed to be thankful on that day and not "oh I need more!" But that is just Kate's opinion.

Simple things to be thankful for. Naps. Tonight I cuddled up to my precious golden retriever Penny and took a cozy little nap while my Dad and brother set up the Christmas Tree!!

She really does love me!

I just love this time of year and am kind of a Christmas nut! I love the Christmas season, I love the warm fuzzy feeling that comes at this time of year! I love drawing names in our family and picking out a special gift to give to that person. Happy Holidays! Spread that holiday spirit. "The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear!"

Mommy of the Week

This week I got to experience going from being a college student and totally self-absorbed then shift into being a self-absorbed college student/Momma of 3 crazy kids I call my siblings. Now I know why most people wait until they are out of school to have kids. And I know I am not even close to ready(especially since I am not in a relationship of any kind unless my love for One Direction counts). At times I felt completely overwhelmed making dinner, doing laundry, being the taxi driver, waking up early, but for the most part it was fun and I got to dig through my Mom's closet and wear her stylish clothes.

Kinny and I were stuck in the snow while Mom and Dad were in the hot sun.

Just for fun.

My parents have a tough life. They have been to Europe and Hawaii in the same year. I feel so sorry for them;). No, honestly I give them a hard time because its fun. But they totally deserve it, they are the best parents. I think they chose to take this trip right before Thanksgiving so I would become even more grateful for what they do. I don't want to brag but hey its my blog, no one is forcing you to read this. I love my parents. They help me through everything, I haven't gone a day without talking to them. I tell my mom everything there is to know, sometimes too much. I have so much fun teasing my dad. I have the best parents. I am so extremely blessed to be apart of their family. For some weird reason they allowed me to enter their family here on earth and I am SO GLAD. And also I LOVE MY SIBLINGS. They are my best friends. Yes they drive me nuts at times but I love them. I am so grateful for the temple and that we can be together forever.

All ready to go to Hawaii. They crack me up.

I will keep this family.

I would also love to say I am thankful for fun random things that make life the bomb. Like my roommates. They are the cutest I swear. They make me giggle and I really have missed them this week. But I did get to go to the premier of Catching Fire with them this week. YAY so fun! Team Finnick! Go watch it!!!!!

Cute girlies.

Last thing; if anyone does read this post, I just want to encourage you to be grateful for all that you have. And not only thank the Lord for those blessings He gives you but thank those in your life that help you through tough times. I believe God puts certain people in our lives because he knows the great impact that they can be to us. Everyone have a great Thanksgiving!

We are Never Alone.

Do you ever have those weeks that drag on? You are so packed with stuff to do that you are just waiting to finally catch your breath. Although this week has been tough I am super grateful for all that God has blessed me with.

This week I have had trials come my way that I knew I couldn't take on alone. I believe in a Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, and Holy Ghost. I pray to my Heavenly Father to help me through tough situations. I know that he hears and answers my prayers. Without him I am not capable of striving for perfection. His son is Jesus Christ. I know that he lives. I am forever grateful for his atonement. He took on the sins of the world so that every person on earth could make it back to him. He is our Savior. He loves us dearly and has done everything possible for us. When we feel alone and want to give up, we must remember that when he atoned for our sins he felt every pain. He is my hero. He is my friend. He is my big brother. I love him and I know that he lives. The Holy Ghost helps me make the right decision when I am tempted to do wrong, I am grateful for that extra warning.

For those who are unsure about life, pray. He will answer you. This gospel gives me so much joy! It gives me joy in this scary world we live in, I know that if I strive to do my best in this life I will have eternal happiness after this life. And who doesn't want that? I am a Mormon. I know it. I live it. I love it! I encourage you to watch this Mormon message by Sister Dalton. Remember you are NEVER alone.

 

This is my friend Mary and I. This was in January in Salt Lake City. Extra shout out to Mary! It was her birthday this week, sweet friend!!!!!!

 

Halloween and Other Happenings...

Halloween was a party in my life!! I went to many fun haunted houses this season and I made it without injuring anyone. :) But Halloween day was the greatest day. I met my momma at Great Harvest and she filled my tummy with soup and pumpkin chocolate chip bread. Then I got to dress up at work with all of my lovely best friend co-workers. I seriously LOVE these ladies. They are the sweetest. Another tidbit, I had an interview with my boss in my jammies. WOOH!



Cutest.

 

 2nd Halloween thing. Went to the Spook Alley on campus with Hannah! We got soaking wet in a canoe with bodies trying to dump me into a pool. Good fun. THEN we almost died in the haunted house! Scariest thing ever. Screamed my lungs out! I was a zombie hunter at that event and Hannah was a zombie. We took many of pictures because seriously we looked amazing.

Now that Halloween season is over it is time for the best Thanksgiving!!!!!!! And then CHRISTMAS TIME!!!! Love the fall and the crunchy leaves but I look forward to the fluffy snow that makes this time of year super magical. :) Also look forward to wearing my Elf tshirt! YAY! Happy days ahead.

Last event going on. I am currently on a walleyball team. I'm not sure how that happened, I haven't played volleyball since 8th grade. And our first game was this week and I missed my serve like 5 times. But it is one of the funnest and spastic things I've done this semester!

Fun Facts!

Life is still an adventure. College is awesome, wayyyy different than high school. And I love that. I would like to share 3 fun facts this week.
1. I did a 5K a little back, yes you heard me. I ran for fun. What? Katelyn doesn't do that. But when she hears the word GLOW 5K and dance after, there is no way she will miss it. It surprisingly wasn't that bad, I even told my mom I might run the Teton Dam Marathon Race with her this spring. And not just because you get a shirt that says Dam Runner on it, although, that motivates me.
2. Still young at heart. Plugging my charger in for my laptop I fell into my laundry bucket. Quite funny, love these random things in life, I'm surprised I can fit in there with all that top ramen I am eating!!!
3. I am trying to decide whether or not my dog hates me. Penny is the cutest thing alive but everytime I come home she becomes way tired, little mutt.  I love going home and seeing the fam. This weekend I went to the temple with Kindra. And I went home and my dad bought donuts, so I had only like 3.
Those are your 3 fun facts for this week :)

How fun that I can still fit in one of these, what a great hiding spot if clothes were just thrown over me!

She posed like that on purpose, the little rat. JK love you Pen!

Darbie, Hannah, and me!!!


 

General Conference!!

This whole week I have been super anxious for General Conference! This weekend I came home and was spoiled with love by the fam.
1st I'd like to say that my mom is the best cook in the world. She made scrumptious cinnamon rolls, pumpkin bars, tacos, sandwiches, pizza, and soup. (can you say freshmen 15? I think that statement is only true if you visit home, A LOT.) I love my mom and her food.
2nd AVES CAME HOME!! That's right, my smartest, cutest, hipster, sister came home! So it is always good to have the whole fam together and gather around the tv for conference and pumpkin bars;)
3rd General Conference was the best! I was so excited for conference because my testimony for prophets and apostles has grown. I know that Thomas S. Monson is our prophet today, he is the Lord's voice on earth today. When he shares his testimony and shares heart felt stories I ball like a baby. My favorite talk this conference was Elder Holland's on depression. The reason I loved it was not because I am depressed, it was the stories he told that made me tear up. I especially loved at the end when he talked about disabled people and how they will be glorified in heaven. That brought me such joy because of all of my neat special friends I made in Special Needs Seminary this last year. I am so excited for all of those friends. I know that what Elder Holland spoke was true.

4th College is going great. Though it is the most stressful situation I have been in, I love it. I really enjoy my classes and job and sweetheart roommates and friends I have made.
I know God is watching over me, and I challenge anyone who reads this to pray to God and thank him for ALL he has given you. The quote that is on my journal is, "With every blessing brings a challenge and with every challenge brings a blessing. " I am grateful for every challenge brought my way because each challenge is a learning experience.

He always knows what to say.

Love coming home to my baby girl pink room and wearing my mickey sweater.

New Life.

I barely survived my first week of college. I'm kidding...I loved it. Its been quite the adventure.
My roommates are wayyy cool. We get along way too well...usually end up talking about awkward dates until in the wee hours of the morning. They are the greatest. We have had lots of new learning experiences in the week we have been together. The dishwasher tried to turn our kitchen into a hot tub. (amazing what the wrong dish soap can do!) Also the toilet was feeling left out, so he decided to overflow in the bathroom. Yay for new experiences!!!
Adjustments: Food. I have had fried tortillas 3 times this week. Wooh! I also have my collection of sugar cereals that I never get tired of. :)
School part: It really hasn't been as bad as I thought it would. It's already been a huge blessing being at my church school. I absolutely love it. I have had a constant prayer in my heart throughout this week and I have truly felt the Lord watching out for me.
Singles Ward, soooo different, it is so very quiet, I can hear my stomach growling and everyone breathing, its a weird thing. But it has been fun!I got a job on campus and I am loving it so far! I feel so old!
College is way different than I was expecting it to be, but I am grateful for these new experiences that are shaping me into the person I want to be! :)

Our sweet dishwasher. He just wanted to help clean the floor.

Yay for scrambled eggs and bagels! Favorite meal this week!

Changes in Life!

Since I am beginning a new chapter of my life, college, yikes, I've decided it may be about time to start one of these things. This maybe the only time I actually write haha. Life is changing, that's for sure! Getting ready to move out, paying $100 on a Math book, realizing every guy is going to be a Return Missionary and aggressive and ready to marry. YIKES! But then again, some things don't change, like my clumsiness, I broke a candle in Walmart the other day. So why can't I just go back to the 4th grade with Trey? Where things are simple and you really are only worried about if you get a brownie in your lunch!? I guess that's the reason why I am planning on majoring in Elementary Education! ;)

What am I most worried for...yes the school work....and yes the cooking for myself. My cooking has improved since age 13 when I burnt ramen noodles at a friends house, but that's another story. I don't know how long I can handle quesadillas, top ramen, and boxed mac n cheese. I now know that scrambled eggs, you have to mix the eggs and milk before you put them in the pan, that way they taste a little better!  I did get a very adorable blender that is turquoise, so I can make german pancakes!! But other than those few things I may be visiting the Crepe Corner multiple times with my friends, tracking down my dad for a few lunch dates, and coming home and stealing some delicious food that I've taken for granted the last 18 years:)

Summer I will miss you. I had a great time at my favorite place in the world, Lake Coeur d'Alene. I improved my wakeboarding skills (trying to keep up with Mitch) and wiped out many times while tubing. I also have been working at snocone shack, the happiest place on earth, or should I say yummiest?;)   Its been hard saying those dumb goodbyes to amazing friends but its part of life! I am very grateful for all of my friends serving missions for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I have been talking to a few weekly and they are such a strength to me. They give me challenges and help me with many questions I have. They are so selfless, going and escaping their lives for two years and serving the Lord and by bringing people unto Him. I know they are called by God to teach in certain places that need them. My testimony has grown so much this summer. I am grateful for the gospel in my life. I know with all my heart that it is the only true church on earth today. It brings such hope and happiness into my life. I know that only thru the temple and following in Christ's footsteps that we can return to Him and that families can be together beyond this life, forever. It comforts me that Christ atoned for my sins and that whatever mistake I make, He has felt it. I know without a doubt that God hears and answers our prayers and loves us so much. I know the Book of Mormon is the word of God and that President Thomas S. Monson is His mouthpiece on earth today. I'm grateful for my knowledge of this gospel.

 

Kindra's first time at the temple

We love lake time!

Well sorry to be churchy but I wanted to share that!! I am excited for all that is headed my way! Thrilled for new adventures on campus! Grateful that I am still close to family and can call up my mom to bring me homemade cookies or come home to do laundry! BYU-Idaho ready or not here I come! :)