After MUCH Anticipation...

...I have finally posted a blog (Ha ha). Unfortunately, I don't have anything too exciting to blog about! I haven't had a lot of things happening lately. My average week consists of church, work, mutual, KS Singers, and Ryan. I suppose I'll write a little about each of those.

Church: Church is always great, right? About four days before Mother's Day, the 1st counselor in the bishopric asked if I would speak. He informed me they usually ask people two weeks in advance, but somehow I'd slipped through the cracks. What?! I told him I'd prefer to sing, he said no. He also told me my topic would be on Mary, the mother of Jesus. Oh sure, no problemo. I have to admit, I was less than thrilled, but only because speaking is hard enough, let alone when you have four days and have to speak on someone as amazing and divine as Mary. I got to work and did a lot of studying. I learned so much about our Savior's Mother and what an example she can be to all of us. In the end, it was a wonderful thing for me to learn and even though I cried through 1/2 of my talk, all went well.

Work: Oh boy! Where do I start? Let me just say this; for the past year our supervisors have been telling us about some BIG scheduling changes coming to our department. Every one of the employees have been up in arms over these huge "life-changing" events! LONG story short, after months of worry, fighting, anticipation-and maybe even some excitement-my shift stayed the same. Thanks for nothin.

Mutual: This week we went to the Family History Center in SLC. Holy cow! What an amazing place. There is endless amounts of information at that place. The info on the microfiche alone goes on forever! I have never really been into geneology, but I've heard how people get so into it that it almost becomes an addiction. Before now, I've never really understood that phenomenon, but after going there, I can! I may even start doing some family history work myself!

Side note: Not everyone was as thrilled to be there as me, i.e. some of the 14-year old girls who shall remain nameless!

P.S. Did anyone else hear that the Catholic church will no longer allow names from their archives to be turned over to us for temple work. I think that is such a shame!

KS Singers: Making a commitment to rehearse every single Tuesday is often hard, but it's worth it. I feel so blessed to have music a big part of my life. I also feel blessed to be able to sing with this group and sing such beautiful songs about the Book of Mormon. We've had so many amazing experiences from singing in St. George to San Jose, to Hawaii! One day I need to write about our trip to Hawaii and how amazing it was!

Last, but certainly not least, Ryan: I love spending every last minute with him! We spent the last 9 of 11 days together and it was wonderful! Living over an hour apart from each other makes it hard to see each other more than 3-4 times/week so I'm feeling a bit spoiled. Things are going very well for us lately and I appreciate him so much. He is such a kind, patient, loving guy. He supports me in any/everything I do whether it's work choices, church callings or singing. Over the last two years and dozens of KS performances, he's probably only missed five. I love that about him. He is such a constant in my life and I know I can count on him for anything. In his kind, subtle ways, he helps me to be a better person. He's quiet and calming and reassuring. I love him and feel so lucky to have him!

Well, I guess I had more to write about than I thought. Life is great. :)

P.S. I want to give a shout-out to my BFF Celeste! (I just want to make sure she doesn't give me a hard time for not mentioning her in my post!)

GNO!

I get together with a group of my close friends once a month. It's kinda funny cause we were all in the Ogden University 11th Ward together. Chris, Carrie and I were roommates for a couple years, and once Carrie got married, Kathy moved in. We all always had a great time together. And aside from Chris not doing her dishes on occasion, we got along beautifully! (I know Chris won't read this, so I can say that. HA.) The other girls in our group also live(d) together, Kim, Cassie and Marisa. Actually, at one point we all lived at good ol' Christopher Village. Ah, the memories! Anyway, about a year ago we started doing a monthly Girl's Night Out (GNO.) We even have a symbol of our friendship! :D I think it was Chris who came up with the idea to get these Pandora bracelets for birthday presents for each other. You can buy charms to put on the bracelets and that's what we've done for birthday's and Christmas so far. (To avoid confusion, sometimes I just call them my bracelet friends!)

Kim is getting married this month so we pitched in to get her some lingerie and other fun things for the honeymoon. I think it's funny cause you have Chris, Kathy, Carrie and I who are SO not shy about things like that, and then you have Cassie, Kim and Marisa who tend to be more private and reserved about things like that! Nonetheless, I don't think Kim was too embarrassed and we had a fun time! Here are a few pics from our night out:

The whole gang: Carrie, Krista, Cassie, Kathy, Chris, Kim & Marisa

Carrie, Baby Owen, Cassie, Kathy & Marisa

Best Roomies ever! Chris (did you know we were taking a picture?) Kathy, Me & Carr!

Ha ha, Carrie hates this pic cause of dub! I love it!

Hooligans! Cassie, Me & Kim

My bracelet. I got the music note for Christmas (which I love), and the heart one for my birthday this year. Thanks guys!

Awesome Quote

Not to sound overly dramatic or picked on, but the past six months or so I've had a rough go of things. It sometimes seems like almost everything that could cause stress, anxiety or worry has hit me. I won't go into any detail, but I think the past six months may have been the hardest to-date for me. I know we all go through trials, temptations, and tribulations for a reason though. I remember when I was a young woman hearing a talk by President Benson (I think that's who it was), and he talked about how he prayed every day for a new mountain to climb. He said every time he conquered a mountain and overcame trial, he came out a better, stronger, more faithful person. I remember thinking, "I don't think I could EVER pray for that!" I'm still not sure if I would, but I know it's true. As I continue to work out the things going on in my life, it's quotes like this that make me happy and hopeful!

"The challenges you face, the growth experiences you encounter, are intended to be temporary scenes played out on the stage of a life of continuing peace and happiness. Sadness, heartache, and disappointment are events in life. It is not intended that they be the substance of life. I do not minimize how hard some of these events can be. When the lesson you are to learn is very important, trials can extend over a long period of time, but they should not be allowed to become the confining focus of everything you do. Your life can and should be wondrously rewarding. It is your understanding and application of the laws of God that will give your life glorious purpose as you ascend and conquer the difficulties of life. That perspective keeps challenges confined to their proper place--stepping-stones to further growth and attainment."
– Elder Richard G. Scott –

Friday Fun at Temple Square

Last Friday was a fun evening. Nancy and Michael invited Ryan and I to attend a concert with them on Temple Square. Nancy's brother Ben ended up coming to town from Vegas so we decided to set him up on a date. We lined him up with my old roomie Chris and hoped it would be a match-made in heaven! We met up at the Lion's House for a quick bite before the show. After we ate we headed over to see Joseph Smith the Prophet, at the tabernacle. (A funny side-note, we ran into Phyllis, one of my friend's from high-school. I probably hadn't seen her in four years prior to our lunch yesterday, and and now again on Temple square the next day!) Anyway, Ryan was running late because he got out of work late and I hadn't told him it was best-dressed (oops), so we ended up going in without him. I was excited because Presidents Monson and Uchtdorf came in and we had a perfect view of them the whole time. On top of that, the concert was amazing!
As for the match-made in heaven? Well, no numbers were exchanged, but I guess ya never know! It was a fun night. Thanks for the invites, Martins!

Class Reunion?

Today was a fun day. Adie and I planned to go to lunch with Kara today. I was excited to see them both, but little did I know it would be a CHS class reunion! I showed up and it ended up being Adie, Kara, Cheridan, Phyllis and Amberlee. What fun! I guess Adie called the others this morning and pulled together an impromptu gathering. It was really great to see them and some of their cute kids.
It's crazy to think we are all the same age, yet Cheridan and Phyllis both have five children, and Adie, Kara & Amberlee have three each. Wow, what the heck have I been doing?! Anyway, we laughed a lot, reminisced and got caught up. We had such a great group of friends growing up and in high school. We were always out and about trying to find some fun adventures. We went to Bear Lake in the summers, Mesquite for Spring Break, and Teasdale (Capital Reef National Park) for our Senior trip. I loved those years! A few years after we'd graduated however, we'd all kinda gone our separate ways. I began to believe the things my brother Weston used to tell me about how we were only friends because of geographics. I started thinking we really didn't have a lot in common and were just meant to be good friends during my adolescent years. We'd still try and get together every year for a Christmas party, but sometimes I felt like we were all just so different. It wasn't until a few years ago I realized how much fun we still had. This last December, we all met up at Karen's house for our annual party and it was then I really knew we weren't only friends just because we'd grown up together. We are all girls trying to do the best we can in life. We have so much fun together and a connection that takes us back to our childhood! I'm so glad we've remained friends and I really believe we will for life. :)

Here are a few pics from our ten-year (ahem) reunion. Yes, I know I look different, please don't point it out. HA!

Karen, Me, Katie, Amberlee

Clockwise: Karen, Amberlee, Me, Liz, Katie, Denise, Cheridan & Kara

Getting to know me!

I haven't had much to write about lately, but my friend Audri tagged me so here is a fun little survey:

A - Attached or single: Attached to Ryan, for almost three years now.
B - Best Friend: Ryan :)
C - Cake or Pie: I'd probably have to say pie. I love coconut and banana cream!
D - Day of Choice: Sunday. It's the day I go to church, see Ryan and hang with the fam.
E - Essential Item: My purse, cause it has all the essentials.
F - Favorite Color: Yellow
G - Gummy Bears or Worms: Worms
H - Hometown: Syracuse
I - Indulgence(s): Reality TV, singing.
J - January or July: After this winter I'm going to have to say July!
K - Kids: I love my nieces and nephews, and a few others! :)
L - Life is incomplete without: Family
M - Marriage Date: Hmmm, how about September 20th, 2008??
N - Number of Siblings: 5 brothers, 1 sister
O - Oranges or Apples: I really like both, but I'm leaning towards the orange.
P - Phobias or Fears: Depends on the day. Sometimes elevators. :)
Q - Quote(s): "My life is nothing more than an acumulation of blessings from God." -B. Jay" When life ceases to be difficult, that is when progression stops." -K. Burningham
R - Reason to Smile: Baby Tayson, Ryan, warm sunny day, the Gospel, friends, vacation.
S - Season: I love all the seasons. That's one of the great things about Utah, you get all four.
T - Tag Eight: Carrie, Ash, Amber, Celeste, Nancy, Nikki, Carol, Sarah, Sis, Kara, Codee, Alisa, Melissa, Tara Becky, Sherrie & Di!
U - Unknown Fact About Me: I once danced next to Charles Barkley. Ha ha.
V - Vegetarian or Oppressor of Animal: I wouldn't call it oppression of animals, but whatev, I eat meat.
W - Worst Habit: Uh...far too many. Don't always finish what I start, over-eat, tardy. I don't want to go on!
Y - Your Favorite Food: Steak, ice-cream. Odd combo.
Z - Zodiac: Aries, I'm a ram.

Remodel, Ingrid, Conference & Albertson's

I haven't posted anything for a week or so and since I have a few cool things to write about, I'll go back. Several weeks ago my brother Brady asked if our family would be able to come help him get his house ready to remodel. Friday evening we all headed to Brady's and got to work. We pulled up carpet and tackboard, scrubbed walls and cupboards, pounded out tile and linoleum, mudded, patched and sanded and other various jobs. Of the twenty-five members of my immediate family, almost all were there to help. At one point Dallin and Nicole were on top of the cupboards vacuuming and scrubbing. Jed and my dad were doing all the taping and drywall stuff since they're so good at it. RaNae and Melissa took on the grueling task of pulling tacks and staples out of the floors. Weston taped and painted. Ryan, Brett and Brady were pouding out the tiling and various other things. My mom kept things organized and swept right under our feet. At all times everone was busy working hard and getting things done. I'm so grateful for a family who is so willing to help each other. My family has always pitched in and pulled together whether it was someone moving, painting, putting in a yard, or building a shed. It's so nice to know you can count on your family and they will always be there in any time of need!

The next day was a day I had been looking forward to for weeks. Ryan and I had gotten tickets to see one of my favorite artists, Ingrid Michaelson. I love her voice, her songs and harmonies, not to mention she is really down to earth. I know that because she and I are pretty tight. HA! Anyway, The concert was actually called the Hotel Cafe Tour which featured a lot of up and coming artists. There were some cool people I liked; Meika, and Dan Wilson, but there simply was not enough Ingrid. What she did sing was amazing live though and it was great because we were right up close to the front and had a perfect view! Afterwards, we started shuffling out but I noticed a few people milling around by the stage. I told Ryan I wanted to see if she'd come out. Sure enough, a few minutes later she came out. Did I actually wait to meet her, get a picture taken with her and ask for an autograph? Yes, yes I did. I'm pretty sure Ryan thinks I'm a huge nerd, and actually I think I'm a huge nerd for doing so, but what the heck? It was fun! Anyway, I only had my camera phone with no flash so the picture is pretty much pitch black, but here it is:

Best buds, Ingrid & Krista

Apparently I'm her #1 fan

After a great night with Ryan we went our separate ways and headed home. The next day was General Conference. I always love when it's conference time and we get to hear from our Prophet and apostles. Even though I love and miss President Hinckley dearly, I love President Monson and know he truly is a prophet of God. I recorded Saturday's session since I wasn't able to watch it and have yet to watch it. Soon though!

Now tonight is Friday night again. Ryan came up after work so we could go to Albertson's! What could be more fun for a Friday night date? It's kinda sad actually. The Alberton's on Antelope Drive (next to Kmart) is closing. It's so weird because it's the store we always went to (besides Hamblin's) growing up. That was long before the days of having a Smith's and Walmart in Syracuse, let alone a traffic light! Anyway, most everything in the store is 75% off so we wanted to see if we could get some deals! We got there and I'd say more than 80% of the merchandise is already gone. Nevertheless, we got a few steals and it was fun to watch Mr. I-Hate-Shopping going through the bargains. After shopping, we got some take-out chinese food and now I'm here at work. I'd say I had a pretty great week!

Family Fireside

What a week! Last Saturday night Ryan came up to take me out for my birthday. My surprise party was so great I didn't need anything more, but Ryan insisted. He ended up taking me to a delicious Mexican restaurant in Farr West called Bella's. I highly recommend the chicken taquitos, they were SO good! Afterward we stopped at my oldest bro's house, (Ryan and RaNae's) and had a nice quick visit with them. "My" Ryan (it's sometimes very confusing to have your brother and boyfriend share the same name!) ended up staying over at my house that night because we were going to my brother Ryan's ward in the morning. The next day we went to Hooper to see my bro speak. He was put in as 1st counselor in his ward. Afterwards he was set apart and my dad ordained my brother as a high priest. It was really neat to be there for that and my dad gave a really special blessing.

After that I had to rush back to my own ward for YW's, and Ryan headed home. This was my actual birthday and it was cute cause all the girls sang Happy Birthday to me. Later, on Sunday evening, my mom, Kellee, and I attended a fireside in our stake. Elder Jeffery R. Holland of the Twelve came to our stake center and spoke on the importance of families. What a privilege to have an apostle and his wife come and speak to us! One thing he said that was so poignant was that everything in this church, sooner or later, comes down to the family. Some other great things he said:

-The day we don't have time to pray or read our scriptures is the very day we need it most.

-This life is not home, it's a step along the way. Everything in this life is pointed toward the next.

-This earth life gives us the practice to be Godly. How much of what we love about the Savior was done in a church? It was done out where life was being lived. That is where the gospel is lived and how the Savior taught.

-We are kinder to the store clerk than our loved ones. It cannot be! We should have no contention one with another. Our hearts should be knit together in unity and love. You can't tear something apart this is knit together. It's unyielding.

Anyway, it was a really great fireside and I'm grateful I could be there. At the end, he gave us an assignment. He told us to find where we can be more Godly, whether it's in being more compassionate, forgiving, harmonious etc. Then he blessed us if we would, we'd see miracles in our lives and in our families. It was such a great night! I wish Ryan could have been there!


The next day I got to go watch baby Tayson. My sister-in-law Melissa is graduating next month with her RN. She has class for just a couple hours on Monday's, she has also had to precept at the hospital where she basically works for free. Before you can graduate you have to put in so many hours shadowing another nurse. Anyway, it's been great that I can help out and watch the baby. He is such a sweet, happy baby and I love getting to spend the extra time with him!

Surprise!!

Friday, March 28th, 2008

A few days ago, my brother Brett asked if Ryan and I wanted to come over on Friday to have a ping-pong tournament. He said he was having some friends over and they were going to do a bracket-style tourney. I told Ryan about it and he was definitely up for it! Tonight (Friday)rolled around and I was waiting for Ry to get off work and come up. I got the idea that I wanted to make some of that gooey, coconuty, chex mix. When Ryan got to my house, I told him I wanted to go to Smith's to buy some of the necessary ingredients. We got to Smith's and I started gathering things up, and Ryan kept trying to talk me out of making it. I didn't want to go to Brett's empty-handed so I insisted. The bill came to $20 or so and Ryan said he would pay for it. I didn't understand why he'd pay when he didn't even want me to make it, but I thought it was very sweet of him. After that I tried calling my sis Kell to see if she was coming, but I could not get hold of her. I called Brett to see if we could come now and he told me he got caught up at work and would be late. He asked if I'd go and pick up two pizza's at the Little Caesar's in Clinton. I said I would, so Ry and I headed to Clinton. I didn't think two pizza's would be enough to feed everyone, so I got a third one, plus some breadsticks. We finally made our way to Brett's house and walked in.

"SURPRISE!" My sister Kellee, along with the help of Brett, and Ry planned a surprise party for me! My whole family (excluding my parents, who had Jazz tickets) was there, Laura, Kalani and kids, Amy Bedoya, Codee Jones and her fam, Thom, Tandra and Mason, and Chris (my old roomie) were all there! I was so shocked! I seriously had no idea. And me, being the big baby I am, started crying because it was so sweet! Kellee had contacted all these people weeks ago and planned it all. She even called my work to have the first couple hours of my shift covered! What a great sis! At the party they already had eight pizza's, and my mom had made a huge yummy salad, some delicious dip, and she also bought the cake. Needless to say, the Chex mix never came to fruition, and it's no wonder Ryan was trying to talk me out of it! I had such a great time though and was so grateful to everyone who came. It was the best birthday ever! Here are some pics from tonight:

What's that? Happy Birthday K i r s t a! Ha ha

My oldest brother Ryan and his family

Me and Ry in front of my birthday sign

Mason, Tandra, Amy, Laura and her daughter Autumn

Sisters-in-law Missy and RaNae. Niece Nicole.

Sweet sis Kellee, adorable niece Brookie, Thom and Ryan

I love these girls! Laura, Amy, me, Chris and Tandra

The Party Planners, Brett, Kellee and Ryan (Oh, and Amy and I!) Ryan looks so cute in this pic!

Girl's Night of Fun!

March 26th, 2008

Since our hilarious friend Nikki, was coming to town from Chicago we knew we had to have a get-together! On Wednesday, Laura, Jacky, Nancy, Nikki, Nikki's friend, Nikki's mom, and I all met up at the Cheesecake Factory. We had such a great time catching up, laughing, and eating a LOT of food. It's always a joy to have Laura around because you can count on her doing something to make everyone laugh. I can't believe she wouldn't let me get a picture of her when she dropped her cheescake right on her lap! We stayed for hours and had a thoroughly great time!

Jacky, Teri, and Nikki

Nancy, me, Laura

Jacky, Teri, Nikki, Nancy, Me, Laura, Rosemary (Nancy & Nikki's ma!)

That night, I invited myself to sleep over at Laura's (ha ha) so I wouldn't have to drive home from SLC. Her husband Kalani, had fallen asleep in thier daughters bed so Laura told me to just come in and sleep in the nice king-sized bed with her. Well, Laura woke up early the next morning to go to work. Around 6am, I heard an annoying buzzing in my ear and I tried to make it stop. The next thing I know, Kalani came into the room wondering why his alarm didn't go off. Oops! He was also wondering what the heck I was doing in his bed! Haha, good thing he's such an easy-going guy! Laura and I had a good laugh about it later in the day while we were getting our pedicures. I wanted a cute flower on my toe since it's been nice warm weather lately. The guy doing my toes started with this really cute little flower. I thought, "Wow, he's putting some nice detail into it." Then he continued, and continued and continued until I had this huge monstrosity on my big toe! The picture is blurry and has a glare, but this was the final result:

Whoa!!!

I guess I was feeling like I needed to spruce things up a bit cause I got my pedicure and also got my hair done this week. Hello Blondie!

Double Whoa!!!