Joy

Oh JOY!!!! Exams are finished and the countdown to home is now bearable. As of now... I will be home in 4 days!! I cannot wait to see my family, Travis, eat delicious Christmas treats, be HOME, see my mom's beautiful house and decorations, to relax, watch some Christmas classics.... the list could go on and on. I absolutely love this time of year. I've been listening to Christmas music the whole month and trying to get into as much of the Spirit as I can. Sometimes it's hard without all the yummy treats and beautiful decorations that my mom has always had! I've been spoiled.
   That being said... I am grateful that I have been able to recognize what the real reason for the season is. I'm grateful for my Savior and for the sacrifices He has made for me to be able to enjoy all of the things I have listed above. I'm realizing how important it is for me to seek for the things that will make me rich in the life hereafter and not in the world. I am so blessed- - and the things that make me so blessed are all of the simple things!!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!! 

Also... a shout out to my team!!!! We are now 10-2 and are playing really well. We won last night at Utah State and have one more game before the break. Keep supporting the Lady Cougs' so we can keep this winning streak goin'! 

BLONDIE

I got my hairrr did!

My good friend, Karin Cottle, was able to do my hair today. It was a wonderful break from all the exam studying and it was definitely a deed that needed to be done. She did a wonderful job and I am loving it. I think the last time I was this blonde was when I was a little girl! I'm loving it!!!

Exams = Brutal

3 more exams...

6 more practices...

2 more games...

9 more days...

and then....

I'M HOME!!!!!!!!

do you think I'm excited??

To Paradise and Back..

   It literally feels like yesterday that I left for Hawaii. I actually left a week ago and I am already back. I can't really figure out to to feel quite yet because it went by so fast. Obviously, I'm sad to have left a beautiful island with beautiful weather to come back to cold and snowy Utah. But, it is nice to be back in my own bed and be able to really focus on the things I need to without being distracted by the ocean and nice weather.
  It was a really fun trip! We won the tournament and played some awesome basketball. We really played well as a team and that is always a lot of fun. We beat some very talented teams, which is really good for us. It wasn't just all basketball (which I'm so grateful for). We were able to go to the beach several times, surf, shop, eat shave ice, go to a luau (amazing food), went to the Polynesian Cultural Center... it was fun! My parents were able to come, as well as my Grandparents! It was really fun to have them there since I never get to see them. I was grateful that I actually had time to see them! We are constantly on the go, but luckily I was able to spend time with my parents.
  We came home on the redeye flight last night. I will say this... those flights are absolutely brutal. Especially if you have a hard time sleeping on planes. I'm tall, so it is difficult to get comfortable and I'm a really light sleeper and the lady's overhead light that was on during the whole flight didn't make it any easier to get some shut eye. It was a long trip and a busy trip and I am exhausted!!

My grandpa and I at the Luau! 

Handing out necklaces at the Luau! So much fun! This was before I ate my entire weight in decadent food. The Hawaiians say... "Don't eat until you're full, eat until you're tired".... I took it literally. I could have fallen asleep at the table.

Mango smoothie by the beach? Yes please.

I would take the ocean for my backyard.

We beat the University of Arizona over in Hawaii and were lucky to have a lot of fans come out! Our football team was playing in Honolulu on Saturday, so a lot of BYU fans were on the island and came to support us. It was like a home-court advantage! Such a sweet win! 

   As much fun as I had in Hawaii.. I am glad to be back and to get back into the swing of things. That being said... SCHOOL is not one of those things. Just thinking of how much I need to do to stay caught up and have hopes of doing well, makes me quiver. Almost done. 2 more weeks, 2 more weeks, 2 more weeks....

  Also... I LOVE Christmas! I am really getting into the spirit of it now that I'm back and it feels like winter. I am loving pandora.com, listening to all the Christmas classics. I'm looking forward to all the movies, food and traditions! I don't get to be home this year for very long, so I'm trying to make the entire Christmas experience as joyous as I can, no matter where I am! It's a wonderful time of year. I can't wait to see all of my family and Travis! 

Give Thanks

   Yesterday, I was able to celebrate American Thanksgiving! Boy, was I grateful for that since I really didn't get to celebrate Canadian Thanksgiving. The Kaufusi family was kind enough to invite me over for dinner and it was delicious!! Not that the Kaufusi's don't do enough for me already. It was a great day! On Thanksgiving I usually eat so much that I am in so much pain the rest of the day. But, I didn't over-do it yesterday and it was lovely. It was the perfect amount of food!
  I am a very blessed girl. I've had some time to be by myself with everyone else at their family's homes and it's been really nice to be able to sit back and reflect on the things that I am thankful for...

I am grateful to be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and to be led by a true prophet of God. I can't even begin to count the blessings I've received just by choosing to live the Gospel. It is true and the one thing in my life I can always count on to be gratifying and unchanging. 

I am grateful for my beautiful family. I am lucky that each of my family members are happy and healthy! I am sad that I don't get to be around all of them more often but I love each of them so much. As tough as it has been being away from them, it has allowed me to better enjoy my time that I do have with them. I love that as we have all grown up that we have been able to grow closer.

I am grateful for my friends. Throughout my life I have been blessed with wonderful companions that have supported me through so much. I am so lucky to have the people that I do in my life and for the lasting influence each of them have made. I have so many people to be thankful to and if I could post each of their pictures, I would. I love my friends. 

I'm grateful for Travis. I have to say that Travis' placement in my life was perfect. All that he is, has brought so much happiness and satisfaction to my life. Our relationship has really strengthened my testimony in that our Heavenly Father knows what we need sometimes before we even know ourselves. I am grateful that I can always be myself and always have such a great example supporting me. 

I am grateful for my experience at BYU. Somedays I have a really hard time with things and wish more than anything that I could be home. However, I would not trade anything for the lessons I've learned and the experiences that I have had. I am grateful that I have been able to further my education, meet life-long friends and compete in the game that I love. I am growing up and have gained a greater appreciation for what is really important and I'm grateful that I have been able to learn these things at BYU. It is a special place. 

I am grateful that I am healthy. That is definitely one thing that I have learned not to take for granted. I witnessed one of my dearest friends encounter a life threatening disease. I learned how fragile life is and how important it is to keep ourselves healthy while we can. 

I am grateful for all God's creatures. Animals have always brought my so much joy and I am grateful for the way that they have influenced my life over the years. I have and always will love animals and their innate ability to love unconditionally. 

I'm sure that I missed a lot that I truly am grateful for. But, I know that I am very blessed and that I need to live my life with greater appreciation for the things that I do have.

Life is wonderful! 

Can I just brag for a moment?

   So, it turns out that the guy I'm dating is... THE best. A few weeks ago, we had our home opener against DUKE! A big game for us. Travis had warned me earlier in the week that I would be receiving a surprise the night before the big game. He claimed it to be "just a little something".  So, of course... I'm freaking out, wondering what this surprise is! I was having my nightly phone call with Trav the night before the game and I still hadn't gotten this surprise. So, we were just talking and he asked if I was excited for the game the next day. He then asked me if I could guess where he was going watch it. My first guess was... his computer because he just signed up for BYUtv (I know, so sweet!) but... my guess was wrong?! After this... I had a small inkling of what the surprise might be. I opened the door to look outside and guess who's standing there. Travis Seaborn!!! He came down with his brother and sister-in-law for the weekend to watch my game. How lucky am I?
  After he left for home, I left for Oklahoma and Kansas! Our team did alright with one win and one loss. It's tough on the road sometimes but, we were able to learn a lot. When we flew home... guess whose flight flew in just before ours? You guessed it... Travis!! We met up at the baggage claim and he came back to Provo with the team and I on the bus.
   We had such a fun weekend!! He was down for his mission companion's wedding but... that was just one day and I was lucky to have him for the rest of the weekend. We went skating one night, which was an absolute blast!! Watched Insidious (WORST idea ever- - scared the livin' day lights out of both of us),   went to church and spent time at the Kaufusi's. We have so much fun, all the time.
   I'm tellin' ya.. this guy is a gem! I dropped him off at the airport today as soon as I finished practice. It always sucks saying goodbye, but we are both busy people and Christmas is just around the corner!! When I came home, I saw that Trav had folded my laundry and cleaned my room while I was at practice. THANK YOU TRAVIS!!!!

Also... a big thanks to the Kaufusi family for allowing Trav to stay in their home!! I will repay that family someway and somehow one day.. I promise!

ALSO..

I want to do something to my hair. My hair is really long right now and boy... do I love long hair!! But, it feels a little unhealthy right now and I kind of want to try something fun and different. I need your honneessstttt opinions!! Should I get a shoulder length/ chunky/ shorter hair cut with some bangs? The last time I went short is was a very brash decision and didn't work out how I had hoped. So, please... give me some of your thoughts!! 

Education in Zion

       Right now, I am taking a Doctrine and Covenants class here at BYU. For the class I was required to spend one hour in the “Education in Zion” exhibit found on campus to observe how the exhibit applies to my personal life and to what I have been studying in class. Initially, I was a little hesitant to whether I could spend an entire hour just observing things, when I could be spending it on something else.

       I just finished spending an hour at the exhibit and how foolish was I to think that it wouldn’t be a wise use of my time. I was overwhelmed with the Spirit that resonated in me as soon as I decided to open my mind and take full advantage of this opportunity. Everything in the exhibit was so beautifully arranged and it was so neat to be able to put a picture to all that I have been studying in class. Often times, history can be a dry and boring subject. However, in regards to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, I don’t believe there to be a more intriguing and astounding subject to study.

       I love the Gospel and I know it to be true. I can confidently say that there isn’t one thing that could pry me away from this truth. However, I will also be the first to admit that I am so far away from perfect and from where I need to be. Do I take full advantage of the time I spend at church each Sunday? No. Do I read my scriptures with eagerness everyday? No. Do I always remember Him and do all that I can to be like Him? No. When I sit back and reflect on how I live my life and realize all the things that I could do better, it saddens me. I have every tool available to be the best I can possibly be and I choose not to use them.  No, I don’t consciously choose to be sinful and to not live up to my potential. But, I often times allow the worries of the world dictate how I act and how feel towards certain things. That being said, I am grateful for the testimony I do have and for the opportunities I have everyday to strengthen it because, no matter how crazed I get with certain things, I will always know the truth. I know that when life gets too hard to stand, I can kneel and pray to my Father above. I know that when I don’t perform to my best ability on the basketball court, I am still viewed as great in my Heavenly Father’s eyes. What a comfort it is to know these things, yet why is it so difficult to forget them as I go about living my daily life?

            In this exhibit, I read a lot about the early Saints and their desire and willingness to establish and redeem Zion. There was one quote that really caught my attention. It read, “Though the Saints as a people have often fallen short of the Zion ideal, what stands out historically is the tenacity with which they strove to make their life together a heaven on earth.” This statement brought me a lot of comfort because it reminded me that I am not the only one that isn’t perfect here on this earth. Our Heavenly Father knows us sometimes better than we know ourselves. He knows our thoughts and He knows our desires. I love, in that quote, that it says the word ‘tenacity’. To me, that is such a powerful word that applies to the many facets of life. Sometimes I think that the word tenacity gets confused with the word aggression. In my mind, they are two completely different ideas. To approach something with tenacity is, to do all that you can do and to give all that you have to give. When all is said and done, whether you won or lost, you can walk away knowing that you gave it ‘your all’. I believe this to be a huge reason to why our church is as powerful as it is today! We have leaders and many members that bear and proclaim this truth with tenacity and an undying faith.

            I have felt and learned many things today but the one lesson that sticks out the most is to never lose my tenacity and my desire to do what is right. To always strive to become a disciple of Christ. I know that I have only seen just the beginning of my trials and that there are going to be more smooth and bumpy times ahead of me. There will be times when I triumph and times when I fall short…. But, it is the grace of our Savior; after all I can do that will save me.  I am so incredibly blessed and grateful for this opportunity to visit this exhibit and to have learned the things that I did. This church is true and there is absolutely no doubt about it.

“We move forward faithfully into the future only by understanding our past. Our founding stories reveal to us the higher purposes for which our forebears strove, and help us know the path that we should follow.”

Am I a lame person?

   Alright, it's Halloween weekend and what is the popular thing to do for a college student? It's to dress up and go dance the night away. Well.... I've mentioned before that the whole 'dance party' scene is really not my favorite. I don't know if it's the strange sweaty bodies rubbing up next to you, getting your feet stepped on, the smells or the dirty dancing that has really rubbed me the wrong way, but I am just not a fan of dances. That being said, I have been to a few here and there with my group of friends that have been really fun. It's definitely something that requires the right mind set and company. Halloween is just a crazy time of year! I miss the good old days of having cute costumes, figuring out who you were going to go trick or treating with, carving pumpkins and eating my mom's popcorn balls. That is Halloween to me! For those that know me well, I love to have a good time and laugh. I just like to have fun in other ways than attending crazy dances. Does that make me lame?

So true.. haha.

     

    Aside from my ranting, I had a pretty relaxed weekend. It sounds super boring and super lame but after a week chalked full of school and basketball- relaxation is all I want. I am a pretty low key and easy going gal and enjoy the simple things in life. Saturday was great because I got to sleep in (which is a rare occasion these days-- but that's life!), I did some homework, went with Aneka to her lover's Lacrosse game, browsed around the mall and then went and saw a movie with people that I love. 

   We went and saw Footloose! It was really good! THOSE are the kind of dances that I would attend and probably enjoy myself at. People could talk, see each other's faces and they were actually dancing....  maybe I'm being too much of an 'old soul', but i know what I like. 

The sun was shining yesterday but it is getting COLD!! I don't want winter to come!! 

Our first 2 exhibition games are this week!! We play Western Oregon on Thursday and Dixie State on Friday. These are just exhibition but next week is when the real madness begins!!! We have our home opener against DUKE!!!! So, if you're in Utah... PLEASE COME! It is freeeee!!!! 

Lots o' fun!

   Alright... another great, great, great weekend!! This time, my weekend really started on Thursday- - how could you go wrong with that?!
   On Thursday night I spent most of the night with my team at the soccer game! I love my team, such fun girls that are easy to talk to and that are so down to earth. After the soccer game, I went home and prepared for a late night. Travis left in the afternoon and I wanted to stay up to make sure he was safe driving through the night. Fus, Kim, Bailey and Aubri were all over and we had some fun! I made 2 pumpkin rolls, delicious chicken tortilla soup! After all the girls left, it was about 12:30 and it was just Kim and I at the table talking. I called Trav to see where he was, assuming that he would be in Idaho Falls considering the time that he left... or the time that I thought he left. When he answered the phone, I asked him where he was and he said.... "Outside your house." The stinker left a lot earlier than what originally told me! It was a wonderful surprise! It wasn't a super late night after all.

  Friday morning I went with Travis, Zach and Nin to Kneaders for some breakfast! It was delicious as always. I had a really good day with Travis and enjoyed showing him around BYU and all that Provo has to offer. Friday night we had our Blue and White scrimmage (a glorified practice). Zach and Travis came and watched! It was Travis' first time seeing me play and he was still stickin' around after the game, so I guess it wasn't all too bad ;) After the game, Trav and I raced back to my place so I could change before we headed out to the Haunted Forrest!!! We met up with Riley, John, Haley and Bo and had so much fun!! It was really scary! I get totally freaked out in those things. Travis even jumped a few times! It's funny watching other people in situations like that. So much fun! 

  Saturday was a busy day! Trav and I went and enjoyed some Crepe's for breakfast and then got ready for the big game! This was Trav's first college football game! It was a lot of fun because we got to go out onto the field during the warm ups and what not! It was a pretty fun thing for Travis to experience. BYU played Idaho State and beat them quite handily but, it's still always really fun to go to the games and be in that environment. 

Kind of a brief post for something that I really have lots to say about! But, I've got a busy week ahead of me with lots of planning to do! I'm happy and had a really fun time with Travis and my friends. He fit in with all my buds and hopefully had a fun time too!! 

Relaxation Station

    Is it just me... or does October seem to be flying by? I had a very busy week last week, but I will say that it was a great week! I got a lot done, basketball wasn't as stressful and I was able to finish it off with a great weekend!

Okay... just so everyone knows, my number one website to visit these days is no longer facebook. Pinterest has stolen my heart!! I literally could spend hours on end looking at all the cute and clever ideas. Bailey came over on Friday night and I treated her to this decadent treat. Lemon-Poppyseed Pancakes! They were so delicious! 

I finished off the evening hanging out with these 2 ladies! We had fun carving pumpkins while watching a scary movie and enjoying some divine carmel-corn. Halloween festivities can be so fun!!

Bailey and Fus' pumpkins were so good!! Fus is extremely artistic and really good at stuff like this. I've learned that I am a great visualizer and can come up with really fun and intricate ideas BUT they never turn out how I hope them to... Oh well, I guess ya' win some and lose some. 

Saturday was another relaxing and pinspired.. I mean inspired day! Aneka came over and we had some fun with different hair ideas! What she did to my hair, I wish so badly I could do on my own. Cool eh?!

Later that night I drove up to Heber for Kim's sister, Nicole's wedding reception. She looked beautiful and everything was super elegant. I thought her idea was really cute! All of her desserts and colors were 'fall' inspired. I loved the fact that she had pumpkin pie and milk for drinks! So fun. This little girl confiscated my camera from my purse and took these pictures of Kim and I. Kinda funny! 

Sunday is always a bitter-sweet day. It's great because it's the Sabbath but it can also not be so great because the next day is Monday. I had a great day today though! It was beautiful outside, and like I've mentioned before, Utah is beautiful in the fall! All the trees on the mountains turn a really pretty and striking orangey-red! I love it. After church, Alexis and Corbin came over to my place for a bit and then I joined them up at their place. It was super chill (just the way I like my Sunday's) and I probably ate my weight in delicious food. They really do take great care of me! Love that family.  This should be a good week! Lots to do and keep busy with... not to mention that Trav' will be here on Friday!! So excited to see that fella. 

Also....

I'm trying to sell these puppies. They are a size 11 and super cute! But, I don't wear them enough to keep em'. So, if you or anyone you know might be interested... let me know and I'll give ya' more details :) 

    

Why are the weekends so short...

   This past week was a pretty good one. Now that practices have officially started, it kind of makes the weeks go by slower. I've mentioned this in my blog before but, I really don't like this time of the year. All we do is practice, condition, lift and practice some more and it just gets really redundant. Once the games start... the good times start. Basketball has been extremely stressful and not overly enjoyable as of lately- - it's a game that can be super rewarding but also super discouraging. Good thing we learn the concept of persistence and hopefully it will start to feel rewarding again.
   Another thing that brings a little more ease to this time of the year is.... the weekend! It's the best and seemingly the only time to really relax, socialize, sleep and eat really good food. This weekend was a good one but most definitely too short!!!

It was homecoming this weekend- - which means that anywhere surrounding BYU is an absolute gong show. It's so busy! But, a fun environment nonetheless. Our team always participates in the Homecoming Parade and every year it is freezing cold! It is really fun to be in parades and to watch people's reactions, especially when you have goodies to pass out. Priceless. 

Comfort food? Mmm yes. It has been really cold these past few days in the 801! Not pleasant. Aneka and I thought that grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup would be perfect thing to chow down on such a chilly day. This grilled cheese was BOMB! Aneka showed me the trick of putting italian dressing on the bread before you grill it. Delish! Obviously, this is no turkey dinner (that all my loved ones are enjoying as I type this) but... for now, it will do the trick.

Another thing that Aneka got me hooked on... GINGER BEER!! When I was sick last weekend, it reminded me of how much I love ginger ale; I try hard not to give ginger ale a bad reputation because it is so commonly associated with the stomach flu. This stuff is like ginger ale but BETTER! I love it. 

The freak on the left is Morgan Bailey, the devil in the middle is me and the murderer on the right is Fus. Last night we had an absolute ball turning ourselves into these lovely creatures. The plan was to scare our dear friend Kimberly! Well, we didn't scare her so much as make her laugh. I don't blame her! I can't keep a straight face looking at these pictures. It's so fun to be a freak every once in a while!! Whenever I get opportunities like this, I go all out. My entire persona changes. It's not just a fun event.... it's a production. 

   I love the freaks that I have for friends! They keep me so entertained. There really isn't many things better than a good laugh. I'm looking forward to the upcoming week... it should be a lot better than the last! Travis comes down in 12 days and I am really excited to see him! It will be a fun time, as always!!! 

HOME SWEET HOME!

   Okay, my 4 days at home... could not have been better! You know how when you picture things in your mind and they are always so great but... when the time comes, things never seem to go as you have imagined it? Well, this weekend at home went exactly how I had pictured it in my mind.

Caitlin and Jordan were married IN THE TEMPLE! They got the go ahead a day before the wedding. How crazy is that?! It was a really beautiful day and they looked so great. I'm so happy for my sister! Jordan is such a great guy and she deserves to be happy!! Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Wood!!

My cute little sister and I! She obviously loves me.

So, I had to post this picture of this sweet, sweet haven that my lovely mother has created for me on my visits home. This room is literally.... perfect. I love the colors and most of all- - every where I look, I see horses. My dream! Thanks Mom.. I love you!

Mr. Seaborn!!!!! So happy to see this guy! We had such a great time. I drove all day on Wednesday to Lethbridge and made pretty good time. When I got there I was greeted with a delicious home-cooked Seaborn meal! So yummy! Then we went to a Cornmaze which took us a grand total of 7 minutes. Still a good time though! We went with his siblings and it was really fun with the whole clan. The next day, Trav joined my family and I at the temple and then back to Airdrie. Trav was a gem!!! He not only was meeting my parents for the first time.. he met my entire family! He handled the pressure well. Not that I was worried though! I really couldn't have asked for a better weekend with him.

I was also able to see all my little precious nieces and nephews! I loved it!! I don't get to see all of them that often and I loved being able to hang around with them and play with them. All of them are so cute and so different in their own little ways. I love it!!!

    So, all in all... it was a splendid trip!!! However, when I woke up Sunday morning at the Seaborn residence I wasn't feelin' all too chipper. I knew this was bad news because... A) Trav's Dad had made an awesome breakfast and I wasn't feeling well enough to eat it and... B) I had to drive all the way back to Utah that day. Good thing Grandma Barb was there to save the day, because there was absolutely no way I could have made it down in one piece. We had to pull over several times for me to spew, what seemed to be the lining of my stomach... it was painful and the worst road trip ever. BUT... I'm all better now and all is well.

   Thanks to EVERYONE that made my 4 days at home the best 4 days I could have asked for!!!  

Home in 3 Days!!

That's right.... Home in 3 days!! I cannot wait. I am so excited to see all my family and Trav! It's going to be such a fun trip and the whole fam' is going to be there. Including Mackenz' and the clan! It's been a really long time since we've all been together. I am so excited!!!!

So excited for these two love birds to finally be hitched!!! Mr and Mrs. Wood to be!! 

   I have a very busy Monday and Tuesday ahead of me! I have practice, classes, 3 exams to take, packing, work outs, homework assignments. It's a lot to do... but, I'm grateful because it will make the time go by faster!

Canada.... I'm Comin' HOME!!!! 

Cheers to the freakin' weekend!

   I had a good weekend down here in Pro-vo! It was a recruiting weekend so, we had 4 girls come that have interest in BYU or that have already committed. It is our job, as a team, to show them a good time and demonstrate to them why BYU would be the best choice. These girls are ballers and we want them on our team!! On Friday night we were all able to go to dinner at Goodwood or Goodwill, in the words of Jeff Judkins, and it was delicious! Afterwards, we hit up the bowling alley and then went to a dance. These activities were perfect because they showed how crazy, fun and cool our team is! I had such a good time. I usually despise dance parties... but, the company I was with made it an absolute blast. We were all sweaty messes after dancing our lil' hearts out.

FUN

My partners in crime... minus Fus.

  The next day we started off the day with my MOST favorite pass time.... RIDING!!! It was honestly one of the greatest rides I've been on in a long time. It was a perfect morning and where we were riding was absolutely breathtaking. It was a small piece of heaven, that's for sure! I loved every minute of it. Beautiful weather, beautiful people, beautiful place all while on the back of a horse. What more could I ask for? After the ride we played some games in the park and then went back and got ready for the Holy War (BYU vs. Utah football)

The calm before the strom...

The sky was SWEET! This picture does not do it justice.

54-10..... really BYU? Really?

Needless to say, it was a rough game for the mighty Cougars. First of all, it's embarrassing to lose by 44 points but... to Utah?! I've experienced what it feels like to lose to Utah and it's plain awful. So, I feel your pain boys!! It's all good though! The Utes had a good night, no doubt. But, I pitty them for the next time they meet the Cougs! 

I got my hair done! It's really blonde.. and it's taking me some time to get used to. But, it's fun!! I like it.