2011 Year in Review

January.

I began the year by turning 19 years old and ice skating my life away with the family.

February.

I fell in love... with blogging! Ha! I started this beautiful blog and I remember spending hours on it trying to figure out how to make it exactly the way I wanted it. 

March.

I discovered my love for cereal. My best friend from high school got his mission call and I knew that it was exactly where he was meant to go. I realized that if you love someone, you should tell them because you never know when it'll be too late. And I became obsessed with j.wride.. my drawing became their newest t-shirts.

 April.

I participated in TOMS "One Day Without Shoes" and discovered a new perspective on life.

 I went repelling for the first time.

 I hiked Angel's Landing and it felt like I had conquered the world.

And you know what else...? I was still in love.

May.

I went on a spontaneous Las Vegas trip with these beautiful ladies right before finals week.

Then I finished my first year of college down at SUU with my Associate of Science degree.

 I threw a (my first) Bridal Shower for my cousin and it was a success.

I said goodbye to this boy. That day changed my life forever. 

My heart was shattered.

 

I cried the hardest I'd ever cried before.

But on the bright side, I got a job as a softball scorekeeper for the summer.

June.

Big month. I ran for Miss Richfield and won third attendant.

 I was reminded why I love this boy.

 I traveled clear up to Tremonton, UT for my friend Hayden's farewell.

  And I also went on possibly the funnest/most adventurous hike of my life with my dad and brother. 

July.

I said goodbye to another one.

Decided to be spontaneous and kiss him. Ask me about it. It's a good story.

Spent a lot of time in Fishlake with the beloved family. Performed at the park in my crown and sash on the fourth of July. Was crafty and painted a tree on a wall for my mom. 

Saw a shooting star with that kid who has his arm around me it was an interesting experience. Two-day summer fling maybe? Now I look at shooting stars differently.

Went to Yuba a few times with friends. Got wrecked from being launched off a tube and now I don't like tubing. Aw... those hot summer days and lovely summer nights...

August.

Discovered Pinterest and became addicted. Went on a date with Luke Johnson. Redid Kambry's room and painted dandelions on her walls. Went to Lake Powell for my second time. Got really tan. Moved back to Cedar and started school again. 

Experienced having a random roommate but I love her to death.

Met the "Taco Boys" and became best friends with them. One of them was a boy that I would be dating for the next few months.

Became a part of SUUSA.

September.

Decided to run for Miss SUU. Didn't win anything, but all my family came down to support! It was awesome.

Received my first set of flowers from a boy. I started falling.

Became a true t-bird for the second time with that same boy. Made new friends. Learned to love again.

Went to Sand Hollow a couple times and cliff jumped a lot and loved every second of it.

October.

Had some crazy experiences with friends. Made pangea for the first time in our family room out of all of our bed mattresses. Dressed up as fairies for the Howl. 

Went to an apple orchard with my family.
Went up to Salt Lake and met KJ Cornia. 

Spent a weekend up to Fishlake with the taco boys and had a blast.

Fell harder and harder.

November.

Crushed. Became just friends. Discovered how loved I truly was and how many people cared about me. Discovered my true friends and how amazing they can be. Threw a party for Tiana's 20th birthday. Had an awesome photoshoot.

The first one out of my best friends from high school got married.

 

December.

Heard angels sing Silent Night. Was in the light parade. Finished my third semester down at SUU.  Got a camera for Christmas and I love it. Changed my major from Elementary Education to Family Life and Human Development with a minor in Early Childhood Education. Will it stay? Who knows. 

Applied to be an EFY counselor. Knitted a scarf for a friend. Wrote a review of my past year and realized that I used to be way better at blogging. Shoot. 

Now that the year is coming to an end, I'm about to turn twenty and start my fourth semester of college. If I am lucky, I just may get to graduate with my Bachelor's next spring! (2013) and then serve a mission.

But as of now, I gotta welcome in the new year! Thanks 2011 for all the magnificent memories and experiences. I have learned and grown so much and I am excited to see what 2012 has in store for me. 

 Love,

Kate

Random late night ramblings.

Some of my fav songs right now:

We Are Young- fun.

Love Love Love- Avalanche City

5 Years Time- Noah and the Whale

It's Time- Imagine Dragons

Human- The Killers

Skip to the good part- He is We

I want my hair to have the melt (or ombre) look.

"Let love grow..."

Got a surprise email from one of my great friends who is serving in Boston. Love him and miss him.

Went to dinner with some of my old friends tonight. I love'm.

Watched Charlie St. Cloud with my parents today.

Eleven days till i'm TWENTY years old.

Google "let it snow" and see what happens.

"L.I.F.E.G.O.E.S.O.N"

-Noah and the Whale
Imperfections are adorable.
My best friend is the best.
My little sister is hilarious.
My mom is the greatest cook.
My dad is so smart.
My brother is so cute sometimes.
My other sister is my other half.

Love,

Kate

Throw cares away

Christmas. So soon. 

Can't wait for Christmas crepes.

Christmas eve party with ugly sweaters at grandma Micki's.

Giving a temple picture to my grandparents.

Making gifts for people.

Christmas music.

Hot chocolate.

Family.

Love.

Friends.

Piano.

Mistletoe? Nah.

Serving others.

Please snow.

Love,

Kate

I'm dreaming of a white Christmas

One of my best friends-- Alyssa Simon-- came to spend a day in Richfield before going home to Bountiful. I love this girl & I'm so glad she came! We had a good time together. Me, T, & Lyss went shopping for a while during the day. We ate some delicious homemade sweet pork burritos, went to a family Christmas party, toured this weird but awesome old bank on main street, and then played RockBand at Tanner's house. We drove up north with my family today and shopped our little hearts out. It's been a good two days.

  This is Alyssa, Knox, me, & Oakley

Look at his smile!!!! Does that just not make you crack up!? hahaha I love this boy.

And this is another one of my cute little cousins-- Breezy! I got to tend her and her little sister on Monday morning & it was fun. They are beautiful girls.

Now this week will be busy with helping my mom put gifts together, delivering them, and doing whatever else needs to be done before Christmas!

Aaaah I love life.

Minus the fact that I've been wayyyy sick today. But it's fine.

I love my family, I love Richfield, and I love alllll my amazing friends.

Love,

Kate

ps. please let it snow.

Twelve Days of Christmas: Day 1

December 24

We, as Christians, stand as witnesses of Jesus Christ every day of the year through faith and good works. The Prophet Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon give this witness:

“And now, after the many testimonies which have been given of him, this is the testimony, last of all, which we give of him: That he lives!

“For we saw him, even on the right hand of God; and we heard the voice bearing record that he is the Only Begotten of the Father—

“That by him, and through him, and of him, the worlds are and were created, and the inhabitants thereof are begotten sons and daughters unto God” (D&C 76:22–24).

Share your testimony of the Savior at the next appropriate occasion, such as fast and testimony meeting.

Love,

Kate

Twelve Days of Christmas: Day 2

December 23

On the night of Christ’s birth, an angel appeared to righteous shepherds in Bethlehem to proclaim the news of Christ’s birth.

“And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

“And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

“And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

“And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:7–11).

Make a resolution to be a happier and kinder person.

Twelve Days of Christmas: Day 3

December 22

Finally, the prophecies of Christ’s birth were fulfilled.

“And it came to pass that the words which came unto Nephi were fulfilled, according as they had been spoken. …

“And there were many, who had not believed the words of the prophets, who fell to the earth and became as if they were dead, … for the sign which had been given was already at hand. …

“And it came to pass that there was no darkness in all that night, but it was as light as though it was mid-day. …

“And it came to pass also that a new star did appear, according to the word” (3 Nephi 1:15–16, 19, 21).

Jesus Christ gave us the greatest gift of all, His life. Show your appreciation to your parents by writing a letter thanking them for the good things they have done for you.

Love,

Kate

Twelve Days of Christmas: Day 4

December 21

Nephi, the grandson of Helaman, faithfully waited for the Lord’s coming. But the unbelievers said to him, “The time is past, and the words of Samuel are not fulfilled; therefore, your joy and your faith concerning this thing hath been vain” (3 Nephi 1:6).

Then Nephi “went out and bowed himself down upon the earth, and cried mightily to God in behalf of his people” (v. 11).

The Lord told Nephi, “Lift up your head and be of good cheer; for behold, the time is at hand, and on this night shall the sign be given, and on the morrow come I into the world to show unto the world that I will fulfil all that which I have caused to be spoken by the mouth of my holy prophets” (v. 13).

In your prayers, express thanks to Heavenly Father for the gift of His Son.

Love,

Kate

Twelve Days of Christmas: Day 5

December 20

Before Christ’s birth, the angel Gabriel visited Mary.

“And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth,

“To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary.

“And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. …

“… For thou hast found favour with God.

“And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name Jesus” (Luke 1:26–28, 30–31).

Gather family members and friends to go caroling around the neighborhood, or sing Christmas carols in your own home.

Love,

Kate

Twelve Days of Christmas: Day 6

December 19

Samuel the Lamanite prophesied of the signs surrounding the birth of the Savior:

“Behold, I give unto you a sign; for five years more cometh, and behold, then cometh the Son of God to redeem all those who shall believe on his name.

“… There shall be great lights in heaven, insomuch that in the night before he cometh there shall be no darkness, insomuch that it shall appear unto man as if it was day. …

“And behold, there shall a new star arise, such an one as ye never have beheld; and this also shall be a sign unto you” (Helaman 14:2–3, 5).

Write in your journal what Christmas means to you and what your family’s holiday traditions are.

Love,

Kate

Twelve Days of Christmas: Day 7

December 18

Although Jesus Christ was perfect, He still needed to be baptized to fulfill all righteousness. The following is an account of Lehi’s prophecy, recorded by Nephi:

“And my father said he [John the Baptist] should baptize in Bethabara, beyond Jordan; and he also said he should baptize with water; even that he should baptize the Messiah with water.

“And after he had baptized the Messiah with water, he should behold and bear record that he had baptized the Lamb of God, who should take away the sins of the world” (1 Nephi 10:9–10).

Give the gift of time by spending time with a sick, elderly, or widowed person in your ward or neighborhood. Ask him or her to tell you about a favorite Christmas.

Love,

Kate

Three Kings found the Lord...

I just experienced one of the most amazing experiences of my life. I went to The Forgotten Carols starring Michael McLean and I can't fully describe how it made me feel. The spirit that I felt was SO powerful. It was absolutely incredible. I had tears in my eyes almost the entire time and I was overwhelmed with pure joy. Cold chills covered my entire body and I was in awe. Honestly, it was one of the most spiritual experiences I have ever had in my entire life.

I think everyone needs to see The Forgotten Carols.  It will change your life. I know that it changed mine.

"We're not alone,

We have a star

And it shines today

The love that He gave

Teaches how 

And shows the way

That light,

it's clear to see

If we have faith and believe

Three kings found the Lord

And so can we!"

I am so grateful for our Savior Jesus Christ and for this magical time of year. The spirit that I felt tonight was phenomenal (aka: remarkable or extraordinary) and it made me realize how powerful the Spirit of Christ truly is. HE is real. He lives. He came to this earth to teach us how to live and to teach us how to die. He is the King of Kings; the Lord of Lords. He loves us. We should show Him that we love him this Christmas season [and always] by simply giving to others... even if it's simply by smiling. 

I hope that everyone can feel the Christmas spirit this season or can be touched by some way or another. 

Love,

Kate

ps. Christmas is in one week. Holy moly.

Twelve Days of Christmas: Day 8

December 17

Jesus Christ loves each of God’s children and would never forget a single one. Ezekiel prophesied that the Lord would be a shepherd and gather His lost sheep.

“For thus saith the Lord God; Behold, I, even I, will both search my sheep, and seek them out.

“As a shepherd seeketh out his flock in the day that he is among his sheep that are scattered; so will I seek out my sheep, and will deliver them out of all places. …

“And I will bring them out from the people … and will bring them to their own land, and feed them upon the mountains of Israel” (Ezekiel 34:11–13).

Spend time with a younger sibling, relative, or friend. Read to him or her the Christmas story in Luke 2.

Love,

Kate

Twelve Days of Christmas: Day 9

December 16

Alma prophesied the following to the people of Gideon around 83 b.c.:

“The Son of God cometh upon the face of the earth. …

“And behold, he shall be born of Mary, … she being a virgin, a precious and chosen vessel, who shall be overshadowed and conceive by the power of the Holy Ghost, and bring forth a son, yea, even the Son of God.

“And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of the people.

“And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy” (Alma 7:9–12).

Give the gift of service to someone in need. Invite your family to help you in identifying the service you could give.

Love,

Kate

Tis the Season

to be jolly! 

fa lalalala lala la la :)

I've been home for 24 hours now and it's been amazing so far! I went on a bike ride (by myself) up to my grandma's house, listened to Mumford & Sons on the way up there, and froze my hands off. It was great. We made some Christmas goodies: divinity {yummm} and toffee. It was so fun! Then later that evening I went over to my other grandma's house and we (my family) helped her dip chocolates! It was so great to be able to spend time with my family yesterday.

I am so happy.

Love,

Kate

Twelve Days of Christmas: Day 10

December 15

Prophets testified of Christ’s mission on the earth. The following is an account by the prophet Abinadi, who lived around 150 b.c.:

“And thus the flesh becoming subject to the Spirit, or the Son to the Father, being one God, and yieldeth not to the temptation, but suffereth himself to be mocked, and scourged, and cast out, and disowned by his people.

“And after all this, after working many mighty miracles among the children of men, …

“… he shall be led, crucified, and slain, the flesh becoming subject even unto death, the will of the Son being swallowed up in the will of the Father” (Mosiah 15:5–7).

Make a Christmas treat, and give it to a family in your ward or branch. Giving will help increase ward unity and friendship.

Love,

Kate

Twelve Days of Christmas: Day 11

December 14

Nephi saw in a vision the virgin Mary and baby Jesus:

“And he said unto me: Behold, the virgin whom thou seest is the mother of the Son of God, after the manner of the flesh.

“And it came to pass that I beheld that she was carried away in the Spirit; and after she had been carried away in the Spirit for the space of a time the angel spake unto me, saying: Look!

“And I looked and beheld the virgin again, bearing a child in her arms.

“And the angel said unto me: Behold the Lamb of God, yea, even the Son of the Eternal Father!” (1 Nephi 11:18–21).

Make a Christmas list of things you’d like to give instead of things you’d like to get.

 Try it :)

Love,

Kate

Twelve Days of Christmas: Day 12

December 13, 2011

Isaiah, a prophet in the Old Testament, prophesied that a pure woman would give birth to Heavenly Father’s Son. These scriptural accounts were written more than 700 years before His birth.

“Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel” (Isaiah 7:14; see also 2 Nephi 17:14).

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6; see also 2 Nephi 19:6).

Prayerfully pick a friend, family member, or ward or branch member. Secretly leave him or her a small gift, like a treat, thought from the scriptures, or a Christmas card.

This comes from lds.org :)

I'll be sharing this every single day until Christmas. I encourage you to really try the things that it suggests! I'll share with you my experiences. I know that doing these things will enhance the spirit of Christmas in our lives and we will become more Christlike this Christmas season.

Love,

Kate

I'll be home for Christmas. . .

What a life! It's finals week and I'm currently just sitting in my bed wondering what to do with my life? I'm going to get my hair cut today, maybe I'll go shopping, clean my house a wee bit, and pack for Christmas break. Tomorrow I have my last final at 9am and then I'm outta here! Back to Richfield I go:)

I drove home to Richfield on Saturday morning and I was able to attend the Jensen Family Christmas Party and it was awesome. I wasn't able to make it last year and that was a huge bummer so this year was fantastic! Except Kambry wasn't able to make it because she was off playing basketball in Parawon, but it's okay because I got to see her play in Cedar the night before!! That was fun. 

The Christmas party was great.; great food, great people, great experience. It was luau themed because we have a cousin living in Hawaii that wasn't able to make it so we partied with hawaiian haystacks, leis, and were also able to skype with them. We sang "We wish you a Merry Christmas" and everyone started crying. It was odd, but it was an amazing experience. Just the feeling of the love that we all share as a family was SO strong, it was incredible. We all definitely needed that. It reminded me of how important family really is and how blessed we are to be able to be with them forever.

My grandma looked gorgeous. She recently won her battle against Lymphoma cancer and WOW, she proved to all of us how strong she truly is. She's incredible and throughout the entire experience she was an amazing example of optimism. I know for a fact that with a lot of faith, and many, many prayers, my grandmother was blessed.

This is a picture that my cousin Chelsea Eyre (the one in Hawaii) created. This is my grandpa June and my grandma Carol. Beautiful eh? The quote couldn't be more true either! Gotta love the goodies grandma bakes ;) I hope to be like her someday.

Well after much fun and laughter with the family, I had to run home quickly to get bundled up for the annual Light Parade! I got to be in it this year with the Miss Richfield royalty. I quickly put my coat, scarf, banner, and crown on and was dropped off at my float. It was freezing but it didn't even phase me because I was too distracted by the little children who would see us and say "look at the princesses!" as they would wave to us enthusiastically. It seriously was priceless. I loved it.

This is my family after the Light Parade! I love them so much! I can't wait to go home tomorrow to be with them for the next few weeks.

The smells of Christmas, the decorations, the lights outside, all the Christmas goodies, and let's not forget to mention the Christmas spirit... Christ's spirit, the true meaning of Christmas... awe this time of the year is simply amazing.

I hope that we can all keep the Christmas spirit with us throughout the entire year because President Thomas S. Monson said, "the spirit of Christmas is the spirit of Christ."

Love,

Kate

A pair of hop-a-long boots

I'm thinking of being random. So here is a glimpse into my mind lately:

I appreciate people who are real. Genuine.

Real friends are incredible... and usually hard to find. But when you find them, cherish them. 

I love bananas and apples, hot chocolate with marshmallows, and hand-written letters &/or notes.

I love doing things for other people. Honestly, I absolutely love serving people. I just spent the last hour dipping pretzels into white chocolate. Then I sprinkled them with crushed peppermint candy canes. I made them for my institute class. Tomorrow is our last day of institute for the semester. It's a bittersweet feeling for me because I've loved institute this semester; probably more than I ever have, and I'm sad that it is ending. However, that just means it's another day closer to Christmas Break and being home with my family. I can't wait.

I am thankful for all the great people in my life. 

He is We is coming out with a new album on Dec. 20 &I'm so excited.

I continually learn that to have good friends, you must be a good friend. And if that doesn't work, keep being a good friend anyways.

I wish I went to bed at a decent hour more often.

I love photography. It amazes me. I want to be a photographer.

I applied as an efy counselor for summer 2012 and I am now waiting to sign up for an interview. It has been my dream to be an efy counselor since my first year that I went back in 2006. Dang, I'm getting old. I honestly never thought this time of my life would come... I just realized that.

Christmas is such a beautiful time of year. I just love it. President Thomas S. Monson encouraged us all to extend the "Christmas Spirit" throughout the entire year because the "Christmas Spirit" is really the "Spirit of Christ." Amazing huh?

Things I love:

Listening and singing Christmas music

Michael Buble's Christmas Album

Meaghan Smith's It Snowed Album

Trans Siberian Orchestra

Jon Schmidt Christmas

David Archuletta's Christmas from the Heart Album

Justin Bieber's Mistletoe Album

A Very She & Him Christmas Album
Josh Groban's Noel Album

The smell of cinnamon spice

Christmas lights

Kisses on the cheek

Snow landing ever so lightly on my hair

Sipping hot chocolate

apple cider

or 

wassail

Playing the guitar

Wearing scarves & boots

Hugs

Getting lost in the amazing stories that I read in the scriptures

Pb&j's and milk

Sweats and snuggies

Taking pictures

Being creative

Praying and feeling His love

Being happy

Working out

Writing letters to loved ones

Love,

Kate

ps. I probably shouldn't drink mint hot chocolate with marshmallows at midnight ever again. Although it was probably one of the most delicious cups of hot chocolate I have ever created, it is keeping me from my sleep.

Silent Night: Christmas Devotional

I heard angels sing tonight.

Pure joy.

Love,
Kate

You were made to meet your maker

A friend of mine shared this video with me recently. It's neat and maybe it's something you need to hear.

http://lds.org/pages/mormon-messages?lang=eng

"The stronger one's faith, the deeper the testimony."

Trust in Him. He is always there.

I am so happy to be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

My joy is full.

Love,

Kate