The End

Dear Friends, Family, and random people that may have stumbled across this blog,

My, it has been a long time and I am certainly inconsistent. My life has gone through a series of twists and turns the last few years, I've posted many things in this blog. Musing, concerns, rants, loves and so much more. I've thought a lot about why I blog. To people informed and sometimes just to get thoughts out of my head.

I have come to the conclusion that I don't want my brain to be an open book anymore. This doesn't mean I look down on others that blog and share their thoughts and feelings. But I've decided that I need to share less. Be more sincere about the things that I do share, and who I share it with. So, farewell.

Thank you for learning and growing with me. Hopefully we will meet again. In a more intimate setting.

Katherine.

The Perfect Fit

I'm engaged!! Yay! We've definitely had our struggles, and misunderstandings. But we're stronger for them. We don't always see eye to eye. But we always work it out. 

Tonight I want to share just a few reasons why I love him. I'm a major cheese head, so consider yourself forewarned.

His dimple. Honestly, look at that thing and tell me you aren't smitten!

He makes me laugh, harder than I have ever laughed in my life. Tonight for our date night we wanted to try something new and decided to hit up Wallaby's (plug, it's fabulous, we loved it!!) And we spent the entire evening giggling about one thing or another.

He knows what I'm thinking, sometimes I can just look at him and he understands what's going on in my head. Good or bad. 

He is calm.

 I worry.

 A lot.

 He listens to all those concerns even the ridiculous ones and he always calms my fears, even when it's the same one over and over. 

He is my perfect fit, and I want the entire world to know. I love this man. He is my other half, that piece that makes me whole. I can't wait to spend the rest of my eternity with him. 

Not a Gay Friend

The following is a conversation I had with Golden that made me laugh, maybe you had to be there, but just humour me. 

Me-- "*filtered* turned me into his gay friend"

Golden--  "Hahaha how did that happen"

Me-- "He and his girl broke up... he needed to talk about it"

Golden -- "Haha you're wrong, not the gay friend that's not how it works for guys, he wants you to be his rebound."

Me -- "I'm taken"

Golden -- "Didn't you learn from that guy who asked you out pre mission? That's not an issue in their heads"

Me -- "That's so wrong!! This is why I tell social media that we're happy!"

Golden -- "Hahaha still not an issue in his head"

I'm really grateful that he also doubles as my bestfriend. Let the good times roll!

{this moment}

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

One of My Favourite Things

Loving banter, games, food, friends, books, movies, and piano music.  My best friend's house is one of my favourite places. There is always something going on, someone to talk to, tease, or play with. 

I sit here and just take it all in. Him playing the piano like a master, his family telling stories and talking downstairs. There is just something about this place that lets me know I'm home. Man, I love these people!

What's one of your favorite places and why?

Momma For a Week.

Last month my dear sister asked me to watch her kiddlets as she went to education week. I haven't spent a lot of time with these kids lately, as I just recently returned from serving a full time mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. So of course I jumped at the opportunity!

It's been such a blast, here are just a few of our adventures:

Quiet time lasted about 20 minutes after the baby woke up much too early and the kids decided to have a party in my bed. 

The 2 big kids and decided that we were a small army and challenged a friend to a duel. "We may be small, but we do not fear death!!"

 Fun times at the park! It's okay for baby's to eat sticks, right?

AND I nearly lost a game of chess to a five year old. 

It's never a dull moment with 3 crazy kiddies. What have a learned from this experience? I definitely want to be a mother, But I can definitely wait a little while. 

{this moment}

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

Thoughts

As I sit here on my bed surrounded by laundry that needs to be folded; with a load across the room that needs to be taken to the wash, I feel an overwhelming desire to get my thoughts out. About what though? There has been so much running through my head as of late. I've been trying not to make plans, guess how well that's worked.

I feel like I'm at a huge turning point in my life. There are so many different, wonderful paths I could take. The hardest, and most exciting part is: I get to choose. In the end I'm the one that has to love the life I've chosen. I have to live with the person I've become. I'm quickly learning that there are no black and white answers. There is not one thing that is bad, and one thing that is good. Or even a good, better, and best. Many times there is a best, best, and best in every choice. These answers change based on the person in a given situation and their story. History changes everything, which is why advise should be given when asked for, and judgments should never be made. We're all doing the best we can with what we've been given. Who could ask for more?

Let me clarify. I'm happier than anyone could possibly imagine. I have a beautiful life, filled with the most supportive boyfriend, silliest family, and caring friends anyone could ever ask for. There isn't a happier girl in the world; or a more thoughtful one. 

With that, I must finish my laundry. 

A Dear Friend

I just had to take a moment and appreciate a dear friend of mine. (I hope this doesn't embarrass her). Her name is Melissa, and she's pretty fun. We knew each other in high school and got a long well but never really knew each other well. 

When Melissa married her husband and moved to good ol' Rexburg we got back in contact. We now see each other a few times a month and always have a great time. Mel just texted me, here is a sample of our conversation. She cracks me up. 

Mel: "Hey! Are you into yoga at all?"

Me: "I've never done it. I'm not very coordinated. What's up?"

--Some talk about yoga and schedules-- 

Mel: "Ok. We might need a cupcake too."

Me: "Phenomenal idea. This is why we're friends."

Mel: "Yep. Pretty much. And if we can't make yoga work, cupcakes for sure!!!"  

Thanks for the fun Melissa, and always figuring out a way to work something delicious into our plans. 

Dear Sister Kindlespire,

November!

“Autumn...the year's last, loveliest smile.” 

― William Cullen Bryant

I love Autumn. It is by far my favorite season, and November is by far my favorite month. I also love mornings. This morning I left my apartment at 7:40 so I could mosey my way to my 8:00 am class. The air is so crisp, and so pure in the mornings. I don't understand how anyone could dislike mornings, or autumn, or November. I had this texting conversation with my beautiful sister this morning, (She is also a major fan of mornings):

Me: "Goooood Morning!! Are you as excited to be awake as I am? No one else is matching my enthusiasm!"

Heidi: "Are you just getting up? You've wasted the day away ;)" (sent at 7:56)

Me: "I've been up since six! Silly girl. I've finished half the stuff I need to do for today. Yippee!"

Heidi: "Hooray for mornings! I love them! And we get one EVERY day. PS- you're nerdy like me and I love it."

What's your favorite season, month, or time of day?

I'mma Big Kid Now

Every once and a while I do something and then think What the? This is an adult thing!

Like today:

I was too young during the last presidential election. But I've followed this entire election process and feel I made very informed choices. (I not only researched the presidential candidates, but the ones for the various state positions as well. It was fantastic!)

Also, buying groceries. That's still sometimes weird to me. I wait until I have nothing left to eat to go shopping because I still expect to say to my mom: "Hey, we're almost out of (place random food item here)" and have it magically appear in a few days. 

Going To School To Get Some Knowledge

I've joined the Pre-PA society at school. It has been highly educational and has given me so many amazing opportunities to learn more about what I'll be doing as a PA. 

1) This last week we learned how to do a simple interrupted suture! (I was going to post a picture but I don't know how solid your stomachs are.)

2) I also learned that you cannot practice suture's on a banana like they do on Grey's Anatomy, the banana's peel rips very easily and it just makes everyone frustrated.

3) Lastly, I learned that when you get an EJ (external jugular, AKA someone sticks a needle in your neck) It leaves you much more sore then being stuck in the arm. 

AND I was accepted for the PA trip! My professor's are taking 4 PA students to Phoenix and Las Vegas next month to visit several graduate schools and hopefully give us a leg up with it comes time to apply. What an exciting time this is.

The Waiting Game

I've submitted my mission papers for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. This will be an 18 month voluntary excursion were I will be assigned by the leaders of my religion to an area of the world (this could be in the states or almost anywhere outside of the country,) I could be speaking nearly any language that exists. 

I will be giving my time, completely of my own will. I will be serving others everyday for 18 months. 

I will be receiving my call, this tells me where and when I will be serving, in just two short weeks. I would like to get a feel for where people think I might be called. You have 2 guesses. Post them below and I'll put them on an online map. 

Good luck!

By the way, there could potentially be a prize for the closest guess, no promises. I'm a starving college student.


View Called to Serve in a larger map

Another Post About Mountains

For those of you that don't understand my obsession with mountains, I apologize. I love them, they make me feel safe, and secure, and like I'm home. Don't get me wrong, I love Idaho. But my heart aches for Utah; for MY mountains. 

Here is most of Idaho:

Here is our hill. It's actually called R Mountain, but the natives call anything a mountain. It's really just a steep hill.

"I like being near a mountain top. One can't get lost here." --Wislawa Szymborka 

There Were Never Such Devoted Sisters

This post is dedicated to Lindsay and Nikki (my sisters on either side. Sorry Heidi and Kristi!)

Lindsay is currently serving an 18 month mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. She has always been there for me. Lindsay is 4 years older than me, I don't feel like we really grew up together but she has been my biggest supporter and friend at all hours of the day and night. She is everyone's best friend and has taught me so much about patience. She is also an amazing scriptorian. I miss her more than I can explain. She is the strongest, most beautiful woman and I can't wait to see her again.

Nikki is my younger, by 2 years, sister. My other sisters I call by name, but when I tell a story about Nikki I just say 'My sister.' Nikki is the goofiest, smartest, loving-est sister. She is the one I remember in all my childhood memories and most of my grown up memories. She is my best friend and I'm so grateful that we have gotten so close in these past few months and years. Nikki can always make me laugh, she has an extremely quick wit. I love that she allows me to see the side of her that she doesn't show to most people. I miss living with her. (even though she always uses my clothes without asking.) 

I have been blessed with four of God's choice women as sisters, and more importantly; friends. 

Creativity in Progress

A few of my more frequent readers may remember that I am trying to become a more creative person. Those of you that know anything about me realize that this isn't nearly as easy as it sounds. 

This weekend my sisters, mom and I went to Park City for Swiss Days. We generally all bring a craft to work on. I saw something on pinterest that I fell in love with and had to have. After a miserable failed attempt, I tried something else but I hated the end product. (Sorry, I'm not going to post it. It was awful.) 

In the end, (after a few more changes) I am happy with the outcome and am grateful that I didn't give into my frustrations with the first few attempts. 

Now I've got this lovely art work hanging in my room. 

I'm slowly working my way up the creative ladder. 

So Entirely Blessed

Today I was thinking about where my life was 5 months ago, and comparing it to where I am today. I can't even explain the amazing changes I have made and the person I have become. I want to take just a moment and thank the people that have helped me make these changes; I know without them, and their examples I would not be half the women I am today.

I am grateful for the men in my life. They are so caring and are always there when I need them. They are the perfect friends and always seem to give me a compliment at the moment I need it. I'm grateful for their ability to forgive my errors and continue to strengthen and support me, even when my ideas are ridiculous. I couldn't ask for a more solid and loyal group of males, both friends and family.

I also love the women in my life. To all the girlfriends that support me unconditionally: I'd never have made it without y'all. I am better just having met them and I strive to be the woman that my friends make me out to be. 

My good friend told me the other day: "No one is better than anyone else, we are all at the same level and we all need each other to succeed" I know that these people have changed my life and I pray that I will never have to know a time without them.

Finding Nirvana

Men are great and everything. I love them. But they are nothing compared to mountains! Where else can you feel so at home, so close to heaven, and so tiny and insignificant all in the same moment? 

I summited Mt. Timpanogos for the first time on Saturday. It was a glorious experience.

See? That is even my name on the registry. 

My older sister Heidi asked me to say 'Hi' to the mountain goats for her. I did. They said 'Hey' back.

I found Nirvana and didn't want to leave.

Alright.... I might have gone with a man. But it's just Ben, so he hardly counts. He's more of a that-older-brother-I-never-had kind of relationship.

Reminiscing

I would like to take a moment and reflect on two of the best friends I have ever had. 

Meet Landon. This handsome hunk has been in my life for years. I met him in 8th grade and we've had our ups and downs, as every relationship does. He was my first love and now is my best friend. He graciously opened his door to my last boyfriend  when he came home with me to meet my family (can you say awkward?) He let me cry all over his shirt when I lost a friend.  He has skyped me while sitting in the middle of a college course, and he was always there to tell me when I was being stupid. I once even tore my pants in front of him. He is encouraging, happy, helpful, patient, open and honest. He put up with my crazy schemes and was always willing to put one of my plans into action.  He is serving a two year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Days Saints in Belo Horizante, Brazil, he'll hit his one year mark August 10th. I'm so proud of the man he is turning into and I can't wait to see him again. 

This little stud is Frazier. I met him my first semester of college, we had a few classes together. Frazier tried unsuccessfully to get my number about five times; he was a little shy about it. Eventually he came out and said: "Katherine, can I please get your number? I really need help on my homework." or something to that effect. We soon became good friends. (Mostly because I made sure he finished his homework and fed him lunch almost every day.) We always had a lot of fun together. He made me laugh uncontrollably with his beat boxing skills and crazy dance moves. We loved to have towel fights and do the dishes together. He's also ridiculously good at making jello. He is serving in Albuquerque, New Mexico and hits his one year mark July 29th.

I love these boys with all my heart and miss them dearly. Can't believe it's already been a year!