Journey...

There are so many wonderful events that have taken place in my life recently. I do not even know where to begin. Back in October my Momma and I were able to take a trip to Arizona to visit Blaine for his birthday. It happened to fall on conference weekend, so we ended up spending most of our time in the hotel listening to all of the wonderful talks given. It was such a life changing conference that seemed to impact my family on a huge level. I will be forever grateful for the words spoken that day. Later that month my beautiful cousin Haleigh married her best friend Darryl in the Las Vegas temple. I was so excited that my family was able to attend her perfect reception. She looked gorgeous and so happy! I am excited for the life that she has begun and for all the wonderful blessings she has and will receive! One of the greatest days of my life was in October.. Blaine finished baseball which means.. NO MORE LONG DISTANCE! I got a surprise from Blaine late one evening.. he showed up on my doorstep! It was wonderful! This was the start of our long journey to the east coast. We spent a week in California with Mom and Dad packing and exploring Nor-Cal. After that we drove across Nevada to Provo to spend a few days with family and friends. Dakota soon joined us on our little excursion as well. One could say there is never a dull moment when Blaine and him are together. Our travels then took us to St. George, Cypress Texas, and lastly.. North Carolina. Asheville is now my new home... My new home closer to Blaine. It has been hard and very challenging at times being away from my family and friends, but having Blaine by my side and constantly encouraging me that everything will be okay has made the move much easier. I love being closer to him. He makes my life complete...

I have just come to the conclusion that life is simply an incredible journey. A journey filled with so much joy and excitement. We have new adventures just waiting for us... We just need to have faith in the Lord and trust what our hearts tells us.

Memories were made...

This past trip to Ohio was one for the books.

So many memories were made.

Things such as...

• GETTING HIS RING!
• finishing the Book of Mormon.
• catching up with an old friend from elementary/middle school.
• Spending time with the boys.
• watching the Dragons win both home series.
• having hilarious bathroom experiences ;) (inside joke)
• and having a night out with the Dragons.

I am so happy that things worked out and I was able to go to Ohio this month. It was a trip that we needed as a couple. It gave us a chance to experience certain things to help strengthen us and bring us closer together. We learned a lot more about ourselves, each other, and how we work together to smooth things over. I truly feel that I am so blessed to have found someone that cares for me as much as he does. I love him dearly and I am so grateful to have him in my life.

"I love you not because you are perfect, but because you are perfect for me."

4th of July...

The 4th of July was great this year.

I got to spend it with my Mom and Dad eating oysters (which are nasty) and hanging out by the pool...

Dad and I decided that Mom is totally ready for the next season of Survivor.

It was a such a beautiful day!

It's a beautiful thing...

For once the fiance' was able to come see me.. and I loved every minute of it. We only had 3 short days together but we made the most of it. One day we spent visiting his mission, another day we went on a hike, and the last day we spent with family working out, playing baseball, and hanging out in the backyard.

Being around him makes my life complete! I cant even begin to describe the joy I feel when he is with me! There are so many little things that happened during this trip that made my love for him grow even more. Things such as- Seeing his eyes light up when he spoke to the Spanish members and watching him play with the nieces and nephew. It was the most adorable thing and I think that he is now more in love with Dilyn that me. ;)

Overall this trip was a great success!

Daddy Day...

Father.

Hero.

Role Model.

Supporter.

Example.

Friend.

Provider.

Comforter.

My Poppy means the world to me. He has done so much for me, my siblings, my mother, and all of the wonderful people that come into his life. My dad is the type of guy that would do anything for anyone. He serves others and thinks about their needs above his own. I love being able to spend a lot of quality time with him this summer and have our relationship grow even more. I look up to the man that my father is and cherish him. I am so lucky to have such an outstanding dad that has such a golden heart. I love you Poppy so much and I am so grateful each and every day for you! I hope your Fathers Day was wonderful cause you only deserve the best!

Ohio...

This last trip to Ohio was fantastic! I truly am one blessed girl. I had the opportunity to meet my extended family, be with the love of my life, and make many wonderful memories. Although, I cant wait until the "trips" are over and we can just be together 24/7....

Summer Job...

Long days... Sun... Bugs... Dirt...

Haulers... Loaders... Hardhats... Neon Vests...

What away to spend your summer!

Mommas Day...

Happy Mommas Day Momma!!

This amazingly beautiful woman is my mother! Not only do I owe my life to her because she brought me into this world, but I also owe my life because she has saved me both physically and emotionally. My Momma has been there for me though it all... she has helped heal by boo boo's with an endless supply of band-aides, she has supported me in what ever I have chosen to do (CAP, dance, cheer, school, boys), and most of all she has become one of my best friends. I know that I can talk to my Momma about anything and I love that. I love that she is a shining example to our family of what it means to be dedicated in all aspects of life. She is the hardest worker I know. There is no task that my mother doesn't grab by the horns and conquer. I love my Momma so much and I am so happy that I have the opportunity to spend the summer with her. Momma, thank you. Thank you for helping me to become the woman I am today. Thank you for all you have done to push me along even when I have wanted to throw in the towel. You are fantastic and so beautiful on the inside and out... I know that I am so blessed to have been given a mother such as you. I hope your Mommas Day was everything you wanted! LOVE YOU!

Time to grow up...

Well, as of April 29th, 2011 I moved my tassel from the right to the left and became a college graduate! It is such a relief to know that I am done with school, but now comes the biggest stressor of all, growing up. I have been told that now is the time to map out my life and figure out where I am headed. Now is when I set goals, both personal and professional, to get started down the path we all call life. I thought graduating was going to take burdens off my shoulders, but in reality there is a whole new load I have begun to carry around. Since graduation, I have moved to California to live with my parents, work, and try to save money for whatever comes next. I didn't realize the emotions that I would be feeling by taking this next step. I hate to say it.... but I already miss Utah. I miss my friends, my school friends, and my sister. It is so weird to me that you can dislike a place so much then once you leave you begin to realize how great it truly was. Even though being in Cali has started off on a bad note, I am determined to change it! I am going to take this challenge and grow from it. I am here for a reason and I am going to do my best! Time to grow up Kelsey and face the world as a new woman!

The next chapter...

April 10th could not have been a more perfect day...

Last week was the most stressful, busy, yet exciting week of my life. School is beginning to come to a close so projects, papers, and tests have begun to run my life. Just when I thought that I was going to pull all of my hair out, the boy called and told me he got me a flight to Ohio for the weekend. Seriously, could not have come at a greater time! The only issue was getting a week’s worth of homework done in two days... um... stressful, to say the least, but possible!

The trip was easily the best... I had the greatest time ever!! I spent a full four days watching baseball, resting, and spending time with the greatest guy I know! What could have been better?! Well.... Saturday afternoon his family came into town to watch opening weekend. It was so great to have them there and be able to spend more time with them. At the game that evening he pitched the 9th inning for a great save! I am so proud of him and everything that he is doing with the Dayton Dragons! He has so much drive and so much passion for his career. I love witnessing his progression and all that he is accomplishing. Sunday was definitely the most memorable day of all. Since it was an afternoon game that day I took him to the field early in the morning and then headed to church with the family. One of my favorite things about being a member of this amazing church is no matter where you go in the world, the gospel never changes! You learn and hear the same teachings that have a great impact on your life. After church I received a phone call from the boy asking me if I would like to throw the opening pitch at the game that day. I reluctantly agreed, knowing he really wanted me to. Even though I have grown up performing in front of huge crowds I felt very uncomfortable doing something that I am not so familiar with. (Example: throwing a baseball haha) I got over my fear and decided to just go with it! Once I got to the field, after getting a pep-talk from his little sister, I was escorted down to the dugout to get ready. The boy met me there which calmed a lot of my fears. (At this point I figured something was up because his team kept introducing themselves to me and let’s be honest, I was HOPING something was going to happen.) Time was closing in and before I knew it I was being pushed down the red carpet onto the field by a member of the Green-Team. I reached the pitcher’s mound and saw the boy sitting at home plate waiting to catch the first pitch. Still super nervous, I threw it… Barely reaching the plate, I was finished… or so I thought. A teammate of his ran him roses and I instantly got butterflies! As he proceeded to walk toward me and I knew it… He was going to ask me the biggest, most exciting question EVER! As he walked up to me, all 8,000 people vanished. It was just me and him! The words spoken between us were simple, special, and loving. After he popped the question I jumped on him and I am pretty positive I said “I LOVE YOU!” 12, 000 times! After hugging for an extended period of time he asked me if he could put on the ring... I slowing got down, he put on my BEAUTIFUL ring, and then we walked hand-in-hand back down the red carpet as a newly engaged couple! This man makes me feel like the most special woman in the world. He does so much for me, believes in me, and loves me unconditionally. He is easily my best friend and I cannot wait for a lifetime of joy and happiness with him. I am truly the luckiest girl in the world and I thank Heavenly Father every day for blessing me with such a strong, loving, compassionate, honest individual such as Blaine.

(Video of the proposal)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pSDieBWZKko

Festival of Colors...

This semester has easily been the most stressful, but at the same time it has been so enjoyable!I have found sanity among 5 amazing individuals. Amanda, Mikelle, Shayna, Sarai (notpictured), and Matt (notpictured). Between Capstone, Program Planning, Modifying, and Ethics we all have helped each other get through the dreadful course work.
This past Saturday we had our MASSIVE 3 hr test for Capstone that basically brought death to all of our souls! Our wonderful instructor decided that it would be a great idea to schedule the exam the week after Spring Break... Really?! What was she thinking?! Well we all stayed up studying for hours on end a few days before the test. (something that we should have been doing for the past 2 months) Well, miraculously we all survived. Some how making it through the test from Hell.
Once we finished we decided to celebrate our fail by chucking chalk at one another during the Festival of Colors. I must say... it was the perfect remedy to a stressful week!

Spring Break...

Honestly... I had the best spring break anyone could have asked for!! Originally, the plan was to fly to Arizona Wednesday night and arrive around the same time as my parents. Well, once class got out on Tuesday and I realized that I had NOTHING to do till Wednesday night, I decided to pack my bag, get into my car, and start a 10 hr drive to Arizona in order to surprise the boy... It was pry the quickest drive imaginable. Once I got there it was way past his bed time so I got a room and showed up at his house the next morning. 7am came quite early but I was so excited that I didnt care. He came outside, we looked at each other for a moment, then BAM! I was in his arms once again!!! Such an amazing feeling. For the rest of the time I was his taxi, Taking him to and from the field. I totally loved every min of it! Later that day I drove to Scottsdale to watch him play against the Rockies. This was the first time that I had ever watched him pitch in an actual game. Seriously, he is AMAZING! Granted, I am not the best judge of baseball, but in my eyes he is fantastic. 3 up-3 down with one k. :) Later on that night my parents arrived. I am so glad that they decided to come and join in on the fun. The rest of the trip was full of sunshine, laying poolside, hanging out with the parents, watching baseball, and being with my man. I am so proud of him. Watching him excel in what he loves is truly so great. He is so talented and so dedicated! I cannot wait to see what is in his future and how much he will accomplish. Being spontaneous truly paid off, because if I had not driven down I would not have been able to see him pitch.

Thanks for an amazing trip my dear... and thank you Momma and Poppy for coming.

All grown up...

I cant believe it!

In about 50 days I am going to be a college graduate!

I am registered for graduation, I have the cap and gown....

Now all I have to do is finish out the semester so I can be a free woman!

I am so excited to be done with school. It has been so weird this semester. I have begun to realize that I will not have to attend another class at Utah Valley University again. I am so excited to get out into the real world and explore.... too bad I am still unsure about where I am headed. People have constantly been asking me what I am going to do once I graduate. I sure wish I knew the answer to that question... oh how I pray I knew the answer to that question! In all honesty, I am scared... I am scared to be all grown up and have to face the world. I have been in school for so long that I do not know what it's like not to be. Having to find a job/career, FULLY supporting myself, getting out of Utah, and being with the one I love... These all excite me and yet they scare me at the same time. Growing up is hard. So many times I find myself wishing that I was still a little one, back at home, being cared for by my two wonderful parents. Since this is a wish that I know cannot come true I must try my hardest to succeed and continue to grow into what I know I am meant to become. I have so many wonderful times ahead of me and so many trials yet to face. I know that if I stay true to myself and focused on the end goal I can accomplish anything!

North Carolina...

I had the opportunity to go out to North Carolina yet again! Asheville is beginning to hold a very special place in my heart. I love getting to know his world and seeing where he grew up. My visit was so fun and very memorable. We got to celebrate our own Valentines Day, we went shooting, took a drive to Clemson to watch his friends baseball game, and I even lucked out and got to spend an extra day with him. It was truly a fantastic trip! I am completely head over heels for this individual! He is so great and has so much ahead of him! I cant wait for what is in store for us!

New Year...

So, it's the start of a new year... This is the time of year when you can look back and reflect on the person you were, the person you are, and the person you want to become. It's a time to implement the changes you feel necessary to become great or continue on with being the wonderful self you already are. I had the chance of starting this year with someone that I deeply care about... the boy! He came and spent a week with me and it was truly one for the books!! I am so happy that my family got to meet him and see how much he really means to me. (Sorry Tracy... You'll meet him next time around.. PROMISE!) This boy brings so much light into my life. He pushes me to accomplish my hopes and desires, as well as helps me to become a better person. At the New Year everyone sets goals... Majority of those goals are smashed after the first month, but I feel that setting goals with someone and having that extra push/drive makes everything easier. It gives you a reason to become "that person" that you are meant to be...

Family Gathering...

One of my favorite things about the holidays, is the fact that it is the only time when I actually get to see the majority of my family all gathered in the same room...

(Jeremy and Amanda, you were greatly missed)

Christmas was fantastic this year.

Full of family, treats, traditions, and love.

These people rock my world and bring so much joy into my life! Family is so great.

They are always there when you need them, they have to love you cause you're blood, and they stand up for you even when you may be in the wrong. My family is truly some of my best friends! I do not know what I would do with out any of them!