Cowtown for the Weekend

Yesterday was a pretty good day. I had a busy day at school and then grabbed some groceries on the way home. We finally got a guy to come fix our heater, so I met him at our house and it took him 10 minutes to fix whatever was wrong and cost $200.. not bad for a 10 minute job :) I decided to cut up my celery, broccoli, cauliflower and wash my grapes because for some reason if I don't wash and cut them up the day I buy them, I kinda forget I bought them and sometimes they go bad in my fridge before I can eat them. So they're all cut up and bagged properly so I can take them for snacks each day :) Then I cuddled up on the couch and watched biggest loser from this week cuz I missed it earlier. I picked Kait up from school just because and decided to go for a brisk walk before heading to bed. I went for about an hour and it felt great. I went down this huge hill and then turned around and went right back up it and my legs were burning a little bit by the time I hit the top. It felt good to get out and go for a mindless walk.

I've decided to go to Calgary for the weekend to see some friends. Kenzie is playing U of C on Saturday, so I'm going to catch her game and then U of C plays U of A for football too on Saturday afternoon, so I'm gonna hit that game too and meet up with Luke Sinclair and my friend Brandon Strauss too. I'm excited to get away for a bit and see some new faces. I get to stay at my auntie Lorena's, which is always a good time. They have been so great in letting me stay at their place if I ever need to, which is really nice. They have a beautiful house and I just always feel so comfortable going there! I'm hoping to meet up with Miss Julie Bogle too and hopefully we can catch up after a few years! Should be a fun weekend for sure!

I'm thankful today for whoever introduced me to frozen green grapes :) I just love love love snacking on frozen green grapes! Especially the big, seedless ones. Right now, safeway has really good big green grapes and I bought two containers yesterday to wash and freeze and I am just so excited to open a bag today to snack on. I remember last spring I went to Lynz' on my way home from Korea and she had some in her freezer and they were delicious. The key is making sure they're the big ones. The small grapes are good too, but no comparison to the big, crunchy ones. Mmmmm Mmmm good!!!!

Yes mom... I will work on getting some more pictures of me on here!! :)

Dear Person I Want To Give A Second Chance To,

I decided to take this one a little on my own path and it's actually giving this individual a one hundredth chance :) In all seriousness... as I was pondering this one, I thought 'well I would love to give everyone a second chance', so it was hard to come up with one person, but I started thinking back to my junior high and high school days and my old friend, Shantel, popped into my head. Shantel was one of my best friends growing up. She wasn't a member, but her grandma Jo was and she came out to a few activities with me and even came to a young women's camp where I remember her baring her testimony and I remember feeling the spirit so strongly when she bore her testimony. Shantel ran into some rough patches at a young age though. She started hanging out with the wrong crowd and started doing some things she shouldn't have. In grade 12, she started dating an older guy who introduced her to crystal meth... it all went downhill from there. She ended up going through rehab programs, got pregnant, had an adorable little boy, and is still struggling to get her life put back together. She hasn't just had to deal with overcoming drugs, but has also lost some key people in her life. In junior high, her boyfriend was killed while drinking and driving, her grandma Jo died when we were in grade 11 which really affected Shani cuz her grandma was a huge help with their family as Shantel's mom has had some medical difficulties, and her older brother was killed in a driving accident a year after we graduated. Shantel was an amazing athlete and is a BEAUTIFUL girl!! I have tried reaching out to her many times throughout the years, but she has just pushed me away or won't respond to my attempts. I wish I could just kidnap her and have her live with me so I could help her daily. I wish I could slap some sense into her and help her realize how amazing she is and the potential she has to do anything she put her mind to. I wish I could help her realize the love God has for her and the happiness and comfort she would feel if she would open her heart to the teachings of the gospel. I wish I could have my old friend back!! I will never give up on Shantel, but it has gotten to the point where I have to focus more on my life and the friends I have, but to always continue to be an example to Shantel and if an opportunity comes up where I can reach out to her again... I will because I still love her very much and miss that spunky, beautiful girl I grew up calling my best friend. I will keep praying for my friend Shantel and hopefully someday she will give me a chance to be there for her like I've always wanted to be. She is a child of God too and deserves all the happiness in the world!!

QUOTES:

' Each person is unique! In all creation there is no duplication. There never has been and never will be-- another you. If you don't develop your talents and abilities, who knows what the world will have missed."

'The average man never uses over 10% of his actual potential. If you had an automobile performing at 10% capacity, what would you do with it?'

'The greatest discovery of my generation is that men can change their circumstances by changing their attitude of mind" - William James

'Don't play the person you want others to think you are! Play the person you really are because you are proud of the person you really are!!'

Paying $220 To Live In An Igloo

Ok, so first I'll explain our title. I woke up this morning freezing and apparently our heat isn't working, so Mich said she fixed it this morning. Well I get home tonight after a long to to a freezing lil igloo and want to cry cuz I soooooo cold. Hopefully we can get this figured out cuz it's not even that cold outside yet, but it is sure freezing inside! I'm gonna have to start having sleepovers at friend's places if this keeps up. I'm going to sleep in my parka tonight and maybe snuggle up to Kait too :)

Today was quite a busy day. School was good. After school my seminar group and I decided to buck up and try to get our seminar material all figured out before the Halloween weekend. We got to Brittany's house at 1:30 and I didn't get home till 9:00. It was a long afternoon, but we had a lot of laughs and good times together. It was nice to get to know the girls out of the classroom. We have a few more things to tie together, but we got most of it all done. We present on Monday and I think we will do very well!

Dear Person I Judged By First Impression,

I think most of us make judgments by our first impressions. That's why we're always told to make a good first impression. I have had many girls that I've played against that have met me in ysa and they say "wow, you're really nice" and I say "uh, well thanks" and they continue by explaining "well I always thought you were so mean from playing against you in basketball". If I was judged by everybody on the way I played basketball, I probably wouldn't have too many, if any, friends :) I think that a lot of judgments are made on how people look rather than who they really are. I know I've done it a lot. It's almost a natural thing for me to see someone wearing a certain type of clothing or wearing their hair in a certain way immediately I link them to a certain group. I don't like being judged in that way, so really it's not fair that I do it to others. I'm trying to work on this and keep my mind open. The saying 'you shouldn't judge another till you've walked a mile in their shoes' says a lot. I think most of the time, we don't have all the facts about what's going on in another's life and it really isn't fair to judge people so quickly when we don't know what's really going on in their mind of lives at that time. This judgment also has a negative impact on ourselves too. When we think negatively of others, I believe it makes us naturally think more negatively of ourselves also. Even if we don't especially like someone or they look REALLY odd, we should try to find something positive to say or think about them... it's amazing what this little act can do to our own attitudes.

QUOTES:

'Brigham Young once said, "Hell is when the person you are meets the person you could have become."

'Our purpose i life is to realize our full potential!'

'Take advantage of the infinite abundance that lies within you!'

Sweaty Mess

So the first and most exciting detail of my day is that I finally attended my first hot yoga class. It was awesome. I guess I didn't eat close enough to the class because I kept getting dizzy and seeing black dots, so I'd have to sit or lay down for a minute or two and then try to stand up and try again, but I really enjoyed it! It was challenging, but wasn't exhausting to the point that I didn't want to go back. I will definitely be taking advantage of my cheap month of hot yoga and i'm sure I will miss it in the months after because it is just too dang expensive to keep up while I'm in school. I wore spandex and a tank top and after the class it felt as though I had jumped in a pool with my clothes on... I know kinda gross, but it sure felt good :)

Yesterday I went and met with my coordinating teachers at Queen Alexandra Elementary. I will be working with a kindergarten class and a 2/3 class. I also learned something really great this last week. I always thought that with an ed degree from Concordia, I would only be able to teach elementary... BUT I recently found out that with my degree I can teach kindergarten -grade 12... which is great, because I really feel that I would rather work with older kids. My views may change in the next year and a half, but for now I'm aiming for junior high or high school.

Dear Person I Wish I Could Be,

Hmmm... an interesting question for sure. I think this is something I have and will continue to have to work on daily. No one on the earth is perfect, so we all room for improvement. I think the key is to not get too comfortable with where you are. I think it's very easy to start slipping down the slope to mediocrity and we should be focused every day on the goals that will help lead us to the person we want to become. I want to be the kind of person that when someone hears my name, they think of positive things. I want to be the kind of person that was known for being adventurous, charismatic, spontaneous and fun. This is something that is sometimes a challenge for me. I mean I've done some adventurous things like going to Korea, but when I hear my dad say "Kristen, you need to get a backpack and just go camping and exploring for the weekend", I get shivers because it sounds like so much fun, but actually doing it hasn't happened quite yet. I think the reason I want to do these things is because I want to be able to do them with my family in the future too. I want to be the kind of person that is known as a daughter of God whose actions and words reflect Christ and His perfect example. I want to be known as a great friend. I want to be the kind of person that has an organized home where people feel welcome and loved upon their first step in our door. I want to be the kind of person who is positive and happy and is able to spread my optimism to those I am surrounded by. I want to be known as an amazing individual that never gave up through the mistakes and challenges life sometimes threw. I want to be the person that God created me to be... GREAT! I think I already hold a lot of these characteristics, but keeping them consistent still remains to be a challenge and will be something that I will passionately be working on for the rest of my life!!

QUOTES:

"Each man is a corporation. He is the president, his wife the treasurer, and his children the stockholders! What are you doing to insure this investment?"

"Nothing on earth can stop a person backed by persistence, determination, and total commitment. A dedication to personal purpose that refuses to be governed, by conditions, or what other people think!"

"Opportunities never come to those who wait! They are captured only by those who dare to attack!"

Motivation COME BACK!!

This last week of midterms, papers and presentation took a hit for me. I guess that's what I get for being out of the school game for a couple years. I'm ready for Christmas vacation... bring on Whitefish and chocolate making (or chocolate making watching in my case :)) The sad thing is there is no down time for me now either... I have a unit plan due Tuesday and another big presentation next Monday... so back to the grind. I don't know why they can't just throw us in the classroom and say good luck... I'd totally be game for that and not have to write any more essays or exams :) I'd say that's the best idea I've had all year!

Today was a great day. Church was wonderful as usual! I saw my old friend Tyler Willoughby there and ended up making dinner with him after church which was fun. It was good to catch up with him. I came home to find Kait STILL studying... my goodness that girl is a keener. I wish I were half as keen as her! No wonder she does so well in school! Props to her! Now it's time for bed to prepare for a busy week of school and activities. Tomorrow for FHE we've planned to do a Halloween heart attack, which is when we cut out a bunch of heart in Halloween colors and write lil notes of love, motivation, inspiration and so on.. and tap it to someone's door without them catching us. It should be very eventful and hopefully a big success! Tuesday will be my official start for hot yoga seeing as I chickened out on Saturday and am hoping to get 3 sessions of that in this week AND I also have my first meeting tomorrow at 3:30 with the teachers and classroom I will be observing and teaching later on this year! Hopefully they're great teachers and classrooms!

Today I am thankful for my car! It's so nice to have a car. I mean the extra costs definitely add up, but to be able to jump in the car to drive across town to a friends house is so awesome rather than having to mooch a ride or jump on a bus that takes double the time to get there. Plus my car is kinda pretty and I like to think I look kinda good driving it too :)

Dear Childhood Friend,

I have a lot of lil childhood friends that I loved, but today when I was pondering old memories, I remembered when I got babysat by Jeanie Stone and was the best of friends with her son, Ben. I remember playing nintendo with him.. a mixture of mario brothers and the duck hunting game that we both LOVED! I also remember his favorite disney movie to watch was '101 Dalmatians' and we watched it hundreds of times. I loved hanging out with Ben and remember calling him my bestest friend all the time. I loved our little cul-de-sac we lived in with all our little friends. We went on bike rides and played house and ran around all day long. We didn't hang out really in high school, but when I think of ol Benji, I still smile because of the cute little memories we had getting babysat together!

QUOTES:

'A man's success if the result of what he is, and NOT the result of what he says or does!

' You are where you are and what you are because of that is where you really want to be!

'The slight edge principle. Only inches separate the champion and the 'also ran' in all phases of life.'

GOSH!!!!!!

Today I am thankful for big bowls of popcorn, movie marathons, and sister roommates!! Ok so we haven't even started yet.... but it's going to be good! We're going to make a huge bowl of homemade popcorn, big glasses of water, a pile of movies that we will continue to watch until we can't stay up any longer (which may be 10 or 11 o'clock).... oh it's gonna be a party of a night!!! I have always been a huge movie lover and could seriously do movie nights every night, which probably would not be too beneficial seeing as most nights I am busy with school, FHE, or other activities, but having a movie night every once in a while (or a few times a week) never hurt anybody. Might I add that having a big bowl of popcorn just seals the deal! I LOVE going home to Raymond for Sunday nights because my mom always makes a huge bowl of homemade popcorn while we all settle down for a lil tv night.

Dear Person Who Pesters My Mind,

Hmmmm... let me just start with... why do you have to belt out random words during the night and wake me up... I worry about you... whoever you may be :) Now girls... let me show you how it's done... once you finish eating your food, go to the sink.. rinse and wash and stick it in the dryer rack... I know it's an extra 5 seconds of your day, but I promise our house will smell better and you wont' have to worry about me yelling "DO YOUR DISHES" every Saturday morning :) hugs and kisses... Excuse me good looking, but would you please read the Book of Mormon already and get baptized... I promise it will bring much happiness for you... and me in the long run :) Oh my friend... you're going to do what you're going to... but please remember when this backfires on you that I was the one that told you.. she ain't worth it and you're just be another boy on her list. Woman... I love you to bits, but for the love... give me some room every once in a while.. or I'm going to have to play 007 around Edmonton. TC5G.... you pestered me a lot this summer, but talking down to my sister was crossing the line... you got to see the wrath of KHill and I'm SURE you will never want to try going down that road again... don't mess with family... it won't go over well with me.. This was more of a venting blog... Kaitland helped me think of what direction to take it in.. thanks KHill junior :)

QUOTES:

" Our creator did not create one person to succeed, and another person to fail. The seeds of greatness are within every person. Just water them and watch them grow."

"YOU CAN'T GET BIG by thinking small!"

"People are always looking for security! The only real security is within ourselves, our own talents and abilities. A job is only a symbol of security!

Surprise surprise... I sprained my ankle :)

So tonight I played my first basketball game with the women's league team I was invited to play on. It definitely showed that I haven't played competitive basketball for 2 years :) but I had a blast!!! We are playing division 3, which is... chill :) but still competitive enough that I still got 3 fouls in a short amount of time. I LOVED playing with Robyn Fairbanks again. She's just one of those players that you love to have on your team and would hate to play against! I did tweak my ankle, but walked it off and kept playing... welcome to the basketball life of khill :) I got some good blisters from my new basketball shoes too.. gotta work them out a lil more I guess :) I'm definitely looking forward to playing our next game on November 1st.

I'm also starting up hot yoga tomorrow morning which I'm excited, but nervous about. Should be very interesting. I've always wanted to sign up for a yoga class, but they're always so expensive. I got lucky this time and logged on to the website on the one day they had a special offer for students. The deal is unlimited one month for $25... normally a month is $140... so I decided to take advantage of it. The hard thing is gonna be if I end up loving it and not being able to afford to go back... but I'll deal with that when it comes... for now, I'll enjoy the cheap month and make it well worth my $25.

Today I am thankful for good music. It's amazing how one song can change the way you're feeling. I grew up surrounded by great music. I've always loved jamming out to my daddy's music and still love to hear the eagles, fleetwood mac, doobie brothers and others jam out on my computer or in my vehicle. Of course, I've gained a few other types of music that I enjoy and have learned to respect and enjoy all kinds of different genres of music. I like switching it up now and then and I think it keeps life driving to and from school interesting... I never know which type of music is going to pop up on my ipod. Music has offered a lot of comfort and joy in my life. There are songs that I love to work out to, songs I cry to almost every time I hear them, songs that make me smile, songs that make me laugh, songs that I can't help but bounce and dance to and songs that I can't help but belt my lungs out singing to. Im thankful I grew up in a house with music around and have grown to appreciate all kinds of different music!

Dear Person in a Different Province or Country,

Well I have a few friends that live in different provinces and countries... and I kind of feel bad for them. You see I grew up in one of the most beautiful places.. southern Alberta. Yes, I am biased... but I think there are a lot of aspects of this place to back me up. Of course, Waterton is a highlight. I was able to take a trip there in the spring with my mom one day and it turned out being one of the most perfect, beautiful days I have ever spent in Waterton. I love the mountains, lakes, canyons, prairies, coulees, and many other beauties of southern AB. If there is one thing I do not enjoy so much about southern Alberta, it would be the wind. I have thought many times, if only it weren't windy... it would be the perfect place to live :) As for Canada vs. everywhere else.. come on now... BC is gorgeous with mountains, lush trees, wildlife and more, Alberta.. like I said is stellar... and the rest of Canada.. well it's good too... but the west side is the bombdiggity.. :) I hope someday you come to your senses and move to the best place in the world!!!

I have also decided to stick a lil power thought in my blogs every day, which will help me remember to read them daily and something that can give ya'll and myself a boost daily too if you decide to use them :)

THE MAN WHO THINKS HE CAN

"If you think you are beaten, you are.

If you think you dare not, you don't.

If you like to win, but think you can't

It is almost certain you won't.

If you think you'll lose, you've lost.

For out of the world we find,

Success begins with a fellow's will --

It's all in the state of mind.

If you think you are outclassed, you are.

You've got to think high to rise.

You've got to be sure of yourself before

You can ever win a prize.

Life's battles don't always go

To the stronger or faster man,

But sooner or later the man who wins,

Is the man WHO THINKS HE CAN!!"

One Down... One to Go

Well I downed my first midterm today and it went pretty good. I have another one tomorrow and it's going to be an interesting one. It's open book with 2 long answer questions. You'd think that'd be easy, but it's not that simple. It's covers a wide range of the School Act which is hundreds of pages long on specific topics we've covered in class and each answer is supposed to be between 2-4 pages... yiza! But in 12 hours I will be done it and moving ton to preparing for my 2 seminars I have due in the next two weeks! I love school :)

Today after class, Carson and I went to the gym and shot around for while. We were both pretty hot at the beginning, but I was brutal by the end. I have some work to do before playing women's league or potentially playing for the college again :) We both agreed, it can't hurt for us to shoot around like that a few times a week :) Institute was great tonight. I love going to that class... gives me such a boost during the week and before this year, I've never really gone consistently... sure wish I had made time during basketball seasons for institute! It's amazing what a difference and influence one class a week can have on an individual!

Today I'm thankful for yummy smelling cologne. There's nothing like walking past a guy who smells delicious. Now don't get me wrong, I'm not talking about the guys that drench themselves in the cologne to the point that you can't breathe when they are near, but when a guy has the right kind and amount of cologne on... it definitely brings a smile to my face! I've had a couple guy friends who have chosen to wear a yucky smelling cologne and I wish so badly I was close enough with them to tell them... that scent is a no-no, but I guess for now I'll just have to suck it up and hope to run into a heavenly scented man!

Dear Person I Miss the Most,

This one I wasn't too sure what or who to put. I mean on certain days I miss certain people more. I miss my parents when I'm away. I miss the Tolman family in Portland. I miss my close friends. I miss my grandparents. I miss some relatives. I miss some coaches. But as for today... I really have been missing my Korean kiddies and the Rogers family back in Korea. I LOVED my Pooh Bear class and every time I go back and look at pictures of my kids in Korea, I get a smile on my face and a little sad because I wish I could see them still every day. They were all such a blessing in my life. I tried hard not to have favorites, BUT Annika and Camilla made it so hard. They were just too cute and too fun!!! I miss them sooooo much!!!! If you followed my blog while I was in Korea, you will remember that the Rogers family were my family in Korea. I spent most weekends at their house acting as though they were my own family. I babysat, did the girls hair on Sundays, helped cook and clean, played games, celebrated my birthday, Easter, Christmas, and other holidays all at their house. The Rogers family played a significant part in my experience and growth in Korea. PJ and Lori always were giving me great advice and putting me in my place when needed. They were honest, bold, loving, caring, and truly became my Korea family. I miss the little girls so much and even miss lil Cooper even though I didn't get to spend very much time with him as he was born shortly before I left. There are many days that I wish I could just hop on a jet and fly over there to spend a few days with them every month. I miss having them in my life and can't wait to see them all again!

It's Been a While...

Well today I am thankful for slippers!!! My feet are always cold and when my feet are cold... I am somewhat unhappy. I am one of those 'weird' individuals who have always worn socks to bed... except in the summer when it's too hot to wear covers. I don't know why some people thinks it's gross... I like it. I have also been a huge fan of drinking herbal sleepy-time tea and heating up my herbal beanbag while preparing for bed... I have slept very well the last few nights :)

Dear Person I've Lost Touch With,

I have a few friends that's I've lost touch with, but the one I'm most sad about is my dear friend Miss Julie Bogle. Julie and I played together on a Selects basketball team in grade 8 and were instant friends. We made effort to get rides to each others houses for sleepovers every once in a while and we always had a blast together. Julie is from Milk River and is now attending U of C. Julie was an amazing friend and was concrete at key times in my life. After high school, we didn't keep in touch as often as we did as youngsters, but every time we got together, it was like we had never been apart. Julie has done a lot of travelling and is very involved in her community. She was the president at U of C I believe and has always been motivated and driven to be successful in whatever she does. We have always been very respectful of the differences in beliefs and values between each other. Sometimes I feel like I was the reason we lost touch. I wasn't as good of a friend as I could've been. I'm not saying I'm a horrible person or friend by any means, but I think at times I was more selfish and wasn't thinking as much about putting effort into the friends I had around me, especially with such a good friend in Julie. Julie was always honest, dependable, kind, fun, and loveable and I miss her!! I think it's time for an email and plan a lil reunion for my dear friend Julie and I!! Can't let friendships like that just disappear without attempting to save or replenish it!

Blah Blah Blah Blah

This weekend was WAY too chill. I think my body was trying to get me prepared for this next week. I have two big midterms and then 2 projects to follow them... should be a fun week!! I did accomplish one big thing this weekend... I actually applied for a serious job...I applied to Alta Care Resources which is a support service for youth and families. I applied and got the job 2 years ago, but decided not to take the job and move back to southern AB. Lynz worked there for a summer too, so hopefully I can get a part-time job there and then if I decide to stay in Edmonton for the summer, I can just transfer to full-time. Cross your fingers!! This would really be a fabulous option for me, so I'm going to cross my fingers. Hopefully they have a job that can work with my school schedule!

Dear Person I Could Stay Up All Night Talking With,

I'm getting too old to do this now :) haha I actually don't think that's the case, but as of now, my body is trained as an old woman because come 10 or 11 o'clock.. it's time for me to find my bed :) But every once in a while an all nighter chat can't hurt :) I've shared a few of those with a couple different friends and family. Kait and I have chatted till quite late into the night while scratching each other's backs... she always slacks on the back scratching though, so it hasn't happened since we've moved in together :) Kenzie... well that girl is truly like an old woman and turns into 'Walter' (her cranky late night personality).. but we too have had some good late night chats till one of us either passes out or states that it's time to be quiet and go to sleep :) We're more best friends who like to chat during the daytime :) I'd have to say my most trooperest all nighter chatting friend must be Mrs. Ashton Whidden (Low). We lived together for just a year, but man did we have A LOT of late night chats and giggles. That year, mostly the first semester, was definitely my best roomie experience!! Ash and I had our own lil loft and we could talk for hours and hours and hours... then we would giggle for hours and hours. We both were guilty of falling asleep in mid conversation late at night. We still share that same fun-loving friendship. Whenever we get around each other, there's always laughs and inside jokes that are brought up, but we also have had many deep conversations. It's actually her birthday today too... so a lil shout out to my ALow!!! She's a great friend and I have many great memories with her in our lil loft!!!

Dancing on His Feet

So tonight is going to be another two blog day, cuz I put off doing it last night. So prior to settling down in my bed to do this, my roomie and I were just having a good ol chat... a good gospel chat. This is what I am thankful for today. I spend a lot of time, mostly night times as I'm trying to get to sleep, pondering different things and ideas in my life. When it comes to spiritual things, a lot of the time, they usually just toss around in my head and are gone the next day. Tonight when I was talking to Mich about different things related to the gospel, it made me more motivated and caused me to be more reflective on certain topics. I believe that we learn best by teaching and having a conversation with Michelle proved that is true. I'm hoping we will have many more chats on similar topics and grow from each others experiences and reflections.

Dear Grandpa,

Tonight I'm supposed to talk about a deceased person I wish I could talk to. This was a pretty easy one for me. Picture this A young blonde haired granddaughter walks hand in hand with her grandfather to the park across the street. Of course, their first stop were the swings facing the old swimming pool. She jumps on the swing with a big smile on her face awaiting the first big push from one of her most favorite people in the world. As he pushes her higher and higher, his humor starts to show and he asks her "So... what color is the bottom of the swimming pool?" She replies as she always does, "It's blue Grandpa" He jokes back "No it's not, it's purple and green"... The little girl giggles at Grandpa's silliness and insists to him that's he can't see the bottom of the swimming pool and that she's SURE it's blue. I could've stayed there all day with him!

But probably my favorite memory of Grandpa Hill was when he would prompt us to climb upon his feet while holding his hands and sway back and forth while humming our 'dancing song'. I can still recall every tune of that song and every time it goes through my mind, I get a smile on my face and a flood of fabulous memories. I was in grade 4 when he passed away and I remember it being really hard. He wasn't always so fabulous... just as we all have shortcomings... Grandpa's cars were his pride and joy... I remember one day riding my bike a lil too close to Grandpa's car and him telling me he'd break my arm if I ever did it again... I laugh now, cuz I know he'd never lay a finger on his precious lil granddaugher. But there are definitely WAY more good memories to remember... like when he 'kidnapped' my cousin Kade and I and took us into Lethbridge to get an ice cream cone from Dairy Queen :) My cousin, Nicole, and I used to have sleepovers at grandma and grandpa's and stay up all night writing love notes to them on stickits and posting them all over their bed frame while they were sleeping. After the funeral, Nicole and I went downstairs to grandpa's old typewriter and started writing letters to him as if he were still around. I sure did love having him around and still miss him to this day!

Dear Person Who Has Hurt Me the Most,

I can't really pinpoint this on one person. Forgiveness is an easy, but very hard thing to do at times. It's an act of faith really, faith that the won't do it again, faith that you can move past whatever he/she has done to you, faith that forgiving is the best thing you can do. It's much easier to stay bitter and angry, but in the long run, it's hurts you as a person more than it will hurt them. When we choose not to forgive someone, it boils inside and influences the good relationships we have in our lives in a negative way. I think sometimes we tend to take the frustration out on those closest to us because we know they will still love us after, but in reality, they've done nothing wrong and it really isn't' fair to toss it all on them. Sometimes forgiveness can take time and that's ok too. When I think of a great example of forgiveness, I think of Jesus as he was abused and crucified on the cross. Humility, Love, Faith, Forgiveness!!! This is something I can always work on doing better :)

Hello!?!?! It's Been Too Long...

Welp today was a pretty alright day. I had a lot of fun in all my classes today which was a nice way to go into the weekend. After class, Cars and I went and shot around and worked out together. We did some wickid ab workouts and I'm sure we'll both be sore tomorrow from them! I enjoy working out with Cars... we have fun at the gym together. It gets a bit crowded at the Concordia gym with how small it is, but you can't beat a free gym pass every month with just enough equipment to cover a pretty good workout! After our good workout, I came home and pretty much ate my workout right back with taco chips and salsa... shame on me!

I was just thinking how funny/annoying it is how we do things that we know we're not gonna be happy with later. Like come on now... and I do it with a lot of things like putting off assignments or essays till the last minute, not waking up early to do a workout when I KNOW I won't be able to do it later... and so on. So much of it is in our minds. Someone made this statement to me last year that just popped in my head... so many of us don't feel like we have much control over our body, when in reality we have all the control. When it's 12 o'clock at night and popcorn or chips are blinking in our heads... it's up to us whether or not we indulge. We all know it's something we shouldn't do and most of us will regret it later that night or the next day, so why not get in control now! When I'm active and eating healthier, I have WAY more energy and I'm happier. It is an ongoing challenge with me, but I am stubborn and am focused to beat this beast!! You gotta just keep plugging on and not lose sight of your goals!! What do you want? What is best for your body, your health and your future? The way that we eat, exercise and live our lives has a HUGE influence on those around us whether it's friends, family or acquaintances!! I wanna be a leader and a positive example to those around me!

Alright so when I was trying to think of the person I wish I talked to more often, I started thinking of friends and family I haven't talked to in a while or as consistently... there are definitely many. I feel like that's part of growing up though. We've all chosen different paths of life to take whether that's school, parenting, travelling, or whatever else, but the important thing is that we remember those who have influenced our lives and to make sure to take a minute or two out of our busy days to make sure those individual's know that we appreciate and care about them. Too many of us take advantage of the people in our lives and the blessing they are to have around... I know I do! It's not about having to call or talk to them every day... it's about remembering them in our prayers and letting them know that they are loved and remembered! This leads me into my challenge question...

Dear Friend I Would Like to Talk to More Often,

I talk to you morning and evening in my prayers, but is that enough? I don't think so. We're always told to keep a prayer in our hearts throughout our days, but do we really do that? I don't all the time. This is something I am going to work on and change. We are so blessed to know that we have a Heavenly Father who is ALWAYS there. When we feel lonely, sad, angry or even when we feel happy, excited and so on... He wants to know and hear from us. After those coaches talked to me yesterday, I couldn't wait to call my parents and talk to them about it. I texted my dad, called our house, called my mom's cell and then called my dad's cell until I finally got ahold of them. Our Heavenly Father is just that.. He is our father and he wants to know how we're doing throughout our day. I don't think this means that every hour we have to go and find a quite place to say a prayer, but just a quick thought or prayer while going about our day can make a significant difference in our attitudes and happiness throughout a day. I feel happier already! I'll probably have to be reminded about it a few times, but this is something I want every day.... I want to talk to my Heavenly Father more often and make them more personal and passionate just as I would with my own parents!! What an amazing gift!!

Mind's a Racing

So today was a pretty mediocre day. After class, my seminar group and I went to an elementary school to do some interviewing and get a better idea of how community, parents, and volunteers help out with schools. It was so fun to be in a school and realize that that may be be in a couple of years. The kids were so darn cute too! After going to the school, I headed back to Concordia to catch some bball action as the boys were scrimmaging against another team.

Just as the game was about to end, the assistant coach for the girls team strolled in and caught my eye. His name is Bob and he is a persistent old man. I barely went a week my last month in Korea without getting an email from him asking about my plans for the fall. He even took me out for lunch to talk about the fall when I came up to Edmonton in the spring for my ed interview.

So we got talking and he asked if I had thought at all about playing in the second semester. I hadn't really, but definitely have missed playing. He went and got the head coach to introduce me and the other assistant coach and they surrounded me and laid on the heat :) haha ok it wasn't that bad. But in short, the head coach, Rob, said he'd do anything to have me play as long as it was in his power. He offered to buy me new basketball shoes, get a #13 jersey especially for me, and scholarship money. They talked about how they needed more leadership and fight on the court... i dunno why they would think of me when it came to 'fight' on the court... i like to consider myself very calm and collective when I step on the bball floor :)

Anyway... I left the gym with the head coaches number and plea to use it. I must say it is very tempting. I would only be playing for 2 1/2 months and my schedule for school really isn't that demanding as long as I stay on top of things, which besides my essay from Thanksgiving weekend, I have done very well doing. It's definitely something I will take in consideration and start getting my hiney in shape just in case, but who knows :)

So for today, I'm thankful for opportunities! It was such a confidence booster to have these 3 guys sitting around me, tooting my horn and begging me to be part of their program. I know most of it is just college recruiting b.s. but it felt good. Playing at Concordia was the best decision I made when it came to my post-secondary playing! I loved the school, the team, and the passion everyone had for the game. So.... do I take a round #2 at this Concordia thing... we'll see :)

Dear someone I wish I could meet,

When I first looked at this question, the person who popped into my head was, of course, President Monson! I have seen him on the television with conference and even in person as my siblings and I have travelled down to watch conference and he is such a kind, funny, inspiring man! I would love to meet him and have some time to talk to him one-on-one... what an experience that would be!! As I pondered this question a little more, I'd have to say Mr. Steve Nash would be the next one on the list! I've always said, if he told me he'd leave his wife and marry me.... I'd be done... call me Mrs. Steve Nash! haha... I LOVE watching him play!!! He's is an all-around great player and he seems so humble about it. He's got personality and humor and I think he's pretty darn good looking too.. especially when he has his long hair blowing as he speeds down the court :) So either one of those two will do.... :)

Catch Up...

So this past weekend I had a blast at home with my family, BUT I also had a mid-term essay due Tuesday morning at 8:00 a.m. It was a bit stressful getting home at 7:00 Monday night and getting everything situated before settling down to buck up on my crazy teacher's Thanksgiving mid-term essay. Like seriously... what kind of teacher gives homework over the long weekend!?!?!?! It is done now, so no more worries... at least for a little while.

The reason my title is catch up is because while stressing over my essay and having a few late nights, I shafted my daily blog and have decided that today I will do a two-in-one blog, so prepare yourself.

First off... I'm thankful for hot showers! Tonight after having a long day at school and a tough workout (trying to work off some of those turkey/chimichangas/wings/pumpkin pie calories), I decided to jump into the shower for a quick rinse before going to institute. I could've stayed in their for hours!! I love steaming showers and baths!! They're just so stinking relaxing. First, I usually get shivers from my body adjusting to the heat and then just pure heaven! I would love to have a hot tub sometime in the future!!

Dear ex-boyfriend,

Oh you... It has been 6 months... there really was no closure.. I think that's what hurts the most. Sometimes I wonder if it hurt you as bad as it has and still hurts me at times. Don't get me wrong, I have continued to grow and live my life over the past few months, but I still have so many questions as to why you went from one extreme to the other. Was it all a lie? I don't think so... BUT the reality is... we're done. I'm better off without you now and I still feel sorry for you. You missed out my old friend. These last 6 months have been a roller coaster of up and down emotions connected to you. I wish I could've just forgot all about you that night, BUT it didn't happen, so now I will continue to focus on ME and on MY growth as a daughter of God. I deserve so much better and although at times it is hard to hang on to the hope, I know God must have a REALLY great guy out there for me!! I will not settle! I pray for you that God will have mercy on you and bless you again with an amazing, beautiful, passionate, caring, spiritual goddess... because that's what you are missing out on now. It is time. I have so much more to live for! I deserve the best and I will NOT settle.

Dear favorite internet friend,

Well I'm not sure if you actually exist... I mean I have a lot of friends on facebook, but I'm not sure if I have anyone that's my ultimate favorite internet friend. Most of the people I stay in touch with on the internet, I also do in person or on the phone and I would much rather do it in person. Sometimes it is nice to just shoot an email around, but face-to-face conversation is so much better. I do love typing though, so every once in a while, I get in little spurts where I select a few old friends that I haven't chatted with in a while and see how they're doing. The internet is great, but I already feel like I am so dependent upon it, I don't want to waste any more time.

So now it's back to the grind of school!!! I'm excited to be back in Edmonton and get going on a few of my new goals before Christmas holidays! I'm excited to make some new friends and have some new adventures this fall!! I am an FHE Ma and we have some really great activities coming up! Next week, we're splitting up and going out with the missionaries to knock on some doors and see if we can reach a few people... should be interesting! We also have an activity to go and play hide and seek in IKEA!! Tell me how awesome of an idea that is!!!

Sooooo Full!!!!

Well today was the first real feast of the weekend. We all had a bit of a sleep in and proceeded to work on homework, in my case, try to work on homework. I gave up after a few hours and we went and picked some raspberries with Granny Hill. Then Cars, Daddy, Kait and I went hunting ducks. We had a blast and of course I shot down like 20 of them all in the same flock :) We had Tollestrups over (just Wally and Diane) to help us eat the chimichangas. They were, of course, divine as usual!! They just never get old! I even squeezed 2 in for the night. Not quite as good as Carson's 4, but I felt pretty good and bloated from downing them :) Carson had Angie Aneca over and Kait had Jenni Peterson over and we ended up playing some cards to end the night. It was a fun day!!

Today I'm thankful for sweats and big shirts!! I just feel so incredibly comfortable in bed right now.. even after gaining 10 pounds today! What a fabulous feeling to have gained 10 pounds and still feel so comfortable in clothes :)

Dear Best Friend,

I have had many friends throughout my life who have come and gone. There have been many ups and downs, but I have been lucky to have a couple who have stayed around and proven to be true friends... friends I could ride the river with! It's amazing the comfort one can feel in knowing that you have a friend who you can always count on. I believe this is very hard to come by. A true best friend is not one that just falls into your lap and stays there. A true best friend is one whose relationship takes work, commitment, trust, honesty and love in a consistent way. If one person is giving it all and the other isn't, it is bound to fall apart or weaken. I'm so thankful for the close friends I have and the support and love I receive from them. They may come few, but their worth is priceless. It's real! It's consistent! It's pure! It's unselfish! It's L-O-V-E!

d-e-e-p

Well first off... I'm home!! It's Thanksgiving weekend and I am just loving with home with the fam! We are missing our 4 other puzzle pieces (the Tolmans), but we're still having a blast.. no surprise there. Today we spent some time playing tennis, mom and I went and picked some corn and ate some delicious, big raspberries and went to the Raymond football game. The football game was... a blow out! When we left before the end of the 3rd quarter, it was 69-0 for Raymond. One of those sitting on the edge of your seat kinda games... :)

Today I am thankful for comfy pillows :) Last night, we pulled into Raymond at about 8ish and i was wiped. When we finally all got to bed, I crawled into bed and felt heaven. My head just fit perfectly in this magnificently delicate, soft fluffy pillow!! It was hard to get up this morning because it was just THAT comfortable!!

I have been thinking a bit about my challenge blog for today... 'my dreams' and I've kind of struggled with deciding where I want to take this one... so I've decided to just let it go, cuz it's after midnight.. I'm exhausted and want to lay on my incredible pillow :)

Dear Dreams,

Oh I have so many... the sky is the limit really. Now whether those all come true... well that may be uncertain, but I am allowed to dream whatever my little heart desires. So... what are some of my dreams right now for my future: travel to many more places around the world, run a half marathon without passing out, make a significant difference in many peoples lives, get married in the temple to my sweetheart, be a fabulous, creative, spontaneous, fun-loving mother and wife, graduate with my teaching degree and get incredibly lucky to get a job in Raymond :), be an amazing and influential coach... oh there are just so many. But dream... as I travel down this path of life, please be patient with me... at times I get distracted from my goals and dreams, but I promise to work harder at staying on course and if I do waver a bit or just focused on silly wishes... know that I have many individuals close to me that will do everything they can to help me realize my dreams are what matters and help me get back on track! I have a lot of work to do, but I plan on accomplishing many of these dreams and if i conquer more... bonus for me!!

Peace Out Etown

It has finally come... the day I get to drive back to my home sweet home of Raymond! I am so ready to get away from the city and be back in the stellar town I grew up in. I was never one of those kids that couldn't wait to get out of Raymond. I almost loved our little town! Of course, I was super pumped about getting out into the world and venturing out to discover new and interesting things that we, as Raymondites, were a little sheltered from, but every time I come around that 'S' curve on the home stretch after being away for a while, I get little butterflies in my stomach and can't help but smile and ponder some of the many great memories I have with friends and family in this small town :) Just a couple more hours and I will be on route to my favorite little town!!!

So my challenge for today was siblings or a close relative. It's obvious there's no way I could do just one... so this is going to turn into a bit of a more lengthy blog... enjoy..

Dear KHill Junior,

A whicka whicka (with magic fingers handshake)!! Oh what to say about my mini me (by name :)) These past few months have been so great!! I wasn't sure how it was going to be moving in with my little sister who is 6 years younger than me... BUT I must admit, it has turned out pretty dang fun! I'm so proud of you and all of your MANY achievements! These past few months have brought us closer!! We haven't lived this close or consistently in the same place for 6 years or so. I've missed having you around all the time and although we may get annoyed with each other every once in a while, I wouldn't change a thing with our living conditions! You make me want to be a better person in many aspects of my life and I'm so thankful for your friendship and spunkiness!! Thanks for always being there for me and being so patient with my imperfections! You are da bombdiggity and I just love you so much!

Dear CJ,

I am amazed at your potential! You have so many great talents and have such a great influence on those you are surrounded by! People can't help but be drawn to you and that is a gift that you have used to enhance and better other's lives. Doesn't matter what kind of mood I am in, when you want to make me laugh... it happens. You have such a great personality and when you are in one of your moods... there is no stopping the madagascar potential :) Your mission was a great testimony builder not only for yourself, but also for the rest of your family! My mission in Korea was directly linked to your mission in Arkansas and I know a lot of the growth I experienced in Korea was related to the spirit and testimony you built in your mission. With 3 sisters and a mom, I know the nagging can get intense at times, but it's only because we know your potential and the incredible ability you have to be a successful, well rounded young man! I love that we both share a love for sports along with the rest of our family and the dedication you have when you become passionate about something! You can achieve whatever you set your mind to and that is such a powerful tool to have in your life! Thank you for being the bestest little bro I could ask for! Love you so much!

Dear Lynz,

I have always described you to friends as the perfect older sister. You took over the older sibling mother role perfectly and the love you showed for all of your younger siblings was and still is very apparent. I always knew you would be an amazing mother and now there is proof with the 2 stellar bundles of joy you have in your life. I love our crazy dance parties and deep convos we have every now and then! Your advice is always treasured although I know at times it may not seem so. You example of spiritually staying consistent and strong has always been very inspiring to me and has caused me to raise the bar in my own life and strive to live closer to my Heavenly Father daily! I miss you a lot when I go home and the random funness we had. I promise when the man of my dreams comes along, I will get going on my own bundles of joy to join yours and then we can have some more fun as moms too! Thank you for always being that constant example! I'm so glad we were able to share our Korea experiences and I know that a lot of my growth came from the roots that you planted while there! Thank you for being such a stellar big sis! Love you so much!

Dear DRFT,

We thought we lost you after yours and Lynz' first break-up... but when I saw you at that ysa dance when you were engaged to 'other girl', I knew there was still some hope... and I was right of course :) Our family has been sooooo incredibly blessed to have you join our family! You are the perfect husband for Lyndsey and such a great father for your sons. The house is never dull with you around and I look forward to your geek potential every time ya'll are around! You, similar to Cars, can always make me laugh. I'm also very thankful for your example of persistence and hard work. Your commitment to school, church and family is very apparent and your priorities are exactly where they need to be! I so thankful that my older sis was able to find such a great guy and I can only hope and pray that I will be as lucky as her with my future hubby! You are great! Love you so much!

Auntie Patti,

You have always been the funky, sassy, loveable aunt and I've loved every minute we spend together! You have got style like no other and have a radiant confidence that is well deserved! Your love for your kids and grandkids is very apparent through your selfless acts of love and kindness. You are truly an amazing woman and I am so thankful for the opportunity I have had to live so close and to be able to spend more time with you! I look up to you and am so thankful for the listening ear, comfort and love you have shown to me throughout the years! Thank you for being such an amazing auntie and friend! I miss and love you so much and think of you often in my travels around the world!

Auntie Cheryl,

You and your family have had a huge impact on my life! I am so thankful for the love and friendship you have shared with me. You make me feel like I can accomplish anything. You are such a great mother and have amazing kids! I love love love your kids and enjoy spending time with them thoroughly! Thank you for being such a great example and for being so motivated in so many aspects of your life! You have such an amazing family who share the same passion and spunk for life! You are a strong and confident woman and have such a great influence on those you are surrounded by! I love you so much and am so thankful you are such a big part of my life!

Granny,

LOVE. LOVE. LOVE. PERFECTION - HUMILITY - ATTITUDE - PASSIONATE - FIGHT- STYLE - TALENT - BEAUTY - PATIENCE - TENDERNESS - GRACE - BEST FRIEND!!!! It's hard to put into words the feelings I have for you! You have been my constant best friend throughout my whole life. You have taught me many important life lessons through your example and guidance. You have offered comfort when needed. Your fire for life and learning has been passed on through the generations and will continue to be passed down as we all see the success and passion you have experienced through your years. Thank you for being you! I am the luckiest gal in the world because I have a granny and best friend who lives right across the street! I love you so much and am so thankful for everything you have done to support and show love throughout my life!!

Grandpa and Grandma Smith,

I am so thankful for the support you have shown me and our family with our sports, school plays, church callings and adventures throughout our lives. I am so lucky to have both my grandparents living so close and know I take advantage of having ya'll so close. I truly am blessed and I am so thankful. I love how every time we're near water, Grandpa has to start a water fight (that trait has been passed down to my mom also :)) and of course the silly jokes Grandpa has played on us through the years. Grandma has always been a wonderful example of kindness, patience and determination. Even when Grandma isn't feeling well, she still tries her best to get tasks done until either Grandpa or one of her kids or grandkids beg her to rest up! Our family reunions are always a blast and I look forward to spending time with the Smith side every year as we make new memories and catch up on each others lives. Thank you for striving to keep our family so close and for being a constant example for all of us! Love you both so much!

Bet ya'll are jealous at the stellar siblings and relatives I have eh!?!? And these are only a few... I could do this for days with the amazing relatives I'm surrounded by!!!! It's simple... I am blessed!!!