The Adventure of Fall

Oh what joys the fall season brings. 

Aside from craziness of work, the fall adventuring has been in full force.

Canyon Walks and Soccer Games

Visits from Parentals for BYU Football

Visits to Good Ol' Manti

Sighting in Guns... Just wait for it.

You guessed it. For the first time in my life I went hunting. Legit hunting.
Here's how the story went:

February 2011
     Dad: "Do you want to put in for the deer hunt?"
     Me: "What??"
     Dad: "Do you want to put in for the deer hunt?!"
     Me: "Dad. I've never been hunting in my life."
     Dad: "I know! I think it's about time you went!"
     Me: "Dad, I have no idea where I will be in October. I could be in Timbuktu for all I know."
     Dad: "Well then, it'll give you a good reason to come home!"
     Me: "Ok fine. Go for it."
**Didn't draw out in 2011.

February 2012
     Dad: "Do you want to put in for the deer hunt again? We'll most likely go this year!"
     Me: "Sure. I'll only be in Provo in October. Easily done."
**Drew out for October 2012 Rifle Deer Hunt.

Although Bambi lived to see another day, 

we did see lots of great sites, beautiful animals, and gorgeous skies.

Parachute, All American Rejects, and Boys Like Girls Concert!

All in all,
the adventuring has been a wild, fun ride!
Oh how I love fall!!

A Second for Everything

Wow. What an adventurous week it's been.

(**Warning: many words coming. But it's all good. Of course. Why else would I be posting?)

The Sis and I took a fabulous afternoon trip to SLC for a special service project (post coming), and did a little shopping while we were at it.

Beautiful City Creek Center

Don't mind our clashing matching shirts. We have to have bright colors for the last bit of warm summer weather.

Among many other adventures, work decisions, and sporting events, the weekend quickly came.

In every kind of competition, there is always someone who comes in second place. In general, taking second place is much harder than taking first place (obviously) or third place. Third place is just happy they got in at all, but second place constantly questions themselves and beats themselves up--always wondering if they could have pushed it a little harder, try a little more, or did a little better.  
Could they have taken first instead? Yes, a first place winner should have good sportsmanship but,  
a second place winner is where true character is shown. A second place winner needs to have the  
class and confidence to accept their award, accept it with pride, and then have the drive and determination to change the outcome next time.

Yesterday, I ran the UVU Pride of the Valley 10K race. I have always loved 10K races, but this one was extremely fun. As the run began my legs felt like lead and I worried that this was going to be a long 6.2 miles.

After about 3/4 of a mile into it, the adrenaline kicked in and I pounded the pavement all the way to the end to take 2nd place in the overall Female Division! In this situation, although a certain amount of "classiness" was required to take second place, I was more surprised and crazily stoked that I had actually done that good!

What a glorious feeling that is!

It's crazy that even this week, I sort of felt like I needed to change things up in my routine. I was getting in a running slump. And then this crazy weekend comes and my motivation is built up once again!

I think that is similar to what happens in life in general. We start to get in a slump, but if we push through, Heavenly Father gives us those glorious experiences that spark our motivation and determination to make our lives the best they can possibly be!

Push through. A glorious moment is coming. Guaranteed.

I Know

I know that I have some truly incredible examples in my life.

I know that today, this scripture was meant for me:

Therefore, dearly beloved brethren, let us cheerfully do all things that lie in our power; and then may we stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God, and for his arm to be revealed. D&C 123:17

I know that Fall is an incredibly beautiful time of year. I wouldn't switch Fall in Utah for anything!

I know that Sister Missionaries are extraordinary people. Thank you Sister Kendra. You made my whole day.

I know that I have one fabulous family and I'm so grateful that we will be together forever!

I know that God has a plan for me.

I know that we have magnificent freedoms that so many have sacrificed a great deal for. 

I know that there should be no place for simply "averageness" in my life.

I know that when amazing opportunities come your way, you have to seize them, cause you might never get that opportunity again.

I know that I was placed here at this time for a reason.

I know that running makes any day better. :)

I know that if I have faith everything will work out exactly how it's supposed to, in exactly the right timing.

I know that some days are tough but even more, I know that the tough days make the glorious days that much more glorious!

I know that a life well lived leaves no room for regrets.

Love you Lil' Sis + Photoshooting

From the first moment that she came into my life,
we've been best friends.

Like all best friends, we had our ups and downs. We loved to play together, tease each other and fight with each other.

In fact, I remember telling her one time that "Mom and Dad are going to have to send one of us away because we fight too much. And they are going to keep me because they love me more because I am older."
Typical older sister right?

To this day, I am incredibly grateful that our parents didn't give either of us away!!!

A sister shares childhood memories and grown-up dreams.  

~Author Unknown

As we grew up, we each went through our struggles, but friends we remained.

The best thing about having a sister was that I always had a friend.  

~Cali Rae Turner

Eventually, we parted ways as we grew up. But coming home to play, to pamper, 

and to hang out, 

made for some of the best memories through my college experience.

 
 







 




 

A turning point in our relationship came when we overcame great struggles and ran a half marathon together. It was then that we became equals. 

No longer older and younger, but sister to sister, friend to friend.

One of the best days of my life was when I got the job at BYU and realized that I would be moving to Provo and would finally live in the same town as my sister again. 

The last year has been such an incredible journey full of fun, laughter, many sporting events, random adventures, a few tears, but amazing growth.

Sisters is probably the most competitive relationship within the family, 

but once the sisters are grown, 

it becomes the strongest relationship.  

~Margaret Mead

To my fabulous and amazing sister, KelliAnne,  
I love you more than words could ever describe.
You've been my rock, my adviser, my teacher, sometimes my mother, my inspiration, my competitor, my example, my friend, my fellow adventurer, my opponent, my enthusiast, my confidant, 
but best of all, my sister. Forever.

 Photoshoot by: Kylie secondstarphotography.blogspot.com

She is your mirror, shining back at you with a world of possibilities.  She is your witness, who sees you at your worst and best, and loves you anyway.  She is your partner in crime, your midnight companion, someone who knows when you are smiling, even in the dark.  She is your teacher, your defense attorney, your personal press agent, even your shrink.  Some days, she's the reason you wish you were an only child.  

~Barbara Alpert   

 

Premature, On second thought

So I just had a thought.

As much as I LOVE Fall, the previous post was probably a bit premature.

Before I wish summer away and fall to begin,
there is one major highlight that absolutely cannot be overlooked.

With the predicted weather of an average of 98,
in less than a week I will be in heaven on earth.

Lake Powell.
Stoked beyond reason to peace out to this slice of paradise!

A Bouquet of Newly Sharpened Pencils

Although Summer is one of the greatest times of the whole year,
I also love when it starts to change into fall.
Seriously.
Fall is one of my favoritest times of the whole year.
Everything changes.
And change is so exciting.

"Don't you love New York in the fall? It makes me wanna buy school supplies. I would send you a bouquet of newly sharpened pencils if I knew your name and address." by You've Got Mail

Yes. But Utah in the fall is also incredibly beautiful.

I can't wait for
warm sweaters, 
colorful crunchy fall leaves, 
breezy afternoons,
cool quiet peaceful evenings,
and chilly morning runs.
Sigh.......

A Shiny New Set of Wheels

Remember this day? When the anticipation was killing me??

Well thanks to a wonderful Daddy, my shiny new set of wheels is all finished!!

Wahoo!!

 Yep. Lovin me some Mazda!
Check #53: Own a Mazda.

For the Love of Summer

Summer Lovin #1: Ragnar Running

Team Lock & Load

Summer Loving #2: BYU Soccer Camp Coaching
(Thanks to Coach Jen, I looked just like part of the team. 
Which lead to the love of cute little girls, soccer ball signing, and feeling like a star!)

 

Team "Too Legit to Quit"

Summer Lovin #3: Boating

At Yuba Lake

Summer Lovin #4: Sunsets

Although fires across the state are continuously destroying many things, they sure make for beautiful sunsets.

I absolutely cannot believe how crazy-busy-fun Summer is in Provo. There is so much going on all the time and I love it!! However, my sleeping habits are not loving it. Some days I feel so tired I can't even make rational decisions. About anything. 

Oh the tragedy, right? 

Thus, yesterday I resolved:  

I'll Sleep When I'm Dead. 

Bring it on, Summer!