Thee definition of awesome

Would be, the BYU game yesterday.

Aren't we lovely people? 

I dragged Ashley because frankly (weird word that I have never used), I don't get why my family doesn't like to go to the basketball games more. We are huge BYU fans, we are HUGE basketball fans, and we have 4 all sports passes. Weird I know. Let me know when you figure out why this is the case... because I really do not understand. I usually have to beg, plead, cry, and bargain to get them to even one game. You can't go to a basketball game yourself... right?

If you would like to keep reading you will get an update on the game, it's not very exciting... but I would just really love to look back at this epic thing.

Anyways. I took her and then we went with Christina. It was a super fun game. We were doing really good the whole first half. We thought for sure we had it. Then when we started the second half within the first like minute they were caught up. But anyways, at the end we were tied with about 4 seconds left. Tyler Haws then made an A-MAZING basket and we were ahead with 2.4 seconds left. We all screamed and freaked out like we won. Holy cow. It was an awesome moment! SOO exciting! The next thing you know everyone in the crowd does a huge sigh and we are covering our mouths... with 2.4 seconds left St. Mary threw a half court shot... and MADE IT!
Made it.
Guys, they made it....
We all stood in complete shock and awe. They reviewed it and it was real. It wasn't a dream. It sucked. A lot. Huuuuuuuuh. Disappointing. 69-70. But hey, at least we had fun.

Here is what we looked at in the moment. We took these in Christina dorm because we didn't want to get stuck in the Marriot Center forever. Here is the caption that goes with it- "We won! We won! Thank you Tyler Haws! 2 points with 2 seconds left! 69-67! Screamed forever and a half... NO! NO! NO! It was from half court that did NOT go in! Are you kidding me? That NEVER goes in! Go die. Final disappointing score 69-70. We will go cry now. 

 And I did learn something... BYU is where I am supposed to go. I had been seriously considering/thinking about transferring to Utah State when I got home from my mission. I know that's crazy. But I kept thinking that BYU was too hard and stuff. I still don't know what I'm going to do when I get home, but really- it doesn't matter right now!
76 days!
I also learned that you should always listen to the advice of people wiser than you (Ashley).

Merry Christmas 2012!

Here is my family's Christmas letter :) we thought that we'd put it online to save money... no... really it's just because we are too lazy and didn't get it done in time.

Well we figured that since we are kind of known for being late that we wouldn’t break that streak!

This year has been full of surprises and fun for us!

In April we finally fulfilled our dream and went on a Caribbean cruise! We loved every second of it, even though it was very last minute. We flew to Florida and headed for the Bahamas on Easter morning. We were able to go to the Bahamas, Jamaica, The Cayman islands, and Cozumel Mexico. We gained a lot of weight, spent a lot of money, parasailed, went snorkeling, hiked a waterfall in Jamaica, went clear bottom canoeing in the ocean, laid on the beach, took a wind tour through the everglades, held alligators, and even swam with dolphins! Let’s just say, we had a LOT of fun! In June we went to Moab and did a lot of hiking and swimming! We then took a sudden and quick trip to Arizona for our Great Aunt and Uncle Floyd and Karin’s funeral.  We had a girl’s weekend at a million dollar cabin in Bear Lake with Duane’s side of the family. We laughed, cried, ate, got sunburned, and had some much-needed girl talk. In July we had our annual Flaming Gorge trip and had a blast as always. We also fulfilled another dream by going horse back riding for Ashley’s 18^th birthday in September.

Nicole (19)- Started by finishing her fun year as Miss. Saratoga Springs in March. Then fought her way through her third semester at BYU. She working for WDS and is currently serving as a Primary teacher for the 5 and 6 year olds. She also submitted her mission papers 3 weeks after the announcement of the age change! She was called to Tampa Florida on November 14^th and is entering the MTC April 3^rd! Her favorite event this year was taking her endowments out with her family in the Mount Timp temple. 

Ashley (18)- Will be graduating this year from Westlake high. She was planning on attending Utah State or SLCC, but has now decided to put that on hold and serve a mission as soon as she can. Her life has basically been basketball for the past several months, as she is the captain of the varsity team, but she, as well as all of us are loving every second of it. She has averaged about 12 points a game and is thinking about playing college ball. She is currently the Laurel’s second counselor and the Humanitarian Specialist.

Karly (16)- Got her license in June, and is now dating. She is busy with school and enjoys physics, astronomy, and pre-calculus. She loves to spend every second with her friends; her family might be a little too crazy for her ;). She got to see Mumford and Sons (her all time favorite band) in concert and will not stop talking about it even to this day. She is in FCCLA and is pleased by it… most of the time. As you know she is the only musically talented person in our family and can play piano and sing like an angel. She was the Mia Maid president but in June moved on to be with Ashley in Laurels.

Katelyn (14)- In about one week Katelyn will be driving! Adding to that she started 9^th grade and out here that means High School! She is playing basketball for Westlake on the freshman team. She plays a point guard on the team and starts every game. She loves her team and coaches. She is learning a ton and getting so much better! She is always with her 100+ friends, keeping us on our toes, and making us laugh. She was the Beehive president, but has moved on to Mia Maids.

Kristin (we won’t go there)- Is still working with UPS, doing hair, and a full time mom. She spends most of her days running things back and fourth to Westlake for the girls, grocery shopping to feed the neighbors, and going to basketball games. She is still dating and having a blast going to singles activities, but mostly loves just being home with all of us.

Dad- In June it was 4 years since he has passed away. We are sure that he is up in heaven having fun with his dad and uncles, but also teaching and preaching the people in the same way he did down here. We miss him more every single day but we have a firm testimony that this is our plan and we try and make the best of it J 

Sandee, Mandee, O.J.- I know. Big surprise that our dogs and rabbit are still alive. We are pretty sure their time is coming… especially after Nicole left Sandee on the roof in the 90 degree weather for 4 hours… 

Ash's (almost) broken nose

Ashley got hit in the face at her game against Payson on Tuesday. The thing is, it was her teammates head... 

They were all scrambling for a lose ball and she got hit in the nose. She couldn't even get up off the floor because she was in so much pain. She said she was trying so hard, but just couldn't. Plus when you get hit in the nose you automatically just cry so it's a little hard to see. The game was still going on at the other end. It probably took a whole minute for the ref to actually blow the whistle. And once one of them did, they just stood there. It was the weirdest dumbest thing ever. Then the trainer didn't get over there for that minute as well because the refs were being stupid and he had no idea anything was even going on. It was pretty ridiculous. Then my mom went over and the trainer said that MOST LIKEY she had a broken nose. Everyone else (besides her assistant coach) agreed that she had a broken nose (probably because he nose was swollen and crooked). Plus she had 2 popped blood vessels under her right eye that just looked like either really small bruises or smeared mascara. The sad thing was, my mom and I went down there to laugh at her and then take some pictures. That's our family for ya. That must be why we have a quote on our wall that says the only way to get through life is to laugh. 

She missed the second quarter while they were cleaning blood off her clothes and waiting till the bleeding stopped. We all know Ashley, she went right back in the second half. They sure did need her too, but were also doing really great without her. It started bleeding again at the end of the game. 

We were just going to take her to the doctors the next day to get it checked out, but my mom wanted to get it checked that night so that it wouldn't swell too much more and just so we could get it checked out as soon as possible. We went to the E.R. Believe it or not, there was NO ONE in there! That is a huge surprise to me because I've only been to that place one other time and it did not go well. It still took quite a bit of time. So me, Karly, and Katelyn went and got some Dell Taco. 

But the diagnosis what that she DIDN'T HAVE A BROKEN NOSE! YAY! But also weird because her nose is TOTALLY crooked. I think that they said she might have chipped it or have a hairline fracture. If the crookedness (never used that word before in my life) doesn't go away then she has to go back in the get it checked out. Welp. That's all! Just wanted to share that kind-of-could-have-been-awesome story with you ;) 

But to be honest, with how hard Ash plays and that she's been playing basketball forever I'm surprised this didn't happen earlier than her Senior year :)

Basketball!

I was trying to come up with a better title for this post... but I really just can't... 

That's been our life. I go to at least 3 basketball games every week... but this week it was four! Yes! Ashley is now 2-4 for the season and it's looking good from here. She had 19 points her last game so that's pretty awesome. Katelyn has only lost one... but I can't remember how many they have played. Maybe they are 3-1... ya... that could be it. 

We went to the BYU basketball game on Saturday! I forgot how much I miss watching college and professional basketball. I used to watch it all the time with my dad. Ash and I haven't really caught back up with that yet. We used to know every single player on BYU and the Jazz and would go all the time with him. We have 4 all sports passes because we wanted to be able to go to the basketball games as well as football. The students (oh wait.... I am one. Ya. That still hasn't sunken in and I just finished my 3rd semester) were CRAZY! It was so entertaining! I can't wait to go to the next one! 

We also went to Los Hermanos with everybody after and had a good laughing time there ;) I love these guys. 

We laughed pretty hard at this guys. Provo Utah everybody :)  (and I have to say I'm grateful that it is covered... I wouldn't want to see that all of dinner) (Ok I need to clarify... I don't think it's "gross" or anything because it's art. I just wouldn't want to be "distracted" by it all dinner....) (Ok I so need to clarify again. I'm not a crazy person... or... ok I'm stopping. You get it) 

A little photo update

This has to be the first thing on here... only because it is hilarious and will be a treasure someday. If you have seen Despicable Me... you know what this is :) 

I feel like all my blog posts lately have been about church and my mission... I need to also tell you what's going on in my normal day to day life right? What better way then PICTURES! I don't even know where I last left off with normal things... so I'm just going to guess...

*WARNING- these are NOT in order even a little bit. 

Took pictures of beautiful rainbows

Watched my dads funeral picture video and discovered he looked just like one of my cousins babies... 

Went to my uncle EJ's 60 surprise birthday party, and then went to the Bezzant pie party (no picture sorry) 

Took a pic of Kate sleeping after Karl hit her in the head with the car door... 

This creepy lady on the wall in Zach's cabin... 

Took another picture 

Took another picture..

Went to Ash's first basketball game against Orem. (nope... not a win)

Built this challenged snowmen with these great people.

Found this treasure and build a wall full of these lovely old pictures.

Taught Karl how to write a letter. 

Played apples to apples and I soooo WON! (I might just be a little competitive even in silly games... thanks for that dad)

Build this masterpiece with my besties. 

Hung out with Zach and his family at their cabin!

VOTED! Aren't they thrilled? 

Ate lots of food on thanksgiving!!! 

Jazz Game!

I test drove a car about a month ago and I got Jazz tickets because I did! I'm really glad that I actually didn't buy the car though! I almost did. I was so close. But I know that my mom was listening to spirit when she told that it probably wasn't a good idea. I don't know what I'd do right now if I had a car. I'm already stressing about selling my contract. Imagine trying to sell a car.
Anyways. So the Jazz game.
Ash and I headed down there right after I got home from work on Saturday. My mom told us we should ride the tracks so that we didn't have to find parking. We got to the tracks station and had NOOOO idea what we were doing. Like seriously. No idea. This guy could even tell, he told us what bus to get on. We got on that bus. But- he must have been confused because it was going South. Good thing the Lady told us. Hahaha we even talked about what we would have done if it started going the wrong way. Not a good idea.
So then we decided to get on the next one. We were still freaking out, thinking it was the wrong one again. Finally the announcer dude said that it was going to SLC and we took a big sigh of relief.
I thought I was going to die. Believe it or not I have never even rode the tracks (is that correct grammar??? Who knows). Actually, it probably is obvious because of all of the dumb things I just told you. Anyways. We met two missionaries. They were so cool. To me, missionaries seem like celebrities. And they always have. But even more so now! I talked to him the whole ride. He told me about how when he got his call to Salt Lake he was a little disappointed. He's been out 5 months and he says that it really is the best mission. I told him everyone says that. But he convinced me that it really is the best one. I totally believe him. Their goal is to baptize at least one person A WEEK. That is crazy! And they usually meet that goal! I know that Salt Lake is the most successful mission. But I didn't know it was THAT successful! They were actually on their way to take a family that they were going to baptize this upcoming week to temple square. We talked about everything. I even asked him for advice. He told me that I needed to read the Book of Mormon at least 3 times. I'm almost done with my fourth time. Then he said to start reading Preach my Gospel, which I have started doing as well, and said to read Chapter 3 over and over again. It was so much fun talking to them and I also talked to this other guy for a while and this other couple. I can't wait to just be able to talk to people about the Gospel all the time!

Row 3. 

Ya. We made it on the tracks. We think... 

At the game :)

So we finally got to the Jazz game. We had so much fun! We were a little late because of our track issues, but we still made it. We had really high nose bleed sections. My mom was on the third row. Like THEE third row. One of her friends won tickets from his work. They were worth 660$. It was insane. We went down there at the fourth quarter because they had some seats. We couldn't keep our mouths closed. It was amazing. WE COULD SMELL THE PLAYERS! We were in awe. It was so close. And so real. I can't even explain. I didn't realize how much I missed basketball. But ya. We had such a good time. I love spending time with my sister :)

Memory #2- Shooter

I know I know, I'm just posting this. I procrastinated. But right now I'm kind of double procrastinating... I need to do my homework... that's even worse.

Ok so this one is going to be short.
My 9th grade year was my best year of basketball. I loved every second of it. I didn't miss one practice or game. I started and got my nick name "shooter."
Now- here is the fabulous story on how I got that name.
I had always play a 4 (forward) just because I was pretty tall. I never had even played a guard. My team was also really really good. We had won every single game we had played. Mainly because of my awesome coach and the program we had. Besides that- we had all been playing ball together for a while because of our club team The Gators.
But this one game half our team was sick. Literally half of them. Our main guard (Kassy) and our Center (Elle), and a bunch of other people. It was the worst. We were playing Mountain something... (I get so confused because of the high schools and stuff).
Towards the end of the game we weren't even close. I mean it was possible for us to catch up, but with out our main people it wasn't going to happen. I don't even remember how this happened but either my coach had told me to, or I just decided to shoot a 3. I think I was playing guard because of our lack of people. Ya ok I have no idea how it happened. But- I shot this 3 pointer... and made it? My team freaked out and so did I! Well, I actually acted very calm, but in my head I was jumping for joy. I had no idea where it came from! So then the next time we were coming down the court I decided to shoot it again. Swish. I made it again! What the heck? My team and the crowed just roared! Soooo of course, the next time we were down on our side again I decided to shoot again. The other teams parents kept saying get on her! I shot it again and made it. Seriously my team was freaking out. Next time down the court... I shot it again. But this time someone was on me and I barely missed it. We ended up losing the game, but not by very much. Coach Bettis started calling me shooter after that and that was my nickname from then on. I can't even explain how much I loved that :) I played shooting guard for the rest of the season and for the rest of my basketball career.
I even remember AF was the next game we played we lost by 1 but I think I made 4 3 pointers in that game as well (we only lost 2 games that season). The next time we played AF all I could hear was get number 21. They guarded me like crazy so I could never shoot. But the one time I actually got to shoot my arch was too high and the ball hit the other basketball hoop on the wall. That was super embarrassing. But the more embarrassing thing was that on the bus ride home I was giving people treats and I threw one to my coach and I hit the  top of the bus. Just like my shot. Everyone rolled on the ground laughing. That was awesome.
If I could go back to this time in my life I SO would. Beside the braces, my dad dying, and my acne.... but I just had so much fun playing basketball. That was all I had to worry about. It was awesome. Besides that I got to play basketball all the time with my dad and he was at every single one of my games and everyone knew him.

My awesome team! I still keep in touch with a lot of them today! Even my coaches! 

Oh gosh embarrassing... So glad I wasn't a pioneer. No make-up REALLY doesn't work for me. 

THAT WAS SO NOT SHORT!

Valentines Day 2012!!!

Oh man oh man! What a good day!! To clear things up before I start, I DO NOT have a man right now so that's not why it was so amazing!
I've really become very ok with being single (that's just for now) ;)
So I got to sleep in which was really nice considering my crazy weekend, I needed some good sleep. So I woke up watch (listened) to the devotional and then walked out the door to head for class. There was a cute heart on the door of our apartment that had Emily's name on it, so I gave it to her and then assumed that the bag on the handle was hers too. That made me super happy for her :) you have no idea! I love that she's in a relationship! I would rather her be in one than me! So then I started walking to class and she comes out and yells, "Nicole! This one has your name on it!" I laughed as she threw me the bag. It was from my mom and said, "Enjoy your perfect man on it" love mom. Ha I had to get to class fast so I just put it in my backpack. I was going crazy the whole time walking to class because I wanted to know what was in it! My mom always does the funniest things, especially if it's for Valentines day! So once I got to my BOM class I opened it and couldn't keep from laughing out loud. She gave me a candy bar that had someones name on it, it's a huge inside joke but it had to do with what she wrote on the front (I really can't say, because my blog is not private, and I have no idea who reads it!) Then there was a bag of m&m's and 2 of my favorite doughnuts and a pair of sexy underwear (of course). It totally made my day! My mom is such a weird woman but I love her so much! Now I know where I get all my weirdness! ;) So, I went to class and stuff that day and then right after my test and 5:00 class I headed to Ash's last basketball game. It was intense (even though it really shouldn't have been, it was slightly embarrassing). They killed this team last time. Ash didn't get to play last time because she was injured, but she was fine this time. It went into over time. They ended up winning by 13 in overtime... but ya, it was just weird. I'll just say, I lost my voice. That's how good it was! Then we got some pizza and ate it at my house and I just got to sit and chat with my family.
Now don't go judging too fast, I was going to do something for my mom. I just really didn't have time. Having that 5:00 ruined everything I was going to do. It always does. I was going to get her lilies because they are a sign of the 20th anniversary and also they remind her of my dad because of the song "Consider the Lilies" and because of something very personal. So, I was planning on making her cry with those and a note and then a picture of Christ and 2 little kids looking at lilies with final lettering saying consider the lilies. Man. I was totally going to get those tears going, but life just happens I guess. I think I might still do it (and I can say this on here because I know my mother doesn't read this;)) But it's the thought that counts right?!
But anyways then I had a good talk just me and my and headed home :) it was really good :)
Oh! And both my roommates have wonderful men and I'm beyond happy for both of them! And! Emily had her first kiss yesterday!!!!! I'm seriously leaping for joy right now :) I couldn't be happier! :D
<3

SUU trip!

WARNING! This post is like a story book! Be prepared for words and pictures! 

I had so much fun in SUU this weekend! It all went perfectly until yesterday... but I'll get to that later!
So I headed down Friday after my class. Scratch that. I met up with my mom so I could take the car down and we wanted to stop at this place (Veronica Michaels) to look at dress because the pageant is coming up FAST! So we stopped, thinking we were just going to look. I ended up trying on a million dresses. But then... I found THE ONE! Yes! It was so beautiful! I'm not going to tell you about it, you'll just have to wait and see! So we were there a while, but I got it fitted and added sleeves (of course) and then I was off.
The drive was fine. I actually got there pretty fast so that was nice. I had never driven that far on my own but I kind of liked it! I got to pick the music and sing the whole time at the top of my lungs! Great time! So I got there met up with Jackie and her friend and settled in.
We then met up with some other girls and our friend Cristina to go an see The Vow. I loved it! It was so much fun, and a way good movie!!! Jackie didn't like it as much. It did have high expectations, and it didn't meet them completely, but I loved it anyways! Channing Tatum.... yes ;)

Then we went home and changed and went to wal mart. We were going there to get some stuff for mustaches so we could be creepers but ended up staying longer then expected..... because...... there was a Twilight/Breaking Dawn party because the movie came out! YAY! NOT! Ew I hate those things but there was free food so we decided that we could stay a little bit longer ;) you know us! So we ate a bunch of cupcakes and brownies and stuff... 

We got a lot of weird looks... the funny thing was I got some frosting up my nose and it was red so I blew out and it shot out my nose and then I couldn't get it out of my nose! Then it looked like a bloody nose!!!! ;) Ah! So funny though! Then we decided we wanted to ride the rides and play the games in the little "fun center." We got some more weird looks.... because Jackie was screaming and we were riding the little ride that we were WAY too big for! It was a blast! And for the record, I'd like to say that I TOTALLY beat Jackie at the game she said she could beat me at! YA!!! 

Then we talked and partied all night. :) 

PS, this is at 2:00pm... hahaha then for the rest of our day our eating schedule was messed up! 

The next day we made some yummy french toast! We kept forgeting stuff at the store so we had to go back! 

Then we did our hair and went and ate at this yummy Hawaiian place! (This was at 5:00, lunch) 

This is a cougar print and a t-bird print ;) clever 

Straw up my nose! 

White chip (me) and... the other one... I think.... Jackie... 

Then we went to the basketball game. Let's just say, I'm glad I got to BYU and that we have to be sportsman like ;) I'm scared of other school's!! 

That was pretty fun though! 

Then we partied again and ate at Chili's at 10:00 for dinner ;) 

Then on Sunday Jackie gave her talk. I helped her and told her to share this scripture (Mosiah 18:10) that the missionaries told her to read when she was deciding whether or not to get baptized. Then she told her conversion shortened and then bear her testimony. She did just that and did so amazing! The old people loved her! Oh, ps she did it with a couple of people in her ward at an old person's home :) one in the back even kept saying "that's so cool!" They all came up and hugged her after. Literally, they loved her! 

Then we took a nap and went to a really amazing fireside! The guy that talked was so great. Then I headed home. 

Here's the story. I was heading home. Before I left I had a small feeling that I should just stay because of the weather (because you know it was really snowy), but I decided to go. Right when I started I started feeling un-easy, the roads were icy and had some snow on them. I decided to keep trucking through. Then I kept seeing ambulances and car flipped on the side of the road. Ya. No. I was in the middle of a blizzard! It scared me so so so much! Ah! Holy Cow! So I called my mom, I just started balling because I was terrified. So for like an hour we decided what I should do (Oh this was all happening in the parking lot in Beaver because I didn't want to keep driving) so my family prayed for me and I prayed as well. We all decided that I should just stay in a hotel in Beaver for the night and continue in the morning  when the roads were better. So my mom called and booked me a hotel (because I'm not 21, stupid). So I stayed in a hotel all by myself in a really scary place that I was told to never stop at on my way to Vegas...

Let's just say, I prayed a lot and in the morning the roads were perfect and clear and I was able to get home with no problem. Yes, I missed my Monday classes, again. But I felt very safe and I don't know what would have happened if I had continued on, even though I was being very safe! 

I had a blast with Jackie and Cristina in Cedar and I'm so proud of her and love her to death! 

And I'm grateful for my mom and sisters for always being there for me and helping me when I do dumb things! Love you guys!!!! :D 

The End! :)