Christmas cheer.

This week was everything the first week of the holiday season should be. 

The snowfall came right on schedule, we got our stockings hung, the tree trimmed, and Daniel even got our lights up on the house. 

I feel like I live in Whoville right now, and it is wonderful. 

On top of that, this week I visited the Festival of Trees, attended a Mistletoe mixer in the mountains, watched the snow fall til 2am last night, and went to the Country Club's annual Christmas Party tonight. 

Everything truly is bright and merry this time of year. 

I don't know what it is, but the holiday magic seems very tangible this year.

I'm doing my best to grab on to it and enjoy every minute. 

(kacey.ism 326)

Carli + Daniel

A brief look at the Claflin Wedding...

November 23rd, 2013 will always be remembered as the day Carli and Daniel got married. 

It was the most wonderful day. 

There is something so incredibly fulfilling about seeing someone you love literally glowing with happiness. 

When Carli and Daniel walked out of the Brigham City Temple yesterday morning I don't think their feet touched the ground. 

I have never seen such a beautiful site. Those two just adore each other and I am so glad they found each other in this big, wide world, and are sealed together for time and all eternity. 

The wind was a bit blustery and it was chilly outside the temple, but it didn't matter. I asked Carli if she was cold and she said, "Nope! I've never been better!" 

That night we celebrated their marriage at the Country Club. It was beautiful. Carli and my mom covered every last detail. The pictures, the tablecloths, the food, the favors, the flowers, the music...all of it was perfect. All we needed was the people. 

And wow, did the people come. It was a party from 6pm-9:30pm. I was so blown away by all the guests who came because they love Carli and Daniel, and also because they love my parents and the Claflins. 

I loved chatting with guests from near and far and watching the lovebirds smile, hug, and thank everyone for being there. It really was magical. 

One of the highlights of the night was watching Daniel surprise Carli when he serenaded her with the song "Everything" by Michael Buble. He was phenomenal and Carli was speechless. 

The last hour of the night was spent dancing. It was exactly what they wanted and they got it. 

All their friends were there til the very end and they made it a true party. 

When it was time to go we sent them off in style with sparkles, cheers, and watched them drive away in a white Rolls Royce. Again, magic. 

I got a little teary eyed watching them drive away. It was a little bittersweet, but mostly sweet. Carli is embarking on a new fabulous adventure with her darling new husband. 

And even though I will be seeing her all the time, she isn't mine anymore. That's what is giving me a little bit of heartache.

On the other hand, she is the happiest she's ever been and she and Daniel are about to live happily ever after.

I could not ask for anything more for my best friend. 

(kacey.ism 325)

Gettysburg

^^^Gettysburg, June 2012

Today marks the 150th Anniversary of the Gettysburg Address.

Abraham Lincoln is one of my heroes. I have always admired his courage, strength, and faith in America when the country looked as though it was on the verge of dying. 

The Gettysburg Address, though simple in speech, will aways have a sustaining power to it. 

I have read it many times, and every time I am always moved by the conviction and belief that Lincoln conveys. 

This speech changed the world. I'm so grateful for its powerful message...

Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.

Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure. We are met on a great battle-field of that war. We have come to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this.

But, in a larger sense, we can not dedicate -- we can not consecrate -- we can not hallow -- this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us -- that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion -- that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain -- that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom -- and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.

--Abraham Lincoln
November 19, 1863

one week countdown

She is my little bride-to-be for just one more week!

On Saturday she becomes Carli Claflin!

(kacey.ism 324)

to-do list of the month.

(kacey.ism 323)

Dusting off.

I just found this quote sitting on my desktop. 

I didn't even know it was there, but wow did I need to hear that today.

For reasons beyond my understanding life has just been a little tough lately. 

When things don't work out the way I want them to I always have to take a step back and regain my perspective, take a deep breath, and carry on. 

Dusting yourself off and getting back in the race is part of life. 

These words really struck me tonight. They are a reminder to me that I have a responsibility to be there for others and live up to the potential Heavenly Father put inside me. 

So while I may have taken a couple minutes to look at life with the cup half empty, I'm back to looking at the breathtaking beauty that covers the other 99%. 

My life is a blessing and I'm going to treat it as such. 

(kacey.ism 322)

November

Happy November!
For me November equals...
 Autumn
 Family
 Gratitude
 First snowfall
 Cozying up by the fire
 Thick socks
 Hot Cider
 Thanksgiving
 Crisp mornings
 Taking time to count your blessings

(kacey.ism 321)

October, please stay forever.

I would be just fine if we had 365 days of Autumn. I just adore this time of year.

October is crisp, fresh, colorful, and beautiful. 

It's cooled down just enough to appreciate the sunshine.

It's starting to get dark earlier, so daylight becomes precious. 

I can't stop staring at the mountains...they literally look like a painting. 

Layers, scarves, boots, and socks are back in business. 

I just feel alive and renewed and like anything is possible. 

It really is the year's last loveliest smile, and everyone is lovelier because of it. 

Autumn, October, and bright yellow leaves, please never leave. 

(kacey.ism 320)

A birthday spent with Minnie and Harry Potter

Last weekend my family jetted off to Disney World for a quick fun filled vacation. 

We did not waste one minute of our time there. 

Thursday morning we were up and off to the Magic Kingdom. 

Something to know about the Schneider's...we LOVE Disney. 

In our opinion there really is no place happier. That being said, it's safe to say we were loving every minute. 

Universal Studios came next and with that came Harry Potter World. 

As a Harry Potter fanatic this was a dream come true. Walking across that bridge and seeing Hogwarts looming up ahead of me was truly magical.

My family was so sweet. They were just my little entourage and let me indulge in everything it had to offer.

I drank Butterbeer, I went on all the rides, I bought candy from Honeydukes, I sported a Harry Potter t-shirt, and I just tried to take advantage of every second. It was the best part of the weekend. 

Saturday was my birthday and we spent the first part of the day at MGM. I sported my Minnie Mouse ears and we rode Tower of Terror, Rockin' Rollercoaster, and saw a couple shows. 

That night we went back to the park and ran the Tower of Terror 10 Miler. 

Technically it was the reason for the whole weekend, so we were excited to finally do it. 

It was awesome. I'm going to brag about my family for a second. They are amazing. We ran the whole way (Allie wheeled the whole way), and it was just awesome. I was so proud of them, and I was so proud to be with them. 

It was just a fabulous weekend. I loved every minute of it. I couldn't have spent my birthday in a better place or in a better way. 

(kacey.ism 319)

Birthday 24.

On Saturday I turned 24 years old. 

And despite the fact that I spent the day wearing Minnie Mouse ears running around Disneyworld, it's kind of a grown up age.

I love birthdays. I'm always excited to turn over a new leaf and see what this next year will bring.

This birthday I decided to make a list of 24 important things to remember for this 24th year of life... 

1. Life is meant to be lived

2. Tell your family and friends you love them

3. Always have a grateful heart

4. The answers to your prayers are usually right in front of you

5. Hard work will always pay off

6. Be a "Yes" person

7. Getting the giggles is the best way to brighten a day

8. Smile at strangers

9. Try to be the person no one could say a bad thing about

10. Never ignore the impulse to do something nice for someone

11. Eat, exercise, sleep, and be healthy

12. Don't be afraid to take a risk, it usually pays off

13. Enjoy the day-to-day (even Mondays)

14. Silliness is underrated

15. Don't be afraid to stand up for yourself, you are worth it

16. The Gospel is everything

17. Dance in the kitchen once a day

18. Be a grown up, but find time to be a kid

19. Choosing to be angry is exhausting, so just don't do it

20. Sometimes Netflix, Diet Coke, and popcorn is the answer

21. Care about what's going on in the world

22. Read a book a month

23. Don't stress about this time of life, embrace it, it'll be gone before you know it 

24. You'll only be 24 once, make it a year you'll never forget

(kacey.ism 318)

Round 4.

Ann and I have lived together since the moment we met. 

True story.

We met on our London Study Abroad. Our bunks were right across from each other. 

It has been roommate bliss ever since. 

We've lived in London, Provo, and now we're starting a new adventure in SLC. 

Life is better with this one around. 

I could not be happier to know I get her for another year. 

Let the endless laughter and fun begin!

(kacey.ism 317)

Dear Jimmy Fallon,

Dear Jimmy Fallon,

Thank you for all you do for this world. Thank you for always making me laugh. Always. Thank you for being best friends with Justin Timberlake. 

Television needs more people like you. You remind us all not to take life too seriously.

I am confident that if we ever meet we will be best friends forever. 

Sincerely Your Biggest Fan,

Kacey

(kacey.ism 316)

A note to my favorite people ever.

To Mom, Dad, Allie, Carli, and Daniel,

Thank you for being my very favorite people.

I love spending time with you five more than anyone else. 

Thanks for making me laugh, thanks for putting up with me, and thanks for always having my back.

You are the funnest people around. You are also the coolest people around. No one else compares.

No matter the choice, I would always choose you guys. 

I love you all. 

xoxo

Kacey

(kacey.ism 315)

(kacey.ism 314)

Worth the Wake

Lots of pictures coming your way...

Last weekend a big group of us caravanned down to Powell for one last summer adventure.

Carli and I try to do this trip every year. There's nothing like Powell + good friends. 

You would have to try really hard not to have a great time. 

This particular trip will probably always be remembered as one of my very favorites. 

Everyone was just so easygoing and happy and up for anything and that is what you need in Powell.

We surfed, skied, tubed, swam, laughed, sang, trick skied around the bay, survived a lightning storm, watched movies up top, laughed some more, showered late at night to "Sweet Caroline", and just sincerely enjoyed each other's company. 

I am so lucky to have amazing parents who drove the boat around, made us delicious dinner, and took good care of us. I'm also beyond lucky to have incredible friends. These people are truly amazing and I just feel privileged to be around them.

Until next year Powell! XOXO

(kacey.ism 313)