Katie Lu

Awkward and Awesome Thursday

2012-02-02T12:28:00.000-08:00

Awkward:
-Slipping on ice...in a skirt.
-No sleep ever which equals to a tired Katie in class. 8am classes + 5 hrs of sleep= a bobbing head in sociology.
-Playing volleyball in the i-center and forgetting that I don't have knee pads on. ouchy!

Awesome:

-Brother Shaw, my very sweet but nerdy Anatomy teacher, telling a story in class and says,"I think I'll just rub my mental foramen!" (as he strokes his chin & stares off into space. The whole class laughed. Oh the humor in anatomy that only anatomy students would get.

-The fact that Brother Shaw had never heard of anyone plucking their eyebrows...what a sheltered man!

-SNOW! I walked to class early this morning with a light snowfall & best part of all was I wasn't cold!

-Getting an 85% on my first anatomy and physiology class...all that studying payed off! :)

-Working out with my cousin, Katie every night. We love the cycling classes here. She keeps reminding me that we are going to have hot bodies before we know it!
-cereal parties & spaghetti nights!

-Finding inspirational messages all around campus like this one:

Makin' 40 look young!

2012-01-31T11:37:00.000-08:00

Jill Coon aka. Mom: happy, fun, outgoing, kind, talkative, stylish, bright, fit, loves a good laugh, glass is always half full, caring, hardworking, has the best smile, positive, excellent at playing rummi, non judgemental, gives great advice, animated, makes you feel like you're a million bucks, fixes the best meals ever, never has a bad day, has a talent for decorating, knows how to brighten a room, a bosom friend, stress free, spiritually in-tune, loves a good challenge, creative...the list could go on and on.

I remember in high school, she was the "cool" mom. She was hip, cute, and young. They all called her "Mama Coon." There's not a relationship quite like the mother/daughter/friend relationship my mom and I have. She's more like my older sister than my mom. I'm so glad that she gets to be in my life for eternity.

On Saturday, a surprise party, or "funeral" I should say was thrown for my mom. She had no idea about this party. All the guests wore black & mom came in a homemade coffin (made with love by dad & James). The palbearers carried her in & through the many giggles, you could hear mom saying, "Whoa whoa! Don't drop me!" I witness this all on skype. It was quite the riot.

Everyone went around saying such nice things and memories about mom. Among the super nice things that were said, comments like this made me laugh:

"She was the first person we met when we were new in the ward." or "She just randomly dropped by one day on her bike to take a tour of my house."

The party was a success...

Happy 40th Birthday MOM! You make 40 look young!

This video will make your day. It perfectly portrays my mom's spunky personality. Once she has her transformation, she shines!

Hannah Banana is 5!

2012-01-31T11:13:00.000-08:00

On January 11, 2007, our family was complete...Hannah Mae Coon was born. I love being the oldest sibling for many reasons, one of them being that I get to experience the excitement of each kid being born. Oh goodness, there are so many memories I have of this pregnancy.

I remember the intensity of sitting in the ultrasound room waiting to find out what we were having. The picture of mom laying on the table with the jelly glue stuff on her stomach is still vivid in my mind. "IT'S A GIRL!" Annie & I were excited as all get out, but James on the other hand, not so much. His face went to a frown and the poor boy was grumpy the next few hours until he ate some Sonic. It didn't take him long to love the idea of having another sister!

I remember each morning around her due date, I would wake up hoping my parents were at the hospital, but every morning my mom would greet me with her happy face in the kitchen...still here & still pregnant. But, the morning finally came when I woke up & mom and dad were gone! All morning, all I could think about was about my new baby. Dad called me out of school & I ran to the front office. When we walked into the hospital, I remember hearing that sweet baby cry. Once she was all bundled, I held that chubby baby in my arms. This was my sister. All I could do was kiss her sweet cheeks & smell her soft baby skin...heaven. It's actually pretty funny watching home videos from back then because all I ever did was smother poor Hannah

with kisses and hugs. I just loved that baby.

...and now I just love this big 5 year old!

Hannah banana is full of personality. She's my sister & I love her.

What's going on in #319

2012-01-28T17:30:00.001-08:00

Richard Simmons work out videos. enough said.

We enjoyed shakin' it with Richard Simmons and laughing at his gayness at midnight. Leg warmers, spandex and muscle shirts make it all the more better.

As you can see, there's a trend. The trend is all the fun things happen at night and sometimes that isn't the greatest for me. You see, I have early morning classes & my roommates don't. I have to get up at 6am every morning when they can sleep in all morning. Well, my roommates were craving some Captain Crunch one night. So, they called up our new friends from Arbor Cove to buy us some from Broulems...and they did!

One night, we decided to go Cucumbering...and we met cute guys doing it! :)

I'm having deshavu!

2012-01-28T17:28:00.000-08:00

3 bowling + goofy golfing dates in 2 weekends? I'd call that a success. I should be a professional bowler by now, but unfortunately that is not the case...BUT being on the golf team junior year has paid off!

Thank you Fat Cat's for a good time! Nothing beats playing the same game and eating the same pizza 2 weekend nights in a row.

Bowling Date #1 Blind Date with Jayson.

Bowling Date #2: With Mason Gibbons, my long lost friend from EFY. This kid holds a special place in my heart.

Bowling Date #3: Devin. (We put up bumpers for this date...saved my bowling reputation.)

On a side note, bowling is not the only thing we do here for dates. On the Martin Luther King Day, we went snowboarding and this kid paid for my lift ticket, lunch, and gas! all $75 of it! There are definately positives to being a girl.

Who agrees?

2012-01-23T17:22:00.000-08:00

Cousins by blood, friends by choice.

2012-01-18T21:06:00.000-08:00

Gosh. I love my family & I love having so many cousins, both on the Coon and Dayley side. I've realized how grateful I am to have such a tight bond with all of my cousins. Being 4-16hrs away from family the past four months has made me notice how much my cousins mean to me. We have some very fun memories that I am very fond of.

-boating, tubing, snowboarding/skiing as a big family, doorbell ditching & getting caught, snowmobiling, family reunions, skit night, many family vacations to utah and california, jamming out to kelly clarkson in our own girl cabin, girls nights, endless hours spent making cheesy commercials, going to stake or institute dances, watching old movies at Aunt Catherine's house, sumo wrestling on the trampoline, playing barbies, pretending like we were Doris Day or Judy Garland or Debbie Reynolds, running 5ks, card games, sardines, dressing up as 80s girls, choreographing our own dances, photoshoots, Coon Marathons, geocaching, family pot lucks, jumping on the trampoline, pretending like we were mermaids while swimming, shopping, laughing so hard you pee your pants, efy...

the list goes on and on and on.

I will always be grateful for my cousins.

They are wonderful! (even if they steal your old crush/high school guy best friend from you. haha.)

Meet the roommates

2012-01-10T17:43:00.000-08:00

New Year. New Semester. New Classes. New ROOMMATES!

This semester is going to be great for many reasons, one of which is because I have 3 new roommates and 2 old roommates but, that's not my only happy news. My cousin Katie is up here too! :) I am thrilled and overjoyed to have my lifelong best friend/cousin up here with me. The best part is she only lives 200 steps away from my apartment. Life is too good when Katie is around.

So...without further adew, I would like to introduce my roomies. (Yes, these crazy girls with facial masks are my new best friends because I see them all the time.)

Emily Mills, Holly Ferguson, Liz Schade, Daniela Roesberry, Jessica Davis.

Apartment #319 is a hoppin' place full of laughter, pretty girls, handsome boys dropping in, movies, homework, and friendship. I have realized that every night is like one big sleepover. It is pretty much impossible to go to bed before midnight and it is in our fate to lay in our beds and talk until the early morning hours approach. A few hours later, as I'm sitting in class, I realize that maybe that late night conversation could have been on hold because I can't even keep my eyes open. All in all, this stage of life is FUN even if sleep is minimal. I can can't wait to experience what this semester has in store.

Brrr...

2011-12-21T19:26:00.000-08:00

Idaho is a beautiful, wonderful state. (By beautiful, I mean nice to sit inside with the heater on inside looking out the window.) It is c-c-cold! *I shouldn't even be talking because it's going to get a heck of a lot colder. Over the past three months of living here, I have come up with a few ways to keep warm:

#1: The Arizona girl in me likes to bundle up. I have realized that Em &I are the only ones here in Rexburg who have thin blood. We've realized that it's okay to look like marshmallows. We've also realized that it's okay to cover up your cute outfit. We will do anything to stay warm even if it means sincerely praying with all our might every night that we will survive the next day and not turn into the next Frosty the Snowman!

#2 Go to activities that involve heat, fire, and warmth. A perfect Rexburg fall activity are bonfires. This particular bonfire in Idaho Falls was the biggest bonfire I have seen. It was wonderful to feel the warmth in my bones again.

#3 Long Johns are a must. My sweet Grandma and Grandpa Dayley sent me these awesome long johns in the mail a few weeks ago. They are from Cabellas and the best part is...they're PINK! Wearing layers in this Rexburg wind is a goooood thing.

Excuse me while I go drink some hot chocolate & go cuddle in my warm bed in my long johns with the heater on.

Life & Plans & Dreams

2011-12-21T19:22:00.000-08:00

True to my Type 2 nature, I am a girl who loves having a plan. I love knowing what the next step in life is and I feel comforted when I can see what is ahead of me.

I'm normal...we all make plans, right? And most of the time, the small plans work. Sometimes, the big plans work, and sometimes they don't. In fact, I feel like most of the time, the big plans don't pan out the way I envisioned things.

Coming home after a semester of college, I sat and thought. I looked at the pictures of graduation on my dresser in my room. I went back to that blissful night in May. I still feel like I can remember the exact thoughts and plans I had. I could see the future ahead of me and it was bright and glorious. It was filled with dates, and lots of close, new girlfriends. It was filled with lots of studying, and lots of good grades. It was filled with the moment of sitting on my floor back at home after the first semester and being absolutely content with life.

And yet, tonight, I sat, and I thought, and really, none of those things happened. Not a single one. How did that work out? It's just kinda... life.

I have lots of dreams and plans (college, traveling, eventually marriage). Somehow, Heavenly Father will be able to sort them all out and send me the ones I need and really want. And isn't that something to be grateful for? He has a special plan for me! As long as I am doing what's right, He will lead and guide me. I just have to have faith.

Eventually, everything will all just work out, because that's what happens in life- things work out. I just have to put my trust and faith in the Lord's plan.

First Semester of College: COMPLETE

2011-12-14T18:25:00.000-08:00

Today, I woke up to snow and I knew it was going to be a good day.

...and it was!

A huge amount of relief has been lifted from my shoulders. It is Wednesday night and I am officially done with my first semester up here at BYU-I. These last couple of days has been crazy...and now I can take a fresh breathe of relief and rejoice because I AM GOING HOME for 3 WEEKS! No homework, no tests, no studying, no brainstorming about what I'm going to eat, no waking up early before the sun rises, and no being cold! For 3 weeks I get to be under the complete care of my momma. I am so excited to eat the yummy food she fixes! I am so excited to sleep in my big bed. I am so excited to be reunited with my family once again.

Going home is a happy thought, but there is one thing that I am going to miss about this semester.

Em, myself, Millie, Sarah, Lindsey, Dani (not pictured.)

-I will miss my roommates. There is never a dull moment when living with 5 other girls. I definately learned patience with myself and with others this semester. Each one of these girls have made me a better person. I was blessed to have them in my life. Lots of laughs, lots of conversations, lots of prayers, and lots of love and support. It was not easy saying goodbye today to Sarah and Lindsey.

Five hundred dollars later...

2011-12-06T19:35:00.000-08:00

I was called to be in charge of the ward's christmas party for FHE along with three other people. After lots of ideas, we decided to make gingerbread houses. We went to Broulim's the day of the activity and had a party. Three cart fulls later we had 27 boxes of graham crackers, 100 different packets of candy, 9 liters of soda, hot chocolate mixes, and frosting ingredients. Our budget was unlimited. Needless to say, we spent just about $500. The poor, poor cashier that had to ring us up...

That night at our ward party, we ate Craigo's pizza, drank hot chocolate catered by the Crossroads, and made epic gingerbread houses. My FHE group and I made this legit trainstation. We were so shocked it didn't win.

What a successful ward activity! I have the best ward and I'm sad that the semester is coming to an end so soon when we are finally all just getting to know eachother.

I have a confession...

2011-12-04T17:50:00.000-08:00

I have a confession to make.

I love frozen yogurt.

...and it doesn't help that Kiwi Loco is 100 steps away from my apartment!

There, I said it. I don't eat treats very often, but when I do, I go for the frozen yogurt. The cake batter, york mint pattie, butter brickle, chocolaty goodness just makes my mouth water. What I love about frozen yogurt is it is self serve! I can eat samples and get a small portion in a cup for 30 cents an ounce! I love it!

Not only does Kiwi Loco serve froyo, but it also serves loco coco! (hot chocolate) It's delicious, but everytime I drink it, I burn my tongue.

...and then the next two days I have burnt tastebuds.

Goodbye Movember!

2011-12-03T17:36:00.000-08:00

Urban Dictionary defines Movember as:

Movember:

Held in November, this is the month in which people gather together to grow and compare mostaches. Participants begin the month clean shaven and cultivate their mostaches throughout the month. The month climaxes with participants comparing and appeciating each others mostaches in a manly, non gay way.

Hipsters young and old around BYU-I campus having taken part in "No Shave November" or "Movember." Emily and I decided to hop onto the bandwagon. Instead of growing a wicked stache like the men, we decided to grow out the hairs on our legs. NO SHAVING. We found that there are some positives to not shaving our legs. #1: We stay warmer. (which is so important for Rexburg.) and #2: It saves us time.

The whole month of November, we did not shave our legs.

Throughout the month, we did not show our bare legs. They were beginning to look like man legs. We wore pants to school and tights to church.

December 1st came. That night after school, we drove ourselves to Walmart to buy some Nair. That's right! Nair to wax our legs.

We were inspired by this lovely lady, Glozell. We just about wet our pants the first time we watched it. She is the inside joke of our apartment.

Glozell had us very nervous, thinking shaving was going to be worse than child birth, but to our surprise it wasn't that bad. Now our legs are as smooth as butter & hair free.

15 years and counting

2011-12-02T16:21:00.000-08:00

Let me tell you about a very important person in my life. His name is James Dallin Coon, and he is my favorite brother.

15 years ago today, James was born. He was born in a Salt Lake City blizzard. I remember being a 3 year old little girl so excited to be a big sister. I remember what I wore that snowy December day when I met him. I was wearing my green plaid dress with tights. My hair had rubberband marks in it from my pigtails the previous day. I remember running through the hospital room door so anxious to see my new baby brother, but before I could hold him, dad helped me washed my hands. Most importantly, I remember holding and cuddling and kissing that soft baby skin. This was my brother.

James is the best. He is cool. He is fun. He is kind to everyone. He is muscular. He is popular with the ladies. He has the most contagious laugh and sense of humor. He has many friends. He is athletic. He succeeds in everything he does. But above all these qualities, James is a righteous, stalwart young man who has a strong testimony and stands up for what he knows is right. He knows how to make a sister proud!

Love you Bro!

I AM SO BLESSED!

2011-11-30T18:21:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving 2011:

I am thankful for:
-my forever family.

-the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

-the temple.

-prayer.

-the Atonement.

-a living prophet.

-best friends.

-the priesthood.

-my home.

-the Book of Mormon.

-my education.

-frozen yogurt.

-shopping days.

-talents.

-heaters in the winter and a/c in the summer.

-health.

The list can go on and on, but today, I am most grateful that I was able to go home for Thanksgiving break. As I looked out the airplane window on Thursday afternoon, I saw desert. I saw familiar places. I saw the Arizona sky and mountains...and I couldn't be happier. Instant joy swept over me and I thought to myself, "Welcome home Katie!" Right then and there I decided that I am never going to live anywhere else except Arizona. I am grateful for home.

Thanksgiving this year was held at Uncle Rob & Aunt Niki's home. It was so good to see many cousins, aunts, uncles, and Grandpa Coon. I can't express this statement enough, but I AM SO BLESSED! We ate some good food, talked, and played 007. The Coons know how to have fun.

Pretty strange when all your little cousins plus your own brother are 5" taller than you! These are not little boys anymore!

And this would be the 007 gang. Running through people's yards, hiding behind bushes, trees, garbage cans, running away from the spotlight, dark clothes, sprinting to home base, and almost peeing your pants because of the intensity all make for a good time. I LOVE MY FAMILY!

11/11/11 @ 11:11

2011-11-22T19:12:00.000-08:00

It's magical to say that I lived on this wishful day. I made the ultimate wish and I am crossing my fingers that it will come true. ;) For the whole week, outside the BYU-I bookstore was a huge wrapped box. It sat there and I know as every student walked by there, they were dying to know what was inside. On the box read:

"ONLY TO BE OPENED AT

11:11am on 11/11/11"

The day and the moment arrived. Em & I made sure to be there to see the bookstore's grand surprise. Crowds of people had the same idea. 11:11 came. We quickly made our wishes and they began unwrapping this big box. Students went crazy, it was like black friday shopping. BYU-I wear ON SALE! People starting pushing and shoving to get their new BYU-Idaho sweatshirts, sweats, and tshirts. Em & I survived the 11:11 @ 11/11/11 sale and this is what we can show for it...

...matching sweat shirts and a BYU-I tshirt. the best.

Why hello there

2011-11-22T19:02:00.000-08:00

I was talking to Hannah on the phone on Sunday. (I love hearing her sweet, little voice over the phone.) We were talking about me coming home in a few days. She was so happy and I asked her what we were going to do. She replied in her sweet voice..."CELEBRATE!" So that is what we're doing when I come home in 36 hours. We are going to celebrate like there's no tomorrow!

By celebrating, I mean eating yummy food, going black friday shopping, catching up with family and friends, having sleepovers in the girls room, having home cooked meals, relaxing, not worrying about school, and soaking in all the time I can with the people I love the most. I cannot wait to celebrate! :)

Home.

2011-11-02T14:57:00.000-07:00

This time of year is my absolute favorite! The holiday season is just a happy time. November is going to be such a good month because in 2 1/2 weeks from now, I get to reunite with my mom in Utah...and...I get to come home for Thanksgiving 5 days later! I am literally counting down the days.

Since being away from home, I have realized how much I love my own home in Arizona. I love my home! I love the smell, the loving atmosphere, and the style. I love the spirit and peace that I feel there. My home feels so different from anywhere else I have ever been. I love the way it's decorated. I love that I have lived there for so many years. I have grown up in this home for 9 years. It's my sanctuary. I love the comfort of just being able to come home after a long day and feel at peace. There will be no better feeling than coming home for 5 days. Don't get me wrong, having an apartment is great, but it will never compare to my Gilbert, Arizona home.

Life in Rexburg through a cell phone camera...

2011-10-27T10:51:00.000-07:00

Grandma sent me a letter in the mail and with the letter came a $5 bill! I was thrilled so I went out across the street to Kiwi Loco froyo to get some frozen yogurt. Frozen yogurt is my weakness and it doesn't help that there is one right across the street from my apartment!

Every Tuesday here at BYU-I, we have devotionals. A few weeks ago, Elaine S. Dalton, the General Young Women's President came to speak to us. What an amazing experience! Her talk was incredible. I stood in line afterwards to meet her. I love this picture because she looks like an angel.

I feel so blessed to have a temple so close. I have made it a goal to go to the temple once a week. I have never been in a temple where it is so packed. It literally takes 2.5 hours to do baptisms. It's lots of time...but I love it!

Fall is in the air! I have never lived in a place that actually as seasons!

Em & I watching an ultimate frisbee game in the freezing, windy Rexburg weather.

The view from outside my apartment door when it snowed for the first time on October 6!

This green spinache smoothie is my main staple here. It looks gross, but it is so healthy and so good. I use my magic bullet blender to whip this up. Ingredients: silk milk, water, handfulls of spinache, 1/2 frozen banana, and berries.

My mom is so good about sending packages from home to me. Last week in the mail my mom sent me this cute hat! I absolutely love it! My mom knows me so well.

Missin' a Best Friend.

2011-10-26T14:26:00.000-07:00

Last night, Jessie and I talked on the phone for more than an hour and I realized how blessed I am to have her in my life, even if I'm 5 states away. Jessie is my soul sister, my bosom friend. A sister from another mister. (lol). Jessie and I met because we both had crushes on the Boyd brothers, Josh and Grant. We knew of eachother and were good acquaintance friends until this past year. This past year has been the best because Jessie has been apart of my life, one step of the way. I feel like Heavenly Father puts friends like these into my life for a reason, and I needed a best friend like Jessie. Jessie and I became so close this summer. We are similar in everyway. We have the same interests, same clothes, same style, same personality, same likes and dislikes, same thoughts, and similar personality. She is a true friend.

Right now I am pretty much missin' her and together we are counting the days until I come home. 29 days to be exact! I'm so thankful for her. We will be friends for life + eternity, and that is not an understandment!

General Conference

2011-10-26T14:11:00.000-07:00

I love last minute, spontaneous trips. 3 days before the Saturday session of conference, my roommates and I decided we wanted to go. We drove to Utah in a moments notice to go hear the words of our prophet and apostles. Conference was the most amazing experience. I have never been before, but I have watched every single session of it since I was little. This time, I couldn't believe that I was actually there, that I was hearing the Mormon Tabernacle Choir sing in person, and that I was 100 feet away from our beloved prophet. Words cannot express the overwhelming feeling of power and warmth that I felt as President Monson walked in the room. As he made his appearance, everyone stood up, and I felt the spirit. There was no doubt in my mind that he was not a prophet of God. I came to conference with a lot of questions that I needed and wanted answered. It felt like each speaker was speaking to me directly! All of my questions were answered and I felt peace and comfort. I am so grateful to be apart of this amazing church. The gospel is so true and it brings so much happiness to my life.

my abandoned blog

2011-10-15T18:05:00.000-07:00

My poor blog has been abandoned for quite sometime. Things up here in Idaho are as hectic as ever. School, homework, and studying have taken over my life! I've been thinking a lot lately...who needs school? I told my mom my plan for my future today on the phone. I informed her that I am just going to get married within the next couple of years and then my husband can support me so I won't have to go to school anymore. Sound good? I think so. She didn't think that was a very good idea.

So while I go find myself a husband, (just kidding! I'm not even ready for that yet), you can look at these fun pictures. Life is quite exciting living on your own!

One Saturday, I took a trip to Yellowstone with a few roommates and a couple guys in our ward. We visited three states in one day, Idaho, Wyoming, and Montana. We also saw lots of geysers and nature, but no wild animals.

The big hangout here is the dunes. We had a bonfire in the dunes.

Millie and I live off of our apple trees. FREE fruit. College kids LOVE the word free. These apples are pretty much what we survive on to live.

Believe it or not, but last Thursday, it SNOWED! I was in complete shock. How could it be snowing already! It was cold walking to and from classes. Right then and there I realized that I am and will always be an Arizona girl. I don't know how I'm going to survive this Idaho winter. But-there is a positive to winter. I get to wear cute coats, scarfs, ear muffs, and BOOTS!

Sunday night was my night to fix dinner for the roomies. I was pretty proud of my healthy creation, onion vidalia chicken. It was a hit!

We get a little crazy late at night when we know that we have homework and we realize that we don't want to do it. This night, we had a rockin' dance party and made a T. Swift music video.

The first weekend in Idaho, my roommates and I were invited to go bridge jumping. So fun, but oh so cold.

Idaho is known for their dance parties. Dance parties are the big thing here...?

One thing that I love about Birch Plaza is the location. It is center to everything. What I am most happy about is that it is close to the fitness center. I am loving all the fitness classes there are at night. My evenings this week consisted of the cycling class, yoga, and a hard to core ab workout.

BYU-Idaho...I'M HERE!

2011-09-16T12:50:00.000-07:00

It just hit me that I am actually HERE! I have been here at Brigham Young University-Idaho for one week now, and I am LOVING it. Words can't really express how I feel right now. I am just so grateful for this wonderful, amazing opportunity to go to school where I can feel the spirit 24/7. What an amazing feeling that is. It has been my dream my entire life to attend a church school and my dream has finally come true. The campus is beautiful, the people are so nice, I LOVE my roommates, my ward is great, the boys are cute, the professors want you to succeed, and the weather is gorgeous (right now at least).

Only at BYU-I:

*Do you see "Families are Forever" or "CTR" or "BYU-I girl" bumper stickers on cars.

*Do you have firesides every Tuesday by a leader of our church.

*Get asked out on 4 dates in one week! :)

*Get random guys asking for you number and picking up on you at the gym or on the street.

*See pregnant girls with their husbands walking around campus, or see girls pushing strollers around campus.

*Only at BYU-I do you have to watch an hour long Elder Bednar talk for homework.

*Do you say prayer before each class beings.

*Do your professors relate things to the gospel in class. (love it!)

*Do you have a strict dress code for working out and regular attire. I am actually starting to like working out in big baggy basketball shorts and an oversized tshirt.

*Do you have good looking FHE brothers. ;)

*Is it impossible to go to bed at a decent hour.

*Is there a temple right acoss the street from campus.

I have found it very difficult to manage my time here in Idaho. There are not enough hours in the day! There is always something fun going on and there are always people to meet.

I love my roommates Millie, Emily, Sarah, Daniella, and Lindsey & I love living in Birch Plaza. Each one of my roommates are so different, but so similiar to one another. I love living in a houseful of girls. Lots of laughing, lots of talking, lots of late nights, lots of fun, lots of boys stopping by to say hey.

I feel like it is such a blessing to be here. We've had 3 firesides already in the I-center & with each fireside have learned so much. They really stress it to all of us students that we are meant to be here. For some reason, Heavenly Father made it possible for us to come here to BYU-I. I can't wait for my many, many more experiences up here in Rexburg. Life is grand.

18. Adult.

2011-08-17T21:45:00.000-07:00

I'm officially legal now! As of Friday, August 5, I am 18 years old. In Gilbert that pretty much means that I can buy dry ice and vote. To my parents, it means much more...bills, etc.

Friday was a great day filled with random acts of kindess. Our goal was to do 18 random acts of kindess. We tried our best to fulfill our goal. Jessie was my partner in crime the whole day.

#1 We began our busy day by going to the gym with our mothers. 8:30am body step aerobics and 9:30am body pump. We just happened to be twinners. Best friends think alike.

#2 Attend the temple to do baptisms for the dead.

#3 Place cards with happy wishes and tidings full of sunshine on random cars throughout the day.

#4 Treat ourselves to all kinds of FREE birthday food.

#5 Deliver something special to someone I admire-my Grandma Dayley.

#7 Drop off Paradise Bakery cookies off at a nearby police station thanking them for their service.

#8 Bring a dozen Krispy Kreme donuts to the Boyd family.

We accomplished 8 random acts of kindness during the day...what an accomplishment! The day was jammed packed with things to do and people to serve.

That night, Grant took me out on a double date with my parents. Our night consisted of Thai food and Jesters comedy.

18 is going to be a fun, adventurous age. I can feel it.

Awkward and Awesome Thursday

2011-07-28T21:27:00.000-07:00

Awkward:
-Going to the dentist and having the dental hygienist talk my ear off while working on my teeth, which cracks me up because does she expect me to carry on a conversation with her as she's cleaning my teeth?
-Sheila, the older hygienist, talking to me about her younger years as a dental hygienist in Minnesota. Picture this: My mouth wide open being only to verbally say two things,"Uh-uh" and "Ooooh." very awkward.
-I went to the bank today to cash a check. The banker looks at me, says something, and I assume that it is my turn to be helped. I start talking to him, he looks at me like some kind lunatic, and says,"Oh sorry, I said I'll help you in just a second. I'm a little busy right now." "Oh sorry..." I say, and I quickly walk backward to my place in line.

-That feeling when you're about to wet your pants and there is no public bathroom around.

Awesome:

-Sheila has been our hygienist for quite some time now, and she has slowly earned my family's trust. (We use to call her the mean lady because she was so violent with our poor gums while flossing.) She is now a good friend that we visit every 6 months.

-No cavities! :)

-blog stalking

-The fact that I am a legal adult in ONE week.

-Sore abs after doing P90X ab ripper. The name fits this workout well.

-My mom's homemade wheat bread. I thought I died and went to heaven.

-My awesome high school BLOG BOOK that I just printed out. I am a huge journal writer so naturally, I would be very excited about this.

-Smelling like tee-tree oil before I go to bed every night. I'm hoping this works better than my regular Aveeno face wash. I'm sure my roommates at BYU-I are going to love the way I smell.

2011-07-25T21:14:00.003-07:00

“You can be excellent in every way. You can be first class. There is no need for you to be a scrub. Respect yourself. Do not feel sorry for yourself. Do not dwell on unkind things others may say about you. Polish and refine whatever talents the Lord has given you. Go forward in life with a twinkle in your eye and a smile on your face, but with great and strong purpose in your heart. Love life and look for its opportunities. And forever and always be Loyal to the church.”

~President Gordon B. Hinckley

Best swing dancers in town!

2011-07-17T12:32:00.000-07:00

Saturday night, Grant & I got our groove on. We drove all the way to downtown Mesa to dance, just like the old times. Dancing holds a special place in our hearts because well, that's how we met...15 years old at the New Years stake dance. I have always been impressed with his dancing skills, & last night he amazed me yet again.

Grant has been raving about "Lenny's," a place downtown that makes thee best shakes. So that's where we went after dancing. Grant ordered his favorite peanut butter and chocolate shake and I ordered mint chocolate chip. We had a grand time laughing with Skyler and his date.

We then decided that the night was far from being over, and our night of adventure continued downtown.

California Girls...we're unforgetable

2011-06-28T21:18:00.000-07:00

There's just something magical about roaming California with your best friends and no parental supervision. Freedom at last. These three days were the best and most fun days I have ever had.

Memories:

-Always know that mormons work on mormon standard time. We say that we're leaving at 6am, but really that means 2.5 hours later.

-We had $20 to spend on junk food at Walmart before we left. Our weekend snacks consisted of peanut m&ms, licorice, wheat thins, apples, carrots, york mints, carmel sucker things, and chex mix.

-The car ride up consisted of rest stops, girl talk, and music.

-Mindy Gledhill, Jack Johnson, Celion Dion, Hilary Duff, Britney Spears, Lady Antebellum, Tim McGraw, and Disney songs. enough said.

-I love driving by the windmills.

-Santa Monica beach is the best beach in California. The board walk is so fun! We had a Subway picnic on the beach.

-"Rock your body, body whooo!"

-The beautiful California weather. How can it be smokin hot in AZ and perfect in CA?

-Meeting cute RMs in the hot tub. Best part was they were from Mesa. small world. We were creepers and spied on them once we left the hot tub. We had the perfect view from our room. ;)

-We got pretty crazy at night in our Best Western Hotel. I had a great idea to jump from bed to bed superman style. Sunni and I flew onto the next bed and the bed broke! It was the funniest thing of my life. We were peeing our pants laughing, but we soon realized that this was serious business. The four of us did our best to fix it and prayed that the maids wouldn't find the broken bed.

-6 Flags on Saturday. We took the trolley on the way there. At 10am the park opened and we literally sprinted to our first and favorite ride, X2. Burning calories left and right!

-We only rode on four rides the entire day because the park was so crowded. Superman, Goliath, X2, and the Water Rapids.

-Jessie and I were exhausted by the end of the day. We took the trolley home. It was a long ride and we were entertained by African Americans breaking out into song. too funny, especially late at night. I love her. We laughed so hard about this funny day.

-Jess and Sunni taking their time everywhere we went.

-On Sunday, we toured the whole state of California. Our first stop was at the Los Angeles temple. It was beautiful and I was so happy to be their with my 3 best friends. We took a tour of the visitors center, met a really cool missionary from Mesa, and watched a superb video. We felt the spirit and it was a neat experience. Then we toured Beverly Hills and hoped we would spot some celebrities.

-Never trust mapquest! Our directions took us the opposite way of where we planned on going, which was home. We ended up in San Diego completely lost. We decided to stop by the San Diego temple.

-The drive home consisted of many adventures. I loved our conversations on our drives. I am so blessed to have such stalwart friends. It took us 8 hours to get home.

I wouldn't trade this weekend for anything. We had such a great time with eachother. I wish we could go back. Until we meet again California...

Special thanks to all those strangers who took our pictures. ;)

thankful.

2011-06-22T22:40:00.000-07:00

There have been many times where I have felt the love of my Heavenly Father. Today was just one of those times. Heavenly Father always puts people in my life when I need them the most. He knows exactly who I am. He knows my heart's desires & needs. I am so thankful to have Jessie Rowley as one of my best friends. We've had quite the interesting history together, but I know that she was meant to be apart of my life right now. I needed a friend like her.

Pepper Sauce Caves

2011-06-19T14:34:00.000-07:00

Top 6 things I learned while cave exploring with Ben yesterday:

#1 The more Chipotle sauce on your not-so-healthy Subway sandwich, the better.

#2 Caves look cooler when they glow in the dark.

#3 It's not okay to turn on your flashlight, not even when you get a tad bit scared while telling ghost stories by the haunted lake.

#4 Warrior paint makes you look tough.

#5 Never fall asleep in the car on a date...crazy pranks will happen.
#6 12 hour long dates are the best kinds of dates.

Awkward and Awesome Thursday

2011-06-16T21:08:00.000-07:00

I've been following this blog and I love her "Awkward and Awesome Thursday" posts.

Awkward:
-Baking cookies and brownies while I babysat the Stephan kids today. The cookies turned out perfect...but the brownies not so perfect. The dad came home from work, tried the brownies, and told me they were as hard as concrete. oops. I guess I should work on my homemaking skills...
-The creepy guys working at the gym who added me as a friend on facebook.
-Mom checking out the cute fitness instructor, Spencer, at the gym. Okay...I was too....
-Mom asking Spencer if he was LDS, because who names their kid Spencer unless they are LDS. His reply was no. awk.
-My recent craving for cereal and green spinach smoothies! I could eat them every meal, everyday.

Awesome:
-Going to the temple two weeks in a row with Jessie to do baptisms....feels SO good.
-Pushing snooze on my alarm clock twice because lets face it, 4:40AM is just too early.
-Mom coming into my room, half asleep, trying to wake me up to go to our 5:15AM rpm class with Spencer. ;) We made it on time.
-The fact that Annie and Hannah know every Justin Bieber song.
-Teaching piano to four cute, cute boys today.
-My awesome piano rewards program. It works! Rewards always get kids motivated. booya.
-Making $70 in one day.
-Going for a jog with my sisters, putting them in the bath, tucking them in bed, and hearing them say,"Good night Katie, I love you." Presh. Melts my heart. I'm going to miss that in about 2.5 months.
-Answers to prayers.

action shots.

2011-06-12T21:50:00.000-07:00

feel free to laugh. it's painful just looking at this. the next day i could hardly move!

Summer days

2011-06-07T11:51:00.000-07:00

I have spent my summer days teaching my cute 11 students piano, looking for a job, nannying, going to the gym, catching up with old friends, stocking BYU-Idaho's website, enjoying my last summer as a kid, oh and going to SINGLES WARD activities! WHAT?!? (I know it's weird for me too.)

A few days ago, a bunch of us went to the lake, which was super fun. We enjoyed lounging in the water, sand volleyball, playing guitar, snacking, and water frisbee. I lovin this new single life!

Parents have also been gone all week...so we party hard! Sunday night, the Coon kids went to the temple. We all pledged to one another that we would get married in the temple no matter what. Then we watched the Joseph Smith movie.

btw, James is taller than me...and stronger than me....so fun watching him grow.

Peace out Higley!

2011-06-05T22:23:00.000-07:00

What a FABULOUS night this was. Here are a few of the many pictures that were taken on graduation night. I AM DONE! What a great feeling! ;) now onto bigger & better things....

Graduation Day

2011-05-25T15:28:00.000-07:00

Today is a BIG day! It's the day I've been waiting for for a long time. Today is GRADUATION! :) There are so many emotions running through me right now: happy, nervous, and excited. Highschool has been soooo good to me. I love highschool! Over the past four years, I have made so many fun memories and created lasting friendships. I have grown and I have achieved so many of my goals. I will forever remember highschool as being the best four years of my life so far. Graduating highschool is so bittersweet. Although I am sad to graduate, I am also so excited to have so many new doors open up to me. I am excited for what the future will bring. At 7pm tonight, I will be a new person...a graduated 17 year old.

Goodbye Higley Highschool....

Hello BYU-I!

Prom(s)

2011-05-07T02:27:00.000-07:00

I have become a terrible blogger. Life has been so crazy. Between graduation stuff, end of the year PROJECTS, work, and other preparations, I have been able to take a few breathers.

PROM was a few weeks ago and I spent the fabulous night with Landon Smith, the most entertaining kid you will ever meet. He was such a gentleman too. I'm pretty sure I didn't touch the car door/door handle once the whole night. We spent the night at the zoo dancing the night away in our "mormon circle." We had a fantastic time together.

The next weekend, May 7th was Mormon Prom, and it was probably the most fun dance during my high school career. There's nothing like being surrounded with people with your same standards. Modest dresses, clean dancing, and good music. Grant was also a gentleman and even took a chance to held my hand... :) Grant and I had a blast together and I was so thankful that I was able to spend my last dance with my best friend.

Thank you tennis!

2011-04-25T20:38:00.000-07:00

Oh, the joys of playing tennis. everyday. in the hot sun. i knew what i was getting myself into before the season began, but i didn't think it would be this bad! it's actually pretty funny to hear people's reactions to these odd tan lines. "What the heck is that?" or "How did you get so tan?" or "Does your prom dress cover that?" i mean...look at my back...it looks like i have on another shirt. goodness!

man, i must love tennis.

Prom Season

2011-04-21T15:10:00.000-07:00

Prom season is here once again. It's always a stressful time of year, but in the end, everything always works out! In 2 days, I had 2 different surprises.

The first happened the afternoon we returned back from California. The doorbell rang. Annie and I ran to the door to find this. Ritz crackers making a pathway. I followed the path and found part of the poem. Grant asked me Mormon Prom! woot woot! So excited! :) The theme is "Putting on the Ritz."

Grant knows me all to well. He gave me York mint patties.

Then today I walked into seminary and found this on my desk. I was a bit shocked. I was least expecting to be asked to school prom. But, holy cow, I am so excited! Landon Smith is the bomb!

Now all I need is a dress. Mmm...my life is complete bliss.

Need a haircut? Call Hannah!

2011-04-13T18:07:00.000-07:00

A tramatic experience happened in the Coon home last night. It was just the girls at home. As I was slaving over Mrs. Monte's project, and Annie & mom were doing homework, little Hannah was kept unwatched. This is what happened:

She cut her hair all by herself. My poor mom was beside herself. "Hannah! What has momma always told you not to do?" or "I have never had a child cut their hair!" or "Hannah! You look like a little orphan now!"

Poor Hannah only wanted momma to like her hair because it was now out of her eyes. We got the camera out to document this day. Hair is now cut in all different directions on Hannah's top head and her bangs are short. Maybe she will start a fashion trend. After all of the drama had faded, mom fixed it a little.

We told our little orphan that we still love her.

It's okay, we only have family pictures in two weeks and California vacation in 3 days.

Spring Dresses

2011-04-10T11:38:00.000-07:00

Annie & I both wore our long spring dresses today at church. Sisters think alike. I love her and her cute style.

Awesome Tuesday

2011-04-09T21:53:00.000-07:00

Tuesday was a fabulous day. You know those days when everything seems to be going right and it seems like life can't get any better!? Tuesday was that day. Why was Tuesday such a fantastic day?

LATE START
Early morning jog
CAR WASH with Mr. Grant Boyd, my fav.
English 101, Choir, and Math
No homework
Won my doubles tennis match...finally! :)
Clean car...until it rained the next day.

It always cracks me up. I think I have a car wash curse. Whenever I wash my cute PT Cruiser, it ALWAYS rains the next day!!! Everytime. What are the chances? When does it ever rain in Arizona? I think I should learn to check the weather reports before I wash my baby.

Dana's Masquerade Party!

2011-04-02T12:46:00.001-07:00

need a laugh?

2011-03-16T12:02:00.000-07:00

I can't help but crack myself up everytime I see this. I got my wisdom teeth out. I don't remember anything and I am drugged up with laughing gas. Enjoy! Feel free to laugh.

Cousin Love.

2011-03-15T15:57:00.000-07:00

Spring Break is HERE! I needed a break. Tiff, Alice, and I decided to be models for a day and have a little fun in downtown Gilbert. My mom is an amazing photographer. Bright colors, lots of clothing changes, curly hair, and cousin love. Enjoy!

I {heart} Double Dates

2011-03-07T20:32:00.000-08:00

Double dates are my favorite!

Remember post this post?

I had the amazing opportunity to go on a date with BOTH of these boys last weekend which was the highlight of my week.

Friday night was with my boy Preston. It was a double with his fun red head brother and his date, Kaitlin. We made a homemade pizza, ate homemade icecream, and played games. It was such a simple date, but so much fun!

On Saturday night, Grant and I went on a double with my parents! We had a great time playing tennis. Go team sweatbands. It got a little competitive, but nonetheless, it was memorable. Grant did a such a great job considering it was his first time playing tennis! Languages of love, games, and dancing in my kitchen made my night. :)

Love these kind of weekends!

How can I be

2011-03-05T15:51:00.000-08:00

Righteous boys are so attractive.

Can I just relive this night?

2011-02-26T20:00:00.000-08:00

Senioritis

2011-02-26T19:32:00.000-08:00

Uh-oh. I've been diagnosed with a crippling disease. SENIORITIS.

noun. A crippling disease that strikes high school seniors. Symptoms include: laziness, an over-excessive wearing of sweatpants, old athletic shirts, athletic shorts, and sweatshirts. Also features a lack of studying and a generally dismissive attitude. There are many different causes of the disease, but it can often be contagious between close friends.

The only known cure is a phenomenon known as Graduation.

I would say that I am an ambitious person. I set goals and try my best to accomplish them. I get good grades. I study for tests. But....this last semester of senior year is killing me! I wake up late everyone morning because I press snooze too much, I throw my hair up in a bun, I love sweatpants, and I have no desire to do my homework...but I do it anyways.

Now that I know where I'm going for college ( BYU-I :) I can't help but daydream about it in class. Just keep chuggin' along Katie. You can do it! (do you like how I try to motivate myself?)

Valentine's Day.

2011-02-14T20:56:00.000-08:00

Oh, Valentine's Day...I heart you. You bring back some good memories. Today I was reminiscing back to those awkward moments when boys (who will remain unnamed) gave me teddy bears, chocolates, & love poems. I will never forget embarassly carrying these Valentine's Day goodies around school all day. 8th grade and freshman year...those were the days.

Valentine's Day to me...since then...has been just a wee bit awkward. All day, I saw girls at school carrying roses and balloons and giant teddybears. I've learned over the past years. You never know who is going to show up at school carrying a big bear, chocolates, and a love poem.

Do I have a Valentine, you might ask? I have none, just a really good friend who drops by to make my day. Grant came by with a Valentine's treat tonight and a sweet card. What a thoughtful boy! Anyways, it made me happy & I realized how grateful I am for a best friend like him. He's the best.

Cowboy Take Me Away

2011-02-13T20:23:00.000-08:00

BEWARE: Dallin is 6'5" and I am 5'3"

Higley's first ever Sadie Hawkins was so much fun! Dallin Greer was such a big teddybear and the whole group was a blast. The night consisted of lots of cowboys and cowgirls, chasing down Emily and Alyssa's dates, eating dinner at Emily Halls' house, Costa Vida mmmm..., pictures taken around the farm by mom, playing "Do You Love Your Neighbor," Emily "breaking" her arm, car rides in the PT, the longest gun show possible, and Toy Story 3!

It's my half birthday...

2011-02-06T20:20:00.000-08:00

I just realized that it was my half birthday. I am now 17.5 exactly
I had a great day in celebration of my half birthday. Grant and I went on a group date goofy golfing/lazer tag/free arcade games. It was a pretty swell day.

Happy Birthday Mom

2011-02-04T13:59:00.000-08:00

I really admire my mother. We have a great relationship. She is such a great example to me.

-My mom is a great nuturer. She knows the truth and loves the Lord.

-She always seems to have time for me.

-I don't think I could live without her. Just the little daily things she does for me mean so much.

-She's an amazing role model. Because of her example, I know what kind of mother I want to be.

-She's kind and patient.

-I want to be able to serve like my mom. She's selfless. She finds happiness in serving others.

-I hope that I can be like her because the more I'm like her, the more I'll be like Christ.

-I love my mom and she loves me.

-She is so easy to love. Everyone loves my mom because she's nice to all.

-She takes my best interest at heart. She's supports me in all that I do. She's excited about what I'm excited about.

-I love my mom, I'm so glad I have her!

"There is nothing in this world as personal, as nurturing, or as life changing as the influence of a righteous woman. Young women, your mothers adore you. They see in you the promise of future generations. Everything you accomplish, every challenge you overcome brings them pure joy. And likewise your worries and heartaches are their worries and heartaches." -M. Russell Ballard (May 2010)