Noteworthy

...ever heard of them?

If you attend BYU, then you have.

If you haven't, this is an amazing all girl A Cappella group that currently attends BYU.

And they are on this NBC reality show called The Sing Off!

It showed last night, will air tonight, and if they make it passed this round, they'll continue to tomorrow's show and hopefully the live finale on Monday!

So tune in and watch! It's seriously so amazing to hear all these different A Cappella groups sing!

And not to mention, it's so exciting that a group from my own school is on it! They have SO much talent. It's incredible!

Watch the show from last night here

If you just want to watch Noteworthy, they are on Chapter 4!

dear fall semester,

thanks for not being too hard on me these past few months.

also, thanks for helping me finish my finals fairly early.

you're a gem. now i get to go home and celebrate Christmas time :)

love, ashley kay

just a little excitement to share.

First Reason: I received an email yesterday afternoon saying that I am officially going to be a BC for EFY next summer in the Southeast! :)

A BC is a Building Counselor- basically I will be over around 8 counselors to support, guide and assist them with their duties.

So more duty, more responsibility, more fun.. I am so ready for this new and exciting adventure :)

Southeast has 3 sessions: The 2 in Georgia and 1 in St. Petersburg, Florida!

So far, I know my co-counselor from 2008, Andre, will also be a BC- so that'll be fun!

And even better- I'm going to have AMAZING Field Coordinators (THE BOSS)- Kaycie and Daniel!)

So you can say I'm kinda lucky and kinda, really excited. :)

Second Reason: Last day of classes are today. Which means, I'm done with this semester. I've finished 2 finals already and have 2 more! The end is in sight!

Which brings me to my Third Reason: I GO HOME ONE WEEK FROM TODAY :) No more freezing temperatures and snow for at least a few weeks! And yes, I was just home about 3 weeks ago, but I love going home for Christmas time! And I'm excited to see the family again!

Inspiration.

"Why we go through hardship is something that is necessary. Life wasn't meant to be easy, we all know that one."

-NieNie

Seriously, Stephanie Nielson is one of the most amazing and inspiring woman. I feel so selfish for how I complain about things that are so small and stupid. And here is this amazing woman who almost lost her life, her children, her husband, everything.

For those who don't know her story, she was in a plane crash with her husband in August 2008 and was in a coma for months. Over 80% of her body was burned badly and she has to go through many surgeries and physical therapy. She is going through much more than I could ever imagine, yet she remains grateful and positive. She has uplifted me and I'm sure many others who read her blog.

I've become so inspired and touched from her stories on her blog. I have so much to be grateful for.

My life, my health, my family, the gospel, my education, my friends, and the list can go on.

She truly is an amazing person and she has helped me focus on the important things in life.

Thanks NieNie.

Check out her blog. Click on the NieNie Dialouges button on the right side of my page.

"Be grateful and humble in your lives, for God truly is Good."

-Nie Nie

why didn't i think of this?

The Mall on a Saturday, especially during Christmas season- INSANE

The Grocery Store on a Saturday- ALWAYS INSANE

Drivers are dumb, people are dumb, I should remember that for next time.

Thanksgiving Checklist:

Surprise Mom by singing Happy Birthday in her room at 1 in the morning: Check.

Surprise Lexie in the morning: Check.

Surprise Cody and get attacked by Becker doing so: Check.

Learn a new game and get addicted to it: Check.

Getting to spend some time with The Holders: Check.

Having fun doing service at the Bishop Storehouse: Check.

Partake of delicious Mexican food at La Parilla: Check.

Going to see Blind Side, one of the greatest movies ever: Check.

Going to my "high school reunion" and being the only sober one there: Check.

Eating Dad's delicious fried Turkey: Check.

Getting to see my favorite girls: Check.

Spending Thanksgiving with the most important people in my life: Check.

Getting to see the cutest dog in the entire world: Check.

Was it worth the amount of debt I am currently in with my sister for my plane ticket home? Absolutely.

Will I ever do a surprise again? Perhaps. But not when it involves surprising my Mom. It was one of the hardest secrets to keep and having to hide my excitement was not an easy task.

Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving break!

the perfect medicine.

My family.

Cal, Tay, and I decided a few weeks ago to surprise my family and fly home for a week for Thanksgiving.

Seriously, such a HUGE blessing for me.

Coming home for a week and getting away from Utah is just what I needed.

I love my family. They are so amazing!

I love family time. Just relaxing with all of them is good enough for me.

I love the South. There is nothing like it.

Hope everyone has a good Thanksgiving week! :)