I love my friends.

It's true. I love them so much! I am so thankful for good friends. When I went through my huge life altering trial, I started working at the Sunset Branch of Zion's Bank. I reconnected with Lyndsey Swindlehurst (previously Jacobsen) since we were tellers together. We had danced together for a few years at Diamond Talent--along with Lauren. She invited me to go to a movie with her and Lauren Gornichec (now Casto). I welcomed the opportunity. The funny thing is I was really nervous--I had known Lauren a little when we were younger--like 13, and she intimidated me. She was "cool" and at one point in high school had the ends of her hair dyed..it was rebellious. Ha ha. I don't know if I've ever told her how intimidated I was by her...little did I know she was one of the warmest most amazing people I'd ever meet. And Lyndsey was a saint of a friend. Married but still going out with us single gals who were both suffering from broken hearts. We went and saw Rent. It was deliciously scandalous and full of love, heartbreak and intensity. Lauren cried- surprisingly I did not. I found out after that she had been going through a rough break up. We were a perfect match! :)
The rest is history. After many late night hang outs, dance parties and movie making, Lauren and I became room mates. I started hanging out with a whole new realm of single people who I hadn't known in high school, because they went to a different school. They were fun, and interesting and I learned how to socialize all over again! But the heart of my joy was the friends that I held dearest. Lauren, Lyndsey, Chanelle, Shanae...etc. I made so many friends I never would have made if I hadn't gone through what I did!

Today Lauren, Lyndsey and I are still good friends. Lyndsey lived in Texas for 3 years so I didn't see her much..and Lauren has lived in Vegas since right before she married her honey man...but the wonderful thing is that Lauren and I chat on gmail chat every weekday. I feel like I get to hang out with her everyday! It's one of my highlights. We can vent, celebrate and just talk...all day. It's wonderful!

What's better is that this past weekend I got to hang out in person with Lauren and Lyndsey! It was SO fun! Lauren came up and took some family pictures for us...(can't wait to see them!) and Lynds came up a little later in the afternoon. We all went to dinner at Pizza Factory, then to Pride and Prejudice at Utah Shakespearean Festival. Ben let us use some of his comp tickets and we had SUCH a fun time! Then it was onto the grocery store for some candy, and some late night conversating. We all agree it was a much needed fun weekend. It only lasted about 24 hours- but it was awesome. I love these girls. They know me, as well as I know myself! They were there when I needed them most and I still hope someday I can repay the favor. I don't know if there are many greater blessings than having good friends! Thanks for the fun ladies! I miss you so much! Come back ASAP!!!

200

Well friends..this is my 200th post! I read through some of my first posts and they made me laugh, I was clueless. I still am at times. I guess I'm the type of girl who gets overwhelmed with things, but then realize WAY after everyone else that they're really not that hard. My husband is a great example of this--he always knows what he's doing and sometimes I just hand my computer over to him to "fix". I'm sad that I am this way again. I say again, because there was a time when I was NOT like this. When I worked for Great Pacific in Cali, they had me doing SO many new things that I never had the chance to say "I don't know how, and I can't figure it out." It was quite the opposite. I accomplished a lot with that job, and one thing was my fear of the unknown or un-doable. Well...I'm back to my old self.

But I digress...

So what is noteworthy for my 200th post? How about my progress in education? I got all A's over the summer. I took 16 credits, and I did SO well. I enjoyed every single class. Even the 4 credit Early Childhood Education Development class that was SO hard. I aced every assignment, and felt like it better prepared me for motherhood to all my children. I am really tempted to homeschool them now....

This semester is not any easier. I'm taking 22...yes 22 credits. 16 from SUU, and 6 from Dixie online. Our schedule works out perfectly...Ben has Connor MWF mornings while I go to class, then we trade at 12:50 and he goes to work while I come home and be mommy. Tuesdays and Thursdays I'm home with Connor all day except for 11:30-12:50, which is when Ben takes his lunch. Somehow it worked out like clockwork, and after two days we realize it's going to be BUSY. But we love it! I feel so much more productive having a reason to leave the house...I actually get ready everyday now. I've only had each class once, but I love them so far! I'm taking Art History, 19th Century European Art; Thinking and Listening Critically;
Communication Research; Photojournalism; Event Management; Marketing Principles; and Screenwriting. Oh and Circuit training...easy A. I am gonna be a busy girl but thankfully Connor gives me at least 2 hours a day when he naps for me to do stuff, and he goes to bed by 7 or 8...

Also, my weight loss progress! As of this morning I have lost 9 pounds! I know HCG is not a permanent solution, but it sure is helping me gain the confidence I need to eat healthier. I realize that 4 oz is PLENTY of meat. When Ben and I go out on dates from now on we are sharing!!! I do miss my bad foods...so I know my little body cleanse is not yet over. I need to feel in control of my cravings before this is over. I hope to lose at least 6 more pounds to achieve my goal of 15 pounds. I doubled my wardrobe today. I was wearing two pairs of capris every day. Now I have 4-5...with about 4 more that I am SO CLOSE to fitting into. Such a great feeling! I haven't weighed this much since February of 2009.

In other news, Connor has BAD diaper rash that looks like someone burned his butt with a hot pan. SO sad. We think it is maybe from having the humidifier on all night, and he gets too "damp"...but who knows. SAD story though. I felt terrible having to change is some 5 poopy diapers today!

Well...onto my homework....thanks for reading!

Rememberies...

So a few days ago, August 18th to be exact..marks the three year anniversary of the day Ben and I met online. I get so overwhelmed when I think of how random and fated that evening was. I had attended Austin and Laura Cope's wedding reception, then had a date planned. My date fell through so I wandered onto and LDS dating site. I got annoyed with how hard it was to create a profile...so I just lazily logged in to LDSchat.com. I hadn't been on in years...like 7 years I think. Ben was logged in as "tenortoyourheart"..or tenor to your heart if that's hard to read ha ha. I started talking to him, figuring he was probably a singer so we might have something to talk about! Boy did we ever...we talked for something like 4 hours...and that evening I saved his number into my phone as "Ben Hubby"...it's still saved that way. I wanted to share some parts of our chat conversation which I am SO grateful Ben saved! There are both funny parts, and parts that just reveal why it was so easy to fall in love with each other. So for your enjoyment...

single and free.:-) says: (10:06:54 PM)

so you're not a stalker freak are ya? ;)

(don't you love how my screen name was single and free?)

btyrrel@gmail.com says: (10:07:28 PM)

um..i dont think so

…………………………………

…………………………….

btyrrel@gmail.com says: (10:22:17 PM)

so...I'm ben btw

single and free.:-) says: (10:22:22 PM)

and I'm Kirsten

(notice this is over 15 minutes into the conversation..ha ha)

…………………………….

single and free.:-) says: (10:24:54 PM)

you're not really some computer crazed addict who never sees sunlight?

btyrrel@gmail.com says: (10:25:15 PM)

no...i have windows

(HA HA!!!)

…………………

single and free.:-) says: (10:46:45 PM)

ever been married or anything?

btyrrel@gmail.com says: (10:46:56 PM)

NO!!!

single and free.:-) says: (10:47:09 PM)

scared of the ultimate commitment huh
?

btyrrel@gmail.com says: (10:47:22 PM)

not really...just havent met anyone yet

……………….

single and free.:-) says: (11:01:38 PM)

very cute! what color are your eyes

single and free.:-) says: (11:01:39 PM)

?

btyrrel@gmail.com says: (11:01:42 PM)

blue

single and free.:-) says: (11:01:52 PM)

I can tell even in the black and white picture

……..

After hearing him sing on youtube the following took place:

single and free.:-) says: (11:15:07 PM)

so....I have a question

btyrrel@gmail.com says: (11:15:11 PM)

k

single and free.:-) says: (11:15:27 PM)

will you marry me? (#)

single and free.:-) says: (11:15:29 PM)

haha

btyrrel@gmail.com says: (11:15:30 PM)

LOL

single and free.:-) says: (11:15:49 PM)

my weaknes...you hit it

single and free.:-) says: (11:15:51 PM)

way to go

btyrrel@gmail.com says: (11:15:56 PM)

YES!!!

single and free.:-) says: (11:16:13 PM)

is that the answer to my proposal? lol

btyrrel@gmail.com says: (11:16:19 PM)

LOL

BIG BONUS HERE: after telling him about my first marriage:

single and free.:-) says: (11:39:43 PM)

yeah. marriage is scary...because I knew my ex for 2 years before I married him, and he STILL changed his mind

btyrrel@gmail.com says: (11:40:31 PM)

see...I am sure that all marriages have thier ups and downs...but thats when you stick it out and work together

………………………..

btyrrel@gmail.com says: (11:49:07 PM)

i hate it when depressed girls talk to me

single and free.:-) says: (11:49:25 PM)

am i depressed? or are we talking about someone else???

btyrrel@gmail.com says: (11:49:30 PM)

like they try to guilt me into liking them

btyrrel@gmail.com says: (11:49:36 PM)

someone else

btyrrel@gmail.com says: (11:49:37 PM)

lol

btyrrel@gmail.com says: (11:49:48 PM)

your quite chipper actually

……….

This part gave me butterflies all over again after reading it:

btyrrel@gmail.com says: (12:02:12 AM)

so...okay...i was looking through your pics...um...

single and free.:-) says: (12:02:33 AM)

yeah????

btyrrel@gmail.com says: (12:02:33 AM)

your really beautiful...

btyrrel@gmail.com says: (12:02:40 AM)

if you dont mind me saying

single and free.:-) says: (12:02:51 AM)

thank you! that made me feel good inside :)

…….

After telling me he’s a composer:

single and free.:-) says: (12:08:25 AM)

ok so.

single and free.:-) says: (12:08:29 AM)

wedding in...June?

btyrrel@gmail.com says: (12:08:35 AM)

sure...lol

btyrrel@gmail.com says: (12:08:37 AM)

LOL

single and free.:-) says: (12:08:38 AM)

gives us PLENTY of time to get to know each other

single and free.:-) says: (12:08:39 AM)

haha

btyrrel@gmail.com says: (12:08:47 AM)

totally!

single and free.:-) says: (12:08:47 AM)

I write lyrics

btyrrel@gmail.com says: (12:08:55 AM)

WHAT!!!!??!?!?!

btyrrel@gmail.com says: (12:09:06 AM)

Where the heck have you been all my life...

……

single and free.:-) says: (12:10:03 AM)

I'm serious that I'm a little shocked by how much we have in common.

single and free.:-) says: (12:10:05 AM)

in a balanced way

btyrrel@gmail.com says: (12:10:11 AM)

i know

btyrrel@gmail.com says: (12:10:24 AM)

and the fact that i am so not freaked out about it

btyrrel@gmail.com says: (12:10:25 AM)

lol

single and free.:-) says: (12:10:26 AM)

and to think I NEVER get on chat rooms anymore

……………….

btyrrel@gmail.com says: (12:13:27 AM)

my parents were married in june

btyrrel@gmail.com says: (12:13:30 AM)

still married

single and free.:-) says: (12:13:31 AM)

well I promise it's true!

single and free.:-) says: (12:13:37 AM)

so were mine :)

single and free.:-) says: (12:13:39 AM)

what day?

btyrrel@gmail.com says: (12:13:44 AM)

12

single and free.:-) says: (12:13:46 AM)

WOW

single and free.:-) says: (12:13:49 AM)

so close

single and free.:-) says: (12:13:53 AM)

that would have been freaky

single and free.:-) says: (12:13:58 AM)

mine were the 14th

btyrrel@gmail.com says: (12:13:59 AM)

yeah it would have

btyrrel@gmail.com says: (12:14:04 AM)

close enough

btyrrel@gmail.com says: (12:14:06 AM)

what year

single and free.:-) says: (12:14:12 AM)

ummm

single and free.:-) says: (12:14:14 AM)

1980

btyrrel@gmail.com says: (12:14:21 AM)

MINE TOO!!!

btyrrel@gmail.com says: (12:14:23 AM)

LOL

single and free.:-) says: (12:14:26 AM)

NO WAY

single and free.:-) says: (12:14:36 AM)

are you for real?

btyrrel@gmail.com says: (12:14:37 AM)

SO FUNNY!

btyrrel@gmail.com says: (12:14:40 AM)

yup

……………

btyrrel@gmail.com says: (12:26:19 AM)

um...so if you are my friend...you can totally come with me too all my fancy opera shindigs

btyrrel@gmail.com says: (12:26:21 AM)

lol

btyrrel@gmail.com says: (12:26:42 AM)

the best italian is here...Antinellos

single and free.:-) says: (12:26:58 AM)

is that so?

single and free.:-) says: (12:27:06 AM)

what about when I'm your wife? haha

btyrrel@gmail.com says: (12:27:25 AM)

well...thats just a given

……………..

single and free.:-) says: (1:06:42 AM)

I can tell your sense of humor through your words

btyrrel@gmail.com says: (1:06:52 AM)

lol...is that a good thing?

single and free.:-) says: (1:07:13 AM)

yeah! I need a guy who can make me laugh! and you can do it even without trying!

single and free.:-) says: (1:07:23 AM)

look how many times I've typed "haha" tonight

btyrrel@gmail.com says: (1:07:32 AM)

i know...

btyrrel@gmail.com says: (1:07:42 AM)

but its funny...cause i really dont think i am that funny

btyrrel@gmail.com says: (1:07:45 AM)

lol

single and free.:-) says: (1:07:50 AM)

well I think you are "witty"

single and free.:-) says: (1:08:00 AM)

and that's the type of humor that makes me laugh

btyrrel@gmail.com says: (1:08:11 AM)

good thing

………………

After he told me he’d never kissed a girl:

single and free.:-) says: (1:16:05 AM)

well I'll fix that. worry not. your first kiss will be amazing

btyrrel@gmail.com says: (1:16:09 AM)

lol

btyrrel@gmail.com says: (1:16:42 AM)

This might sound lame..but i wanted my first kiss to be with someone special

btyrrel@gmail.com says: (1:16:48 AM)

and just never have

single and free.:-) says: (1:17:28 AM)

haha well after you wait so long, you just figure why not keep waiting? right?

btyrrel@gmail.com says: (1:17:37 AM)

yeah...pretty much

single and free.:-) says: (1:17:47 AM)

and now that the time has come and you can kiss me, your future wife...it's good you waited

single and free.:-) says: (1:17:49 AM)

HAHA

btyrrel@gmail.com says: (1:17:59 AM)

LOL

……………

btyrrel@gmail.com says: (1:19:58 AM)

have you thought that you would have twins

btyrrel@gmail.com says: (1:20:08 AM)

cause i have...just one of those feelings

single and free.:-) says: (1:20:12 AM)

I'm almost certain it's a strong possibility

single and free.:-) says: (1:20:13 AM)

WOW

btyrrel@gmail.com says: (1:20:24 AM)

do twins run in your family

single and free.:-) says: (1:20:40 AM)

you think that YOU will? or I will? I mean...well i guess it's the same thing haha

………………..

tyrrel@gmail.com says: (1:32:41 AM)

well...supposidly i am going to be having some unforseen expenses in the near future.

btyrrel@gmail.com says: (1:32:52 AM)

lol

single and free.:-) says: (1:32:56 AM)

that's true :) wedding rings cost money

btyrrel@gmail.com says: (1:33:05 AM)

yeah

single and free.:-) says: (1:33:08 AM)

but I have one you can trade in :) HA HA

btyrrel@gmail.com says: (1:33:15 AM)

YES!!!

………………….

single and free.:-) says: (1:35:56 AM)

I melted your defenses! haha

btyrrel@gmail.com says: (1:36:07 AM)

yeah...it was pretty fast

single and free.:-) says: (1:36:13 AM)

I just hope you can see past my giant goiter...on my neck

btyrrel@gmail.com says: (1:36:14 AM)

usually takes months...years even

single and free.:-) says: (1:36:20 AM)

HAHAHAHAHAHAHA

btyrrel@gmail.com says: (1:36:23 AM)

ew!!!

btyrrel@gmail.com says: (1:36:28 AM)

lol

single and free.:-) says: (1:36:28 AM)

I have tears Iaughing so hard!

……………………

btyrrel@gmail.com says: (1:40:15 AM)

honestly...i dont think it i would feel strange meeting you

btyrrel@gmail.com says: (1:40:18 AM)

others...yes

single and free.:-) says: (1:40:33 AM)

well I wouldn't feel strange meeting you either.

single and free.:-) says: (1:40:40 AM)

haha the thought of it makes me nervous though.

btyrrel@gmail.com says: (1:40:48 AM)

yeah...

btyrrel@gmail.com says: (1:40:49 AM)

lol

……………

btyrrel@gmail.com says: (1:44:24 AM)

oh...and michael buble

btyrrel@gmail.com says: (1:44:27 AM)

no

btyrrel@gmail.com says: (1:44:40 AM)

my most recent music purchase

Kirsty loo hoo says: (1:44:44 AM)

get outta here

Kirsty loo hoo says: (1:44:50 AM)

Stop blowing my mind!

Kirsty loo hoo says: (1:44:56 AM)

he's in my CD player right now

…………….

btyrrel@gmail.com says: (1:47:48 AM)

i only fly to utah or vegas now

btyrrel@gmail.com says: (1:47:55 AM)

not that i go to vegas

Kirsty loo hoo says: (1:47:58 AM)

when's your next flight??? haha

btyrrel@gmail.com says: (1:48:16 AM)

was going to be next weekend...but fell through

Kirsty loo hoo says: (1:48:22 AM)

no way....

Kirsty loo hoo says: (1:48:30 AM)

put it back together

Kirsty loo hoo says: (1:48:34 AM)

:)

btyrrel@gmail.com says: (1:48:34 AM)

lol

Kirsty loo hoo says: (1:48:49 AM)

or....just come anyway! jk

btyrrel@gmail.com says: (1:48:56 AM)

LOL

Kirsty loo hoo says: (1:49:05 AM)

that's not movin too fast is it??? haha

btyrrel@gmail.com says: (1:49:18 AM)

no...just warp speed

………………..

Kirsty loo hoo says: (1:56:06 AM)

r u sure you're not a figment of my imagination??

btyrrel@gmail.com says: (1:56:30 AM)

i hope not...cause i would hate to dissapoint you

…………….

btyrrel@gmail.com says: (2:16:36 AM)

ha...you changed you name

btyrrel@gmail.com says: (2:16:45 AM)

lol

Kirsty loo hoo says: (2:16:45 AM)

I sure did... took ya long enuff to notice

………….

Kirsty loo hoo says: (2:49:12 AM)

k i'll go first

Kirsty loo hoo says: (2:49:18 AM)

it'll be like you're holding the door open for me

btyrrel@gmail.com says: (2:49:28 AM)

we can go at the same time

Kirsty loo hoo says: (2:49:30 AM)

the "sign off" door

btyrrel@gmail.com says: (2:49:30 AM)

lol

Kirsty loo hoo says: (2:49:32 AM)

ok......

Kirsty loo hoo says: (2:49:35 AM)

one...

btyrrel@gmail.com says: (2:49:38 AM)

2

Kirsty loo hoo says: (2:49:41 AM)

ah!

Kirsty loo hoo says: (2:49:47 AM)

3?

btyrrel@gmail.com says: (2:49:54 AM)

night

btyrrel@gmail.com says: (2:49:58 AM)

lol

Kirsty loo hoo says: (2:50:01 AM)

night

WELL if you read all of that I give you props! I had to leave out a LOT as you can figure...but Ben and I laugh so hard and really enjoy reading this once a year. I can't believe so much of my life has happened because of such a chance moment...

Marrying the man of my dreams

Living in California

Having a beautiful baby boy

And everything else that has happened since that night!!!!

I love my Benny Boo!!!
(p.s. he saved me in his phone as "Bella Kirsten" or "Beautiful Kirsten"..it's still the same today!)

I hope we always appreciate the small moments that made us fall in love!!!