Kristi with a "K"

Serenade 10pc. Bedding Set @ JCPenney

2010-10-04T18:19:00.000-07:00

This is the one! I love love it!

My Very Own Graduation Ceremony!

2010-01-04T23:27:00.001-08:00

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December Highlights

2010-01-04T22:46:00.000-08:00

       Down in Arizona for the next month, my husband and I are stuck in an “in-between” stage waiting to begin our adventure in China. Fortunately for me, my old job called in desperate need of a trained server. Three of their employees had recently quit. So, they were willing to take me on even though it’s for so short a time. I am grateful because we do need the funds! We’re planning to be completely broke by the time we return home in June.
      I didn’t get the “pomp and circumstance” graduation ceremony at BYU, but my dad and my sisters planned a spectacular surprise for me. My dad reserved a room for 30 people at the Brick Oven in Provo. In my mind, it was going to be a simple family dinner. Well, to my delight I got the graduation ceremony I could never have imagined! My dad asked around for a graduation cap and gown and my sisters crafted a diploma with pink paper, markers, and stickers! They presented it to me after dressing me in my proper graduation attire. Dad was so proud. He also graduated from the Y and I’m the first of 5 kids to acquire a BS and probably the only one to get it from BYU.
My family decided that instead of doing presents this year for Christmas, we would do a simple service project together. My dad found an assisted living home nearby and I put together a 30-minute music program with solos, duets, and group numbers. It was simple, but wonderful. I remember one old lady named Pat who sat next to my grandmother during our presentation. She was smiling so big and sang along with us for several numbers. Another older gentleman spoke softly to my dad saying “You don’t know how much this means to us.”
        May the spirit of Christmas remain with us always!

Yahtzee Champion!

2009-11-01T20:02:00.000-08:00

My scores are the higher ones. That 5th game, I let him win.....

Date Night with My Handsome

2009-10-23T20:08:00.000-07:00

1 - walk around the BYU Museum of Art and explore the newest exhibits
2 - quick visit to see the Harrop family (Morgan is so cute!)
3 - Larsen Elementary School Carnival! Loved, Loved, Loved it!
4 - dinner at Barry's which turned into a spontaneous double with a friend
5 - watch Flash Forward

How would I describe the evening?
"Practically perfect in every way."
I love you my handsome Todd!

Life Cereal - Make it Cinnamon

2009-09-16T20:53:00.000-07:00

This picture just makes me smile and laugh.
I loved all the wonderful comments I received from my last post. Thank you for your sincere thoughts and advice. I just needed a little upliftment. Just hearing advice makes me feel better, especially from friends and family whom I can feel their love just by reading their thoughts or hearing their voices.
Ever since school began, I haven't had time to take a breath. I leave for school at 7:30 each morning and return around 4:00 PM. During school, I'm lucky if I can use an hour's worth of preparation time. I've taken over the basic routines of the classroom so far, and I'm beginning a math unit tomorrow. I also have a Social Studies unit to start next Monday, and a Legends unit for writing to start on Monday. Teaching, planning, collaborating. That's half of my work day. I also have to be on top of my Teacher Work Sample - a project that I must pass in order to graduate and receive my teaching license. The TWS is a compilation of assignments that require much time, thought, research, and sweat. The cherry on top of my life - Children's Literature Independent Study. I have to read at least 10 books a week if I am to get it done in time. Although, I can't allow myself to complain about that extra burden. First of all, I was dumb enough to procrastinate the class until 2 weeks before student teaching starts. Second, I really enjoy the books. In a way, they are my outlet. They are my escape from the stressful thoughts and tired feelings I acquire so easily these days.
When I'm not doing my lesson plans, TWS, or Children's Lit, I am trying to keep up our apartment. I didn't have much time before school started to get everything in order the way I would've liked, so of course now that school has started, there's always something that needs to be done around the apartment.
I am so looking forward to that oh so close adventure that awaits Todd and I in China. I also look forward to graduating from BYU. My dad is sure proud. He's the one I owe my education to. Most semesters were funded by him. Sure I did what I could, but it certainly wouldn't have been enough to support myself.
I love my husband so much. He does his best to support me in my school work. I gave him a long, fierce kiss the other day when I came home to a beautiful, clean apartment. It is certainly true that your environment affects your mood and clarity of thought. Todd pried me away from my books last night to take me to the dollar movies. We saw "Up". It was delightful!! I admit though, a couple times my thoughts wandered and knots developed in my stomach because I knew so much needed to be done. But the story was incredibly inspiring and in between the knots were definitely feel-good-feelings.
I love my dear friends and my dear family. I was born into an incredible family who might not be perfect, but my most favorite and happiest memories involve them. And there's no doubt I have been greatly blessed because I married into another family who makes me laugh and keeps me going. I am loved. Life may be hard and it will probably get harder, but I know I am loved and blessed.

Ah the joys of Marriage.....................

2009-08-23T21:35:00.001-07:00

I need some marriage advice. Anybody care to share? I know it's hard to give advice to somebody without knowing the information on what you're giving the advice about, but I'm just asking for general marriage advice. What's something you had to overcome and how did you overcome it?

Isn't it Ironic?

2009-08-03T08:55:00.001-07:00

I got pulled over this morning for running a red light. Here's the story....
I chose to stay in the straightforward lane, but Todd commented that since the left turn signal was green I should go ahead and move over to turn left and we would take an alternative route that could get him to work a little faster. I moved over to the far left lane. I didn't speed to try to make the light because I truly thought the yellow would be a little longer. The car beside in the "right left turning lane" was probably only a few feet ahead of me. Really, I mean his front tires were only a few feet ahead of my front tires so we were pretty much next to each other. So if I really did run that red light, it must have been by a split second since the car next to me made it. Also, it was a busy intersection with traffic cameras, so I also thought I was safe because no flash went off. Hmmmm. But alas, a motorcycle was right behind me (I didn't see him until his lights started flashing). He pulled me over and gave me the ticket. He asked me why I ran the red light and I told I honestly wouldn't have run it if I had known the yellow light would be so short. So now I get to do Defensive Driving Traffic School. I guess online?
HERE'S THE IRONIC PART:
I dropped Todd off at work and headed back. I wanted to gas up the car at the QT down the road. I needed to turn left at the upcoming light which turned yellow and it was a very obvious "stop". I had time to come to a complete stop, 2 full seconds passed, and a truck in the straightforward lane whizzed by.....very very obviously running a true red light. No traffic cameras. No cops. Just me witnessing it right after I got pulled over. Isn't it ironic?

Talk on Sunday

2009-07-27T11:45:00.001-07:00

Todd and I spoke as a married couple for the first time yesterday. I spoke first, then a missionary who is leaving for Santiago Chile, then a woman sang "Abide With Me Tis Eventide", and then Todd spoke. Everything was very well timed and a good spirit was present. Here's some key points to my talk.....
-lyrics of "Live Like You Believe"
-ask yourself what you do believe
-review the 13 Articles of Faith and ponder their meanings
-when you say you believe something, ask yourself "Therefore, what?"
-"Faith without works is dead"
-"Tomorrow is always fresh with no mistakes in it." - Miss Stacy in Anne of Green Gables
-Strengthen home and family by participating and contributing with a cheerful heart
-Serve the Lord and His children
-“Think about the covenants you've taken upon yourself and ask yourself if you are
demonstrating the reality of them.” - Sister Barbara Thompson

I learned alot through my study and I'm grateful I was asked to speak.

Romantic Quotes

2009-06-23T08:41:00.000-07:00

"I love you. Those three words have my life in them."
~ Alexandria to Nicholas III ~

"Other men said they have seen angels,
But I have seen thee
And thou art enough."
~ by G. Moore ~

"When you love someone, all your saved-up wishes start coming out."
~ by Elizabeth Bowen (1899-1973) ~

"Soul meets soul on lover's lips."
~ by Percy Bysshe Shelly ~

Song Written Just For Me

2009-06-09T08:50:00.000-07:00

Isn't it funny how certain songs speak to you in such a personal way? It's almost as if the writer knows you and wrote the lyrics for you. This song is so beautiful and has such a powerful message. It really is the song written just for me.

"Live Like You Believe"
Jenny Phillips
EFY 2006 - The Greatest Gift

You have felt the warmth of the fire.
You have seen a glimmer of light.
It's something that you have been missing inside.
Something that you have been longing to find.
Hold on to the yearning, and wherever you are on the journey.....

Live like you believe.
Live like you know.
It's one sure way
your faith will grow.
Listen to your heart.
Search in your soul.
And you'll find the strength that you need -
His light, the gift of His peace -
when you live like you believe.

There are things you have to let go.
You might feel you're just hanging on.
When you find yourself alone and afraid
Questioning all the choices you've made
Hold on to the burning.
He's leading you on through the journey.

Live like you believe.
Live like you know.
It's one sure way
your faith will grow.
Listen to your heart.
Search in your soul.
And you'll find the strength that you need-
His light, the gift of His peace -
when you live like you believe.

Hold on to the yearning,
And wherever you are on the journey.....

Live like you believe.
Live like you know.
It's one sure way
your faith will grow.
Listen to your heart.
Search in your soul.
And you'll find the strength that you need -
His light, the gift of His peace -
when you live like you believe.

California Sisters Trip

2009-06-02T09:33:00.000-07:00

My sisters and I had a blast together in San Diego. The only bummer was the weather. Overcast and 65 the whole time. I was hoping to come home with a nice tan, but I brought back more shopping bags instead - can't complain too much about that one. On Sunday morning before we left, we drove to the beach anyway and stuck our feet in the water. It was freezing!

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Motivation

2009-05-14T16:13:00.001-07:00

Todd has told me before that when I set my mind on something, I become very focused and motivated to do it. I agree with him. When I have a plan, when I have the desire, when I have the confidence, I can really accomplish some incredible things. But for some reason, I've been struggling to get to that state of mind. Once I'm there, I move forward with full speed. But I feel like I've been holding myself back because I'm lacking either the plan or the desire or the confidence I need. I've just been wondering why that is and how I can be that person again.

Dr. Pepper

2009-05-08T23:15:00.000-07:00

Honeymoon Pics

2009-04-30T14:17:00.001-07:00

I realize my honeymoon was like 4 months ago but whatever. We went to San Diego and had a super fun time!

Moving But Not Really But Really

2009-04-21T16:43:00.000-07:00

So, Todd and I found a really nice couple who are going to stay at our apartment just for 2 months of the summer. We'll be able to move right back in when school starts again! This means we can leave most of our furnishings and things here. Super sweet deal right? Well, I've been using the last 2 days to clean and decide what to pack. It's almost harder to pick and choose what to box rather than having to box everything!
We're excited to spend time with the Hardy relatives down in AZ for the summer. Bring on the heat waves!

My 23rd Birthday

2009-04-12T14:54:00.000-07:00

My amazingly handsome husband lives to make me happy. No, seriously. He's said it countless times, and I'll never get sick of hearing it. He knows how easily amused I am and therefore I'm pretty easy to please. Something simple and sweet and thoughtful. The morning of my birthday, I got up early to drive out to Riverton for a free cut and style. Nothing too dramatic - just some bangs and layers. I even got a free manicure! On my drive home, my sweet little niece, Maeli, called and I heard her say very softly "Happy Birfday Auntie K!" From a 2 year old girl, those words can melt your heart! I arrived home - looking like a model who should be doing movies - and was greeted by the foxiest man I've ever seen in a white shirt and tie, face shaven, and hair gelled. "You better leave before I fall madly in love with you. I'm married ya know." Well, he tried to convince me that HE was, in fact, my husband. I kissed him and decided it was true. The kitchen table was embellished with a stunning bouquet of 3 white calla lilies and in the living room another bright arrangement graced me with its presence. Todd actually bought that one because the vase almost exactly matches my "Domestic Diva" apron! He was very eager that I make that connection so he decided to relocate the apron from its rightful place in the kitchen to a most unusual dwelling - his iron gym. Yeah, that's Todd.
The day itself felt pretty normal aside from the birthday calls. I babysat Lily. I dropped Todd off at school. I went to work that night. Todd did, however, end the night with very nice birthday surprise. His gift to me was a $100 shopping spree!
I really like birthdays. Maybe I'll have another one next year!

Wedding Pictures

2009-02-01T21:39:00.000-08:00

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These pictures were taken the Monday before we got married. We thought it was going to rain on our wedding day, but it turned out that it rained on the day we took our pictures and there was sunshine for our wedding. I'm glad it turned out that way!

Mesa Temple Painting

2008-12-16T17:28:00.000-08:00

My good friends Bobby and Emily Johnson ordered this Mesa Temple painting as a wedding gift to Todd and I. The artist, Marcia Johnson, did a beautiful job with this. Notice the image in the reflecting pool is Christ surrounded by his sheep. If you want to look at more paintings done by this artist, her website is: paintingsofldstemples.com

Finals Week at BYU

2008-12-16T16:00:00.000-08:00

Desperate times call for desperate measures people! (this isn't a picture of me in case you were wondering - it's a random pic i found on the net)

ENGAGEMENT PICS !!!

2008-11-09T14:50:00.000-08:00

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The song is titled "Lucky" sung by Jason Mraz and Colbie Caillet - two of my favorite artists these days.

Midnight "Y" Hike

2008-09-06T22:57:00.000-07:00

Here's a random memory from our dating days......
This picture was taken the night that Todd and I decided to hike the "Y". We packed snacks and a blanket. The view was beautiful, but the most memorable part of that night was when we got locked inside the parking lot. There were several other cars of people stuck too. Eventually, some cops came to open the gate for us. Well, that's what you get when you don't keep curfew! But it was still a blast! I love making good memories with this man.....

My perspective of the engagement

2008-07-27T20:36:00.000-07:00

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July 22, 2008

Getting Ready

I sped home as fast as I could – picking up flowers and a birthday card for my roommate. Season (another roommate) had the curling iron hot and ready to work its magic with my head of stubbornness. It took her 1 ½ hours. Needless to say my hair did look absolutely amazing. The other half hour I spent doing my make-up and getting dressed. I wonder how long it took Todd to get ready that night. Maybe five minutes I’m guessing. Well, he did look really good in his deep blue collared shirt and tie. I wore my sexy black dress (only 12 dollars at ROSS) and black heels.

Dinner

I requested Italian food, so Todd took us to Ottavio’s – a lovely Italian restaurant on Center Street. The food was divine. Well, my dish was good, but his kind of tasted like raw chicken that was boiled.

Jazz Concert

Todd’s good friend from freshman year – Josephine Scere – was singing her original jazz songs at Muse Music that night with her band. She sang with her heart the whole night and I love her voice! She even dedicated a song to Todd and me. I forget the title of the song, but something like being wrapped up in your finger. It was so funny because she announced that we were in love and at the end of the song, improvised our names into the melody so it really was just for us! It was way too cute! Later on, I would find out she knew of Todd’s plans that night and decided to give us an added special element. Thanks Josie! I’ll never forget it!

Dancing

So, this is the point where I started to question at every moment if whether or not he would do it. He took me to Rock Canyon Park (behind the Provo Temple) and we danced to a slow Lifehouse song in the middle of the field under the stars. I remember seeing him pull something out of his pocket………which turned out to be his IPod. A cool detail to add is that the name of the song we danced to was “Storm” and there just so happened to be a little lightning in the sky at the time. The song ended and we walked back to the car. I could feel myself losing control of the anxious feeling I had been trying to suppress all day long. It had to be soon!

Temple

“I figure the best way to end our super date is to park at our spot by the temple.” That’s the spot we usually go to when we need to have a serious discussion. That’s where we sat when we officially became an exclusive couple. That’s where we sat when we first seriously talked about taking our relationship much more seriously. Anything that needed a serious tone, we’ve usually driven to that spot. So, of course I’m thinking this was going to be it. “Well, is there anything you’d like to talk about since we’re here?” he said in a very nonchalant tone. A bit confused, my reply was “No, is there something that’s on your mind?” His response: “Not really.” Okay, what the??? So we sat there for a while longer talking about random things I can’t remember because my thoughts were racing wildly at this point. What is he up to?? It was about 11:00 PM when I heard him say “That’s pretty much it. I don’t have any more activities planned for the night so it would probably be best if I just took you home.” I hope it didn’t show on my face, but I imagined my jaw dropping in half a second. “Oh honey, I’m not that tired and I’d love to just sit here with you for a while longer.” You see, we’ve never ended an outing early. Maybe late. Never early. Immediately, his comeback was “It’s been a really nice night Kristi. I’d rather not drag it on.” It still pricks at my heart when I recall him speaking that line!! I’d rather not drag it on??!!! I stared out the window the whole way home – fighting the swells of tears in my eyes.

Drop Off

Todd drove me next to my apartment stairwell and remained seated – seatbelt still intact. “Good night honey. I love you.” I reciprocated his words only a little softer. I couldn’t believe this! I was really thinking…….nay, expecting him to propose tonight! I walked up the 3 flights of stairs to my apartment door, waved goodbye, and watched him drive away. He hadn’t even walked me up to my door! I had decided on my way up the stairs that I would let my watery eyes do as they please as soon as I got inside.

The Proposal

I unlocked the door and opened it. I didn’t know my heart could go from the floor to the sky so quickly! I had to stand there for a few seconds so my body could catch up with my mind – if it was even working at this point. I heard my absolute favorite slow song playing in the background – Michael Buble “That’s All”. I saw candles lit on the table and entertainment center in the living room. I also immediately picked up on the trail of rose petals leading from the front door to the kitchen. I followed it very slowly thinking “This could be for Bobbi’s birthday. Don’t jump to conclusions.” I already had though – before I even saw the note. The rose petals led me to our kitchen table and on it, a bouquet of red roses and white lilies with some more candles. There was a note with my name on it that said, “Hey Beautiful, Come back outside. Love, Scrappy.” I stood there for a moment longer before I walked down the path of rose petals again to the front door. I opened it up to see Todd racing up the stairs with the biggest and proudest smile on his face. Yeah, he got me. When he walked in the first thing he says is “Hey, this is really nice. Who do all this?” Okay, I think you’ve tortured me long enough Mr. Kirk. Get to it now! We walked back into the kitchen and he danced with me to the song still playing in the background. Every moment seemed like forever so I can’t remember exactly how long we danced. But after a while, he pulled me back to look in my eyes and said, “Kristine Hardy, I love you so much.” Then, there it was. It was the moment every girl dreams about her whole life and it was right there in front of me. He got down on one knee and asked, “Will you be my wife?” Overcome by my excitement and especially after feeling somewhat hurt only 2 minutes earlier, I didn’t wait more than a second to shout back at him “Heck yes I will!!!” My smile was so big and out of my control that it kind of hurt my face! But I couldn’t help it! We hugged for so long after that. I really was so overwhelmed with joy that he had to snap me back to reality when he said “So, do you want to put it on?” “Um…YES!” Here’s another cute detail: just as Todd was sliding the ring on my finger, the song in the background was fading with Michael’s last word and the orchestra drifted away into silence. I felt like I was living in a fairy tale! It was incredible! Denae (another roommate and apparently an accomplice in Todd’s plans) had bought a bottle of sparkling cider and some champagne glasses for us to celebrate with that night. It was all so romantic! I loved every moment. And the thought that keeps me smiling with the same blissful feeling as I felt that night is the beautiful and miraculous fact that Todd and I are going to spend all of eternity together………..

Todd Kirk and Kristine Hardy
Engaged on July 22, 2008

Hardy Girls in Town

2008-07-09T10:34:00.000-07:00

My sisters decided to take a trip up here to spend some time with me for 4th of July weekend! They arrived late last Wednesday night and left on Sunday morning. It was a big slumber party for 2 nights at my place and then they relocated to my uncle's place in Orem for the next 2 nights.
Thursday was Provo day. We walked around BYU campus including a trip to the new Hinckley building. Todd graced us with his storytelling skills as we gathered around to listen to the walnut tree story. We ate at J-Dawgs for lunch and headed off to the mall - Todd's very favorite place in the whole world! Well, I'm sure he didn't mind this time since we did some ring shopping and found one that must have been made just for me. And this experience felt much more enjoyable than the first one. If you want details about that embarrassing story, you'll have to ask Todd. He really likes to recapture that entire event. Anywho, our night time entertainment was Rock Band. My sisters really got into it!
Friday the 4 of us went to Lagoon. I love roller coasters! We had a blast! By the end of the night, I was so dead tired that when the girls were at my uncle's and Todd and I were at my apartment cuddling on the couch, I fell asleep and kicked him off the couch! Poor Todd.
Saturday we drove to Salt Lake. A walk around Temple Square, a tour of the Conference Center, and the Joseph Smith movie. That's pretty much the Salt Lake tour for a mormon. I always shed a tear or two during that movie! Afterwards, we met up with Todd and my good friends Jonny & McKenzi (and their little baby girl) to go to an aquarium. I got to touch a sting ray! We spent the rest of the night playing games and making snow cones on my uncle's front lawn. Mmmm!
I miss my family like crazy! It was awesome having them around for a few days. I had some realizations of why I do certain things. We're crazy! I love it!

Sunday Talk

2008-07-01T13:32:00.000-07:00

I gave a talk this past Sunday about inspiration. I wasn't as prepared as I could've been as far as organizing my thoughts, but I was pleased to be greeted by several friends who appreciated some new insights they had. I wanted to list some keypoints I learned with my preparations:
-If you are seeking inspiration from the Lord, ask yourself these questions
*Am I counseling with the Lord? (see Alma 37:36-37)
*Is my heart in the right place? (see Moroni 10:3-5)
*Could there be something in my life that is interfering with my spiritual connection?
*Do I understand how the Spirit speaks to me? (see D&C 8:2)
*Am I creating the appropriate balance between agency and inspiration? (D&C 9:8-9)
-"If you feel that God has not answered your prayers, then carefully look for evidence in your own life of His having already answered you." (Elder Scott)
-We are taught correct principles and then we are expected to govern ourselves.
-"Men should be anxiously engaged in a good cause, and do many things of their own free will, and bring to pass much righteousness. For the power is in them, wherein they are agents unto themselves." (D&C 58:27-28)
-"There's a fine balance between agency and inspiration. We're expected to do in our power and then to seek an answer from the Lord, a confirming seal that we've reached the right conclusion; and sometimes, happily, in addition, we get added truths and knowledge that we hadn't even supposed." (Elder McConkie)
-"All I did was pray to the Lord and ask for some guidance and direction in connection with the decision that I'd reached. A more perfect thing to have done would have been to counsel with him relative to the decision and get a spiritual confirmation that the conclusion, which I by my agency and faculties had arrived at, was the right one." (Elder McConkie)
-"We're entitled to the spirit of revelation, but what I'm attempting to teach is that there's a proper way and a procedure, and there are conditions that we must meet before we get the spirit. It is our obligation to go to work on our problems and then counsel with the Lord and get the ratifying seal of the Holy Spirit on the conclusions that we've reached; and that ratifying seal is the spirit of revelation." (Elder McConkie)
-"When we receive help from our Father in Heaven, it is in response to faith, obedience, and the proper use of agency." (Elder Scott)
-Learning how to recognize and obtain revelation is a lifetime process.
-"By learning and understanding the Spirit of God and understanding it, you may grow into the principle of revelation." (President Packer)
-"And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you." (John 14:16-18)

Inspiration works a little differently with each individual. What remains the same is God's love for you and his desire to bless your life. "I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you."

My Life's Categories

2008-05-20T14:58:00.000-07:00

The main categories that surround my life are as follows:
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, my family, friends, school (BYU), and my amazing boyfriend. These are the things that hold great importance and priority to me. I have a great love for the gospel of Jesus Christ who is my Savior. I have a great appreciation for my family whom I love more than I could express. I am so grateful for the friends God has placed in my path - past and present. I know I've needed each one of them for a reason and they have shaped me into the person I am today - a person I am grateful to be. I love BYU! I am so glad I chose this path for my education. I have a love for teaching and I don't think I'll ever regret choosing Elementary Education as my major. I also have an incredibly handsome blue-eyed boy in my life who really does consume most of my time. He is my very best friend and I'm absolutely crazy about him! Anywho, I'd like to think I'm at a good point in my life right now. Everything is just good. I don't know how else to say it. I couldn't be happier.