Kristi Neil

HAPPY BIRTHDAY...

2011-07-20T11:19:00.000-07:00

TO ONE OF MY BEST FRIENDS HEATHER!!!

I don't know where I would be or who I would be if it weren't for this girl. She is such an amazing person inside and out. I am so lucky to have been able to meet her and become so close with her and her family over the years.

Who would have thought one of my best friends would share not only the same birthday as me, but that we were also born in the same hospital and at the same time. CRAZY. Everyone calls us long lost sister and it's true, the moment we meet we knew that we would be friends forever.

(i will forever love this pic.)

I love you so much Heath. I really wish we could spend this day together. I hope you have the best birthday ever.

xoxo!

Father's Day!

2011-06-19T21:56:00.000-07:00

I wanted to give a shout out to the best dad in the world. I love this man more than I could ever express. I am so grateful for him and everything he does for our family.
Thank you for all your love and support you give me day after day- even with all my crazy idea's I want to do. It's in those times I can tell how much you love and support me and for that I am so lucky!

You are an amazing man, father and role model. I am truly the luckiest girl in the world to have you as my dad. Thank you for always being there for me.

I love you!

SYTYCD...

2011-05-26T18:05:00.000-07:00

is back!!! This is one of my favorite shows on tv and its back tonight. I can't wait!

I secretly wish I was good enough to be on this show...which, I guess is not so secret anymore but I really would give anything. The contestants are always unbelievable and make me wish I was a dancer every year I watch it. I'm so excited it's finally back!!!

bittersweet.

2011-04-13T17:23:00.001-07:00

Today, is my last day of my college career at BYU...I am not really sure how I feel about it. I knew the time was coming but I honestly don't think it sunk in until today when I was walking off campus for the last time...I got a little emotional not going to lie.

It really is that bittersweet feeling. I am excited to be done with this chapter in my life and with schoolwork and whatnot...but also so sad to leave so many of my best friends I have made over the past 5 years. It's scary to think about the future and what I am doing. But, I am so blessed to be where I am and blessed to have been able to make the friends I did. I wouldn't change anything.

A look back over the past few years....

heath, danny and I sophomore year....

2 of the 4 kiddios i've been nannying the past 3 1/2 years.study abroad group 2010
one of my all time favorite pictures. island park, idaho.

Lake Powell

I am a lucky girl. Lucky to have be able to attend Brigham Young University and get the education I have. I am lucky to made some of my best friends, ones that I know will be lifelong friends. I am excited to start a new chapter in my life...wherever that takes me, I have faith everything will work out.

I am thankful to all my family, friends and professors who have helped make me the person I am today. I love you all!

becoming a bunker...

2011-04-03T22:48:00.000-07:00

Saturday night was one of my best friends, Vanessa's Bridal Shower!

She happens to be marrying another one of my really good friends from high school and I couldn't be more happy about it. They are absolutely perfect for each other.

We decorated our apartment and invited some of her closest friends, which happen to be about 30 of them. She is one loved girl!

Some of the girls from our home ward

We love you Ness and are so excited for you and Derek. We can't wait for June 25!

general conference.

2011-04-03T21:37:00.000-07:00

Every six months general conference comes around and never seises to be exactly what I need when I need it.

I loved all the messages and counsel our Prophet, Thomas S. Monson along with other apostles shared with us. This gospel is amazing!

Some of my favorite messages:

"We cannot inherit the full measure of eternal life without being fully invested in caring for one another."

"Each of our temples is an expression of our testimony that the life beyond the grave is as real and certain as life on earth."

"As we honor our covenants and keep the commandments we can walk knowing God will guide our steps."

"Neither professions nor possessions should define identity or self-worth."

After the morning session was over, some of the amazing mormon videos came on...

This is one of my favorite Mormon Messages- Enjoy!

For more questions or information, go here!

we are BYU!

2011-03-20T00:49:00.000-07:00

I think I watched this video at least 4 times when it first came on...I get chills every time I watch it.

I am so proud to go to BYU and be a Cougar!

Up next: The Sweet 16 Baby!! Go Cougs!

celebration.

2011-01-02T15:54:00.000-08:00

Today is my not so little brother's birthday. He turned 19! I am still in shock...I can't believe how fast he is growing up. It kind of makes me sad, I'm not going to lie.

I remember when he was this little...

Now he is a grown man. I am so proud of all your accomplishments and for the person you are. I am one lucky sister to have you as not only my brother but one of my best friends too!

Happy Birthday Ryan.

I love you!

bring on the new year.

2011-01-01T11:22:00.000-08:00

I really can't believe 2010 is already over. But, I am also excited for a new year with new goals and new experiences. It going to be a big year for me...big decisions to make!

I am so grateful for the friends, adventures and experiences I was able to have this past year.

Here are some of my favorites times:

Idaho.

Lake Powell.

Neff Reception.

Study Abroad.

John Mayer Concert.

Provo River.

Palm Desert.

Flag Football.

Love this girl. She makes life a whole lot more fun.

Trip to Berkeley.

So I obviously went a little overboard with the pictures...I struggled to pick just a few so, therefore now I have tons of collages. Just proves I had a great year, with great friends and great times.

Can't wait for the new adventures 2011 will bring.

Happy New Year Everyone!

holiday season.

2011-01-01T10:58:00.000-08:00

I love this time of year and am grateful for the time I can spend with my family, to think of our Savior and all the wonderful food and gifts!

This is my favorite time to go to Fashion Island in Newport Beach. They have the tallest tree in the United States!

(this picture doesn't really do it justice, but it really is so beautiful)

Also, the Kimball's host a White Elephant Gift Exchange party every year. The gifts always seem to amaze me, last year the talk of the party was the rat that someone brought and this year well, Brad lucked out with the nasty doll.

lani with her guys.

Some of the girls.

and of course...the hilarious boys.

Hope you all had a great holiday!

birthday girl

2010-12-05T22:52:00.000-08:00

Happy birthday to the best mom in the world!

So lucky to be able to call myself your daughter. I am so grateful for your example to me and everything you do for our family.

I am so glad you and dad had such a wonderful weekend!

I love you so much!

anthropologie accessories-only store.

2010-11-23T15:56:00.000-08:00

Anthro knows how to make my heart beat just a little faster...

I had a friend blog about this a few weeks ago, but I can't get over it. This has to be the best idea ever. I am so obsessed with all Anthro's jewelry.

The 1,400-square-foot accessories-only store is in Chevy Chase, Maryland. The store opened on October 29th. Shoes will account for half the products in the store. The store will also include, handbags, scarves, belts, costume jewelry, fine jewelry and, for the first time, estate and antique jewelry, including one-of-a-kind brooches and engagement rings, and one of a kind pieces and reworked vintage items.

Anthropologie's co-president describes the new store, “It will be the equivalent of going down the rabbit hole and finding a magical world with more of what she loves...Tactile and rich–wonderful to shop and ponder.”

The design will be similar to the eclectic nature of Anthropologie stores, including a gallery-like setting with custom concrete tile floor, low ceilings and a fumed oak floor. Inside, an entire wall is covered in a collage of reclaimed doors, while a 20-foot-long French cabinet will anchor the back wall.

I can only imagine...until then I will pray the next store will be somewhere near me.

2010-11-03T17:19:00.000-07:00

“One day, in retrospect,

the years of struggle

will strike you as

the most beautiful."

-Sigmund Freud

2010-10-27T08:50:00.000-07:00

leaving this...currently 34 degree weather

for this... 80 degree weather....

and could not be more excited about it!

Happy Halloween Weekend!

Karaoke Night...

2010-10-21T01:33:00.000-07:00

I have the best, most entertaining friends ever...

this will prove it:

Rach and Bradley singing lady marmalade at Pirate Island for karaoke night.

Jason, Jake, Robb, Michael and Trevor doing their thang with the Thong Song.

I haven't laughed this hard in a long time. I am so grateful for such fun and amazing friends. They make life so much better!

blast from the past.

2010-10-17T20:12:00.001-07:00

Last summer Mariss was living in a ghetto bootleg place called Brownstone. One Sunday during Relief Society everyone was asked to describe their perfect date...so in a Hicken manner this was her response:

"Well, first of all he would be a babe. He'd pick me up and would be dressed in business casual attire with a surfer twist. He would somewhat resemble Michael Scofield (you know Prison Break) except for he would have a thick head of hair I could run my fingers through without getting dandruff on my hands. Upon picking me up he would go indulge in a delicious meal. The following places would be acceptable: BJ's, Cheesecake Factory, Pedros Tacos, or another dirty mexican food place. Then we would go to the beach and go sailing on a yacht. We would discuss topics including, scubadiving, saved by the bell, the Los Angeles Lakers/Dodgers, and various frozen yogurt types. Then because he is Mr. Perfect, he knows how much I love Golden Spoon, and so he will pull out a cooler that contains one large Golden Spoon coconut/chocolate malt/ double vanilla with a side of almonds. Then we will sail back into the harbor and he will surprise me with 2 tickets to Tahiti. I'll probably be real excited and kiss him on the mouth and then he will take me home and I will go see my dog Riley and then go to bed. I will probably text him something that is slightly witty/ a sincere thanks. Then I will set my alarm for 7:50 a.m. thinking that I will get up and go for a run but really I won't. That would be my perfect date. "

this is why we all love this girl so much. always so full of witty comments and stories. There really is never a dull moment when Mariss is around. also i would take this date anyday. cheers to you and your future perfect date rissy. xo.

your scribe,
Kris

Octoberfest.

2010-10-11T19:36:00.000-07:00

October is just one more reason I love fall. There are always so many things to do during this month. Haunted houses, corn mazes, pumpkin patches, carving pumpkins, trick or treating, the leaves changing color and enjoying the fall weather.

Last weekend a big group of us went to the Haunted Forest in American Fork. I am seriously terrified of these things, but somehow I end up going every year.

This past weekend, us girls decided we wanted to go to a pumpkin patch and pick out some pumpkins to carve.

We went to Thanksgiving point and what a thrill that was. Cornbelly's really treated us right.

This girl makes everything more fun.

We all got really into it. It was pretty hilarious.

2 broken knifes and a few hours later we were finally done.

(from left to right- mariss, nik, kris and rach)

I am excited for the next couple weeks....and especially the end of the month. Why? Because I will be heading home for some fun activities down there.

Count down to CA: 13 days! Holla!

BOOM.

2010-10-11T18:55:00.001-07:00

Today in my marketing class, a rep named Michael Hansen came in from Nike.

He was telling us all about Nike and how they go about marketing to athletes and consumers. It was really interesting to see how Nike has transitioned throughout the years and adapted to it's athletes.

He was telling us how Nike has recently released several sets of ads called BOOM that feature athletes, celebrities and regular people that became part of those "boom" moments captured on film either as participants or witnesses that left many of them in awe of the sight that they had just seen.

Nike said, the BOOM moment is "that game changing moment. It's the play that you want to put on replay."

How sweet are these? Check it out:

I dont know why but these ads get me fired up! What a dream...to be able to work for Nike...maybe one day...

I think I might finally know what direction I want to go in my career. So needless to say...it was a good day!

first things first...

2010-10-11T18:34:00.000-07:00

General Conference.

General Conference was this past weekend and it never fails to be a great weekend.

I was so lucky to be able to attend a session up in Salt Lake. There really is something special about sitting in the same room as the Prophet. So blessed to have that opportunity.

Its always such a refreshing and rejuvenating time of year!

I am so grateful for the Church and the messages shared.

endure it well.

2010-09-29T08:36:00.000-07:00

I just loved this.

“Patience is not passive resignation, nor is it failing to act because of our fears. Patience means active waiting and enduring. It means staying with something and doing all that we can—working, hoping, and exercising faith; bearing hardship with fortitude, even when the desires of our hearts are delayed. Patience is not simply enduring; it is enduring well!”

-Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “Continue in Patience,” Ensign, May 2010, 57

Happy Wednesday!

the time has come...

2010-09-21T08:45:00.000-07:00

MODERN FAMILY is back!

...and I could not be more thrilled about it. This is by far one of my favorite shows ever and I feel like I have been waiting forever for it to come back on.

It doesn't get much better than this bunch.

and I can't wait to get a good laugh from these two...I die over them.

and I can't wait to get this and watch it with my closest friends!

It's going to be a great night.

starting off right.

2010-09-20T15:18:00.001-07:00

My last come back didn't exactly go as well as I had hoped. So, this time I am really going to try make an effort to blog more.

There is no better way to start blogging again than to talk about how lucky I am. I really have it so good. I have the best friends anyone could ask for.

Love this bunch...sorry if your not pictured ...i still love you just as much (obviously there are a few friends missing-its the most recent group shot i have).

I've been thinking a lot lately about life and my future and I don't know what's ahead for me...but I do know as long as have I have good friends I'm not to worried.

I honestly don't know what I would do without these girls. There really is nothing greater than a good group of girlfriends. And how lucky am I that they all happen to be massive babes?

Ralph Waldo Emerson said it best, "Friendship improves happiness, and abates misery, by doubling our joys, and dividing our grief."

Excited for...

2010-04-02T12:39:00.000-07:00

General Conference and Easter this weekend!

With school being so busy and trying to wrap up the semester along with work and all the other things to deal with it always seems to come at the perfect time.

Although I have about a million things to do, it's nice to know I can forget about them for a while and listen to the messages that will be shared. It will also be a great reminder of what Easter is really about.

I always walk away from Conference with a desire to do better!

I'm Back!

2010-03-15T15:49:00.000-07:00

Well I've caved once again. My friends finally talked me into starting my blog again.

Last time I started it for a class but now I am starting it back up so I can keep track of my travels through Europe this Spring...but I figured why not just start now? So here I am.

...hopefully I will be better about keeping up with it this time. Wish me luck!