Christmas Break

Even though Christmas was almost a month ago, let me just catch up on a few of my highlights via pictures. Ready? M'kay.

The week after finals, we had a little Jensen family reunion up at a cabin in Ogden canyon. All the family was able to come, except for one cousin and his wife and cute baby, who were with her side of the family. 

Our Uncle Steve was even able to make it! We don't get to see him very often, so we love it when we do, as you can see:

On one of the days we were there, we went snowmobiling. I was worried there wouldn't be enough snow, but there was plenty when we got there. It was absolutely beautiful! And cold. Needless to say, we were all a little sore, so we made use of the massage train.

We also went on a sleigh ride to see some elk and enjoy the Christmas season. The ride was complete with dogs and lots of laughs. Here's most of the fam!

After all our cold adventures, everyone was pretty cold, so they took advantage of the indoor pool and hot tub. I guess the pool wasn't warm enough for them either, because they thought they needed some hot chocolate too. Since I was still in my cast and couldn't get in the pool, I thought, why not! Spoiled cousins :)

The cabin trip was way too short, but we definitely enjoyed all the good food, relaxation, gingerbread houses, and time with family. Love them!

Oh, and remember how I said it was cold when we went snowmobiling? Well, it was cold enough that Jenn and I managed to get frost bite on our cheeks! What the. You always hear about it, but I've never known anyone that's actually had it. Luckily, it wasn't severe. This dream of a pic was at its worst.

After our cabin retreat, I got to go to a performance of the Nutcracker with a friend up in Salt Lake. It's always been a dream of mine to go and it finally came true. I absolutely loved the ballet and definitely will go again. So fun!

Then, on Christmas Eve, I got my cast off!!!! It was one of the best part of my break. All in all, I spent 11 weeks out of the year in a cast. Boy was I happy to get my cast off! Goodbye and good riddance!

After a wonderful Christmas with my family, I went up to Yellowstone for a few days with my cousins, the Moons. We went on a snowcoach tour, only have our van breakdown and have to go back. Instead, we wandering around West Yellowstone. It's a fun town!

We also went snowmobiling again! There was tons and tons of beautiful snow up in Yellowstone; I loved it! We did get stuck in a bit of a snowstorm for a little while, but it was still fun. And I for once had hand warmers that actually worked, so that was a nice treat :) 

My break was filled with lots of fun things, but it definitely flew by! Before I knew it, I was packing my car for my California adventure...

Big Decision

Well friends, it was a long and much harder decision than I thought it would be, but here is the firm I've decided to start my career with:

I feel really good about my decision and am excited to start my internship with them in January! Crazy that it'll be here so soon, but I'm excited! Now I just have to find some housing there and try to sell my Provo contract so I don't have to pay rent in two places :)

Life. Is. Busy.

Well, once again, I am going to attempt to play catch up. But this time, via pictures.

For starters, I'm and AUNT!! Cosette had little McKay on October 1st. I'm lucky to live a few minutes from the hospital where he was born, so I got to go see him shortly after he came into this world. I am also fortunate to live a few blocks from them, so I have become a regular visitor to their apartment. I could cuddle with him all day long!

My mom sent me this adorable 'good luck with school' package. Isn't she the cutest?? I think so too.

 A few weeks ago, some friends and I went up to Sundance for their moonlift ride. This happened to be a day after I had bunion surgery and could hardly walk, but it was so pretty! It was a perfect night and it was so fun to just be with friends.

Speaking of friends, I had our monthly swimmer dinner just last Sunday. Can I just tell you that I have some of the greatest friends in the entire world? Crazy that I'll known them now for over 6 years! I absolutely love that we still get together on a regular basis and catch up on each other's lives. Joining swim team my freshman year of high school was probably one of the best decisions I've ever made; some of my best friends have come from those years!!

And finally, what has been making life so busy? Recruiting. I am seriously so blessed to be in such a great program that provides a lot of job opportunities, but it sure is busy. I applied with Ernst & Young, Deloitte, and PwC for an internship, which will hopefully turn into a job when I graduate. I've been busy with dinners, socials, and interviews on campus. And then more dinners, socials, and interviews on my two fly outs to San Jose for second-round interviews. It's been such a blessing, but it's hard to try and juggle all my regular homework and group projects with them. And now, the waiting game begins. I have one offer and am waiting to hear back from the other two firms. Next time I post, it'll probably be with my decision of where I want to begin my career. Scary for being three semesters away from graduating!

Also, in honor of Thanksgiving, here are a few of the things I've been grateful for:

(1) The Gospel. I feel so very fortunate to have been raised in a family that was strong in the Gospel. I can honestly say that I have no idea where I would be without it. Yes, there are so many hard times where life doesn't seem to be going the way I want it to, but I am so very grateful for the eternal perspective the Gospel provides. I am so grateful to know that I can be with my family forever and that I will receive all the blessings I have been promised if I am obedient to His commandments. 

(2) Fall Weather. I absolutely love fall! I love the changing leaves and all the different colors we get. More than anything, I want to go running in this awesome weather. The good news is, my cast comes off tomorrow. Running shoes, here I come! 

(3) Speaking of casts, having this bunion surgery and being in a cast for 4.5 weeks has really made me appreciate the little things in life: walking without waddling, being able to walk up stairs without holding on the handrail, taking a normal shower, and putting pants on without having to sit. It has taught me to slow down in life and just appreciate the little things. I have also been blessed with so much kindness from people around me opening doors and coming up and talking to me asking what happened and just being a friend. Or people texting me asking how I'm doing. It's just nice to know that people think about you. Such tender mercies!

My Cousin's Wedding

Well, as of four days ago, my very favorite cousin got married to her best friend, Sam! I was lucky enough to get to spend the day with them and I couldn't be happier.

I've been so lucky to be able to grow up with this girl. She has definitely been a huge part of my childhood and I always looked forward to when the Moon's were going to come visit. We have so many fun memories with each other and I am just so happy that she has found her eternal companion. I'm excited to get to know Sam even more and for the many, many memories to come!

Love you Bam!

 I also just have to throw in this lovely picture of my sweet sisters. Jenn came down from Utah State and it was great to see her for a little bit! I have some of the cutest sisters, don't ya think?!

Red Rock Relay

Last weekend, I drove down to Southern Utah to run Red Rock Relay. Ever heard of Ragnar? Well, it's the same idea: 12 people, 2 vans, 187 miles, just down south instead. And it was so much fun! I ended up running a total of about 17.5 miles and it wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be. My legs didn't get too tired or sore until my last leg. I think the hardest part was probably just the lack of sleep - three hours on a church lawn just doesn't quite cut it. But, it was all worth it! Next time, I would probably want to do it will a van of people I knew, but I still had a blast! 

Run #1 - 8.4 miles

Me and my brother after the first leg. Love him!

 Run #2 - 4.6 miles

 Run #3 - 2.6 miles

 The whole team at the finish. They had some sweet shirts this year!

Red Rock Relay 2013? I think yes!

Welcome Senior Year.

As of six days ago, I officially began my senior year of college. I cannot believe how fast time has flown by. Didn't I just start my freshman year like a year ago? Crazy. Before I go any further, I should mention that I am starting the first year of my master's program. So, while it is technically my senior year, I do have one more year after this one. Still weird that I'm a senior though. I feel like I will be off into the working world before I know it. Speaking of, I have to decide by Thursday where I want to go for my internship. And I just can't decide. I'll have to make a decision within the next four days though. Once that's decided, I feel like life will be just a little bit less stressful.

I've moved once again and now live pretty far south of campus. We live in a cute little condo apartment complex and I have my own room which is pretty nice. I now live with Tracie and Brittany, two of my cute friends from high school, and then another Brittany, one of Tracie's good friends. 

It's weird to not be with Sarah this year though! She's been with me since freshman year and has been a big part of my college experience. Miss these two lovely ladies dearly, but they are amazing missionaries. 

 That said, I am excited for what this school year has in store for me!

My Best Friend's Wedding

This past Thursday, one of my very best friends got sealed in the Mount Timpanogas Temple. I was lucky enough to spend the day celebrating with them and absolutely loved being there! Taryn and I have been besties since the good 'ole days of high school swim team. 

And then her husband (crazy!) was in the Accounting Junior Core with me, so I got to know him pretty well too. Taryn looked absolutely beautiful and I am just so excited and happy for them.

Congrats Mr. and Mrs. Lewis! I love you both so much! Thanks for letting me be a part of your special day.