For Today.

I could do a "this is bliss" today. But I feel like that's all I do lately. So I leave you with this:

Happiness for me right now, is having the worst week, but knowing it's all okay because I have a boyfriend who makes everything better and just loves me so much, and because of the reminder that everything (yes, everything) is going to turn out just the way it's supposed to, because God loves me and knows what's best.

And that's just the truth.

The Best Day.

I just love my boyfriend, okay?
This is Spencer. He's super attractive and my best friend. Remember him?
Yes, well, he stopped by today just to bring me flowers and say hello and hug me.

It made today, which had much potential to be awful, just so wonderful. And then everything following was wonderful, too.

I've been having a bit of a rough week. You know the weeks. The "I'm-just-so-cranky-and-there's-nothing-to-eat-but-I'm-hungry-all-the-time-and-everyone-is-SO-annoying..." weeks. aka pms. IT'S MY FAVORITE THING. And Spencer's just been like, it's okay, I just love you and here's some chocolate and here's some flowers and the most amazing hugs for forever.

And then there's me, who's all of the sudden optimistic and smiley, and then I get great tips, and it rains, and my life is just set.

This is Bliss VI

This is Bliss V

all-girls' weekend
saving bucks on textbooks
clean room
muppets' treasure island
pikmin with spencer
the local town days
sugar-free treats
wedding receptions
when she announced "cervix exchange" in relief society
     (instead of "service exchange") bahahaha
my new union jack-et (pics later)
feeling helpful
albus severus
pwning theory like a boss
weird dreams
dressing up like a frenchman just cause for fun.

What makes you happy?

This is Bliss IV

fifteen-point-five credit hours
the folks who smile back
generous tippers
making organized lists... in Sunday school
the boy who just wanted to bear his testimony about his little brother
     ("he can just fall asleep anywhere!")
crying it out
finally understanding interval quality
sibling laughing festivals
street tacos
fresh fruit from the farmer's market
monsoon season
"Dumbledore's man, through and through"
showing off my (super hot) talented boyfriend

I mean seriously. And look at that killer smile of his. I'm just one lucky girl. :)

Happy Sunday, everyone!

This is Bliss II

I know that tomorrow is going to be just long and hard, and I'll be grateful when it's over. I've been so stressed about getting end of year testing and paperwork done, that I've just been a mess. 

I also know that the times that are the worst are when I really need to think of the things I love and am grateful for. So here you go.

• discovering a harper on the street outside city creek 
• getting laundry done
• water (I LOVE WATER.)
• making time for breakfast in the morning (twice this week)
• long hugs from Spencer
• re-reading harry potter (I'm on the third)
• hangin' with my hamsters
• watching "the vow"
• the things Tarah says
• FINALLY getting a new journal
• this song:

This is Bliss - I

I think that sometimes, we forget important things. I know I'm guilty of it. We don't try to forget, but things get lost in the crazy, everyday lives that we lead.

Starting today, every Sunday, I'm going to write about things that make me happy,

things that are lovely,

things that are beautiful,

that are good.

It's my little weekly reminder to myself and to you to think about the things you are grateful for.

by kimmie walker

• Babies in church. They make me cry, and I want to hold all of them.
• The funny things mom says in Sunday School.
• When Spencer surprises me with kisses. (he gives the BEST kisses)
• Painting my toenails bright colors
• Making peanut butter bars that disappear within 24 hours (it's flattering)
• Going on amazing adventures with my best friend
• Pokemon. (gotta catch 'em all)
• Only 12 more days of school!
• Spontaneous frog/lizard/snake hunting
• Hearing the train as I go to sleep

What makes you happy?

Where Butterflies Reside

Meet Spencer Walker.

Spencer likes to laugh,

And think,

And have crazy adventures.

(I do, too.)

So we decided,

That instead of doing

All these beautiful things

 on our own,

We'd do them

With each other.

And so begin the great adventures of Spencer and Alyssa.

loves&hugs,

alyssa kaylee

p.s. did I mention he's incredibly good-looking?

because, good heavens. ^ Proof. 

Nativity . . . singles ward style?

Seriously, so freaking funny.

These guys kill me.

(sorry about the quality. I forgot my camera. dumb.)

Why yes, the two bearded shepherds are gals.

And by the way, the wise men came in like Egyptians.

So, ladies and gentlemen, we played a little "White Elephanting" (when I say little, I mean there were like 60 of us. Seriously.) and I brought in a sweet Buddha Frog and some canned pumpkin.

(sorta like this dude, but not a real statue. Ross is seriously THE best place for White elephant gifts)

But you see, from the moment it was opened, I had my heart set on the beautiful "OH FUDGE!" shirt from "A Christmas Story" (which, ironically, I really REALLY don't like that movie. But this shirt? Yes please.)

Obviously . . . I got it. It took some serious bartering skills (plus selling a few fingers and toes) to get it, but it's mine!

What's that you say? You say I look sexy?

Why yes.

Yes I do.

loves&hugs,
alyssa kaylee

Of Autumn Leaves and Families

I am so grateful for the little wonders of life. 

From mere Intelligences

To soulful Spirits,

Then into living, breathing bodies we become,

As a seed becomes a sapling.

And we smile,

And we stare,

And we wander.

And then, we remember:

It is not the sky

That was God's greatest creation.

loves&hugs,

alyssa kaylee

And this is bliss.

Oh, my.
Oh my goodness.

So let me introduce you to the Elder.
("Hello, Elder.")
Elder is a spiritual giant.
He is one of the very most amazing people I know, for not only is he so full of the gospel, and so happy because of it, but he loves to share it. How wonderful is that?
And ya'll know I was lucky enough to go on a date with him yesterday.
-smiles-
You should see how completely overwhelmed-ly excited he gets when his mission comes up (in just a month) - he can hardly contain his happiness!

(Elder asked me if I thought there was such a thing as being "too churchy." 
Hard question.
I stumbled over my answer, but basically told him that his intentions were pure.
And that he is absolutely not too churchy.)

Let me introduce you to someone else.
Meet the Robinsons.*

Do you ever go someplace, and just . . . feel it? Feel the love, feel the hope and strength and courage and joy and everything there?

This is how it is when you walk into the Robinson home.
It's a feeling of . . . can I just stay here forever? Please and thank you?
It's a beautiful feeling.
It's like . . .
Like this.

loves&hugs,
alyssa kaylee

Who knew I could be so emotional?

Ya'll HAVE to watch this video.
I'm not even joking when I say that it made me cry.
Cause it made me cry.
(Seriously.)

And you know what else?
Peeta and Gale?
Oh my heck, guys.
I can't fight this feeling any longer . . .


loves&hugs,
alyssa kaylee

p.s. I had a lovely potato day with Jeni B. :) Thanksgiving for the singles ward!


p.p.s. So I go into the singles ward and sign up to have my records transferred, and I go home with 2 callings and a musical number in three weeks . . . no waiting around for me!

I think I'm a little obsessed.

I.

Love.

SNOW.

(Before the storm . . .)

(Waiting for our table . . .)

(In Olive Garden . . .

And as we ate, it snowed

and snowed

and SNOWED!)

And there you have it, boys and girls! It's the first real snow of the year! Which means it's still a little slushy, but it's snow nonetheless, and it's sticking!

You know, I used to always hate winter. I hated it so much, it was awful and terrible and sad and whatnot. But THEN, I realized, "Hey, I only strongly dislike winter time because everyone else seems to." And you know what I realized after that?

I.

LOVE.

SNOW.

I can't even help it!

I love the wintertime . . .

Snuggling up in blankets . . .

Christmas . . .

Hot chocolate . . .

Playing in the snow . . .

Cinnamon 

and sweets 

and the festival of trees 

and sweaters 

and scarves 

and temple square lights!!

I can barely CONTAIN myself!!

How can so many people not like winter?

loves&hugs,

alyssa kaylee