A Little Glimpse

Yesterday someone asked me if I like going to BYU.
Without hesitation I said...
I LOVE it.
I couldn't believe my own mouth.
Over the past 2 semesters I have jumped right in to the newsroom.
I feel like the people in the newsroom are suddenly my best friends.
A few weeks ago I helped out two friends with a model U.N. project they were working on.

I am not an anchor yet.
Hopefully that will come in the fall.
But since Sable
(our go to anchor woman)
had a lopsided mouth...
I got put in the hot seat.
I've done anchoring a little bit and would love it.
Now mind you the hair won't typically be curled.
This was kind of a last minute gig.

But I wanted to post a few pictures for my siblings in SLC, AZ, TX, CO, and SWITZERLAND.
They are always asking me how the newsroom is going.
Especially Sharisa.
She has the news bug more than I do.
So here is a little glimpse into the BYU Newsroom.
Writing.
I will tell you one thing.
Taking an advanced English class after writing in Broadcast style for about a year is not easy!
I like short. simple. and to the point.
No fluff please!




The control room.
I am hoping to learn how to direct soon!
We will see if I have the patience for that one.


The BYU Broadcasting Program is incredible.
We are currently in huge competitions with our newscast.
I will be traveling to Vegas at the end of the semester to attend the RTNDA national conference.
Our school has received first place rankings, third place rankings, and fifth place rankings.
My brother likes to brag about the BYU Accounting program.
But I think he often forgets how amazing my program is.
We are one of the only schools in the country to produce a Live Newscast 5 days a week.
Granted.
It's not the best thing you've ever watched.
Ok, its pretty hilarious sometimes.
But the only way for broadcasters to learn is to be thrown into the fire.
Yesterday, we produced a pretty crazy news cast.
Two live shots.
One live interview by a beginner reporter.
That's big for us.
It was kind of a mess.
But in the end...we all learned.
I am incredibly grateful to my professors.
Brother Johnson, Sister Todd, Brother Walz, Brother Curtis, Brother Green, and Dr. Cressman.
All of which have had a huge impact on me.

Dr. Cressman placed me in my internship
and is helping me write a research article about blogging from the news room.
Brother Johnson has taught me how to write, be on air, and produce.
Brother Walz taught me how to do standups.
Sister Todd taught me how to be on air all together, stay calm, and mostly be a Mom and a newswoman.
Brother Curtis sacrifices his entire life for our newsroom.
Literally. His family lives clear across the country in North Carolina.
He gets to the newsroom at 7 a.m. and I don't think the man ever sleeps.
Brother Green is the brains behind the whole thing.
He is the most patient man when it comes to teaching kids how to use cameras and computers.


A big thank you to everyone who is helping me along my broadcast learning journey.
I am still a big time beginner.
But I am soaking it all in and loving every minute of it.

Congrats Kels!

Our cute new roomie Kelsee is ENGAGED!
We are SO excited for her.
When Kels moved into our apt. I was so excited...
mostly because she was dating JK.
(I didn't know Kels at all)
Then I got to know her.
I just adore her.
And JK is the luckiest guy I know.Of course JK wouldn't do it on Valentines...
or her birthday...
or any other SPECIAL day...
he had to tease her a bit.
We are loving being a part of their wedding festivities.
I can't believe two of my favorite people are marrying each other.
It couldn't be more perfect.
Congrats you two!

Dear Mom,

In high school I used to give my Mom a daily to-do list.
I know.
I was a bit of a nut case.
Still am.
But it was fantastic.
Now, when things get a little busy I get flustered because
I don't have healthy food in the fridge or clean socks in my drawer.
I have the best Mom.
I know you think you do...
but you're wrong.
I win.
She is the most thoughtful person I know.
She is the BEST listener.
EVERYONE comes to her for advice.
She can't go to the grocery store without solving at least 3 people's life problems.
Every gift, package, text, email etc etc fits each person perfectly.
Everything is crafted with SO much love and care.
Well, this week my Mom has done it again.
I mentioned how I was certain my washer had eaten all of my socks.
Within a week I had 2 HUGE bunches of socks...
fresh clean laundry from home...
and a little MAC makeup for V-day.
Dear Mom,
Thank you for making my tootsies cozy
And my eyes flashy.
Sure do love ya.

Someone Please Help

Our TV has 5 channels that currently do not have sound.
Which means I have been watching this...

without ANY sound.
You heard me.
It's pretty much awful.
Especially considering I WILL be reporting the next Olympics from my hometown
(or at least the town that stole my heart)
LONDON.
I need to be watching and learning, right?
And as any great broadcaster knows...
Sound is everything!
We have tried just about everything.
Does anyone have any suggestions?


Our channel trauma is making it so I can't watch these people either.
I get teary even thinking about it.
Someone fix it fast!

P.S. Who is lalalaloving the sunshine outside right now?

Currently...

Lying in bed next to my bff.
I kind of love our beds being 3 feet apart.
Only problem.
We often find ourselves "taking naps"
aka watching Visa videos on YouTube that make us cry.
Or laughing at things like this...
that we see on campus at BYU.
(yes I took that picture on my phone on campus this week)
Complaining about the Sunday treats we ate.
Even though we have to make a Sunday treat.
EVERY Sunday.
Sometimes wishing we went here...
or anywhere else so we could be on spring break next week.
Then, remembering we will be living in NYC in 65 days.
Laughing at hilarious BYU dating stories.

Thinking this reminds us of something I would say.

Wishing I could see my sister-in-law looking like this.
(ok not quite yet)
wishing another one of my siblings could look like that asap!
Wondering where to live next year.
Trying to catch up on our intense scripture study
Plus triathlon training
Karly dreaming of being just like this Mom, runner, athlete, nutrition guru, AND Today show all star.
Kourtney dreaming of taking the LSAT
Karly wanting to gag at that thought.
Kourtney and Karly composing fb messages and texts because we can't do it alone.
Painting our nails.

And mostly.
Just loving life as a BYU co-ed.
I wouldn't want to be anywhere else.

Happy Birthday Dylan...

This week is my nephew Dylan's 8th Birthday.
You heard me.
The big 8
My family tends to make books for every event in our lives.
Since we all can't be there for his baptism Sharisa is putting together a book from the people who love him most.
It is a pretty special moment for us when someone gets baptized in our fam.
Especially precious Dylan.
So I want to remember this for myself.
Hope you all don't mind this long post.
Dear Dylan,
I am so proud of you for making the decision to get baptized.
From the time you were born I have felt a special bond with you.
I can remember holding you on the couch before your blessing in D.C.
You were the most beautiful perfect little spirit I had ever seen.
Just a little while later... I remember swimming in your pool with you.
You have always been our little fish! You would flap your arms and smile and just and laugh. The water always seems to make you happy.
It always makes me happy too!
But on your baptism day, the water will be different.
It will be calm and peaceful.
It will be sacred.
Your Dad will walk you down into the water where he will say some very sweet words as you make promises with your Heavenly Father.
Then you will get to be baptized in the name of our Savior.
I can remember that very special day when I was baptized.
I remember coming out of the water feeling so clean and pure.
You will be just like that perfect little spirit I held in my arms 8 years ago!
I wish I could be there to give you a squeeze when you get out of the water.
But for now...I just wanted to let you know how proud of you I am.
Dylan, you give each of us daily inspiration.
Your determination to learn and grow makes me want to work harder everyday.
I want you to know that being baptized is the greatest thing you will ever do for yourself.
From now on you will have this little voice that goes with you every step of the way.
He will never leave you.
He has never left me and when I follow him, he has always guided me to do the right thing.
When I've had a bad day he comforts me and lets me know that my Heavenly Father is there. Your Heavenly Father, your Savior, and the Holy Ghost will always be by your side whenever you make a mistake or just need a friend.
And one day they will help us all return to live with our Heavenly Father in a very special place where life will be much easier and we will all be perfect!
I am so proud of the covenants you are making with your Heavenly Father to be an example
and to try your best.
I know your Heavenly Father is so proud of you.
I know that he will be with you every step of the way...
just like he is with me.
I love you so very much.
I am so very proud of you.
Thank you for being the sweetest nephew I have.
I love you.
Auntie Karly

Love you Dylan
I hope you have a great birthday week
Well really month.
I like to celebrate Birthday months.
And make sure your Mom feeds you lots of sugar and candy!!!

Happy Birthday Tyler!

Please excuse the old fuggly pic.
Just wanted to wish one of my best friends from high school, Tyler, a happy b-day.
Tyler and I go WAY back.
I was certain he was the love of my life at the age of 14...
Until he dumped me on MSN.
Bummer.
Luckily, we made it through some rough years....
and became oober close.
Of course, he took me to my last high school dance with that shiner on his face.
He would.
The two of us kind of have this way of knowing when we need each other.
Whether it's late night chats in front of the STG temple,
sending each other scriptures,
or just offering a little advice here and there -
we always know we can count on each other.
Erika, I promised a photo of Elder Hukill.
Here he is!
He is spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the people in Ukraine.
Erika told me she is grateful for people like him -
bringing happiness to her people.
I couldn't agree more.
I am so blessed to have such great examples of service in my life.
We are hoping Tyler can get in touch with Erika -
my two friends...
connecting THOUSANDS of miles away.
This world is too small.
Happy Birthday Tyler!
My prayers are with you.

My Wittle Michael.

At our little party tonight
(more on that later)
someone said to me...
"Your friend is dating my uncle."
I looked at him and suddenly got so excited.
He had an uncle his same age.
And his uncle was his best friend.
Well, my nephew is my best friend.
Always has been, always will be.
I love squeezing his cheeks and making him call me aunt Karly.
In that moment I missed the little twit.
In fact, I miss the entire Winterholler crew.
(look at that little priss face)

I am counting down the days until I get to see them at Powell.
Can't wait to wakeboard,
read magazines with my toes in the sand,
play with my nieces,
and bask in the fact that I only have one more summer on the lake without Michael.

Love you Michael.
Keep chuggin along up there.
We are all so proud of you.

When I grow up.

I forgot....how much I love this movie.

I am currently watching it in my ethics class.
I remember seeing it for the first time and sitting on the edge of my seat the entire time.
I was so excited to be watching a movie that involved everything I was learning about.
This movie brought up some of my recent thoughts....
So for journaling purposes here it goes:

The other day I ran in to an old high school friend.
She said to me...
"Karly you are just so determined and such a go getter"
Suddenly my heart sank.
Suddenly, I worried that I am "that girl"
You know, the one who is "too busy to date" or "too busy to do this or that"
The girl who is too serious and never takes time to make people dinner or cookies
The girl I never wanted to be.
The ones Mary and I always laughed at for just being too serious about life.
It is what I like to call the "Staples girl dilemma"
It is a blessing and a curse my Dad passed on to us
He always told us we that we are brilliant, beautiful and talented.
He told us we could become ANYTHING we wanted....and be a Mom.
And so we've all dreamed big.
Now, we have a dentist, a big business exec., a big wig editor/writer, an industrial designer, etc.
But suddenly I fear that people are getting the wrong idea about WHO I want to BECOME.
My sister Sharisa said to me a few days ago...
I still don't know what I want to be when I grow up.
And then she continued to tell me about Dylan and Ella and the little things that make me smile.
I told her I know what she wants to be.
She wants to be a Mom.
Each day - almost each hour - something reminds me of what I really want.
Today these cute little ones entered the newsroom and I was reminded of what I want in the end.
While a very small fraction of me dreams of becoming Della from State of Play...
The majority of me dreams of having a family.
Sometimes I wonder if I did the wrong thing.
Did I choose the wrong major?
Should I be doing "the motherly" major?
(I did take WAY too many of those credits after all)
Why can't the family part be something you set a goal to achieve...
work hard..
and you get the perfect life you always dreamed of?

So today, when I read over this quote...

God expects you to have enough faith and determination and
enough trust in Him to keep moving, keep living, keep rejoicing.
In fact, He expects you not simply to face the future
(that sounds pretty grim and stoic);
He expects you to embrace and shape the future--
to love it and rejoice in it and delight in your opportunities.

God is anxiously waiting for the chance to answer your prayers and
fulfill your dreams, just as He always has.
But He can't if you don't pray,
and He can't if you don't dream.
In short,
He can't if you don't believe."

— Jeffrey R. Holland

I remembered something very important.
I remembered I can shape my future.
I remembered that it's ok for me to dream of being successful and educated.
I remembered that it's ok to dream of a family.
I remembered that I can have both.
I remembered that to me having an education is a success whether I work 1 day or 1 million days.
I remembered I have to believe in all of it.
But mostly I remembered that I believe in the cherry on the top....but my favorite part is the ice cream.

Tonight...after I went to school.
Worked hard.
Studied hard.
I got to play with these munchkins again.

I got to read books.
Play with American Girl Dolls.
Laugh at Photo Booth for over an hour.
Talk about everything we want to do for the upcoming holidays.
Look at Valentines.
Sing songs.
Tuck them in.
Say nighty night prayers.
And OF COURSE
Dance to Hannah Montana.



(listen to the very end...
right to sleep...
maybe what we all thought of Book of Mormon stories at that age??)

And I remembered what I said when I was just a wee one.
When I grow up I want to be just like my Mom...
And all the rest...
all the education
all the papers
all the interviews and big names..
all of that is
just the cherry on the top.

Welcome To The Crew...

Welcome little Krista "Gracie" Winward.
You're just beautiful.
As the youngest of the Orton, Adams, Staples, crew we most definitely welcome you.
Can't wait to see you.

As for our own little Baby GIRL Staples...
You're beautiful.
I saw a picture of you this weekend and I can tell you are short with curly hair.
Just like your Mom and Dad.
Your Dad told me he is excited you are girl despite all the boy rumors.
He just wants to have someone to watch chick flicks with.
But don't tell him I told you.
Your name suits you.
Baby GIRL Staples.
You already fit right in.
You are a fighter.
All of the Staples girl's are fighters.
Watch out...I bet your Dad already thinks you are going to save the world.
Staples fathers believe Staples girls can save the world.
(you probably will)
I am praying and fasting for you.
I can't wait to see you!

Wuv Weekend

I went home for the long weekend.
Plus, I was throwing my bestie forever's bridal shower.
Friday night I was able to curl up with my parents and watch the opening ceremonies.
Loved that.
Saturday was filled with scrambling for the shower.
Somehow it all came together.
It was a miracle.
(sorry for the picture overload. Everyone wanted these and I am not much of a facebook poster...
so here you go everyone)






Thanks to my Mom we had lots and lots of yummy food.
Tak got some really great presents.
Just wait till you see them.



It was a blast getting to see everyone from high school.
I was so blessed to go to high school with such an amazing group of girls.
Grandma.
What would we do without her?
At 86 she is still taking care of me AND my Mom.
Grandma...you are thee best.

Of course Tak picked the most embarrassing present to open first.
She was a little embarrassed.
"I am like sweating." - Takael.
We all had a good laugh.
Her sister-in-law gave her an adorable robe and sweat suit with this written on it.
I LOVED this gift.
Getty up Tak.
Takael's future sister-in-law and her adorable baby.
This baby was the ring carrier when Takael got engaged.

My Mom gives everyone this book.
If you know Ann, you know how hilarious this is.
I am starting to call her Dr. Ann.
She is obsessed with knowing EVERYTHING about bodies.
All the girls from high school.
Seriously, aren't they the cutest things ever?
Debbie, Takael, Emily
I am so lucky to have grown up with Takael.
I love her lots!
I am SO happy for this girl and her adorable fiance.
And the two shower planners having a good laugh after was is all over.
We were just glad we survived.
And then we continued to eat our lives away.
My favorite thing about going home is that people are ALWAYS in and out of the Staples home.
It has been this way my entire life.
Somehow everyone manages to congregate around the kitchen counter or the table to chat for hours.
So just a few hours after the bridal shower party had left...
in came the rest of the crowd.
Thomas, Aaron, and Brandon.

We had a great night playing games and catching up with old friends.
McCall and Tay Tay.
Taylor lives in STG so I don't get to see him much.
But we decided we may get married soon.
So, expect the invites asap.
Ha.
Taylor is such a hoot.
We just love him around our house.
Kace-Dog.
My 8th grade boy toy.
Isn't he just the cutest?
Poor guy just tore his acl playing Basketball for Dixie State.
But don't worry he will be back in action soon.
We had a good time reminiscing about the good ol' days.
Hey Kace,
"I'll see YOU lata."

Natawie.
Taylor brought two mission buddies with him.
They fit right in!

We played a little sequence and nerts...
by little I mean....a few hours worth.
We were all pretty pooped afterward and crashed in the living room.
Aaron is a model for sure.
Jared Hatch graced us with his presence.
If you haven't spent some time with this kid you are missing out.
He informed me that his goal is to make out with a girl in every building on BYU campus.
I feel like it is a pretty worthy goal.
Sweet Thomas.
Aaron and Lexter - matchy patchy.

Sunday morning I woke up to my cute Dad sneaking out of my room.
He had placed this on my desk.
I went to bed a little worried because I forgot to remind my Dad that it was Valentines Day the next day.
I was worried Ann wouldn't be getting anything for Valentines.
Boy was I wrong.
Dad seriously treats us like royalty.
Daddy, I love you SO much.
Thank you for the gift.Sunday afternoon the weather was too good to pass up.
I wore shorts and a t-shirt and was perfect.
I tried to teach myself how to ride a road bike for the triathlon.
Now that was an experience.
I am still working on that one.
After I headed up to the "red hill" with Aaron, Thomas, and Brandon.
They told me I was so lucky to be going to the "red hill" with 3 boys on Valentines.
I had to agree.

Of course Brandon and Aaron couldn't take the easy way up.
I opted to carry the clubs and Frisbee with Thomas.
Aaron. Oh Aaron.
All he wanted to do was hit golf balls off the mountain.
I was a little nervous about this considering there were about 200 people on top of the hill that day.
No joke.
I have never seen it so packed.
The weather brought everyone down to STG this weekend.
And there goes Aaron,
teeing up and launching golf balls off yander...
Hitting people's houses I am sure.
After the golf ball extravaganza the three boys lined up on three different mountains to play Frisbee.
You should have seen the little kids.
They thought this was SO cool.
Soon enough we had a huge crowd watching the event and throwing the frisbee up to each of us.
It was a crack up.


For Aaron's eagle scout project he built this bridge.
If you know Aaron, you know he HAD to explain to the masses how the bridge was put into place.
This woman from Ogden became our best friend before the LONG story was over.


These 3 crack me up.
They informed me that none of them have ever been in love before.
They were kind of all in shock by this realization.
We had a good laugh.
And then I came to the conclusion that once they fall in love these 3 will make the world's greatest hubbies.
They are just so adorable and keep me laughing all the time.
Sunday night Emo and Missa got into town with this little All-Star.
After a little facebook stalking and baby playing we headed into the kitchen to make some Valentines.
Before we knew it Adam had cut his finger on a DC can.
Poor little fella.
And Auntie Lissa just wanted to squeeze his finger to death.
Luckily he had Auntie Kawy there to save the poor little dude.Doesn't he just melt your heart?

Steve and Jared came over later that night.
Melissa and I got a crack out of the fact that everyone we know from BYU was in STG.
Melissa dubbed it the little Provo extension.
We had a good match off playing some b-ball in the Adams basement.
Imma point out that Missa's team did win BUT I nearly trippled Melissa's individual score.
Thank you VERY much.
(I think this must be the first time I have beat ANYONE at ANYTHING)


I think these two beat us even with their eyes closed.

Melissa and I had a nice little photo shoot in between rounds.
This is our smile for the camera face.
Just love that girl.


And of course.
Valentines Day sugar cookies. A must!

Monday was topped off with a visit to my Dad's office.
To meet his patient that came all the way from France.
Pretty cool.
Then my Mom and I went lunch with the Hammer girls.
Fun to see them.
And then it was back to the frozen tundra.
Luckily I got to ride with my adorable roomie Kelsee.
Luf her.

Thanks for a great weekend Mom and Dad.
I can't wait to come back to that gorgeous spring weather!

All in all it was a great wuv weekend.
I wuv-wuv weekend.

Happy Valentines Day Everyone!