my lovely padres.

I should be writing a paper. but, this is Brittany Bascom we're talking about. what else is new? just thought I needed to take a second and express my appreciation for my cute parents. [not that I haven't already on instagram and facebook]

I love these two folks. my dad called me tonight and we talked for an hour. if you knew me and my dad, you would know how uncalled for that is. but I missed him. and it was so good to talk to him about everything. it took me eighteen years, but I finally realize how much he loves me and that he is willing to do anything and everything for me. I love him to the moon and back. im so glad that he chose me.

mom and I have always been close and I have always been grateful for that. I miss our late night movies and our chats. they always were the most calming things to me. I honestly cant wait to go home this weekend and see these two lovelies.

and now, im off to finish my homework so these two don't have to be on my back about my grades.

xoxo, britt.

a day in the life of a c o l l e g e girl.

it is currently 11:51 pm.
I have two tests in the morning.
and yet, here I am devouring blog after blog.
typical brittany.

just so you guys know, i am alive.
life is just so completely crazy busy.
all you really need to know...

i absolutely love it down here.

 

 

remember all those doubts and fears in the last post?

they're completely gone.

i am at peace.

i know where i am supposed to be.

 and what im supposed to be doing.

 

i have leave so much about myself,

as well as others since i have been here.

it is so amazing knowing that He has a plan for me.

 

 

im off to good old sunny California tomorrow.

there will be pictures and updates to come.

[hopefully]

 

 

xoxo, brittany

 

 



from the 801 to the 435.

my mind is racing tonight as i sit here thinking about how in just three short days i will be out of my parents care, and in the real world.

i have lived in the same house my whole life. with the same people. in the same ward. and with my same family. but then ten years ago it all started to change. i watched as my very first brother received his mission call to serve in rio de janeiro, brazil. then, almost just short of three years later, i dropped my brother off into the provo mtc so he too could go serve the Lord in madrid, spain. then i sat and welcomed a new sister and a nephew into my life all within the two years devin was out. just after the summer i then married my only sister off and cried realizing she was gone. and just this last novemeber, i drove to the mtc and dropped my brother off so he could serve the people of portugal.

as i said before, the past ten years has done wonders for my family. i have sent three brothers out on missions, gained two sister-in-laws, one brother-in-law, four nephews and two nieces.

when i watched all of this happen, i knew that my day would come. i knew that i would have my chance. but i never thought it would be this soon. i never thought that i would have to kiss my sweet little nephews cheek for the last time before i drove away to college. i never thought that i would be the one shopping for my apartment and looking up the cheapest ways to get books. i never thought that i would be moving 220 miles away from the only place that i have ever called home, and i never thought that i would be nervous for it.

i am not a home body. i am very independent and like to do what i want to do. i dont have an amazing relationship with my parents, and i never thought that it would be hard to say goodbye. as the day is drawing nearer, i am dreading the moment when i see my parents drop me off at college, hop in their car, and drive off. this summer has shown me how much my parents sacrifice for me. how much they truly do care for me, and all the lessons they have taught me truly are important. im going to miss those two kids. ill miss coming home and snuggling up to my mom on the couch and watching movies til the wee hours of the morning. ill miss my dad laughing at all of his own jokes, thinking that hes the worlds biggest comedian. ill miss the sanctuary that my parents have provided me.

ill miss my friends. my besties. this is the year where we all part our seperate ways. where we find out who we truly are. each of my friends have left footprints on my heart, and i am truly grateful for that.

now dont get me wrong, i am super excited to move out! sometimes you just have to let out all your doubts and fears and be done with it. i know that this year at school will be one of the most amazing experiences i have ever encountered, and i can not wait to get it started! im excited for my roommates, my classes, and especially the social life that is to come. and i am so extremely grateful for the knowledge that i have about the Savior and the fact that he is always there for me. "before we came to this earth we were shown what we were going to go through, and we said that we would do it." it is of Him, and through Him, and by Him that this is possible.

i probably wont be blogging again
 until i get down to cedar city. so until then, i will be doing laundry, packing, and getting ready for the biggest journey of my life so far.

wish me luck!
britt

as this summer is coming to a close, I look back and see how completely different my life is. the people I talk to, the things I do, and even the thoughts that go through my mind have changed. not all of this was willingly either, I must add. my life has taken more than one unexpected turn. im not where I thought I would be. I haven't done all the things on my summer bucketlist. but wanna know what? im happy. yes, I work a lot. yes, I miss out on a lot. but I am happy. ive learned this summer, more than anything else, to find the bright side of things. to work hard to reach your goal. to see whats most important in life. I wouldn't have expected this be the way for this summer to end up, but I know it was exactly what I needed.

13.1

so as many of you may know, two saturdays ago {june 8, 2013} i ran in my very first half marathon. and lets just say that it was an adventure. and a half ;)

the real question here is why in the heck would i be dumb enough to run a half marathon in the first place?  in january i recieved a text from my lovely cousin kelsea asking if i was a runner, to which my response was definitely not! she continued to ask me that if i wanted to run a half marathon with her in june. i dont know what i was thinking when i told her that i would, but it has always been on my bucket list so i figured why not, right? i had five months to train and things it was going to be great, or so i thought... running is hard enough as it is, but when its freezing, that just adds another level to the torture. needless to say, i only ran about three times until the middle of april. then i decided that i was in big trouble and should probably start running. so i ended up going like 6 times before the race? yeah.... who knows.

 

the night before the race comes... we pick up our packets and the nerves set in. what am i thinking? what am i doing? i am freaking crazy. thats about what my brain looked like. we were in bed and asleep by 9:30, which is pretty impressive for two teenage girls.

 

the next morning 3:15 came wayyyy too fast. we got up, drank some naked juice, and were on our way. as we reached the buses, kelsea looked at me and said "what are we getting ourselves in to?" um.... she's the one that dragged me into this. i was just along for the ride.

 

pre-race jitters

 

there were bathrooms and fires and a whole lot of waiting before the actual race started. they had pacers running the race and i lined up with the "i just wanna finish this thing" pace. the race started, i lost kelsea in the first mile, and things were going great up until just before mile six... im not going to go into details, but lets just say i ended the race with two blistered feet, a major side ache, and a bad case of stomach problems (all thanks to the naked juice.)

 

 

 

looking back at this experience, it makes me laugh harder than anything! i can say that i have ran a half marathon and i never have to do it again. call me crazy,and even though i couldnt walk normal for a week and my knee has been hurting ever since, but i will be returning next year and doing the race again. i invite you to join me! it isnt as bad as you think.

here's to training, running, and succeeding in next years utah valley half.

 

loves, britt

 

ps... i got another job today. a real one. yup. im a big girl now.

see ya later.

this week has been hard. i have had to say goodbye see ya later to some of the people i am the closest to. my sweet sister that lives out in new orleans and her adorable son, noa, flew out and surprised me for my graduation. i could not be happier to see them! and while all good things come to an end, their trip soon did too. i had to say goodbye to them on sunday night, and if you know me, you know that i was bawling uncontrollably. the hardest thing with this goodbye see ya later is that i dont know when i am going to see them next. they just finished their first year of law school at loyola university and still have two more years plus an internship in dc.

 

 

i love you so much tiff and ill see ya soon.

 

one of my very best friends for the past four years also left yesterday. after a quick temple trip on tuesday morning, we also said see ya later to elder jonathan david bradshaw. jonny has always been there when anyone needed a shoulder to cry on. he always was a great listener and always reassured you that no matter what, your father in heaven still loved you. the people of georgia are so lucky to have a man like him.

 

 

{dont mind how good we all look, it was early}

we love you elder bradshaw and we'll see ya in two.

 

one of the best things about having elder friends in the mtc is the packages!! emily and i both got packages ready for him and sent them off so he would get them the day he got there. emily sent him off a "greenie" package full of every single green thing that you could imagine, and me, being the dumb/never serious one, sent him off a candy bar "poster in a box". those of you that know me can probably imagine how much fun i had making this and how many times i said "why am i so funny?" and yes, i did send him mountain dew in the mtc... kill me.

 

 

 

i asked you to be completely honest and i appreciate that so much.

fun while it lasted.

 

i think that the biggest see ya later goodbye i said this week was to my life as a child. my mom called me an  adult yesterday and i almost peed my pants. i have known it was coming for a very long time, but i never thought it would actually make it here. im a big girl now, and in only 77 short days i will officially be out on my own and a freshman at southern utah university. i will paying for my own car payment, insurance, and even buying my own toilet paper! who knew it was so expensive??  

 

all the see ya laters ive said this week have only taught me even more that laughter truly is the best medicine. that getting things off your mind and forgetting about everything is the best thing one can do for themselves. that surrounding yourself by people you love and that love you can make even the worst of worst days become the best. i am so grateful for all the amazing friends i have (as seen in my last post) and for the love and support they give me. i have so many listening ears i can turn to. as for now, im just trying to let this all sink in and live up my easy life while i still can.

 

xoxo, britt.

 

two in one.

i know this is two posts in one day... but i didn't quite get all my feelings across in that last post of mine... i dont even know where to start. i am so unbelievably grateful for my friends and family. so this is to them, who knows if they're going to see it one day, but honestly that doesnt matter.

 

 

you see this beautiful girl right here? yeah, thats my best friend. her name is emily bradford. em and i have known eachother for a loonnnng time. we went to elementary school together, cheered at the same allstar gym, and cheered on the same high school team. regretably, this year was the first year that we became super close and basically inseperable. this girl means the world to me! she is always there when i need a listening ear and always willing to put me in my place, which happens more than i would like... :/ she always has a smile on her face and you rarely see her in a bad mood. you will find us creepin on some poor kids more often than not... its our favorite pass time!! :) emily is so motivated and dedicated to whatever she is doing. she puts her whole heart and soul into the things she loves and expects perfection. emily is a beautiful girl inside and out and i am so grateful to have her as a best friend! i cant wait to watch her cheer at byu this coming year! go cougs!!

 

 

kristee rowley and i have been best friends since third grade and have been through absolutely everything together. we met in our third grade class and clicked instantly ever since. even if there is time passed between us where we dont see eachother, its like we were together the entire time and we dont miss a beat! between our hallmark movie nights, taco amigo runs, and chasing after boys, this girl has become so so close to me. shes always there as a shoulder to cry on and makes me feel loved no matter what is going on in my life, she always takes time from her busy schedule to come talk to me when i really need someone and i appreciate that so so much. kristee has always been the best influence in my life and i look up to her so much! here's hoping that she remembers me when she gets called as the next general relief society president.

 

 

rylie elder is my go to party girl. i can always rely on having a good time when she is around! i met rylie cheering at orem high school. i am so grateful that we got so close this past summer and have shared all the memories that we have together. there is honestly never a dull moment with this lovely lady around and i love her to death. she has taught me to not care what other people think and to always be you no matter what. she is an incredible girl and i am lucky to have her around!

 

 

 

jonathan david bradshaw has been one of my best friends since my freshman year. jonny and i have shared lots of laughs and tears. so many times have we spent on hour long phone calls or drives around talking and talking. this kid was called to serve in the georgia atlanta spanish speaking mission and leaves in just a few short hours. i am going to miss the stern looks of disapproval and the words of wisdom keeping him in line. jonny taught me that you dont need to be embarrassed that you love the gospel. he showed me what it was like to wear your religion on your sleeve and stand for what you know is right. he has been one of my biggest examples through high school and i look up to him so much (just check out those heels!!) im gonna miss you elder! see ya in two!!

 

 

this gorgeous girl is my amazing sister, tiffany bascom lunnen. she has been there for me through everything. she is honestly the best big sister i could ever ask for. she is so caring and absolutely loves life. her creativity shines through in everything she does. when she does something, she doesnt just throw it together, its always extravagant and over the top, but thats why we love her. ever since she got married six years ago, i have realized how much i love her and how grateful i am for her in my life. tiff, you are aboslutely amazing. i love you to death and i can wait for my next trip out to new orleans to visit you!

 

 

 

and this, this kid, is nathaniel curtiss widmer. he is probably the sweetest person you have ever met in your entire life! he is so genuine and kind to every person he meets. i dont think i have ever met a person who is more happy and optimistic than he is. nate is a complete mountain man. im pretty sure that if he had the choice, he would move up to the mountains and live out there for the rest of his life. he is often found hiking and riding his motorcycle. nate has shown me to love nature and take advantage of what god created for you. nate is so loving and and so sweet. i honestly dont know how to put into words what i think about him,,, hes just perfect and i am so glad that he was out in my life the time he was. its crazy how things work out sometimes...

 

i have so many more great friends that i could give shoutouts to, but as for now this is it. i seriously have the best friends in the entire world, not like im biased or anything, and i am so grateful for each and everyone of them and the life lessons that they have taught me. im grateful that each of them were put into my life and the footprints they have left behind. my only wish is that as we grow up and grow old, we will all stay in contact and always be the homies that we are. here's to the memories we've shared and the many more that are to come!!

xoxo, britt

 

 

 

 

 

 

class of twenty 13.

as i sit here in my bed thinking of all the things that has happened in my life the past couple months, i am overwhelmed with emotions. there are so many changes that have already happened in my life and there are still so many to come...

as you can tell by the title of this post, i am now a graduate of orem high school. how did this happen? how am i this old, you may ask? well, to be honest, i ask myself the exact same thing every single day. how did i grow up so fast? when i look back and think of the seniors my sophemore year, i always thought that they looked so mature and so grown up, and when i look at myself i still see a baby. don't get me wrong, i am more than ready for this stage of my life and could not be more excited, i just dont understand how in just a few months i will be moving out on my own and off to college, and even more insane how one of my very best friends is leaving for two years to serve the lord in just a few short hours. time flies when you're having fun!! ;) can't believe how grown up we are! just look at us cuties...

 

and by far my favorite picture of them all....

 



 

 

i love my best friends and am so incredibly proud at the decisions they have made for the future. i think about the chances that i have to see all the kids in my senior class ever again and realize how slim they are. it's crazy to me to think that you never will see the kids that you have spent the last 13 years going to school with. i am so interested to see where life takes everyone and who ends up where.

 

as for now, im trying to make my last summer, before the real world comes at me full tilt, as memorable as i possibly can. i have so many plans for this summer and can't wait to fulfill all of them.

 

i know that my writing doesnt make sense all the time and jumps from place to place, and who knows if anyone actually reads this thing of mine, but sometimes all i can do is try to write my feelings out, just to get them out. thanks for the followers that are still actually there. i would love to promise that i'll write more, but i know that this is a total lie. if you wanna know about my life, you know how to get ahold of me. xoxo britt

Easter in New Orleans

Hello lovelies! Just thought I would take a moment on this fine Easter Sunday and tell you how much  my Savior means to me. I know that my savior lives and loves me. I know that he died on the cross and suffered in the garden of gethsemane for me personally. He knows me. He knows my strengths and my weaknesses. He carries me through the good times, the bad times, and the worst times. He always has my back, and is always looking out for me. He's my ultimate big brother and loves me unconditionally! All of this, as well as much more, applies to every single one of you as well. And I know that if you let him in, he will watch over you.  He loves you!

This Easter was spent in fabulous New Orleans! I'm visiting my sister an her family, haven't seen them  since August! It's been a long awaited reunion! I love my family more than anything! It's amazing how much my sister means to me! I saw her and literally stated bawling! It's hard not seeing her everyday, or even being able to just go over to her house whenever I want. But the best part is that nothing's changed. We're still as close, if not closer than ever! I love that woman!

Since my last post, I have decided where I will be attending college {yes, I'm that old} in the fall. I will be a freshman at souther Utah university in cedar city, Utah. Honestly the weirdest thing to know where I'm going and see how much my life will be changing! I can't be more excited to get on to the rest of my life, but am terrified as well! I can't wait to see what He has in store for me.

No pictures for now, but I'll try to post all about my trip when I get back. Goodnight lovelies

xoxo, britt

the golden rule.

Treat others as you would like to be treated. Talk to others. Get out of your comfort zone and say hi to someone you wouldn't normally talk to. Sometimes that's all that person needs. Lately I have been a lot more conscious of people around me. I've tried to be kinder, talk to more people, and get to know others. And let me just tell you, it had been awesome. You're never truly alone in this world, no matter how much you feel like that. I am so grateful for my best friend and for the example she sets for me. I strive to be like her a little more each and everyday. You know who you are. Thanks for being you and being they example you are to me! I've definitely gained more friends and a better understanding of people because of it. A couple final words I have for you tonight:: smile. It's contagious.

xoxo, britt

jumbled thoughts.

time has flown by. so much has happened. but rather than writing a 20 page essay of what happened while i was gone, i'm writing my feelings as of late. not for anyone to be read, not to be judged, but solely for the fact that writing truly is therapuetic.

brother left on his mission. he's gone. long gone. in portugal long gone. he loves it there, and i can tell how truly happy he is. his strength and love for the gospel amazes me. his letters are by far the highlight of my week. it's hard to think that three years will pass without seeing eachother. yup. you know what that means, this girl is preparing to serve the Lord on a mission. im so excited for the chance i have to serve and the oppurtunities that are to come of spreading my love for this glorious gospel. if all goes as planned, since im a little youngin', i will be leaving may 2014, just a little over a year. crazy that what once was three and a half years away, is just around the corner. one of my very best friends already has his papers in. he should be getting his call this coming week. where did time go? we aren't even graduated yet. we're still babies. and yet, graduation is less than four months away. by the end of the month i'll know where im going to school, maybe even know where i'm living. how did this happen? how did i grow up so fast? my parents wonder the same thing. it was senior night for cheer last night. lets just say some tears were shed. my life for the past nine years is almost over. nine years of hard work. nine years of dedication. nine years of smiles. nine years of memories. i am so grateful for my coaches throughout the years and the girls on my squad, but especially for my parents. even though they're hard on me, they believed in me when no one else did. they knew what i was capable of and pushed me to achieve it. even though they weren't at every single game, i knew they cared.

none of this makes sense. its so out of order and non comprehendable. but thats okay. sometimes thats all you need. im off to do some long procrastinated homework. night loves.

xoxo, brittany