Wednesday, October 3, 2012

Blessed...


Hey everyone! Well I haven't blogged in forever and I thought I should update everyone on my life. A lot has happened since I last blogged in the beginning of last July and so much has changed and to be honest, I think I have grown a lot. So... Here is my update...

End of July:
Bronson came home! For those of you who don't know he's my little brother, he's about 18 months younger than me and has been serving an LDS mission in New Zealand for 2 years. Its been nice having him home. He has been playing football at BYU and is seeing some playing time here and there. He's doing really well for only being home 2 months. Its been so nice having him home, but we still really miss Corbin (He's in Seoul serving an LDS mission).
Elder Kaufusi is home!

Missing Corbin...

Reunited after 2 years!

Meet Blanca. She isn't mine but still so cute!
August:
I got a new job! I've been working at Vivint since August and I am really enjoying my time there. Its a fun atmosphere and there's fun people to work with so its been nice. I also enjoy getting a little extra money on the side. I started my last semester at BYU. I won't lie its been hard to find the motivation to go to school and really focus on my one class but I have buckled down and am doing better. During the month of August my cousin Hillary had triplets! So happy that all 3 baby boys are now home and healthy. We really are a blessed family. I ended up actually have an appointment up at Huntsman during the month of August. I totally spaced out blogging about it because we didn't find anything really new. Theres some active spots but they are still small so nothing to be super concerned. The way I see it until I have bulges of cancer popping out of my neck again, then I'm just going to keep living life and not slowing down at all. Did I mention Daryl blew her knee out? Shes just following in my foot steps and thought she would tear her ACL, MCL, and meniscus. Poor kid. She's doing good now though and is walking and on the mend. Gotta get her back on the soccer field because lets be honest, shes an amazing keeper and needs to be out there saving goals left and right.
Daryl post Knee surgery
Creighton, Paxton, and Weston
PET scan. My best friend every 3 months

Baby Shower for the triplets. Pax and Wes. Creighton was still in the hospital.

His first Sack

BYU Football's biggest fans
September:
Oh September... it was such a fun month. I actually turned 23 during this month and I dont know why but it was so weird! I feel so much older and to be honest I dreaded the day more than anything. Its weird now since cancer came along milestones like birthdays aren't nearly as fun as they used to be. But since I have the greatest family and friends it ended up being a really fun weekend after all. Went to class and work like any typical Friday. Then went out to dinner with my family at El Azteca. Michelle's good friend and our family friend Carlos Rubio owns El Azteca and man do we love that restaurant. If you want some good chicken tacos and a plum mojito, go visit Carlos and tell him the Kaufusi's sent you. I then went and saw the move the House at the End of the Street with Tina. Such a good movie! I do love scary movies so it was a perfect end to a birthday. Saturday the birthday festivities continued. I was able to go up to Salt Lake with some friends. We went to dinner and just had a fun night. It was a great night! I dont know why but now that I'm 23 I actually feel old. I know 23 isn't old by any means, but I feel older for the first time in my life!!
Birthday dinner with Carlos

El Azteca... Taco Tuesday = HEAVEN

Me and my Cheesecakes, the big 23

October:
Well its only the 3rd day of October but man oh man its been a fun 3 days. Celebrated the twins 16 birthday! Too bad they didn't get heir licenses but it was a fun night. Thats basically the extent of October haha.

Well everyone thats kind of been my life. I don't know what it is but all the sudden I have this sense of urgency to live and grow up. Who would have though me grow up right? I've realized so much about life and the decisions that I want to make and the person who I actually want to be. Change in inevitable and whether we like it or not all we can really do is go with the flow and try to make the best of any situation. I've felt that with the few trials I have been faced with I have been so blessed with the strength to get through them and I now know I can get through anything. But at the same time I cant help but be excited for the next trial in my life. I have realized though just how blessed I am to have such an amazing supporting cast. I have always known my friends and family were great but they truly are the reason I have been able to overcome my challenges big and small. I also have come to notice that time is short... so... bucket list time! I have a bucket list going but I thought I would share somethings with you guys just so you can see what I want to get done within my time here on earth...
  1. cage diving with sharks!
  2. skydiving 
  3. learn how to surf
  4. shoot a PK on Hope Solo
  5. go to the San Diego zoo
  6. go scuba diving 
  7. meet Kobe Bryant
  8. drive across the country... (I did it once but I was like, 3 so it doesn't count)
  9. swim in every ocean
  10. go to every continent... 2 down 5 to go! 
  11. ride a bull
  12. learn how to snowboard
  13. go deep sea fishing in Alaska
  14. go to Tonga
  15. go to Scotland  
Well there's 15 of the like, 50 that I have. Anyways hope everyone is enjoying this fall season! I am thoroughly enjoying the beanie, hoodie, flannel season of it all. My next appointment is coming up actually sooner than I though it was. Hopefully those little active cancer spots are staying small so the fun can continue. Love you all. Thanks again for everything you are all amazing!

Love,
First BYU football game

Babysitting my God Son Colt. He's a greyhound

my Ellie girl

Oh I went back Brown

BYU vs Utah Football Game

Brons and the Triplets

Family divided

The notes Gypsy lady leaves me

My Pup


Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Decision Made...

Well... Hello everyone! I'm sure a lot of you heard the news, and if you haven't then hear it goes! I was released from the BYU Women's Basketball team. This happened about two and a half weeks ago and was quite a surprise. Lots of mixed feelings but I am now at a happy place and have found peace with my Coach's decision. I'm very sad I won't be able to play my final year at BYU after everything I did to get to this point but, everything happens for a reason and new doors have opened! When this initially happened a lot of different scenarios went through my mind. Would I be able to keep my scholarship to finish my degree at BYU (I have one class left, maybe two)? Do I try to play basketball somewhere else? Do I get a job to pay for school if I can't keep my scholarship? Would I lose my friendships I've built with my teammates? Just a million different thoughts and emotions of sadness, anger, and confusion. It didn't take long for me to feel emotions of relief, comfort, and peace. Don't get me wrong, I am sad to not be a part of the team. My best friends are on the team. I've spent 4 years on the team. And I have worked so hard against all odds to get to this point where I am. But, I am happy at the same time. I have been given an opportunity to go play somewhere else for a coach who wants me and who wants to give me an opportunity to prove myself. So now I have met with all the right people. I at first decided that I need to play. I am FINALLY back to 100% energy, strength, speed, and endurance. So naturally after all my hard work the past two years I am going to play. Next decision, where? Due to the timing of the release I can only go D2 or lower, which is fine. I have no problem I just want to play. I wanted to stay instate so my options were Dixie State or Westminster. It helped that the Dixie State coach and I are good friends so it was easy to contact her. I made good friends with the Westminster coach and already knew her assistant coach Elaine Elliot. Coach Elliot is one of my favorite coaches of all time so the idea of playing for her would be amazing since I passed up the opportunity 4 years ago when she was coaching at Utah. Anyways, so which school? After meeting with compliance and asking all the questions and rules situated my options were:
1. Go to BYU this fall, graduate, then play at Dixie State next year for the 2013-2014 season.
or
2. Go to Westminster this fall, play, then come back to BYU and finish up my degree and graduate next Spring semester of 2013.

After lots of decision making and weighing out all the pros and cons, Steve and Michelle and I made what we felt was the best decision for me and that is... I will be attending BYU this fall semester then going down to Dixie State College to play next season. I am very excited!! I've known Coach Angie Kristensen for a few years now and feel very comfortable with her and the program she's running down at Dixie. I'm very excited for the opportunity though that I have to prove myself and remind everyone I'm still the athlete I was before I got sick. The best part is I will still receive my Bachelors degree from BYU that I have been working at. In the end, its a great ending to my college career. I get to end with my degree and get to have a fun year of basketball playing for a great program and a great coach who is equally excited about me going there. Most importantly though I want to thank all of you. I can't begin to thank you for the support you have shown me and my family once again. The influx of text messages and phone calls and visits that all of you did to make sure I was okay. Don't you worry, I'm great and couldn't be more happy with how things have turned out. Its amazing how such good things come out of bad situations. I'm going to miss these moments... Thanks for the memories girls!
Fun trips...
So there you have it! In the mean time I got a new trainer, a nutritionist, two jobs, and am working hard to get my body in tip top shape! Not to mention save some money to maybe buy a new car to get me back and forth between Provo and St. George haha. My sweet little ghetto BMW just isn't going to be able to make that trip. I am so excited and so happy about what my life the next 2 years. Great things are going to happen. I am going to miss my BYU teammates though. They have been my sisters the past 4 years and I will miss spending from September to March with them, but they are going to have a great season! I am excited to follow them this year. So if any of you teammates are reading this just know I love you all and you guys better not be strangers!
1lb Burgers with Steph


Jon Jon, Ray, Me, and Junior
 Today being July 17, that means that Bronson comes home July 24! So, exactly one week! I can't believe he's actually coming home finally. We are all so used to life without him but I'm excited for him to come home and get my baby boy back. I'm also happy that I will get to spend the next year with him before I move down to St. George. My best friend is finally coming home! While my other best friend is on his way to Korea within the next month. It happens. I'm just thankful Bronson has been safe while in New Zealand and he gets to come home! For those of you who would like know, his homecoming talk will be July 29 at 1:00. You can text me or facebook me for directions. Lets see what else...
Coming Home July 24!!!
August 7. Big day! As you remember last time I went to the Huntsman Cancer Institute things didn't quite go as planned. There were some definite signs of cancer coming back, BUT thats ok! Because I feel great and I honestly think the flare up was just because of the shingles incident that happened a few days later. But we will see. I know for a fact its nothing serious and worst case scenario, I need to get surgery and remove some cancer filled things, but in the end I'll be fine. My energy is great. My strength is back. I can run and not get tired now. And I finally feel myself again. Its nice to finally be normal. Getting Bronson home will just add to these positive feelings I've been feeling lately. I hope you are all enjoying your summer! I know I am. My favorite Canadian comes home today, Steph. I need some Steph in my life thats for sure. JC and Megan come home from Las Vegas today as well! My solid friends are coming back which will be so nice. And in one week, Bronson comes home.
Me, JC, and Meg... and Corbin holding Meg's hand

My Tephy

My life is normal and I couldn't be happier! Everyone have a fun safe summer. I'll let you all know how my big appointment goes on August 7.

Love,
Alexis

My life as of late...
Rock Band has my heart... So does Duck Dynasty and Gene Simmons
My Teph and Trav's marriage
BANFF

My Triplets are coming!
Jeep cruising Top Down
Sonic Runs... Powerade with Peach
My Canadian Girls! Love you guys!
Baby boy Jacob
Best Pup Sister EVER
Getting my Tan on :)
My Ella girl
Me and Aunt Cathers
Naps with Porsche, highlight of my day
Happy moments with my Gypsy

Friday, May 25, 2012

Me and my Myriad of health problems...


Hello everyone! So, as a lot of you know I had my big check up this past week. It was a lovely two days up at the Huntsman Cancer Institute. Made for some early mornings (4:30 am mornings) followed by a 5 hour energy to keep me going throughout the day's normal activities.  Well after many tests that consisted of the drawing of lots of blood, some IV work, laying in a tube, and lots of poking and prodding its been determined that... there's some new cancer activity. Now don't be alarmed! There's a lot of good things about this 1. We caught it so so early! The activity is only about the size your thumb nail 2. Its only in a few (few as in 3) places and 3. It isn't super serious by any means! So now what? We wait. We have decided to wait until August 7 to perform another PET scan. This scan will determine whether we do surgery or not. At the end of the day though its nothing to really be concerned about. Its a minor flare up that may result in some really cool scars. And who doesn't enjoy cool scars honestly? I know I do. So until then we be patient, we ignore it, and we have fun! Least that's what I plan on doing :) Don't stop reading now... the plot thickens.

So back in the day of Timpview Basketball there was an article done on me and they referred to me as having "a myriad of health problems." I had to google the word myriad and it can be defined as countless or endless. Little did I know my "myriad of health problems" would continue. At the time my countless injuries consisted of a shattered ankle, some concussions, and a blown out knee. Now the endless part of the definition kicks in. I not only have some cancer issues but just found out I have shingles! Its a never ending continuation of health problems for me and my damaged immune system. On Monday I discovered a weird rash. Its gotten worse since Monday as in like, twice as worse. And little open sores have formed. So I thought I should go to the dermatologist (I am a freak about my skin) and he told me I have shingles. Here's a little brief on shingles...

  • Shingles is a painful skin rash. It is caused by the varicella zoster virus. Shingles usually appears in a band, a strip, or a small area on one side of the face or body. You can't catch shingles from someone else who has shingles. But there is a small chance that a person with a shingles rash can spread the virus to another person who hasn't had chickenpox and who hasn't gotten the chickenpox vaccine.

Well I definitely have a strip of rash across my back and chest that's for sure. Anyways this should clear up eventually. Gotta monitor it very closely for now though. Some meds and IV will help this process move along faster though.


So... Besides the little shingles incident not a whole lot as happened. Corbin has left to serve his LDS Mission in Seoul Korea. Man I miss that kid. The house is so quiet and I find myself bored and confused as to what to do with my time. I have no one to entertain me, to run around in a speedo, to dance impulsively when I least expect it, to cause trouble with me, to make Michelle angry, and no one to go on 1 am In-N-Out runs or 4 am Betos runs. Really miss that kid but he's doing whats right and I can't wait for him to come home in 721 days :) He's doing great in the MTC though. He can now write in Korean as well as pray and say simple phrases. Its amazing how just 1 week has gone by and he can already do so much! I received a letter from him the other day where half of it was written in Korean. He's so funny. I love his letters and emails! I really miss him though. On the bright side, Bronson comes home in 60 days!!! Its crazy to me to think he will be home after being gone for so long. Send one best friend off and get another one back. I made a list of everything I have to take him to do and shared it with him. His response was, "Lex, I wanna be a missionary forever!" Yup, he's definitely been gone for way too long!!

Well besides cancer, shingles, and being without my 2 boys Brons and Corb, I'm so excited for this summer. Some of my summer events include...
  • Lots of Basketball!!
  • Lots of Basketball camps
  • Returning to the Motherland of Steph aka CANADA
Stephy and Trav
  • Steph and Kim's weddings... Yes my amigos are getting married!
  • Lake Powell with my Ashy (hopefully)
  • Maybe even some camping (debatable)
  • Babysitting my cousin Hillary's little girls while she's in the hospital with my soon to be triplet baby boy cousins :) 
My girls Makaela, Thea, and Ella
  • Swimming at Aunt Lisa's
  • Hogle Zoo
  • The Aquarium
  • Vegas with Ashy and Boo Boo Bear
  • Learning to ride a motor cycle
  • Bronson Comes home :)
Elder Kaufusi... Comes home July 24

So that is that. Not a lot has happened lately just been busy with school, basketball, and work. I've loved my life the past few months! Its been so much fun. Can't wait for summer to be in full swing. Anyways, I love you all! I'll keep you updated on my health as always.

Love,
Alexis & of course, Porsche

Heres some pictures from the farewell and just other fun summer doings... As well as Bronson and Corbin's videos they've sent to one another...

Even though they're out, Love my Kobe Bryant and my Lakers :)

Ready to go serve Jesus and the Koreans
Corb's last trip to Costco for 2 years
Softball games with Brooke
Corb and I and our new toys

Corby and Gypsy and Steve-O at the MTC
Nap Time with Porsche
Before Corb's Farwell
Some of our Kaufusi Family
Corby and his friends
The Maxwell Family
Mitch
My Mother and her Beautiful Sisters
Fat Man
Me and Mei Mei
The Crew
Corb and our cousin Isaiah, Jackson, and Micah Kaufusi
Teaching Daryl how to drive
State Cup for Daryl
Hanging with Tina
Lastly... My baby brothers showing off... Typical Boys