Category Archives: Kaycie

She Did It

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When she said she was going to do it, I’ll admit—I was nervous. I mean, I know she’s 25 and married and a big girl. But she’s still my baby sister. And the thought of her running in the middle of the night, by herself, through the mountains of Utah, had me a little nervous. All I had were visions of mountain lions and/or scary men hiding in bushes.

So when her Ragnar relay team said they needed someone to drive the vehicle support van, I didn’t think twice. I jumped.

Not that there was anything I could do to keep a mountain lion from attacking, of course. But it was the best available option for this over-protective big sister. At least I could be there at her relay exchange points to cheer her on and make sure she arrived when and where she was supposed to.

Little did I know how I could somehow grow to love her even more as I watched her run up and down mountains.

As she began each of her three legs, I wished her luck and tried to remind her that she could do it. And then I prayed every minute she was gone (literally) that she would have the strength, mentally and physically to finish.

When she started her last leg–a seven mile stretch over steep hills and knee jarring declines–I could see she was spent. She had already run 13 miles over the course of twenty hours with little to no sleep, and there was no vehicle support allowed on the route to make sure she had enough water, stayed cool, or kept going. I had the hardest time driving away. I waved out the window until she was no longer a spec in my rear-view mirror.

Once out of sight, I drove quickly to her finish line and waited. But when it seemed like it was taking her longer than it should, I got a little worried. Was she alright? Was she injured? Had she given up?

But there was nothing I could do. So I just stood. Facing the mountain. My eyes fixed on the bend in the trail where she should eventually appear.

People milled around me. Her team mates tried to find shade and rested in the van. But I stayed, feet planted as the sun burned hot, praying to the God of the mountain in front of me that she would make it.

When she turned the corner and into my view, I breathed for the first time in an hour. Then I straightway went to the finish line and began to scream. She needed to hear me yelling. I needed her to hear me yelling. Yelling her name. Telling her she could do it. That she could finish.

I will never forget her face as she crossed the finish line. And I will never forget the weight of her limp, victorious body in my arms as I held her and told her again and again how amazing she was and how proud I was of her.

My baby sister? She is a champion.

We Like to Draw Out Our Celebrating As Long As Possible

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I think I’ve said this before, but I’ve always been a birthweek celebrator. I mean–if a birthDAY is fun and awesome (and it IS!), then how much better would a birthWEEK be? And to be totally honest, the older I’ve gotten, the more I’ve actually become a sort of birthMONTH celebrator. (A whole 30 days to celebrate ME?! Yes please!)

So when Kaycie & Alex’s wedding began to turn into a whole weekend affair, I was on board. We Maurer’s are celebrators–the more party the better. And I mean logistically speaking, it’s a bit tricky to do it all in one day anyhow. The closest LDS temple is in Columbia–a whole three hours away. How is it even possible to drive there, do the whole sealing ceremony thing, and drive back PLUS set up and attend a reception in one day? It’s just not.

Plus we are the only Mormons in our family, meaning no one but the immediate six of us could attend the actual wedding (you have to be a member of the Church to enter the temple). So in lieu, Kayc & Alex opted to have a ring ceremony in addition to their sealing ceremony where family and friends not of our faith could still attend a wedding-like event.

So, on the day after they were officially married, and right before the reception, everyone walked down the aisle, our dad officiated, mom sang, and Kayc and Alex exchanged vows and rings, all against the backdrop of the Carolina marshes. Gor-GEOUS.

After the ring ceremony everyone gathered inside for a southern buffet of pulled pork sandwiches, homemade macaroni & cheese, green beans, cornbread, and peach cobbler and dancing. Lotsa dancing. Awwww yeeaah.

At the end of the night, we sent the two of them off on their honeymoon with bubbles and cheers.

Celebrate indeed.

Where the Promises of Eternity Rest

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It was a small gathering, in a quiet room, where the only sounds were the occasional happy whispers of dearest friends. The chandelier above, with its thousands of glass prisms, glittered from the ceiling and the mirrors on opposite walls bounced reflections into eternity.

The alter stood in the middle of the room, a cathedral unto itself, and I couldn’t help but think about all the forevers that have been promised across its sacred, holy plain.

They knelt, holding hands, unable to take their eyes off of each other. And all I could see was her, my baby sister, dressed in white, with tears brimming at her lashes, vowing to be his wife, to love him and be with him always, and in turn opening herself not only to his vow to do the same in return, but to the blessings of God upon their lives both now and throughout eternity.

I, believe in marriage. I believe in the family. And I believe in the joy that comes from the relationships of husband and wife, parent and child.

The world around us would tell us otherwise–that marriage isn’t important, that infidelity is no big deal, that a full bank account is better than a full dinner table. But I do not, nor will I ever, buy that.

Marriages are worth fighting for. They’re worth fighting to keep. And they’re worth fighting to have. Children are worth loving and raising. Families are worth creating.

It is within the nucleus of a family that the promises of eternity rest.

And that is what I know.

—

Kaycie & Alex were, what we Mormons call, “sealed” in the Columbia, South Carolina Latter-day Saint temple at 5:30 p.m., Friday, August 12. It was a happy day for our family and I feel blessed to now have two incredible brothers-in-law. More pictures on Facebook.

Hilton Head Beach Bridals, Groomals, & First Look

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Gracious, there is much to say. And much to share. But let me begin by first saying that she, he, the wedding–all of it–was beautiful. So very beautiful.

I love my sisters so much and am so grateful that we share our lives the way we do. Helping my baby sister plan and create her special day is now noted as one of the great blessings of my life. All I’ve ever wanted was for her to have everything she’s ever wanted. And now she does. And that, my friends, is bliss.

We began Thursday morning with bridals and groomals on the beach at sunrise. It was also the first time they were to see each other, he in his suit and she, in her gown. When he turned to look at her, he was enamored, to say the least. And she, couldn’t stop smiling. Nor could I. Watching people in love is my soul food.

The sunrise was gorgeous and playing with the light and sunflair in such an open and exposed setting was a new experience for me as a photographer, but I’m over the moon for the pictures we got. I think they’re so dreamy. And the two of them … well they’re just pretty people. And so in love. Taking their pictures is easy.

Tomorrow, He and She Become “They”

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The sun was still sleeping under the watery covers of an Atlantic horizon, but the sky was pink–that timid pink, you only get at first light.

He stood, stoic and handsome in his gray pinstriped suit, watching the waves. Waiting for her.

She walked down the boardwalk, her gown gathered in hand, hair and veil blowing in the wind. Her smile was as big as the ocean.

He turned. And didn’t say a word. He couldn’t. All he could do was wrap her up in his arms and hold her.

Which is what he plans to do for forever.

—

They’re getting married tomorrow. Those two. And this morning I photographed their “first look” on the beach at sunrise.

Kaycie’s Wedding Week, or in other words–Total Insanity at our house

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And I do mean Total Insanity. With a capital T. Capital I.

Right now–the lawn men are out front planting flowers, trimming trees, and cleaning the yard.

Right now–my mom is at the Home Depot picking up more shrubs for said lawn men. Oh and don’t forget the light switch plates. Gotta have new light switch plates for wedding week.

Right now–the grout is drying on the tile I laid this weekend in the kitchen.

(Do not ask me why we’re doing home improvements the same week as the wedding.)

Right now–Kaycie (a.k.a. the baby sister, a.k.a. the bride) is on the phone giving assignments & recipes to the ladies from Church who signed up to help with food for the reception.

Right now–I am realizing just how much food we too will need to make to supplement the food the ladies are making.

Right now–I’m looking at the list of everything else that still needs to be done: take bridals and groomals on the beach, make the wedding cake, make the bouquets/corsages/boutonnieres, order prints from the photo shop, figure out the chaffing dish situation, collect serving platters, buy the reception food, make the pulled pork/mac&cheese/southern beans/peach cobbler for 150 people, get manicures/pedicures for bridal party, go on sunset dinner cruise with the bride & groom families the night before the wedding, drive to Columbia to attend the wedding, decorate for the reception the next day, and photograph all of it.

Right now–I’m pretty sure I’m going to elope when it’s my turn.

But gosh is it going to be fun. And so so beautiful.

I mean look at these two. How cute are they?

Spring Bridal Shower & a Really Sweet Video

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I had hoped for warm, sunny weather. But silly me to dream of a garden party with linens fluttering in the breeze. This is Utah after all, and we just had another snowstorm this past weekend, so, the bridal shower for the baby sister had to be held inside.

But no matter. We set to work turning my living room into a fanciful den of girlish whimsy.

Kaycie’s colors are marigold, green apple, and gray (LOVE!) so I began gathering different patterned paper from craft stores to create garlands and drapes for the windows and tables.

Then I strung lace doilies onto about 100 feet of twine for a ceiling garland and paired that with silver and yellow tissue poms.

On the gift table I layered yellow and white patterned vintage linens and then created mini displays with photos of Kayc and Alex, tulips (one of her flowers), paper flowers, and vases of greenery.

For the entryway I haphazardly strung more paper flowers with ribbons and garlands.

The menu included: bagels and cream cheese, yogurt/granola/mixed fruit parfaits, egg hash casserole, orange-cranberry scones, iced lemon bread, and blackberry cupcakes.

All of Kaycie’s friends were so kind and generous and each of them received a handmade crocheted lace bib necklace as a thank you for coming. Again, thank you for coming ladies!

But by far, my favorite part of the whole shower was the video I put together for Kayc. We watched it at the end of the brunch and I dare say, we were all in tears. Kaycie’s Alex just so sweet. And funny. And head over heels in love with my sis. Or “Whooped,” as my dad called it.

Kaycie & Alex: Their Love Story from Krista Maurer on Vimeo.

Congratulations babe! We love you and are so happy for you and “Lexie.” He’s a gem and I feel blessed to get another awesome brother-in-law. xo

She Grew Up [Maurer Mania: Part 1a]

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I recently found this letter folded up amongst my papers and files from childhood. I wrote it in 1987. I was in second grade. She was only months old.

Needless to say, she didn’t listen to me.

Last week was what we dubbed “Maurer Mania.” To be honest, any family gathering these days is called such as they always resemble a jam-pack whirlwind of insanity, festivities, milestones, and celebration. I guess that’s what you get when you live so far away from one another–when you do finally end up in the same town together you have to fill it with all the important “stuff.”

And this time, the “stuff,” was all about her, my baby sister Kaycie.

Our first morning together included a visit to the Mount Timpanogos LDS Temple, where she attended for the first time. In our faith, you generally go to the temple for the first time before you either enter into missionary service or marriage. (There are certainly other instances when it’s appropriate to begin attending the temple, but in general, that’s the case. And once you attend for the first time, you are encouraged to return often for worship and instruction.)

It was such a special day for all of us since Kaycie is the last of our immediate family to begin attending the temple. My parents went for the first time in 1980, a year after they had converted to Mormonism. I went in 2000 when I was preparing to serve a mission. My sister Karly then joined us in 2005 when she too went on a mission.

As we gathered together at the end of our session, I looked around at all of us (sans Karly’s husband since he was in the foyer taking care of their new baby)–Mom, dad, me, Kar, Kayc, Kaycie’s fiance Alex, Alex’s family, Kaycie’s friends–sharing the moment, supporting and loving our “baby” as she took that next step in her life’s path. It was a pinnacle moment.

When it was time to leave, I watched Kaycie as she hugged and thanked everyone for being there with her, and I couldn’t help but marvel at the woman she has become. Gosh dangit. She’s so grown up.

Still the baby.

Always the baby.

But so. grown. up.

paper & lace

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The baby sister graduates from college next week. But when I look at her, I think, impossible.

I suppose it’s the age gap between us that makes my memories of her more vivid, and because I have such concrete visions of her childhood, it’s confusing almost that somewhere in the last 20 years, she grew up.

She also gets married in four months. Four. Months. So. Next week has been dubbed “Maurer Mania.” And between a gazillion trips to the airport for pick ups and drop offs, college commencements and convocations, one mother’s birthday, one Easter Sunday, one family concert (email me if you’d like to come), ogling Laela, Kaycie’s first session at the temple, and wedding dress shopping, we also have a bridal shower scheduled.

Can anyone say “party planning”? Ooo! Pick me! Yes m’am. That’s right. I’m pre.tty excited.

To start? All you need is a little paper and a little lace and you’ve got yourself the beginnings of what some might call: a shindig.

(how to: 1. print invite info on cardstock of any color and trim, leaving about an inch on left side. 2. layer different sizes of coordinating/contrasting papers that match the wedding colors–align left. 3. cut a piece of lace 3-5 inches longer than the length of the invite and place at top. 4. sew down middle of lace with an elongated stitch, pushing the lace into the needle to create the lacy ruffle. 5. mail in a coordinating envelope.)

The Baby Sister

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She just left my house with her fella. Headed back to Provo. With a ring on her finger and a smile on her face.

They got engaged tonight. These two crazy kids I adore. And I love that they came by my house to tell me the news.

He loves my sister so much. And that makes me love him to the moon and back.

And her? Well I don’t possess words enough to explain how I feel about her.

Congratulations my dears. You make me happy.

xo,

Your big sister

I’ve Got Moves You’ve Never Seen (and never will, if you’re lucky)

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Once upon a time, I had a big fancy office with my name on the door. It was seriously humongous. I didn’t even have enough furniture to fill it. It was also during this time that I had interns (more than one) and an assistant working for me.

Well, the north wall of this big fancy office was made of windows–corner to corner, floor to ceiling. And this wall of windows looked out on South Temple Street in Salt Lake City. I had a view of the gardens on Temple Square and could see all the comings and goings of the LDS Church Administration Building. In fact, as a side note, my friend Jessica, who worked in the office next to me, and I played Apostle Bingo for months–we made game cards and everything–to see who could sight the most Apostles on Temple Square.

But anyway, like I said, I had a big, fancy office with a big, fancy wall of windows, and my name was on the door (once upon a time). You would think that some amount of decorum and dignity would come with such a work space. Let me assure you–it didn’t.

Case in point: Whenever something great happened, namely, placing a great story for one of my recording artists with the media, or creating a killer press kit wherein my writing skills wowed even me … we would dance. Nay. We would DANCE! I would crank the music on my speakers (this was a record label that I worked at after all), call the interns and Jessica (she was the booking agent) in, and we would celebrate with a good old-fashioned dance party.

In fact, one time we were dancing and a group of high school students on a field trip were walking on the sidewalk below. It was hilarious to see the ripple effect as one of them saw us, nudged his neighbor, and pointed up. Pretty soon the whole group was staring, which then gave way to cheering, and then … dancing with us. It was fantastic.

Well. It’s been a while since I had that big, fancy office (it was once upon a time, after all). Instead of business suits, I wear yoga pants. Oh alright! Most of the time I wear pajamas. Sheesh! It’s not that big’a deal. I don’t have a nice, shiny desk, but I do have a freakin’ cushy couch. I have no interns or assistants, it’s just me, myself, and I. (And the three of us have some pretty interesting conversations by the water cooler, if you must know. Oh alright. We don’t have a water cooler, but we DO have a fully stocked refrigerator.)

Anyhow my point is this (you were wondering when we’d get to that weren’t you?): While I’m not a great dancer (in my heart I am. In my heart I’m Debbie Allen. From Fame? Remember? Oh nevermind. Actually I always wanted to be CoCo or the girl who played the cello in the empty practice room. What was her name?). Wait. Where was I? Oh right. So even though I’m not a great dancer, and even though I’m by myself, I think it’s time to reinstate the practice of mid-day dance parties.

Why? Because I have a lot to celebrate. Even when I don’t think I do. And because I’m certain that if I have enough dance parties, I’ll eventually look like this:

Or this:

OK. Maybe not.

But at least I’m celebrating!

Maybe I’ll even open the blinds and if I’m lucky the neighbor kids will walk by and join in.

*In case you’re wondering, those are pictures I took of my baby sister Kaycie at her final hip hop showcase at BYU last week. She’s a rockstar. And she’s hot.

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