miss dawn.

Love drunk and hopeless.

2012-02-14T13:28:00.000-07:00

Valentine's Day. Love Day. Hopeless Romantic's Day of Affection and care. . . Yes, today is the day where couple all over the United States are being twitterpated, love drunk and passionate about caring for that one significant other that makes their heart pound like subs at a Awolnation concert.

I never really cared for it before now. . . and I am not one of those love-sick girls who has a boyfriend waiting on her hand and foot (even though that would be nice). I have just come to terms with how beautiful it is to love someone. Everyone.

I even went as far as to dress up in pink and red just to celebrate how much I am loving this love day.

No "Singles Awareness Day" for me. There are too many people who I love and share my life with to be considered alone. . .

I just want to jump on my bed and sing Disney Love songs. . . Oh, wait. I have already done that today!

Merry Valentine's Day!

Work hard, but love harder.

2012-02-06T21:47:00.000-07:00

I love having a plan and knowing exactly what I am going to be doing EVERY SECOND OF THE DAY.

Some days my planning is so compulsive that people could consider me as being OCD.

But I like it. I like having a schedule. . . most of the time-

Other times I rebel . . . like today.

I should be reading a lovely book called A Mathematician Reads the Newspaper

I could be getting ahead of my classes because this week is going to be wild to say the least.

However I find myself looking at pictures and contemplating BIG decisions.

In the back of my mind I am telling myself to be anxious and worried, but for some reason I am calmer

now than I have ever been in my entire life (not counting childhood) . . .

I don't have a plan.

And the plans I do have change constantly.

Yesterday during fast and testimony meeting my roommate bore her testimony and said,

"The only constant plan is the Plan of Salvation."

I like this eternal mentality.

Life is constantly changing and I can't predict one day from another, but I do know this.

The church is true.

Christ lives.

And Heavenly Father loves me more than I can even comprehend.

Indescribable, but so alive.

As for tonight. . .

I am on a Spiritual-high.

I want to crawl out my window, stand on the roof and sing songs of happiness.

I want to yell down to everyone who passes by and wish the a beautiful day.

I want to dance in a summer rain

And I want to climb a tree and sit there thinking about the world below.

Life is beautiful, marvelous and sweet.

I hope I never let a day go by without tasting all of its miraculous flavors.

Merry Monday to you all!

Work hard and love harder.

Thursday Tunes.

2012-02-02T17:34:00.001-07:00

I have been listening to lots of music lately, and I found this sweet tune.

please, listen and fall in love

Put it on the list.

2012-02-01T23:16:00.001-07:00

I have a bucket-list.
And every now-and-again I added new things to it. . .

#13

Climb a cliff side in the early morning

and then do YOGA as the Sunrises!

My bucket list is always in the works.

Sometimes I forget that I am young, and then I look at my feet and notice that I have holes in my socks. I don't know what it is, but seeing my toes poke out of my socks makes me feel like a kid again. And oddly enough, instead of throwing these holy socks away I put them in the wash just so I can wear them again. And I will be reminded that life is simple.

It is Wednesday, and usually Wednesdays are my favorite days, but today all I wanted to do after school was listen to music that I was obsessed with in high school and draw pictures of people. And so that is exactly what I did. I am not one to close myself off from civilization and hide in my room, but today I just wanted to get away and be by myself.

And now I am just thinking. . .
I like thinking. . .
It helps me organize and focus my ideas.
To be honest I could spend hours on end pondering- and after feeling quite accomplished.

I found this beauty of a song that I thoroughly enjoy. Please listen and love it like I do!

It is an indescribable kind of love.

2012-01-19T23:25:00.001-07:00

I think people are beautiful.
Uniquely beautiful.

Couches line the hall where I sat studying.
Hymns seep through the walls of different classrooms creating a sound of glorious chaos.
I plug my ears to concentrate on the text. Soon the music would end and a Spiritual silence would radiate inside me again.

I decided to study in the LDS Institute this afternoon because I wasn't ready to face the rain that hadn't stopped since early this morning. And to be honest I enjoy studying within the safe walls of this large building.

Being the prepared college student that I am, I planned ahead and packed a lunch this morning. When the hunger pains stung the hollow depths of my stomach I pulled out my ham and cheese sandwich, complete with mustard, red pepper and lettuce. Yes, I am a huge fan of this lunch.

I wrapped my left leg underneath me and sat ready to devour my hand-held deliciousness.

The first bite was splendid.

But as I chewed my mind wondered away from the flavors that were being absorb into my mouth and focused on the events going on around me.

Class had just gotten out.

Spirit enlightened students were filing out of classrooms.

So many students.

I couldn't help but watch them. All of them.

They are so different, but we are so much a like.

When I watch people I try predict their story. I make up stories of where they have been, where they are going. I think of them as if I know who they are and that we are life-long friends. . . and in my mind we are.

As fast as they came into my field of vision they were gone again.

These friends of mine, who in all reality I don't even know their names. . .but they are beautiful and I love them.

Have you ever felt such an indescribable love for someone that you don't even know?

I love these people.

I love them so much that I drew them.

I don't want to forget them. Ever.

People are beautiful.

These people.

Heavenly Father's people.

This is how my heart misses him.

2012-01-14T02:10:00.004-07:00

Sometimes I forget that this is MY blog and it is about MY thoughts

I find myself wanting to write things that people will enjoy

and maybe not the things that I hold near and dear to my heart.

Maybe I am scared of letting all my readers into my life. . .

But then again, I am a writer - this is what I do best

plus, I have nothing to hide.

It has been a long:

7,717,200 seconds.

119,520 minutes.

1992 hours.

83 days.

12 weeks (almost).

2 months and 22 days.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

I have never been one to proclaim my love for boy - that just isn't the way I roll. Yes, I write up glorious romantic stories that make hearts flutter and some of my stories might be sappy enough to read over and over again. But never do I just stand and shout, "I am in love!" . . . And why not?

Sometimes I joke around and claim to be a "commitment-phob" but ladies and gentlemen I am the farthest thing from that. I think instead, I commit so fast that it scares me to admit it. . . well, here I am admitting it to the cyber world.

However, I am scared of love. I am scared of making myself vulnerable to heart ache and pain. . . or at least I thought I was.

One summer night when I was eighteen my sister-in-law, Sandi, told me that you will just know when you are in love.

"What is that suppose to mean?"

I tried finding love. And my freshman year in college I was all but engaged. . . long story short: I wanted to find love, I wanted to find my Mr. Prince Charming and I was doing all I could to make it happen. But I couldn't do it. I couldn't love him.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Fast forward to this last summer.

On a boat in Lake Powell I sat next to Deven his hand held mine the way he always did. A blanket of stars covered the night sky. Usually Deven and I could talk for hours and never run out of things to say, but tonight we just sat there and admired the galaxies and worlds above us.

I heard him swallow.

"Kelsie, you are beautiful. Did you know that?"

"Thank you-"

"No, Kelsie do you understand that you are the most beautiful girl that I have ever met. But not only that, there is something about you that is just different - a good different."

I smile, he wasn't finished.

He tightened his hand around mine as he spoke.

"Kelsie, I love you."

I felt magic.

And for a moment I thought I understood the words that Sandi had said, "You will just know."

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Today I just want to hear his voice.

I want him to try warming my freezing hands in his.

I want to hear rocks being thrown at my window and find a Happy Wednesday note sitting on my night stand even though it is Friday.

. . . perhaps today I will get a letter from Mexico.

Locked in - a suffocating thought.

2012-01-13T17:54:00.002-07:00

It is one thing to be locked out, but to be locked in - now that is a suffocating thought.

The rush for lost time slapped me in the face with panic. I can't be late for class during the first week of school, besides that I live a ten-minute walk from campus and it is the middle of the day. There is no reason for me to be late. . .

I grabbed my backpack, checked the contents and hoped for the best. To be honest I had know clue what I needed for class.

The whole apartment shook as I ran down the stairs. . . I am not calling myself fat - I live in an old building, they shake and make funny noises when anyone moves - trust me.

I ripped my coat out of the closet, slipped my arms into their designated holes and proceeded to the door.

I grabbed the chilled doorknob, twisted it, and pulled it towards me - it didn't move.

"Why would someone deadbolt the door in the middle of the afternoon?"

I twisted the latch a few times, but it hadn't been locked.

Once again I grabbed the doorknob, twisted it, pulled it towards me and nothing.

Working at the Salina City Pool for the past few summers I have become a professional door-opener. I proceed to shake the doorknob in an attempt to wiggle the door free from the grasp of its frame. First I shook it softly, then a bit more rough until I found myself breaking out into a sweat and realizing that I wasn't shaking the knob, but more-or-less it was me moving back and forth. . . the door hadn't budged.

But still I wasn't worried. I was going to master this door. After-all it is a piece of aluminum and I am a living, breathing being who is currently on her way to school. SCHOOL. I needed to open this door and fast.

I decided to take a different approach. Pushing-up against the door, twisting the doorknob and then pulling it open. I can't explain why or how this works, but it does I have done it in the past. And so with all my strength I pushed up against the door until my shoulder was throbbing, twisted the knob which by the way had now become quite warm and the pulled as hard as I could towards me. Nothing.

"I can't get out," yes I yelled this in my apartment and no one responded, "Is anyone home? I need help I can't get out of our house - Hello?"

No response.

Panic.

I now know what it feels like to be claustrophobic.

I was suffocating in my own home.

"I can't get out! HELLO?"

The house creaked.

I had to get to class.

Back to the door.

I placed one foot on the wall, grabbed the hot, sweaty doorknob and pulled. I only attempted this one other time nervous of the outcome if I were to get the door open. . . an image of me falling to the ground as the door breaks free and hits me in the crouch wasn't worth going to class.

"What are you doing?" my roommate Ashly had been up stairs.

I wasn't alone!

I wasn't going to die alone!

Yes, the thought of never being able to open the door and dying in the old apartment of mine had crossed my mind.

"Ashly, I can't open the door. I have class. Help!"

She laughed at me.

"You can't open the door? Is it locked?" she laughed again.

These were both very logical questions to ask, but really - I can be kind of spacey sometimes, this is true - but of course I checked if it was locked.

"Help me," I was panicing.

Ashly grabbed the doorknob, twisted it and pulled, she pulled again and then again. Nothing. Ashly went through the whole process that I had previously gone over. The door didn't even budge.

Welp, I wasn't going to die alone, but we were both going to die. . . We were locked in.

I broke down and started whining.

"I have a cl-a-s-s, what am I going to do?" I will admit I was beginning to get hysterical.

We played with the idea of having someone come and push from the outside, we even attempted to called our neighbors, but none of them answered.

"The window," Ashly looked determined, "Grab me a knife and I will pop-out the screen."

I did as I was told. After-all Ashly was my only hope.

"It is kind of a long way down," said Ashly, "are you sure you want to do this?"

"I will be okay," I was being driven by my motivation to get to class.

"Kelsie, there are stairs under this window - where are you going to land?" but even though she was concerned she continued to pull the screen out of the window.

At that very moment a couple who live fairly close to our apartment was walking across the lawn.

"Hey! Up here!" waving my hands back and forth I yelled, "We are stuck inside our apartment. Will you help us? Can you see me?!"

For a moment the two on the ground scanned the building and then spotted us. They both seemed a bit confused, but proceed in our direction.

It didn't take long for them to come billowing into our living room.

The door was open.

I thanked them over and over. Praised Ashly and ran to class.

Happy Friday my dears.

Oh, and the reason the door wouldn't open was because of a dang Christmas light plug that got stuck in-between the frame and the door. . . That is a sign that it is time to take down the Christmas decorations.

Hello fellow morning people (and people who don't like mornings so much)

2012-01-13T10:08:00.000-07:00

I am a morning person.

maybe it is because I am scared of the dark. . .

or because the day is always mine to be made in the morning.

And for the sugar coating of today:

It is Friday the 13th.

Cherish it!

Now for some sound sweetness:

Oh the Library.

2012-01-13T00:25:00.002-07:00

Location: USU Library fourth floor

Date: Thursday 12, First week of Spring Semester 2012

Position: Against the wall, on the floor next to the heater. . . This is Logan my friends- it is a mild winter up here in the North, but it is still ridiculously frigid - I will do anything for some warmth.

Let me break this week down for you:

I have read over 300 pages in two days. Let me rephrase that, I have read 300 textbook pages in the past two days. I love reading, but textbooks about writing about math- not really on my list of books to read. I have however fallen in love with my book on religious studies.

Did you know that in Buddhism

emptiness is a good thing?

While reading this I realized that I was the only one around. . .

. . . in the library?

I guess emptiness can be a good thing.

"Well class here is your syllabus - please read it after class. We don't have time to waste, lets get started."

Whatever happened to easing into a class?

My name is Kelsie and I have once again joined the nerdy ranks of being a overly organized college student. In grade school I was known as the teacher's pet, high school I wasn't quite as bad. . . okay lets face it I worked hard to earn that title.

But when I walked through those college doors my freshman year the desire to be the best was set up on a shelf. Socializing, boys and staying up until 3:00 in the morning just because I could became my life. And it was fabulous. . .but it just isn't cutting it anymore.

I am a sophomore now. . . so much older and wiser - duh! and because I am so superior I have put my priorities in order. School. That is my major priority believe it or not. And I love it. There is such a relief in staying caught up in classes and besides that I feel smart again!

I could get used to this school thing for a while.

I have said it before, but there is just something magical about today, about this week, this month, this semester . . this year- great things are going to take place and I can just feel it. I can feel it flowing through me like blood in my veins.

Small announcement: I am submitting mission papers this June.

I have never felt better in my life.

2012 is Magic, that what it is.

My posts have not been up-to-snuff lately. I feel like I am lacking. . . And it isn't the lack of ideas or inspiration, but rather the lack of time or energy to put forth sharing the stories that are spinning circles inside my head. For myself and for anyone else who feels like my words have been somewhat dry I am sorry and I will try harder.

Thank you.

"My Little Love"

2012-01-05T02:49:00.000-07:00

His arms were wrapped tight around her waist, she was giggling.

I can imagine the sound of her laughter as she was tickled by his large leathered hands. Part of her knew that he was teasing but the other part knew he would never let go. He loved her - she knew it, she could feel it.

She grabbed his hands and for a moment he stopped. He looked down into her eyes and she returned the gaze. Everyone who witnessed them together could feel it - he loved her. He loved with everything he had.

This moment was captured inside a black and white photo during a time when women always wore dresses and vehicles were solid metal. This photo was taken when life was simple and the small town farmer was a rich man. A different time than now. But the love is still the same - strong, real and very much alive.

Scratched in blue ink on the bottom of the photo it reads, "My little love"

The words were too rough and to masculine to have been written by the hand of the woman in the photo. Instead it looked as if the pen could barely fit within the large hands of the master who held it. And even though it was written with such intensity, it looked sincere. He did loved her. He still loves her.

The photo is perfect.

Then she touched it and traced the picture with her aged hands. She couldn't see it anymore, macular had taken her vision. Looking in my direction she asked me what was in this picture. I described it to her and she relaxed into a sense of memory, she smiled and giggled just the way I imagined her doing in the image. I read her what was written. "That is what Fred called me," she said, "I was his little love," then she giggled again.

"I once wrote a story titled 'Fred and Little Red'. I don't know what I did with it and I wish I still had it. I was his 'Little Love' - his 'Little Red,'"she paused, "I miss him."

Grandma has always told me stories of Grandpa Fred. She has always told me about how much she loves him. She taught me everything about being a hopeless romantic. But never did I realize the love that Grandpa had for her.

He cherished her. With everything he loved her.

There were lots of pictures that we looked at last night, Grandma and I. And each them came with story. But my favorite pictures were the once with Grandma and Grandpa together because he always had her hand and he was always looking at her with eyes that sang in love.

I believe in true love. This true love.

Blogging about blogging.

2012-01-04T18:30:00.001-07:00

Well my dears it is up and running!

CapturingDAWNphotography's Blog is back in business

and I vow to keep it updated better

There are still flaws, and I am still finalizing investment details, but I am currently in love with it . . .

Oh, and if you haven't yet check out

CapturingDAWNphotography on facebook

new shots show up frequently there.

AND

because I have been web savvy this break

I have also made a CapturingDAWNphotography website

Enjoy!

Sometimes I paint the sky- and then I fly in it.

2012-01-03T00:16:00.000-07:00

Caution: photo's may not be the best quality due to the fact that they were taken with a cellular devise.

Every time I am home from school whether it is just a weekend stay or a three week break

I make a to-do list. Painting has been on that list for a good while now and I can finally mark it off.

Today we painted. We being Mom, Shay and I.

Below is the process of me being creative:

Okay so this top picture is not me being creative, it is just a blank canvas. . .

No creativity to it-

Drum roll please.

(Pause for emphasis)

Tada!

Okay, so out of all the above cellular pictures, this by far is the worst one.

Sorry.

But you get the point right?

I still can't get over the fact that it is the year 2012. My stomach drops some and I get butterflies when I think about the history that will be made during this magical year.

"I live a flowery life,"

Grandma RueLeen

Have I ever mentioned that my grandmother is amazing. We are having a sleepover tomorrow night! I am going to live a flowery life just like her.

Dear 2012 - I hope you are ready for me.

2012-01-02T00:07:00.002-07:00

Dearest 2012,

I have been thinking about you a lot lately and I have big plans for our time together.

There are years in an individual's life that standout and cannot be forgotten. Like the year I was born, the year I went to Brazil, the year I met my best friend, the year I graduated high school - but 2012, you are going to be different than these. You are going to be a year that changes the course of my life and defines my character in a way that I can not understand at this time.

I know that there are going to be days that I despise you and question your loyalty to me, but it is also said that those you love the most hurt you the most as well. . . I want to say that I am ready to withstand whatever you have to throw at me.

Big decisions will be made during our time together - mainly the decision of whether to go on a mission or to stay and continue on with my major. . . That being said I am anxious to get to know you better.

I am looking forward to our time together.

Sincerely yours,

Miss Dawn

P.S. I have goals for this year as well, and because I think listing goals is a good thing to do I will share them with you.

Read all the Standard Works before 2013
Read "Marvelous Work and Wonder", "Jesus the Christ", and "The Miracle of Forgiveness" before 2013
Learn a new language
Run another half-marathon
Write something interesting and important everyday

She loved him - and still loves him.

2011-12-31T02:08:00.001-07:00

Writers block.

Sort of.

There are stories I want to write and share with the world, but then again I don't. Some of my stories I want to keep as mine. Does this make me selfish if I am not willing to share?

I come from a family of story tellers, of people who love to talk and entertain, but yet are calm and listen. I want to uphold the family name.

Today I listened to my grandfather voice. His voice had been recorded many years ago when my mother was still in high school. But it was his voice. The voice of a man I never knew on this earth. The voice of a man who I have only seen in pictures, the voice of a man that I have tried to form in my mind as being real, but never quite comprehending his life.

Grandpa Fred died 25-years ago this coming January.

And for 25 years my grandma has lived alone. . . or so it would seem.

They are so much in love. (yes, I wrote that sentence in present tense on purpose)

Grandpa was a large man - tall and solid with a thick head of hair and large hands that were worn from hard work. Handsome.

He was my grandma's only true love and the way she speaks of him makes my heart burst with pride.

I started my grandma Rueleen's three part love story in the summer with the promise of finishing it. . . six months later I haven't made any progress, it is now in the making.

You see, the story isn't mine to tell, but her's - It is only my privilege to write it down so that others can feel the power of this love. And I will do it because I come from a line of story tellers and as a story teller I will share this story.

Happy New Year's Eve.

Drum roll please. . .

2011-12-30T01:00:00.001-07:00

Ladies and gentlemen the business is going even bigger . . . I have started a website!

Please come and check it out:

CLICK HERE

I hope everyone is having a marvelous holiday!

Christ and Castles.

2011-12-25T23:34:00.000-07:00

I have been having huge writers block.

I have started multiple posts about radiating happiness and love that I have felt this Christmas season, but none of them quite get it right.

How do I share what I feel without cutting my heart out of my chest and inserting it into yours . . . that may be a bit gory for a Christmas post, but that is the question I face.

I feel like I have been cheated. The season has ended too soon and I am not ready for it to already be over.

Everything about this season is magical. Everything.

And lets face it, who doesn't love magic?

I have been thinking about magic a lot recently. Not the magic that turns mice into horses and allows teapots to sing but the magic that is of Christ and it brightens every life it touches.

The perfect kind of magic.

I want it to last all year long.

. . . scratch that I want it to last for the rest of my life.

And in a way it can.

I want to deserve the magic.

Cinderella was patient, resilient, obedient and kind. Her happy ending came true.

So I will be Cinderella.

I will do all I can to have the magic of Christ in my life everyday.

It is the season of Chirst.

Merry Christmas.

Bummer.

2011-12-14T20:55:00.002-07:00

Note to self: be obedient in all things. . .

I did a photo shoot today of these lovely ladies:

And parked where I shouldn't have parked. . .

After paying $75 and meeting a nice gentleman named Rob

the Durango and I were once again free to go. . .

Lesson learned.

I can't be hugely mad at this- it was my own fault.

I knew very well that if I parked here that I could get caught.

It was my choice.

Dang it.

CAUTION: mistletoe

2011-12-14T10:04:00.001-07:00

Holly is hanging in the doorway, but pretend that it is mistletoe. . . I am a poor college student and this sparkly holly was only 94 cents at Walmart. Deal.

I bought it well knowing that it was going to be used, at least that was the plan. And according to some of the mistletoe legends the "mistletoe" is suppose to stay hung up until all the berries are gone - supposedly you are to remove a berry with every kiss that is shared underneath it.

The purchase was made for intentions of others to be kissed.

. . . . . . . and we will just end it at that.

The Hopeless Romantic is back - BEWARE:

2011-12-11T00:51:00.003-07:00

If you think that love is overrated then this post is not for you.

If you are one to hate wishful thinking then this post isn't for you either.

This post is sappy and hopelessly romantic in so many ways. . . It is also overly cheesy and I love it.

He asked me to dance. I said yes. He had a girlfriend, but not for very much longer.
Two years ago this next week was our first date. . . Dec. 14 - Oh how I miss him.

He lived 20 minutes away when I was driving. Mind you, I speed.
But I still got to see him almost every day.
We would meet in the middle. Our "middle" was about five minutes from my house and 15 from his.
Our meetings were never long- but they were always perfect.

Sometimes he would throw rocks at my window.
And he would bring me bouquets of flowers, freshly picked out of my neighbors' flower gardens.
He was smooth with the forehead kiss.
And always a gentleman.

My best friend. My anchor. My "Dream-boat".

"I'm in love, I'm in love and I don't care who knows it," Elf.

Sometimes I like to pretend that I am a strong person - I am really good at playing pretend. But today I don't want to be strong. I want to be held close and kissed on the forehead. I want to be lost in the forever-after of my fairy tale, and not stuck in the tower waiting for mister prince charming to return from his voyage.

I am always thinking about him.

His smell.
His walk.
His smirk of a smile.
The way he would wrap his arms around my waist and lift me off the ground when we would hug.
I think about going on drives and getting lost in conversation.
I long for the way my fingers would ache after holding his large hands for so long.
And the prayers that we shared were always so sincere and so spiritual.
He is wonderful. I think about that.

It hasn't always been "smooth sailing". . . fairy tales are hard to come by, and there would be no story if there was no opposition.

I have never been hurt more by a boy.
He has made me cry.
I have made him cry.
And I have tried to tell myself that the pain isn't worth it. . . But it is. It is.

I learned something last year that changed my life, and I don't think I have ever shared it with anyone. . .

I was living with my roommate Tami, who at the time was dating a boy named Jayson (they are now happily sealed and married for eternity).

Jayson lived many hours away - they had a long-distance relationship status. . .at night Tami and I would have pillow talk (pillow talk: the sharing of feelings between two female friends before falling asleep) and to cut to the chase she was love-sick and infatuated. I was happy for her.

One particular Sunday afternoon after church I got a text message from the Beloved Jayson saying something like this:

"I am in Logan and I want to surprise Tami,"

We set up a plan for Jayson to hide in our closet while Tami was upstairs and then when she opened the closet he would be there!

The plan was simple, but golden.

Moments later Jayson walked in and he was quickly stuffed into the closet.

I called Tami downstairs. I had her get something out of the closet (geez, this makes me sound bossy).

Jayson walked out.

Tami screamed.
. . . then she laughed. I also think she started crying or giggling. Next thing I knew she was glued to the kid. Their embrace was not going to be broken.

She loved him. He loved her. (Good thing too, because now they are married!)

But the thing that stuck out the most that Sunday afternoon was the way she reacted. When she saw the man she had chosen to love for the rest of her life come out of the closet - nothing else mattered but him. He was her everything.

Any righteous man or woman could live happily together.
They could grow to be very much in love and they could have a strong, good family.
But I want more.

I want to laugh.
I want to smile and sing.
I want to long for his touch when he isn't around.
I want him to occupy my every thought.
I want to be smitten.
I want him to love me just as much as I love him.

And one day I will have this . . . because to be honest I feel like I have had it before already.

un-labeled.

2011-12-10T11:27:00.001-07:00

Today I will study because it is the weekend before finals,

I am not ready - not even close actually.

But right now I will paint my nails while eating a banana . . . yes at the same time.

And then I will shower.

Glorious.

There is actually no reason for this post, but I am waiting for my nails to dry- I am sorry for getting you excited and wasting one minute of your life. But at the same time. . .not really I am glad you paid a visit to my blog. Oh, and just to build up for excitement. . .I will be post part two and three of Grandma's love story. I know it has been a long time, but I haven't forgotten and I think about it almost every time post.

It is all worth the "shot"

2011-12-06T22:57:00.000-07:00

I like to think that I am an artistic person.

My mom is very creative and artsy so I contribute it to her.

When I was young I would spend hours researching photographers. . . most of my peers would be MSN-ing it up while I on the other hand spent my time in front of the computer getting educated. . .

I have always loved photography, but a photographer told me once that there is no career - shot my dreams right down.

Then yearbook happened my senior year.

My friend Kaden purchased a camera.

And I fell in love.

I particularly like taking pictures of people.

Don't get me wrong a good landscapes are beautiful and good every now and again, but people are beautiful - everyone in their own way and I love it.

The night before each shoot is like waiting for Christmas to come. . . I get overly excited yet nervous on what the outcome might be.

See I have never taken a class, and I haven't had the time to research all my camera skills. . . And lets be honest if I had the time I still wouldn't figure it out - I just know what I want the outcome to be and I mess around until I get it.

My friend Demi is getting married the end of December. I took her engagements last week and I brought along my friend Mike from ENDLESSphotography. He took behind the scene pictures and was showing me some technical stuff- I was showing him my adventurous/ crazy side (hence me standing in the freezing water above). He took these pictures of me and I love them.

I want to do powerful things with my photography one day - I have big plans. But those plans are to be saved for later.

The outcome of the shoot.

Oh and yes, Capturing Dawn Photography is my company name. I have a blog that you can check out, but I post most of my pictures on my Facebook page. Feel free to "Like" or leave a comment. It is always fun to know what people think.

Freezing is an understatement.

2011-12-05T22:41:00.000-07:00

This is a new series of mine-

The weather is extremely cold when:

Breathing out side hurts.

Washing hands in the bathroom sink at the institute is a five-minute long process because the water was so warm.

Walking to class takes twice as long due to slick (sexy) boots and cautious foot placement.

The roommates and I gather around the space heater and the oven like a fireplace.

Turning the temperature up to 50 degrees was like living in a sauna.

The giraffes on my rice bag have began to wear off.

Going outside is not an option - not even for necessities of life (party supplies).

I just have to keep reminding myself that I chose this school. I don't like the cold.

My Storyteller.

2011-11-27T00:00:00.001-07:00

Grandma RueLeen is a storyteller.
The very best storyteller actually, and I am not just biase because I am her granddaughter, it is true.

My sister and I used to have sleep overs at Grandma's house all the time when we were young. I remember the three of us squishing into her double bed after saying our evening prayers. The smell of the bed sheets and the thin pillows that we triple-folded just so our heads could be raised from the mattress a few inches are still so real to me.
Grandma usually slept in middle with each hand filled with one of our own. She had promised to tell us the story of Little Black Sambo if we settled down and the enticement worked, as it always did.
Her eyes would be closed as she began the story in her calm, gentle tones. And my mind would begin to be filled with images of tigers chasing each other until they turn to butter and then eating piles and piles of pancakes. The story was always the same- flawless and perfect. But that is how Grandma's stories always are.

I was with my lovely Grandma all this weekend and I fished for stories every moment that I got. She is a storyteller. I want to tell flawless stories like her one day.

She is beautiful.

Thanksgiving.

2011-11-24T01:37:00.003-07:00

I am 20-years old.
Twenty.
Some times I forget and say I am eighteen. . . that is not a spelling error.
I don't feel that old- and technically it isn't old at all.

When I was eleven I would steal the razors that my brothers shaved their faces with to shave my legs. (I wasn't suppose to shave until I turned twelve.) I have my own razor now, but I still feel like that little girl.

My twenty years have life have been full though. Each day blessings rain down on me and I have so much to be thankful for. So for my twenty-years I am giving twenty thanks.

1. love

2. prayer

3. faith

4. gospel

5. family

6. testimony

7. opportunity

8. determination

9. optimism

10. work ethic

11. good health

12. writing

13. art

14. communications

15. charity

16. service

17. friendship

18. laughter

19. books

20. sincerity

inspiration for blog post found here

My Monday Morning.

2011-11-23T01:37:00.000-07:00

This story is so good it doesn't even need a picture.

The following is my Monday Morning Marvels- catchy isn't it? Well I hope you "marvel" at how cool I am after you read this lovely post of mine. It is great I promise.

(I will write it in chronological order just so you get a feel for my life on this most recent Monday morning)

5:52 a.m.

I finally got out of bed after snoozing my alarm once and taking what energy I had to get out of the warm covers that protect my body through the night.

6:03 a.m.

Exercise- it was an elliptical day.

7:07 a.m.

Return home. Shower- if I didn't shower now I was going to have to wait in line. Besides the earlier I shower the longer my hair gets to dry and the less time I have to spend blow drying it- BONUS.

7:34 a.m.

Homework.

9:00 a.m.

The process of getting cute began. My hair was curled, make-up done, and my outfit was complete with a scarf, skinny jeans and I wore my sexy-boots (mind you they don't have the best traction).

10:14 a.m.

I left my house.

An amazing morning, wouldn't you agree? well now my story begins:

As I walked down the stairs of my apartment I could hear the Aggie Shuttle Bus pull up to the bus stop. The air was brisk and the snow that was fluffy and fresh last night has turned slushy. Logan is cold in November. . .scratch that, Logan is cold all the time. And today was no exception.

The line at the bus stop was long like it is most Mondays at 10:15 a.m. When I saw this I slowed my pace down some. The road that the bus stop is on is up a small but steep hill from my apartment complex. It is one of those "landscape" hills that are put in for merely design purposes. I walk up this hill every morning when I catch the bus so I started my trek up the slope.

My first step was slippery, but I gracefully regained my balance.

I continued on. . .

Second step wasn't so smooth- The line feeding into the bus had about five people left. Slight panic set in.

Third step in my slick, sexy boots was fatal. (I maybe exaggerating with my word choice here because I didn't die, in fact I am still very much alive.) I went down on all fours, and I wasn't even half way up the hill yet.

Gaining traction I stood up but I didn't dare move fearful of returning to all fours. I scanned my surroundings. The line was now entirely on the bus, but not everyone was seated yet. I still had time.

I stepped to my side. Back to all fours- at that moment I became the master at the downward facing dog.

I couldn't stand up and progress up the hill. No matter what I did or how hard I tried I couldn't do it.

The bus driver was looking at me, and I could see a few passengers press their faces against the glass to see what the hold up was.

By this point all panic was gone and the only thing I cared about was dominating this hill. . . but yet I still hadn't made it half way.

I began "stink-buggin'" it. . . Yes, I stooped that low. I dug my fingers into the muddy ground that was beneath the slushy sheet of snow and did my best to shove the toe of my boots into the ground as well to keep me from sliding.

Almost to the top.

The ground was frozen here.

I started to slide.

The bus driver smiled, I couldn't help but laugh at my situation.

I slide farther backwards.

Determination masked by desperation took over. I stretched out for the bus stop sign in a last attempt to save myself. I knew that if I couldn't reach it I would slide back down the hill and I would be defeated. But it was my only hope.

I dove low for the sign's pole. My fingers slid against it's metal surface, but I latched on. By this point I laid flat on the ground. I could feel the slushy snow seeping through my clothing.

I stood.

"Glad you could make it," the bus driver said. He smiled.

I laughed and thanked him as I entered the doors of the bus.

Then there was an applause.

The passengers who had witnessed the show outside the bus windows were also praising me.

So, I bowed.

Marvelous morning, wouldn't you say?

A humble happiness

2011-11-16T12:53:00.000-07:00

I sat in the institute today between classes to work on an article for my news journalism class. A group of four special needs students came into the study. Three of them sat down and the fourth, a woman probably in her early forties, walked over to the piano that is open for students who want to play uplifting music for everyone in the study to enjoy. This lovely woman calmingly sat down at the bench and released the sheet music that was pressed up against her chest. She gently separated the two pieces of paper and placed them on the stand. For a moment the lady looked at her hands and then the keys, studying the ivories. Then she started to thump out the notes to simple hymns. It wasn’t smooth, but the sincerity that went into the music filled the room with a spirit of complete happiness, a humble happiness.

Have a Happy Wednesday.

Apples and Cowlicks

2011-11-11T15:17:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I eat apples and embrace the fact that I have a cowlick.

It is Friday and this is me trying to stay focused long enough to finish my homework before the game. . .

Emphasize TRYING

Exhaustion meet Dr. Pepper

2011-11-11T14:08:00.000-07:00

Terrible picture- I know, but all I had on me was my cellphone.

I have been sleeping in a tent for the past two nights- outside in Logan. The HYPR field at Utah State University has been over populated by tents. I was among them sleeping in one of those nylon beauties. If anyone isn't familiar with Logan weather in November then let me just say this, 5:30 a.m. I woke up and according to my phone it was 17 degrees Fahrenheit. In my book that is way too cold to be sleeping outside, and yet I did it two nights in a row. I froze my toes off and my "birthing" hips have suffered tremendous abuse from the unforgiving ground. . . I used to claim that I was a camper, being a country girl many assume that I must be some hardcore chick, but lets be honest I was not raised to be of the camper-kind. Especially in elements such as these.

I will justify my actions with this: Aggie basketball. Yes, the season of crazy Aggie-fans has arrived and for the last two nights I have stood my ground among them. Now students don't go to such extremes for every game, but this game is special. Tonight USU will play BYU. I have a confession. I am not one to stand in line to watch such a game, especially if it means freezing my digits off. . . Wednesday I had no intention of going to the game at all. I had planned on spending my Friday getting caught up on homework and just taking it easy- I am very selfish with my weekends. Then my friend Randi called and asked if I wanted to camp out with her and her roommates, I also got assigned a sports article for my news writing class next week. . . I put one and two together and well I am always up for some adventure. I told Randi yes before I had time to evaluate all the pros and cons.

I don't regret doing it. Actually, I had lots of fun. We made it a priority to get to bed in good time because most everyone in the tent had early classes. But exhaustion set in right after my 8:30 a.m. class. I didn't have time to crash so I turned to the doctors. . .I used substance. Diet Dr. Pepper. Go ahead, judge me, I took on the natural man and caved. It was so good.

10 weeks later. . .

2011-11-07T21:24:00.001-07:00

Moab Trail Half Marathon - CHECK!

For the past ten weeks Jordan and I have been training for this lovely half marathon and going into it I thought I was prepared. Little did I know what a trail marathon really meant. . .

Lets just say climbing, wading and scooting were all involved! Oh, and it rained most of the time.

I reached the highest point and my legs felt like I had been running for probably nine miles. I noticed that the guy next to me had a watched that clocked the miles so I turned to him and asked how far we had gone. He told me four miles. I felt my body get heavy and the only thing that kept me going was knowing that it was mostly down hill from this point. The guy proceed to ask me if this was my first trail run as we bounced along. I said yes, and added that this was my first half marathon all together. I noticed his eyes get wide and he was impressed that I would choose such a hard run as my first- but I just kept going. (I ended up coming in nearly a half hour before the guy- I was kind of excited!)

I feel accomplished and driven. I want to run another half and a marathon one day. I want to push my body to limits that I never thought were imaginable- after all I have been blessed with such an amazing gift, a body that is full functioning and capable of so much. I am so thankful.

I am also thankful for Jordan and her family. With out them I wouldn't have been in this marathon. They also were very hospitable during our trip to Moab. Thank you so much!

I also need to thank my dear friends Eric and Tyson who were kind enough to drive Jordan and I around. I think I slept more this weekend than I have since I moved to school in August. It was amazing.

The four of us (Eric, Tyson, Jordan and I) traveled all over Utah this weekend. We left Logan Friday afternoon, spent Saturday in Moab - where my power-steering went out. The original plan was to drive back to Logan Saturday night so that we could go to our singles ward, but do to the car troubles a detour took place. A three hour detour to my lovely home to swap out cars. It was quite lovely too- free food, hot tubbing and my home. What else could complete a weekend?

No. 2 - Thankful Days.

2011-11-02T21:17:00.000-06:00

Day 2: Friends to go running with. . . Running.

I have been training for a half marathon, it is Saturday. I am nervous. Jordan and I began training about ten weeks ago and it is crazy that it is finally here. I hated running growing up, but there is just something addicting about the feeling that comes when you have completed a 12 mile run.

I love the feeling I get when my mind has all power over my body- and as I push through the pain I realize how much strength this body of mine has- Amazing.

No. 1 - Thankful Days.

2011-11-01T20:52:00.000-06:00

Lots of people do 30 Days of Thanks during the month of November.

Does this show a lack of creativity?

Am I losing my blogger touch?

NO. . . at least that is what I am telling myself.

I am going to do a month of thanks- because, well, there is so much to be thankful for.

Day 1: Cute notes that make me smile.

This is precious to me. A beautiful work of art that was given as a gift- and it turned my entire day into a dream. I am in love with little notes, and one day I plan on leaving little notes of love all over my house for my husband and kids to find them throughout the day. Yep- it will be bliss!

Owls.

2011-10-27T14:04:00.001-06:00

I don't have very good history with birds.

They seem to poop on my head.

. . . or in my eye.

Yep, they don't like me.

But owls are an exception-

at least they are now.

intoxicated.

2011-10-26T02:08:00.000-06:00

Underage drinking keeps me up at night.
I am intoxicated with information.
I am writing a paper about underaged drinking- get your facts straight.
I want to understand. I want to know why.
I want to know what it is like to feel the pressure or release of alcohol-
Not enough to try it, but just the insiders perspective.

I am up late-
I am tired-
But I need to go full circle and cover ever side of the story.

Ladies and gentleman I am afraid to say that this is going to be my life: late nights writing papers.

After-all this is what I signed up for. Writing. Reporting. Discovering the world around me through each person that I meet. I love this. I love this. I love this.

. . . at least that is what I am going to be telling myself in four hours when I have to get out of bed.

home is good.

2011-10-24T18:50:00.000-06:00

home is happy.

home is lovely, marvelous and everything good.

I miss home.

This weekend was splendid.

Then end.

Fall Break (at least that is what I was told. . .)

2011-10-21T17:35:00.000-06:00

It is Friday.

Fall break actually. But it doesn't feel like it.

I have been working on homework all day long-

Halee came over, so I took a break. It was wonderful!

I love being home with my family, even if I do have to spend most of the day doing homework.

I am a sandal-activist.

2011-10-19T10:53:00.000-06:00

Happy Wednesday!

The season is changing rapidly, this lovely autumn months that I have been enjoying are slipping away like sand through dehydrated fingers. I am not ready for it to leave me. Pray for winter delay!

Yesterday I got all ready for school, checking the weather three times to make sure that it hadn't changed drastically within the minutes I was getting ready. One thing about living in Logan it has made me appreciate those lovely men and women who dedicate their lives to astrology. Where would I be without them. . .

According to weather.com the high yesterday was suppose to be mid-sixties, so I figured I could wear sandals- I am trying to get as much sandal wearing in before the snow comes. On my way out the door my roommate suggested I take a jacket because it was kind of chilly. Running slightly later than I had hoped, I grabbed a jacket and rushed out the door. I beat the bus to the bus stop, looked down at my toes and noticed they were bright red. My toes were frozen! I contemplated hurrying back to my apartment to change my shoes, but had no time. The bus had arrived.

I suffered frozen toes the entire day on campus- I started complaining to my neighbor and he laughed saying, "Well, it is October." He is right. The year is getting colder. . .

BUT

I am going boating today- yes, it is mid-October. Yes, it is going to be freezing.

Wish me luck!

PS- all my classes are cancelled for Thursday!

Can I get a woot woot?!

Some Spice for the Season.

2011-10-14T15:09:00.000-06:00

I made these pumpkin beauties today.

The pictures only give parcel credit to the wonder these babies do in your mouth.

I have kind of been on a pumpkin kick lately.

I have made pumpkin cookies twice and pumpkin brownies all in the last week. . .

Don't worry I share- one thing is for sure:

Home cooked food brings people together, bring on the baking!

The recipe is found here
I guest posted on a blog so check it out!

Monday Moments.

2011-10-11T14:10:00.001-06:00

This picture is just beautiful and I wanted to share it.

Monday morning: All regular classes were cancelled.

So, I went to Institute.

I decided to sit in on my friend Matt's class, that he only has good things to say about.

I had gotten to the institute early, so I picked up the Statesman, sat down on a couch in the study and began reading. The study was busy, as usual, and on the couch next to mine there was a boy studying a financial book and a few girls giggling about something one of them had said. I am always aware of the people around me, this isn't creepy.

I flipped through the Statesman and skimmed the pages, but didn't find anything too appealing, so I started reading the comics. The boy who was reading his book, looked up at me, smiled. I smiled back and went back to reading my paper. I looked up again, this time he said hello.

We started talking about the paper, then about school and majors.

Our conversation lasted for five minutes and then Matt came to meet me and take me to class. I told the boy on the couch that I needed to go, he asked for my number, so I gave it to him. Matt watched. The situation was splendidly awkward. And I have laughed about it ever since.

Saturdays and Zombies

2011-10-08T16:59:00.002-06:00

October in Logan is beautiful.
I am even enjoying the chilly weather. . .and I am summer-weather activist.

Jordan and I ran 11 miles today down the canyon. Logan canyon is vibrate and full of fragrance, so scenic, so beautiful. The harvest season is here and I love it.

My room is a mess. I have seven paris of shoes scattering the floor, my laundry hamper is erupting and piles of papers have pimpled my desk. I was going to dedicate my entire day on getting caught up, but instead I have been following zombies around campus.

That is not an error, I wrote zombies. I meant zombies. Utah State University is hosting the came Humans vs. Zombies and for my news journalism class I have been following the game all week. Last night I went to Zombie Prom and I have been reporting on the last battle all afternoon.

It is an intense game. I love how real the players make it seem.

Check out my classes blog on the Zombie filled week: Undeadline

Four-eyes vs. Intellectual personage?

2011-10-05T09:58:00.002-06:00

Today I will wear glasses and feel smart.

Educated college student, that is me.

I may or may not have changed my outfit seven times

just so that my clothes looked good with my glasses.

Tuesday.

2011-10-04T23:28:00.003-06:00

Today it rained. It was beautiful!

I may have creeped on a couple playing in the rain. . .

By the time I got my camera out to take their picture, they were done.

I told you I was a creeper.

And so I proceeded to go on a photo adventure.

Jordan came along.

It was wet, calming, and marvelous.

Logan is beginning to get cold.

I have bitter-sweet feelings about it.

However, I looked cute today.

I wore these gems.

Usually I don't just jot down the events of my day.

However, today I am making an exception.

I had two tests today- don't worry I studied and I feel pretty good!

Violin was cancelled, which was a blessing for this student who didn't practice all week!

Randi and I enjoyed Taco-Tuesdays

and caught up on our weekly dose of boy-news.

Institute Women's Association.

I will just say I want to serve a mission.

I will stop listing now.

But my day was wonderful!

Change is in the air and I am getting excited for the autumn months to begin. It is October, the month of pumpkins, spice, and warmth. Time for jackets and boots, but not quite miserable yet. Yep, I like the fall.

truth.

2011-09-29T18:48:00.001-06:00

It is Thursday.
I feel exhausted, and to be quite honest I don't have time to devote to this post, but I need to write this.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is true.

I feel His love for me everyday.
My life is blessed.

I call my mom between classes at least once, if not twice, a day. I tell her all the happenings in my life. But recently our conversations have change. My perspective has changed. Love is an amazing thing and I am experiencing it on a level that before wasn't imaginable. Now, I am not talking about the man of my dreams who has swept me off my feet. . . this is not a post about my hopeless-romantic-self. This is a post about the love I feel for my sisters and the Spirit that expounds that love and directs me in caring and service.

I beam the entire time I am on the phone with my mom as I try to explain to her how I feel. My heart burns and I get excited over just the thought of my Relief Society and IWA (Institute Women's Association) Sisters.

It hasn't been easy to get to this point though.

When I pray, I pray for the Sisters.
I pray for them by name.
I pray to understand their needs. I pray to love them. I pray to serve them. I pray to know them.
They are beautiful Daughters of God.

My testimony has grown tremendously as I have applied one principle of the gospel to my life.
The principle of putting the Lord First.
Sounds simple enough. Right?

I have felt the blessing of my actions in day-to-day activities.
My memory has magnified. I give all credit to the Lord.
I am able to accomplish so much, and when I do the things of the Lord first my time multiplies.

Monday I had institute. The lesson was Scripture Study in Personal Life.
I walked in knowing I was going to be Spiritually fed.

Brother Hopkins started off:

"I knew I had to graduate from college quickly. At the time I had three kids, two part-time jobs, and I was taking 31college credits. I had to put my trust in the Lord. I knew that if I did all that He needed of me first then He would pick of my loose-ends. There was times that I only had an hour before a test to cram. I would pray to have my mind directed, then when I would open my books it was like the words I needed to study would stand off the page. Sure enough when it came time to take the test the topics I studied where the things that were asked. And even though these were my busiest times of life, I always did well."

I left class challenged.

I was off to gain my own experience, build my testimony.

On Mondays I have an hour break between Institute and my next class, which is news writing.

News writing is my hardest class. Every Monday we are given a five point quiz on the an article that we should have read during the previous week. The class is assigned about 32 articles a week, giving me pretty bad odds if you think about it.

You may be think, "It is only five points, what is the big deal?"

I need every point I can get in that class! Yes, I am that desperate/determined to succeed.

I had done all the required reading. I wanted to review, but didn't have the time to review everything. It was crutch time. And so I prayed.

I prayed that my mind would be open, and that I could be directed. I prayed that I could be prepared for this quiz.

As soon as I opened my eyes, I felt strongly about one of the articles. Looked through it. And went to class. I didn't doubt for one minute.

Papers were passed out among the students.

I wrote my name at the top.

The question was asked, and even though I knew it was coming I still was surprised.

My professor asked a question concerning the article that I was prompted to review.

The lord blesses us when we put Him first.

It is a simple truth that has change my life entirely.

My blog is puking words. sorry.

2011-09-14T17:29:00.000-06:00

Blog world: I am still alive and still dedicated to posting.

I have just been really busy.

This is a poor excuse and there isn't much to say

about this post either, but here it is.

. . . . . .

I am just throwing-up words

Yes, these are my feet.

No, they are usually not this veiny.

This is what happens to me after I run.

Veinyfootitise.

Don't worry it isn't contagious.

. . . and yes, I am fully aware that my feet are dirty- I don't wear shoes a lot of the time, it happens.

For all those who don't know.

I am running a half marathon Nov. 5 in Moab.

I have been craving a good blog session for nearly a week now.

It is ironic really, I want to write to escape writing. . .

"Life is what you make of it.

Always has been, always will be."

Eleanor Roosevelt.

I am blessed.

My heart is filled with humility and joy.

I think the organ that pumps blood through my body has grown three sizes in the past two weeks.

It is swollen with love.

"I want to change the world"

This has been said before.

But I want to join the crowd and change things for the better.

I want to make an impact- I want others to feel the things I feel.

I have a plan too.

Soon I will write about something romantic, hilarious and glorious- O the stories I am waiting to share!

Simple Surprises.

2011-09-05T10:27:00.001-06:00

While waiting to move my laundry I decided to look at some of the pictures on my computer.

This is what I found:

I don't know when my miss Halee took these but they are lovely.

Friday was an emotional roller coaster.

My classes went well
I went to Religion and Life
Talked to the Missionaries
GOT A LOVELY PACKAGE FROM MY NIECES!
My heart was broken
I met with my Relief Society President
Recruited girls for IWA (Institute Women's Association)
Cried some
Helped cops look for a drunk man
Danced the night away
Fell asleep eating popcorn

I wouldn't change that day for anything. But I am glad everyday is not that extreme.

Halee, this made me smile.

Thank you for being beautiful, spunky, seriously silly, and absolutely perfect!

Thank you for taking crazy pictures on my computer- I

miss you! Never forget that I love you!

XOXO,

Kels

USU Year: 2(two)

2011-09-02T00:51:00.000-06:00

. . . .And there we stood.

It is late- but I finished my paper.

I was in the zone and I couldn't stop.

I will proofread in the morning.

I will take a nap tomorrow. . . if I have time.

One day my stuff will be published. One day.

2011-09-01T18:23:00.002-06:00

School has started, and goodness gracious I am going to be a very busy woman.

"Everything your write needs to be written

with intention and with purpose."

- Matthew Laplante

With the start of Fall semester I am feeling fear. Lots and lots of fear. Especially for my Writing for the Media class. Now before you form a bias against this class, I love it. It is going to push me more than any class I have taken in my college career thus far. Or at least that is the perspective I have at this moment.

I am intimidated, but intrigued. I will grow. I may cry. I may bleed. Maybe I will even cry blood. Gross. Sorry.

However, because I am going to dedicate so much of my time to school this semester my blog will suffer.

On a positive note:
I love my major and I am ready to accept the challenge it takes.

Last Weekend of FREEDOM: Goodbye Summer of '11

2011-08-26T16:10:00.000-06:00

School starts Monday.
I haven't decided whether to be dreading this fact or to be excited for a year of adventures, experiences and growth. . . It doesn't really matter which I decided because time will pass, school will start and the summer of '11 will be over. Summer of '11 was one of a kind though, I must say.

I have decided that moving is hard for me. The change takes a toll on me and it takes a while for me to recover. The night I moved home at the beginning of the summer I sat on my bedroom floor and cried for nearly two hours. I cried because the life I had for the last eight months was over. All the people I grew to love lived nearly four hours away if you drove the speed limit and I felt lost. My poor mother probably thought that I was sad to move home, but that wasn't it at all. I just found more people to love, that's all.

“Love knows no limit to its endurance,
no end to its trust, no fading of its hope; it can outlast anything.
Love still stands when all else has fallen.”

Moving back, I feel the same way towards my family, my friends, my home. I wish I could just bounce from one place to the other and not suffer the effects of change. I imagine that this feeling will be one I recognize quite often when I am serving my mission. Each transfer I will have to leave those I have grown to love. I will be thrown into new circumstances and new opportunities to serve will be coming at me in all directions. Heart ache will be familiar, but so will the bursting joy that comes from the love of the Lord.

It is good to be back, even if it gets hard sometimes.

packing.

2011-08-19T00:08:00.002-06:00

Cleaning and packing are classified in the same category in my mind. Maybe it is because I don't do very well staying on task when it comes to either of them? Tonight I am suppose to be getting ready to move up in the morning. Luckily enough for me I only have to pack, Mom helped clean my room! I know I am nearly 20 years old, I should be able to do this on my own, but shout out to Mother for being simply amazing in my eyes!
Now my job is to pack. Can you tell I am doing a wonderful job? . . . Starting now!!!

I don't know when I will post again, sometime next week I suppose- until then best wishes in your endeavors!

Cheers!

Love Story

2011-08-18T02:09:00.001-06:00

The title maybe a bit of a disclaimer.

I mean, this very well could be a love story, but who is to say one way or another.

Maybe one day it will be written down, but for now this is all there is.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

I want to tell the world about love and how it makes your heart burn

. . . a heart burn that even TUMS can't cure.

I want to tell about the pounding in my chest and about the smile that I can't wipe off my face,

even with post wisdom teeth cheeks.

I want to dance around in circles as fast as I can just lie on the grass and watch the sky spin around me

. . . and for a moment it will seem as if time has stopped.

I want to tell about Happy Wednesdays

I want to tell about rocks on my widow late at night

and bouquets of self-picked garden flowers, wrapped in twine.

I know some of you would swoon over hikes up the canyon,

eating a candle-lit dinner in a corn field,

meetings that last for 30 seconds- 30 seconds of complete joy.

I tell about the significance of pillows- lots of them.

I would tell you why this song makes me happy and why Bryan Ragan makes me laugh.

I admit getting porch lights flashed at me and being late for curfew.

I want to tell how it feels to be vulnerable.

I want to share the fear and hope I have in each breath.

I want to admit that I tried my hardest to ignore my strongest desire

I want to tell about April snow storms at the park.

I would include forehead kisses, holding hands, and white jumpsuits.

I want to write about patterns cut into lawn,

and about tears on my face that don't belong to me.

I want to make mention that all hasn't been easy

or simple and marvelous, sometimes pain was felt.

Heart aches happen, healing takes time.

Sorry is a valuable word, and when used sincerely can change perspective.

Maybe someday I will write this love story. . .

BUT

today I can't.

I am sorry, I physically just can't do it.

It will make me cry, again.

I am moving,

going back to Logan.

I love Logan and I love everyone in Logan.

However,

moving means I am leaving here.

My home.

My family, all those I love.

My summer- oh, how good it has been to me.

I don't like saying goodbye.

xoxo,

Kels

He is my crock-pot.

2011-08-18T00:57:00.001-06:00

I like listening to The News.
Current events fascinate me. . . now that you know this there will be no surprise when I say that this next post was inspired from something I heard on the radio. A news stations none the less.

"Wealth cannot be cooked up in the Microwave.

Wealth is cooked in a crock-pot.

It takes lots of time and cooks slowly."

The world we live in expects everything for nothing. I know that I am guilty of falling into that mentality. It sounds great though doesn't it? A life with no worry or stress about bills and funds, but just the carefree lifestyle of having a never ending supply of means. Who wouldn't honestly want that? BUT wealth shouldn't just be something we happen upon, or in the words from the new anchor, 'wealth cannot be cooked up in the microwave."

This thought lead me to think of my father.
A man that works harder and longer than anyone I know.
When I was young I never had a bed time, if I did I wouldn't have been able to see my daddy. See, Dad runs the family business. He would leave before the sun would rise and then work well into the night. I remember being asked as a little girl if I had a dad because my friends had never seen him.

My parents never fought over money.
The one thing they disagreed on though was time.
If my dad wasn't working at The Shop then he was fulfilling a church calling
or volunteering his time as an EMT or as a fireman.

My perspective of my father's time was very one-sided.
I was selfish.
I wanted more time with him.
I wanted him to focus on me. . . When the whole time he was.

Everything my dad does is for my sake.
Out of the love for my mother- their family, my family he sacrifices.

(My heart is pounding right now. I have goose bumps.)

Sunday night I received a Father's Blessing. Before each school year all the kids at home get one. I can't imagine my life without the Priesthood power in my home.

My Dad. A worthy and active Priesthood holder.

My dad is also the Bishop of my ward. (gulp. It is true, I am the 'bishop's daughter') Every Sunday I walk into church he is walking around the chapel shaking members hands and he always has a bold smile dancing across his face. I see the light in his eyes and he shows his love to the members of our ward, then he turns to me. We grasp hands and quickly pass ~~a handshake~~ our handshake across our interlocked fingers. I laugh, then sit down.

My Dad. A leader.

Dad loves people. Everywhere he goes he has a friend, and if they weren't friends before then they are now. He is so good at relating to people and making them feel comfortable and at ease in his presence.

My Dad. A friend.

I absolutely love it when my dad rough houses with my older brothers. Dad is the worst at telling jokes, because he starts giggling before the joke is even told. My dad laughs a lot. I think he has "Santa Clause" cheeks- rosy and soft.

My Dad. A tease, he is funny. He laughs.

Since I live in a small town I am asked who my parents are when I introduce myself- especially when I introduce myself to people 40+. When I tell them my father's name there are always good things to be said about him. "He is a good man. You have good blood.", "That Ferald, he knows how to work hard.", my personal favorite. "Ferald is your Daddy?! Good people this one." My dad has helped so many people and I never realized the effect he has had on other people's lives until recently. He is an amazing man.

My Dad. A lover. A provider. A help. A hard worker. A support.

My Dad. A Father. My Father.
I have good blood in me.
I am proud.

My thoughts process was all over. I know, I thought about tying it all together, but I didn't want to.

Instead I want you to enjoy the same path of thought I did, maybe it will take you on a different route. I liked where I ended up.

What Once was is No More.

2011-08-13T00:41:00.001-06:00

Time: 9:47 AM
Location: Cedar City

Today I got four teeth removed. Wisdom Teeth. Luckily I was put completely under so that the doctor could go in and do what he gets paid to do.

I only recall a few things from the morning.

I remember before surgery (I think that is the official term? Maybe not.) filling out paper work.
I remember going in and watching the IV get put in my hand.
I remember the oxygen finger clip wouldn't work, and I wanted to make a witty comment.
I remember the doctor coming in and asking me about my age, about college, and random questions of the sort.
I remember pain, and people in my mouth- I started to come out of sleep a bit early. My dose was upped and I was under yet again.
Next thing I know I was in a chair, in a different room, and I had walked there, at least that is what I was told.

The next events are a blur. Mom videoed me in my loopy state and took the picture in the middle. I guess I took all the rest, even if I don't recall doing so. (I may or may not post those videos. . . I haven't yet decided)

I have iced and slept most of the day.
The pain wasn't bad until we were almost home, then it was dreadful.
I used Otter Pops to ice my cheeks.
I had a spit rag because swallowing bloody-spit wasn't happening.
Lovely visitors came and found joy in my swollen cheeks.
I took one honkin' pain killer that knocked me out for a while.

. . . Now the only thing I want to do is brush my pearly whites.

Mom, Dad, and the Non-marrieds

2011-08-05T12:33:00.000-06:00

There is a five year gap between my parents' first three children and their last three. Often times my the oldest three complain that we, the younger-non-married children are spoiled, which we kind of are. . . I admit it, so does my mom. I don't mind, honestly!

In short: My parents took us "non-marrieds" on vacation. Check it out!

Tuesday I woke up sick. Pineapple does awful things to my stomach. I will spare you the details!

I even creeped on some people on the beach. . . is that illegal?

When we weren't exploring we were usually sleeping. . . I did most of my sleeping in the car. Every time I got in and buckled up I zonked out!

I love my family.

disgusting.

2011-07-22T17:12:00.000-06:00

This is my leg, my hairy, dry, tan leg. . . or rather I should say it was my hairy, dry, tan leg.
If you know me well then you know I HATE having hairy legs!

When I was little I used to still my brothers face razors and secretly shave my legs. . . I only got caught once and that was the last day of first grade when I shaved my legs dry and had razor burn- mom thought I had a rash, but when she asked about it I was a good child and told her the truth. I was told that I couldn't shave until I was twelve. I obeyed but was counting down the days!

There is just something about having silky smooth legs. It makes me feel beautiful and feminine. I know, I am a nerd! AND I absolutely hate when I can feel the hair on my legs snagging on my bed sheets when I sleep at night. (I have goosebumps from thinking about it!) I shave nearly everyday just to avoid this predicament!

Now for the reasoning behind the gross picture above. . . I have been ~~working~~ living at the pool this entire week. I would teach lessons, shower there, come home eat lunch, go back to work, come home to eat dinner, go to sleep and repeat! Usually I have a razor in my shower stuff at the pool, but it magically disappeared. . . And to be honest shaving was the last thing on my list of things to do. . .

I will save you the horror of seeing my hairy armpits.

P.S. I am nine hours away from a glorious vacation!!!

Simply Marvelous Life. Kaden

2011-07-19T21:31:00.000-06:00

Kaden, an amazing man.

In grade school we were good friends.

I remember one day at lunch we imagined the cafeteria

as our home and redesigned it accordingly.

I share so much with Kaden.

He is the kindest, most thoughtful, giving person I know

and he has and will continue to be an example to many.

Kaden's life is SIMPLY MARVELOUS because he doesn't let anything get in his way.

This is to you my dearest Kaden.

Name:

Kaden Krause

Childhood Ambitions:

I remember from long ago that I wanted to be a scientist to help people!

Wildest Dream:

My wildest dream is actually to have a family.

Current Reading:

I am currently re-reading the last Harry Potter. That Kelsie has never read!

Soundtrack:

If I were limited to any kind of music I think that I would die.

Retreat:

My retreat is my music. My mood can change depending on they type of music that I am listening to.

First Job:

I mowed lawns when I was a kid but my first job was host at good ol’ Salina Denny’s.

Last Purchase:

Music from the iTunes store. New dancing stuff. I like to dance. =)

Inspiration:

My inspiration comes from reading inspiring quotes. Mark Twain is my favorite person to pull quotes from.

Proudest Moment:

My proudest moment was when I decided that no matter what, I would always be true to myself and that I would accept and love myself no matter what anyone else thought or said.

Biggest Challenge:

My biggest challenge was and still is accepting myself.

Hidden Talent:

I can cook. It’s my favorite.

Something you have yet to do:

I have yet to skydive and it is something that I have always wanted to try.

Writings (blog):
http://web.me.com/kadenkrause1/Site/home.html

"Screwed"

2011-07-16T11:00:00.000-06:00

Sometimes driving over a screw happens causing tires to go flat. It sure can put a puncture on things. . .

The Rango was hot from sitting in the sun all afternoon. I stuck to the leather interior as I slide into the driver's seat. I cranked my key in the starter bringing the Rango to life. I turned up the AC, plugged in my Ipod and pulled my seatbelt across my lap- I was ready. This is my "after work" routine. I was off work and headed home.
I hadn't even made it out of the parking lot before the gas light flashed up on the console in front of me. The my Primary lesson from Sunday, Parable of the Ten Virgins, flashed through my mind and I thought I better stop before I am stranded and too late to meet the Bridegroom. There are three gas stations that I usually pass from the pool to my homestead, so I pulled into the third. The only other vehicle at the gas station was a LAYS truck, dropping off potato chips I assume. I swiped the plastic gas card, pushed the desired fuel button and started filling up my nearly empty Rango. . . and gee was it guzzling. Not soon after a red car pulled up to the pump next to mine. Nothing was said, but the connection of "hello" was made. As I waited I read a few pages from my new book, The Help.
I have heard before the advice to look over your car every time you fuel up, I am sure it is a very smart thing to do, BUT I have never done that. I come from a family of brothers and mechanics, many would and do infer that I too know a lot about engines. . . I don't- I know where the battery is, where the oil goes and how to trick-start the Saturn. There was a older couple in the red car, the lady had walked inside and the man after starting to fuel up his engine expected his vehicle. I really didn't think anything of it. I was lost in my book and just wanting to go home and shower off my sunscreen body.
Soon enough the pump automatically stopped, I filled up just a little more to see if I could stop on a full dollar- I always try to do this, I don't know why. I grabbed my receipt and went through my "Rango-routine" once again. As I started to pull away the man from the red car knocked on my window. Easily I put the Rango into park and unrolled my window.
"Excuse me, but your tire is going flat."
This has never happened to me before, I don't know what to do. I got out to over look the damage. The man also observed the damage with me and soon pointed out that I had ran over a screw. I thanked him multiple times and moved me car from the pumps and called my mom. I didn't know what else to do and Mom always has the answers.

We ended up driving the Rango to the shop with it's flat tire only become flatter by the second. My Daddy confirmed the damage and this morning already has it up and running. He even washed the Rango. I love my Dad.

Through this entire experience though I have been blessed by amazing people. Firstly, the man from the red car. He said something, he could have just let me leave, but instead he was watching out for me. I mean just to be observant enough to notice opportunities to serve is an amazing characteristic. Secondly, family both my mama and my papa. My mama came to my rescue ready to comfort and to support me in all my travels. Papa fixed it. He makes everything better. And as always he went above and beyond. Not only did he fix my tire, but he also washed my car.
I am surrounded by angels. I want to become an angel like them.

Simply Marvelous Life. Kinzie

2011-07-13T07:55:00.002-06:00

A fellow Amigo.

This gal and I grew up together.

We have been through it all, from kissing boys on the playground in the tires to working together at the beloved pool.

Looking at us you would have never thought we were so close. . .

She was the basketball jock and a cowgirl-

two things that I could never be.

But for us it worked, we balanced one another out.

Kinz Rob-Robins (her middle name is not Rob, I just call her that):

You have a SIMPLY MARVELOUS LIFE!

Name:
McKinzie Robins

Childhood Ambitions:

To be a veterinarian, and fix all the sick little animals.

Wildest Dream:

To become a tiger trainer. (or some sort of exotic animal)

Current Reading:

The Book of Mormon. (I don’t really read anything else)

Soundtrack:

I listen to all kinds of music. I don’t just have a specific soundtrack

Retreat:

Anywhere with my horses. Not really anything too fancy.

First Job:

Technically at the auction with my dad. But first paying job, the pool.

Last Purchase:

Horse leg wraps and bell boots.

Inspiration:

My family inspires me to do most of the things I love to do.

Proudest Moment:

I have a few, but one was when my college rodeo coach called me in to tell me that I was going to be scholarshipped, and that I was one of the hardest workers he had come across.

Biggest Challenge:

My biggest challenge would be doing things for me instead of others. I’m a bit of a people pleaser, and it gets me in trouble with my own life sometimes because I’m more focused on others than myself.

Hidden Talent:

I can flip my eyelids inside out. (sorry kels, I think you knew that, but I couldn’t think of anything else)

One thing on the Bucketlist:

SKY DIVING. I will do it one day. Oh, and I haven’t been married in the temple yet.

Kinzie doesn't have a blog, but her FB posts are always hilarious!!

(clearing of throat noises).

2011-07-11T20:32:00.001-06:00

I don't have some elaborate excuse for not blogging, other than it is summer. . . that is enough.

These are a few of my dearest friends.

Yes, we are at the fire house.

Yes, we are in our church clothes.

Yes, Taylor gave a marvelous farewell talk.

Yes, I am going to miss him dearly.

Yes, I am very tan (I work at a pool people, what do you expect?)

One day I will tell my children,

"Oh, the summer of eleven was so grand! (insert adventurous story here)"

one page at a time.

2011-07-01T14:33:00.000-06:00

One day I will have volumes of journals that align the shelves of my library.

especially at the rate I am going.

P.S. Grandma's love story Part II is soon to come! Don't worry I haven't forgotten!

Grandma's Love Story: Part One.

2011-06-24T18:50:00.003-06:00

This picture makes me happy. It is a picture of my grandparents soon after they were married. Notice: my grandpa's front tooth is chipped, but yet he was still a very handsome fellow.

I never knew Grandpa Fred, he died at the age of sixty and was buried on his sixty-first birthday. They think it was due to a blood clot, or a heart attach- I am not quite sure. . . Grandma RueLeen is still madly in love with him. She never remarried, and often times I hear her say, "I love you Fred!" She also blows him kisses! It makes your heart swell huh!? I have decided that I am going to marry a man as sweet as my grandpa. He worked hard to support their family, often working a few jobs at a time. Grandpa was sensitive to Grandma and I can only imagine the way they looked at each other! I want to love like this.

Grandma and I spend our time together talking about her love life, and I being the hopeless romantic that I am eat it up. The way she gets lost in her thoughts as if she is reliving them. Grandma will giggle about how flirtatious she was and shake her head saying, "Kels, you have to understand that there was a war!" I love it when she says that, like it is a legit excuse!

I will best tell their story from my memory. I hope to include some of my Grandma's own two-bits. Oh, and for my Grandma's sake please remember "there was a war".

The beginning of their love story begins before they were married. It begins before they even truly got to know each other. This story begins with a man named Doug, a man who Grandma was dating and could have even loved. A good man that shares my blood.

To get the story straight I need give a little bit of a background. Grandma was born in 1926, she belongs to the generation of those from World War II and the Great Depression. She grew up in a small town that her family had deep roots in, note: this also means that a lot of the people that Grandma went to school with were related to her. . .Not very good odds when playing the dating game. While she was in high school boys were often times being sent off to war. "It was a scary thing, young boys would leave right out of high school and we wouldn't know if they would come back." Since there weren't many boys around, the ones that hadn't left yet were scares and if you know anything about economics then you will understand when I say that the boys were compared to the law of supply and demand. . .

Throughout high school Grandma dated a boy named Doug. And as clique as it may sound, her parents didn't approve because Doug, unfortunately, was related to Grandma. They were cousins. Grandma reassured them that it wasn't going to go anywhere and despite all efforts Grandma continued to date Doug. I don't know what Grandma's feelings were for Doug exactly, she always beats around the bush at that part, but Doug was had fallen hard for Grandma. I am sure, from my own personal experience, that Grandma probably grew to love Doug in return- after all it is hard to not return the love someone else feels for you.

Doug was a year or so older than Grandma. As most were, Doug was called into the service soon after he graduated. Grandma was still in high school. Grandma doesn't talk much about how she felt when Doug left, but she did say that before he left Doug asked her to wait for him. She agreed, but when telling me the story always makes a note that she didn't know what else to say-

"I shouldn't have said that, I know, but I didn't think anything of it. Besides I didn't even know if I would see him again. Where else was I going to go anyway?"

They wrote letters, continuing their relationship through the US Postal Service.

panties and things.

2011-06-23T22:22:00.000-06:00

Today I realized that I haven't worn underwear for longer than eight hours at a time in the last three days. I kind of miss the feel of dry cotton on my bum. . . sorry if that is a little too much information, but honestly people, cotton panties are the way to go.
When I wake up in the morning and the first thing a do is throw a swim suit on. Through out the day I will change from wet suit to dry suit, but I usually stay in my swim gear until I go to bed that night. And despite the desire of dry undies I love days like these. Days when I end up living at the pool, warmed by the sun, and cooled by the kids who find it so rebelliously fun to splash the lifeguard! Don't tell, but I secretly enjoy it!

The summer season has once again confirmed to me that it is my favorite time of year. Even though snow is great and winter scarves are wonderful I am just fine living in the sunshine, taking in my pool and wearing as little bit of clothing that is modestly possible. I love the rows of plants growing in the garden and the lush fullness of the lawn. Summer night are majestic complete with starry skies and musical crickets. And for anyone who doesn't know about my flirtatious side, I am all about having a summer romance. There are just somethings that don't change. . .

I have been trying to predict what direction my life is going to go in. In the next year I have to make a choice out of the THREE BIG M's. Mission, Major, Marriage.

MISSION: In a year from now I could be filling out mission papers! . . . If you had to read that last part twice it is okay, it is hard to believe. I seem too young to go on a mission. Well at least I feel to young to be thinking about going on a mission. I have always wanted to serve though and so if nothing else happens between now and then I will be getting ready to receive my call! I will admit this makes me nervous. This is the direction I see things going at this point.
MAJOR: During Spring Semester I change my major to Communications! I never really considered this before, but it maybe smart to finish my major and then go on my mission. I guess this option will always be available and I will finish my major eventually I just have to decided if I want to finish before the mission or after, I guess in some cases it could be instead of too.
MARRIAGE: The biggest M-word of them all and most definitely the greatest impact on my entire life. CLARIFICATION: I am not seriously dating anyone right now, so don't be expecting any announcements of engagement or anything of the sort. That is all I have to say about that.

Oh, another update! A week ago I dyed my hair and it is DARK! Darker than I have ever gone! I liked it, loved it, hated it, contemplated it, liked it, and finally I love it again! The first few days I couldn't decide if I looked like a gothic or like Pocahontas. Grandma RueLeen called me her island girl, and others have said I was an indian princess. The darkness is growing on me though and I think I will keep it for a while!

One more thing. . . I started Shay's senior pictures! What do you think?

Simply Marvelous Life. Jordan

2011-06-21T11:55:00.000-06:00

My dearest roommate Jordan.

The first night I met her she was sitting at the kitchen table, our kitchen chairs were "squeaky".

A rumbling sound came from her chair and before anyone had time to even consider what the sound was she hastily gasped, "That was the chair! I promise!"

Since we have been splendid friends!

Lets just say we were good for each other! Jordan was the one that told me to think logically in crazy situations and I broke her in a little bit when it comes to personal space issues!

Now that is a funny story- but for later!

Jordan is smart, competitive, smart, stubborn, talented, such a great friend, and did I mention smart?

I am excited to once again live at The Farm with this lovely lady!

Dear Jordan, you have a SIMPLY MARVELOUS LIFE!

Name:
Jordan Leigh Harman

Childhood Ambitions:
Ok other than the fact that I am one of the most boring people known to mankind, I wanted to be a mom. Until I was in elementary school and my teacher told me that it wasn’t a real job, so I decided I was going to be a teacher, and well it stuck.

Wildest Dream:
Ok something that I really would like to do is to travel, but not in your conventional way. A “special friend” and I would take several months (maybe even a year) and just take a duffle bag/ backpack fly to Europe and live there. We could go anywhere we wanted and really experience life in a different culture. No plans, just a map and ready for some adventure.

Current Reading:
I have this really bad habit of reading more than one book at a time, so I am currently reading two books. The Hunger Games (actually I have now finished all of that series) and The Wednesday Letters; I just barely started both of them within the past week and so far they are pretty grand! Thank you to those friends who recommended them to me!

Soundtrack:
The Beatles….oh those words put together just make me smile. Their music is seriously the music of my soul, although it can be a little weird at times, but then I guess it fits.

Retreat:
The outdoors. Even just being outside (even when it isn’t exactly pleasant) is heaven to me. It doesn’t necessarily have to be the wilderness either, just a pretty view to make me grateful for this beautiful world we all live in. I can just relax, think, thank, and be myself!

First Job:
My first job was a babysitter when I was 12, but if that does not count than I was a Nanny for 3 wonderful children ages 5, 3, and 18 months when I was 15. I absolutely loved it and we had so much fun!

Last Purchase:
My last purchase was splitting Chinese Food in the lovely town of Burley, Id when I visited. There is nothing like good food and friends that you haven’t seen in a while.

Inspiration:
I get my inspiration from everywhere, but I would have to say that I receive most of my inspiration from my wonderful family, glorious friends, and the marvelous gospel that I am a member.

Proudest Moment:
My proudest moment thus far would have to be just recently I planned and coordinated my cousin’s wedding luncheon. It was thrown on me last second, and I was really stressed out about it. But I did it and it turned out really well. Then my other cousin got married a week later and everyone told me that I did a better job than they had. It made me feel really good because I am SUPER self-conscious about throwing parties or any type of big event! And I did this one spur of the moment and it was a total success!!

Biggest Challenge:
I think that my biggest challenge is that I expect perfection from myself. I have to be like Mary Poppins, “Practically perfect in every way.”

Hidden Talent:
My nerdy hidden talent is that I can make balloon animals! I am still learning so I am pretty limited on what I can make but giraffes, dogs, poodles, flowers, and such.

Something you have yet to do:
Oh my goodness there are SO many things that I want to do in life that I have yet to do! I want to run a half-marathon (no I am not as crazy as Kelsie), go fishing, travel, ride a motorcycle, snow shoeing, snow mobiling, and ride the biggest fastest and tallest roller coaster. I also would really like to graduate and teach, get married and start a family; yeah I know a lot to work on haha.

Writings (blog):
www.jabberingjo-16.blogspot.com: It is a work in progress…I only started it about 4 months ago, so it is extremely random and I am still trying to figure out what blogging is for me. So it is random bits of stuff that I experience, think, or whatever. I honestly have no idea haha. But, all the credit is due to Miss Kelsie Dawn because she is the one that got me to become a blogger.

sincerity

2011-06-20T08:02:00.001-06:00

Dear cell phone that has given me fits lately,

Thank you for taking a marvelous picture of all the flood water for me

during our Sunday evening drive. I truly appreciate it!

Sincerely,

Miss Dawn

Have you ever thought of what it is to be sincere?
Often times we close our letters with Sincerely, but what does it mean for someone to be sincere?

sincere |sinˈsi(ə)r|adjective ( -cerer , -cerest )free from pretense or deceit; proceeding from genuine feelings : they offer their sincere thanks to Paul.(of a person) saying what they genuinely feel or believe; not dishonest or hypocritical.

ORIGIN mid 16th cent. (also in the sense [not falsified, unadulterated] ): fromLatin sincerus ‘clean, pure.’

Sincerity sounds like such a simple act. I mean all it takes is a bit of genuine love, patience and respect. That is all it takes, but it even this simple thing is so hard to do at times. As humans we get into the groove of an everyday routine and it is so easy for us to stay on that constant. It is as if we are put on cruise control, going through the motions day-by-day. Nothing really changing. How boring life can be. During the Spring Semester up at school I was called as the Historian for my IWA (Institute Women's Association) chapter. As part of the presidency we were asked to fast a pray about the coming year and to set a personal theme goal that we could focus on and live by through the coming semesters. I am one to contemplate these kind of requests very deeply. I thought about it for nearly three weeks, keeping an open mind and by seeking out personal revelation. Well, about two Sundays ago I was sitting in Sunday School and the word Sincerity exploded inside of my head. At that same time my heart was oozing with comforts of the Spirit and I knew that this was the answer to my prayers. This word was so simple and true. SINCERITY. I rolled it over and over inside my head. I wrote it down, along with a game plan I could follow to achieve my goal.
It hasn't been entirely easy to be SINCERE. I already have experiences and challenges that I could expand on, but for now I just want to extend my goal as a challenge to all those who read up on my blog. Now I am doing it for the whole year, but I challenge all of you to try and be more sincere in your daily activities. Try it for a week at least and see the perspective change in your life.
Sunday, in Sunday School we watched this video.

I love it and it goes so well with my SINCERITY theme.

2:00 AM

2011-06-20T02:15:00.002-06:00

Sometimes staying up until two o'clock in the morning is totally worth it. Especially when it includes talking about past adventures, reading entries from my just completed journal, and planning out my "what if" life while my mother listens intuitively.
Don't get me wrong- waking up at six thirty isn't going to be pleasant with only three and some hours of sleep. Working all day in the sun maybe a bit challenging as well, but I have loved being awake these few extra hours.

Have you ever been so tired that you can begin to feel your body shutting down? I am beginning to feel that now. . . I definitely needed a Sunday nap this past afternoon. . . bum!

Hello Monday. How are ya?

Fantastic way to start a Friday!

2011-06-17T10:52:00.000-06:00

Fresh, crisp new pages with blue lines make me happy.

These pages will hold the stories of my future.

My name is Miss Dawn.

I got a new journal and I am ecstatic!

Simply Marvelous Life. Tami

2011-06-14T01:00:00.000-06:00

Tami is gorgeous! I mean check out those eyes!

This girl was my room-roommate (emphasis on the room part).

When I first got the names and emails of my roommates to be Tami and I had a connection.

We would write back and forth a few times a day-

and for not knowing her, that is a big deal!

We decided then and there that we were going to room together in D4.

At the beginning we were both kind of shy,

but as the days went on I got to know this girl like she was family.

In fact she was my home-away-from-home family.

This past year we have been through a lot together.

Many late nights were spent talk about boys in our beds, doing cheer kicks in our bedroom,

and venting about the mishaps of the day.

We shared Spiritual moments, did baptisms for the dead quite often,

and each morning waking up was both a treat and entertaining-

I was there when Jayson purposed, I took engagement pictures

and even though I am going to miss her dearly next year I am so happy for her!

Here is to you Tami! Congratulations on your SIMPLY MARVELOUS LIFE!

Name:

Tami Norma Avery (soon to be Nielsen)

Childhood Ambitions:

Oh man which one? Well after I decided I couldn’t be Pocahontas and John Smith, I went through several roles: Mom, vet, pro softball pitcher, & artist.

Wildest Dream:

To go to Africa and see all the exotic animals.

Current Reading:

Take Time to Smell the Dandelions by Karla C. Erikson

Soundtrack:

Any love song, but particularly When I’m with You by Faber Drive

Retreat:

My families range ground in the mountains. It is so peaceful and beautiful. I love it!

First Job:

Doing odd jobs for my Grandma Avery if that counts, but if not then cleaning condos.

Last Purchase:

Gas so I could go visit my amazing fiancé : )

Inspiration:

My mom and Grandmas. They are both such strong loving women. I hope I can be as good a mother as they all are. My mom has to deal with me, Grandma Avery fought breast cancer and is still chugging along, and Grandma Neibaur had 13 children and still holds Grandpa’s hand. They are so cute!

Proudest Moment:

Leading my softball team to state as the pitcher two years in a row. I got to see all of the extra hours and hard work pay off.

Biggest Challenge:

Living far away from someone I love and being positive about it.

Hidden Talent:

I can make a little shirt out of a dollar. Yep I have some mean origami skills. I also have a great talent for mixing up my words. Really I do. One day I said, “I keep uping my words mixed.” Yes I did this on accident. Still not sure how I managed to do that.

Something you have yet to do:

See the ocean and Northern lights, but don’t worry I will someday. Go fishing. Get married (coming soon).

Writings (blog):

Simplicity. You all should definitely follow my blog.

love me true.

2011-06-13T22:29:00.003-06:00

I just fell in love with this song, because of this girl and the special thing she did for her soon-to-be.

. . . This is me helping (the hand). Check out her blog in the near future for all the details!

The line, "Love Me True" is a deep one. Today I was talking to one of my married friends (yes, I have married friends) and she said, "Oh, it is so nice to be out of the dating game." That comment intrigued me a little- The rest of the conversation went as follows:

"Don't you ever miss just flirting and being crazy after you get married?"

"No, not at all. It is like a complete mind change. You have your one and only

and that is all that matters. . . . Well, at least that is how it is for me."

"I can't wait to find a guy like that."

This thought of "Loving someone True" is so real. I mean once you marry someone they are all that matters. Yep, I like this song. I am not going to turn this post into a Dear Husband and I am definitely not going to go all mushy-gushy either. I have decided that it will come, but until then I am free to learn and grow how I please. AND I LOVE IT!

On another note. . .

Do you like my summer collection of bracelets thus far? I am quite fond myself.

One month of my summer is over. I am slightly distraught, only slightly because I still have two months left for adventure! AND (insert drumroll here) MY POOL IS NOW OPEN! Ladies and gentlemen Miss Dawn is now working full force, on duty to guard, provide and assist in anyway possible! (well as much as a lifeguard can do!)

fresh. kissable. delicious!

2011-06-13T00:58:00.001-06:00

Fact: I like to take pictures of myself while brushing my teeth.

It's Friday, I know. . .

2011-06-10T01:06:00.001-06:00

. . . but, HAPPY WEDNESDAY!

Check Out: Miss Dawn's Simply Marvelous Life!

Simply Marvelous Life. Natalie

2011-06-07T01:25:00.001-06:00

This is my lovely sister-in-law Natalie.

We call her Nat- She is beautiful huh?!

She is married to my second oldest brother, Bryan.

aka: the doctor one

They live in the land of far-far-far away

or Indiana

I got to see them for the first time in a year and a half this last April.

It had been way too long.

I remember when B first introduced Natalie to us.

She was wearing a white and red down-feather vest with a black shirt underneath.

My sister and I couldn't leave her alone- I think my brother was embarrassed

. . . . I was young- okay.

I have loved Natalie ever since and I am so glad that we are family.

This Simply Marvelous Life is dedicated to June 7th, a lovely Tuesday.

Name:

Natalie Marie Mason

Childhood Ambitions:

I wanted to be a baby doctor or nurse. I also dreamed of being a mom.

Wildest Dream:

I want to go on a 100 day cruise around the world.

Current Reading:

Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand

Soundtrack:

I love the song Hazy by Rosi Golan feat. William Fitzsimmons. I am usually listening to Lemonade Mouth music because my girls are obsessed with it!

Retreat:

I always dream of a good beach vacation, but right now I would love to get a sitter and just go to the local beach by myself and read a book and soak up some sun.

First Job:

Sanding wood blocks that are used for stamps.

Last Purchase:

8 yds. of fabric for some curtains in our office space.

Inspiration:

Husband, father, church leaders

Proudest Moment:

Watching my children achieve new things and seeing them light up when they do.

Biggest Challenge:

Finding the time and the energy to do everything that it takes to run a household.

Hidden Talent. I know karate and I’m pretty good at folding laundry. Hehe.

Something you have yet to do:

I want to visit Greece, Italy and Tahiti, I want to build a house with a really big laundry room, and I want to really study history like I should have when I was in school! I want to do so many things I can’t list them all!

Writings (blog):

themasonclan.blogspot.com

Merry Sunday and other thoughts

2011-06-06T00:07:00.001-06:00

There is something beautiful and elegant about a silhouette.
The extreme contrast of an object against a lighter background can have a magical effect.

I was in Lake Powell again this last week with a few of my friends. The sunset was majestic the first night, and five of the fourteen people there ended up watching it from atop a hill that was close to camp. None of us spoke and the silence was comfortable. Sitting there watching something so miraculous was just enchanting and Spiritual- at least that is what I felt. As I was sitting there my mind began to over flow with thoughts and symbols of what was happening around me.

I thought about the five of us sitting there. We were all looking at the same scene, but each of us was taking something different from it- each experience was unique and personal. I compared it to the life we live here on earth. Each of us was sent here for the purpose to return to our Heavenly Father, some of us are even given similar experiences, but what we take from it is different, unique and personal.

That same night, on that same hill top as the sunset slowly faded into night and the contrast between the mountain tops and the sky became less visible one of my friends shared a thought that I really liked. He asked me to imagine there was a lantern on top of a hill across the lake. I did. Then he went on to explain that our eyes would always been drawn to it. At this point I was wondering where he was going with his analogy. Then he asked if the lantern would be able to see us from where it was sitting. I answered knowing that it would have no idea, especially since we were sitting in the dark. My friend sharing the analogy concluded by saying, "You never know who could be watching you. . . hope you are sharing the right kind of light." He also quoted Matthew 5: 14-16, "Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."
. . . . . . . Told you it was good.

Some of you may, or may not know this. . . But I DO NOT wish on shooting stars. You may think me to be silly, or too mature, but I haven't for a long time. I remember being a little girl and looking out my bedroom window at the stars. I saw a shooting star and started wishing, but before I could finish my wish I stopped and felt foolish. I knew that wishing was silly because after all how would my wish be answered? Instead I started praying every time I saw a shooting star. I knew that Heavenly Father answers prayers, I figured my wishes would be wasted if Heavenly Father knew what they were- He is always willing to help out, if it is His will.
. . . .My prayers didn't consist of the same wishes that I used to caste upon shooting stars though- I felt silly wishing for things of the physical nature. I started wishing instead for something I want with every fiber of my being. Every shooting star that cross the sky in my sight I pray to Heavenly Father that I will make it back to Him, that I will make it to the Celestial Kingdom and live in His presence. I was really young when I started doing this, and I still do it today- This is what I want, this is what I pray for.

Merry Sunday!

backdoor neighbors. . . forever-

2011-05-31T15:51:00.000-06:00

Ashley and I had a sleep over.
It has been a long time coming, but most defiantly worth it!

Ashley was my backdoor neighbor growing up. We did everything together- I remember spilling red fingernail polish on her bedspread, building frost in the hallway to play space travel, picnics, sleepovers, barbies, and climbing through hole in the fence that split our two backyards. We fought over who got to be Pocahontas, who Tanner Q. loved more, and who's house we got to play at. She has been there for it all. Growing up we shared Chickenpox, popsicles, and adventures. Ashley was most defiantly my best friend.

Then we grew up, but we stayed pretty close. Ashley was a grade ahead of me. I would wait for her at the bus stop, we would walk home together- then she had to go take a nap. . .More waiting for me. Eventually Ashley and I became more and more distant, but our friendship was always there.

High school came. Ashley helped me prepare for cheer tryouts- I made the squad, then for the next three years we worked together as teammates, as partners. Once again we were united as the best friends that grew up next door to one another. She was my friend, my buddy, my ride, my back-spot, my spotter, and my captain.

This is a picture of our cheer/song squad my junior year. Ashley and I were ride buddies- we are on the front row second and third in from the right.

Ashley moved nearly two years ago. Leaving me. She graduated and went off to college. We would occasionally run into one another every now-n-again, but every time it was rushed and un-personal. . . Then her younger brother, Chase, graduated and once again we ran into each other on a very rushed bases. I found out that she and her family is moving again, only this time quite far away.

I borrowed this picture from Ashley's mom, Kelly's Facebook.

It was decided then and there that we were going to have a sleepover before she left. And that is exactly what we did. Kicking the night off with pictures, hot tubbing, plenty of catching up, then falling to sleep on the living room floor while Letters to Juliet played through a few times.

Even if she doesn't live behind me anymore, Ash will always be my backdoor neighbor forever- BNF!

Simply Marvelous Life. Hillary

2011-05-31T15:30:00.000-06:00

I grew up with Hillary.

She is funny, blond, innocent and simply marvelous to be around.

No matter what I know that Hillary is always there to listen if I need someone to talk to.

Hillary has an amazing talent with kids and patience that will beat all odds.

I love this girl!

Enjoy todays' Simply Marvelous Life post.

Name:

Hillary Sue Brown

Childhood Ambitions:

To be a mom and preschool teacher/own my own daycare. Wildest Dream. Scuba diving in Hawaii

Current Reading:

The Ultimate Gift

Soundtrack:

It really depends on my mood for the day.

Retreat:

Hawaii and New York-watch a New York Yankees baseball game!

First Job:

Care A lot Day Care. I started my sophomore year in high school and loved every minute of it!

Last Purchase:

Pepsi (much needed because of finals)

Inspiration:

Family, Friends, Gospel

Proudest Moment:

Doing Sterling Scholar and put all that time and work into all my projects. It made a difference in my life.

Biggest Challenge:

Not stressing over the little things in life, and just do the best I can with whatever comes my way.

Something you have yet to do:

Visit all 50 states (only 30 more to go), and live life to the fullest!

Writings (blog): hillarysue.blogspot.com

Dear Thursday:

2011-05-26T09:23:00.001-06:00

Dear Thursday,
I think you are great. Even though last night I had dreams of tornados- continuously tossing and turning. Today I am going to treat you well because you have given me the opportunity of today- a day that can never be re-lived. There will only be one Thursday like you, and you will never be replaced!
So, thank you for sharing your lovely blue sky and nice weather with me- it is simply perfect!

Cheers,
Kels

I usually wish people Happy Wednesdays, for various reasons, but today is Thursday and Marvelous-
I don't want to still Wednesday's thunder, so for today I am wishing you all a Jolly Thursday!

I am off to work now! I get to go paint my pool! I am truly excited- no sarcasm included, I am being dead serious right now!

Simply Marvelous Life. Rebecca

2011-05-24T01:18:00.000-06:00

Tuesday keeps popping up like moles in the game "wake-a-mole"

. . . I am not very good at that game, I always loose focus.

If my Tuesdays keep coming around every seven days like they have my summer will soon be over. . .

I am bitter towards that last thought.

Today's Simply Marvelous Life goes to. . .

(insert drumroll here, and a pause for dramatic effect)

REBECCA

aka: Becky

I met Rebecca also through a date- funny how that works.

After that though we became friends in our singles ward last summer and have stayed in touch since then. I love her perspectives and hope you enjoy her little two-bits as much as I have!

Name:
Rebecca Weber

Childhood Ambitions:
It’s hard to say what my childhood ambitions were, because they changed so much, and are still changing! I remember wanting to be an astronaut, then a veterinarian, then a forensic scientist, and then a pastry chef. Now I want to be a lighting designer! In some ways, I am still a child, so that can still count as my childhood ambition, haha.

Wildest Dream:
I want a miniature giraffe.

Current Reading:
I’m currently reading The Long Halloween, a graphic novel by Jeph Lobe and Tim Sale. It’s about Batman, who is my favorite superhero, and it’s awesome!

Soundtrack:
My current life song is “The Cave” by Mumford & Sons. I love this part: “And I'll find strength in pain, and I will change my ways; I'll know my name as it's called again”. I am also listening to “Crossfire” by Brandon Flowers, “Contact High” by Architecture in Helsinki, and “Kick-A**” by Mika vs. RedOne. I like music.

Retreat:
I love going to Denny’s with friends. There’s nothing better after a stressful day then getting food with some close friends in the early hours of the morning, and venting while laughing my worries away. :D And there will always be a strong sense of peace when I see the beautiful mountains around me in the morning. It’s such a glorious view, especiallywhen there are scattered clouds and an amazing sunrise. Ahh, it’s simply marvelous. ;)

First Job:
My first job was a Theatre Techie at my high school. Subsequently, I have had a job at a radio station, three other theatres, and a call center. This summer I’ll be working with the Utah Shakespeare Festival, which has been on my bucket list for years!

Last Purchase:
When I started answering these questions, my last purchase was lunch at SUU, consisting of strawberries, a corndog, and a Starbucks Vanilla Frappuccino. But as of now, my last purchase was a pair of Skullcandy headphones.

Inspiration:
What inspires me most is the fact that I have a dream, and I fully plan to make it a reality. I haven’t told anyone what it is, because keeping it a secret helps motivate me to make it come true all on my own.
Also, my family, friends, and little brother—who is an incredible, good person, who doesn’t know how much I look up to him.

Proudest Moment:
So far, my proudest moment has been climbing a 5.10b rock wall. In rock climbing, there is a rating system that starts out with 5.5, which is very beginner. Then it steps up: 5.6, 5.7, 5.8, 5.9, and then 5.10a, b, c, d; 5.11a, b, c, d; and so on. The difference between a 5.10a and a 5.10b is like going from a 5.8 to a 5.9. It’s an entire level up. My life goal is to be able to climb a 5.11a. Before I came to college, the hardest wall I climbed was a 5.9. I mastered two whole levels of difficulty in the first semester I was here, and I was too happy for words!

Biggest Challenge:
My biggest challenge right now is holding my own in the theatre department, because I came into it knowing very little about how real-world theatres work. Nearly every other technician at my college came here knowing more than I ever did, and it’s tough sometimes. I have to prove that I am willing to do whatever it takes to learn and better my work.

Hidden Talent:
I’m like the biggest anti-girly-girl ever. I mean, I don’t like going shopping (unless it’s at ThinkGeek.com.) I never wear dresses (unless I am going to a theatre performance, then I dress up.) I hate pink (blue has always been better.) And I’d rather put on a beanie than style my hair any day. So when I took a class and found out that I was actually pretty good at painting/decorating nails, I was utterly flabbergasted. Who knew! haha

Something you have yet to do:
I have never gone skydiving. I have wanted to go for years, but have never had the opportunity. It’s definitely on my list though! :]

Writings (blog):
www.nutshellinsanity.blogspot.com This is my blog. I love it, because it is my voice to the world! Or those who care to listen… I write the way I think, so often it is uncut, rough, and completely random. However, it is purely me, and that’s what matters. I started it in 2008, and my writing style has definitely changed since then. I used to write in immense detail, because I thought that nobody could possibly understand me unless I described exactly what happened with every detail possible! Now I have more of a thoughtful style, and somewhat philosophic at times. All in all, it’s about me, which is why it's called “Rebecca in a Nutshell”. :]

when it rains. . .

2011-05-20T01:00:00.000-06:00

. . . it pours and it doesn't stop for a week and a half- Well, that is how it has been lately.

Growing up we were always taught to pray for water. . .

To all those Latter-day Saints: you know the routine prayer. . .

" We are thankful for this day, for our many blessings. . . . (other details)

. . . . please bless us with moisture, that we may water our crops.

Also bless that we can get home safely. . "

The fact that we have gotten so much rain shows that prayers are answered.

I have a few theories to the rain answered prayers:

There was a bad signal, and our prayers weren't getting through until recently. Heavenly Father knows of our dryness and is doing all he can to prepare us for dusty days to come. . .
He doesn't want us to stop praying. So, either we need to pray for more water or pray for less- beggars can't be choosers right? Besides, this way we stay humble.
He knows what He is doing. He has a larger perspective of the matter. AND have you seen how beautiful and clean all this water makes my little Central Utah town and the towns surrounding? Simply breath taking! (don't worry more pictures to come!)
OR- maybe this rain is suppose to give us opportunities to serve others
It could also be that the weather is suppose to keep us inside- practically making us FIND time to read or scriptures and build up our gospel doctrine.
Maybe the rain was sent to us in such large quantities to try our patience and to give us an opportunity show our gratitude for what we are blessed with.

Yep, it is decided, I like the rain. I also really like my rainy-day theories.

My niece, Halee, is being baptized on Saturday. I am so proud of her, (as mention before) but the rain reminds me of this song and it makes me beam! Clean, beautiful and pure- like the earth after rain! Simply Marvelous! IT IS TRUE! can you feel it in your heart? It makes all my heart expand and my breathing shallow- Heavenly Father loves us so much that we have been given the opportunity to be baptized. Through Jesus Christ's atonement we can repent of our sins and once again return to live with our Heavenly Father one day. Pray for guidance and strength- because through Him anything is possible. I know this.

Lake Powell Pow-wow

2011-05-17T14:49:00.001-06:00

BEWARE: PICTURE OVERLOAD

To kick-off my summer vacation my friend, Tyson, took me to Lake Powell with his family. See, Tyson and I had made a deal at the end of last semester that if I took him snow catting with my family that he would take me to Lake Powell with his. Both of us stuck to our side of the agreement and went on marvelous adventures!

I had never been to Lake Powell before this trip, so every little thing was a new marvel in my eyes. Tyson would ask me what I wanted to do and every time I would answer with the same bewildered "I don't know". The truth was I didn't know what one could do in Lake Powell so I was at the will of Tyson and his family- I was just fine with that too!

As soon as I got home from the trip I wrote it all down in my journal- taking up eighteen pages, and my journal isn't small. So if you want an extremely detailed version of my trip you will have to come over and I will read it to you.

Is it weird that I like reading my journal to people? And yes, I am the one who gets to read it, then I can edit it as I go!

If you can't tell from the pictures I had a MARVELOUS TIME! In fact living on the boat for three days only strengthened the desire I have to live close to water! . . . Maybe one day.

In no particular order these are a few of the things that we did:

Rainbow Bridge
Climb to the top of Hole in the Rock
Jumped into freezing cold water (I beat Tyson in a race)
Ate tons of great food
Got a tan
Made hemp Bracelets
Went fishing (caught one, line broke, fish got away)
Star Gazed
Played in the sand
Went hiking
Cut up my legs
Made new friends
Learned how to tie new knots
Laughed lots
Deep Conversations
Crazy hair and no make-up!
Indian Ruins
Long lovely boat rides
Breathtaking views
Crickets
LPRs

Thanks Tyson and Family!

Lake Powell Theme Song

Simply Marvelous Life. Brielle

2011-05-17T12:28:00.002-06:00

It is TUESDAY again! - at this rate summer is going to be over before I know it!

That idea makes me sad- I LOVE summer!

Tuesdays mean that I get to do another SIMPLY MARVELOUS LIFE post

and I love doing these, mainly because I learn so much more about my friends with each one!

This is my friend Brielle.

We met on a date, I was with my good friend Jantzen and she was with Clay, another friend of mine.

The four of us went bowling- I am pretty sure I lost, I am not good at bowling.

Since then though Brielle and I have continued to be friends- particularly Blog Buddies.

Funny fact: I am actually older than Brielle even though she graduated a year earlier!

It is still hard for me to wrap my head around that thought!

Ladies and Gentlemen meet Brielle Turner!

Name:
Brielle Turner

Childhood Ambitions:
I always dreamed about being a ballerina architect. Or a Mermaid. I probably cried for about six years when I found out mermaids were mythical creatures…

Wildest Dream:
I always have dreamed of moving to Nashville and making it big. Like, Taylor Swift big. The thing is, I can’t sing. Or play guitar. Or write music. I can barely order pizza without getting stage fright. Dream big, right?

Current Reading:
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. Well, I’ve started it, but I haven’t continued reading it in a while. Give me a break… finals were killer! I promise I’ll finish soon, and then I’ll read Jesus the Christ. That’s what summer is for!

Soundtrack:
Anything that includes a ukulele or an amazing woman named Christina Perri. If someone were to combine those two things, my ears would be in musical heaven.

Retreat:
I’ve never been, but I’m sure Italy would make my top 10 list. Dear future husband: PLEASE honeymoon with me in Rome. Verona. Florence. You’re the best! Sincerely love, b.

First Job:
I worked for my dad cleaning the funeral home until I decided to be a big girl and adventure by myself into the scary world of adult work. I was a glitter girl at twelve timbers and let me tell you, it was probably the best job ever. Go apply.

Last Purchase:
I bought myself a high quality hair cut and color this morning from the lovely students at Mountainland. It was quite nerve wracking to have an unexperienced girl pouring all sorts of dyes on my scalp, but I would dare say it turned out quite nicely. Hair schools are great. More bang for your buck.

Inspiration:
Oh dear, I draw inspiration from everywhere. My newly converted roommate Shawna and my boyfriend Scott both inspire me to be a better person. Marjorie Pay Hinckley, Emma Smith, my mother and Audrey Hepburn inspire me to be a better woman. Every single blog I follow inspires me in one way or another, whether it is to be more organized, become a better writer, or put more color in other people’s worlds. I feel like life is one big quest of being inspired by others and in return, passing that inspiration on to others.

Proudest Moment:
So far? I would have to say high school graduation. I’ll never forget the feeling of looking down in the middle of my send-off speech to see all the kids I had grown up with dressed in red and blue, ready to start a new chapter of our lives. It wasn’t so much pride in myself I felt at that moment, but pride in my class, my school, my town, and all my friends. Best feeling ever!

Biggest Challenge:
College. Hands down. Moving from a place where everyone knows who you are and you feel like you are an important part of something to a huuuuge town with no one you know and no one cares if you even show up to class is a very hard adjustment to make. It has been 2 years now and I’m still trying to figure out just where I fit in up in this huge ocean of people.

Hidden Talent:
I bake a mean loaf of bread. I can do a handstand for exactly one second. I’m pretty good at cleaning mirrors without leaving streaks. I can sleepthrough an earthquake, and I’ve been known to scare away boys like no one’s business.

Something you have yet to do:
Oh so many things! Work at an orphanage in Cambodia. Learn French. Hike the Y. Learn to change a tire. Fall in love. Get married. Have pretty babies. Grow old with the love of my life… ya know, the usual. Good thing I’m only 19! Got my whole life ahead of me (:

Writings (blog):
Just checkkk it out! brielleturner.blogspot.com (: it’s a definite work in progress, but you are welcome to follow and learn of my random, crazy, rude, sometimes boring thoughts and adventures! (:

2011-05-16T13:14:00.001-06:00

Location: D4 Kitchen
Date: Sometime during finals week
Occupation Title: Professional Self-entertainers

I have been home for a little over a week. My summer thus far has been busy, fun and full of catching up with the times. It is weird being home, sometimes the moments are just like they were before I moved away, and then others I feel completely out of place and uncertain as to what my place is here.
I don't miss school, or the cool Logan climate what I miss the most are all the friends I had made over those eight months of living on my own.

I have a feeling there maybe a few more Logan trips than I had planned on over the summer months- I should be used to that trip by now.

BIG NEWS: Miss LuLu turned eight (8) today! She is going to be baptized on Saturday! I am so proud of her and I can't believe that she is that old already!!! I am going with her and her mom to get her ears pierced this afternoon- she is so brave and so big! Goodness gracious where has the time gone!

When Halee was born I was eleven years old- yet I still remember it like it wasn't that long ago. I remember everything about the day- What I was wearing, how slow Grandma drove Shay and I to the hospital, waiting in the hall until Jon said we could come in. I remember holding her for the first time, and having an instant love for her. I was in fifth grade when she was born, and my mama let me print off a picture to show everyone at school. It seems so long ago when I think of all that has happened since then, but on that same note I still don't believe she is so old.

Mail Came!

2011-05-16T00:17:00.004-06:00

via

My book came in the mail!

I ordered it on Amazon before I moved home and it is finally here!

I was hoping that it would come before I went to Powell-

BUT it didn't, and that is okay, because I wouldn't have had time to read it anyway!

. . . . . . . . . .

I am hoping to read a bunch of books this summer

and to kick-off the "bunch"

I am going to start with this book.

I am building on my list so if you have any suggestions please share!

via

I also watched this movie tonight with the family-

(well we started it as a family, but I am the only one who made it through)

I hadn't seen it yet, everyone else had, and well I loved it!

. . . . . . . . . . .

My family started watching church movies every Sunday while I was at school.

And since I have been home they have continued the tradition.

It is kind of fun to get together on Sundays and watch

the cheesy church videos!

Simply Marvelous Life. Ashley!

2011-05-11T02:10:00.002-06:00

I am going to Lake Powell tomorrow (today actually)

I have never been and I am EXTREMELY excited!

BUT

I had to finish up a quick session of edits first

check them out- I am quite pleased.

Then I realized that it was Tuesday. . .

. . . .it has been a full week since my last

SIMPLY MARVELOUS LIFE

and so here I am blogging at two in the morning

and I was getting away with it until just barely- being home means more structured sleeping habits. . .

Mom, "Kelsie GET TO BED." (I got this a lot growing up- I was always the last awake)

Hope you enjoy the glimpse into this lovely lady's life!

Name:
Ashley Michelle Langston

Childhood Ambitions:
To be a mom, and teacher. And I get to combine them soon!!!! Wildest Dream. To swim with dolphins

Current Reading:
Pride and Prejudice (VERY slowly)

Soundtrack:
My favorite? Moulin Rouge.

Retreat:
Paris, New York, Hawaii. Those are where I want to go. Where I go now is my bedroom or outside. First Job. Snow Cone Maker. I was the best. I worked at the Sno Shack. It rocked. Last Purchase. I think it was a Diet Dr. Pepper. Shocking. Before that it was cupcake stuff. Inspiration. Family, friends, nature, church

Proudest Moment:
When I turned in my grad packet. Seriously…best feeling ever Biggest Challenge. Patience. I suck at it.

Hidden Talent.:
It’s hidden…and will remain that way until it emerges. Something you have yet to do. A lot that I hope to do. Swimming with dolphins is one of them. Going skydiving is not. I hate heights.

Writings (blog):
amlangston.blogspot.com

- Two-bits from Miss Dawn: Hope you all have a marvelous week I will be back next week! (with a marvelous tan!)

shout out to my two favorite!

2011-05-10T01:19:00.002-06:00

Well today was my first official day of summer, and I had planned on spending it unpacking from my move home. . . however that did not happen. Instead I got up later than usual, missed my morning run because it was raining, and to be honest I didn't mind the few more hours of sleep. After finally getting ready for the day Mama and I ran to the store. See, I had a missionary photo session scheduled for today, like I said earlier it was raining and so we needed to make some inside backdrops- there you have it ladies and gentlemen, Capturing Dawn Photography is going studio. Mama and I made make-shift backdrops out of bedsheets and paint. I must said we pretty much rocked it! One backdrop in less than an hour (not counting drying time) and I love it!

After bringing the back drop in and setting up I made Mama pose for me. She didn't really want to, but she was a good sport about it. As soon as Shay walked in though, Mom was done and Shay was up. She is used to it by now and has become quite the poser. They both wanted me to get rid of these pictures, but to be quite honest I like them. I like how true the picture is of my Mama and how Shaylie can pull off any look, even when she just got out of practice. To cut to the chase, these two women are my favorite in the world, and it isn't just because they let me take pictures of them, there is more to it than that. Thanks again, love you both!

Oh! and if you would like to check out pictures from the missionary shoot they are posted here, at my photography blog.

Perspective.

2011-05-05T12:39:00.001-06:00

I know. I have blogged a lot lately. . .

goodness I have just had a lot to say and you obviously like reading!

Please, try to enjoy it as much as I do.

. . . and yes Shay, this is your shirt. I have had it at college for nearly two months now- Thanks for letting me borrow it without asking! Love you!

Today is my last day in Logan- until next school year of course.
I move home tomorrow and even though I am so excited for the change I know it is going to be bittersweet. There has been a lot that has happened this year. I have grown so much and yet, it is hard to believe that it is over. Where did the days go?

Last semester at this time I was having a rough time. I got more homesick than I had ever been and to encourage me I came up with the moto that "I am in Control"- check it out here. And for a long time it really helped me to feel happy- after all I had total control on how I felt, whether I wanted to be happy or not was entirely my choice. . . . Or so I thought. My perspective has change however, I am not entirely in control. Now of course I an choose how I react to circumstance, but there is more to it than that.

I was reading some passages from my journal last night- I was on a journal kick and to be quite honest I didn't want to study for a final that I have today (I am really not all that worried for it though, I know the material- and no matter the outcome my grade will stay the same). It was fun to read about some of the problems that I was going through and then as I would read on I would see how the Lord played a huge roll in the outcome. Over and over again blessings were pouring from my treasured pages. While reading I felt foolish in a sense to have gotten so down on myself. I felt ridiculous for ever questioning "why"- when every little trial shaped me.

PERSPECTIVE. Goodness gracious. This word has so much meaning to me and it has taught me so many lessons. Have you ever wondered what life looks through another person's eyes. I do this a lot. While carrying on a casual conversation I will wonder what it is like talking to me through another's eyes. Different experiences, behaviors, values, beliefs change the way we look at things- Changes our perspective. Oh what I would give sometimes to have the perspective of another being- of course I would never trade my own, but think how intense that would be.

HOLD THE PHONE. Are you putting two and two together? There is someone who has ultimate perspective. The Lord. There is nothing that He doesn't know and doesn't understand. By the Atonement Jesus Christ suffered for not only our sins, but all our afflictions. (deep breath) It is a simple, yet MARVELOUS truth. He feels our highest highs and lowest lows, loving us through it all. He is ALWAYS ready to help us up and guide us through our troubles IF we turn to Him. The ultimate perspective. He knows what we must go through to become the Kings and Queens of His kingdom. Can you feel the truth? Pray.

Love. Gratitude. and Joy.

high five. seriously.

2011-05-04T17:47:00.002-06:00

If you don't know this writing in my journal is one of my FAVORITE pass times.

Weird? Maybe to some, but I find it entirely entertaining. . . Then again I do love writing, so it is somewhat of a given.
I am also a history buff and a genealogy nerd.
SO- keeping my own records is kind of a BIG deal to me.

. . . . . . . . . . .

One thing I absolutely love to do when I write in my journal is trace my hand.

Yes, I understand that this skill was mastered by most in preschool, and that it honestly doesn't take much talent. . . unless you can trace your dominant hand- then you have some extreme skill.

There you have it.
My hope is that when my journal is read (yes, I want people to read my journal) that people place their hands on mine while I lead them through my day-to-day life.

deep. I know.

Simply Marvelous Life. Randi!

2011-05-03T17:40:00.002-06:00

DRUMROLL PLEASE! . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . .

I have started a new blog post series!

I am calling it:

SIMPLY MARVELOUS LIFE!

I am going to feature people who have marvelous life's here on my blog . . . because if you haven't noticed life IS SIMPLY MARVELOUS! and basically I just have really cool friends who I want everyone to meet! Pretty much I am super excited about this! Hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

Tell me what you think!

Name:
Randi from Life and Times of a Miss.

Childhood Ambitions:
I wanted to be an odd assortment of things that ranged from an artist, to a writer, to a horse trainer, to a seamstress, to a professional baton twirler, to a ballerina, and then to an actress. Basically, anything that would put me in the spotlight. I was a rambunctious child.

Wildest Dream:
I have this crazy ambition to go on the Amazing Race with my father. We watch the show dedicatedly and we will be on it someday! They actually came to my home town for auditions a year and a half ago; my father and I printed off an application but we got to the last page and it said that both teammates had to be 21. Boo. So give us two more years and we’ll be racing around the world. I think it would be a grand opportunity to be able to spend that time with my dad, racing around the world while doing unbelievable things, plus we’re hilarious together.

Current Reading:
Oh, I love to read almost more than anything else in the world. So that means that I’m constantly reading at least five books at a time. Hearts of the Children, Vol 4: Take Me Home by Dean Hughes (stupendous series), Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, Blue Moon by Alyson Noel, A Twenty-Something’s Guide to Spirituality: Questions You Hesitate to Ask, Answers You Rarely Hear edited by Jacob Werret and David Read, Emma and Lucy by Gracia M. Jones, and the Book of Mormon.

Soundtrack:
Lately it’s been The Script, The Fray, Kate Earl, and Adele.

Retreat:
Outdoors. I love to camp and being in the mountains is just so peaceful to me. Of course, the beach isn’t bad either.

First Job:
I cleaned my father’s offices for a while. Then I got a real job like a normal teenager and worked at Maurice’s in the mall.

Last Purchase:
Milk, cheese sticks, and hairspray.

Inspiration:
My family, my friends, and everyone out there who has an amazing blog that I “repeatedly visit” a.k.a. stalk obsessively.

Proudest Moment:
The day I went repelling off a 100 ft cliff. Heights terrify me to the point of tears. So I cried, got past my immobilizing fear, and then repelled.

Biggest Challenge:
Yikes. I would have to say that I’m very critical of my appearance. I’m much too hard on myself.

Hidden Talent:
Well….I think I have great decorating skills. I can read really fast. I can twist my thumb backwards. I think I’ll end there before things get too weird. Maybe that’s why they call them “hidden talents”.

Something you have yet to do:
Oh, many, many things like work in the orphanages in Ecuador, run a marathon, travel, find the man of my dreams, graduate from college, and make a difference in the world.
But for today? Laundry.

Writings (blog):
I write Life and Times of a Miss. I started it about a year ago and slowly, I’ve started to find my writing voice and figure out what kind of blogger I am. I mainly started to write it because I knew it would be a good way for my family to know what I was doing while away from home. Right now, my blog is just bits and pieces of random things that happen to me while I’m in college (like the time my apartment manager saw me in my bathrobe) and it’s a place for me to write about how I’m trying to balance life, family, friends, and college with some funny stuff along the way.

To my friend.

2011-05-03T15:05:00.000-06:00

I believe the Lord put people in our lives for a reason.
And today my life has been blessed with so many amazing people who don't realize their impact.

One of those marvelous people made my day today-
and this is for you!
Thank you!

Dedicated to Tamantha.

2011-05-02T19:44:00.000-06:00

It is FINALS WEEK!

Tami and I have been studying all day long

. . . minus lunch, pre-dinner and dinner break.

. . . and now of course, for my Blogbreak!

We got to reminiscing on the fact that our first year of college is over.

Tami is getting married, and these last four days are going to be my last with her as her roommate

I may just cry- seriously though.

. . . . .

Not to get mushy-gushy or anything,

BUT

Tami has become one of my bestEST friends-

And it blows my mind that before August I didn't even know she existed.

Thanks for: cuddling with me, talking about boys, staying up late, screaming like a mad women with me, dancing like a crazy person, laughing at me, laughing with me, pulling pranks, listening to my "problems", telling me yours, being my roommate, being my friend, cooking me food, eating my leftovers, letting me do your hair, putting up with my me, and all the other things that we have gone through together this year!

I love you Tamantha!

Welp- (like well with a hick accent)

I best get back to studyin' my little head off.

I have two finals tomorrow back-to-back in the same room.

I start at 7:30 AM then hopefully I will be finished before eleven.

ADHDWC.

2011-04-29T10:51:00.003-06:00

Confession: I have ADHDWC.

AKA: Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder While Cleaning

Meaning I easily get distracted when I am on a mission to clean.

I have made headway-

I am learning how to control it!

Now I can actually finish a chore in one sitting

AND

It doesn't take me all afternoon long!

. . . . My poor mother, when I lived at home she always had to keep me on task.

Now that I am a college student though

I have to be on my own.

Sometimes it is just tuff to stay focused. . .

BEFORE:

DURING:

I was practicing for my trip to Hawaii this summer!

Give a girl a break!

If you look closely you can see my birthmark!

It is a "V" on my forehead.

Grandma RueLee always told it was because I was VERY SPECIAL!

I love her!

AFTER:

It is now clean.

I guess I should start studying for finals now!

Cheers!

How about a cup of cake?

2011-04-29T10:12:00.002-06:00

I made cupcakes yesterday for my visiting teaches

I decided to put the frosting in a ziplock bag and then cut off the tip to swirl the frosting on.

They looked beautiful.

I was kinda happy about how they turned out!

O and they tasted simply marvelous!- Huge Plus!

I didn't have any cupcake jackets (liners) for the pan,

so some of the cake cups didn't come out so smooth-

Instead of letting the cake crumbs go to waste we decided to just stir in some frosting.

Mmmm. so good!

One day we are going to crumb up a whole cake, stir in frosting, freeze it and eat it.

I think it sounds delicious!

Welcome to Logan: Yesterday I played softball out on the lawn. It was such a lovely afternoon! And then I went to an outside dance party. . . Today it is snowing. Happy Finals Week to be!

Read this. It will make your day!

2011-04-27T14:55:00.000-06:00

Marvelous day at D4!

So, basically I LOVE stories! I love listening to them, telling them, and the reactions that others get from them!

(clearing of throat) Here is my story for today and IT JUST BARELY HAPPENED!

I hope you all find it as humorous as I do.

I am usually not home during this time of the day on Wednesdays. I am usually at my Crossfit class, but today I didn't go. I didn't have to- and why would I put my body through something like that when I didn't have to?

Instead I ate a lovely salad topped with a boiled egg, cranberries and cheese. Just thinking about how marvelous that was in my mouth makes me smile while I am typing this story! I have also been doing some intense "research" via Blogger.

All my roommates were either still at school or upstairs so I was all alone in the living room enjoying my "Me-time" when I heard the door knob start turning. The thought went through my head that it shouldn't be doing that. Everyone was either upstairs or at school who lived here, and the J3 boys aren't so quiet. Before I realized it a man was in my doorway. I have never before seen this man in my life, but from first glance he seemed nice and he was nice looking. For a moment, yes just a moment, we "stared into each others eyes". . . okay, not really. It was more like we looked at each other with very confused expressions, not really sure what is going one. He stood there for about ten seconds. I even think he said hello, then he started noticing his surroundings. . . I am sure the thought went through his head "Where did that Giraffe picture come from?" and then it donned on him. The cute stranger started going red in the face and backed out of the door way before anymore could be said.

Now, even I have made the simple mistake of going into the wrong apartment. It is easy to get confused when all the buildings look the same. Lucky enough for me when I walked into the wrong apartment no one was there to catch me in my act. Another thing, when I walked into the wrong apartment it was the beginning of Fall semester. . . we are now drawing near the finals week of Spring semester! Poor kid. His mind must have been on something else- I have my theories.

Theories:

This unfortunate soul couldn't resist the smell of my perfume it lured him in like Pepe le Pew
He was in a complete daze due to lack of sleep and stress of finals
(complements of Randi) "Something unbeknown to him led him there. Like he just had some magical connection to you apartment and he was subconsciously being led there without his consent but he just couldn't stop himself"

Yep I like Randi's the best!

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Now, because there is always a story within a story this is what took place while I was sharing my lovely adventure with Randi:

Tami was cleaning up the hair balls off the floor. Hairballs are quite common in D4 especially since there are five girls who live here who have longish hair. . . it is just a fact of life. Well, she conjured up quite the wad of hair and because I think hairballs are funny Tami came down and showed me. At that moment I had the epiphany to take the ball of hair down to our lovely J3 brothers. I thought it was a thoughtful idea since the semester is almost over and we will all be going our own ways this hairball was a way they could take a piece of us with them where ever they went. Because we thought it to be so special the plan was to surprise them!

Tami and I ran down to their apartment set the hairball on the back of their couch and left hoping that when they saw this symbol of love they would be filled with much joy and cherish it forever. We quickly retreated to our apartment.

Ten minutes later. . .

My doorknob started wiggling again. This time more aggressive than before, but the hope for that poor young man danced across my mind, "He has returned! Randi was right!" I leaned over the chair to assist the one on the other side of the door- when my door flung open and two rowdy boys came bouncing into my apartment. These boys were familiar- too familiar. Tyson and Brian, two of the six J3 boys, ran into my kitchen before I even had time to think. . . In Tyson's hand was a cool-whip container and a lighter.

"Oh NO! Not incense" was the only thing I could think they would light in our apartment. . .yes they have done that before and it is terrible- the smell didn't leave for days. I had to stop them! Tyson was by the stove already lighting away before I had even got off the chair. Brian was guarding the entrance to the kitchen. There was no way for me to get in! I called for help. Tami and Jordan were upstairs doing homework- I NEEDED BACKUP!

Poor Brian, I punched him in the arm a few times to break down his barrier, but there was no hope. By the time Tami and Jordan came down Tyson and Brian had started to head for the door, leaving behind the smoldering cool-whip container. I ran in to put out the flame when the repulsive odor of a hair-perm and cow branding filled my nostrils! IT WAS THE HAIR!

At this point I don't know which could be worse- the smell of incense or the smell of burt hair. Currently the kitchen window and the front door are both open hoping to circulate some fresh hair into our home.

I know. . . we asked for it-

Oh, by the way: Happy Wednesday Everyone! (:

11:33 PM (dedicated to my IWA squad)

2011-04-26T23:54:00.006-06:00

It is my bed time, past it actually. About a month ago, give or take a few days, I gave myself a bed time. For a few reasons:

In institute I learned that when you have more rest you are more open to receive personal revelation because you are tuned into the Spirit.
I have started to get up early to go to the gym to work out- I have needed to get back to a schedule.
Early to bed, early to rise is just healthy- look it up.

Tonight however I am awake and as the minutes pass by (it is now 11:36 PM) I am feeling guilty for staying up so late. I just need to write though- writing is my escape.

I had the best time tonight. It was the last activity for my IWA (Institute Women's Association) group and we went out with a bang. I absolutely love Mama B and all the girls that surround me while I am there. I feel so loved and so welcome! The Lord loves me, knows me and has put these strong girls in my life to remind me of these simple truths. I wish I could capture those feelings in a jar and whenever I needed a little pick-me-up I could just take some out of the jar and relive it all over again. I do know that no matter what, those girls will always be there for me.

Top 10 Favorite things of tonights activity (no particular order):

Mama B's AMAZING FOOD! We had soup in bread bowls- I can't describe the marvelousness!
Getting to REALLY know more of my IWA sisters! They are just so perfectly lovely!
Mama B's house is so charming and Spiritual.
Testimony and story time! (LOVED THIS PART!)
Baring my testimony- it was such an overwhelming feeling
THE SPIRIT!
The love and unity I felt for everyone in the room.
Discovery of fellow blog-buddies!
Laughing! When the Rebekah Chapter gets together we GET TOGETHER! 'nuff said!
Drive to Lewiston! (We didn't get lost! AND we didn't even have to turn around once!)

It was simply marvelous in every way. I am going to miss my girls and Mama B.

Current time 11:40 PM.

I have been on a roller coaster of sorts the last few days. Not necessarily a bad roller coaster, but it has had its fair share of ups and downs. One moment I am happy, the next sad- then I am hyper and bouncing off the walls, not too long after I find myself deep and concentrated on thoughts. I will admit I called my mom on the phone Monday evening and just cried to her (if you know me I am not much of a crier) I felt better afterwards though.

Maybe it is because it is the end of the year. With everything coming to a head like an ugly zit just waiting to explode with forces of puss- aka: emotion and stress. Actually that probably has a lot to do with it. There are other factors too of course- there has to be.

Time: 11:46 PM.

I just got off of a Facebook chat with my mom. She asked why I was still awake. It made me laugh a little bit because when I was living at home there is no way I would be even closed to going to bed at this time. We talked about my night and how great IWA was. (If you haven't picked it up already I talk to my mom nearly every day, usually more than once- I like talking to my mama.) We also talked about some other things that were weighing on my mind. My mom always has the best advice, this is what she told me:

"One thing that I know that helps is to pray about all probolems not that things

change but the way you look at things does."

I have been taught this principle since I was little, but little reminders help. They help so much.

Prayer is a powerful thing. My Heavenly Father loves me, He thinks I am beautiful. Oh HE LOVES ME and that is all I need. Sometimes I forget and get caught up in the craziness of the world when all that really matters is the Love that I feel from my Savior. Simple truths are so pure and beautiful.

Ending time: 11:54 PM.

This picture really has nothing to do with anything despite give you something pretty to look at while you read my post. I took it last summer coming home from a movie with my friend Kaden. It makes me excited for summer sun sets!

4 school days left, then finals.

2011-04-25T15:08:00.000-06:00

I am blogging even though I don't have the time really. . . O well, what is time anyway?

One week of classes and then finals week and I am home free!
I can't wait- I am ready to be done with school for a while.

This next part of my blog will be a bit journal-isk.

This last week has been a bit eye opening for me. If you are new or haven't picked up on this already I am very much a planner. I like knowing the who, what, when and wheres. This past week I was fixing my schedule to get caught up in the four year program for my major! (yeah me! I finally found a major!) While I was looking over that I came to the realization that next year at this time I will either be preparing my mission papers or i will be getting close to marriage. Well, atlas that is how I have always had it planned. This realization hit me like a kick ball right in the gut. The shock isn't really overwhelming, but there is defiantly some shock.
I have always wanted to go on a mission, and the desire to actually getting there is stronger now than it has been ever before. However, I know that my first calling in life is to become a wife and mother. . . taking marriage prep this last semester in institute might not have been the smartest idea. Now I evaluate every small little potential relationship, and I wish it would stop! Don't get me wrong I have loved the class, but I blame it (and all my engaged friends) for filling my mind with crazy fantasies (not in a bad way necessarily). But it has caused me confusion.
My dang planning-self just needs to stop. . .

I am interested to see how my readers, mainly my family, reacts to this post.

On a different note: I can't wait next semester! I have been called as Historian in my IWA (Institute Women's Association) Chapter and I am so excited to get started with that. As soon as I was called I could feel my heart swell with love for the girls in my chapter. Such a weird but powerful feeling.

lack of sleep = cleaning?

2011-04-17T19:36:00.002-06:00

Time: Approx. 9:07 AM

Place: Vanity in D4

Task: De-clogging the sink.

please don't mind my short-shorts. . . I was cleaning!

I arrived to D4 around seven thirty Saturday morning. The lights were all off and everyone in the house was sleeping despite Jordan and I who were sleep deprived from the previous Relay For Life activities. As we trudged up the stairs discussing the events of the day to come I soon realized that there weren't enough hours for things that I had scheduled to do that day. In that moment of time I contemplated my priorities and soon came to the conclusion that sleep could wait and that now was the time for me to get to work. . . yes work.
I have this huge pet-peeve of clean clothes. I absolutely hate starting off a week having a hamper full of dirty clothes. It honestly drives me bonkers. We have a laundromat in my complex that isn't too far from my building and on Saturday it is known to get packed. I knew that if I wanted to get me clothes washed there was no time like the present. As soon as I walked into my room I grabbed my dirty clothes and lugged them down to the cleaners. The initial plan was to start my laundry and then go back to bed. . . However, as soon as I got back to my apartment I caught a second wind. My version of a cleaning Nazi was released.
Next up, the kitchen. My roommates and I have come up with a system of chores and each week we all have a job to do. Clever I know. Mine this week was the kitchen and it was in drier need of some TLC. As part of the job regulations we have until Monday at midnight to finish our assigned duty, but I despise cleaning on Mondays, Sundays are completely out of the question and so there I was scrubbing the floors around eight in the morning. Exhausted, but far from total and complete bodily shut-down.
After the kitchen I was on a cleaning high- which lately has been really rare (you should see my bedroom). I saw the vanity sink- I had been meaning to tackle the monster which lived within the throat of the sink and I finally had the courage to take it down. Everyone else was still sleeping so I figured that my opportunity was golden. I grabbed the plunger- and tried plunging out the gunk. Gurgling sounds of the underworld (aka: the drain) sounded the house and soon everyone was up curious to what I was doing. No hope. Next trial for success was to undo the p-hole? (the little contraption underneath the sink) Mind you, I have no plumbing experience whatsoever. As soon as I got the p-whole cap off I couldn't get it back on and there was water spewing everywhere when I turned on the nozzle. . . Long story short getting the cap back on was an adventure all of it's own. Finally I turned to my last chance of success- taking out the drain head (again, I don't know the correct terminology). Tami advised me to use her latex gloves that she accidentally brought home from work. Bless her heart!
To save you from the gruesome details I took out the drain head, looked in to the throat of the drain and saw doom- o wait, nope, just kidding, the only thing I could see was hair- an almost complete blockage of hair in my drain. Nasty! I stuck my latex-covered finger down the drain and pulled out the bit I could reach of the closer, but I couldn't successfully bring out all of it. Kellie advised a metal hanger and happily donated to the cause. Sticking a hooked end down to the depths of water flowage I retrieved an eight inch tap-worm of hair! I threw it in the bag and ran to my room gaging . . . if I didn't have serious throwing-up issues I defiantly would have lost my breakfast right then.
I finished the task of cleaning the sink- but as soon as that was done I no longer had the urge to clean and went on with my day - not sleeping until eight thirty at night!

Oh, and for a quick sneak peak!

I took Tami and Jayson's engagements yesterday-

nearly fell asleep driving them around

got rained out

but ended up with some awesome picture!

Correction: "p-hole" is suppose to be "p-trap", but I'm not changing it!

tired much?

2011-04-16T05:15:00.000-06:00

It is late- or early. . . like five o'clock in the morning early.
I am too tired for my own good and the good of those around me, but hey it is all for a good cause right? Tonight Tyson, Jordan and I are "Walkin' it Out" at the Relay for Life that was put on by the school. We joined a team, got awesome shirts, walked a few miles, and slept only a few hours- if that. In short tonight was fun. I am tired (I know I have said that already, but that is all I really am). Tomorrow is going to be a long day.

Here are the two bits from my two conpadres:

Tyson: Did you mean today is going to be a long day Kelsie? Because it's going to be and I think Sunday will be a little long as well. So yeah like my dear friend said, we joined a sweet team for Relay for Life. My cousin put it together. At the time I didn't even know what Relay for Life was but Kelsie and Jordan were quick to explain things to me. A month has gone by and here we are sitting on the floor in the Field House with all kinds of people. It's is early, we are tired (did we already mentions that?), I have eaten lots of food and spent a lot of time on my feet the past 24 hours. I'm chilling with some pretty gorgeous ladies that have some awesome sleep/insomnia hair. Life is pretty great.

Jordan: Oh the conversations you have at 5 o'clock in the morning. Pretty much today has been an interestingly wonderful day…its seems like it has been several though. Relay for Life is definitely a fun experience though, staying up late into the evening with complete strangers fighting cancer. Does it get better than this? I think not; and if it does not by much! I have several blisters on my feet, really tired (did we already mention that?), but happy and ready for more!

Feet meet Chacos!

2011-04-14T23:10:00.000-06:00

I am going to purchase me some Chacos!

Yep- adventurous sandals.

I maybe going a bit granola (:

So many miles these shoes are going to take me through- I am SO EXCITED!

And they lived in a house.

2011-04-14T21:27:00.000-06:00

"Kelsie, I can see you having a house like the one off of UP." -Tami

I love the movie UP.

Everything about it-

The mailbox.

The way Carl Fredrickson is such a heartbreaker

The beautiful relationship of Carl and Ellie

The adventure of the story

Russell's chubbiness

Kevin.

Doug.

The house.

And . . .

One day I will have chairs like the ones inside their house.

Yep, one day Tami I will have a house like that!

Dedicated to my sunburn.

2011-04-12T00:39:00.001-06:00

ya know, a lot of the time I write for those who read my blog, but today I could care less if anyone read this post.

I feel like I should be blogging about something deep and profound. Probably because the only things I have been thinking lately have been deep and profound, but when I try to focus on just one thought I can't. My mind has been going thousands of miles an hour that I can't hang on to any of it!
I am getting antsy for the semester to be over. I want summer to come, school to be out, and well I want to move home. Right before Christmas break last semester I got this same anxious feeling- only it has kicked in a lot sooner this time.
This week, and the next three to come, I plan on stowing away at the library. It is time for this girl to buckle down and get some work done. In high school I worked hard- One could classify me as a "teachers-pet" or even a "goody two-shoes" and to be honest I was okay with that. College has been a whole different story. I feel like all I do is mess around- probably because that is all I do. . . I am getting by with dissent grades, but doing the bare minimum will only hold out so long.

Today I did a lot of people watching. I skipped my Crossfit class to study for a math test I had and found myself basking in the sun while I went of logarithmic and exponential equations. I probably sat outside for a good two hours leaving with a slight sunburn and a wasp bite on my leg (yes, it was a wasp bite not a sting). There are so many people here at USU. Sometimes I forget that small fact. Everyday I see people I have never seen before- bewilderment! SO MANY PEOPLE, I love and hate this fact. Last weekend I went home- everyone knows me there. I like that people know me. They know who I am, where I come from, what I am like, my character, my standards- EVERYTHING- (this could also be a good and bad thing.) Sometimes I wish I had that here.

I need to go to bed so that I can be alert physically, mentally and spiritually.
Life is full of checks and balances that keep us on our toes. I like it.

I just caught one of my deep thoughts:

"The Lord will take care of the details"- Elder John Groberge, fireside April 10, 2011