Thinking....

This tree…the “tree of life”  Is located in the Animal Kingdom, and is from the movie Lion King.
It is one of my favorite movies, and today, this tree has a great significance to me. Why you ask? Hmmm…For many reasons.

I have been thinking about this beautiful tree, ever since my sister and I had a chat this morning. We were discussing a mutual friend of ours, and the path he has chosen to take. He has become extremely wealthy, by selling a product with a multi-level marketing company. He has millions of people underneath him, doing the same thing and he receives revenue from them. People love him. He has taken this company into uncharted territory. The country of Hungary. We were talking about how he got there. Hungary is a place where people aren’t readily accepted as a whole. it is not a….well off country, in my opinion anyway, and for many, Many years, this company that Kenton now works for, has been trying to get the people of Hungary to bite. Hmm.. No one would. How did Kenton do it? How did he get in there, and start dominating??? Let’s look back to several years ago. like…15 years or so ago. A young 19 year old boy, studied and prayed, and made the choice and sacrifice to go on a full time LDS mission. He spent many weeks in the Mission Training Center, learning the language, gaining a stronger testimony and a bigger love fore our Heavenly Father and Savior Jesus Christ, and then- He was shipped off to Hungary. For two years he taught the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and learned to love and respect the people of Hungary. They also loved him. Respected him.

Fast forward to returning home from his mission. He loved the experiences there, and always said he wanted to return. He meets up with a multi-level company, that promises to “get rich quick.” He bites. and because he loves Hungary so much, takes this business to the people there. The Lord paved the way for him to get there, by sending him there in the first place! Somewhere along the lines, he lost God. He lost who it was that made it possible, paved the way for him to be where he is at now. He exchanged his strong strong testimony and healthy spirit, for dollar signs. I am sure he had struggles, trials, and everything else along that nature, along with the rest of us here on this earth-  But instead of drawing closer to our Heavenly Father, he chose to abandon Him, and go with what will make him happy now.

I am sure one day he will realize, that he truly has nothing. Not all of the riches he has here will go with him. Friendships will die when the money is gone, true happiness does not lie in the things of the world. Yes sometimes having great things, helps us along our journey- but what may have happened if Kenton would have chosen to stay on the Lord’s side? Would he be as financially stable? I think he would be even more so. In fact, I know he would be. He would have financial peace and freedom here, and spiritual freedom in eternity. He would have a family to share his happiness with…instead of an empty house, that every so often is filled with a big group of people, and millions of dollars worth of toys.

So what does all of this have to do with the Tree of life?

In this life, there are choices, good and bad, struggles and journeys that we decide, how to handle. Each step and each decision we make is recorded, as it is in this tree. The tree is weathered, and so is our journey from all of the steps that we take, and all the ones we don’t as well. As life twists and turns, so does this tree.  If you look closely, everything that the tree has ever seen is drawn into its trunk. Everything that we see and do, is drawn in our ” book of life”. The tree of life represents what our Heavenly Father and Savior want for us. When we choose to walk away from that, we fall away, and instead of us growing as the tree grows, we shrivel spiritually.

I don’t want to shrivel. I want my  book of life, to be as this tree. Filled with all the memories and positive things that have happened. I want my choices to show that I did my best, and that I love my Heavenly Family. I want it to show that I am valiant, and tried to do what is right at all times. I know I will fail sometimes, but in the trunk of my tree I want it to show that each time I got back up and found a better way. I want to stay on the straight and narrow, holding on to the iron rod, so that I may reach my Savior,  and embrace Him, and know that I am loved  at home, and have peace.

I wish for everyone to want that. I wish for everyone to look at the tree in Lion King, and see much more than what the movie portrays…to see that there is a plan for us, and it doesn’t always include fancy things, money,  or lots of friends. But it does include guidance, strength, peace, comfort, and Love.

What does your tree of life say?

quick recap of a few things....

Things have been just as busy, and as crazy as ever! Wedding plans have taken up any space that might have been left in my brain! October 9th is the date- and it is only a short time away until then! While we still don't have a "cancellation of cealing" confirmation- I remain hopeful that this will work out. I keep reminding myself that when I have faith  I "need not fear"...that what is meant to happen will, provided I do my part.

My awesome room mate, is just that- AWESOME! She grounds me. She makes sure that there is, at least a little bit of sanity in the house- whether by finishing up the dishes I started, or remembering to take out the trash Thursday night. I depend on her way too much- I hope she realizes how much I appreciate her, and LOVE having her around! I keep promising that I will step up and not be so scatterbrained...it hasn't happened yet though- and I am afraid it might now for awhile ;)

John and I went to help a dear friend and  sister out this weekend...We removed that ugly popcorn crap off of her living room ceiling. In all honesty, John removed it- I just stood around and helped where I was asked to. He is such an "out of the box" thinker- He figured out how to make the process go much more smoothly and quickly- and in his quiet manner, he got it done! We also removed carpet, and the yucky padding underneath, along with a couple of couches. It was so much fun- especially when the homemade cinnamon rolls came, made by my awesome mom, delivered by my awesome nephew Taylor! All in all it only took a few hours- and clean up was way simple! We ended the evening with Dinner and a Movie- Dining with the Schmucks (AWESOME AWESOME SHOW!) and Indian food from Tandoor (quite yummy too)

The weekend before last, John, Deserae, Ty, Jordynn (Sp?) and I went to Boondocks in Kaysville. Laser Tag, Mini Golf, and Racing Cars were all quite fun...but I think the best part was watching the kids run around playing the arcade games for tickets! They grow up so fast...I heart all of them!

Just a few short things going on in my neck of the woods, still a little crazy, still a lot of fun!

Tired.

These past few weeks, have been a little bit tough. I am still trying to learn how to make everything all work with the house and all the responsibilities that go along with it. I have a deeper respect for my mother! I think back on all those years when my father was out of town, and at the end of the day she was completely exhausted from trying to make sure everything was taken care of, mostly with no help from my sister or me. She had to do it alone. If she didn’t do the laundry, it didn’t get done. If she didn’t dust, mop, sweep the floors, vacuum, clean the bathroom, make breakfast, lunch and dinner, get her two children ready, teach them how to be functioning members of a household and society, then there was no one else to pick up the slack. I understand why at times there was a strain in her voice, and a concerned frown upon her face. I understand why just “one more trip” to the store was just as reachable as sprinting to Disneyland. I empathize with my mom. I feel similar to how she felt those times. No, I do not have children or a husband to tend to, but I am still responsible for the laundry, meals, mopping, sweeping, bathrooms, vacuuming, dusting, dishes, shopping, yard care, bills, walking the dogs, feeding the dogs and the cats, exercising all of them, disciplining the unruly animals, cleaning up their messes and making sure they don’t make more of a mess. Adding to this, there is primary, sharing time, ward missionary work, my job, the gym, and martial arts. The maid that picks up the slack for me, changed her mind and resigned! By the time I lay my head down to sleep, I feel as though I should be able find dreamland instantly. Instead, I think of all the things I still have yet to accomplish. I worry that I am not being a good enough “pack leader” for the animals I love and adore so much. Eventually I do fall asleep, even if it is just before the alarm goes off. I know it will get better, I know that it will not always feel this overwhelming, and I do enjoy my cute little house…even if the disposal, toilet and faucets need to be replaced.


I haven’t mowed the backyard since I moved in, and the grass is so tall, I lose Daisy in it. Tramp has to jump like a jackrabbit just to get through it, and daisy is like a snake, staying low to the ground whipping her way around. The front lawn was mowed by my dear sweet John, and since then, has grown again with all the rain we have received- maybe he will be gracious enough to surprise me again and mow both!



I don’t mean to sound all whiney or anything- I truly am blessed! I know that I am being watched out for, and that if I were to ever need it, my family and friends would be there to help- all I would have to do is call…I am just trying to learn to be self-sufficient. I will get there, and tomorrow will be a better day. After all, it is SATURDAY!!!

Not much....

I have been struggling with this poor little blog for quite some time now. I look at all those amazing blogs out there that I silently read…the ones that inspire me, uplift me, and make me feel like I am semi-normal, and wonder how those amazing people have the courage to put there innermost thoughts and feelings into a network of trillions of people! With all of the bad stuff that is so easily accessible on the internet, how can someone trust enough to put their story out there? I came to the realization quite quickly, that yes, there are a lot of horrible things that are all too easy to find with a click of a button. That darn little mouse has made many great men and women fall into things that they otherwise, would hopefully never have delved into, had they not clicked that button. It is enough to make anyone leery of using this great technology. But on the flip side of it, there is so much good on here as well! So many places to be uplifted, inspired and to learn and grow! I am amazed every day that I find something that makes me stop and think of how grateful and lucky I am to be where I am, and to know the things I know! I have decided that I want to be a part of it. I want to inspire, uplift and enlighten others. I have been on the receiving end of so many others inspiring thoughts and honest and open feelings, I want to give back as well. Besides, for now, I only know of maybe two or three people besides me that even look at this little blog, and it is ok! I know those two or three other people, and they are pretty darn awesome! The rest of the world that I don’t know, whether they stop by or don’t- doesn’t bother me in the least. I know that if it ever becomes and issue, there is a button to fix it!

Rewind. . .

So many times these past few months, I have wanted to sit down, and "blog away"...but being that lately, my little world has been so crazy, the opportunity never presented itself. I sit back and wish I could rewind parts of the past few months, do them over, or just plain, enjoy them more...

I started the year, with a fun challenge to myself, of taking 1 picture per day, and posting it. Obviously that hasn't happened. Not only have I failed to use my beloved camera, I have lost the USB cord :( Sad Day! Eventually I will find it, or break down and buy a new one. Who knows, maybe by April, things will calm down :)

What have I been up to you ask??? Are you sure you really want to know...here's a rewind of "life as Kellie knows it."

In January I was called to be a teacher in the Primary :) I missed the Primary, my few short months away from it were well...interesting, fun, but still I missed it. Two weeks after I was called to be a teacher, I was sitting in Sacrament meeting when they released me, asked me to stand to be called as the 2nd Counselor in Primary! What a shock! Getting a calling from the pulpit, it's pretty awesome! I can see how some people would like to be asked in private first...but honestly, the small element of surprise was kind of fun! I currently watch over the senior primary, which I tend to gravitate more towards the smaller ones, but it is a great challenge, and I love each and every child in there!
 Along with this awesome calling comes Presidency meetings every other week, Primary activities to plan, Scout meetings, and banquets to attend, and Sharing times to prepare. I am also STILL a ward missionary ( and don't plan on giving that one up easily either)

At the end of January, beginning of February, I finally got tired of John and I discussing how when we get married, we will have to rent for a while until his credit improves. The thought of renting someone else's property, and basically throwing my money down the drain, makes me ill. The stress of not having a place to call my own is enough to keep me awake at night. I am getting rid of that stress. I called my oh so awesome Realtor, asked him where to begin, and the process of loan approval and house hunting began! I was so desperately praying to be able to find a place that would work for me, in my ward...but unfortunately, my price range doesn't fall in to "insanely ridiculous for the amount of house you'll be getting". Who knew that the area my parents live in was so popular??? The thought of one day leaving my ward, and everyone I have grown up with- tears at my heartstrings. I have lived in this ward forever. I LOVE my ward. I love it so much, that the thought of living next door to my parents, wouldn't scare me, so long as I could go to my same ward. There isn't a better ward out there, really! I have visited other wards, and they aren't the same. People visit my ward, and instantly love it (Yay Springview!) Anyway, it is not possible for me to buy in my stake, let alone my ward, BUT I did find the most perfect house for me, less than ten minutes away, and in my price range. ( I am currently under contract and set to close at the end of the month) John and I have decided that he will move into my oh so perfect for me house, until we get married-which by the way I'M ENGAGED! There. If you hadn't heard that I was, you have now, and eventually maybe I will share  all those details on here :)

February 13th- My Birthday. I turned 30.  That's not the big news. The big news, is on my 30th birthday, surrounded by 3 of the people I love so dearly, John got down on 1 knee and asked me to marry him.  :) :) :) ;There's the short version, long one comes later :)

March: My adopted brother Rob got married to his sweetheart Heather. Last week I went to the temple to support her in her temple work, and then again to see another friend sealed to his family for eternity, and then finally on Saturday the 6th, to their wedding. Stories of the wedding and reception, may come, but most likely will never show up on this blog.

Other things that go on in my life....Teaching martial arts to kids, going to the gym ( I know a great personal trainer if anyone needs one) hanging out with my future husband, getting my weekly dose of Biggest Loser in, avoiding most of the Olympics, and getting on my knees to thank my Heavenly Father daily for the many blessings I have in my life!

Resolutions??

Every year, as do thousands of other people gracing this planet with their presence, I sit down and write down my list of "New Year Resolutions." Every year I vow that the treadmill at the gym will be my friend, that I will drink more water, or be one more credit card out of debt...EVERY YEAR I vow that I will do ten times better "this year" than the previous year. And every year I find myself involved in other things by the time February rolls around! Seriously, resolutions and I do not coexist. I think they are great for those who stick with them...those that need the big moment to sit down and evaluate their lives and resolve to change it- however I see I design flaw in the process. For me, those goals are not achievable, because well, they are TOO BIG! Sure I'd love to run a marathon, but 12 weeks from now, I'm sure I will still be cursing the treadmill, and finding every other excuse on the planet NOT to do it. It is too big. However, the solution to this problem...I am hoping at least, since I am tired of being like millions of Americans who never achieve their goal, is to resolve to take baby steps. Instead of "this year I will" I think the resolution should be "for the next six weeks I will..." Baby steps. We heard that term a million times in the What About Bob movie...yet if you're like me, it takes your own little "aha" moment to realize, remember and act on it. I'm sure by now if you are still reading this, you are wondering WHEN I am going to reach the destination of this post. Let me help you out with that. First I will apologize for my ramblings- it is nearly 11p.m. I have been up late several nights in a row this past week and my brain is toast. That said:

My point is, I am not making "New Year Resolutions" this year. I am going back to the basics of the way I know things work, and starting with a small goal- that will eventually lead up to the big finish.

My goal for the next few weeks: One picture from my camera will be posted daily on the this crazy blog, to grow and cultivate the inner love of great photographs I have, and to also make my blog a little more interesting. How long with I do this? The big picture says all of 2010. The smaller picture says: for the next 6 weeks.

So here goes: Picture #1

Little Miss Reagan! She spent New Years Eve with us, along with her brothers and sister, stayed up ALL Night, and by 9:00 this morning, this is what we saw of her! I just wish she would've let me take a picture of her beautiful face too!