Who am I?

I recently finished the Hunger Games series and in the last book, Katniss has to remind herself who she is. It made me wonder who I am. What is special about me?

My name is Kelsi. I am 20 years old. I live in California with my husband. My family lives all over the place. I don't have kids. I want kids. I teach kids about the gospel. I love it.

Basics. But what makes me me? 

[Totally Awesome Tuesday]

Hello, friends. You might have noticed that I haven't blogged for two weeks. Maybe you haven't, and that's ok. I have been trying to figure out why I blog. I started out because it was on my bucket list. I wanted to start and maintain a blog. So, why do I keep going?

That's what I am trying to figure out.

Either way, it's Tuesday and I need to start getting back on here. My life is awesome. And here are some reasons why.



1. Christmas is five days away. My first Christmas in my new home. With my new husband. With our everlasting love. This is just the first of many happy holidays for us.

2. Nick and I have a REAL Christmas tree.

3. Advent calenders are fun! and they don't need chocolate to be fun. =)

4. We got a box in the mail from my grandparents. It had the family famous chex mix. That is all I need.

5. Nick and I have amazing friends.

6. My brother, Quinn, and his lady are coming to stay with us for a week! I feel so blessed to be able to see him.

7. We went to the Sacramento Temple on Saturday. Eternity really is a beautiful thing when you have someone so amazing to share it with.

8. I am getting better at driving.

9. My mother-in-law let me make cake balls with her yesterday. I might just have to believe they are the best ones I have ever tasted. That's just me.

10. Grey's Anatomy is a good show. I think I might have found Nick's doppleganger. Now I just have to find mine!

11. Sam and Chas have a very special announcement to share!

12. Did I say that Christmas is five days away?

13. Teaching kids about the birth of Jesus Christ by acting it out is precious. I don't think I ever want to teach it a different way. I love being in Primary. Children are a blessing.

14. We are making amazing friends.

15. We have a home.

16. We are finding our purpose. Together.


What is awesome in your life?

Nostalgia.

So, if you read this post, then you know that I haven't always been a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I used to go to several different churches growing up. All at different stages of my life, of course!

When my family moved across the country to this area where I live, my mom picked up the phone book and searched for a church that best fit our beliefs. I remember sitting on the floor next to her as she kept calling different churches. I was flipping through the different listings while she was on the phone and told her to call this specific one. Well, that's where we ended up!

We started to attend when I was in fifth or sixth grade. I kept attending that church for years. It was where I first kind of became aware of what I was doing when it came to religion. I started to really figure it all out for myself, something that everyone needs to go through in their own journey. Being a part of the youth group at that church I really found something. I found faith and friendship. I found people who loved Jesus Christ as much as I did. I really came out of my shell during those few years going to that church.

Nick and I were talking about listening to the contemporary Christian radio instead of the crap that is shelled out like it's going out of style. We want to listen to more uplifting things so we can focus more on the Spirit in our life.

I found my old CDs my youth pastor gave me back in junior high. I popped one in and pulled out the CD of pictures from those wonderful years. Let me tell you. I have been fighting tears of nostalgia for the last two hours. I had some of the best friends I have ever had in my life. I really owe a lot to them. They were and still are so dear to me.

Nick's work day

Oh boy. Nick and I exchanged this conversation via text today:

K: It sounds windy out there.

N: It's crazy out here. I feel like ima be swept away!! AAAAAaaaaaaaahhhhhh.............

K: NOoooooooooooooo!!!!!!! HOLD ON!!!!!!!

N: Phew! Landed in some... HEY! where am I?! There's little people! And lollipop somethin or others!! And I think that's a witch and some monkeys with wings! And a road made of yellow bricks!!

K: !!!! Say hi to the wizard for me!

N: Wizard? This is not Harry Potter Kelsi

K: lol! The WIZARD of Oz...

N: O.m.g. Someone just dropped a house on the witch....

K: Take her shoes! Quick!

N: They shriveled up strangely under the house... And for some reason that made a lot of people happy...



I love my husband and the joy he brings into my life. =)

By the way, I do not endorse the act of thievery. I just really like things that glitter. Like the ruby red slippers.

[Totally Awesome Tuesday]

Merp. So there have been lotsa things happening over here in my neck of the woods (who even came up with that phrase?) and I just haven't been up to blogging. I yam sorry. This would be the part where I would say "Are you tired of sweet potatoes because I know I yam" but I don't eat them.

... Now that I feel awkward, let's fix that by feeling awesome instead.

1. I have fuzzy jammie pants.

2. My hair is getting ridiculously long.

3. My computer is warm.

4. The fog makes the  horizon seem like Ireland or something equally as awesome.

5. My brother and his girlfriend are coming for a visit in a few weeks.

6. I got a package from my other brother who is currently in Sicily. It contained delicious butter cookie things from Dublin. I can't stop thinking about them.

7. I had a dream last night that was a mixture of The Hunger Games and the Legend of Zelda. It was pretty much epic.

8. I saw the trailer for The Hunger Games in theatres and about exploded with emotion.

9. I set up my Christmas village on Friday! AND I was gifted two lovely additions on Sunday from my mother-in-law.

10. I have a family.

12. Nick and I are have a race to see who can complete A Link to the Past first. I must say that I am having extra difficulties with it. Nick is just breezing through it. He pulled out the strategy guide when he saw how frustrated I was getting. Ha. I'm still losing.

13. I just had a thought about high school that greatly annoyed/amused the heck out of me.

14. I love Whitney, Jacob, and Ethan.

15. I skipped number 11.

11. It's my blog. I do what I want.



What makes your awesome? (Yes. I just said "your awesome." Please refer to #11.)

Thanks.

Here are three things I am ridiculously thankful for. There are soooo many more but I need limits, people.

I know I haven't blogged for like a week and a half but I have a good reason. It's the number one reason I am thankful.

1. FAMILY - This includes so many amazing people in my life.
I am grateful for the days I have with my husband. He is a huge blessing and support and my best friend. I honestly don't know where I would be without him and I don't want to know. I'm just blessed.
I am so thankful for the last week and a half that I have spent visiting with my mom. I mentioned she was coming to visit and she totally did! Today is her last day in California but I am so thankful for the days we have had. She is inspiring. Everything she teaches me helps me be a better person.
My brothers. There aren't even words enough to express my love for them. They are in my thoughts everyday and I wish they were here at home but I know that although they are miles away we will always be connected. I'm grateful Quinn came home safe! And Taylor! Stay safe out there.
My sisters. Girlfriends. Ha. They keep me fresh. I don't even know what that means... But they are amazing women and I love them with all my heart.
Daddy. I am so in love with the conversations we have. Every time we talk my heart aches for a warm embrace and your company. I am thankful for the lessons and gifts you have taught me. I cherish every moment we spend together.
Brian. Oh Brian. He taught me how to stand up for myself in ways that I can't even explain. I love the things he always says and the way he just keeps things real.
My family is so big and I love it that way. I love the family I grew up with. I love the family I married into. I am just in love with family time and I am so grateful to have that.

2. FRIENDS - Who would have a good life if they didn't have friends? No one. I love my friends. My old friends. My new friends. I love them all! I am grateful for the lessons I have learned over the many years I have had with some and the few months I have had with others. My friends range in ages from 3 to old. I don't know who my oldest friend is so we'll just say they are old. HA! 

3. PRAYER - This little tool has come in handy my ENTIRE life. I am so thankful for answered prayers and what-I-like-to-think-are-unanswered-prayers-but-they-really-get-answered-in-His-way prayers. I gained a testimony of prayer when I was 5 years old. I know it works. I know that there is someone up there listening to sincere prayers. When I was 5 years old, my mom was sick. On November 21, 2011, my mom celebrated her 15th birthday. My mom says it better herself: 

" There are no words to express how thankful I am on this day, every single year... but bear with me as I try... I am 15 years old today! On November 21, 1996, I had a bone marrow transplant for myelodysplastic syndrome, which was progressing into acute leukemia. Without the transplant, I was given less than 3 months to live. With the transplant, I was given less than 40% chance of survival. But I'm here, and I have so many people to thank for that. First of all, my sister Carla, for giving me her bone marrow. Without her, I would not have had this time to spend with my children, my family, friends. I literally owe her my life. To Barry, for taking care of the kids so that I could focus on getting well. I never had to worry about them, which made things so much easier. To Curtis, for selling everything he owned and moving to Texas to help Barry and to take care of whatever needed done, and then moving to Florida to continue to take care of me when I couldn't. To Christi, for taking my profile pic... which pissed me off at the time... so that one day I would know just how far I've come. To Craig and Jen, for drawing on my bald head with washable markers with the kids so that they wouldn't be so afraid of their mama. To Quinn, Taylor, and Kelsi, for being so brave and having to grow up so fast...and for being my little nurses when I got to go home. The doctors, the nurses, the techs, Cindy Burke, and everyone at Wilford Hall Medical Center... unbelievable people, all of them! And to the hundreds of people who either came to visit, called to check on me, sent cards and letters, and/or said a prayer... I believe I owe my life to every single one of you.... I am forever grateful."

I am forever grateful to my Heavenly Father for answering my 5 year old self. For letting me keep my mommy. For every year I have with her because of that miracle 15 years ago.


I love be thankful and expressing gratitude with a full heart. This year is very emotional and I love it.
Happy Thanksgiving, friends.
What are you thankful for?

The beginning of eternity

Do you remember these two? WELL! They went and tied the knot on the beautiful Saturday that just passed. Nick was a groomsman and we were so blessed to be able to be a part of their magical day. I snapped some pictures throughout the day and here they are! I got permission from the bride, of course! So while they are off prancing through a most-likely freezing Monterey, y'all get a sneak peak of their big day! I hope you enjoy!

And my favorite picture of the day... 

[Totally Awesome Tuesday]

Extra awesomeness.

1. My mama is coming back to California for a visit in ONE WEEK. I don't know how I've survived since July.

2. I have Nick to help me survive. THAT's how.

3. I love my husband.

4. I just read a book. You might have heard of it. It's called The Hunger Games. It's pretty much legit.

5. I'm filled with awesome anticipation waiting to read the second book in said series.

6. Did I mention my mom is coming to visit?

7. I just realized I've been married to my bestie for almost six months.

8. My cousins are pretty much amazing and I love getting back in contact with them. It's like seeing a long lost bestie.

9. I had stuffing for dindin. I can't wait for the upcoming Thanksgiving feast with my families.

10. I just got hooked on Doctor Who.

11. I love Pinterest. I spend way too much time finding awesome things.

12. I fell in love with the Hobby Lobby.

13. Happy sighs commence.

14. My husband loves me.

15. I won a giveaway.

Examples

Throughout my life I like to believe that I had some pretty amazing examples to look up to. I had my parents, my older brothers, some teachers, friends, and ultimately I had Jesus Christ. I grew up just like everyone else. My life was full of peer pressure, temptations, technology filled entertainment. There were times when I struggled but I always had those examples to fall back on.

As I tack on more years of my life, I realize that there are children younger than me going through things I can't even imagine. Gang violence is increasing. Sex and drugs have become a common hobby. Promiscuity has become the norm. The children of this rising generation need good and righteous examples. 

Last Sunday, I taught my Sunbeams (3-4 years old) about Christ's example. It wasn't until that moment when I realized who these kids actually have to look up to. In society, female celebrities are becoming bad examples at an alarming rate. The songs on the radio are increasingly raunchy and inappropriate. 

The future scares me. I don't want my children to think it is fine and dandy to prance around in practically nothing. I don't want them to sing songs about sex and drugs. I want them to know that they are children of their Heavenly Father. He loves them and He gave us His son as the ULTIMATE example. 

Remembering that fact is what sustains me. If I strive and pine for a Christ-like life then my children will have that example. 

It is important for all of us to have good examples. Don't let the media fool you. Look up. You'll find someone to follow. 

Sew what?

I just wanted to pop in and say HELLO in between my wifey duties. It's time to FINALLY get those boxes of mine unpacked and out of the garage. Boo.

On the plus side, a little while ago I finished TWO sewing projects and if I do say so myself, they are awesome. Just like the people I made them for.... Ok you caught me. I did make one thing for myself... But Nick thinks I'm awesome and that's what matters.

Without further delay, here are the finished products!

Those jammie pants make his butt look good. Although that angle doesn't prove my fact.
Nick posed me for these pictures just before church.

I would say I'm pretty good at making clothes for your bottom half. ;)

[Totally Awesome Tuesday]

I'm just going to start out by saying that I've been procrastinating lately. I haven't had much motivation to do the things I need to or even the things that I want to. I have an ongoing list of things I need to accomplish. Little by little they will get done. I need to stop dragging my feet.

One thing that will hopefully motivate me is a challenge. 

I found this online somewhere. I totally forgot. I was on stumbleupon and I stumbled across this. One thing I wish I was better at is drawing. So for the month of November, I will be drawing each day. Who knows? Maybe I'll post them on here when I'm finished. 

Here's my list of AWESOME:

1. Change.

2. Family. 

3. Love.

4. Chocolate. 

5. Dress-up.

6. Learning.

7. Struggles.

8. Success. 

9. Hope. 

10. Marriage. 

Now to get started on that drawing! Anyone care to join me?

It's Halloween.

There has been so much on my mind lately. Halloween doesn't feel any different than any other day.

Nick and I went to our church party on Friday night and we were two of the roughly seven adults dressed up. Mind you I sort of threw together something last minute... (I was a cowgirl) I spent my whole week last week up to my elbows in fabric and thread and fake blonde hair. It was insane. Nick's costume finally got finished about 15 minutes after the party started on Friday. I'll post pictures of it's awesomeness when I upload the pictures from our camera.


Is it just me or are babies and pregnant ladies popping up out of nowhere? Where's mine? Not that we're trying.... because we aren't.

I've been super sick for the last week. Sniffles and snot and tissues have over-stayed their welcome. I'm finally moving on and getting better. Thank goodness.

I need to clean the house.

I don't post enough.

This post is totally random. But so is my brain so deal with it.

I love my friends and family. They all amaze me with their capacity to love. Every day I get that awesome warm fuzzy feeling from some kindness that they show me.


Nick is working.

Rhett sent Nick a text today. Rhett is Nick's bestie. He said I should be pregnant for Halloween.
It made me sad.

I don't know if I'm going to dress up tonight. BUT I am going to hang out with some awesome buddies and pass out limited candy so we can have left-overs. Yum.

Now... Off to finish the chores I started a few hours ago... Ta ta.

[Totally Awesome Tuesday]

It's Tuesday! I didn't forget.

I haven't posted in a few days (or about a week....) but I've got some things planned so hopefully I'll be better this week! That way my stalkers... ahem.... I mean my friends can know what I'm up to! ;)

Since it is Tuesday, it has to be awesome. And let me tell you, this Tuesday has been.

1. Nick and I are super in love.

2. My fingers are sore from hand-stitching part of Nick's costume for hours today. I call it love.

3. I sat around in my jammies all day.

4. The Primary Program at church this Sunday just melted my heart.

5. Nick and I had an AWESOME date on Friday. I'll make sure to tell you guys all about it!

6. I always feel awesome when people tell me they read my blog. It inspires me to be a better person. You all rock! (And thanks, Whitney, for reminding me to post more!)

7. I have friends.

8. Our friend FINALLY went on a date with this one really cute girl.

9. I know that my redeemer lives.

10. Did I mention that I love my husband? Because I do. And it's awesome.

Date #3 - Scavenger Hunt

If you keep a track of what me and Nick are up to on the week ends via Our Dates, then you probably already know about the change of plans. BUT if you don't, let me tell you...

Our original date was going to be a dance class given to us by our amazing friend and champion Rhett Grant (if you don't know who he is, google him. You'll find out). But alas, he was out of town dancing his heart out with his new dance partner.

Our awesome engaged friends, Zach and Delina, thought it a good idea to double on Friday. So we did. =)

What did we do?

A picture scavenger hunt of course! It wasn't just any hunt though. We had to show off our best dance moves as suggested:

Playground Paso
Chapel Cha-Cha
Swingin' by the Swings
Backyard Ballet
Hotel Hip-hop
Wendy's Waltz

Before starting our journey, we went to Red Robin (yum!) and ate some delicious food. I ended up forgetting my left-overs on the table resulting in a very sad husband.

Don't those onion rings just look divine? I want some right now... 

After we were stuffed with goodness, we pulled out our list! Here is Playground Paso (mind you, me and Nick have no idea what a paso is so, enjoy!) -

I think they had an unfair advantage of having a dancer on their team, but we had fun. =) 

Here's our next stop, The Chapel Cha Cha - 

After the chapel stop, we swung by the park to do some Swingin' by the Swings. Oh how I amuse myself.

Nick's face in all of these is priceless. He cracks me up.

Time for some Backyard Ballet!

Do you see the dog in the second picture? She's hilarious.
After we did some ballet, we headed over to a "swanky" hotel and did some Hotel Hip-hop. This hotel was not at all swanky. In fact, it's rather scary.

A little way into taking these pictures, we spotted the people in the lobby staring at us. It made for a really creepy audience. We soldiered on anyway! Take that creepy staring dudes!
After we got our "thug" on, we headed down the street to do some Wendy's Waltzing. (sorry the pictures are so dark! I don't know how to edit them)

After we took some reeeeeally dark pictures, we headed inside to get some frostieeeeeees. I got an Oreo frosty. Uhm, delicious!


I hope you enjoyed our random scavenger hunt as much as I did. We had some good laughs.

Have you ever done a scavenger hunt?