My Life is a ZOO

The end is near!

2011-11-30T12:39:00.001-08:00

The end is near. The end is near. The end is near…… NOT OF THE WORLD SILLY – of the semester! If you can imagine a crazy person bursting out into song at the top of her lungs singing HALLELUJAH! HALLELUJAH! Etc… insert that image here!!! I cannot wait to be done with my classes!

There is so much to be done but I am ready for the challenge. Next semester brings new roommates and new classes! (Side note: today I cleaned the kitchen again for clean checks… its official my roommates must believe there is a magical cleaning fairy that takes care of clean checks every week….NEWSFLASH…ITS ME!!!!!!!!! I was ~~slightly~~ no COMPLETELY annoyed by it this morning. I had a whole list of things that didn’t get done before class that needed to get done because I walked into the kitchen and nearly had a heart attack at the carefully stacked trash and overflowing sink- sorry I usually try and stay positive about it because I know they weren’t raised in a clean home like me but really you are an adult clean up after yourself?!?!?!?! Okay enough venting!)

For the trip home we are doing a bit different this time- we, apparently meaning Briana and I- We are renting a car and driving down Friday the 16^th! It’s a L O N G drive but I look forward to a good road trip! I will be heading back to Idaho the 2^nd ish I haven’t figured out that leg of the journey yet!

I spent the thanksgiving here in good old Idaho! I went to Briana’s house for dinner it was great. Weird to not be with family and not a missionary but I appreciate that the Lilly family has seemingly adopted me! I haven’t been home for a holiday since thanksgiving of 2009 which is probably why I am so excited for Christmas! I plan on playing games and having tons of family time, and a few lunch dates with my best friends in California! Get ready!

This time of the year has put me into some serious reflection so although it is not a thanksgiving post I want share some of the things I missed most about not being home for this past holiday… MY FAMILY!

1. My parentals… I have been blessed with wonderful parents. They raised us in a gospel centered home, although we aren’t perfect we as children would never questions what came first in our life- The Lord and His church. Church activities weren’t suggestions. They just happened. Every Sunday without fail they were fulfilling their callings. What a great example!

v Dad- I have always had a special relationship with my dad. I thought it was just me but he has a special relationship with all of his kids. I have always known that he has a non-judging listening ear. His gospel lessons have strengthened my own testimony so much and have helped me work at having a personal relationship with the savior. It is his dedication to church service that has taught me what it means to serve!

v Mom- She has given me the greatest gift of all- namely that of the gift of music/love of music. It is through music that I have really come to understand salvation. She has faithfully served in music callings my whole life- too often going unnoticed… what would sacrament meeting be without the hymns? She has spent her whole life in service to us as children- I am grateful that I had a mom that would have chocolate chip cookies waiting at home. There are so many children that do have anyone to come home to. It means a lot to me and has set a great example to me. She has had kids in high school and elementary school FOREVER- since Kristen started seminary in 1996 she has had children in early morning seminary and will until Tyler graduates in 2018- WOW! That’s what I call dedication… maybe in 2018 she will catch up on sleep! J

2. My siblings… all of them!

v Tyler- what a ball of fun! He just turned 12 and spoke in church. He loves legos and goofing off. But he is the best one to get a hug from in the family. Its like he has this 6^th sense of when someone needs a hug… it might be sweaty and smelly but it will make you feel better!

v Mckay- what a stud! This boy sustained me through some of the rougher patches on my mission, his letters of testimony is what I turned to on bad days. He is very spiritual for a 14 almost 15 year old. He is a go getter that is friendly to everyone.

v Matthew- well we all know that he got the talented gene. His love of music is amazing and his ability to write it even better! I am always amazed at his depth when it comes to writing. He has the kindest heart and I love reading his letters every week from south Africa.

v Megan- megatron and I have some of the best talks! She and I didn’t always get along but now we have such a great relationship. She has been through so much the last through years but she has TRIUMPHED! I am so proud to call her my sister… oh and her fashion sense is to die for! J

o Scott- I don’t know scott very well but I am so grateful for the happiness that was brought back to megan!

v Kristen- she is always the listener. She not only helped me adjust after my mission but still puts up with my phone calls pretty much every day! She has raised 3 amazing and beautiful kids and still has time for my complaining… and heck she even spends time planning my life! I am grateful for her example of missionary service it helped in my decision to serve!

o Aaron- It feels like he has been in our family forever- He is the hardest worker I know. In all the things that they have been through the last few years he has always found a way to support my sister and their children. He is one of the most enthusiastic people I know when it comes to NASCAR and I love that about him. I am grateful for the example he has set for my younger brothers of a true priesthood holder.

Ø Max- man his comments make me laugh…. He is a very loving 4 year old!

Ø Sadie- she is all girl. But she is so sweet! I might not have a lot in common with her princess obsession- but who can resist someone that wants to be princess batman?

Ø Charlie- well no way around it he just makes me baby hungry. He is soooooo cute!

Well I am out of time but not out of love! I love my Family!

Fabulous Female Friends

2011-11-16T18:23:00.000-08:00

In the spirit of thanksgiving I thought I would flood the interweb with reasons that I have some of the most Amazing Friends EVER!

I realize that I have been blessed with so many best friends that it really isn’t fair… and since some of these examples are very telling I will just let you guess which Friend I am talking about!

I love my friends because…..

* WE HAVE MONDAY UPDATES… I am not the most dedicated at remaining in contact with people. I swear I have the best of intentions but sometimes it just doesn’t happen. But I know that there will always be a Monday update on the randomness of the week. We can talk about anything; going off on so many tangents sometimes I forget the original story. She is always there to remind me where we started.

* WE CAN BUILD FORTS IN OUR 20’S… if you hadn’t realized through Facebook I am not always the most grown up in certain things. BUT what is wrong with building a fort at 23? Nothing! Although it has been over three years since we have spent any time together we can have pantry talks like no one else. We covered 3 ½ years of lost time in 6 hours and went on our way. That’s what true friends do.

WE ARE TWINNERS…. Okay, I realize that “twinners” is not a real word but if you met her you would realize that we are the same person! We go through similar experiences and when we call the other one freaking out, well they are freaking out too! Mutual freak outs have helped us a ton! I never know what to expect when I open a text from her, could be a picture of a dangerous escapade or a rant in the form of 15 continuous messages… either way she keeps things fun!

* WE CAN FLOAT FOR HOURS… we had an interesting start you and I… but I think that the beginning has made us stronger, granted we have had our ups and downs but it’s amazing to have a friend like you. We can spend hours painting nails and floating or have deep doctrinal discussions. Motherhood looks good on her! Whenever she faces a challenge she overcomes- even if she doesn’t see that she can! She kept me updated on life while I was in Tennessee and helped me through the awkward time of transition. She might never know what that means to me because there are no words to describe my gratitude

I NEVER KNOW WHAT COUNTRY SHE WILL BE IN…. She needs her own theme song. We go way back to elementary school… I am fairly certain she is trying to occupy every nation in this world before she is 30 and she just might do it! Her sense of adventure calls to a different side of me and I find myself feeling anxious at her return, what does one talk about with a world traveler? Well, Skype answered that, you talk about everything that you had before she went gallivanting around the world. You talk about family, love, school, the world, and God. She has faith of steel with an incredible connection to her loved ones. Her ability to love has taught me so much about my savior and who I need to become.

*SHE DANCES THROUGH LIFE…like literally… careful she might make you join in. She has such a passion for love and life. BUT the song dancing through life always comes to mind when I see her skirt whirling around! J 7 ½ years of friendship under our belt and more to come. She has taught me what it means to be dedicated to family. Although sometimes she is given the short end of the stick she is loyal and loving. I have learned to be care free while in her presence, the worries of the world are put into perspective when you talk to her!

*THERE WAS NO ROLLING…. But the good times sure roll on… although it has been a heart wrenching 3+ years since we have been in the same state a great reunion is on its way! She saw me through some of the darkest time of my life. Her positive outlook has changed the way I see perfection in the family. I cannot wait to see her in a few months( weeks reallyJ)

* SHE DOESN’T BELIEVE IN WALLPAPER…. There isn’t a work that accurately describes my friend. She is a firecracker that goes after what she wants, and wants everyone to find true happiness. Her frankness intimidated me at first but I have worked at her side pulling down NASTY wallpaper and seen the struggles life has dealt her. She is happy though. She wants to serve others and is the most honest person in the world. If you need honestly go sit at her kitchen table. She will serve ya up a batch!

SHE LOVES LOVE, SHE LIVES LOVE… all she ever wanted was love. She found it! She has a beautiful son and husband but most of all she has a beautiful life. She gives all she has to those she loves. Miles tear us apart but we will always have a bond that holds us together! Her heart belongs on stage. Whenever I hear a powerful ballad I think of her!

* SHE HAS THE RIGHT PARTS… and then some… We both had some awkward times when we got back from our missions but together have worked at improving ourselves. She and I speak our own language… like literally… words aren’t necessary or at least I don’t have to use the right ones. My lack of skills in the English department has allowed us to use words like drinormusal… yep that’s a word. You know those cheesy lines “I knew you in the preexistence!” well its true I know we were friends there… we were probably gabbing up a storm when they were telling how hard it would be here! But we sure know how to have a good time- even if it is just sitting on the couch or going to Wal-Mart!

* OUR HEARTS BOTH SPEAK FLUENT ALMA 7…. And that won’t make sense to anyone but her BUT we met for a reason. Countries between us couldn’t change how much she changed my outlook on my mission. Temple square called her out of my life but not for long. I love technology! Sometimes the Lord places people in your life so that you realize that it’s okay to have struggles and sometimes it’s okay to doubt yourself because He has given us people to bring us through them!

I don’t have time to continue writing about the fabulous friends in my life right now but just know that I have been supremely blessed in the friend department! I am so grateful for care that my Heavenly Father has taken in placing such amazing women in my life.

The only thing constant is CHANGE... even in the weather!

2011-10-26T17:53:00.001-07:00

Alright be SHOCKED… I am updating it again and it hasn’t even been a month! Yay! Go me!

Well although there was white stuff falling from the sky a few weeks ago… its gone for a time… but probably not for long. But today it was 23 outside….but don’t worry the weather said it only felt like 17. AND YET? I love the winter. Granted I don’t love freezing hands while on the phone and awkward dripping nose when entering a warm building isn’t my favorite but I do love the coldness.

However, I feel coldness is best appreciated with hot chocolate and a good chick flick. School doesn’t really allow for that but if it did I would be in heaven.

But all this reflection on the weather and not being in warm sunny California leads me to my new dream. I really want to find a ranch to work on this summer. I know you are all shaking your head saying “crazy girl” but I need to work outdoors with animals. Good hard labor. I know weird and it’s not where I am from at all but sometimes I worry that I was born in the wrong place and time ( aside from the affirmation that this is where I am supposed to be and the absolute adoration for my family that is)

But I won’t hold too tightly to that dream- I will pursue it I just won’t count on it. Because if there is one thing that I have learned this semester is that whatever my plans are I better forget them they're wrong! 

Briana and I have been at our “skills improvement” again- Cooking (desserts and dinners), sewing, singing, scripture study… we have been busy….this time we made dinosaur costumes!  Don’t roll your eyes! They are amazing! Complete with spikes, a tail, giant eyelashes, and lots of pretty awesome fabric!

In the process we have solved a historic question… dinosaurs didn’t drive cars because it’s really uncomfortable to drive with spikes getting in the way of seats. You never know what you will learn with Briana and I experimenting. Next up is a pillow…mainly because they only sell large amounts of batting and let’s be honest we have a lot left over.

Okay on a more serious/spiritual note. This last week was weird for me because I went to the temple with our ward and I was one of the “old people”  I was able to assist the temple workers while our ward did baptisms for the dead. It was amazing! I am so grateful for the opportunity to serve in the temple. I have found myself craving being within its walls. It brings a peace that I can’t find anywhere else in this world. I love that you can see the Rexburg temple from anywhere in Rexburg! Although I realize this university is a bit in a bubble I enjoy it. I like not having profanity and immorality everywhere I turn. HOWEVER, I WOULD NEVER WANT TO END UP HERE PERMANENTLY!

The past few weeks I have had this odd feeling in my spiritual life. Craving more answers than I can find by myself- but it has led me to find amazing quiet places on campus to study. It has led to some amazing realizations and numerous questions. I love studying –the gospel… don’t worry I haven’t changed too much I don’t love studying other things.

There has been much flack about the church in the media and our belief in Christ so I wanted to take the opportunity to bare my testimony divinity of Jesus Christ. I know He lives! He has sustained me through the hard times. He has lifted me out of pits of despair and led me to pastures of peace. I am grateful for the opportunity I have to stand as a witness of Him daily.

I love you all!

What is this white stuff coming down?

2011-10-09T17:16:00.000-07:00

Alright I guess its monthly updates with this here blog!

Lets see the last three weeks or so haven’t been too exciting…

WEATHER: just like y’all got weather updates from the south it seems that weather fascinates me. And guess what… IT SNOWED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Yikes I don’t know how I feel about it! But it did melt away luckily! Hopefully it stays away for a while but most likely it wont.

CLASSES: they are very much there.

But for the first time in my life I enjoy math… how weird is that. (and for the first few weeks I was even one of the “smart” ones in class.) I am not sitting in class bored by any means but I understand it! NEWSFLASH THIS IS A BIG DEAL! Sister Moon my professor come alive when she talks about statistics (its almost a little too much at times) But she is determined to help us understand and apply the things taught.

Teaching of the Living Prophets is great. I am having to do a report on every apostle throughout the semester so I am learning a ton about their home lives. Its really neat to get to know the Apostles of our Lord as real people.

Child development: Its online. Its not my favorite way to do school! But I totally respect my brother in law Aaron for doing it like he is.

Humanities: although I enjoy the study of the arts I LOATHE THIS CLASS. Hate is a strong word but it truly is my least favorite class I have ever taken. There is something due EVERYDAY. Which is ridiculous since it is an online class that in the rubric is says that “this class is designed to allow you to set your own due dates and allow you to go at your own pace.” LIES. Group projects, essays, tests everyday. Most of my time is spent on this time.

Library studies: I haven’t started this class yet its just a one credit class that is to get you familiar with the library here and introduce you to the family history library. I m excited it starts in a few weeks!

CHURCH: I got a new calling of relief society teacher. I taught today and I LOVED it. It has been the thing that I have missed the most since returning from my mission- teaching the gospel. If only one could make a living being a full time missionary. In case you didn’t gather I am still not 100% on what I am going to do when I grow up! But I best hurry up and figure it out.

SOCIAL: yep I have a social life…not overwhelmingly so but its there.. much more so than when I was in Fresno which is good! Briana and I had a bake fest we made Lemon Crinkles, Chocolate Crinkles, & Cinnamon Rolls. It was all scrum-dilly-umptious!!!! We pretty much are amazing

The week before we made enchiladas with our OWN enchilada sauce! J with rice and fruit and veggies! Yep we can cook! Don’t worry we have ulterior motives to learning how to cook. We are trying to beef up our list of accomplishments! So any suggestions on things to learn while we are feeling homemake-y are expected! Next up is sewing projects! J I think…

Anywhoot that’s al from the hollers of Rexburg for the week! Love you all!

katie

Idahizzle

2011-09-17T21:43:00.000-07:00

Well since it is quite apparent that I will NOT be completely dedicated to this blog thing I am determined to keep it quasi-updated.... so I am writing from the ~~farm~~ POTATO land of Idaho. Enjoying a cup-o-Joe…(okay hot cocoa) sitting on my comfy teal comforter with the windy blowing through the window. Get the picture?

Well its been a week-ish since I got here and I love it! The adventure started with a fanciful packing party of boxes and some rather stuffed suitcases but two boxes and two suitcases better I boarded a plane to Utah. I have decided that traveling has its PROS & CONS!

Pros: You don’t have to worry about someone else’s schedule, less luggage; a long soak in the bath doesn’t affect anyone else, lots of thinking time with no one else’s opinion.

Cons: Lots of thinking time with no one else’s opinion.

This gosh darn life thing is hard to figure out by yourself. I loved the time I had to myself in the hotel room in Salt Lake City wednesday night! But sometimes not having to make all the decisions for myself sounds mighty appealing. But then I soaked in the tub and didn’t have to worry about the hot water, or taking up the bathroom and I was okay.

Then I took a nice L O N G shuttle ride to Rexburg 4 ½ hours to be exact… that’s a long time to be on a bus when those blasted butterflies that made a home in my stomach when I was coming home reappeared. BUT a smiling face greeted me. My dear friend Briana Lilly picked me up! Those mission friendships come in handy! Once upon a time we served together in Rockwood and formed a fabulous friendship if I do say so myself (which obviously I do)

I moved into my little apartment where I pay exorbitant prices for mediocre living! I am living with 5 other girls: Rhiannon, Karen, Brittany, Jess, Elyse, & Me! 4/6 of us are returned missionaries, which is nice! We are all different but it works (fingers crossed)

Briana and I played for 3 days straight. We chatted in British accents, gallivanted through Rexburg, made numerous Wal-Mart trips ( if I didn’t forget important things each time we went it could have only been one trip but I was a bit mindless in my shopping)

But eventually I settled in and we headed to the temple! GOODNESS GRACIOUS its great to have a temple within walking distance. Briana and I have made it a weekly occurrence to go. I love the temple!

Okay, okay, okay, classes started too! This semester I am taking some pretty cool classes; Business statistics, child development, teaching of the living prophets, Humanities I love ‘em all!

The first Sunday was full of awkward “I am really cool” moments of freshmen showing off. But such is the same every semester. We started a weekly tradition of “cake @ 8” and it was a hit last Sunday! YAY! This week I’m in charge of cooking and in true Katie fashion I don’t want to make a cake so I am making apple dumplings for cake @ 8. Yep. WHY NOT?

Homework has begun to consume me and I have been reminded how much I don’t love being in school. I love learning and being in class but I HATE homework and I have a TON (or TONNE if I were Ashley mcgale)

I have been able to hang out with many mission friends and it has been so fun! Missions really change ya! It has been fun to get to know people as not missionaries!I made some amazing life long friends in Tennessee and Kentucky.

Over all life in idahizzle is WONDERFUL. I miss my friends and family in Fresno. I miss the niece and nephews getting older. But I am where I am supposed to be… I HOPE!

Love you all!

Look who's back from the dead!

2011-08-17T13:53:00.000-07:00

Okay, I guess its not that hard to guess... but IT'S ME!

I realize that I have been home for oh almost 2 months and haven't written on this here blog BUT...... (actually i dont have a good reason) I am doing it now!

So tomorrow will be 8 WEEKS since I have been home! And although I realize my life is not as interesting now as it was when i was living in the back woods of Tennessee and Kentucky I figured I would try and keep updating this vast interweb on the ramblings of not only a former zoo employee but a former sister missionary.

So back to the beginning...
The last day of my mission was filled with great excitement! Sis wood and I drove down from whitley city kentucky to knoxville tennessee... it was a sad drive but i was soooo full of anxiety!

we got to transfers and saw a ton of missionaries that i have served with which is always my favorite part of transfers! and this time i wasnt assigned to a companion and it was really weird...i had no new area, no new awkward companion moments, and no more responsibility on my shoulders. IT WAS SUCH A WEIRD FEELING.

I had a great surprise at the meeting... TOMMY came! He brought me a belated birthday gift and came down to say goodbye. there were a few tears shed and lots of love as we said goodbye. but the surprises didnt stop with tommy DON came and he came with a great surprise as well. after the meeting was over and we bore our final testimonies don asked me to come over to him because he had something to show me... he opened his little bill fold and inside was a TEMPLE RECOMMEND! I cant even describe how i felt. yet again i burst into tears! but oh no the people i love couldnt stop there. SANYA ( who recently went through the temple) came from rockwood and brought me a pan of apple dumplings- they are my favorite ya know! okay right now as i am typing my eyes are all watery and I am reliving that wonderful day! i was overcome with the feeling of being loved. But it didnt stop there. SHYLA took some of her favorites out to lunch... and i guess i was one of them! :) sis lilly and i went while the other departing missionaries went off in knoxville. It was a blast to sit with shyla and talk... her and her husband are being sealed next month! i could not have asked for a better day

president griffin made us dinner and then we had another testimony meeting. IT WAS FABULOUS! then us sisters apparently thought sleep was optional and we stayed up entirely too late! we talked and gabbed and worried and cried and laughed and took awful pictures! but it was a blast! there were 7 sisters going home that day so there were lots of different things going on that night.

but thursday morning came and the butterflies that had made a home in my stomach became more like a swarm of bees... or you know that poem there was an old lady who swallowed a fly and then swallowed all kinds of other animals well i think there was a full grown animal in me thrusday morning. we went to the airport where sister stapleton and i had a delayed flight! shocker.. i have never flown with out something going wrong. we got stuck in denver together ( luckily i wasn t by myself) but eventually my flight home boarded and the pit in my stomach grew. dont get me wrong i was so excited to be coming to see my family but i was leaving my new family. i was going on to a part of life where i have no answers and lots of questions.

the flight was great i sat next to a woman who had lots of questions about the church! and then the long walk happened. i was so overcome with emotion that i dotn really remember much of it. other than sobbing but nothing really coming as far as tears were concerned i was more just gasping helplessly for breath. awaiting me was a glorious sight! my family! and some dear friends! ( wow with the exclamation points!)

after a whirl wind of questions and pictures ( which sorry this doesnt have any on this post see facebook for pics) we went home and then the WORST THING EVER happened.. president witt came to release me. He asked me a few simple questions about my mission and lessons learned and then he asked me to take off my nametag. i felt like my world had just imploded. that tag had been worn everyday of my mission except one when i tried to wear a different tag and i felt weird. that black piece of plastic had been my best friend for 18 months, it had been through rain, snow, humidty, baptisms, anti, tracting and teaching. It had caused numerous conversations and ended many rumors. and he was asking me to never put it on again?!?!?!?!? i had a little break down after he left and went up to my room and cried and prayed and cried and prayed.

But we all know that i cant remain down for long( or so i like to think) and i realized that just because i was no longer a missionary did not mean that life ended. so downstairs I went.

the next week was full of shopping ( which was weird) and hanging out with some friends ( which was even weirder) a few awkward "RM" moments but nothing too bad.

in true mclelland fashion there was another big event on the horizon- you know us we wouldnt want life to be you know average or uneventful and non exciting... MEGAN GOT ENGAGED.
oh yeah and i met scott her fiance now husband. the house quickly turned into holdaway wedding central with burlap and mason jars everywhere ( okay mainly in moms room but it sounds better to say that it was everywhere)

I started working for century builders/monte vista homes/the alvarado group... which is all the same company kind of i sit in the same cubicle for all of it and do whatever boss man says... which happens to be dad so its okay.

In this part of life i decided I HATE WORKING IN AN OFFICE. the zoo was the life for me which yes was an office for most of the time but there were animals and human interaction and did i mention that there were animals? lots of 'em in fact. Here at the alvarado group there are grey cubicles and labels to make. forms to type. folders to assemble.... but dont worry there is no intelligent work needed.

I am more used to social gatherings... all awkwardness is gone.. except when i am the ONLY single one with all my married/dating friends. other than that though its all good. I have realized fresno IS NOT the place for me whatsoever. i love being with family and i love my old friends. BUT i changed alot on my mission like a whole lot and have felt pressure to be what i was before so the winds of idaho were a calling...

BYUI and i will once again reunite in a few weeks and i couldnt be more anxious. i wish i had some grand love story to tell you but not yet... that chapter hasnt been published, shoot it isnt even in rough draft stage. But I am so happy! ive been trying to find the perfect balance of premission katie and mission katie to get this wacked out version of post mission katie.

I have spent many hours on the phone with good friend and trying to not become addicted to the internet so hopefully i can continue that way... i doubt it!

but now that this post is entirely too long i bidyou farewell until the next post!
love ya

Address!!!!

2009-12-07T17:00:00.000-08:00

If you feel inclined to write me I know I would LOVE to hear from you!

MTC ADDRESS!

Tennessee Knoxville mission

Provo Missionary Training center

2005 N. 900E.

Provo, UT 84604

Mission Home Address!

Sister Katie McLelland
P.O. Box 22730
Knoxville, TN 37933-0730

See Y'all in 18 months!

TiCk ToCk.....

2009-11-20T17:24:00.000-08:00

So apparently Time has gone and grown itself wings because it has been FLYING by.

I have just two and a half weeks left....I cannot even describe how I am feeling but I will try- Happy, Anxious, nervous, excited, sad, stressed, calm, Giddy, and nostalgic. I think that about covers all bases.

I am so anxious to be out there doing what I have been preparing for but as I have started to say goodbye to people I have realized how much things will change while I am gone. But I say let the changes begin.

I am excited to get to go up to utah the day before and spend some time with kristen and jennifer (she was nice enough to take the day off to spend with us ) Other than kris and jen I will be saying farewell here in fresno super early tuesday morning/ monday night.

For all of you Elvis fans out there I have discovered that I will be serving in the Elvis half of tennessee apparently there are two parts to tennessee the Dolly Parton side and the Elvis side. Although 9 to 5 is one of my FAVORITE movies I am a much bigger fan of Elvis so I am quite happy. :)

In other news my baby brother turned 10 yesterday- 10? really? I remember the day he was born like it was yesterday I am not okay with this. he did not ask for permission to grow up. I remember thinking I was sooooo cool in school when I had a few friends come over to see him they all loved his orange hair and that he slept in a bassinet ( I never understood their fascination with it but they talked about it for a few weeks later) my how time really does fly.

As we are coming up on thanksgiving I thought I would let everyone ( ok the few of you that read this) know how grateful I am to live in this Land. While I am not happy with all that goes on in this country I am so blessed to live in a Land that has the freedoms I enjoy everyday. Not to say there are not things that I want to fix and people that I dont agree with in offices important to me but I love this Country. There are a MILLION other things that I am grateful for but thought I would let my patriotic side show through!

Enjoy the holiday.

And in the Big White Envelope.........

2009-09-08T22:17:00.000-07:00

.... was my mission call!

I have been called to serve in the Tennessee Knoxville Mission. I report to the MTC on December 9th!!!! I am sooo excited!

I will post more details later! I love you all!

Mission Papers

2009-08-17T13:26:00.000-07:00

yep you read the title right..... I TURNED IN MY MISSION PAPERS!!!!!!

I decided to go on a mission two months ago.... kind of out of the blue.... but it is the best decision I have yet to make in life. I know that I will be called to serve where I am needed but....

My sister is putting together a guessing map

http://calikeough.blogspot.com/2009/08/where-will-katie-be-called-to-serve.html

if you have a guess let her know or me know I can pass on the guess!

I know that every missionary says they are willing to go anywhere but really I AM! I know I will go where I will be able to make a difference if I work hard...

so the countdown to the big white envelope began yesterday :) I now officially vow to hate the mailman until he brings me the envelope.... ok maybe not but I have never been so anxious for a letter before:)

I LOVE YOU ALL!

Perspective

2009-07-26T15:32:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I had a life changing moments. You know those moments where you realize you have skewed vision of life and then your reality changes from that point on. Yeah -it was one of those...

I was just sitting down to watch a stage production of one of my favorite disney movies beauty and the beast ( dont worry this perspective change has nothing to do with the actual play) I had the privilege of sitting next to a strikingly handsome tall man ( my grandpa) and next to him sat the love of his life and bride of 60 years. I went through the first act of the play not knowing that in a few short moments I would change forever.

My grandma has been struggling with her loss of hearing for a while but it has become more severe these last couple months. Now, she is one that has always enjoyed music and conversation so this loss has been particularly hard. While I casually watched and enjoyed the music she heard little the actual play and was deeply frustrated once again by the inability to hear as she once had been able to.

As the second act started I happened to look over at the two. Here were my grandparents who have been a constant in my life sitting in creaky seats with HARD armrests sitting arm in arm like they had been for 60 years. My grandma not hearing half of what was going on and my grandpa just plain happy to be sitting next to her.

I then ignored the play in front of me and watched as she gently changed the position of their arms ( I am telling you those armrests are not much of a "rest" ) as their arms sat casually embraced I had a deeper understanding of what true love is.

Not that I have ever been the kind of girl into fairy tales and knight in shining armor dreams but my idea of love has been strengthened. IT STILL DOES EXIST!!!! It needs no elaborate rights of passage or store bought symbols. People in this world still do love each other. People can still be married to the same person for more than 60 years - in a country where divorce is so readily available there still are those who muddle through the hard stuff together and at the end of the day go to sleep next to the one they love.

Being an active Young Single Adult in the church I hear so much of the need to be married while my attitude has not always been the best towards every fireside being on marriage I fear my previous position has been changed. And while it is not the path set in front of me right now I am happy for those young couples in my life who have found that person that 60 years from now when they are using oxygen and when mobility does not come as freely as it had before they still are truckin' on through together.

I am grateful for the example of my grandparents and of their faithfulness to the promises they made to each other. with out them our family of 50+ aunts, uncles, and cousins would not be here. So to Nadean and Leonard Halvorson- Thank you for all you have done in my life and in the life of my family members.

Memorial Day 2009

2009-06-03T19:48:00.000-07:00

So Last monday ( Memorial Day) we had a family picnic....

Some of us sat and just enjoyed each others company, with our typical family gossip of course but nonetheless we were content to relax

Here is Grandpa just watching in his usual manor... calm, collected, and cool

But near by all havoc is breaking loose with the Halvorson family
Samuel collected all the small toys and refused to share with any other kids. Since he is a very smart kid he figured out if they are not in the water no one will try and take them so he kept them all in his shirt :)

and then there is the pool...

My uncles Erik and Matt got into a bit of a wrestling match

I cant figure out who is winning
Mckay and Aaron joined in
Meanwhile Taylor and Abby sought safety in the corner of the pool discussing oh so important secrets i am sure... if i were in them i would stay there too!

Heres a video of erik and matt wrestling

Fun with the cousins!

2009-06-03T15:34:00.000-07:00

so since I was 10 or 11 i have always loved playing with my younger cousins, and cousins kids for that matter. the last month or so has given me time to have some amazing times with them, where they didnt have to worry about their parents coming in or being to embarrassed since i quite often make more of a fool of myself than they do.... here is a look at some recent times.

One night i was babysitting and the boys put on quite the performance for me.... i think they all need to go into performing of some kind they all love to ham it up! they came out three different times with different skits....

Bradley the nerd.

Joshua the Nerd

McKay the Nerd.
This one is Bradley the gansta from their freaks o' nature skit, and my favorite picture of the night, it shows how much fun kids can have when they get to live in the moment!
And this one is to make the mothers of these children worry about them! they came out singing brittany spears, but dont worry at the end of the song they sprayed cologne to make it "MANLY" according to Mckay but i am not sure what about any of this is manly! :)

And then watching the girls they proved they were not to be left out of the silly times!

the girls and i had some fun in my room on a sunday when it was a little crazy and we needed to escape from the boys... more like i was tired of all the fighting and yelling and crying going on so i took the girls we had our own family get together in my room!

taylor was quite the little camera hog but this was my fav or her!

I both love and hate this picture, Love it cause abby looks beautiful, hate it because she looks beautiful.... i thought i was soo old when taylor and abby were born, they are ten now, i am not ok with that!

She is getting soo big as well... does that mean i am getting old?

Abby and Taylor were having soooo much fun dancing, lindsey was content to sit on my lap... she joined in the dancing later but this was my fav clip!

These days i dont get to hang out as much with them so memories like this are what make it worth it! and its blackmail like this against them that should always make me be able to hang being their favorite cousin above their head!!!!muahahahaha

Oh that I were a child.

2009-04-03T12:27:00.000-07:00

This past week has not been the best but Tuesday night I pretty much had the best day ever and it was all because of a 12 year old boy. Thats right this man

Ok, so I guess he is not really a MAN per se but he is amazing nonetheless.

So about ten minutes after I had arranged all the blankets and pillows on my bed, changed into my ever so comfortable pj's, had my hot chocolate and settled down for a much needed chick flick my door flew open and Mckay came bounding in. My first reaction was " ohhhh are you kidding me I just got settled." Then he jumped on me. ( I am not proud but I was IMMEDIATELY annoyed.) that is until he spoke, and like no other 12 yr old could do he looked up at me and said " can we just hang out Katie? You and I never get to just hang out.) well I was a little dumbfounded but very quickly shut my portable DVD player and started talking.

Now if you know Mckay you would know that he is a very affectionate boy so as he sat playing with my hair he talked and talked and talked, and for as much as we talked we laughed more. He told me all about the girl he like ( she is already in Jr. High.... he is after the older ladies ) about how he was nervous but very ready for Jr. High. ( i am not ready) we talked about everything we could think of. I was thoroughly enjoying myself and all hopes of a chick flick had ended.

As our conversation started to dwindle he turned to me and said " you know I love you Katie" well that was all i needed to hear to turn my otherwise horrible week into the best day ever.

Then not to be outshone by his brother this little man arrived

Tyler, seeing that Mckay was half way tackling me, also jumped on top of me. ( three do not fit well on a twin bed) so the three of us laughed some more. We then went into the kitchen so that Mckay could finally eat his dinner and increased our laughing by ten fold.

As the night wound down I realized what a blessing it is to have younger siblings. I realize that i have far to few moments like that, where it is just casual banter and laughter.... no anger or frustration present. Only frustration that it had to end.

I will be forever grateful for the insight i learned about children that night. They look at life so simply, not adding in extra complications and opinions, always looking for a good time. I want to be more like them.

A New Lease on Life......

2009-03-29T19:40:00.001-07:00

I am turning over a new leaf....

why the crap would you turn over a leaf?

Ramblings from a FORMER Zoo employee.

2009-03-19T13:45:00.000-07:00

I realize that i don't have a lot to actually blog about but i thought i would do it anyways!

I have realized the last couple days that i dearly miss the interaction i had with animals on a daily basis and have decided as soon as i get my own apartment again i will be adding to my non existent animal collection. First on the list is a leopard gecko

these guys are sooo cool. they feel like velvet and come in colors ranging from green to purple to blue. I am usually not a reptile person but this is one of the exceptions.

I also want to get a dog. I dont really car what kind of dog i would love to rescue one but if i had my choice I would get A................

GOLDEN DOODLE!

I have always wanted a golden retriever but once i saw these guys i could not help but fall in love with how cute they are.... and they are a very good family/children dog so really how can ya go wrong?

another plus is they dont shed as much as golden retrievers because they have some of the coat from the poodle!

well in reality it will be a while before i get either of these wonderful animals but i really miss being able to go play with all kinds of animals. I mean how many people can say they used to take their 15 min breaks with the giraffes and elephants? but alas i know that it was the right thing to quit. Education is where i need to be focusing!