Plain and Simple

Today is one of those days where I am reminded of all that I have. I am so grateful for all the experiences I've gone through, all the people I've met and lessons I've learned. I have met/know so many wonderful people, they always know the right thing to say to me even if it's just an accident. Today, in young women's we had a great lesson. My lovely leader seemed to be talking right to me, even though I know she was talking to everyone. I have been a member of The Church my whole life and the power of the Spirit still amazes me. One person can know what today through it. It's a truly amazing thing. It seems that when you are at your lowest, always, someone comes along and just picks you right back up. Always. I have been down many times, there's been times where I just struggle or I'm feeling sad or angry and someone has always been there telling me what I need to hear. Sometimes it's been someone I hardly know, or even a complete stranger, other times it was a close friend. It always revives me and gets me going again. It's hard to believe there are people out there in life who don't or can't believe in their Heavenly Father for whatever reason. It's sad because they are missing out on so much happiness. So many blessings that they don't recognize. Each day of their life is a gift from above. I'm so glad I have the whole knowledge of these special blessings. It makes life truly enjoyable and wonderful. Everything we have and are was created with love, so much love. It'll do us some good to appreciate that a little bit more. Everything happens for a reason and everyone that comes into your life does so for a reason. Don't be stupid and ignore those reasons, enjoy and learn. That's why we're here. To learn, learn, learn. All we can, while we can.

My rant for the week

We could what if and I wish ourselves to death.  But…it is what it is. We all love to play the what if game. What if I had done this instead of this? Well ya know what? STOP. You made your choice, you did what you did, time to move on. Just accept your choices and learn to be happy with them. Quit thinking about what could be and focus on what is. I think you’ll find that you will be a lot happier when you quit worrying about what could happen and deal with what did happen. It is what it is. Don’t fret; it will all work itself out in the end.  Quit waiting around talking about what you wish you could do. Go do it for goodness sake. Don’t be a bump on a log.  Get a move on with your life, you don’t have forever. Take all those chances while you can because they will pass you by and you probably will regret it. Don’t be that person. Quit wishing, quit worrying. Just go do. Enjoy the little moments while you can, they won’t last forever. 

Sweet Summertime

It's finally here..the days we've all been waiting for, summer! 

We get to waste our days sun bathing and swimming with good friends. There's nothing like summer! 

Makes me wish I was at the beach...

much love, 

Katie.

Ellie Goulding

My love of the week is Ellie Goulding. She is a British singer - songwriter. She has recently become popular with her debut album 'Lights'. I personally love her style, it is so unique. She has a beautiful voice and beautiful lyrics! Check her out! :) I just love British singers, they have such a different style from American singers, I'm not sure what it is, but it's very refreshing.

much love,

Katie.

^this one is my favorite of hers!

^remake of 'Your Song', originally sung by Elton John.

^her single 'Lights' 

Spring is in the air

Spring has come early this year! Tonight I sat on my porch and watched the sun set and and enjoyed a nice breeze.

The flowers are popping up out of the ground and trees are turning green again.

I love spring. It's nice to have warm, sporadic rain showers refreshing the earth. Did I mention I love spring?
much love,
Katie.

Man's Best Friend

(^my dog, Sam Wise Gamgee, rightfully named after Frodo's best friend in Lord of the Rings)

You always hear people say "dogs are man's best friend." You never fully realize how true that statement is until you experience the joy of having a dog. A lot of people don't believe that pets and owners can have a true 'relationship'. According to studies made by British author and biologist, Rupert Sheldrake, there is a telepathic type relationship that occurs between a pet and it's owner (he focused his study on dogs in particular). 

"The highlight of his study is the anticipatory behavior that indicates dogs know when their owners are about to return home, often by 10 to 30 minutes.  This telepathy occurs because of the close bond, an emotional connection, even an emotional need, that binds the sender and receiver. And I would conclude that the role of sender or receiver fluctuates back and forth between owner and animal: a telepathic receiver one time, a telepathic sender the next.   "

http://www.todancewithangels.com/is_your_pet_smarter.html

There have been remarkable stories about dogs who have saved their owners life. But there are also little stories you hear about someone who was sad and their dog was simply there for them. It's pretty amazing to see all the studies that have been conducted on the relationship between humans and their dogs. It's amazing to think that when you're really having a tough time or you're in danger you have your best friend with you to protect you. Treat your dogs right because someday it may save your life! Dogs are amazing animals, don't underestimate them. They have a special intuition when it comes to the people they love.

much love,

Katie.

Why Winter is Great

I love winter! I think it is the best season of the year, closely followed by fall. Let me just highlight some of the wonderful things about winter!

snow days spent doing fun things with great friends!

cute winter clothes!

barren trees (which I think are beautiful!)

SNOW!!!!

Ice Skating!

and last but not least...

building a snowman!!! :)

How can you not love winter?!

much love,

Katie.

Music is good for the soul

You know what the best thing is about music? The fact there is a song for every situation you find yourself in. It's kind of amazing really. You can find music about anything. I have heard a song about reading with a pickle. That's how diverse it is. Lately I've been hooked on a British band, Take That. They are AMAZING. One of the things that is a trait I like in singers is their background story. You know, how they got into the business, why they got into it. Take That has an amazing story. They have come so far, and they really put their all into their music. It's really amazing. Not only do they put on these amazingly entertaining concerts for their fans but they write all of their music. They put all their emotions into these beautiful songs and the end result is sweet music. Check them out for yourself!

much love,

Katie.

^one of the coolest music videos ever!

Loving Life

As humans our emotions are pretty crazy. We have good days, we have bad days. That's just the way it is. But lately, life has been good! Do you ever have that feeling where you are just content with life? It's a good feeling. It's like you look around and you just think, "Wow. What a beautiful world." Every little thing seems amazing to you. The way snow feels as it gently floats down from the sky, leaving cold spots on your face. The bright green grass and the feel of the wind as it whips your hair around. When you're with your friends you just think to yourself, "I am so lucky to have good friends." Sometimes you find yourself laughing a little louder than you used to. It's a wonderful feeling, loving life, and the only person who can make that happen, is you. You need to take time to realize that the little things in life really are the greatest joys. You shouldn't be dependent on anyone to make you happy, it's all up to you. So why sit around being miserable and mopey when you can be out there having the time of your life?!

Love,

Katie.

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

It's here again!! Christmas is just around the corner. There is an almost tangible change in the atmosphere as December rolls around. Black Friday kicked off the holiday shopping season and now stores are packed pretty much everyday as people rush to find good deals for their loved ones! The radio stations are playing 24/7 Christmas music now and kids are beginning the countdown for the night Santa comes! Family is coming into town from far away and Christmas trees are being put up and decorated. I think one of the best things about Christmas is that when you walk down the street at night it's not very dark because everyone has their lights up!  One of my favorite things to do at this time of year is drive around to see all of the crazy lights and decorations people put up! It's ridiculous how much effort some people put into it, but it makes for a good show! There's nothing like coming home to the smell of pine needles and warm cookies. I am ready for the holiday craziness! Merry Christmas everyone! :) 

Much love,

Katie