Changes

(Brandon talking here, rare I know)

So this has been quite the week of changes for some of our friends. Some have gotten word of eventual loss of employment, others have gotten married, some having to seek medical aid, some just on the verge of venturing out on their own into the world.

Have you ever asked yourself what you would say to such people that go through so many changes in life? I am attempting to answer that right now.

Change can be a lot of different things to a lot of different people. Some changes are good, others not so much. Change can be unexpected and sneaky-like, and it can also be well anticipated and planned for, like a mountain which you can see far off that you know will eventually be your next path, or climb. It can also be dreamed of and sought for, and on the other hand it can be dreaded and fearful. Whatever shape or form change may take in your life, the main question is how do you deal with it?

I have always believed that the world is what we make of it. On a more personal level, I would take this phrase one step further to say YOUR world is what YOU make of it. I personally have experienced many changes in my life, some of them clearly unexpected, for better and for worse, sometimes so quickly that I have felt like my life was in high gear and often did I wonder in those times if I would ever be able to relax and get used to my new surroundings.

Those of you who may find yourself in a similar situation, or feel you can relate to the aforementioned description, may I suggest a few things that I found may be helpful in the stressful waves that change typically brings, whether for better or worse.

• Go back to basics. Remember that there is beauty in simplicity. A lot of times in life we human beings (especially adults) tend to overcomplicate things. This can often be a tall order to some, who feel they have to juggle so many different thoughts, feelings, patterns of life, etc. at once. My dad once taught me a simple rule called K.I.S.S. - Keep It Simple Stupid!
• Remember that change is one of if not the only consistency in life. Change is not a new thing - we have always been around change. It's a part of our life.
• Recognize that there are some things in life that just don't change all that often, if at all. However, don't think for one second that YOU are one of those unchanging things; deny it all you'd like. Human beings grow just like any other organism on this earth. That growth is change. How YOU grow mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and most of the time even physically, is entirely up to you.
• Principles are some of the rarely changing essences in our environment. Some of these principles are good foundation builders to help establish yourself, as well as those around you. Some of those principles are Truth, Integrity, Knowledge, Hard Work, Desire, Humility, Discipline, Respect, and the list goes on.

I think it's quite safe to say that we all experience high's and low's at some point in time. Robert Frost once said, "Most of the change ... we see in life is due to truths being in and out of favor." I couldn't agree more with this statement.

Money tends to influence the tides of change a lot these days, especially with the well known recession. Blame who you want, but perhaps the following quote might shed some light on your thoughts in case you have forgotten what REALLY influences change more than money:

"Money may be the husk of many things, but not the kernel. It brings you food, but not appetite; medicine, but not health; acquaintances, but not friends; servants, but not faithfulness; days of joy, but not peace or happiness." ~ Henrik Ibsen

For those of you having a GREAT time right now because of that is going on right now... Congratulations! I am genuinely happy for you! Enjoy it; remember that tomorrow is another day. To those who may be reading this that are having a hard time right now because of all that change swirling about you... hang in there, tomorrow is another day.

New Obsessions

We have a few new obsessions in our life...

The first is a show called The Biggest Loser. After the first episode we were hanging out with our neighbors when they started to talk about it! It intrigued Brandon and I so we started to record the shows - but a few weeks of recording we still hadn't watched any episodes...well this past week we finally buckled down and watched the second episode...WOW are we hooked! We watched all the episodes (that were recorded) and caught up yesterday. :) We can't stand Tracey and seriously want her to get kicked off immediately! I don't know how she does it - but I want to punch her in the face everytime she opens her mouth...This show is so motivational though, since we watched the first episode Brandon has started to wake up early and go walking/sprinting while I get ready for work. It's made me want to watch less t.v. when I get home in the afternoons and focus on making our home a better place. Brandon has already lost 5 pounds and I am so proud of him, I can also tell he has more energy and is more alert before he's off to work!

My next obsession is the Fablehaven book series. Before I was let go I started to read the first one, and when I had my two week vacation (haha), and when I wasn't searching for a job I was reading these books. There are four books out and one more to come out this upcoming spring and I can't wait! I love jumping into a series and loving the story! It makes me want to read more...and I love to read! I feel so much better when I can read a book than if I had watched t.v. all day.

So those are the recent things going on in our lives - hopefully we can continue to stay motivated!

Sexy Seniors Preview!

Okay...so who thought I was talking about hot old people when I put up the title? ;)

One of my lovely sister (n laws) is a senior, and this week is her UEA break, so Chelsey (sister) and her bubbly friend Amy decided to come down and visit with Brandon and I over the next few days! During this time I get to take their senior pictures! We are planning two photo shoots - one was yesterday afternoon and the next one will be Saturday! Here are two of my favorites I had time to edit last night!

Forever Family

On Saturday September 19th, 2009 T.J., Aubrey, Ethan (and baby Ashton - not born yet ;) ) Kingsford were sealed as an eternal family for time and all eternity in the Logan Temple.

What a special event to witness. I love this family!

Unanswered Prayers

For those of you who don't know, about two weeks ago I got called into an office and got the news that I was getting laid off because of downsizing. For many that can be very unsettling, scary and heartbreaking...and it was. At the same time, I kept having the feeling like everything would be okay. I didn't know how, or what would happen, I just knew we were going to be okay.

Since I got laid off at my old company, every morning was the same: Get up, pray, read scriptures, get online and apply for jobs, read a book, clean up the house, go back online and apply for more jobs, etc. I received a few phone calls here and there and had a few interviews. During this time Brandon and I were fortunate enough to go to the temple when I was feeling uncertain and again I felt an overwhelming assurity that we would be okay.

Two weeks from the day I was laid off I received a job offer at a great company, and today was my first day!

I am very grateful for unanswered prayers. There were a few positions where I was praying that they would call me back, but I never heard from them, or if I did it was to say they had gone with someone else. I know this is where I am supposed to be and I am very grateful for my Heavenly Father and for the comforting spirit he sent to my family over the past weeks.

I will miss my old co-workers, they have become great friends and I know that I will stay in touch. I am also grateful I was able to work at my previous job because that is where I met my best friend (other than Brandon ;) ) She has become a great influence in my life and I'm so grateful I got to spend every weekday with her.

I am grateful for the gospel of Jesus Christ and for the testimony I have. I am grateful for unanswered prayers and know that when I truely put my trust in my Heavenly Father he will guide me. I love my husband and I am so grateful for his optimistic attiude over the past few weeks.

I hope everyone had a great Monday! I love you all :D

Preview of this Past Weekend

We did so much this past weekend! I really don't have time to write about it now, but here's a picture :)

(P.S. Sarah is here too!! From this angle she's missing :( Like I said I'll add more info later. ;) )

Why I'm grateful for my Husband

There are so many reasons why I am grateful for my husband, I just would like to write down a few that pertain to my life right now.

1. I told Brandon a little while back that one of my ambitions is to be a photographer. I know I am a rookie, but Brandon has supported me all the way. He has helped me purchase our first SLR camera. He is always giving me feedback and lifting my esteem on images that I take and show him; And even today he let me use him as a model so I can work on figuring out my camera's manual setting better.

2. Brandon has unconditional love that is so amazing, most people don't even know! He loves me for my flaws, my weaknesses and he tries to build me up and help me face my fears. Not only will he help me to acknowledge my wrongs, and help me strive to be better, but he'll be by my side the whole time holding my hand.

3. He is patient with me, even though I am not a patient person. Brandon has found out that when I want something, and I put my heart and soul into it, I want it now. Lucky enough for him, he is able to tease me about, but at the same time help me be realistic with our goals and dreams.

4. He is giving. I love to give and to help others. I am lucky enough to have a husband that loves to give as well! He is always worried about my needs and comforts, giving me foot rubs or back massages, cleaning the house when I am being lazy, but the best thing, is he loves to give to family and friends. He is constantly worrying about family and friends, and I know that a lot of them don't know. They are constantly in our prayers.

5. Brandon is a worthy priesthood holder with a strong firm testimony of our Savior. I am grateful Brandon keeps his commandments and is a worthy priesthood holder. It is such a blessing to be able to go to my husband and ask for a blessing of comfort, or of healing. Coming from a family that didn't have the priesthood for very long in her life growing up, I am grateful to have a husband that can hold it so worthily.

6. Brandon has a sense of humor. My husband is very random, and has a great sense of humor. I remember when we were watching Legacy for the first time and there is a scene where the Eliza asks David "Promise to make me laugh?" and David replies "Everyday." After that part I looked at Brandon and made him promise me that he'd do the same and he hasn't broken it yet!

7. My sweet husband is a hard worker and I am so proud of everything he does. Brandon loves to work and to support for our family. He loves putting his checks towards paying off bills so that we can someday work towards becoming parents. Brandon's hard work has finally paid off with his recent promotion and I know it won't be the last.

Like I said earlier there are so many reasons how I appreciate the love of my life. The best phrase that comes to mind is " I have all I've waited for...and I could not ask for more!"

I love you Brandon!