the christmas spirit.

I might be jumping the gun, but Christmas is almost here! Yesterday Devon and I started our day with the temple, headed to IF for some lunch, groceries and a new jacket, came home and cooked 15 pounds of mashed potatoes for our ward Thanksgiving feast, had a blast then enjoyed some cosmic bowling with some friends, came home and watched 3 episodes of Law and Order: SVU.

We rock.

Everyday for the past week and a half Devon and I have enjoyed our own Christmas Pandora station :) complete with MoTab, Trans-Siberian Orchestra, and Mariah Carey. Could it get any better? So today after church we decided to look for some new ideas or traditions that we may want to start now as a family.

Here are some of our ideas:

1. Stockings

As it is our first year married we figured it would be important to start our holidays making stockings together ♥ So we found these 2 ideas fun.

For these stockings you pick a sock and every year you add a band :) They'll be huge by the time we're 50!

These stockings were also so cute to me! You pick a sweater with cool pockets or buttons then create your own! Hello trip to the thrift store for a cool new stocking idea.

2. Gingerbread Houses!

Probably a tradition in most homes but sounded super fun this year and a nice way to spend a Sunday or FHE.

3. Festive Cookies

I picked these because they are well...just adorable!

4. A Tree Topper

Devon asked me tonight what I thought should be at the top of our tree. I was indifferent but we stumbled across this and thought it looked fun.

...and we still love each other ♥ 3 months today

it all started with a kiss.

I used to think this was the stupidest saying of all. Why would someone buy a sign and hang that in their house and how on earth does everything start with a kiss?! Don't people date then fall in love?

So a few weeks ago I went shopping with my neighbor Lisa. We went to the mall and walked through one of the typical "Mormon" shops; you know the ones with all of the signs that say last names and established 2008, or always kiss me goodnight, home, faith & love and all that sorta stuff. Well as we were walking through I saw the sign it all started with a kiss, 'That's stupid', I thought to myself. Then as I thought a little harder I realized that is why I am married now.

Six months ago my wonderful husband was just my friend, my best friend. I had no plans of this changing and certainly wasn't looking to get married. After a long 14 hour drive home from school mid April we didn't get into our town until about 2 or 3 am. Too late for me to go home without a house key. We decided I would just stay at his house and as we pulled in his driveway he asked if he could kiss me. I responded with a hug and a no. I couldn't understand where he was coming from and where the heck he got the idea he could even ask that. Well we continued to get ready for bed and before I took my spot on the couch for the night he asked again. This time I said yes. Whether I was curious, interested or just wanted a kiss, I said yes. From that moment on, things changed. I still had feelings for him.

We started to hold hands, date, and continued to kiss. 2 weeks after our kiss we went ring shopping, 3 weeks later I had a ring on it ;). This time around and with this story, it all started with a kiss. I'm thankful he had the courage to ask because without that changing moment I don't know if I would be married to the wonderful man I am.

Thank you Devon Reese Kienzle

I ♥ you.

life.

joy - as from dictionary.com  

–noun
1. the emotion of great delight or happiness caused by something exceptionally good or satisfying; keen pleasure; elation: She felt the joy of seeing her son's success.
2. a source or cause of keen pleasure or delight; something or someone greatly valued or appreciated: Her prose style is a pure joy.
3. the expression or display of glad feeling; festive gaiety.
4. a state of happiness or felicity.
–verb (used without object)
5. to feel joy; be glad; rejoice.

As many of you know, I work with people that have different developmental disabilities and as I have recently been gone for a longer period of time I never realized how much I missed them.

One day while I was working my dad's booth at the state fair I saw a facility (similar to the one I work at) that had gone on a field trip with their clients. I couldn't help but to say hello to them since I missed my clients so much. As I approached the group I couldn't help but smile at the older man that kept saying hi to me. I was a little grumpy that I was at the fair instead of packing up our move to Idaho the next day, and maybe even a little flustered that the weather had not been cooperating lately. But through all that I couldn't get over how happy the older man in the cardboard chaquita banana hat was.

Flash forward to this now. Devon and I are in testimony meeting and an older woman gets up to talk about the fun she had this last week, canning with her husband. She spoke about the joys in life, when you get to be older and enjoy going to church and not disciplining children, the time you get to spend with your spouse and the grandchildren you get to spoil. These are the years to enjoy she said with tears in her eyes. This woman found joy in canning, time with loved ones and the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

How easy it is to get caught up in the things of life and forget what I have truly been given. As dictionary.com put it, "a source or cause of keen pleasure or delight; something or someone greatly valued or appreciated". I speak for myself when I say I need to reflect on what I really value, because the more I think about it and spend time pondering, the more joy it really brings.

When I go to work everyday I work with people that have disabilities ranging from no forms of communication to slight social problems. But something that almost all of the clients at Upper Valley Options have in common, a joy for the small things. There is one man I work with who loves to mow the lawn and shovel snow because he feels hard at work, other clients just love to ask how your day is going so they feel involved, and still others simply enjoy their friends they have made.

Recently I was helping a young man with some math problems that involved coins. It took almost 45 minutes to work through one sheet and he did extremely well with a little encouragement and help and it was one of the best days that I had in a while. How often do I think about my ability to count coins and solve math problems as a blessing in my life? It really is.

Just a thought, but it seems when I take time to count my blessings and recognize the Lord's hand in my life I can see God's glory and can better appreciate what I have in my life. Sad enough it is easy to become repetitive in prayers, forgetful of what we've been given, slow to remember the Lord and not delight in the simple things in life. I think everyone needs to take time to strive to show the Lord they care, and then we can understand how much we've been given and recognize what we value.

I am a child of God, I am a college graduate, I have been sealed in the temple for time and all eternity, I love my husband, I get to spend time with him often, I have a great job, I have the Gospel in my life, I have a roof over my head, I get to go to church every Sunday, My home is a temple, I get to work with special spirits that teach me more and more everyday. I am blessed.

we are in love.

we are married :) we are in love ♥

countdown.

Three days ago Devon and I got the address to our new home :). It's kinda intense because it is the most in depth I have ever looked at housing. I had no idea there was so much that went into it but it has finally come. We will have our own washer and dryer, a/c, a home for our sofas, and someday....a dog!! :) Here is my countdown to the next few months:

One week:

I complete my Bachelors of Science at BYU-Idaho

Three weeks:

Mr. and Mrs. Devon Kienzle ♥ forever ♥

Married and on our way to beautiful

2 1/2 months

Kienzle family will be in our new home at the Village

Devon and Elizabeth Kienzle

August 7, 2010

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Atonement.

In that place between wakefulness and dreams, I found myself in the room. There were no distinguishing features save for the one wall covered with small index card files. They were

like the ones in Libraries that listed authors or subject in alphabetical order. But these files, which stretched from floor to ceiling and seemingly endlessly in either direction, had very different readings. As I drew near the wall of files, the first to catch my attention was the one that read, "People I have Liked". I opened it and began flipping through the cards, I quickly shut it, shocked to realize that I recognized the names written on each one.

And then without being told I knew exactly where I was. This lifeless room with its small files was a crude catalog system for my life. Here were written actions of every moment, big and small, in detail my memory couldn't match.

A sense of wonder and curiosity coupled with horror, stirred within me as I began randomly opening files and exploring their content. Some brought joy and sweet memories, others a sense of shame and regret so intense that I would look over my shoulder to see if anyone was watching. A file named "Friends" was next to one marked "Friends I Have Betrayed".

The titles ranged from the mundane to the outright weird. "Books I have read", "Lies I have told", "Comfort I have given", "Jokes I have laughed at". Some were almost hilarious in their exactness. "Things I have yelled at my brothers". Others I couldnt laugh at. "Things I have done in my anger", "Things I have muttered under my breath to my parents". I never ceased to be surprised by the contents. Often there were many more cards than I expected. Somtimes fewer than I had hoped.

I was overwhelmed by the sheer volume of life I had lived. Could it be possible that I have time in my 20 years to write each of these thousands of even millions of cards? But each card confirmed this truth. Each was written in my handwriting. Each was signed with my signature.

When I pulled out the file marked "Songs I have Listened to" I realize the files grew to contain their contents. The cards were packed tightly, and yet after two or three yards I hadn't found the end of the file. I shut it, ashamed, not so much by the quality of the music, but more by the vast amount of time I knew that file represented.

When I came to the file marked "Lustful thoughts" I felt a chill run through my body. I pulled the file out only an inch, not willing to test its size and drew out a card. I shuddered at its detailed content. I felt sick to think that such a moment had been recorded.

An almost animal rage broke on me. One thought dominated my mind. "No one must see these cards! No one must ever see this room, I have to destroy them!" In an insane frenzy I yanked the file out, its size didnt matter now. I had to empty it and burn those cards. But as I took it at one end and began pounding it on the floor, I could not dislodge a single card. I became desperate and pulled out a card only to find it strong as steel when I tried to tear it.

Defeated and utterly helpless, I returned the file to its slot. Leaning on my forehead against the wall. I let out a long self-pittying sigh. And then I saw it. The title bore "People I have shared the gospel with", the handle was brighter than those around it. Newer and almost unused. I pulled on its handle and a small box no more than three inches long fell into my hands. I could count the cards it contained on one hand.

And then the tears came. I began to weep. Sobs so deep that the hurt started in my stomach and shook through me. I fell on my knees and cried. I cried out of shame. From the overwhelming shame of it all. The rows of files and shelves swirled in my tear-filled eyes. No one must ever know of this room. I must lock it up and hide the key.

But as I pushed away the tears, I saw him. No, please. Not him. Not here. Oh, anyone but Jesus. I watched helplessly as he began to open the files and read the cards. I couldn't bear to watch his response. And in the moments I could bring myself to look at His face, I saw a sorrow deeper than my own. He seemed to intuitively go to the worst boxes. Why did he have to read every one?

Finally, he turned and looked at me from across the room. He looked at me with pity in His eyes. But this was a pity that didn't anger me. I dropped my head, covered my face with my hands and began to cry again. He walked over and put his arm around me. He could have said so many things. But He didn't say a word. He just cried with me.

Then he got up and walked back to the wall of files. Starting at one end of the room he took out a file and one by one began to sign his name over mine on each card. "NO", I shouted rushing to him. All I could say was "No, no" as I pulled the card from Him. His name shouldn't be on these cards. But there it was written in red so rich, so dark, so alive. The name Jesus covered mine. It was written with his own blood.

He gently took the card back. He smiled a sad smile and began to sign the cards. I dont think I'll ever understand how he did it so quickly, but the next instant it seemed I heard him close the last file and walk back to my side. He placed His hand on my shoulder and said "It is finished". I stood up and he led me out of the room. There was no lock on its door. There were still cards to be written.

the countdown.

So here it is, the month before the wedding. I still haven't got all my invites and announcements out, no my dress hasn't been altered and we just barely found a wedding photographer...last night. Not only is it the month before the wedding, but the last month of my college career. Crazy right?

Everyone tells me these are the months to remember, the fondest memories they have; well I can officially say that it has been one of the most stressful times that I can remember. Anatomy and Physiology, my job, my wonderful calling and wedding planning seem to rule my life. I think it is safe to say that I'm busy, but truthfully, I wouldn't have it any other way. The busyness and work give me something to look forward to. Soon I will have a few concentrations instead of so many. I am excited. Mostly it is exciting to me because I look forward to the day when I will be finished with school and then two weeks later being blessed to have my best friend next to me for eternity. That is the exciting part. A new chapter in life is about to begin.

Countdown: 37 days! ♥


Just one more thing....

I know this video is newer but lately I have been watching it just about every few days. So I want to share it. Elder Holland is amazing to me and I love what he shares in this story. I know that times do get hard. Some days it is safe to say that you don't know where life will take you. A good friend of mine once told me to serve with all of my heart when I was going through a tough time and I can definitely say I ended up on the good side of things, ready to continue. I know that the Lord is there for us and as long as we're doing what is right he will direct us.

final engagements.

The final engagement pictures to be sent out with the announcements made last night...and this is why the Foster Family rules! Thank you so much Kate!

Photo 1:

Photo 2:

Photo 3:

Photo 4:

Photo 5:

time.

I apologize for the long post and I realize that it could be more intrusive on peoples time than may be beneficial...

Today my step-mom sent me a poem that really made me reflect about what I am doing with the precious time that I have on this earth. It was written by a young girl with terminal cancer. I think about the cliché saying "live like you were dying" but this poem got me with a different angle.

Slow Dance

Have you ever watched kids

On a merry-go-round?

Or listened to the rain

Slapping the ground?

Ever followed a butterfly's erratic flight?

Or gazed at the sun into the fading night?

You better slow down.

Don't dance so fast.

Time is short.

The music won't last.

Do you run through each day

On the fly?

When you ask 'How are you?'

Do you hear the reply?

When the day is done

Do you lie in your bed

With the next hundred chores

Running through your head?

You'd better slow down

Don't dance so fast.

Time is short.

The music won't last.

Ever told your child,

We'll do it tomorow,

And in your haste,

not see his sorrow?

Ever lost touch,

Let a good friendsihp die

Cause you never had time

To call and say, "Hi"

You'd better slow down

Don't dance so fast.

Time is short

The music won't last...

When you run so fast to get somewhere

You miss half the fun of getting there.

When you worry and hurry through your day,

It is like an unopened gift...thrown away.

Life is not a race.

Do take it slower,

Hear the music before the song is over.

Oh how familiar and heartbreaking this was to me when I first read it. How often do I ask how someone is doing and not remember, ask a name and tune the person out before they even answer, or look through to the end of the day just wondering how I'm going to work and get the homework done that I need. It's sad isn't it. Because of those reasons Devon and I decided to hang this poem in our home some day.

In a Relief Society training meeting I attended recently the girls were given 3 categories of things we need to do; the absolutes, the necessary, and the planning to-do. After we were given the three categories we were asked to list some of the things and this is what we came up with:

Absolutes:

baptism

temple

pray

marriage

Necessary:

eat

sleep

education

Planning to-do:

movies

date

create

By my self reflection I could see a problem. I was able to see where my focus was at the time and as a leader, friend, sister, and roommate, my priorities must be in the right spot. President Uchtdorf said this:

The tendency to focus on the insignificant at the expense of the profound happens not only to everyone. We are all at risk. The driver who focuses on the road has a far greater chance of arriving at his destination accident free than the driver who focuses on sending text messages on his phone.

We know what matters most in life—the Light of Christ teaches this to everyone. We as faithful Latter-day Saints have the Holy Ghost as a “constant companion” to teach us the things of eternal value. I imagine that any priesthood holder listening to my voice today, if asked to prepare a talk on the subject “what matters most,” could and would do an excellent job. Our weakness is in failing to align our actions with our conscience.

Pause for a moment and check where your own heart and thoughts are. Are you focused on the things that matter most? How you spend your quiet time may provide a valuable clue. Where do your thoughts go when the pressure of deadlines is gone? Are your thoughts and heart focused on those short-lived fleeting things that matter only in the moment or on things that matter most?

We are all on the Lord's time, the focus of our lives should be set on the Absolutes and not neglecting them. We need to take the advice of a young girl; take the time to listen, and to be a friend. Then the advice of a prophet of the Lord; check where your own heart is, what the real importance of life is and see if our actions are aligned with our conscience and helping the Lord's kingdom. Are we furthering the work, progressing eternally, caring for his children? If we all can reflect a little more, be more aware of how we're spending our lives we can do as the young girl who had cancer did and live our lives in a way that we won't regret later.

dog lick cat scratch and a half asian.

First of all, Devon and I have a special spot. No one knows about it except for....Brynne. It has a name: Dog Lick Cat Scratch. ((We came up with the name on our own.)) The code name is important because others don't know what we're talking about and if they do know, they just don't know where. Are you jealous yet? We try to visit it daily; it is secluded, allows us to do our homework indoors and is nice because it is time and a place we can be together. I love it. We love it. DLCS has a special place in my heart and I'll always remember my last semester at BYU-I and the corner where we had our first "place" since he has been home. :)

Second, Devon woke up this morning with a swollen eye. I know I shouldn't laugh but when he told me this morning that he looked 1/2 Asian I didn't believe him. Well truth is...I should have. He really does, but he pulls it off well. Haha. When I realized it I laughed hard and truth is, it looks kinda cute for a temporary thing.

I love him.

The End.

engagements. :)

here they are. the first pictures are not edited but the last ones are.

excellence.

Devotional yesterday: attaining excellence, working towards excellence, being excellent. What is excellence? Wordnet.princeton.edu defines excellent as "very good; of the highest quality" and excellence as "an outstanding feature; something in which something or someone excels". So I need to try and be of the highest quality, not just attain my goals, but try to excel in the way I attain them. I like this.

Today I had a hard time going to class, a very hard time. Devon forced me into it against my will and I went and as I did I thought about this very concept. Am I showing the Lord that I can be excellent? That I can be of the highest quality? That I am trying to attain excellence? and mostly...am I taking pride in what I stand for as a student? So I wasn't, but I need to. Mostly this was a reassessment, so sorry to everyone that had to read about my own reflections on whether or not I'm doing all I can, but maybe you can get something out of it. We don't have to be perfect now, but we should be on the path to perfection. So let's try a little harder, stand a little taller, and show the world what we're made of.

the produce boy.

A 16 year old girl was working her first job; she was a courtesy clerk at Albertsons and had her own busy job, friends and life. Once day in August a young produce boy caught her eye. A thin, tall blonde, who was super cute, but how should she talk to him? She got his name from her friends and realized that she could see him more if she did more things in the produce (i.e. doing go backs, floor sweeps, clean ups). Well one day when she went to grab the broom to sweep the store she saw the produce boy and it looked like he was upset; she asked if he was ok. After a few little jokes to lighten the mood they began their friendship. He asked her to the movies and her dad said no, not until he comes over for dinner. So he came, the family was met and the parents approved, so they began to hang out. After a few months of hanging out and fun dates they both encountered something they never expected: LOVE. The produce boy swept the courtesy clerk off of her feet. He was a good boy; he liked to skip with her, buy her flowers, and just hold hands. As the months went on July came quickly, time for him to leave for school for the first time. A whole year ahead of her in school, he left for BYU-Idaho, 900 miles away. Most people considered it young love, never giving it a second thought; but they thought different. They wrote, every day. They talked, every day. They were in love. As the months continued they continued to see each other over breaks and holidays and then the summer came and together they were again. When September came he left again, but this time she was with him, ready to experience new things. Well he left that March on a mission, prepared to serve the Lord for 2 years. They wrote; every week. She continued to date other people after he left but no one stuck. So life moved on, she spent time with friends, went on vacations and grew more than she ever thought possible. Soon the 2 years was up, she greeted him at the airport, shook his hand and things changed. The produce boy was different. She was different. They were just friends. For about a month they still hung out every day. One day after a long drive they returned home, after a long pause in the car he asked if he could kiss her, but she said no and he settled for a hug. Later that night he asked again, this time her answer was different; yes.
The kiss: The kiss was all it took. Things changed. They realized maybe they were more than friends, maybe things could happen. They took their time, held hands again, skipped, went on dates, went back to school, fell back in love.

springtime in the burg.

There is one little girl missing from this picture....MALORIE COME HOME! But It is springtime in Rexburg...The snow is melting, the sun is shining, it is warm and it rained once! So today we got to wear bright colors, enjoy the weather and spend some time together.

un buen dia.

So today I would consider excellent. I feel I got a lot done, aced a quiz and a test, had a few prayers answered and remembered how thankful I need to be. So number one part of my good day, I had terrible luck figuring out my classes and I wasn't sure how I was going to finish up my schooling by July. Everything just seemed to go wrong, then today I got a lovely email from BYU-I that said my fast grad application had been re-approved, 2 of my classes could be substituted and everything would be great. Great start to the day right?

Well, after my success with my schooling, my roommate Katie and I went on our scheduled temple adventure; just the two of us. We've been looking forward to this day for weeks and every time something has went wrong. Well today we made it and it was wonderful. I regret to say that I easily forget the the wonderful everything that attending the temple has to offer. As I let go of all my other worries I was able to focus on the Lord and worship in His house, something we both decided to make more time for.

After our lovely visit, Katie and I ventured to Idaho Falls :) Her mommy so nicely cut my hair and we ate dinner. It is so nice to have roommate's that live so close to school. I love getting out of Rexburg and spending time with families, it really is a home away from home. New do, nice dinner and girl time.

So luckily Katie also lives close to our old bishop and his wife, Bishop and Sister Neider. You know those people that you look up to and seem to love you always with a love you don't understand? Kinda like your parents or grandparents? Well....these are 2 more of my people :) We also ventured over to their house today to catch up on some life events and everything else in between. They are just great and I hope they know we miss them so.

To top off my great day, I stole the Elliott family's hymns made easy book to practice my much in need piano skills. A little bit of stress relief, some somewhat pretty noises and it is all coming together.

If only I would make as much out of all my days. I seemed to fit the important stuff into my day and really take time for the things in life that really matter. I guess that is what I wanted from this post. Hopefully it will help me remember the things that are important: The Gospel, friends, family, worship, school, trying to develop talents, and taking time for the little things. I love everything that I have and I feel so blessed and fortunate to be attending this university; blessed to have the devotionals, caring teachers, roommates and friends that are close as family and everything so close to me. I guess I just realized I need to make the most of it while I can and maybe count my blessings.

Love you Katie!

two years.

Today I am home, where I will be again in 3 short weeks. Why? My best friend is coming home! It’s kinda hard to believe how fast two years went by and how much I know I have changed. I have a mix of anticipation, fear, and of course, happiness all going on inside my head. Looking back on the past two years I’ve had some of the best growing experiences anyone could ask for and whatever happens I know that my best friend will come back and we just have a lot to talk about!

Trips to visit family in California:

18^th birthday present: seaplane ride in Seattle:

going away party at 17, our badminton team and a first year of college:

Devon was my first a lot of things. I know we have a lot to catch up on and a lot of history, but I am thankful for the past two years that everyone else has given me as well. I love my family and I love my friends. :) Thank you for all you have given me.

The best ugly Christmas sweaters with my cousin and sister:

My family is the best! Dad and DeAira's wedding day:

bfsb i love you so much...i'm glad i decided to let you touch things in my house again ;)

Saturday morning breakfast: Summer '09

Hope you all had as much fun as I did

Whitney and I:

Finding out the hard way the wind blows year round in Rexburg

Last minute road trips to Chelan. Thanks to Mal and the boys

Church history tour, soaking up the sun in NYC:

These girls have been such a good example

Abby, I just love you.

Alex rubbed off on me a little too much:

I made this on my walk home from school.

Roommates Fall '09.

I've been blessed with some of the best roommates ever.

So old best friends or new ones, it's all made a difference.