count your many blessings.

I love people. Talking to them, laughing with them and listening to them.

I love elderly people. they are such a bright spot in my life.

I hated the thought of being a gospel doctrine teacher up until I was called as one this semester. Talk about a crash course of the Book of Mormon;  with the spirit as my guide. Awesome.

Boys are great. I have learned a thing or two about them this week by actually listening to them; they are great.

Reese cookies are to die for and will probably be the reason for my death.

I LOVE fall. Everything about the sunrise-sunset. The leaves to the birds. Ah, it is the most beautiful place up here in Idaho, I love being outside.

I love my mom. She is my best friend. She loves me so much and knows me better than I know myself.

I adore my father. He is the great man I have ever met. Good thing he has taught me everything I know... fishing skills, salsa eating skills and life skills.

I love solitude. There is a time for surrounding yourself with awesome people, but the time that allows me to do so happily is the time I spend alone.

I love eating ceral... all day. Breakfast foods know no bounds.

I love adventure. I love laughing. I love dancing around like a crazy.

I am grateful for my roomates. I am grateful for all my homework waiting for me tomorrow. I am grateful for my sisters who I enjoy so much.

I am grateful for good friends; Jordan Aliece, Kim Diane and Sarah Lyn. Even though our paths have taken us to different places.... I am grateful for them everyday.

I love learning to play tennis, throwing parachuted, plastic ninjas off a balcony, blowing bubbles and going to piano recitals.

Ice cream is a weakness.... but so are Peanut Butter and Jelly sandwhiches.

Travis Dee is my sunshine and Brad is the best.

I really like smelling like a bon fire. I also really like smelling like I justed worked out for an hour (ok not really, but I love working out).

I love hearing other people's stories. I love trying to blend into the crowd and silently trying to change the world.

I love Baylee's fudge and Destiny's laugh. I love Kacee's smile.

General Conference is coming up. I am grateful for the oppurtunity to go home to lovely family and make an apply pie while listening to the words of God.

I am grateful for peace. I am grateful for joy. I am most grateful for my savior who allows me to feel those things in a world so crazy.

Life is beautiful. There is so much beauty to behold.

You are stronger than you think you are. You can make a bigger difference than you ever thought was possible.

I hate how I love the sky so much. I hate how I love smelling deoderant in Wal-Mart. But mosly I hate how much I love that life can be so good and so hard all at the same time.

This is what I learned this week.This week was a good one.  

Chocolate Captain Crunch.

The leaves are changing. Sunsets are beautiful. and Life is so good. I am now 2000 miles away from my last post's location. I miss it. Virginia is the most beautiful state. The people where as beautiful, or more.

My little sister go married... that was fun! Loved seeing so much family and friends. The past couple weeks have been absolutely insane and as I sit at the bar in my kitchen up here in Rexburg, with a list a million miles long, I can't believe I am here. I love BYU-Idaho. There does not go a day where someone makes my day just becasue of how happy everyone is. I love being surrounded by people who make me want to do and be better. I have learned alot about being back up here. Mostly, that worrying about certain things is a waste of time. A postive attitude makes any situation 10 times better. Chocolate Captain Crunch is the best invention ever. Also, going to the gym everyday has some pretty sweet benefits, my favorite? The ability to see my calf muslces. I miss my familiy back home, but feel a distinct feeling that here is where I am supposed to be. I got called to teach Gospel Doctrine... ok, so I know that my major is Elementary Education, but the thought of teaching scares me. I will need to take baby steps in order to feel comfortable talking in front of that many 7 year olds... now lets talk about the twenty or so young adults who will be staring at me this Sunday. Here's my thoughts though, I am so excited. This gospel is something I am passionate about, so why not try to understand it better and teach it to others?? right? :)

 

I ran into Elaine at the store today (she is the cutest old lady I used to visit last semester at the Senior Center) her husband had died since I was gone. She is the happiest lady ever, I want to be more like here.

 

There was this one boy in one of my classes who is so nice and gave me a reall nice compliment; I am going to be more like that.

I ran into Michelle Christensen; she LOVES life and was an absolute bright spot in my day. I am going to be more like that.

People can make such a difference in other lives; they have in mine this week My goal; make a positive difference in someone else's life.

I am going to go and not be scared of all the BEAUTIFUL oppurtunities that are in front of me. I am going to start living as if I was dying. Life is too short, and there is too much good.

Fat Free, tapioca pudding.

As I was sitting on my bed, eating some fat free tapioca pudding (it has replaced the chocolate chip cookies in my life) I remembered that I have a blog. So here we are.

I leave to Utah in 9 days... I have honestly have had a countdown from 40. (It was the first mentally comrehendable number) And let me tell you, I could not be more excited. I have absolutely loved my time in Virginia. I have just decided that being a live in nanny  is NOT a good future career for me. I feel like a got a small taste of how the real world lives, while out here this summer. I was away from family, away from the mormon bubbles (Idaho and Utah) and introduced to how the average human of this race lives. I also have come to an appreciation for missionary work, enjoying the little things and surrounding myself with family and good friends. My little sister gets married super soon, that's been the hardest part for me. Not being able to be there for all the little things. Bridal showers, picking out lingrie (em) and eating future being married ice cream. That girl, along with my older sister, are my best friends. HERE I COME SISTERS!!

Single people out here are successful. My singles ward has all sorts of professionals doing really professional things. It has been an honor for me to rub shoulders with some pretty cool accountants, political people and chefs. I love the east coast fashion, good thing everyone in Utah might judge me when I come home and wear my navy blue elephant blouse with gold buttons.

I have learned that little kids understand more than I ever thought they did. That dinner for four adults is really not that hard to cook and that this church is true. I have never interacted with missionaries before, really. Working as a member missionary myself. It's just never been needed before. I was always intimidated by them. But as my age is ever increasing, I find myself older and less intimidated by them and more grateful for their service. Two years is along time. The missionaries in the Langley ward are great and I have really enjoyed being able to go to baptisms of people my age and watch their faith grow after they are batpized.

I am excited, and nervous, to come home. I have just told myself, for so long that this whole nannying all day is life. Now, that it's not anymore... here I come real world. Hopefully some dating, some good guitar playing and peace comes from returning home. It will. But... I feel like I am going to miss those boys. Three little boys that never ceased to make me smile. I am grateful for them.

Also, on my list of grattitudes is a girl named Megan. My so called "roomate" the past 4 months. I have never met a more patient, funny, great girl... ever. I will miss her. And she still ceases to judge me, or that she has told me. But she has big things waiting her... GO MEGAN!

I will come back her some day. I will have my own kids some day... but not right now. My east coast/children cup is full for a good while.

Happy August! Next time I post, my life will most likely be quite different. Can't wait!

Pics from my adventure to the Library of Congress and the National Capitol.

I decided today... I will be an optimist.

I have been on search for the past couple weeks.
The search for what I think is important in life. Still finding it, but have discovered more reccently out here than I ever have before.
 I have been given so many oppurtuities out here: my most reccent happenings include going to Ford's theatre. I decided that I admire Abraham Lincoln so much. He had so much on the line and did his best. The was a quote from W.E.B. Dubois that said something to the effect of, "he wasn't perfect but he was triumphant", I decided that would be the definition of my life. My future son will be named Abraham. I have met some pretty awesome people. I have taken up reading and have fallen in love with running and keeping my room clean. I miss my family and friends a whole lot.
Life is too short. I am commited to making every day count. The babies in my life right now are the best. I don't go a day without a small headache or some baby barf on me. I love them and the West family for giving me this oppurtunity. There is so much ahead.

I decided that today I want to be an optimist. There is so much beauty and blessings to behold. I decided to stop looking for everything that is wrong. Life is full of adventure and is only worth living if filled with people you love. I have 3 short weeks left to be out in the Distirct of Columbia. I love the history out here, I love the philosophies and the Virginian skyline. Life is too short.

When I get back to Utah I am going to hug everyone of my siblings so hard, I am going to hug the mountains and I am going to sleep outside... on the trampoline. I am excited to go back up to school and learn as much as my little brain can hold. As for the next three weeks... I am going to hug those babies, go camping at the beach and live everyday with as much wonder as I can.

Love that mom. Love that dad. Love those siblings. Love those friends. I decided to shower more often ;) and have offically an east coast girl. I am so blessed to be here with so many great people. I am very blessed.

Love those books.

Ford's Theatre.

True about everyone who has conquered.

L.I.F.E.

So this one time, I have lived in Virginia for almost 3 months. I have finally gotten used to the Katie life as nanny.It seems like a couple of days ago that I was up in Rexburg and home for a couple of days.

 Here's how it's going right now:

Went to the nation's capital on her birthday to help her celebrate. Talk about a crowd of millions of people. Great people who know how to celebrate. I enjoyed monuments surrounding me, the people and the frisbee after the fireworks.

Realized after a round of mini golf in 100% humidity, that I have alot of golf skills to improve.

Decided that the card game "fact or crap" is someone's good itention of testing knowledge to really be statistics. (your best guess will really on let you win on average 50% of the time)

Missing the family a little bit. The seem to be just fine without me, yet... maybe when I get home they will realize how much they missed me :)

I attended the baptism of a girl on Saturday that I didn't even know. I realized that I am inspired by people who live their lives by simple faith.

I have taken up reading. Hunger games have been on my mind this week. It is a little bit of a stretch to be enjoyable, but hey... I have to figure out what happens!

I reccently survived a storm that took out trees that knocked the power out for 3 days. No power. No water. My little person that has never experienced a natural disaster maybe had a couple of rough days. Kind of felt like the world was going to end. It was probably a mixture of the heat, the no food supply and no showers... SO grateful for the modern conviences that I have grown so accustomed to.

Went to a Nats game on Saturday and baked in 104 degree weather. They won. I fried. And I definitly enjoyed it.

Life is good. Everything will be just fine. Crazy how time presses forward; it never stops.

Life isn't always what I expect. People change and curcumstances do as well. This happens for everyone. Yet, because I have chosen this gospel as my way of life, I know that everything will be ok.

One time, on the fourth of July I ate lunch at Panda Express. My fortune said this

"Don't count time, make time count."

That has become my philosphy. I live for crazy adventures, laughing alot and making sure life consits of the people I love. This life really isn't that complicated. I am trying to fill mine with so much good that there is no room for the bad. MUSH. as my sister would say. :) miss those girls. Miss those friends. miss those parents. even the dogs that annoy me and enjoy it a little too much.

I have one month until I am home in Utah. Crazy that this adventure that has been so real to me... will be over.

Baseball Girls. Love them!

Me and Megan, just being nannies.

My best little bud Spenc telling me how much he loves the beach.

Love this place. The place that feels like home, so many miles away.

 Megan's boyfriend Bryce Harper just warming up.

An early morning excursion to the temple, took 1 1/2 hours. Gave food to a hungry man. And had a really great day.

The life of a firefly.

Out here, on the east coast, there are these things I have discovered called fireflies.:) 

Everyone who is native the area, judges the fact that I am SO amazed by them.

Last night, I caught one.

 As I was doing so I was talking to a friend and asked him the point of fireflies.

My answer was simple, yet so profound to me at the time.

"To make your yard more beautiful",  was my answer.

I being selfish, applied this to myself. It made me stop and think. This beautiful creature has no other prupose on this earth than to make my life more beautiful. Then I was brought to the thought of flowers, and sunsets. Candles, laughing and color. Temples are beautifully amazing, I think because heaven is the same way.

There is so much in this life to behold. So much to enjoy.

The fact that there are fireflies is a testimony to me that God wants me to be happy.

He sends me fireflies so that I can make it through the tough times. Let me tell you, there are tough times. I am pretty sure anyone who has lived past the age of 1, knows this. There will always be tough times, but I  know that as I focus on the beautiful and good things in life, that they will pass through me and I will be better because of them.

Just some thoughts.

Yesterday, I went to the beach. In annapolis. Part of the Chesapeake. Then to a first day of summer BBQ with some really great people.

The Beach.

I love to shower. bananas. sun roofs and the windows down. i love classical music. running. bodies of water. and people who live life and don't care what other people think.

My life is great when I focus on the people I encounter on my way.

I miss my family a baby bit. I miss my friends back home. But here is where I need to be.

My new Philiophy in life is now: simplicity.

 Also, side note: I went to Arlington National Cemetary last weekend. I enjoyed it SO much. The whole time I was reminded of my Grandpa. I was inspired by the countless lives of courage. I loved every moment of it. I am grateful.

Classy.

So this one time, now, my day to day

 life vs. adventure ratio is higher than

it has ever been previously.

 I have done 6 things on my bucketlist I would like to share.

#1: caught a crab.
 This consisted of me using a rope with a raw piece of chicken on the end and waiting. Waiting, and waiting. Waiting for what you might ask? I will answer: waiting for a crab to attatch itself to my piece of chicken and then slowly pull it up. Once visible, it was caught with a net. Yes, this takes intense concentration and skill (not really any at all). Yet, I waited and pulled. Ending up with a baby crab. Had to throw that one back. I named it, don't worry. Benny.

#2: Slept under the stars on the bank of the Chesapeke Bay.
 It was such lovely night, I brought out a sleeping bag and watched the stars until I feel asleep. Running total of shooting stars:1. I woke up to the sunrise at 5:30. It is probably the best thing I have done since being out here.

#3: Jumping spontaneously into jelly fish infested waters.
Yep, I got stung. I wasn't thinking and thought a dip in the bay would be FUN. I realized that my implusiveness is not always the safest characteristic to have, but hey it only hurt for a baby bit, and then swelled. I was told at leas one million times that peeing on it takes the sting away... didn't try it, but thanks for the advice.

#4: Went sailing.
 This inpsired me to live in North Carolina when I get older. I love the east coast. The fashion, the architecture, the history: all of it. There are so many people out here, everything is so much more diverse than my life in the mormon bubble. I am not complaing, I am just grateful for the oppurtunity to rub shoulders with some amazing people that have different philosophies than I do. Oh right, sailing. Loved it, sooo relaxing. I am definitly more of a speed boat type girl, press down the peddle and go really fast... that's my style.

#5: Saw fireflies.
It was the best thing that has happened to me since I have been here. Fireflies are the most captivating bug I have ever met. I watched them for at least 10 minutes, in front of a strangers house. They had no idea what I was doing, but their fireflies where so great. It was definitly an indescribable moment. If I HAD to describe it in one word, it would be: classy. I have never seen them before and all I wanted to do was take them all home and put them in my room. Although, up close and without a light... not so cute.

#6: Gained a deeper testimony of the gospel and the church.
 Still in progress and will be the rest of my life but while out here I have had many times where I had no where to go except my knees. Sometimes God is the only one in whom comfort can be found and strength can come from. Life is hard sometimes and only focusing on that is not a very fun way to live. After a while I got sick of that view because I truly do have SO much to be grateful for. So I prayed to see the good in my, and my little Katie self has found she has no room to receive all the blessings God has helped me realized. I have gained a more real testimony of my Savior's love and reality. Despite how impossible someting feels, with God NOTHING is impossible.

 And that is why my life is beautiful today.