What with getting married and all I have created a new blog for our family. I will still try to post here about my experiences every so often but for now this is the go to place for the news on the Russells!
http://kyleandaziekay.blogspot.com/
Hope yall stop by soon.. Leave some comments and let me know what you think!
AzK
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Monday, August 13, 2012
T squared
Together to the Temple. This is our T squared time. I love the temple. I have developed a love for it in a way that most people don't. I learn differently from most people, backwards some would say. I have developed my desire to attend the temple, not from frequent visits, but from limited access.
Growing up where I did we could only go to the temple a few times a year because it was so far away. It is still one of my favorite places to this day. The Orlando Florida Temple is where I did my first baptisms for the dead, I took out my initiatory and endowment and where I hope to one day be sealed.
I remember hiking through the rice fields of Lallo, Cagayan, Illocos Sur and dreaming of being able to see the temple again. It had been 15 months since I was able to see, much less participate in the temple. I kept feeling like, as a missionary especially, I could use the help that comes so easily in the house of the Lord. I wanted so badly to take the families that I loved with all of my heart to the temple to feel the things I feel when I am there. To learn the things I had learned, to feel love like I feel in the temple. To Nanay and Tatay Galapon, who only ever went to the temple once, it was magic. The light of Christ that was shining off of them in that small little church in Laoag City, the Sunday after they came home was tangible. It filled the room and my heart. I know that Heavenly Father blessed them beyond measure because of their faithful sacrifices to attend this temple:
One Friday night Kyle and I were talking and he asked if I would like to go to the temple with him on Saturday morning. I told him that I would and woke up early the next morning. The whole time I was getting ready I was nervous. We weren't going until after lunch but I was up anyway. I made us lunch and we set out for the temple.
.
It was a sweet experience. I love that place. I love that Kyle is worthy to take me there. I love that he loves that I love the temple. Out temple time together has taught me many things and I cherish those memories.
Growing up where I did we could only go to the temple a few times a year because it was so far away. It is still one of my favorite places to this day. The Orlando Florida Temple is where I did my first baptisms for the dead, I took out my initiatory and endowment and where I hope to one day be sealed.
I remember hiking through the rice fields of Lallo, Cagayan, Illocos Sur and dreaming of being able to see the temple again. It had been 15 months since I was able to see, much less participate in the temple. I kept feeling like, as a missionary especially, I could use the help that comes so easily in the house of the Lord. I wanted so badly to take the families that I loved with all of my heart to the temple to feel the things I feel when I am there. To learn the things I had learned, to feel love like I feel in the temple. To Nanay and Tatay Galapon, who only ever went to the temple once, it was magic. The light of Christ that was shining off of them in that small little church in Laoag City, the Sunday after they came home was tangible. It filled the room and my heart. I know that Heavenly Father blessed them beyond measure because of their faithful sacrifices to attend this temple:
One Friday night Kyle and I were talking and he asked if I would like to go to the temple with him on Saturday morning. I told him that I would and woke up early the next morning. The whole time I was getting ready I was nervous. We weren't going until after lunch but I was up anyway. I made us lunch and we set out for the temple.
.
.It was a sweet experience. I love that place. I love that Kyle is worthy to take me there. I love that he loves that I love the temple. Out temple time together has taught me many things and I cherish those memories.
The big 21!
Happy Birthday Becki! I know these are WAY late to be posted but I decided that I wanted to post it anyway! We went out for drinks to Applebee's and had a blast. It was one of the few things we did as roommates the whole semester.
She is my roommate. The very first one that I ever had. She is the original sister friend. She is her own person and I admire her so much for that! She knows what she wants (well the important stuff anyway) and she is always steadily pursuing it. She does my hair when I can't and she listens to me talk for hours. She is the best secret keeper ever and the only human to live on noodles alone that I have ever met. I love her so. Happy Birthday beautiful girl.
She is my roommate. The very first one that I ever had. She is the original sister friend. She is her own person and I admire her so much for that! She knows what she wants (well the important stuff anyway) and she is always steadily pursuing it. She does my hair when I can't and she listens to me talk for hours. She is the best secret keeper ever and the only human to live on noodles alone that I have ever met. I love her so. Happy Birthday beautiful girl.
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Kyle and Jeanette sitting in a tree!
K-i-s-s-i-n-g! Or so she wanted! Let me introduce you to a woman that has forever changed my life. Meet Jeanette:
She is ancient. She has dementia and is losing her memory. She has taught piano her whole life and was born and raised in Texas. She has two daughters that married professors that teach here at BYU-I. She lives in an assisted living facility here in town. She has a crush on EVERY single young man that comes in the door and my sweetheart is no exception.
I first met Jeanette when we went with the Elder's quorum for a joint activity. She was so happy to have visitors and she and I bonded rather quickly. She is the sweetest thing and is always happy. I asked her once why she is so happy and she said, "I guess it is because I can't remember to be sad!" She is full of wisdom and courage. She is a sassy lady and I think that may be why we get along so well.
For Valentines Day my roommates and I made homemade Valentines cards and took them to the nursing home. When we walked in we saw her sitting at the lunch table with a friend. I came over to her and told her that I had a Valentine for her. I sat it down on the table and she read it. If you can see it in the picture it has a bird and a tree and it says "Your love makes we want to sing." It was made by Dollie Mae. She looked at me and said, "Shoot girl lets sing!" She was laughing and so happy to have a valentine.
She saw Kyle and asked me to have him sit next to her. I told her that I wanted him to take our picture. She agreed and started cheesing for the camera. She said that she would let me get her picture if "that handsome man" would take it, referring to Kyle. He turned red and I thought it was so adorable! While I was sitting talking with her she said, "Is that your boyfriend?" I told her that he was my fiance and she said, "Girl if I had a man that handsome I would tie him to a tree!" I thought I would die laughing! I couldn't tell if I was laughing at her expression or Kyle's! He was flattered and devastated at the same time!
I continued to talk with her and Kyle was standing at a safe distance. I asked her who the lady was at the table with us and she said, "I know I should know that because she is my friend but I don't! Some things just aren't worth worrying over." I really appreciated her insight and her positive attitude. She donated the piano that is in the nursing home and often plays it while she waits on the next handsome man to come through the door. She is wonderful and has taught me about finding happiness in the worst of situations. I dearly love her. I see a lot of my crazy fun side in her and it gives me hope. I want to be like her when I grow up. I want to make the best of every situation. I do hope however that my handsome man is always with me, even when I can't remember his name!
Hot and Ready
My roommate Jill works at Little Ceasar's. They only give them one t-shirt to wear to work. Since she is off track she has to hand wash her shirt at night and usually hangs it out to dry. The key selling item for them is the "Hot and Ready" pizza that is 5 dollars and always ready. It's like fast food pizza. She washed her shirt one morning and hung it out on the balcony to dry. When she brought it in we laughed hysterically! Here is the result:
It was FROZEN! We couldn't believe it! I don't know why it hasn't crossed my mind that hanging something wet out in the dry Rexburg cold wasn't a smart move but we really needed the laugh! Here is the other that we took.
Hot and Ready has a whole new meaning for us! :)
The Craze
Kyle and I started dating at the end of last semester. He loves to play laser tag and there is a place here in Rexburg called "The Craze" that offers a special on Wednesday nights. We went and played laser tag for a while and then we played mini golf and the arcade game, deal or no deal. We kicked everyone's trash at deal or no deal and Kyle spanked me at laser tag. I really enjoyed it and it was fun to have fun with him! My favorite part was the prizes you get when you redeemed your tickets. We wound up with a Chinese finger trap, a blue heart shaped bangle bracelet and these:
Now if any of you know me you know how much I LOVE mustaches (hope you don't step in the sarcasm dripping off this statement.) you know how much it took to get me to take this picture. My roomie Laura loves them and we surprised her with them when we came in. It was a good laugh. I just realized how crazy our hair looks! The wind was insane but we were laughing so hard we never even noticed. Ah, true love!
Extracurricular Beginnings
At the end of last semester I was asked by a co-worker to teach the learning model seminars one night a week for this semester. We went on a retreat in the mountains. I have never seen so much snow in my life!! It was really fun to learn about the seminars and how they help students. But waking up to the snow was so different than what I am used to, even in Rexburg. The picture below show a friend of mine walking on top of the snow. Notice the lunch bell and the basketball hoops. I am on the second floor taking this picture. It was crazy! But we did have a blast!
The learning model seminars teach students about the learning model here at BYU-Idaho and how to apply the gospel in all aspects of our lives, including secular learning. If you would like to learn more please visit: http://www2.byui.edu/LearningModel/src/default.htm
I love facilitating discussions on how we can apply these principles in our lives. It has changed my perspective and really helped me to understand the spiritual side of secular learning. Enjoy!
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