Lamb of God

Last night I went to a majestic concert of Rob Gardner's newest sacred work called, "Lamb of God" and I left changed! the "Lamb of God" is about the last week of Christ's life and His resurrection! If you get a chance to see this production don't miss it! If you want to hear the music you can find it at Spire Music.

One of my favorite songs of the night is called, "Sometime We'll Understand" and here are some lyrics that spoke to heart:

"Not now, but in the coming years,
It may not be when we demand,
We’ll read the meaning of our tears,
And there, sometime, we’ll understand

Why what we long for most of all
Eludes our open, pleading hand;
Why ever silence meets our call
Somewhere, sometime, we’ll understand.

So trust in God through all thy days;
Fear not, for He doth hold thy hand;
Though dark thy way, still sing and praise,
Sometime, sometime we’ll understand.

Sometime we’ll fall on bended knee,
And feel there, graven on His hand;
Sometime with tearless eyes we’ll see
What, here, we could not understand."

Love Story

Please watch this video. I love this story about love that is real and alive!

"No, I am not pregnant, I'm just fat!"

In the past few weeks at work I have been asked by 3 different clients (kids) if I am pregnant! Now I know I need to consider the sources, the fact that I was wearing a babydoll type shirt all 3 times, the fact that 4 women who work with me have recently had babies, 2 women just left of maternity leave, and the fact that I recently lost 10 lbs into consideration but really!!!

Lessons only Time Can Teach

Today was a typical morning at work. There were kids climbing fences to AWOL, kids cutting their arms b/c they don't know how to deal with their emotions, and kids getting ready for school dressing in their uniforms.

Today was a typical day at work. I am currently a TA for 11 students. These kids range in ages from 11-14 with varying degrees of grade levels. They all have behavior and emotional issues which make learning in their classroom that much more difficult. They have a great teacher who really does his best to keep them motivated, working, and organized.

Today I was just doing my thing but then I started to feel stressed and tired and some familiar feeling was nagging at me and I couldn't quite figure it out. There was this boy in the class who was just getting on everyone's nerves and he had already been kicked out of the classroom once for a "time-away" (3 min. outside the classroom door). This kid has so much energy he rocks back and forth during the day to calm himself down. He is an avid reader and loves to share random facts all throughout the day. It wasn't until the end of the school day that I realized what that familiar feeling that was eating up my stomach and causing me a headache.

It was the same feeling I used to feel with my brother Grant! I used to get easily frustrated with him and know that he couldn't help how he was reacting but I wished he could just "get it". I was a little shocked at the realization. This boy wasn't just some kid I come to work with every day. He is someone I love and get excited for and get sad about and so forth. I even get frustrated at him for not "getting it".

I would give anything to be able to do what I did today with my student with my little brother. I told my teacher that I needed a few minutes. I went into the staff lounge, I got a drink of water, I relaxed, calmed down, and said a quick prayer. Then I went back to class and helped him with the same math problem we had gone over multiple times. I smiled, he worked hard, and in the end he felt successful! I wish I had known better back then...

Today was a typical day except that today I miss my brother a lot!

Alternative Dating Styles

Often, being that I'm single and hang around single people, we get talking about dating, the complications, the drama, the "game" and all that jazz. I was talking to some friends and we were sharing our worst date scenarios. We were laughing and remembering... and then someone said something that struck a cord with me. It was something about what if we took looks off table completely when deciding who to date. (Now don't get me wrong I'm a firm believer in attraction and the importance it plays in a relationships). Interesting to think about right? So if looks were off the table what would you base your initial attraction on?

I don't know but it seems to me that people who aren't gorgeous or highly sought after for their beauty seem to rely on their resume or things they have done with their life. They start with what they are doing currently in their jobs or school etc. Then they share things like where they've traveled, things they've accomplished, their future plans etc.

Some people rely heavily on the "role" they play in a social setting such as, "the funny one", the "social butterfly", the "connector", the "I'll host a party at my place" or so forth. I wonder how these people would interact differently if all of a sudden they weren't allowed to fall back on their "role(s)"?

Then there's all sort of people who fall in between the "beautifuls" and the "brainiacs".

Sometimes I just wonder how things would be different in dating if beauty wasn't such a focus? I don't know that things would change much or that dating would be any better. Maybe it would just be different with an emphasis elsewhere. What do you think?

Good Things Come To Those Who Wait

I am a firm and passionate believer that good things come to those who wait! While I just recently wrote a blog post on how things are just things I have been thinking about some of the things I treasure most in my life currently and how long it has taken me to acquire some of them. Some of these things I could have bought on credit when I really wanted them but instead I waited and they, each one of them, quietly came into my life when I needed them the most! Here are just a few examples of the goodness in my life that was more than worth the wait!

I don't remember exactly when I first wanted to own a typewriter but it was sometime back at BYU when I was in my Creative Writing classes. I have always loved to write! I enjoy all sorts of venues for writing such as blogs, writing letters, typing letters, writing notes, writing music, etc.

I have a very old soul and enjoy things the old fashion way. I adore Jazz, sitting in a rocking chair and taking in the kids playing in the street, and I love typing letters on a typewriter. Then one day I met a man who loved to write as well. He just happened to have multiple typewriters so I borrowed one of his for months at a time. I kept telling myself I was going to buy myself a typewriter soon but never seemed to actually do it.

The other day this same incredible guy showed up at my house with a typewriter just for me! He bought for my graduation gift and it was love at first sight. I giggle just thinking about how much I adore this little sleek green typewriter! It has taken me a few years but it was definitely worth the wait!

Catherine

Have you ever circled around someones life to find that you should have been friends years ago? Well that is the story of Catherine Papworth & I. Catherine wrote about how our lives have swirled around each other for years in her post here but I quote her a bit here:

"Let me tell you a little about Kylee and my background. I was born and spent my childhood in San Diego...she served her mission in San Diego. I moved to Oregon at age 11 and lived there til college...she moved to Oregon (on the other side of Portland from me) at age 9 and lived there til her senior year of high school. We both went to BYU. Because she's musical and thus meets lots of musical people, we know a ridiculous amount of the same people from our time at BYU....people that we both spent an insane amount of time with so...it's just crazy that we never met in this time period. Then she moved to Boston. Okay, I never moved to Boston. I almost went to college in Boston, though...I was seriously seriously on my way there when I got my acceptance letter into the BYU school of music... But, I did go to Boston after my freshman year in college...So, if that weren't enough, she just happens to choose to go to grad school in Arizona and move into a neighborhood literally 0.5 miles from my house...She was also in a ward with several people including one of my only friends when I first moved here, Camille. We didn't initially meet through Camille, but now we have lots of mutual friends...and I find this to be just great...And then [one night] we talked and discovered that she knew me from Noteworthy and that we knew a lot of the same people...Somehow, because I'm lucky and we both love music and because people are brought into your life when you need them (I think), she's become an integral part of my life over the last few months. If God makes all of us with some sort of chemical compound, a formula of intelligence and heart and talent and gifts and spirit, then I believe that Kylee and I started with the same base."

And so it goes with friendships that you never knew you were waiting for but once you find them you discover they were worth the wait!

MY car Kirby

I was 28 years old when I bought my first car! I know that seems ludicrous but it is entirely true. I do have to mention that I shared a family car with my sister for years, then I used that same family car myself for a while, then I moved to Boston for a few years and didn't need a car so I had cars but none of them were mine.

It was a crazy and hectic day when I bought my Toyota Corolla. I bought her from the LDS church as she was a retired "missionary" car. She wasn't the car of my dreams or even my choice but she was what they had and she was all mine. It has been over 2 years now and I absolutely love my Kirby.

When I first got my car I named her Bella b/c she was sparkly gold and a princess but then we all know what happened to the world when the Twilight Series hit! No longer could I call her Bella and she was given the name of the car I learned to drive in--Kirby!

"Ella Mae" My(very old but intensely loved )Piano

I love this piano so much sometimes I think it might be a sin! I started playing the piano when I was about 7 years old and right away I hated it. It would be a long ten years of struggle with my mom to continue practicing and taking lessons. I don't know exactly when but at some point along the way I started writing music (I think around age 14) and it was then I first desired to have a piano of my own. I know wanting a piano is like wanting a horse as a little girl. No one can afford to buy a piano! So my heart waited and dreamed and waited. Then one day, when I least expected it, my dream came true!

I adopted this piano 1 year and about 5 months ago and I can't imagine my life without her! I don't think a day goes by that I don't play for a least a few minutes (some days much more). She has been one amazing addition to my life. I have written 4 new songs on her and have been inspired many nights while playing her to write more! I have loved having music nights in my home when she comes to life. She fills my heart with much joy.

My Beautiful Niece Eden Jean Shields Strayer

My family has been anticipating the next generation for a few years now and we are more than excited that little E has joined our family. She was more than worth the wait. The only problem is little E and her parents live soooo far away! It's really just too far from all of us to bear but I guess they are doing great things so we put up with them. That and the fact that they are troopers and come to visit quite a bit!

And so you see these are just a few examples in my life of good things that came with patience and waiting. I truly believe and have faith that good things do come to those who wait!

To Be A Friend

I was talking with a friend the other day and she was talking to me about friendships. She gave me some very interesting feedback about my approach to friends. I love seeing myself through someone else's eye. After telling me a bit about what she noticed about me concerning friendship she asked me how I see/view friendships in my life. I felt like sharing a bit about what I told her here.

To me friendship is patient, kind, not puffed up, not rushed, never forced, and always giving. There is something so incredible about the perfect timing of an unexpected but dearly needed friend. To be a friend takes work (like most things worth doing in life). Friends are your family when you can't have yours. Friends are the keepers of your laughter and tears. They are the ones who see you at your best and worst. They love you where you are at and sometimes they love you into becoming better. They inspire you to explore new ideas, places, and things. They warn you of danger, keep you balanced, and at times let you know when you are completely wrong. They are your cheer leaders, your coach, your fan, and your critic. They give you wings to fly and blow wind in your sails!

Sometimes friends can take advantage of you. Sometimes you have to let certain friends go. Sometimes friends have the ability to hurt you the most because they know you well and know what buttons to push. Sometimes friendships fade organically and other times you have to set a boundary.

It has never been hard for me to make friends in my life. I love people! I love discovering new cultures, new ideas, new places, and new stories. Some of my favorite moments in life are in meeting new people who I know are destined to become some of my closest friends. It's the moments on the brink of new discovery and excitement that I treasure as much as the friends that I have held dear to me for years!

I had never really thought a lot about friendships, or at least the way I make and keep friends, until I was asked the other day. Here are some of my ideas:

(1) First love God, then love yourself, and then love others. It doesn't work any other way! Because I don't feel the need to compare, judge, or be catty, I am open to so many people. I thrive on diversity and people telling their story. When you love yourself first then you have the ability to love others!

(2) Maintaining friendships takes patience. In my friendships I know that people are busy. I also know that if they need me in their life they will let me know (or I will simply ask them). So it doesn't help to be demanding, bug them if they don't return my calls/texts, or even to feel discouraged if I don't hear from them for a while. They most likely have someone else in their lives they are talking to or turning to instead of me. This is okay with me because in due time they will come around. Being a patient friend is important and in the end friends know they can return to your listening ears and smiling heart!

(3) There is no reason for jealously in friendships. I may be strange but I truly don't understand much about jealously. I don't understand this emotion. In friendships people give or their time freely, and out of love, so each interaction is a choice and a gift. When someone chooses to spend time with another it doesn't take away from you or your friendship. In fact it just may deepen and expand your friendship with them.

(4) Friendship is not selfish. It is like other transactions You give and receive or you receive and then give. Either way both are very important and when one side of the transaction fails the enter friendship is in jeopardy. Toxic friendships are ones where someone is always dumping on the other or when someone is needy and only thinking of themselves. Healthy friendships thrive on wanting to give to each other just because. The very act of giving of ones times, talents, etc is enough!

(5) Friendship is all about timing! I think people underestimate this key piece of friendship. Some friendships are only meant for a moment in time while other friendships are meant to last forever. If you only seek forever friends you miss out on so many wonderful experiences, stories, adventures, and so forth. If you only seek out friends in the moment then miss out on the depth of memories, shared heartache, and watching someone change right in front of your eyes. Both kinds of friendships are important!

(6) Validation is key to a great friendship! It has been confirmed to me time and time again that validation is so important in any kind of relationship! It's important in friendship to give sincere and specific compliments or validation. It's important to let your friends know how you feel about them. When friends have confidence in each other they really be there for each other no matter what happens in their lives.

(7) It's all about the little things! Like most things in life it's the little things that really matter in the end. Little texts to say you care go a long way. Calling someone to wish them well, talk about their day, or just to say you're thinking of them really do matter. The more you listen to your friend the more you understand them and their wishes, desires, dreams. This makes it easier to validate them. It shouldn't be too hard to give a gift that matters, write a letter that is genuine, or make time in your busy schedule to spend with them. Theses little pieces of validation with make or break a friendship.

I'm sure there is more but for now that will suffice! I am so grateful for the many wonderful friends that I have. I am grateful for what each of them taught and continue to teach me today!

Two Years!

Can you believe that I've been living in Arizona for 2 years! The part I never imagined is that I am still here. Well, technically I did move from Mesa to Gilbert recently. Oh Arizona, I don't know why my heart has this undertone of undulation with you but be patient with me and eventually I'll figure it out.

Here are some highlights of the past years in no particular order:

• Started Graduate School--Graduated from Graduate School
• I lived in Africa for 6 weeks
• The mystery Migraines begin...
• My little sister came to visit for Spring Break
• I adopted a Baby Grand Piano
• We did a 10 year anniversary run in memory of Grant
• I wrote some new songs.
• I worked (survived) on the San Carlos Apache Reservation for the summer
• Went to Disneyland with some incredible friends
• I started having Music Nights
• I had a wicked awesome birthday to remember!
• My Grandma B died
• My beautiful niece, Eden Jean Shields Strayer was born!!!
• I went to Glasgow, Scotland/ Dublin, Ireland/ Edinburgh, Scotland/ N England
• Stayed in a sweet cabin with friends in Colorado
• Got eaten alive by mosquitoes at Fossil Springs
• I completed my very own sewing project!

I am very grateful for all the people in my life, all the adventures I've made, the dreams I've dared to make come true, and the lessons I've learned along the way!

Things Are Just Things

I have an amazing best friend these days and I might be biased except I have an actual awesome story that proves that he's wonderful. My friend Hunter wrote of an incident that happened a few weekends ago on his BLOG.

I am continuously learning things from Brandon but one lesson is that things are just things and we don't need to become attached. He gives things away to people to make sure he doesn't become attached.

The irony is that for years I've been struck with wanderlust and could put just about everything I owned in my toyota corolla and drive wherever I lived. Like a turtle I carried all my belongings with me which is to say I didn't have much. Since meeting Brandon I have acquired a few things (piano/typewriter) I can't live without and would be hard pressed to give away. Still I like the idea that things are just things.

Hold My Heart

I am always thinking about hearts! So it's no surprise that lately I've been wondering about what it takes to hold somebody else's heart of for me to let someone hold my heart. I consider it a honor when someone lets me hold their heart or at least attempt. There is something almost sacred about those moments.

I wonder sometimes, "Does anybody know how to hold my heart?"

Invisible Clubs

The other day a co-worker of mine was zoning out and I recognized that look all too well. One of the boys at the RTC said some comment to him to which he replied, "No, I was just thinking about my sister."

His sister had just recently been killed in a car accident on her way to come see my co-workers new born baby. He had to return to work too early b/c he is the only one working in his family and didn't want to lose his job.

I looked over at him and the sadness that seemed to cling to him and I was terribly saddened that he was now part of the club. The club that is exclusive only to siblings who have had a brother or sister die. This is one of the invisible clubs, a club you never thought you would be a part of, and you never want anyone else to join. And yet since I've become a member of this invisible club my hear aches at how many people have involuntarily joined.

Today I woke up with a headache and laid in bed for a long time hoping and praying it wouldn't turn into a migraine. I get headaches a lot since I moved to Arizona and somehow I became a part of the invisible migraine club. I hate this club! I get so angry at my head when I have migraines b/c I have no control of my body. I sometimes go blind in one eye, I almost always get nauseous and puke, and most of the time I lose hours of my day. When I first stared getting migraines I did a lot of research and post on Facebook etc and was amazed at how many people I knew were also part of the invisible migraine club. It's awful to think that your pain is shared by so many.

There are good invisible clubs also such as my love of writing club, my old school appreciation of great jazz music club, and many more. These invisible clubs connect people through their pain or their passions. When you meet someone who belongs to you club you can almost instantly connect to them. In my good invisible clubs I love to collect members and I can relate to them as like-minded people. In my never-wanted-to-be-a-part-of-you invisible clubs it is almost painful when I meet people who belong to the club.

In my sorrow and in my happiness I am so grateful for my human connections to others!

In what invisible clubs do you belong?

Do you think that some relationships run their course?

I have been wondering if sometimes people are brought into our lives or we are brought into their lives for a very specific reason or purpose. Then when that purpose or reason comes full circle the rest is up to us. I wonder if sometimes it runs its course and we just prolong those relationships. Maybe we hold on longer than was ever needed or intended--maybe our human emotions or feeling cloud the real reason we were connected in the first place. Maybe we need to let go or asked to be released?

What do you think?

The Difference a Day Makes

Today I went to work and I loved every minute of it! The kids were fun to be around and the activity for the afternoon was roller skating. I spent the majority of the time teaching and helping the cutest 5 yr old and 4 yr old how to roller skate. I don't think I stopped smiling all day. This might sound cheesy but when you contrast it with day job yesterday it almost seemed magical!

Enter how yesterday played out...

This summer I started working at Residential Treatment Center (RTC) where kids come who are on their last chances. These kids are coming from the "system" or from jail. They have behavior (bx) issues or mental health issues. I am what's called a Direct Care Professional aka DCP. In other words I work directly with the kids, help them to program, go to school, etc.

I should have know that Friday the 13th would not be a good day at work but I had no idea what was about to happen. This week I'm what's called a "Float". This means I'm not assigned a dorm or a classroom. I take kids from place to place, from class to nursing for their meds, run errands, and most importantly I help keep the kids safe. If there is a restraint or AWOL I am there to assist in any way. Being the float can be nice at times but not yesterday!

I started off my shift by talking to one of my co-workers who had just returned to work after a few days. He and his girlfriend had recently had a baby. My co-workers sister (25) was driving out to see his baby when she was hit and killed by a car. He had spent the last few days planning her funeral and being strong for everyone else in his family. I've thought about him lately and wanted him to know he was in my thoughts and prayers. Then the day began as usual...

As a staff we had just transitioned the kids to their classrooms around 8:30 am. I was sitting in the courtyard outside the "comfort room" (seclusion-padded walled-room) trying to get kids to go to class. Mind you it was already around 112 degrees outside so I was already sweating. After about 15 minutes of school one of our boys runs out of class climbs the fence and somehow gets onto the roof. This is a problem. This is an even bigger problem b/c he is on suicide watch. So long story short he is talked into coming down and we all think that will be the highlight ( or lowlight) of the day--boy were we wrong.

Next came the 4 AWOLS, 2 that actually left the grounds, and 2 that attempted but failed (there would be 9 more AWOL attempts before my shift ended). Again the temperature was around 115 at this point in the day so you can imagine how hot it was for the staff and kids. While all this was going I was involved in a restraint of a girl, then another girl found kid scissors and cut her arm, all at the same time. So once I was out of the restraint, I started handing out gloves to staff, keeping my eye on other kids and so forth. At that point we had 7 staff in the school courtyard.

By the time the end of my shift rolled (3:00 pm) around I might as well have been showering in my sweat! I was exhausted, caught off guard by all the commotion, and relieved that I would be leaving soon. I had definitely earn my money's worth for the day (and then some).

The silver lining to my day happen later that night when I was contrasting my life (and some of my current hardships) with the lives of the kids I work with and I truly couldn't complain! The Lord has blessed me immensely. My best friend came over, we chatted, and then I talked to him about my life, he talked to me about his life, and in the end I was so grateful for his listening ears and heart. I went to bed feeling renewed. I chanted to myself, "tomorrow is a new day!"

An Open Letter to...A Deceased Person I Wish I Could Talk To

Dear Leland Grant (Gus) Shields--aka Grandpa-

I sometimes just want to go to your house and see you sitting in your chair in the living room watching BYU and laughing. I miss you at random times and during different situations.

I was playing with Eden the other day, Chelsea's beautiful baby girl, and I was doing "A Mouse Looking For A House" and suddenly I miss you. So I continued singing to her and was a little sad that she never got to meet you.

I remember wanting to read you letters so bad when It became my turn to be a missionary but you weren't alive to write to me and I was sad for that missed opportunity.

Sometimes when I'm around all the family I just miss you and your jokes. Sometimes when I do something silly I say, "Way to go Leland" just like you used to do.

Basically I just want you to know you are missed, you are loved, and you have quite the legacy!

I love you grandpa and can't wait to see you and Grant again someday!

Love Lots, Kylee

Friendship

Lately I've been thinking a lot about friendships. They are so unique because they aren't like any other kind of relationship. They aren't family and they aren't your girlfriend/boyfriend. Yet, it would seem, at times they are the keepers of your heart, the ones who hold your tears, share your dreams, and the people you who make you who you are. They are the ones you live with, cry with, laugh with, and sometimes struggle with.

There is time when you've been friends for so long that you forget how you met or that it even matters and you can't seem to remember a time when you weren't in each others lives. It's then your realize you are lucky. You have the real deal.

And then there's that moment when you meet someone fantastic and you know you want to become their friend--it's just a matter of when and how! I lOVE that feeling. I love getting to know someone new, tapping into their soul, attempting to see the world through their eyes even if just for a moment.

There's also the friends that you hang around so much you might take them for granted except for every now and again you step back and realize you are so blessed to have them in your life. When they introduce you as their friend you still get chills. They are the ones you just might trust enough to let down your guard. They just might get to hold your tears. They may get to see you at your worst and best moments. And if you are lucky enough they will feel the same way towards you!

I am constantly amazed at how blessed I have been in my life for such amazing friends. If ever I wonder if God loves me all I have to do is look around at the wicked awesome friends He's placed in my life at the perfect time to know the answer.

So to all my friends, in all your arrays, know that I am grateful for your imprints and impressions on my heart. I am a better and more whole person as a result of your friendship!

An Incredible Journey out of Broken Dreams

I was having a conversation with my new (she is gorgeous) roommate the other day about life. Okay, honestly I was dumping on her-which I try to avoid like the plague-but she was a great listener. In the middle of our conversation she was saying that she felt inadequate in her life compared to mine. She listed things she knew I'd done or accomplished and then compared them to her life (she's 4 years younger than I). I sat there for a moment and then I shared with her something I don't think I share enough and maybe haven't ever shared on this blog. So here I go...

Most of my amazing travels, accomplishments, goals I've reached etc. have happened over the last 5 years of my life. Most of my friends since I started this blog in 2006 only know the "Make it Happen" me. The Kylee who moved across the country, started traveling, writing a book, and so forth. They don't know the me that existed before I moved to Boston.

I think I've always been ambitious (it runs in the fam) but there was a time (2005) when I had graduated from college, didn't get hired as a seminary teacher, didn't know what to do with my life, and I wasn't married. In essence my plan had failed and I didn't know what to do. I had always thought by the time I was 25 I would be at least married if not married with a child. I was at a loss of what to do. From my broken dreams/plans came my desire to not "hang out" in life and make things happen.

So basically what I saying is I started going places and doing things not out of a sense of how "cool" of a person I am but out of sense of necessity. My dreams/plans/hopes had been unrealized and it became imperative to make new plans. Thus my life motto: Make it Happen was born.

I still want to get married, have kids, and spend my day using my cultivated talents and skills raising my kids and building the kingdom but in the meantime I'm going to go out and do my darndest to rock the boat and make things happen in my life

Drowning Impact Awareness Month (AZ)

August in Arizona is Drowning Impact Awareness Month I'm very excited to share with you what this means and why I LOVE it! To me the topic of kids drowning is very personal as my brother drowned at the age of 15 and irrevocable changed my life forever.

I believe in understanding the impact of drownings and more importantly have to prevent them in the future. I am tired of hearing tragedies that may have been prevented with a little more information and awareness of drowning. I will be wearing a purple ribbon all month and invite any who wants to join me!

Below is the Press Release about this much needed Awareness Month:

Arizona Unites to Wear Purple Ribbons and Prevent Child Drownings

“Drowning Impact Awareness Month” is Arizona’s Most Unified Prevention Effort

PHOENIX, Ariz. (July 21, 2010) – The numbers are grim: between 2000 and 2007, 243 Arizona children drowned. Drowning is the second leading cause of injury-related death for all children in Arizona between 2000 and 2007, and top cause for children between one and five. To date this year in Maricopa County alone, nine of the 55 children involved in water-related incidents have died.

Going into August, the risk is likely to increase. Scorching weather and the changes in routine that come with back-to-school can cause distraction for parents. And in as little as four to six minutes under water, significant neurological injury can occur to a child.

But, Arizona is a state of resourceful and determined citizens – it takes toughness to live in 115 degree weather, after all. And a simple, tiny purple ribbon is a symbol of our resilience and determination.

Arizonans unite this August, with the Seventh Annual “Drowning Impact Awareness Month” effort. The statewide purple ribbon campaign encourages awareness and action, and is coordinated by Phoenix Children’s Hospital.

This year, the campaign will include: ␣

--More than 40,000 purple ribbons already distributed to supporters statewide.

--Formal proclamations signed by Governor Brewer and Mayors across the state, many presented at local Council meetings.

--More than 1,153 purple ribbons tied in the trees in front of Phoenix Children’s Hospital, to represent the number of children involved in water related incidents in Maricopa County since January of 2000.

--Banners and signs, donated and produced by SRP Safety Connection, hanging in public safety

buildings, libraries, La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries stores, and YMCA’s throughout Maricopa County.

--Involvement, support and educational events from businesses, schools, and the Drowning

Prevention Coalition of Arizona.

Amazingly Talented Friends!!!

Sometimes I am amazed at my wicked awesome talented friends and the things they are doing in their lives. I feel selfish, at times, that I know about them while others are in the dark. So this post is to help me help you get to know these incredible people and their amazing talents!!!

Dani Shields Tvetan: (CA)

Okay so she's my sister so I'm biased but she is very talented and wicked funny! Dani recently graduated in Graphic Design from BYUI and she's really good at what she does. If you need a wedding announcement, graduation, business cards, etc--she's affordable, reliable, and timely!

Catherine Papworth:(AZ)

I have heard many musicians/singers in my life and I would say Catherine is at the top of the this. This lady can sing and play and write music like nobody I know. You want to know her and her music--your life isn't complete without her in it!

Mindy Gledhill: (UT)

Her new album, "Anchor" is coming out very soon (I can't wait) but you can find it streaming on her blog. Mindy and I have been friends for years and I love how much of herself she pours into her songs. She is genuine and so loveable! If you've heard her sing you love her voice. If you've heard her story you love her heart!

Katie Davis Henderson & Liz Davis Maxfield: (UT/Ireland)

I have known these sisters (and their very talented older sister)since they were wee little things! Katie & Liz have both traveled all over sharing their love of the fiddle & Cello! Katie is is teaching violin/fiddle lessons and performs all over UT While Liz is going to grad school and performing in Limerick, IR. If you get a chance to hear either of them play you will feel edified and inspired! They are also (when they squeeze it in) part of a family band (they are amazing) called Fiddlesticks!

Shaun Barrowes: (Touring)

I've posted about my friend Shaun before but he is doing really cool things these days. He is singing in high schools for the Arts, he's touring, he's auditioning dancers, and so much more. His music is teaming up with Choreographer Mandy Moore (SYTYCD) & Jason Celaya (also my friend) and some incredible dancers for a his Live For Music Dance Competition for his tour and a Hip-Hop Music Video. So if you didn't check him out when I plugged before you really should this time around!!

Carly Weggeland: (MA)

She takes care of broken books at Harvard during the day but at night she is one amazing seamstress. I can't believe the costumes this girl makes. I won't be surprised at all if she is the costumer of some major British Novel turned Film in the near future! Check out her Costume Blog!

Jared Mooney: (MA)

He has an incredible studio called, "Dirty Water Sound & Music" located in Charlestown, MA. He is talented, smart, sassy, and did I mention he's talented. If you're out in Boston and need a place to record your music--he's affordable and the best!

Brad Burnham: (AZ)

The thing I love about Brad's photography is he takes pictures of the things that are real, in their original setting, and in their glory. While he does touch up some photos he tries to get whatever he shoots in the best natural setting! He work speaks for itself (but he will tell you their stories if you ask)!

Seth Wood: (MA)

I have know Seth for years before he was a wicked awesome photography. We would drive through Boston late at night in his Spider with the wind in our hair--it doesn't get much better than that. Seth is super talented as a photographer and if you love the picture on "Dirty Water Sound & Music's" Website there's a reason (he took it)!!

Timothy & Katasha Connor: (UT)

These two love birds were photographers on their own and joined forces to be quite the dynamic duo! I am very biased and absolutely love them both--but they are also very talented and have a lot of experience. If you want incredible photos from amazing photographers get a hold of them--you WILL be amazed!!

Brandon Flint: (UT)

I LOVE what Brandon does with his camera! Once you start looking at Brandon's site, "Flint Photography" you can't stop looking at the amazing artistry he welds with his camera. Brandon is one talented guy, who has an amazing supportive wife, and gets it when it comes to pictures you want to actually hang on your wall or display for all to see! He is worth every penny!!

Kristen McMullin: (UT)

She can rock it with her music skills as well as her photography skills. She is in love with life and her fiance! Her music and her photos have a depth and maturity that many other photographers lack. Check out her "Shade Tree Photography" website. Also you can check out her portfolio site!

K. Marie Criddle: (CA)

This girl can do it all! I was roommates with her in Boston and we had such adventures. We built a turtle terranium, made many videos, and laughed all the time. Remember her name b/c she in the works with a few of her novels that are bound to be prime time. Besides writing she is an amazing artist! To know her is to be happy!

Chad Woolner: (ID)

Chad does amazing things on his guitar! Chad & I go way back and I just think his wife and kids are amazing! Besides being an amazing musician Chad is also the owner of "Align Chiropractic & Rehabilitation" where he is a Chiropractor! So whether you need some good music or need a good alignment--he's your man!

Channing Kasallis: (UT)

I love Channing! She makes incredible Bunt Cakes and other types of cakes. Just when I couldn't rave about her cakes any more than I already do she started a photography business also! So whether you need pictures for your wedding or a wedding cake--Channing is the right choice!!

Molly Bice Jackson: (UT)

She is a friend and a mother who's daughter died tragically. She has taken her grief and created an amazing place where people can come together and share their stories. As creator of "A Good Grief" she has touched countless lives and has been in many articles, TV shows, and her story is so honestly and sincere that you can't help falling in love with Molly and her Lucy!

* For my friends that I may have forgotten I am sorry and would LOVE to shout acclamations to your talents on my blog so leave a comment*

An Open Letter to...Someone I Don't Talk to as Much as I Would Like

Dear Kristin (Kris)-

I just saw a picture on FB with you, John Bonner, and a few other friends and I found myself very nostalgic for our days in Provo. I MISS U!

Sometimes in life we just go about living and one day we realize what we had and wish we would have taken more advantage of it. When it came to you I knew, in the moment, how amazing you were and how my life was better with you in it! I have no regrets when it come to our friendship! We laughed hard and we cried. We wrote on the mirrors with dry erase markers. We danced in the kitchen, sang when we pleased, and had some incredible roommates!

There have been many friendships/relationships in my life where I was brought into someones life for them. There is not question in my mind that you were brought into my life for me. You were & are a tender mercy in my life. You completely changed my perspective on girl friends! You loved me not matter what. You let me catch your tears.

I knew I had to do something drastic to keep you in my life forever so I introduced you to your husband and sealed my fate with yours forever! Ha Ha! Sometimes I hate Canada for stealing you both so far away but Canada brought you to me so I'm also grateful to her.

Just know I love you, I think about you, I'm interested in your life, and thank God that you let me let me hold your heart and that you held mine. I am better for knowing and loving you!

Love Lots, Kylee

An Open Letter to...My Favorite Internet Friend

Dear Bloglines-

You are one of my very favorite Internet friends! I don't know what I would do without you. I have over 45 family blogs, 140 friends' blogs, and 12+ other blogs that I follow (some more than others). You keep them all organized, let me know when people have updated their blogs, and so much more!

You have no idea how much time you save me from checking everyone's blog. You have all my subscriptions in one place and to me you are almost magical! Thanks for being such and awesome friend!

Kylee

An Open Letter to...An Ex-Boyfriend

Dear Joshua-

I think you gave me one of the sweetest, it not the best, gift I've ever received from a boyfriend (that I'm dating). When you and your niece and nephew made me that African Adventures game I was so amazed and surprised! I don't know if I adequately thanked you for that??

You made it with so much creativity and love. The paper binoculars, the plastic animals, the construction paper land and water--all those things were awesome. I think my favorite part was the tribal tattoos you included. I LOVED it all.

I think I was stressed with finals (not my best time of year) and trying to get everything together for my BIG trip to Africa to truly appreciate how awesome, creative, and loving that gift was to me.

So I'm writing you now (and to everyone who reads this) to say THANK YOU!! I want to thank you for that gift, all our great conversations, the car rides, the adventures, and so much more that we had together. I'm grateful that you were in my life and I'm grateful that you are happy!

Take Care, Kylee Shields

An open letter...To a Stranger

Dear Mister who was in the car behind me,

You don't know this but I have never driven around in Boston! I never had a car out here so even when I was in a car I wasn't driving. So when you were so rudely honking at me the second the light turned green there a few things you should know.

1. It's been a long time since I've driven a stick shift.
2. I am not the owner of the car I was driving (it's new to me).
3. I don't know my way around from the airport to Somerville
3. I think I was doing an awesome job of not getting stressed, not stalling, and making my way around.

So I hope you have a better day cuz it sure seems you were in a bad mood at 7:00 am!

Kylee

An Open Letter to...A Celebrity

Dear Jennifer Affleck-

I LOVED you in Alias and am embarrassed to say that I watch all 5 seasons on DVD in a relative short amount of time (some of which I was sick so I have an excuse). I liked you in Felicity and as Electra. Basically I just like what you do.

You don't know this but one day I was over at my church building and I saw you. You happen to be playing with your daughter Violet in the grass in front of the building and you were having a great time. I watched you just being a normal mom and wondered how often you got to be "normal"?

I'm not your only fan in my family--in fact I may be the mildest fan. My mother adores you and sometimes she talks about you and baby Vi and Ben like you are relatives. I think it's hilarious. I apologize that my mom knocked on your door and talked to you but can you really blame her? She's a huge fan and you lived right there!

Anyway I know you have kids right now and you're doing the mom thing but I would really love to see you in another TV show or wicked awesome movie in the near future. That would be awesome!

Oh, say hi to Ben for me,

Kylee

Fossil Springs

Brandon & Tami put together a group to sleep over and hike at Fossil Springs. I was told it would be fairly easy hike (not so). So Friday night we arrived late at the parking lot and slept in our sleeping bags under the stars. Little did I know that during the night the mosquitoes were feasting on my arms.

We woke up early and headed to the first waterfall. We jumped off rocks, went exploring underwater (the water is so clear so with goggles you can see everything), and then decided to hike to the Dam.

The started off with all 9 of us: Tami, 2 young girls she brought, Brad, Brandon, Dave, Brigham, Camilla, and I hiking along the river. Then Tami and the girls got separated from us. So the 6 of us just kept making our way. We ended up all over the place, I slid down a mountain side (lots of scrapes as proof), and finally ended up hiking up the mountain to the road/path that led to the Dam.

Once we got to the Dam we swam, ate lunch, and such and then headed back on the road/path. the hike back to the car wasn't too bad but I was hurting from my fall (my knee got pretty banged up).

After I was able to wash up I started counting my mosquito bites and stopped around 16 or so. The good news is they are bugging me so much I can't be bothered with the blisters on my feet or my bruised knee!

All in all we had a blast!

Camilla, Tami, & I.

(L-R) Brandon, Camilla, Tami, me, Brad

I jumped off the rocks and then I sort of slid jumped off the waterfall.

Brandon & I semi-under the waterfall.

Treasures that Brigham found in the water: sunglasses, beer can (full), and knife.

Brad and the Dam

The Dam we hiked to after the first falls.

The two champions Tami brought with her! They did the sleepover, hikes, and jumped off the rocks into the water!

Brad & Brigham sun bathing.

(L-R) Brandon, Brad, me, Brigham, Dave

An Open Letter to...My Sibling

Dear Grant-

I don't know what you are privy to but so much has happen in our family the past 10 years! Since you left so many crazy and wonderful things have happen to each of us. I thought I would write you and tell you about some of them.

Camryn:I know you didn't really know Cam but loved to hold her and play with her. She is now a young women!! I can't believe how tall she's grown and how old she is getting. She loves to play the piano and play sports like soccer. She's really into candy, movies, and all the things big girls do. She recently got her ears pierced and was so excited.

Clay: He will soon be the same age you were when you left and I think it will hard and exciting to watch him take these new steps in life. Being the only boy in our family, I think, has been hard for him at times. I often think of how things would be different if you were around. It will be new for all of us to have a boy in the family past the age of 15. So the whole dating, driving, mission thing will be new to us but exciting! Sometimes I ache that he doesn't have you around but we have amazing bro-in-laws that bug him when they're around.

Ali: Oh man, you should hear this girl sing and write music--she's amazing! She runs track doing high jump, triple jump, and hurdles and she's great! I think you too would've loved running together. She just graduated from high school and is heading to Utah Valley University in the Fall to start college in their Nursing Program!

Kati: has a boyfriend that she adores and he's been around for quite some time! She just finished her Freshman year at San Diego State University and she absolutely loved it! I was able to visit her a few times on campus and that was wicked awesome! Kati is studying Psychology and wants to also get her PhD someday!

Dani: She went and got herself married! His name is Kevin and we all love him dearly! I think you two would've gotten along great! Dani graduated from college recently also in Graphic Design. She and Kevin have been living in ID going to BYUI but just moved back to Lodi, CA. They are hoping that Kevin gets into a PA school soon and will move to accommodate him. Dani is so funny, has an amazing blog, and is building a great life for herself!

Chelsea: Here is where the big changes have come. Chelsea got married to the perfect man for her and his name is Mike. Everyone loves Mike and he somehow puts up with the crazy family. They lived in Ghana, West Africa for a year and now live in Baltimore. Soon both Chelsea & Mike with have Phd.'s and hope to find a college where they can both teach. They recently had a beautiful baby girl and named her Eden Jean Shields Strayer! She has stolen the heart of anyone and everyone she meets! I have yet to meet her and can't wait! Chelsea is making her dreams and goals happen in her life!

Kylee: I've been doing a lot of traveling and moving around in the states. I finished college, moved to Boston and lived it up! Then I moved to AZ for grad school and just graduated last month with my Master in Social Work! I love my life, even with its ups and downs, and feel very blessed for the time I had with you. You are never far from my thoughts. I see your face in the young boys I work with. I think of you when I teach kids not to bully or how to take care of themselves when they are the victims. I have done a lot research on Asperger's Syndrome, which I think you had, and have been able to inform many people about AS thanks to you!

Mom: Is the most amazing woman ever. She is so supportive, always caring, and always listening. She has grown and change in so many ways since you left! She is a beacon of strength for everyone in the family. She is now an orphan with both her parents moving on. Don't worry though she has plenty of people in her life to keep her more than occupied and loved! You should be really proud of mom!

Dad: He wrote an article about you and him that was published in the Ensign and has touched many hearts! Dad continues to go to BYU football games, go on the motorcycle trips, run, and play basketball. I'm sure he misses you in all these endeavors! Dad has also grown and changed in so many ways since you left. You should be really proud of dad!

The family has LOVED living in California and I think you would've like it as well. You'll be happy to know that we are all BIG Cougars fans still and love to go to games when we can! Cougar football, motorcycles, and bananas always make me think of you and smile! I sometimes wonder what you are doing, thinking, getting to see. I wonder if you were the first person to Eden and if you get to be with grandma & grandpa Brink and grandpa Shields? I wonder if you miss us or if you're too busy doing the Lord's work? Don't get me wrong, I'm happy you are where you are, but there are moments when I miss you something fierce! Your life touched and continues to touch and affect each of us in powerful ways!

Well, this is not much in the way of summarizing 10+ years, but it will have to do for now. I love you so much brother and look forward to seeing you again!

Love Eternally,

Your Big Sis, Kylee

An Open Letter to...My Parents

Dear Parents-

Wow! I attempted many times today to write this letter but each time I got a bit overwhelmed. So I think instead of all the feelings, thoughts, and words that are trying to gush out on this post--I will keep it simple!

I've had the opportunity to live with many different people in my life so far, including families, which has given me the chance to compare and contrast our family. So what have I learned? I learned that I have one crazy, loud, messy, annoying, strong, spiritual, amazing, and forever family. I've learned that while there is no manual on how to raise 1 kid-let alone 8 kids-you both did an amazing job.

You both taught me to be myself and for that I'm grateful! You led by example the importance of education, putting the Lord first in my life, and the importance of family. You showed me how adapt to change, how to make new friends, how to grieve, how to ask questions, and how to go to the Lord.

Dad you taught me to be a hard worker--to do something right the first time. To have self mastery (self control). You taught me to keep a place clean, to a leave a place better than I found it, and to always be looking for ways to help out. You taught me to love my scriptures, to seek higher education, and to go for my goals and dreams.

Mom you taught me to be strong and independent. You inspired and foster my love for travel. I watched you read and in turn fell in love with it myself. You let me try so many different things as a kid such as dancing, soccer, music, plays, voice lessons, and so much more. This allowed me to have a broad base and to relate to so many people. Mostly you just listened to all the intricate (and probably mostly boring) details of my life. That mattered more than you know.

Lately, working with kids who have awful circumstances, backgrounds, and "families" got me thinking about all the little things you did for me as a kid that these kids missed. Thank you for reading to me as a kid, for singing to me. Mom whenever I hear "You Light Up My Life" I remember you singing to me as a kid. I remember the PPI's you did with me dad when I got to share with you what was going on in my life and you just listened, learned, and loved me. I'm grateful for the FHE's, the family reunions, the building of our houses, the friends over at our house all the time, and so much more.

Today I'm missing you both and the family something fierce and I'm thinking I should have come home but I'm so grateful I got to see you both at my graduation! It was so much fun to have you all to myself for a few days!

Thank you for loving me, for your patience, for your trying to understand my situation, and for your advice. Thank you for being my cheerleaders, for inspiring me, and for allowing me to make mistakes. I want you both to know that I am so proud of you and could never adequately describe how much I love you!

Love,

The First Born in the Wilderness

Kylee

An Open Letter to...My Crush

Dear very good looking EQP*-

I just moved to a new town, into a new house, and into a new ward-your ward to be exact. I had low expectations on my first Sunday (so as not to be let down). After sacrament meeting I was herded into the bishop's office to fill out paperwork and meet some of the members of the ward. I didn't exactly meet you but we both introduced ourselves.

I'll be honest I don't even remember your name because when you introduced yourself all I could think of was (man this guy is hot!) why hadn't my roommate, who went to the ward last week, told me about the hottie EQP? Ha ha. And that was it.

I don't know you at all, I have no idea how old you are, what you like, what you are doing with your life (besides you church calling), or even if you have a girlfriend. But since this is to my crush you are it! I hope to get to know you better in the future!

Kylee

*Elders Quorm President

An Open Letter to...My Best Friend

When I was 4 I met my best friend for life= Kimberlee Ann (Young) Cook

Then there was... Joey Leavitt

Then... Lauren (Layne) Enochs

Then... Alan/Michael Sackett & Kris Higley

Then...Anne (Walton) Burnett

Then...Kris (Pallin) Wood

Then...Marie (Thompson) Criddle

Then...Timothy Connor

Then...Brandon Burnham

Though I have been blessed to have some incredible best friends in my life I'm going to write my open letter to my best friend of 26 years!

Kimberlee-

I don't know how I lucked out in life to have you as my best friend. It seems a bit strange to me that we have spent more of our lives apart now then we ever did together--and yet you are somehow woven into everything that I am!

The other day I was thinking of your house fire, I was thinking of the metal pencil box we dug and hid under the tree in my backyard, and I was thinking of how much fun we had as kids. I was also thinking of how you actually waited for me to come home from my mission before you got married (you know I wouldn't have allowed it any other way). This got me thinking of 2 summers ago when I had no idea why I needed to move to UT before I moved to AZ but went ahead and you ended up in the hospital for too many days.

I asked God not to take away my best friend and I rejoiced with your amazing husband when you got better. I can't imagine the world without you in it! You were the first (outside my family) to love me unconditionally! You loved the loud in me, the passion, the craziness, the ADHD, and so much more (and still do after all these years.) That kind of love has sustained me many times in my life!

You were there for me for all the deaths in my family, all the tragedies, the big triumphs, lots of laughs, and many tears. I only hope you know how much I love you! There isn't an open letter long enough to captures 26 years of friendship so I'll just hope my hand print on your heart is sufficient!

Please squeeze that incredible husband of yours for me and tell the girls hi for me!

I love you forever, Kylee

New Blog Project: An Open Letter to...

Let's face it I need to breathe life back into my blog. I stole this project from a good friend of mine and thought it might be interesting. The few of you who still read my blog might be interested a few of my letters. I imagine I will be making a few adjustments!

Day 1 — Your Best Friend-
Day 2 — Your Crush-
Day 3 — Your parents-
Day 4 —Your sibling (or closest relative)-
Day 5 — A washed up celebrity-
Day 6 — A stranger-
Day 7 — An Ex-boyfriend/girlfriend/love/crush-
Day 8 — Your favorite internet friend-
Day 9 — Someone you wish you could meet-
Day 10 — Someone you don’t talk to as much as you’d like to-

Day 11 — A Deceased person you wish you could talk to-
Day 12 — A person who helped you develop professionally-

Day 13 — Someone you wish could forgive you-
Day 14 — Someone you’ve drifted away from-
Day 15 — The person you miss the most-
Day 16 — Someone that’s not in your state-
Day 17 — Someone from your childhood-

Day 18 — The person that you wish you could be-
Day 19 — Someone that you think about a lot—good or bad-

Day 20 — The one that broke your heart the hardest-

Day 21 — Someone you judged by their first impression-

Day 22 — Someone you want to think you're awesome-

Day 23 — The last person you kissed-

Day 24 — The person that gave you your favorite memory-
Day 25 — The person you'd like to see right now-
Day 26 — A person you want to be there for-
Day 27 — A person who changed your life for the better-

Day 28 — Someone that changed your life-
Day 29 — The person whose art has most touched you-

Day 30 — Your reflection in the mirror-

I Sewed a Baby Bag!!

I wanted to make something for my sister and her baby so this seemed the most likely thing to gift to both of them. Then my best friend (Brandon)'s mom offered to teach me how to sew. With her patience & expertise I was able to make this all on my own.

* It only took me 20 years + mom but I finally sewed something!*