BYU vs SDSU

So as we were leaving Kate's dorm room to get something to eat for a late lunch (we were all starving) I told the kidlets I wanted to take a picture. Clay & Ali both said they didn't want to take pictures so I promised them I wouldn't take anymore if they took a really good one. As you can see...there were many more photos!

No worries, Clay is not upset-just being his lovely self! We ate outside at one of my favorite places to eat in Old Town. Everyone loved their food but only Clay could wolf it all down in one sitting! (He's a growing teenage boy)

We had a blast singing, dancing, and just being plain wierdos (aka Shields) in Old Town!

It's was so much fun to hang out with family in San Diego!

Do we look alike at all??

So fun to have Kates so close by--don't worry I'll be back to SD soon!

I had no idea that so many people from my extended family would be at the game: Jeff & Pat, Zach & Mckay, Matt, Brett, Theresa, Jeffrey, Mary & Spencer, and Scott & Brooke.

Looking good Spencer!

We train 'em to be Cougar Fans when they're young!

Love it Mary!

We ended the trip on a spiritual note!

TED Fellow

If you know anything about me then you know I LOVE my family! Also you know I'm huge fan of my sister Chelsea! Recently she was chosen to be one of the 103 prestigious TED Fellows. She has been invited to share ideas at a conference in India in November. She is one of 53 to represent the US. She's pretty much amazing (I may be biased) and I'm so proud of her!

If you go to the TED website it only takes a minute or so to see the amazing people that are a part of TED. Again I am not surprise to see my little sister's name among them. Chels you are doing amazing things with your life, you are an inspiration, and I can't wait to hear about India! Please take lots of pictures for us. Also get better fast so you can enjoy all that amazing Indian food!

The Power of Touch

I believe in the power of touch.

Humans need to be touched-they need to feel validated-they need to be loved. I think one thing that hits me is how much I miss being touched at times. I don't realize how long its been until someone simply touches me and I then it hits me. To be able to lie in bed next to a friend who is crying and stroke her hair, to hold hands with a friend as they try to tell you difficult things going on in their lives, or simply the touch of a guy's hand on the small of your back-these moments of touch are lasting and important. Touch can be fleeting and frivolous but it can also be lasting and essential!

So if you haven't done so in a while, "reach out and touch somebody's hand..."

Ballroom & Politics

I have a few friends that are REALLY into politics. Today I was talking to my roommate MoMo (one of those super involved in the political world) and I told her that I thought that Ballroom and Politics have a lot in common. She was confused...

To the common folk when you watch a ballroom competition you see orange flashy dancers competing with other orange flashy dancers. You watch them do cool spins, twists, and knockout competitors with their fierceness, passion, and love of dance!

To the common folk who watch/listen to politics you see white fast talking men competing again other white fast talking men. You watch wine & dine their listeners, use their power topics to persuade people, and watch them knockout competitors with their money, fierceness, passion, and love of politics!

But, my friends, if you ever happen to get invited into the "world" of either of these entities you will realize the beast that lies within.

Years ago I had a roommate who was REALLY involved in the Ballroom world. In fact before competitions I would help paint (yes literally with a foam paint brush) her body this orange/brown color (see above photo). As I painted her I couldn't believe the gossip, the hard work, the precision, the dedication, and the hoops one has to jump through to be good on a competitive level.

As for politics I'm newly entering this arena but I am amazed again at the drama, the gossip, the hard work, the dedication, the passion, and the hoops that one has to jump through to gain office.

It is one thing to see something as a spectator and another entirely to be involved in the show!

Reflections of Christ:Another Testament

The man who took these amazing pictures is in my roommates ward. Also another man who helped on this project abundantly is a dear friends of mine. Because of these connections I was able to view this amazing work before almost anyone else had seen it! I am amazed at the majesty that is this amazing project. These pictures were taken in Honduras and the stories behind each of these faithful people is amazing! I hope you enjoy this testimony of Christ!

"Back to Life, Back to Reality"

I don't know if anyone else is going through this right now but I'm feeling very happy not living in reality. For example I just finished, "Hunger Games", and "Catching Fire" by Suzanne Collins. I absolutely loved them both and couldn't put them down. How can any of my Grad School text books hold a candle or interest compared to these books.

Also my best friend is off on a grand-adventure-of-a-road-trip seeing lots of sights and having a blast. As a result all I can think of is my next traveling adventures.

Rio Grande

Also my younger (not little because she is taller than me) sister just made it on the Lodi High School Homecoming Court! Congrats Alexa! I mean I couldn't even get a date in HS let alone make the Homecoming Court. My mom's got me thinking about her kick back to the 40's Audrey Hepburn Lace dress...

Also my new roommate MoMo is in charge of this great show tomorrow night called, "The Price of Freedom" by my friend Rob Gardner. It's part of Constitution Week and you don't want to miss it!

So you can see why I'm just a little bit distracted from the reality that is my life!

Music Night!

I wanted to have a bunch of musicians over that love music and love to perform! Music Night was a smashing success! I couldn't believe the talent in one place. I loved that such great music filled the house!

(L-R) Royal, Lincoln, & Cheya.

Lincoln played the piano for all of us and he has some wicked awesome piano skills!

Nate, Amy, & Cheya. I think Cheya was excited about Music Night!

Aww sweet! Cheya, Nate, & I taking a break from the music!

Check out the videos below to catch a glimpse of the rockin' night we had!

Royal & Lincoln singing, "Lily's Eyes" from Secret Garden.

Amy & her amazing Flute!

"Remember, Remember"

My friend Ryan, who is teaching Earl Morning Seminary (EMS) in California, recently invited me to join his Book of Mormon Blog Project (BOMB Project). The idea is for people to share their ideas, spiritual experiences, and personal applications of what they are gaining from reading the Book of Mormon. All the Links on the BOMB Project are people who have decided to join in the fun.

This call to arms from Ryan is a tender mercy in my life! I have been struggling to get some quality scripture reading done while in Grad School so the BOMB Project is the perfect catalyst for me to get digging into my scriptures.

A while back I also taught EMS and I think this is a brilliant idea for Ryan's seminary students to be able to read people's blogs/journal ideas about how the Book of Mormon is affecting peoples lives. I look forward to reading their thoughts and ideas as well as other blogs linked to the BOMB Project!

My new BOMB is called "Remember, Remember"

If you are interested in joining the BOMB Project leave a comment and I'll get you connected to Ryan!

SMILE

My sister Ali composes great music! Here is one of her songs--once you get through all the bloopers!

It's Time

So it's about that time (well, past due actually) for me to really get back into shape. So I decided to set some goals. I won't get into specifics but I feel really great about them. They are just hard enough to have to stretch and yet not so hard that I can't reach them. Some things I'm doing to help accomplish my goals:

• I am 2 days into the Hundred Pushups Challenge.
• On Wednesday nights after school I attend a Cardio Kickboxing class. We are actually moving and jumping and boxing for 50 minutes straight! Then for 5 minutes we do this crazy weight lifting/sculpting section, and then we cool down.
• On Thursday nights after class I attend a Hatha Yoga class.
• I have pretty much cut Dairy and Red Meat out of my diet.
• I am making and bringing my lunch (healthy foods) to work/school (this also saves $$$).
• Also I'm jogging outside (in the late evenings) and running on a treadmill (YMCA).

I hope to be able to keep up with my plan and accomplish my goal by January 1, 2010 (b-day)!

New Beginnings

Tonight I jogged to Elephant Park and talked to God while swinging to my heart's content!

"Please Keep Your Arms & Legs Inside the Ride at All Times..."

Here we are at "On The Border" in San Diego

(Carolyn, Kris, Kylee, & Brandon)

DISNEYLAND AUGUST 2009

"The Happiest Place on Earth!"

We are all so excited!!!

Kylee, Goofy, & Carolyn

Chip & Dale Boys??

It's actually a "Small World" after all!

"Twinkle Toes"

"The Wiz"

"Tink"

Carolyn & I are just so excited to get back to school!

Brandon & Kris needed to get out a little aggression.

Choose your stance?

Somebody please feed this kid!

My cousin Ali joined us at night and then graciously let us crash at her place. (Thanks Ali!)

...At some point at Disneyland I may or may not have literally jumped ship in the "Pirates of the Carribean" ride. Someone may or may not have bet me $5 dollars to do it. I may or may not have been scolded a bit at the end of the ride when I came in on a boat all by myself. It may or may not have been a good idea!

After an exhaustingly awesome day I was just a little tired of Carolyn.

Brandon, however, was just plain tired!

It's a Celebration!

Carolyn & Brandon are sleepwalking out of Disneyland they are so tired!

DINOSAURS

On our way home we saw some Dinosaurs, not an everyday occasion, so we had to stop and check them out!

Fast Friend!

Let's just say it was and entertaining road trip! (Let's do it again soon!)

One Year Anniversary!

I've been in Arizona for one year now! Although it isn't anything like I expected it to be (it is much better) it has been quite the growing experience! I love my Grad School Program at ASU, my University 5th Ward experiences, my amazing friends, and of course I couldn't have survived without my incredible roommates! Here's to another great year!

Dating??

This is a conversation that happened today:

Neighbor: "So are you and Jodi both seriously dating someone?"

Kylee: (laughs out loud)

Jodi: "No, but we seriously both want to be dating!"

And so it goes in the single life.

The Race

To see a summary and pictures of the race check out this POST that my cousin wrote on his blog!

Dear Mr. Lee Benson,

Thank you for writing  THIS ARTICLE  about our Granty!

Technology Has Atrophied Bravery

I don't usually post about my personal life but I think this time I just can't resist!A friend of mine met a dude whilst eat at Costa Vida, decided to give him my phone number, then came home all excited for me to go out with said dude. I was up for whatever.

The next day dude decides to text me (sorry dude if you have found my blog already) and tells me it's him and that my friend had told him to get a hold of me. Note: to all my guy friends out there. Don't tell a girl you were told to call her or text her or check her out on Facebook. Once someone suggests you call her (or whatever) make your own decision to contact her and you're on your own from that point on.

Then dude continues for a long time to have a "conversation" via text. Note: Do not have conversations via text. Text messages are meant to be short and concise. He pretty much asks me all the "first date" questions via text and at some point I realize we are sort of on a "text" date. I hate this realization and can't wait for the conversation to end.   (note: I don't hate dude cuz I don't really know him at all).

After not really responding very quickly I think dude gets the point and then sends me his full name with the request to add him as a friend on Facebook. Note: Don't ever ask someone to add you as a friend on FB. If you are interested in finding/stalking out more about them via FB then get their full name and request them as a friend.

Somewhere along the line technology started to rob people of their bravery. Instead of actual getting up the gumption to ask someone out face to face we now text, fb, or heaven forbid twitter. Instead of breaking up or having a hard conversation with someone we hope to be able to leave a VM. I'm not saying I'm anti technology but come on. Some things just need to be done properly. Note: this is my shout out to all those who remain brave--Good for you!

Climbing Trees

As a child therapist sometimes you have to be creative to get kids to open up to you--to let you into their world--or at least to understand where they are coming from. You always MUST get on their level. Sometimes this means bending down to talk to them eye to eye. Sometimes it might mean sitting next to them fro 45 minutes without talking while they cool down or stop crying before they will even talk to you. Sometimes it means running after them (after they just got into a serious fight) and taking an unexpected early evening stroll in the middle of the desert.

All of these have happened to me while working with the Apache Native American kids I work with this summer. The last incident happened this past week. A kid I have ended up spending a lot of time with up at camp got into a fight (I wasn't there to witness the fight) and a male staff mentor had to break it up and got really mad at this kid. So the kid took off running at a full sprint to the gate, past the gate, and well on his way to nowhere fast. The mentor found me and pointed to the kid and before he could even tell me anything I took off sprinting to catch him. Eventually the kid slowed down (thank goodness) and started walking and so did I. 

We walked for quite a while without talking and I knew it was time to be creative. I saw this very old and curious looking tree and couldn't help myself I knew I had to climb it. So I asked my young friend if it would be okay and he just laughed and watched as I struggled up the tree. I really did struggle getting up and once I was up there is was amazing but I couldn't get down very easily. So I asked him (he is a very big and strong guy) to help me out. Nothing says therapy or opening up and talking to your therapist like watching her make a fool of herself (but it was worth the climb). So he decided he was ready to head back to camp, I listened to him rehash the past events, cry, get angry, and eventually what had to happen when we got back to camp.

I am learning a LOT of new things in this job from many people and many situations but mostly I'm remembering what it's like to be a kid again. 

I Choose You

Words & Lyrics by Kylee Shields

To: Chad & Tina Morensen

There are so many things in life

that we don’t choose

So many lessons learned in time

by what we lose

I’m tired of living my life

without you

My hands and heart are aching for

something new

And I choose you

Some people come into your life

then walk away

Some place their hand upon your heart

and there they stay

I think I’ll never understand

the sacrifice made

By one who handed me your life

after so many prayers were prayed

And I choose you

I choose you

You need to that you were loved

before you came here

That never knowing you 

was our greatest fear

But now you’re here to stay and I’m

doing okay

And with you lying in my arms

today is a brand new day

And I choose you

I choose you

I love you

Chad & Tina- Congratulations on your adoption! I was sitting at home and was so excited to hear the good news. I wanted you know of my love so I wrote you this song. Adoption is near and dear to me as I've been working in the field of adoption & foster care for about 4 years and love it! 

To all my friends who have adopted, are in the process of adopting, or are thinking about adoption I love you and pray for your hands and your hearts to be full