Becoming Kels Nels

It's official! I am off the market, I bit the dust, I've tied the not... whatever way you want to phrase it, I'm married!

 Justin and I were married March 29, 2012 in the Salt Lake City, Utah Temple.  Little known fact to many, my 10-14 year old self always knew I'd marry a Justin. Just ask my sister, when we'd play house, my husband/boyfriend's name was always Justin.

What a glorious day... week it was! Our families lovingly dubbed ours a wedding festival rather than a wedding day. I feel like Justin and I planned our wedding perfectly. We had a dinner the night before and didn't have a luncheon so that we could have a later ceremony the day of our wedding. So to begin the thrilling saga that was our wedding festival...



Wednesday (3/27) was a fantastic day.   I had to go to work in the morning and that was lame and of little importance for this story. I picked up Emily at this point and we went off to get manicures and pedicures for the big day.  I had the bright idea to go to a school rather than a professional salon to save a few pennies.  Mistake made, lesson learned.  Emily was privileged to have a girl who spoke English. I did not receive such a nice perk. My salon lady, fashionista, stylist, beauty girl... (what are they called??) did not speak English and forgot my name within the first 3 seconds of meeting me. After Emily was greeted so warmly, my gal walked up to me and said, "oh, I forgot your name." Thanks, lady.

During the manicure I had my nails painted and look jealously over at Emily who was receiving a luxury hand massage. My girl decided it would be a great idea to put lotion on my just painted finger and smudged the paint a little. Thanks again, lady.

Sexy thing

Regardless of the not-so-great service, Emily and I had a good time. I love being with her. She's the best friend I've ever had.


Dinner was great! We held our dinner at a church and all of our closest friends and family came to support us and eat delicious Cafe Rio.

Justin and I also learned what would happen to us in the next 1,5,10,20,30,40, and 50 years. Sounds like we've got a lot of kids coming our way and very diverse careers including thespian endeavors, public speaking engagements, and law. We've got an exciting life in front of us, Justin!

Amazing friends!

Really High 40 - Because we are that cool

The next day was the big day!!  It looked beautiful outside. The sun was shining, it was warm and there was no wind. It was everything we could have asked for.

On our way to the temple!

Our sealer, the man who married us, was Craig Zwick of the Quorum of the Seventy. When he spoke, the entire room went quiet to listen to his beautiful, powerful and heart felt message. It was a beautiful ceremony!   There wasn't a dry eye in the entire room.  What a beautiful and powerful experience it was to be sealed to my love for all of eternity and to have my family there supporting me. I'm a pretty lucky girl.

My mom promised me that I would never forget the look on Justin's face when he saw me in my dress for the first time. I can tell you, I never will. The look on his face was so sweet and made me feel like I was the most beautiful woman who ever lived.

Photo courtesy of the amazing Emily Burt

We took our grand exit outside to a totally different day. It was blustery, rainy and cold. You know what, I didn't mind a bit. As long as I can remember, it has rained on most important days in my life so it was only appropriate for mother nature to get a little choked up at this blessed event. Everyone I love was outside waiting to see our smiling faces.  I got a kiss from my groom... hehe.. and a few hugs from family and friends. We smiled a whole lot, not just because we took boat loads of pictures (that will come soon I hope) but because we were completely happy.

Here are more pictures for your viewing pleasure:

Naturally we had to make a quick stop by Wendy's to celebrate with the friendly staff and to feed our very hungry stomachs.  We were still wearing our full wedding ensemble so the kind Wendy's people got a good laugh and gave a hearty "Congratulations!" 

                                                   

We took oodles of pictures once we were at the reception hall. That was fun. Our photographer, Chris Wood was amazing. You should consider him for any of your photography needs. 

PARTY! 

Our line was simple, just Justin, our parents and me.  It was a lot of fun greeting old friends and meeting new ones. I'll tell you what, Justin is one loved man. Every person that came through that line raved about the amazing man I was getting. I had to agree. We had some great friends come all the way from Cedar City and California to our wedding. It was so great to see them!! 

Nobody can resist giving Justin a good game... pinch.

Sorry for any of you who came right at the end of the formal line. We were supposed to be cutting the cake and all that jazz so I may have tried to get the line to move a little faster by spending about 1 second talking to each person. That probably wasn't the best for PR. I'm sorry!

Naturally we had Cold Stone cater. Because we're just that awesome.

Then we cut the cake! It was truly a piece of art.  Justin's aunt, Tya, spent hours on this stunning 40 pound cake. Not only was it visually stunning, but it tasted amazing too! 

I wasn't really sure if my handsome groom would smoosh cake in my face. We'd discussed it before, but never came to a decision. He squished cake in my face. The squished cake then made a little trek all the way down my dress.  I feel I got the worse end of the deal. I hardly got Justin at all.

Then I threw the bouquet. All of the girls lined up about a mile away so it was unfortunate that I was not blessed with a wicked throwing arm.  However, it did make it to the bottom of the stairs and my cousin Becca caught it. Wohoo! 

I got to have my daddy daughter dance. I loved that. I remember dancing on his feet as a little girl and I will always remember my dance with my dad at my wedding.

My Dad and I and Justin and his mom

Then we partied it up! We had all sorts of dancing going on afterward. Christopher even led us in some Zumba. I have the coolest family ever.

Justin and I may or may not have forgotten to plan a get away... so our sweet friends and family threw rose petals from their corsages/boutonnieres and the pebbles from our centerpieces. That was pretty sweet. Loved it! 

To sum it all up, we had a blast. We're living happily in Salt Lake in our cosy new apartment. I sure do love Justin.  

We know how to have some fun

I'm so happy to be married to the man of my dreams!

(As of now I only have the pictures from friends and family and just a few from our photographer. I'll probably post more later!)

Home for the Holidays

I had a GREAT opportunity over the Thanksgiving holiday. Not only did I get to stuff myself silly, I got to take care of two little doggies without homes.

I volunteer at the Humane Society of Utah and for the holidays they ask the volunteers to take a doggy home because they don't get as much TLC over the breaks. I took home Sammy the 1 year old Chihuahua/Yorkshire Terrier mix and Gretchen the 6 year old Dachshund.

They were the most exciting guests I could ask for over the holiday. They followed me around like I was their mother duck. So cute.

Gretchen is a bundle of energy that everyone can love. She's adorable. She loves all the attention you can give her. She only held still for about a second while I took this photo of her sleeping

Sammy is a timid little guy but once he warms up to you, he'll be the best companion you've ever had. Sammy loves to have his belly rubbed and to cuddle up on your lap. He is a sweetheart!

If you are interested in one of these little guys contact the Humane Society of Utah!

From North to South and South to North

I hold certain places dear to my heart, all of which have the fondest of memories attached to them. For example, there was a tree just outside the fence in my family home where I spent my tween to teenage years. That tree was my sanctuary. When my young and highly hormone driven emotions would get the best of me, I'd climb that tree and think. I'd always sit on a certain branch that was big enough to hold me but small enough that those bigger and older than me couldn't sit on it too. Sometimes my imagination would take over
my thoughts and I would travel the entire world all the while never leave my favorite tree. I loved that tree.

The picture to the right is of me by my tree. At this point I was getting to be the the bigger and older person that the tree branch probably couldn't support.

Anyway, my point of this blog post was not to reminisce on trees. I noticed the other day as I was driving back to my apartment in Northern Utah from my home in southern Utah how much my perception has changed. When I was a young girl, going to southern Utah meant adventure. It was so exciting to go south because it always meant we were going to do something exciting as a family. Going home (north) meant the end of an adventure and was therefore not as exciting but still welcome.

After my parents announced that we'd be moving to southern Utah, the south didn't hold quite the same grandeur. It then became a pleasure to go up north. Going north meant old friends, familiar faces and places. Going back south was almost a punishment. Like I was being exiled to Elba.

Elba (aka the south) soon turned to my very own America. (I know, I'm using two different historical stories and places but still, you'll understand) Instead of feeling exiled, I suddenly had all the freedom in the world. The south meant growing and learning and FUN! Going up north was still a pleasure but not as much of a yearning as it had been before.

Interestingly enough, northern Utah is now like going back to elementary school after a long break. I have wonderful people welcoming me and taking me under their wing, but the north represents responsibility and lack of time. Going from south to north is now a lot harder than it has ever been while going from the north to the south is an occasion to look forward to.

In the end, I'm just rambling about how it's odd how places and even directions can be associated with emotions. Now don't get me wrong, I like the north, especially the people who are here. I couldn't ask for more wonderful people to be with me in northern Utah. I love them all very much and that is what makes going north nothing like Elba. However, the south will forever and always hold a special place in my heart.

Master of Public Administration

I figured this was probably a big deal in my life so I'd post on it. I am heading off to the University of Utah for my Master's in Public Administration. I am really excited to start this fall. Now the only big question is what my emphasis should be. I'm debating right now between higher education and health administration. I worked with the Leavitt Center and fell in love with higher education administration, however, I also did a year long internship with a public health department and also fell in love with that. Luckily I don't have to officially decide for at least one semester, but due to scheduling conflicts in my courses, I may have to declare one a little earlier than I anticipated. Shoot.

All I have left to do is move to Salt Lake, find a job and start another two years of school. Which by the way may end up turning into a lot more since I am now contemplating getting a joint doctoral degree with my master's degree. I just love making decisions.

My brother just finished the program and really enjoyed it so I am looking forward to it a little more. I am super excited to be able to see him more often when I move up to Salt Lake!

SUU I love you.

I did it! I have finally completed my bachelor of science in political science at Southern Utah University.

Let me just say, I LOVE SUU! I honestly owe everything that I am to SUU and my experiences here. Let me enlighten you on why I make such a bold claim....

In 2006 my parents announced that we would be moving to Cedar City, Utah. After months of trying to sell a house we finally moved at the end of October that year. That was about three months into my senior year of high school. I was devastated and heart broken that my parents would tear me away from my friends who were practically family. I won't lie, my senior year was not easy though I did make some pretty great friends during my short time at Cedar High School that helped me out very much. I still know very few of the people I graduated with. Regardless, I look back on that time as a marvelous period of growth in my life. I learned to spread my wings, love my siblings, and be completely comfortable with who I am and what I stand for.

My decision to come to SUU was completely money driven. I had a goal to not go into debt, but didn't have the money to move out of the house and go to school. I also received a 2 year scholarship at SUU. So naturally, SUU was to be the university I'd attend. That same year one of my dearest friends left for his mission and I felt very alone. I missed him terribly and I didn't want to do anything. I met few people and was so shy I wouldn't even accept help from someone when I was carrying a heavy box (though I am now good friends with this person and was always grateful for the gesture). My first year of college was not much better than my last year of high school but that summer was when things started picking up. Enough of the sappy stuff, right?

I was part of an amazing singles ward. I met new friends who have become some of the closest confidants and life-long friends. I had a blast! This is what college was really about. Sure, my formal education was phenomenal, but the things that I learned outside the classroom helped me become who I am today. Chemistry 1010 never really taught me how to be a better person, but it did teach me that I never want to be a chemist. I guess that was a good thing. Thanks to all of those amazing friends who helped me out of the rut that I was stuck in for far too long.

Well SUU seemed a brighter place my second year. I was familiar with the territory and knew how to play the game a little better. I met more and more people though I still was not exactly extroverted. I moved away from home, spent too much money, gained a lot of weight (lost it! Don't worry) and learned a lot about being a "grown up". Yeah, it was some crazy times.

It was the third year that really changed my life. I had been eying the Political Center on campus for quite sometime. I was a political science student, but didn't really have any connection to politics. So I finally plucked up some courage went straight into the Center and looked for the oldest person there. I announced "hi, who are you and how can I get involved?" Best decision I have ever made. It took a little prodding, but the group finally gave me an idea that they had and told me to run with it. Thus Pizza and Politics was born at SUU. It's a political discussion group complete with free pizza. It started off slow, only about 4 or 5 people per week, but it has grown and grown since! Now the program can hardly afford all of the pizza needed to feed everyone. I was so proud of my work there that I applied to be the Student Director of the Leavitt Center even though I was sure I didn't have much of a chance. Another amazing decision.

To my everlasting surprise, I got the position! I was thrilled. This year I have worked harder than a horse to get the Center to go from unknown to necessary on campus. I believe that has happened though there is still a lot of work to be done for next year's Student Director. Our emailing list and attendance have increased by three times what they were last year. Now I must give credit where credit is deserved though, the Executive and Associate Directors did more for the Center than anyone could ever know. The huge increase in numbers can also be credited to the amazing Executive Council, a group of 9 students who ran the Center. You guys are amazing people and I couldn't have done it without you. Shout out to you guys for being so great! The picture below is of me and the two amazing directors of the Center.

This year, again to my surprise, I was accepted to go on a trip to Dubai, United Arab Emirates for a conference called Education Without Borders. Wow. That was the trip of a lifetime. I learned so much about other cultures, doing something for others and trying everything. It was eye opening! I will never forget the people I met and the lessons I learned.

Well this past year I have become far more outgoing, exciting and I love life more than I could ever say. I have learned more in my four years at SUU than I have anywhere else or at any other time. I've made life changing decisions, played a lot (much to the dismay of my grades at times), and met life long friends. My life is full of the best memories I could ask for. SUU will always hold a special place in my heart.

I love SUU.

Happiness is...

I have the best life! I am so grateful for everyone and everything that has made my life so fantastic. I just finished up my second year as an EFY counselor. Once again, EFY has changed my life. I'm a better dancer (by better I mean EFY better which actually means crazier), my teaching skills have significantly improved and full of gratitude for all that I've been blessed with. EFY will forever hold a special place in my heart. The kids and friends that I met and love taught me more and effected me more than I could ever teach them.

After enjoying a summer full of EFY, I have been realizing all of the things that make me really happy. Not just the big things, but little things that make me happy from day to day.

I bring this up because of an idea I had during EFY. Some of the weeks (I wish I had done it for all of my weeks) while I was trying to get to know the group of girls that I was over, I would ask them to tell me a few little facts about themselves and ending with one reason why they are awesome, and a happiness is statement. A happiness is statement is simply filling in the blank. Happiness is brushing your teeth at night, or petting a puppy. Obviously, anything that makes you happy is a happiness is statement.

Since asking my girls to do this, I've found that I have started thinking in happiness is statements. What a blessing! It has made me so positive and appreciative of everything around me. For example, my office was a little cold today so during my lunch break I walked out to find a perfect day. There was a light breeze, a beautiful blue sky and a perfect 80 degrees. The second I walked out side, my cold toes warmed right up and the first thing I thought was, "Wow! Happiness is having warm toes."

It may seem simple, but I love it. Besides, happiness, according to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, is a feeling of contentment. I must say, I'm content with the little things that make me happy.