Lift from your corner of the world

I was scrolling through my phone this morning fully anticipating and honestly, dreading the comments about the events of today. There were the people praising Obama, mourning his departure, and talking about the end of the world. There were the hardcore Trump supporters praising his every word, admiring Melania’s outfit of choice, and insisting “America could now be great again.”  It was all laced with negativity toward the other side. UGH.

Feeling frustrated, I looked away from my phone and down at my daughter. She was so blissfully unaware of the circumstances. A thought entered my mind: 

"No success can compensate for failure in the home" 
(David O McKay, quoting JE McCulloch). 

At that moment I realized, no matter what is happening in our country, and the world for that matter, my primary responsibility is to my family. I needed to put my phone down and focus on my daughter! I was lucky enough to grow up in a home that taught love, respect, honesty, and hard work. If everyone had that opportunity, I think the world would be a much better place. 

So I’m going to do my part and spread good from my little corner of the world. Regardless of your opinions on the outcome of this election, can we all submit to do the same? 


Let’s all move forward in faith, lift where we stand, and #focusonthegood!  

Oh, and what's one of my posts without a little V??

2017 GOALS

Some years I set goals, some years I honestly just think it's cliche and pointless, so I don't. 

Is that sad or what? 

This year I am feeling extra inspired to set some goals! 

I'm writing them down here and going to keep the blog updated with my results. 

I've divided them into a few categories: spiritual, physical, & marriage.

Spiritual

Study my scriptures at least 10 minutes a day.
I have picked 12 topics that I am going to study in-depth this year, one for each month. I am really excited about this! I hope to do blog posts to compile what I learned each month. January is patience/kindness, and boy do I need work on this... ha

Physical

Cliche, I know. Lose the pregnancy weight by working out at least 4 days a week and eating healthier. And try to love my body again. (Side note about that: It sounds so taboo and foreign to "love" your body. The world is constantly telling us, and selling us things that tell us, our bodies aren't good enough. It's a real problem! I can see how it affects me daily, which is so sad. I never want my daughter to feel that way, so I am shifting my thinking. I have been given the amazing gift of a healthy body. I want to love it again.)

I feel better emotionally and physically when I take care of myself. I was doing so great there for a while, so I am getting back on track!

Marriage

"Whenever you open your mouth to correct your spouse, stop and formulate a compliment instead."

I came across this fantastic article about marriage and criticism that really resonated with me. Not that I feel Austin and I are at each other's throats with critiques, but I think this will really help strengthen our relationship.

Here's to 2017!!

Why everyone needs to stop hating on 2016

I told my husband I was writing this post as he was putting on his socks. One of the socks had a hole in it and he said, "This is a moment of despair and anguish... 2016 SUCKS!" This was all in good fun of course, but people are legitimately drawing similar conclusions. 

I know, I know... A lot of great people passed away. Maybe the presidential election didn't go your way. But COME ON, PEOPLE?! Was there really more bad than good? Even if the bad overshadowed, is that what we should focus on?

                                                                                             #Focusonthegood 

Am I right?? Good things happened! They did. Look around you. And if you honestly don't see anything, BE the good. DO SOMETHING. And I don't mean protest riot in the streets.... Portland, anyone?

Bad things are inevitably going to happen, but we can choose how to respond. 

We were not sent to earth to be grumps. 

Obviously, it's okay to cry, be sad, and grieve. Trials are a part of this life and sometimes they bring us down. All I'm saying here is I think it's a little dramatic, and also a bit unfair to the rest of 2016, to call it all bad.

Anyway, 2016 was a great year for us. We had a (ridiculously adorable, bias much?) baby, and it was arguably the best day of our married lives. We moved to Utah and Austin started new work. My brothers got married to FABULOUS women. We ended it all spending time with both of our families.

Bring on the new year! May it bring even more good times than the last!

And now here is a photo dump of the past few weeks with our family - including Russell FAMILY PICTURES!! (Thanks Danielle Cluff!)

Christmas Morning!

V was very interested in the paper, of course.

 Church

 V loved spending time with G&G Russell

So much yummy cooking and food!

 Meeting Uncle Chadd for the first time!

 Stockings at G&G Cornilles'

Cornilles Christmas card photo

Now for the Russell family photos!

Awwww...
Merry Christmas
& Happy New Year,
everyone!!

Struggles & Goodness

I use this space kind of as a journal, but because it's also broadcasted to world I don't always openly share my struggles. I should though. Struggle is a natural, even necessary part of life. 

Recently, Austin has been working late. I haven't been exercising or eating as well. V hasn't been sleeping as well. I haven't been getting out of the house as much. I haven't done a great job of studying my scriptures. (Wow, I sound like a hot mess....) To top it off, we had Vienna's 4 month appointment yesterday. She got her shots, which are always a traumatic experience. And she's now dropped to the 5th percentile for weight. *Cue crying face.* I swear we are feeding her!! She's just such a tiny thing. I guess all of these things combined has made me a little more on edge and grouchy. And I hate being grouchy! It's no fun for me or anyone around me. 

Soooo, what can I do to fix this? 

First off, Vienna is taking a nap going on 2.5 hours.... THANK YOU, CHILD!!!! That's helping. But really, I often am reminded that we can't always change what's happening around us, but we can choose how we want to respond. I can choose to be happy and positive! I can choose to focus on all of the blessings and good things in my life - which are abundant. So that's what I want to do right now!

I love my little family.

I am so thankful for a husband who works hard to provide for us so I can stay home with our baby girl.

I love this time of year! 

I love my Savior, Jesus Christ, who brings light and hope everyday despite any trouble. #LightTheWorld

I can't wait for my family to arrive on Friday, and to spend a whole week with them!

I enjoy my calling as a primary teacher in our church. Teaching the kids every week is truly a blessing.

I'm loving the baked goods these days.

Even though it's freezing temperatures outside, I love cozying up inside with my husband and an episode of our favorite show.

Thankful for great friends who make us laugh!

Aw, so much good to focus on. Its amazing how focusing on the good in a short post like this can turn your whole attitude around!! I can honestly say I feel better already. Let's hope I can carry this through when V wakes up and the struggles start again ;) 

Focus on the good, people! It's what Jesus did, and he is the ultimate example. He is the ultimate example of light, love, hope, and happiness. I'm not sure if this random, babbling post will even make a difference to anyone, but it did for me. Yay journaling!

Merry Christmas, everyone! 

#reallife

A letter to my high school self

I wish I could go back
& tell myself these things.

Chalk it up to coaching high school girls or becoming a mom in the next couple months, but here are some things I needed to hear (interlaced with a few throwback pictures for your viewing pleasure).

Be kind.

Everyone around you is fighting a battle you know nothing about. Keep that in mind the next time you’re hurt or offended. You have no idea why people do what they do. You can’t ever control anyone else, but you can control your own actions. No one will ever accuse you of being too good a friend, too kind, or too generous.

You are of infinite worth.

It can’t be defined by your clothes, grades, looks, date to prom, etc. You matter beyond all of those things. And so does everyone around you. Don’t ever let anyone convince you otherwise.  

Be nice to your parents. They love you above all else.

(My mom never lets me forget that I was the only child to ever tell her I hated her. HATED. How awful is that?? Sorry, Mom. You know I love you and appreciate you more and more every single day.) They set rules and guidelines because they love you.  They don’t punish you because they want to make your life miserable. Those guidelines are there to keep you safe and happy. And if they do punish you, you probably did something to deserve it. 

Your teachers & coaches want you to succeed.

It’s really easy to hate someone who challenges you, especially as a teenager. Most teachers and coaches aren’t doing what they do because of the money. They do it because they genuinely care about you and want you to thrive. When they push you they are molding and shaping you into a better student, athlete, and person. Cut the attitude, embrace it and rise to the challenge.

You are privileged.

You need lunch? Here. A car to get you to and from all of your activities? Done. Oh, and you need someone to pay for all of those activities? And come support you and be your biggest fan? Check. Believe it or not you have everything you’ll ever need to be happy and healthy- and more. Be grateful.

It’s only going to get harder from here… so enjoy it.

You think your life is hard now? Try again. Growing up comes with a lot of responsibility. ENJOY your time now. Be happy! There is plenty of time to grow up and be an adult later.

I'm Starting a Fashion Blog

Psych. Not happening.

Why do we read those things anyway?! Yes, I said WE. I secretly wish I was a fashion blogger. But then I go look on my instagram feed and see these perfect women with gorgeous bags to match their $85 lipstick they bought in 9 different colors and I'm like NOPE. I don't measure up. 

We all feed ourselves these lies of perfect hair days and fun fun fun all the time! I look through my instagram feed and wow, my life looks pretty good. I'm feeding the world all the good and never any of the bad. I never post a picture of a bad hair day or that zit that pops up right in the middle of my forehead. (Am I the only one who still gets those?? What am I, 14 again? Im freaking 25, face.) Anyway, so today I'm posting about real life, and what it really looked like - because not everyday is a good one, and that's okay. 

My alarm went off at 7:00 and I didn't get up until 7:30. I rushed to get ready and leave by 8. My hair was a greasy mess. I went to work, it was a crazy day. I left work later than expected. I was supposed to go to the gym but was lazy and said forget it, I'm going home. Came home. The house was a mess. Literally smelled like our garbage that needed to be taken out 2 days ago. Im starving, but we have no food because I hadn't gone grocery shopping. Changed into my sweats. Put my nasty grease ball hair into a bun. Husband had meetings, so made a random dinner for myself with whatever was left in the fridge, ate it. Then proceeded to eat a snickers. Aaaaaaand watched 3 episodes of One Tree Hill. Happy Friday y'all. 

GET THE LOOK: Sweats- Austin's from 9th grade. Shirt- old navy clearance.  Slippers- Costco? 5 years ago.

Hair- don't wash it for a while, then throw it up in a bun.

Evidence

WOW Wednesday: Pride

Story time: The other day Aust and I got in a little scuffle. What about? No idea. I'm sure I did something inconsiderate and took it out on him. I continued to be inconsiderate and told Austin that he was being prideful. The most perfect thing I could have said at the time?  Um no. Good one, Callie.

You know you need to shape up when you come across Pinterest quotes that call you to repentance.  

WOW Wednesday: Mountains to Climb

Let's be honest , I really suck at posting on Wednesday. Sorry! Here it is on Thursday :)

This past weekend we went camping and hiking at Zion National Park. On Day 2 we decided to hike up to Observation Point. This was an 8 mile hike with an elevation change of over 2,100 ft. It was hard to say the least. Post to come later with full details.

While Hiking I had a lot of time to think. I said something to Aust that really got me thinking.

"If I had know how hard this was going to be, I don't think I could have done it!"

Relating back to last week's WOW post, sometimes I am glad I can't see the whole picture. I am so grateful that I don't see and experience everything at once. Otherwise, I don't think I could do it. We knew before we came here that life was not going to be a cake walk. We knew we would have trials that would help us to learn and grow. But boy am I glad I don't see and experience them all at once. Everything is line upon line, precept upon precept. Just like the hike.

The views were amazing at the top, but not as great as the feeling of accomplishment I had. I want to have that same feeling when I finish this life. I know it is going to be hard, but it is not impossible. We have been given so many tools to help us along the way. We really do have mountains to climb in this life, but the reward at the end is so worth it.

#PrayForOklahoma

On this Words of Wisdom Wednesday (Thursday) I decided to write a little post about the tragic tornadoes in Oklahoma. Thankfully, I live in a place where the worst mother nature gives us is just really cold weather. Honestly, I shouldn't even complain about that. There are places in the US with MUCH colder weather than Utah.

These tornadoes in Okalahoma were unbelievable. For some reason I am facinated though. I should probably attribute that facination to our new favorite show Stormchasers. Long story short- they chase tornadoes. All to research and find out more about them. They hope to eventually learn enough about them to be able to warn people and save lives. I can't imagine being caught in a twister when it is clocking 150-200 mph.... Those things pick up trees, cars, and buildings with ease.

To see the pictures and footage of those people is very humbling. The death count so far is 24. Such a heartbreaking disaster.

There are so many things that happen in this world that we can't explain. Terrible things happen to good people everday. Sometimes I get angry when I think of these things, but then remember that I don't get to see the whole picture. Then I am grateful. I am grateful for the trials that I do have. We just have to move forward in faith. I don't know if I would have the faith to go through a tornado and lose everything I own. Those people are strong.

As I was reading my scriptures yesterday I came across this verse:

 Mosiah 4: 9- Believe in God; believe that he is, and that he created all things, both in heaven and in earth; believe that he has all wisdom, and all power, both in heaven and in earth; believe that man doth not comprehend all the things which the Lord can comprehend.

What an amazing plan we are all apart of.

WOW Wednesday: Gratitude

I have been getting so many reminders lately to have gratitude. Not only to simply feel it but also to express it. I've noticed that there is a difference. This past week we decided that we would start a gratitude journal. Whenever we feel impressed we will write down what we are thankful for and why. It's amazing how much your life can change when you are thankful for the amazing things you DO have.

Words of Wisdom Wednesday

It's the middle of the week and I feel myself dragging a little. I decided to start this little pick me up post every Wednesday. Who doesn't like nice thoughts, inspirational quotes, or videos?? So here we are. For this week I resorted to my favorite mormon message.... We are all a part of a grand plan created by our Master. He is our Father. We are his children.

"Of all the titles of respect and honor and admiration that are given to deity, He asked us to address him as Father."

- Quorum of The Twelve Apostles

Note: This is not an announcment. I am very much NOT pregnant, and Austin will not be a Father anytime in the next 9 months.

The Ride

“Anyone who imagines that bliss is normal is going to waste a lot of time running around shouting that he’s been robbed. The fact is that most putts don’t drop, most beef is tough, most children grow up to just be people, most successful marriages require a high degree of mutual toleration, most jobs are more often dull than otherwise. Life is like an old time rail journey…delays…sidetracks, smoke, dust, cinders and jolts, interspersed only occasionally by beautiful vistas and thrilling burst of speed. The trick is to thank the Lord for letting you have the ride.”

- Gordon B. Hinckley

So realistic and I love it. I need to be grateful for the good things in my life. Learn from the hard things. And live everyday to the fullest. I'm not doing this lately and I want to change it.


In relation to "enjoying the journey," here is a little Trace Atkins for your viewing pleasure.

Direction

You know how you make decisions and carefully plan your life out just the way you want it? And then things happen that scream, "Hey, remember that cool plan you had? Oh yeah, just trash it." Story of my life.

I graduated from BYU with a degree in Recreational Therapy. I thought I would get a job with some great hospital or rehab center, and become this amazing Rec Therapist. In reality, I sat a home for a good month searching for ANY job. Let alone a Rec Therapy job...

And now I am working at a real estate agency. Right now I work as an assistant to a realtor but, I am currently working on getting my real estate license. Soon, I will be a licened realtor and I will be working as a Buyers Agent for the Dan Kennedy Real Estate Team. It's going to be a new experience that calls for lots of hard work. I can't wait.

From Recreation Therapy to Realtor? I guess that's life.

2013

Last year was really an amazing year. I got married. Graduated from College. Won Nationals with my team. Pretty amazing.

I want to make 2013 great too! I figure if I post my New Years resolutions on the world wide web maybe SOMEONE will read them and hold me accountable.

Here they are:

1) Work out HARD at least 4 times a week. I usually work out pretty regularly but sometimes I am lazy and don't push myself very hard. Why even work out if I'm going to be lazy about it??

2) Read the Scriptures everyday. If it's only a verse or two some days.. that's okay. We're all human.

3) Play the guitar at least once a week. I have one and I like to play, I just don't do it very often.

4) Learn to crochet. Inspiration from the Sis/Grandma.

5) Plan/cook 3 legit meals a week. It's harder than it sounds. Pasta is always so easy for me!

6) Go to the Temple at least every month- with our without Aust. It's hard for me to go without him... I'm a baby, I know.

I also like the idea of having a fun "to do list" for the year:

• Go wakeboarding this summer. I didn't go AT ALL last summer. Tragedy. 
• Visit Arches and Zions National Parks
• Color my hair brown- I have to work up the courage.
• Go camping with Aust
• Hit the mountain with my snowboard
• Get/make decorations for my "office" at work. It's really more of a nook. Pinterest?
• Bake more- cinnamon rolls, cookies, bread, whatever sounds good
• Keep blogging!
• Hang with my brother a ton while he's at BYU
• Learn to dance with Aust
• Hike Timp- although I HATE hiking. It must be done.
• Be the best primary teacher I've ever heard off. 

Bring on the year! 2013 babyyyyy!!