A Not-So-Quick Update

So I haven't blogged in a long time.  I think about it pretty often actually, but I tell myself that no one cares about the things in my life.  Lets be real, nothing really exciting happens.  But I have decided to try to be better.  At least share a spiritual thought or something.  I want to be able to look back at my blog and be uplifted.
If you want to hear about my super exciting (note the sarcasm) life and you don't care about typos, then keep on reading. :)

My life in a nutshell:

I am in my last year at USU.  It seems so crazy that I am so close to being done with school.  I never thought I would finish college, but I can now see the beginning of the finish line and it feels great!  I absolutely love my major and know that I am doing what I am supposed to be doing.  Elementary Ed is most definitely for me!

I have three amazing roommates who I love dearly.  They are just the absolute best.  I don't know what I would do without them.  It's true when people say the friends you meet in college will be the best.  I know we will be friends for a long time.  Our poor children will have no choice but to love each other as well.

I have recently been called as a ward missionary.  I can honestly say that I was given this calling by inspiration.  I have struggled for a long time trying to decide if a mission is for me.  I have never really wanted to serve a mission, but I felt like I should want to.  When the Bishop extended this call to me, I received my answer.  I am where I am supposed to be right now in my life.  I don't know why, but I need to be here in Logan serving the members of my ward.  I love going out each week and visiting apartments with the other ward missionaries.  I am always filled with the spirit.  If not to help someone else, I know that through this calling I will grow so much.  I already have and I am so grateful for it!

As always, I adore my family and I find myself in good ole South Weber probably more than I should.  Everyone is doing so great.  Adam has been out on his mission for almost 3 months now. Time is flying!  He loves his mission and the people there.  He is such a great example to me and I am so blessed to call him my brother.  Zack and Mark are just living the dream at home.  I don't think my parents remember what it is like to only have two kids at home.  They are so stinking spoiled it makes me sick! ;)  They are great and I love them so much.  I have been blessed with such amazing brothers.  I get to see Dad every Wednesday.  He comes up here to do sales and take me to lunch.  He is amazing and I don't know what I would do without him.  I love that we are so close.  I call Mom at least 3 times a day.  Yes, I am 20 and yes, I can't go a day without talking to her. She knows me better than anyone else.  She has the answer to everything, and I mean EVERYTHING. I just love my family.  They are the best.  We have grown so much in the past little while and I am so grateful for it.

I miss Josh everyday.  I am so grateful for the knowledge of the Gospel.  It is what gets me through the hard times.  I know without a shadow of a doubt that I will see him again.  That day will be glorious.  I can only imagine.  I feel him close, often, and I know he is doing the Lord's work.  I have grown so much closer to my Savior through this trial and I am eternally grateful for that.  Josh is definitely a one of a kind brother.


Well this post turned out to be a lot longer than anticipated. Sorry. And good job if you made it through!  I have a great life.  It's not super eventful, but great nonetheless.  I am so blessed.  Heavenly Father really does know and love me.  He knows and loves you too.  Don't ever forget that.

Keep smiling and enjoying life!

Love always ~ Chaeli

P.S.  I almost forgot.  My roommate and I just bought a beta fish.  His name is Eugine and he his pretty great.

Brothers Serving the Lord

I said goodbye (for 2 years) to my dear brother Adam on Wednesday.  It wasn't as hard as I thought it would be.  It's funny because all these people keep asking how it went and when I tell them it was good they don't believe me.  I think for my family we see sending a missionary off a little differently.  It's not like he died.  I know some people feel this way when they send a loved one on a mission, but take my word for it, sending someone on a mission and losing someone are two completely different things.  I miss Adam and I will for two years, but I know he is doing the Lords work and he WILL be back.  Two years will fly by.  Yes it is weird to only have two brothers at home.  If you told me a couple years ago that two of my brothers would be serving the Lord I would have laughed in your face. Josh and Adam always did things together and now they are serving our Heavenly Father together.  I can't wait to be with both of  them again.  I am so happy to have they knowledge that families are forever and I am ecstatic that my big brothers are sharing that with those who haven't had the privilege to know for themselves.

 Elder Joshua Daniel Bell

Josh is serving those on the other side who did not get the

chance to hear the gospel in this life

                                          

Elder Adam David Bell

 Farmington New Mexico Mission

Adam getting set apart and saying our goodbye's

 

One Year Ago

When someone you love becomes a memory, that memory becomes a treasure.

One year ago today my life changed.  One year ago, my dear big brother returned to live with our Heavenly Father.  I know for a fact that he had accomplished everything he needed to in this life.  They never found a cause of death.  Our Heavenly Father called him back, and he is now serving him on the other side.

 As I look back at this year without Josh, I wonder what it would have been like if he was still here.  What would my family be like today if we still had Josh.  This trial has shaped me into a better person.  As hard as it has been and will continue to be, I know that I am constantly learning and growing in a way I never would have before.  Heavenly Father has a plan for each one of us, and I am learning to accept his plan for me.  His way is not always the easiest, but it is worth it.  As much as I miss my Jo bro, I know he is where he is supposed to be.  He is happy and we should be too.

I am a different person than I was a year ago.  I am stronger.  I am braver.  I have more faith.  My testimony is stronger.  I am happy. (Even when I cry)  I am doing well.  I have a special angel in Heaven watching over me.  I feel Jo often in my life.  I know he is busy serving our Heavenly Father, but when I need him he is there for me.  I have realized this past year what is really important and what isn't.  I look at life through different eyes than I used to. 

I am so grateful for the family I have been blessed with.  I am so grateful for the knowledge of the Plan of Salvation.  Because of my testimony, I have made it a year.  I never once questioned where Jo was or why he was taken so soon from our family.  I know Heavenly Father has a plan for us.  He loves us and He would never give us trials we can't overcome.  This experience has made my family stronger.  It has made me stronger.

When Heavenly Father closes one door, He opens so many more.  I have learned this through this trial.  I have learned to depend on my Heavenly Father.  I have learned to turn to him at all times.  If it is important to you, it is important to Heavenly Father; no matter how small or minor it may seem.  He loves me and He cares about my every need and emotion.  With my Heavenly Father and my family, I can, we can, overcome each and every trial.

I miss Jo, but I know that I will see him again.  That is what gets me through the day.

Josh's Obituary

One Proud Sister

That's right everybody. Adam is going to serve the Lord in Farmington, New Mexico.  I couldn't be happier or more excited for my brother.  It's been a long road getting here but he finally did it, and I am so proud of him.  He is going to be an amazing missionary.  He has had experiences that in his life that will help him relate to the people in New Mexico.  2/3 of his mission is on the Navaho nation.  I know that he will work so well with these Native Americans.  Someone in New Mexico is waiting to hear Adam's testimony.  I won't lie, it's not going to be easy to have him gone for 2 years, but I know it will be worth it. Adam is leaving our family for 2 years so that the people he serves can be with their families for eternity.  I love Adam and I love his decision to serve a full time mission.

~Love Always, Chaeli

"You Need to Date"

The wise words of a fifth grade girl, "You need to date."

I have recently spent some time in a 4th/5th grade split class for my practicum. (For those of you who do not know what practicum is, it is kind of like student teaching, but not... make sense)  Going from a 1st grade class to this 4th/5th grade class has been a big change.  Besides the obvious age difference, 4th and 5th graders tend to be a lot more worried about my relationship status than the 1st graders ever were.  In fact, I don't think a single 1st grader ever asked me about my relationship status.  Needless to say, on my second day in  the 4th/5th grade class a 4th grader (we'll call her Sarah) asked me with a great big smile if I had a boyfriend.  When I told her I didn't, she preceded to tell me about her cousin who "needs a girlfriend."  I am now the proud owner of a piece of paper with a phone number on it.  I know nothing about the person who's phone number it is, not his name, not his age, nothing.  Well, a few weeks have passed and without fail Sarah asks me everyday if I have called her cousin, which I respond with a simple no.

Today, while eating lunch, Sarah along with two of the 5th graders in the class began to interrogate me about my dating history.  They soon learned that I do not have a boyfriend and that I never have.  I told them I have been on dates, but that I have never been serious with anyone.  This is when the 5th grader (let's call her Grace) told me "you need to date."  She then offered her 18 year old cousin whom I kindly refused. (Still in high school... Major turn off)  Sarah reminded me of her cousin, telling me all of his good attributes.  He is tall, nice, cute, funny, etc.  Sophie (the other 5th grader) told me I could date her brother when he gets home from his mission.

These girls are sweet, but I can't help but wonder why they are so concerned with my relationship status.  Maybe I should be more concerned with it?  I don't get out much because when I am home from school I am consumed with homework.  I can't really blame the men in my life, because there really aren't any.  This is mostly my fault because I don't put myself in situations where I can meet them.  I struggle opening up to new people.  I don't like to share details of my life with just anyone.  I don't let people in.  I am kind of in love with a boy who doesn't know it.  I catch myself holding back often because I just want to date him.  Well he kind of can't be dated at the moment, so I just need to get out there.  When someone says they have someone they want me to meet I need to go meet him.  The only way I can go on dates with boys is if I meet them first.

So, I guess Grace is right.  I do need to date.  But first I need to put myself in a position where I can meet new people.  And who knows maybe my next date will be with someone I haven't even met yet.

Little kids are really smart.  Listen to them.

Love always... Chaeli

Letter to Heaven

Dear Heaven,

So I've been feeling kind of down lately.  You know, missing many people who live in your beauty.  Especially a certain big brother.  I wish so bad that you had a phone or even email.  Just to hear is voice again.  Hear is laugh again.  See his smile again.  Listen to him ramble on about things that only he understands.  It's all the little things that I miss.  I even miss him critiquing my choice of fashion.  I miss him telling me that my dance costumes make my butt look big.  I just miss him.  I know you are taking care of him.  I know he is happy and that he is serving those that passed on before him.  I just want to get a text from him.  I want him to ask me "Why are you here?" in that teasing tone when I go home.  I just want to talk to my big brother one more time.  Is that too much to ask for?  I miss him more and more everyday.  I find myself forgetting what he sounded like.  I don't want to forget anything about him.  I'm so grateful that I have pictures of him, but sometimes pictures just aren't enough.  They don't show his loving spirit, or his glow.  The pictures don't talk back.  They can't give me advice that only he could.  I am so grateful for the time I had with him.  I am so happy that I know that someday I will get to join him in your beauty.  I only hope that it will seem like no time has gone by at all.  I hope that when I do get to hear his voice again, I treasure it more than ever before.  I don't want to miss a single moment of his life.  I know that although he is living in your beauty he is still here for me when I need him the most.  Even knowing this, it is so hard not to miss him and want him physically here.  Is that selfish of me?  If it is, I'm sorry.  I just want to laugh with him again.  I just want to give him a hug.  I never hugged him enough while he was here.  Please always let him hear me.  Always let him comfort me.  Always let my big brother be there for me.  It's hard to think of big things happening in my life and him not being here to share those things with me.  When I think of graduating, getting married, having kids, or any other milestones I can't help but to cry because he won't be with me.  I won't get to have a picture of me and ALL my brothers at my wedding.  It breaks my heart.  I know that in the eternal perspective these things aren't that big of a deal, but right now in my life I can't even stand to think about it.  So Heaven, I guess what I'm saying is I miss my Jo Bro more than ever.  I know he is where he is supposed to be, but sometimes my emotions get the best of me and all I want is for him to come back.  Please don't ever let me forget anything about him.  Keep his spirit alive in my heart.  Help me to smile because of all the things we did get to do.  Help me not to dwell on the things he won't be here for.  It's hard to believe that he's been gone for 10 months already.  It doesn't seem like very long, but at the same time it feels like he's been gone for years.  I miss him.  Tell him I love him.  Tell him not to forget about me either.  Tell him I always need my big brother.  Tell him I pray for him.  Tell him not to forget about mom and dad.  Tell him not to forget about the boys either.  We all need his help to push forward.  Tell him we miss him everyday and every minute and every second.  Tell him we love him.  Tell him to work hard and to help others.  He is such a great person and he can and will accomplish so much living in your beauty.  You are so lucky to have his amazing spirit with you.  He's the best.

Love Always... Chaeli

The Power of a Compliment

So I've been kind of down today.  I got a letter from my best friend last night that has made me worried sick about her all day.  I don't know what to do and I wish I could help her more.  I've been kind of grouchy because I want to do more.  I haven't had a good outlook on the day at all.  And I should.  It is sunny and happy out side and I am sad and dim inside.  Anyways, I've been doing homework all day.  I emailed an assignment to my ESL teacher.  I expected an email back from her because she always sends one to let me know that she got my assignment.  What I didn't expect was the simple act of kindness she returned.  

This was her response:


"Got it! Thanks!

PS I loved your blue sequin top that you wore to class! I was going to tell you last week, but didn't get the chance! :-)"


So simple, yet so powerful.  This compliment hasn't made me worry any less about my dear friend, but it has changed my perspective on the day.  I am now seeing this beautiful day as it really is.  Bright, sunny, and happy.  I'm not dreading (as much) my two classes tonight.  Mostly because my last class is with this wonderful teacher who probably doesn't realize the power behind her simple compliment.

You never know how that simple compliment is going to effect someone's day.  So the next time you get that urge to tell someone you like their hair, their smile, their attitude, or even their blue sequin top don't brush it by.  Act on it.  You might just turn their sad gloomy day around.

Go compliment someone today :)

 

Love Always... Chaeli