Friday, November 30, 2012

2 Dresses

I'm so excited that I can finally blog about this! A few weeks ago I was surprised to get a text from one of my good friends from high school, Michelle Fowler, asking if I would be able to come up to Idaho on February 23. I was a little suspicious at this question being that it was so far out. I told her I would make myself available to come up to Idaho and asked why (even though I was positive I knew the answer). She informed me that she would be getting engaged soon and that's when they were planning on getting married. I was so excited for her! But, what came next melted my heart! She asked me to be one of her bridesmaids because of the impact that I have had on her life. I was (and still am) so touched to know that I have touched someone's life so deeply. I am so excited for her and I'm so happy that she has found someone that treats her so well. I am so proud of her for living such a Christlike life, and being such a great example to me, that she is worthy and found someone else who is worthy to be sealed for time and eternity in the temple. I know it wasn't even a question in her mind of if she would get married in the temple, and it wasn't how, it was when. This is the second wedding that I will be able to be a part of in this way, outside of my family, and I am so excited! She will make a wonderful wife! So, congratulations to Michelle and Logan on getting engaged last night! I am so so happy for you!

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Gratitude

I have so much to be grateful for. I have loved feeling the spirit of gratitude from everyone around me. I think I take this month for granted and would feel even more ungrateful if I didn't take an opportunity to share my feelings of gratitude and take a moment to reflect on the many blessings I have. This most definitely is not in order of importance, but nonetheless I am so grateful for each of these.

1. My husband - I am constantly reminded of how wonderful Chandler is and I hope he knows it too. I am so grateful for all he does for me. I couldn't have found a better person to spend the rest of my life and all of eternity with. He knows what makes me happy, and he is quickly learning what upsets me. And, he loves to clean! BONUS!

2. My family - I am so grateful for my family and their constant love and support. They are always there for me and I love living so close to many of them. I have felt especially grateful these past few weeks as we have been able to spend more time with everyone.

3. My in-laws - I have always known what an amazing family I married into, but recently that knowledge has grown. I am so grateful for the way Richard and Jane have lived their lives and the way they have raised their family. I can't wait until they can move closer! Chandler's brothers are so awesome to keep in touch and we enjoy video calling them often, sometimes all at once! It is so fun and I wouldn't trade them for anything!

4. My Savior - It comforts me so much to know that I am a Daughter of God. I know that he is always there for me when I need him. He paid the ultimate price for my salvation and because of that I can live with my family forever.

5. Music - I love music! It is so inspirational. I love (and miss) playing the piano so much! Someday...

6. Hobbies - I love having something to do. I have started sewing more since mom gave me her old sewing machine and I can't get enough of it. If only I didn't have to lug it out every time I wanted to use it, then I might do it more.

7. Health - I also recently got a gym pass and I am actually enjoying going and being active. I love running, but I hate running in the cold and this allows me to stay active during the winter. It has caused me to take a look at my lifestyle and start eating and being more healthy.

8. Education - I am so grateful for my education. People are always appalled when I tell them that I have already graduated and the next thing I say is, "It's just an Associate's Degree." Well, it's not JUST an Associate's Degree. It took a lot of hard work to get there and, although it may not be BYU, I am still proud of my degree from LDSBC and I see it as a major accomplishment. Now we just need to get Chandler through the rest of his schooling.

9. Employment - I have been very fortunate to have the jobs I have had. The job I had in high school basically fell in my lap and it was one of the best jobs I have ever had! In college, I took time off work to focus on school, but as soon as I started looking for a job I was able to find not only one, but two! What a blessing! And not even a month after SwiftPro went out of business I started my job at the Airport. I know that is because of my hard work and education. I have worked hard to gain a good reputation with my employers and I have been so grateful for the recommendations and friendship of all of them.

10. My Sister - There is no replacement for your sister. Even though I now have many sisters-in-law that I love and get along with so well, no one quite understands me the same as Danielle. She is always there for me, she understands me, and she loves me no matter what. I can't wait to spend more time with her during the holidays. I'm so glad she still lives so close and I can see her often.

I still have so much that I'm thankful for, but I'm sure you are all bored by now. But as always, I appreciate reflecting on all that I have been given and blessed with. Love you all!