Gifts For Me. From Me.

One of my New Years resolutions of 2009 is to be healthier. Therefore, I've heard these two books are great to start with. I'm so excited! As well as eating healthier, I plan to work out 6 days a week, go to the temple at LEAST once a month, and pay off our debts as quickly as possible. I'm so pumped to make necessary changes to make my life better. Don't you just LOVE New Years?!

Merry Christmas

I hope you all remembered the reason for the season, and had good friends and family to spend it with.

My Little Eskimo

How could you not love this guy?

[i know. me. no makeup. scary picture. but this is about him.]

This Week Has Been Great Because....

*Romantic dinners made for my husband when he's had a rough day. [We ate by candlelight, had soft Christmas music playing in the background, and had sparkly. Mmmmm. Sure, the card table doesn't seem too appealing, but we make it work.]

*A new Kitchen Aid my dear sweet mother bought me... we got it just a few days ago.

It's a beauty, isn't it? I can't wait to start using it!

*CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS! Love love love.

[The adorable tin star was orignally supposed to be our tree topper, but because the height of the tree was too tall, we had to reduce it to decor...]

[I know.. the wreath is decorating the thermostat... but it's the only place we could find to put it. Aside from that, it's lovely, huh?]

*Our unique ornaments that we found at TaiPan. They are perfect!

*And our cute Christmas pictures- thanks to Marlene. ;)

Well-Fed and Uplifted

Last night, Alex and I were fortunate enough to attend the First Presidency Christmas Devotional with a couple friends. We got incredible seats- which is something I nor Alex have ever experienced- and since we got there early, we had the opportunity to watch all the apostles come in with thier wives and take their seats in the audience.

Living in Oklahoma, I didn't have many chances to see ANY apostle or prophet in the "flesh", in fact.. I didn't have any chance. I will tell you, having that opportunity now will NEVER get old. I feel like a little kid every time I see an apostle or any member of the First Presidency. It's... incredible.

Thomas S. Monson is truly a prophet of God. I don't believe that anyone has the power to quiet the Conference Center within 2 seconds, just by walking into the room. As we all stood to honor him, it was such a powerful reminder of just how incredible these men are.

Uchtdorf is always so refined and filled with the spirit. Of course, Eyring made me cry... as he always does. Every time he starts to choke up, an instant tear is brought to my eye as well. And it was such an experience to see Monson since becoming the prophet. When he speaks, it sends chills down your spine. You know he is truly a man of God, and that he is speaking His words.

I love the Christmas season. We walked through temple square after it was over, and I just felt such a joy and love for Jesus Christ. After hearing these inspired men speak to us, how could you not??

I went home completely fed with the spirit and totally uplifted.

Doing My Duty.

As a citizen, daughter, sister, wife, friend, co-worker, confidante, and human being.

I need to say what I'm grateful for, especially during this holiday where so many people have so little... yet continue to praise God for everything they have. Puts your life into perspective doesn't it? Seeing those who are struggling financially, emotionally, spiritually.... still giving thanks for all their blessings.

I am thankful for:

• My hott-stuff husband who treats me like a queen every day.
  

• My brothers and sisters. We are all so close, and I realize that this is rare. We're always there for eachother, and always will be. [Disreguard my hair being IN my face... I didn't realize how it looked until it was too late.....]
  

• Josh Groban singing "O Holy Night". Wow.....

• The Gospel. As each day passes, I realize more and more how I'm so thankful for it, and how it anchors my life. Every thought goes hand in hand with what I've been taught and what I know. How truly grateful I am to be sealed to my husband for time and all eternity!

• Having enough money to get by. No, we're not rich by ANY means... but the fact that we're both working, can afford to live on our own, buy our own food- and still be happy says a lot.


• Desserts.


• Having incredible parents who taught me more than they'll ever realize.
  
• Hot chocolate, Hot husband, Christmas movies.


• Living in the country I do.




• Grandparents who support their children's decision in joining the church, even though they aren't members themselves and yet respect it whole-heartedly. There are about 40 other things I could say about these two, but for the sake of time and space, I'll stop there.

• Being the person I am, and having the agency I do.

The Stork Has Arrived...

No, not for me....


My sister, Jennifer is pregnant. I'm so freaking excited for her. (They were married June 28th... yeah, after me and she's already prego.) :) They were wanting to start having babes right after they got married, and it turns out that was in the Lord's mind as well. It's going to be an interesting adventure watching my big sister be a mom.

She's the kind-of person who:

• everyone gets along with


• is probably the favorite child, even though my mom wouldn't admit it ;)


• never speaks ill of anyone


• extremely family oriented, and never ends a phone call without an "I love you."


• is generous, loving, beautiful, righteous, caring, and will always be there for her family no matter what.

She is going to be a fantastic mother. Congratulations, Jenny!

I need to get some more pictures of family. It seems I don't have any pictures of Jennifer and I on this computer... I'm not a bad sister, I promise. :( Soon.... soon.

Early Bird

Last weekend, Alex and I went to TaiPan and bought our first Christmas tree, accompanied with different ornaments and decor. Even though our apartment may be tiny, it's all decked out with garland, a tree, twinkling lights, and candles. Yes, it's not even December yet- and Thanksgiving hasn't passed... but both of us love Christmas so much, how could we resist?

We bought a tree topper (which, by the way, is fantastic) but we underestimated the height of our tree, therefore, we couldn't FIT the topper on. Both of us were not happy... especially considering everything at TaiPan is final sale, and we couldn't return it. Oh well, hopefully, eventually, maybe we'll get to put it on.

We spent a ridiculous amount of money, but every night we sit and look at our beautifully decorated tree and sip hot chocolate. We've already watched Home Alone 2 (which, oddly enough, is one of my Christmas favorites. I quote it all the time.... all year 'round... ask my husband.) But we still need to get White Christmas, Holiday Inn, The Snowman, Miracle of 34th Street (the old version) and many more. My radio in my car is tuned to holiday jangles, and I'm throwing around ideas for gifts. Isn't this season INCREDIBLE!?

Pictures of our decorated apartment...... soon. :)

Birthday

Last birthday tribute of the year. And it goes to... my lovely sister, Heather.

Ever since I was little, I've always wanted to be "just like Heather." She always had the coolest clothes, cutest boyfriends, exciting experiences, and was good at just about everything. She has an incredible singing voice, and is drop dead gorgeous.

One of the things I love about Heather is she works hard for what she has, and is incredibly disciplined. If she wants to be in shape-- she'll do it. If she wants to aquire a new skill, or get a particular job- she'll do it. She's constantly motivated, and in turn- motivates others around her.

She has a strong testimony. Growing up, Heather always was in tune with the latest styles or trends. She cared a lot about her appearance, and had a modeling career as well. She decided to go on a mission, and she focused soley on the people she served. She cut her hair, dyed it a natural color... didn't care about her makeup or how fashionable she was. All she cared about was serving the Lord. And she was successful.

She is always learning. I always hear her talking about a new book she's read, a new class she's taking, a new diet she is trying... I absolutely love that about her, because she doesn't take this life for granted. She tries new things, and is never afraid of failure. That is a motivation to me, because everytime I talk with her-- she is always telling me what I'm capable of, and to be my own person. If I'm ever feeling down about myself, I know I can call her- and she'll lift my spirits. She's my own personal self-improvement book. :)

We could not talk for a year, call eachother- and talk like we've always been talking. We have a very special relationship. Now that I'm married, we have more in common and it has brought us closer together.

I love Heather because there have been so many different stages in my life, and she's been there through it all. She loves her family, and makes sure she spends time with them. She is willing to sacrifice her social life to be a stay at home mom. Her relationship with her husband is solid because they support eachother. I'm so grateful to know her, and to be her sister.

Come What May... and Love It.

Lately, especially with changes happening in our laws, our states, our presidency, and our day to day interaction with eachother... I often find myself in fear for the future.

Everyday, I hear more and more stories of murder, rape, infedelity, abortion, theft.... and that's only to name a couple. Pretty soon, however, I will be bearing children of my own- and this is the world that they have to come into? I felt growing up was hard for me, what about them?

With all the blessings we have today come great obstacles. I'm so proud to know what I know, and be apart of the very thing that gives me a reason to get up in the morning. A reason to keep going.

If I ever have a day where I'm especially nervous about what's to come, or a day that I feel the future is hopeless.. I look at this picture, and I feel peace. Even if only for a split second, it comforts me. Looking at these righteous, wonderful men gives me yet another affirmation that what we do as Latter Day Saints is not in vain. We all have a purpose, and we just have to keep going- even if it seems as if we're going into the darkness.

Many times I'll think I'm standing alone. I'll feel like my opinions don't mean much, or are overlooked. I may be persecuted for what my beliefs are, or made fun of. But isn't that only a reassurance that what we believe is right?

Joy..

Yes, it is official. The holiday season is among us. :) Radio stations are playing Christmas music, and there is snow on the mountain tops. I always forget just how much I love those songs until I hear it each November. It's almost refreshing!

Alex and I have been almost giddy this year about our anticipation for the Christmas season. I am determined to enjoy every moment of it... to savor each song, each experience, each Christmas concert, each snowy afternoon. When you are a kid, you can't wait, can't wait, can't wait for gifts and then it's over in the blink of an eye. As I've grown older, I've realized I need to enjoy each day as it is, and not always look forward to "what's next!!" Especially this year when I will not be flying home to Oklahoma to spend with family. I have never spent a big holiday away from home, and this year it will be not only Christmas, but Thanksgiving as well. Thankfully, I have a new husband and another family that I love to spend them with.

We both want to make our first holiday season memorable, so we're going to try and make the most of it. How could it go wrong?? With blankets, hot chocolate, "White Christmas" and eachother... it's just short of heaven itself.

Just remember to celebrate what's most important this year. The true meaning of Christmas, family, friends, being together, and enoying each day as if it were your last.

Pumpkin Carvin'

Alex and I had our FIRST pumpkin carving experience. (That is the great thing about being newlyweds... everything is a "first" together, therefore everything is more exciting.) We took pictures of this blessed event.

This is Alex's pumpkin.

This is Rachel's pumpkin.

[Note: While in the decision making process of which pumpkin to choose, I saw a little pumpkin on the ground that someone had dropped and decided to leave. I did indeed feel sorry for the little guy, therefore he is the pumpkin I carved. So it may look like he has some dents, but in reality- they are only the battle scars in the life of an unwanted pumpkin.]

Now, here our pictures of Alex and Rachel with their pumpkins.


Dont'cha wish you could have come?? :) That night was a lot of fun. It was filled with rolo cookies, pumpkin carvin', The Godfather, Dominos pizza and making out. Could life get much better??

Best Friends

Well, my best friend is getting married. We've been close since I moved to Stillwater in my sophomore year. It seems that we always do everything together, so it's only natural that she get married shortly after I do. :) I love this girl. We've had our ups and downs, but it's ultimately made us into what we are today. Older, wiser, and not quite as stubborn. ;) I'm very excited for her, and I wish her all the happiness in the world. Here are some photos of our good times through the years... because I know you're dying to see them.

These two pictures are my favorite in the world.

Love it.

We've grown up together, been through the same experiences, and I will always love her like a sister.

Warning:

Don't read this book if you're not willing to listen to her guidance, if you're a feminist or easily offended. Eh, on the other hand, maybe you should. Dr. Laura is one feisty woman! She speaks how she feels, and I love her all the more for it. She's got a good head on her shoulders.

I've always had the attitude that when you marry, you treat your husband like a king. You live to make his day just a little bit better. You don't criticize or belittle them. You help lift them up. You are affectionate with them, you allow them guy time, you love them for who they are.

My brother bought me this book as a gift. I think he knew how much I loved self-improvement books, PLUS he is a current huge fan of Dr. Laura. I have been waiting for it to come in the mail, and I got it just last night and have already read half of it. I love it!!

I'm so glad that my parents taught me the way they did. We rarely saw them fight. They were always affectionate and always loved eachother. They raised us in a loving, secure environment and it has directly affected my marriage to Alex. To be a wife is a wonderful thing. I haven't experienced being a mother yet, but I know that when I do- I will work at my marriage just the same. I recommend this book to ANY woman. These days there is such a "feminist" movement. Women who are mere housewives or treat their husbands well are weak, and are missing out on what's "truly important."

"How many women's mags talk about women's obligations to their men and children? Not many. The typical article is about deserving freedom: Day care vs. child rearing, sex out of wedlock vs. marriage, affairs vs. fidelity, and solo parenting vs. two parent homes are offered as entitlements for women." -Dr. Laura

I love my husband, and therefore want our marriage to be successful. I want there to be love and commitment. I want us to be eachother's first priority always. I'm determined to live that way to the best of my ability.

Al's Birthday. :)

Happy Birthday to the most intelligent, handsome, hardworking, thoughtful, generous, loving, romantic person I've ever known.

I've had bad hair and I cannot lie..

you otha' brothas can't deny.
Oh short hair... sometimes I miss you so. But I must keep pressing forward and grow you out.

I have had many, many interesting hairstyles in my short 20 years of life. The list includes:

1. The supposed to be "Meg Ryan" accident haircut. (My sister, Heather, always experimented her haircutting ways on her life mannequin... me. I remember like it was yesterday her saying, "Oh, I'm doing the Meg Ryan look." No, it definitely did NOT turn out as such.)

2. 8th grade accident haircut. (People referred to me as "texas flat-top" and if you didn't know me, you'd think I was a lesbian. THANKFULLY there are no pictures to show ANYONE from this time period... except it was the day before picture day, so if you somehow get your hands on my 8th grade yearbook, you'll find me... short hair and all.)

3. Accident jet black hair. (I meant to dye it dark brown, but instead it went to black. I decided to make a statement and keep it for a while, but looking back at old pictures- I stand ashamed.)

4. Orange "Vitamin C" accident hairdo. (In my attempt to getting rid of the black hair, I bleached it 3 times. It turned bright bright orange *as you can vividly see in the last picture*. Again, against my better judgement, I decided to stick with it for a while to make yet another statement. And once again, I stand ashamed.)

5. Permed, fried "Vitamin C" accident hair. (Yes, you read correctly. After not touching it for a while, I decided to perm it. How a perm got into my head as a 'good idea' is beyond me. I had HUGE hair, and there was no possible way to tame it. It resolved in me chopping it off SHORT, but actually cute this time. I'll always be in debt to that hairstylist..... The above picture doesn't truly show how bad it was, but my hair is breathing it's final breaths as I smile so cutely in that high school hallway..)

The last time I had long hair was in 2nd grade, therefore, I'm giving it another shot. I must admit, going to the hairstylist still scares me a little bit. But with that history, do you blame me?

ANOTHER Birthday!!

Well. I know that I've been having a lot of birthday dedications.. but I don't care. :) This is a particularly important birthday because it belongs to my dear father who passed away in 1999.

(Handsome, isn't he?) There is so much to say about my dad. I truly believe that I was blessed with THE most amazing parents in the world. My dad was someone I always looked up to because I never heard anyone speak ill of him. He was well loved by everyone, and touched so many people's hearts with his generosity, kindness, dedication to the Gospel, love and sense of humor.

Since he passed away when I was only 10, sometimes it's hard to remember certain things about him. But there are other stories and traits that I'll keep with me always. The way he smelt, the way his face felt, the sound of his voice, and the way he looked in his sunday clothes.

During church, he'd let us crawl all over him.. play with his tie, hair, wedding ring, glasses... and all the while- he'd listen intently to the speaker. After Sacrament, he'd be a mess, but he wouldn't ever complain. He rarely complained about anything, actually. When his health was getting worse, he never slowed down. I never heard him say, "Why me?" He just took his trials and kept going.

He taught us the importance of being musical. I remember my sisters would sing harmony and I couldn't WAIT til I was old enough to learn. He and my mother were in a quartet with a couple from the ward, and they'd often put on shows during ward socials. So many times they'd all practice in the living room- and I would just sit and watch. He also wrote wonderful poetry. I often read them and it feels like he is still here.

He was 15 years older than my mom, so he was 50 years old when I was born. Many might say that having an old parent would be hard because he probably couldn't be as active with his children. I wouldn't change it. He was a true gentleman, and he was raised in a different time period with different values. Plus, it allowed me to realize that love knows no age. :) It is a bit mind-boggling to know he'd be turning 70 today.

It feels like only yesterday that we got that phone call saying they had found a heart for him. He was on the heart transplant list for years, and the chances were slim. But on that day, none of us thought about the chance he might not make it home. It wasn't an option. Before he left, he hugged us each individually and said, "Whatever happens, I'll always love you." After many surgeries and late nights, he passed away.

I have this journal I wrote in quite often during that time.. and I wrote "Today my dad died. I am going to miss him so much. I loved the smell of his cologne and the way he'd always hug me." It was a hard, dark time-- but knowing that I'll see him again one day brings tears to my eyes. He is amazing man. I miss ya, Dad. :)