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.