Christmas 2010 was...

a great time.

And I didn't get one. picture. of. me. and. my. mother. Now, before you chastise me-- the first half of her beloved arrival, she was sleeping. A lot. Like, 17 hour days a lot. Then she got better [but not fully well]. We had to literally cram as many activities we could into a couple days. I remember on Christmas day thinking I should take a picture.... but I didn't. Moving on.

We did a lot of baking, catching up, laughing, more baking, and it couldn't have been better. I do wish she were feeling better, but to be honest- I didn't mind staying in a chatting for hours on end. It was much needed!

I was extremely excited with the gifts I received this year. Nothing huge, but everything much appreciated. Alex knows me well... he got me the Forrest Gump Soundtrack [Seriously. Best bunch of songs ever.], Michael J. Fox's newest book, Beatles cd, and a few other things. My grandmother purchased a fabulous chess set [which we are eager to use] and the in-laws are responsible for the new set of scriptures with my married name engraved on them. I LOVE getting new scriptures. No markings, no worn out pages... it's a perfect new start.

My mom also made us these unique coasters that I fell in love with....

....but I can't forget a certain parting gift my dear sweet mother gave us before traveling back to the rolling hills:

We named him Jimmy.

I hope everyone had a fantastic Christmas as we did. Hope your New Years is just as wonderful!

Mission Statement

My friend Catie told me about a website she found [http://www.franklincovey.com/msb/] in where you build your own personal mission statement. I've heard the benefits of having your own, so I decided to give it a whirl for 2011. So, without further adieu, here she is--

Rachel Teran's Personal Mission Statement

I am at my best when I look my best.I will try to prevent times when I don't get enough sleep and eat poorly.
I will enjoy my work by finding employment where I can genuinely help people and fill my time with worthwhile tasks.
I will find enjoyment in my personal life through finding something each day to make my husband's day better, exercise, and seek activities that will uplift me spiritually.

I will find opportunities to use my natural talents and gifts such as caring about people, going the extra mile, cooking, and looking for ways to be more creative.
I can do anything I set my mind to. I will learn to be truly comfortable in my own skin.
My life's journey is one of simplicity. I want to be happy. I want to love and be loved. I want to strengthen my testimony and knowledge of the scriptures each day. I simply want to enjoy life and love myself in the process.

I will be a person who at 80 years old, will be content with the life I led, and happy to be alive still.
My most important future contribution to others will be that I want to be remembered as someone who was happy--no matter what.
I will stop procrastinating and start working on:

• Lack of organization
• Self-Doubt
• Poor health decisions

I will strive to incorporate the following attributes into my life:

• Optimism
• Christ-like attitude toward life
• Pure joy in being a wife, future mother, and daughter of God

I will constantly renew myself by focusing on the four dimensions of my life:

• Exercise not to lose weight, but to gain confidence and care for my body
• Read scriptures everyday and be in constant prayer so I can develop a deeper relationship with my Heavenly Father
• Have more moments of pure meditation so I can clear my mind and be ready for whatever life throws at me
• Make an effort to get to know those around me, and try to be a beacon of light to all I come in contact with

Yes, it is a bit long-winded. But never-the-less, it is very important. Here's to the upcoming year!

Please Send Cookies.

My mom came into town on Thursday. She wasn't feeling good. She thought it was a kidney infection... with a hint of flu-like symptoms. She really wasn't feeling good.

And then.... after a day and a half of getting worse and feeling like utter crap- we took her to an Instacare. While waiting for her turn to go see the doctor, I noticed her right eye was quite red. Alex said [jokingly], "Maybe you have pink eye, too!"

She does. And she has strep throat, urinary tract infection, respiratory infection, and the flu. Seriously? So over Sunday and today, she will be doing nothing but sleeping and sleeping some more. Hopefully all this nonsense goes away soon so she can half-way enjoy the vacation. :)


And I'd really appreciate some snow! Utah has been upsetting me with the rainy winter situation. Grrrrr. Once the madre is feeling better and we are all looking cute, pictures will be taken. Until then, your imaginations will have to be sufficient.

January 1st, 2011.

Starting 01.01.11, I will:

BUY SOME NEW GLASSES. Maybe ones like the ones pictured below... if Alex doesn't think I look like too much of a dork in them. Regardless, I need a change. And soon.

Write a positive note to myself and put it somewhere where I see it daily. I'm really wanting to develop a more positive outlook not only on life, but myself as well. Maybe something like this? I'm sure throughout the year, my message will vary.

Make more of an effort with mi familia. More phone calls... letters... cards. Just more.

Save up and actually buy a nice camera so I can put my wishes for photography into action. I've put it off for too long... no longer I say!

And try to see the beauty in every day life.
...because that is part of our reason for being here... for being alive. To recognize all that God has created specifically for us.

Maybe I'll start a photo journal. Take a picture of something beautiful each day.
{You better believe that Alex will make a repeat appearance.}

He's good looking.

Until then, I will thoroughly enjoy the company of my beautiful mother {who arrives here in approximately one and a half hours}.

Hope you all are enjoying the Christmas season!

California Dreamin'

I kinda wish that Al and I lived on the coast so we could have a picture just. like. this.

Christmas

is almost here.

It's coming fast... 11 days and counting... or rather, trying not to count... don't want it to be here just yet.

I really, REALLY want to just savor these next few weeks.

Christmas.... slow down. Let me enjoy the season just a few weeks extra.

And SNOW would be nice, too....

knock it off with this rain nonsense.

Be Proud

I enjoy talking about what I believe and why. I love to have deep, religious discussions with people. I enjoy hearing different experiences and views from those around me-- Mormon or not.


...But there are times when I am viewed as 'ignorant'... or even worse, unintelligent for believing in a higher power than myself. For following a strict moral code. For relying on answer to prayer. Surely I can't be smart if I believe in something that is improbable, impossible, a story from the Bible that is more like a 'fairytale' then real life.


Well.


I am happy. I am smart. I am confident. I have high self-esteem. I care about others. I try to do service. I pray. I read the scriptures. I have faith in Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. I have no doubt of the things I know. This does not make me ignorant, nor unintelligent. This makes me whole. It makes me a better person. It makes me who I am... which hopefully-- is a better person than yesterday. It helps me to perfect myself. It helps me to look at others more than myself, and care for my fellow man.


I am not perfect... but I am always trying. Do I fail? Absolutely. Do I get back up and try again? You bet.


I've come to the point where I deem it necessary to stand up and fight for what I know. I won't let critics decide my happiness or my faith. I won't be contentious, but I will be proud.

Baby, you can take my car.

WELL. It's official. The Metro is gone.

After a pain in the butt couple months [it really, really was...] between requesting a duplicate title, and waiting for said title, and getting in contact with KidneyKars, it finally happened. They took the car away and it is officially gone forever. I can't say it's not bittersweet, but not nearly enough to be too sad about it. After all, this car was a crime to drive. No power steering? No air conditioning? No power windows? A drivers side window that was wrecked, but then halfway put back together with a mirror that didn't even fit in the holder? Yeah, the tears are flowing like rain........


I do admit, however, I miss the lack of car payment. We purchased a Hyundai Elantra for the mister... which means another car payment. Yet I know that in the summer when he's turning the steering wheel with minimal effort and his hair is blowing in the air-conditioned breeze, he won't be complaining too much. ;)


We've had a lot of good times, Metro. I really enjoyed it when you got broken into multiple times, and things were stolen. I also look back fondly on the time you were stolen and totalled. I also gained quite the muscle in my biceps from our drives together, plus lost a few LBs from the free sauna you created just for me....but it is time to part ways. Goodbye, and good luck.

Two Turtledoves

Alex and I went to Temple Square to see the lights over the weekend. This won't be the only time we end up going, but I don't mind repeating it. I love it. Thankfully there was some snow left over from the "blizzard" when we went so it was more Christmas-y. :) We went with a couple newly married love birds, Jamie and Teralee. Whilst walking among the lights, I told the said newly married love birds to pose for a picture on a bench nearby.


When I turned around, this is what I saw.

It was too sweet [and by sweet, I mean uncomfortable] to pass up a taking a picture...

This is the real significant other. So, since they took their love picture, we thought we'd take ours. :) Love this lady!

All in all, great night. Went to IHOP afterwards, had good conversation, had a good time. This weekend, Alex and I are going to the 'Dickens Festival'. I have never been, but Alex says it's great. From what I gather, there will be food [most important], carolers, ghosts of Christmas past, present and future wandering around, Father Christmas, cute gift shops.... sounds like my kind-of place.

Hopefully pictures will follow.

Saw This...

... and thought it fit me pretty well.

A lot of people [mostly men] ask Alex and I why I "allowed" him to have a full, thick, beautiful beard on our wedding day.

My only response?

Just look at him! Yummm.. I do admit though, on our wedding day was the thickest I've ever

seen it....

...not that I'm complaining one bit! ;)

Cha-cha-changes

..that will come with the year 2011. {No, I'm not getting ahead of myself. T-rust me... I love Christmas too dang much to skip over it.}

{ONE}

I will be getting a second job in January. Not sure where yet, but somewhere fun and easy. I'm thinking of applying at some flower shops or Barnes and Noble. Except B&N might be a little too tempting to work at... the point of the second job is to get more money, not to spend it frivolously.

{TWO}

I will get to be home for the Christmas holiday next year. I've honestly forgotten what it feels like to be at a Russell gathering. I love the large Teran Clan, but I'm ready for some Oklahoma love!

{THREE}

My brother will be getting off the mish'. Ohhhh how I can't wait to see him again!

{FOUR}

Throwin' around the idea of having Mr. Teran going part time in January... so he can get more schooling in. I'm not exactly sure if we can afford it- so that is why it hasn't left the "throwin' around" category. Honestly the thought terrifies me. Not sure if it's possible. Time will tell.

{FIVE}

2011 may be a little stressful. I know that the husband and my time together will be cut in half... there will be a lot of work, school, work and school. I'm a little apprehensive about beginning it... but I've got to just focus on the fact that it will end eventually. We won't be strapped for money and/or time forever.

I think that this holiday season we've realized that we don't have a lot of extra money to spend. We've become very frugile and it hasn't been easy. I'm trying to focus on the true meaning of Christmas, and just enjoying the time we have together... because next year it will be a bit different. Like I said, it will NOT be an easy thing, but sometimes you have to sacrifice now for something you want later. Yikes. ;)

So. The rest of the year will be basking. Basking in any extra time we get to spend together. Basking in the feeling of the holidays. Basking in my Mum being in town. Basking in our blessings and in everything we do have. (which is ALOT.) I truly can't complain. There are many others that don't have near what we do. That is something to think about.

Happy Holidays!

As time goes on, I really feel like my blog is becoming more and more obselete. There really isn't anything of interest in our lives right now... we both work, he is endlessly in school... I feel as though the stories I tell are always the same. :) I'm thinking that my blog posts will become less and less until maybe our family expands or something spectacular happens. Nevertheless, here I am.

Life is good over here. We're LOVING the snowy weather and the holiday tunes (minus Neil Diamond, Jackson 5 and Michael Bolton...) and we have been drinking hot chocolate almost every night. :) We've taken our Christmas pictures and are starting to shop for gifts for family members. Things are just happier around this time of year. We love going to the mall and seeing all the Christmas decor. Christmas will, however, be a little meager for us- so we've decided to just buy minimal gifts for eachother. Since my mom will be out here, it will be a present in and of itself. Plus, I really want to focus on the reason for the season!I hope you all are enjoying this holiday season and remembering those who are less fortunate. Love you all!

What Would I Say?

...if I had the opportunity to have a conversation with him? So much has happened since he left us.


I can guess that it would start with a long embrace. He would still smell like Polo cologne, and he wouldn't seem as tall now. He would be wearing church clothes, white button up shirt... black pants. He would still have fantastic hair, and his big glasses that fit him so perfectly. I would make sure he had a Diet Dr. Pepper. :) He would call me Rachy and it would feel like he never left.


I would start by expressing my undying gratitude. Gratitude for all the things he taught me. Gratitude for him always quizzing us on the way to school or church of scriptures we should memorize. Gratitude for his devotion to the church, his wife and his children.


I would go on saying that there were some rough times with some of the kids, myself included... but we made it through- and much of that was due to the foundation laid by him and Mom. I would say that all 6 children are endowed, and 5 are married in the temple for time and all eternity. 1 is currently on a mission, and 3 others have previously served missions. I would say that there was a moment when all 6 children and Mom were in the temple together. That even though he wasn't physically there, we felt him.


I'd tell him about my fabulous husband, and how I wish he could have asked for my hand in marriage. I'd say that I wish we could have had a Daddy-Daughter dance at my reception, but then again- I know all his girls wish that.


I would talk to him about how he has 5 grandchildren... and the number is growing fast! Since we don't have children yet, there isn't much to say about that- except I hope that they have some of his physical attributes. I know that they will know much of their grandfather, even though they won't meet him in this life.


I would mention that he probably never realized the impact he'd make on everyone he met. People still talk about him fondly- and his memory has not faded in the slightest. He touched many people.


I'd also pick his brain. What kind-of music did you listen to? Who did you date in High School? College? What was it like playing in the Utah Symphony? Why did you stop playing String Bass? Did you have any dreams as a young man that you never got the chance to fulfill? I want to know everything I didn't think to ask at age 11.


After our conversation, we'd probably laugh and say that he was everywhere I wished he could have been... just not physically.


In this life, we're not sure of why things happen. We're not sure why loved ones have to go when they do. Why did he have to leave when we were so young? I'm not sure we'll ever know that answer until we too pass on. But I do know that the reunion will be sweet and is much anticipated.


I love you, Dad. Thinking of you much- especially during the holidays. ♥

RAGNAR

Hardest things about RAGNAR RELAY?

• Well, the running of course! :) The first leg, I thought I was in over my head... but after I finished, I was excited for the next one! By the third, I admit I was EXHAUSTED (having had only about an hour and a half of sleep) but because it was the last leg, I pushed it and kept on going.
• Not having Alex there. Alex couldn't get off work (and he didn't feel like he was trained enough to do it... uh, I wasn't either.) ;) But it would have been SO much better having him there for extra support. We did text quite frequently though, so I guess that is better than nothing.
• My right knee... really, this wasn't a big issue, but on my second leg I could barely keep myself from walking. It was so so so so so painful. Thankfully, that was the only leg it was an issue with.
  
  
  BUT... even with those circumstances, I would do it again in a heartbeat. It was such an accomplishment for myself. I'm usually one who talks about 'wanting to do' things, and it never materializes... or, I commit to it, then find an excuse not to go due to lack of confidence. I am so glad that I stuck with it, and pushed myself. I had such a blast!! Can't wait to do it again.
  
  
  (My van! GREAT team to run with!)

My Life in a List

Things I'm looking forward to in my life right now:

• Ragnar Relay in Las Vegas on October 22nd. Am I in over my head? Probably. Am I still excited? Yes. Does this mean I'm crazy? Absolutely.
• A 5K on October 9th. My first. Yes, I am going from a 5K to running Ragnar. Did I mention I'm crazy?
• My husband's 25th birthday on October 4th. I purchased 9 (yes, 9) Jackie Chan movies for the big event. We also got him a car. (We're donating my dear, sweet Metro to Kidney Cars within the next week. I have to admit, it's bittersweet. I will be sure to post about that event... with pictures... sniff.) I also have a small present idea up my sleeve that I'm quite excited about.
• General Conference. I'm going to fast prior to Conference (a tip from Sheri Dew at Time Out for Women. I'm thinking she knows what she's talking about. ;)) to get the whole effect. I am also planning on taking avid notes throughout.
• My mom coming out for Christmas. We've had many conversations about the many funs we're planning on having. I haven't been with my family for Christmas the past few years, and even though it won't be the WHOLE family, at least I'll have my mother around. In case you didn't know, this woman happens to be my hero.
• Getting the guts to do something fun with my hair. I don't know what this means... but hopefully I will muster up the courage to take that leap.
• FALL!!!

Things I'm appreciating right now?

• Alex! A few nights ago, we were watching a movie together, all snuggled up (mushy, I know!) and I had a realization. Marriage is easy. I also realized that we have entered into this completely and totally comfortable phase. I honestly can't remember what it was like NOT to have him in my life. This guy makes marriage so smooth and problem free. Our personalities fit so well, and everything just meshes. Yeah, I have got it good!
• Running. Alex has joined me nightly to go for a run before we go to bed. We just run around the block until we're dead, then walk the remainder... and talk. It's just a fantastic nightly ritual and I can't get that "high" from anything else. Running has become my new best friend.
• Trying to really love myself. I used to have the habit of always wanting to change something about myself. Every morning, I'd stare in the mirror and critique. I'd over-exaggerate my flaws, and rarely see the positive. Ever since I've honestly tried to make a change, my life has improved 110%. Try only focusing on the positive things about yourself. It will change everything.
• Utah. I love this state. I love the weather, I love always seeing the mountains, I love how easy it is to get places due to the fantastic grid system. I love the constant church opportunity, I love Temple Square, I love living within 10 minutes from a temple. I just love it.
• Getting to know my husband's family[extended AND immediate]. (It's a big family!!) When I first married into it, it was overwhelming to say the least.. but after time, I've grown to love them all. I still have some learning to do, but I really, truly love every stinkin' one of them.

Things I miss?

• My fatha. It was his birthday on the 22nd, and I just love him!
• My family. Of course, this is a given.
• The simplicity of childhood.
• Oklahoma... and those fantastic thunderstorms/sunsets...
• The excitement of moving to UT, and not knowing a single person. I loved the fresh start!
• Time Out for Women. I kinda wish it were every weekend....

And that, in a nutshell, is my life at this moment. :) I've been wanting to post something, but I haven't any big news or experiences to record. Hopefully the coming months will be note-worthy!

Just Breathe

I've been telling myself that very phrase over the past month or so. Without going into too much detail, it hasn't been an easy month. However, I feel like I've grown 10x from the beginning of August to the beginning of September.


On a particular Sunday in the month of August, I had the opportunity to go to Sunday School. (Being in nursery hasn't given me that opportunity often.) It was, hands down, THE best lesson I've ever had. She started with three simple questions:

• What does it mean to fully trust God?
• Do you trust God?
• If so, how do you KNOW you trust God?

Wow. Well? As I sat there, I tried to really think about those questions. Did I trust God? Have I ever been put into a situation where I had to rely fully on God? Well, I know that when I made the initial trek to UT, that was me putting 110% of my trust in God. But I didn't feel that was too difficult, honestly. It was a little scary, naturally... but I was so ready for the adventure. So, that brings me back to that first question. Did I trust Him?

She went on talking about Job, and all of the trials he went through. Losing his children, his wife, his prosperity, even his health! And his attitude through the entire experience? "The Lord gave me these things, he has every right to take it away. He knows what is best for me." The entire lesson I felt as if it were directed at me, though I wasn't sure why. It should have worried me! But it didn't. I did seem to think about it as the week progressed, though.

And then I knew why.

The whole day I thought, "Whatever be Thy will, please give me the strength to be accepting." I prayed. And things didn't turn out the way I wanted. (Imagine that!) I allowed myself time to grieve. After about three hours of an emotions going nuts, I came to and thought to myself, "If I prayed so long and hard for help to accept His will, why am I not even trying to be accepting?" And so there it was. I quit my crying, and I tried. And you won't BELIEVE the night and day difference. It was as if all I needed to do was give a little, and He took care of the rest. I immediately felt peace... comfort... overwhelming love. I wasn't sad anymore. Disappointed, naturally. But I knew that it was for my benefit, even if I didn't know all the answers yet.

SO, from that whole ordeal, I've tried hard to change my attitude. I've started going to the temple more (I'm aiming for once a week), and I've made a goal to read the Book of Mormon in 90 days. I'm going to Time Out for Women this weekend (so. so. so. so. excited) and I've been trying to be more personal and grateful in my prayers.

I'm satisfied with where my life is at this moment. I've got so much going for me. There are many who have gone through far worse than I!

Yep. I can't complain one bit.

Oh Dear..

It seems that I have forgotten to elaborate on my close to out of body experience seeing Sir Paul McCartney on July 13th. Now before I begin, let me say that this was TRULY a dream come true, and I will never see a concert as fantabulous as this was.


Wow wow wow. SO incredible. He was so full of energy and Alex and I became full-blown hippies the entire night. [Not sure if Alex has a hippie bone in his body.... but for Paul, oh yes he does.] I'm pretty sure I threw a peace sign or two, danced and sang along with almost every song. Sigh... it was a little disheartening to leave however because we realized we may never have an experience quite like that again.

It's like Christmas as a kid... you wait and wait and wait and wait and on Christmas Day, you're almost sad because it's going to be over for another year.

BUT regardless, great great show and we're both pretty pumped that we had the opportunity to attend.

And we're both still smiling.

On another note... in only a month- fall will be here. I can't believe another year has passed. I have to say, fall is my favorite season... I've enjoyed the sunshine and warm weather- but I love cute jackets, scarves, and hats. Plus, the holidays are spectacular. I mean, let's be honest. Who doesn't love Thanksgiving and Christmas? That's what I thought. :)

Til next time...

At This Point

I am happy.


There are many things a'happening in the Teran household.. nothing huge or groundbreaking, but we are busy little bees. We are both through with the diet! We are still trying to be extremely active [going to the gym 5 days a week] and eating well. It's been a lot easier than expected! I think when we finished that diet, anything was better than the routine we'd had. :)


I am running my first 5K in October. I gave myself a few months to prepare for it.. I know, it's only a 5K, but for a marathon beginner, I want to be totally prepared. I'm thinking of continually running in small marathons to keep myself in shape, and to eventually run the Wasatch Back. (A girl can dream, right?)


Alex starts back in school this month. He'll be gone a lot, so we're thinking of expanding our little family with a puppy within the next couple months. (We'll have to see how finances go). I know that I will be lonely Mon-Fri if I don't have SOME company. I am very excited for him to be back in school. We're just going to try and push him through as fast as humanly possible so we can be done!!! I'm thinking of picking up a sewing class, and I'm also going to get involved in Yoga and/or Pilates. I'm trying to keep as busy as possible.


In a couple weeks, we're hiking Mt. Timpanogous! VERY psyched about that.
 Life. Is. Good.

We're Still Alive..

I'm sure many are wondering if we are surviving the diet. We ARE! We're currently on day 12 (almost over day 12, actually) and going strong! There have been a couple meltdowns, I'll admit. But usually the other one is right there to help the other out. We can both proudly say we've lost 5 lbs in a week, and counting! We're working out 5 days a week, and it has improved our quality of life 10 fold. It's amazing what energy from eating well and regular exercise will do. We have made plans to go on more hikes, Alex has been mountain biking with his brother Paul, we want to start playing tennis, and we LOVE to run! I love being active. (This is coming from 2 ex couch potatoes who loved to eat pizza, drink Dr. Pepper and sit on our rear-ends.)


The diet becomes quite repetitive... and sometimes hard to handle, but we've found if we push through it, we never regret it. We take it a day at a time. On Thursday, we'll be half-way there. I can't wait to see how far we've come on July 31st.


*Note: We made it through July 4th, one of my favorite holidays, without cheating. Not even a little bit. They brought out the grilled hotdogs and potato salad, we ate chicken and veggies. They brought out the HOMEADE cookies and cream icecream, we ate sugar free jello. Yeah. I know!


So, things are going pretty well right now. I've never had a flat tummy, so I'm hoping to achieve that. Also, in other news, we both got callings. I am a Nursery leader and he is a Second Counselor in the Sunday School Presidency. Our nursery is very small (4 kids) and it's actually a lot of fun. I miss my Relief Society though....


Anyway, that's what we're up to as of late. Still kickin'! :)


Oh, and Paul McCartney is tomorrow............ woop!

This month..

...will be an interesting one.


Alex and I have done some lifestyle changes during the past month... and those lifestyle changes consist of our diet and our exercise! Over the past couple weeks, we've stopped eating out- started working out- and have been so pumped about losing some weight!


It seemed to be fate when my sister, Heather, called me and asked us if we wanted to do a free month of personal training via e-mail with a friend of hers. We jumped on the bandwagon, and starting Monday- we'll be on a strict diet and working out schedule! We're SOOO excited!


Our diet for the next month will include: egg whites, chicken/tuna, oatmeal, natural peanut butter, apples, green veggies, brown rice/sweet potatoes, and protein shakes. Nothing more, nothing less.


It will kick our butts... but many members of mi familia are doing it too, so we'll have a great support system.


I would put before pictures on here, but I am not going to. ;)


I'm probably not going to be on the computer much this next month so I can fully focus on whats ahead of me. Plus, I'm just on the dang thing too much anyway. :)


And they're off...

A Perfect Week

A couple weeks ago, my beloved and I both had about a week and a half off from work to do whatever we want. I will let you know that we took FULL advantage of this opportunity. Our week included:

• Browsing the mall and eating goodies from Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory
• Going to home decor stores (lots of them)
• A zoo trip (I haven't been since being in UT.) It was fun! I haven't been to the zoo in ages....
• Went on a hike. (Our new passion...)
• Went camping (It was wonderful!!)
• Celebrating our two year anniversary!!!
• Eating at Macaroni Grill (we went there on our honeymoon)
• Eating at Nauvoo Cafe (we just really love their sandwiches)
• Eating at Cafe Rio (we just eat there all the time)
• And probably a bunch of other eateries.... we like to eat. A lot.
• We stayed at the same bed and breakfast from our honeymoon. Same room. It was just fantastic!!
• Our bed and breakfast is right in the middle of SLC, so we did nothing but walk all weekend. We did all the typical touristy mormons do... tour of the conference center, church history museum, browsed temple square and on Sunday morning, saw Music and the Spoken Word. It was an extremely spiritually uplifting weekend.
• We made out. We held hands. We hugged. Even more than usual!!!
• We spent a night with Alex's sister, Marlene and her lovely family.
• Went to This is the Place heritage park, where I had a not-so-wonderful headache. I did manage to buy a bottled rootbeer though. This made me happy.
• We talked about things we loved about being married, and things we could work on. I LOVE having conversations about how we can improve as a couple, or as individuals. Believe it or not, I like to hear what he would like me to improve on. It's weird...

Well, I suppose I should post some pictures from our week of bliss. I'm not going to post too many, but here are some of the highlights!

Everytime I see anything of President Hinckley I have to take a picture :) He's just wonderful and I miss him dearly!

This was at This is the Place Heritage park. They had a petting zoo. Cute!

Alex and I taking a breather. We walked soooo much that weekend.

Our adorable bed and breakfast!!!

This was on top of the Conference Center. It was such a neat tour. I had never been so it was extra special for me. A must do for everyone!!

Alex at the zoo pretending to be a monkey.

There aren't too many pictures on this, solely because it takes a bloody lifetime to upload each picture onto blogger. And it's getting late as it is. And I'm starting to feel a cold coming on... which means it's probably time for me to sign off. Adios!

Thanks, Mom...

Alex and I were given the opportunity to speak in church today (something I truly enjoy!) and the topic was either a General Conference talk from last session, or on Preach my Gospel. Talk about choices!! After a little searching, I chose L. Tom Perry's talk, "Mothers Teaching in the Home." I'm sure you know by now that my mother is absolutely fabulous- and everytime I even bring her name up in a talk, I cry. And I cry a lot.


I talked about several things that my mom did for us growing up, and all the subtle- yet sometimes not so subtle- principles she taught us. From the first story I told, the tears started.... there was a family that my sister, Jill, was babysitting when she was a teenager. (Note: this family was having a difficult time, single mother with I think 5 kids.) Jill went to make them food and noticed they hardly had a thing in their cupboards or refridgerator. She called my mom, who was the Relief Society president at the time, and she immediately, without question, called her counselors and went grocery shopping for this sweet family. I think my mom was surprised that I knew this story... because she never told it to me. I'm glad Jill did.


After that, I went into how she taught us to have high self-esteem by complimenting us, talking to us, and being affectionate with us. On our birthdays, she implemented a rule where we went around the table and every member of the family had to say a few things they like about the birthday person. It was difficult sometimes (especially if you were in a fight with that particular person as a child....) but I think it helped shape all of the children's relationships with eachother now. We all get along and compliment eachother easily.


She also would have us on various Sundays write a letter to someone in our ward telling them what we appreciate and admire about them. I absolutely LOVE that she did this, and I plan on doing it for our future little ones. I have since talked to various adults that we sent letters to, and they say they still have the the notes the "Russell kids" would write. What an amazing example my mother is. Truly....


So anyway, thanks Mom for being a good mother and making me cry. (The whole tear-up easily whilst speaking comes from her, too.)


Oh, and P.S. The Paul McCartney tickets sold out in 3 hours. Thanks to Alex's brother, Paul, we were able to get them. It was a close one.....

Can I Just Tell You..

that Alex and I will be purchasing tickets to see Sir Paul McCartney in the flesh?

(I loooooove Mr. McCartney with a beard and the long hair. I'm a hippie lover at heart, it's true... plus, as you may or may not have noticed, I have a thing for beards.)

Alex and I are SO THRILLED. We're kind-of obsessed with The Beatles, so this is going to be a delight. He still is a fantastic performer, and I'll admit it- I still think he's extremely attractive. Don't judge.

It is absolutely okay to be jealous.

Why, Hello!

Let me formally introduce myself.

[Warning: this is a LONG post of me rambling about my life.]


My name is Rachel Teran. I have no middle name. My maiden name is Russell, and I loved it. I miss signing it, but I decided to not have it be a middle name, and just went with Teran. (I was just so giddy when I got married that I wanted the feeling of dropping the old and embracing the new. Little did I know everyone would mispronounce it....)

This is what I looked like as a baby.

I was 10 lbs 2 oz when I arrived. My mom said that I was adorable, but in all honesty- I think I was just fat. Fat babies are always cute babies. Heavy, but cute.... I know you may not be able to tell from the dress (because it's slimming, you know) but there is many a'rolls under there. I imagine I smiled because I was comfortable and couldn't move even if I wanted to.

Some big achievements in my childhood were being the LEAD dinosaur in my second grade play, a spelling bee contestant in fourth (I misspelled synonym. Who knows that in fourth grade?), I was in the Mustang Area Chorus in 6th grade (the video footage is classic), and I memorized all 13 articles of faith by 8 years old. (I'm a little rusty, but I bet I can still recite them.) I know what you're thinking... with a rap-sheet like that, this girl was destined for greatness.When I got to be in 9th grade, I decided that dressing like a boy would be preferable- popular even! I found out later, in hindsight, that it wasn't. It really, really wasn't. A personal low in that time period was when I wore dickie pants cut at the mid calf, and a hurley shirt, thick skater shoes (I didn't skate. Jus' throwin that in there) and my infamous thick framed glasses. Oh, can't forget an occasional backwards hat. (!!) I remember waking up at the beginning of 10th grade thinking, "I want to be a girl again. This is ridiculous." And so it was. (Also during this time, I came up with cool "different" outfits like this little number:
You are seeing correctly. That is a taxi cab hat I got from a thriftstore. Not much more to say than that... I guess pictures speak much louder than words.

In the middle of 10th grade, I moved to Stillwater. I lived with my sister and brother-in-law and their little one at the time, Anna. I love that town. Much more exciting than Mustang, though Mustang will always have a feeling of "home." I didn't have a car all through high school. At the time, it felt like one of the hardest and just "most embarrassing things like, ever".. but one day you're out of high school, and everything gets put into perspective. It's an interesting feeling when you realise that high school really does. not. matter. I was in such a hurry to get a car. So I got one. And it looked like this:

I still have this thing. It is a 98 Chevy Metro. With no air-conditioning. And no power steering. And the headlights barely work. And there are only two hubcaps. And it sounds like a racecar when you accelerate it past 15 mph. And the doors don't lock. And it's been broken into more than once. And it was stolen. And when it was stolen, they (the culprits who were never found) ran it into a telephone pole. And it was fixed. And I still have this thing. It was $1200.00.
After graduation, I was living with a friend, and not really happy with my life. I wasn't going anywhere, doing anything. I was working at an icecream shop (which, by the way, if you're ever in TX, OK, KS, AR, or MO, you have to go to Braums. It's a delight.) for which I had been working for three years. Not my dream job, believe it or not. So my mom called me, said she was moving to UT in 2 weeks, and asked if I wanted to come along. I considered declining due to the fact that 1. It was August and I would have to drive the Metro all the way to UT with no airconditiong and 2. Well, really that was the only reason. But I did it. Evan and I squeezed in the little wind-up car and shook all the way to UT.

This is what we probably looked like the entire way:
(Except a lot grumpier.)

We did, however, listen to a lot of Queen on the way. And that was quite enjoyable.

So I came here. I got a job at Jordan Credit Union. I saw a handsome man enter the building on my second or third day. He ignored me. I decided that he was probably just shy. I was right. I tried to get to know this hunky stranger. I asked him open-ended questions like, "So, you went a mission to Taiwan huh?" And he would answer, "Yep." Silence. Determined, I continued. "That's cool! You speak Chinese, then huh?" "Yah." Silence. I thought about giving up. But I decided to press on, but go about it differently. I pretended to be in love with him. I would always talk about "when Alex and I get married" and mutter "I love you" under my breath just to get a reaction out of him. He would just usually stare at me in silence. I'm not sure if he knew how to react.
(I realise that I got very, very lucky with this)

After about a month of me saying things, he loosened up and even joined in my marriage talk. I remember saying something about not liking swimming and he said, "Well, that's going to be a problem on our honeymoon because we're going to a beach." :) That makes me smile. I think it was from that moment that I knew I liked him. This whole time I pretended to love him, and now I'm interested. So I casually asked him to hang out on Halloween. He said he had plans. I was embarrassed and sad. The next day he called me homie. I thought it was over for good even before it began. Yet on that Saturday, he brought me a fortune he had receieved from a fortune cookie that previous night. It said, "A new relationship is about to blossom. You will be blessed." He asked me out, and the rest is history.

When we dated, we took a lot of pictures. Mostly of cheesy make out pictures like this:

Then we were engaged, and then we were married for time and all eternity.

Alex and my relationship has been strong from the get-go. I think that since we went through hard times during the dating/engagement period (My fault. I had fears and insecurities), it made us go through the hard part first and then just enjoy marriage. We compliment eachother. He supports me. I support him. He's understands my needs, as I do his. We can look through home decor stores for hours and dream of the future. We listen to The Beatles together and get excited for Christmas. We say "I love you" every single day. We go to church together and we go to the temple. We're dedicated to eachother and I know that when we expand our little family, things will only get better. We have common goals. We love our Heavenly Father. We love Jesus Christ. We love the Gospel, and we love our families. He's a great man. I'm a lucky gal.

I hope by reading this you not only know me, but you may want to be just like me. No, in all honesty-- it's been quite the journey and there were hard times, but they've all lead me here.

And here is where I want to be.

Things I Love Right Now

I figured since there isn't anything particularly exciting in our lives right now- I'd jot down a few things I love about my life.

1. Alex. Yes, this is obvious. I gotta tell you, he just keeps getting better!
2. Re-adjusting goals and feeling motivated again. I know it's only May and quite a few of my goals from New Years are gone with the wind.... but it just makes it that much better to re-evaluate, re-new, and re-start.
3. Making an honest effort to get to know those around me. There are so many family members, co-workers, old friends, and new friends that I haven't made an effort to just talk to. I really want to develop close relationships with those around me, and I like how it's making a difference in not only my self-esteem, but my happiness.
4. Remembering birthdays! Something I've never been particularly good at, and I feel 15x better about myself when I not only remember a birthday, but get involved.
5. Laying off television. You never realise how many hours you waste on t.v. until you put it into perspective. It's baaaaad. I mean really, who gets into The BACHELOR? I do, that's who. Don't judge me.
6. Getting amped for our vacay in a month! We're staying here, but we're making plans rather than sittin' on our butts all week. Plus it's our big 2 year anniversary, and we've already made reservations for our honeymoon bed and breakfast. Sigh. It's going to be a great week.
7. The temple. I love that place. I really, really do.
8. Remembering my mum on Mother's Day. I think I have the greatest mom on earth. Don't test me on this, I know what I'm talking about.

I'm livin the dream.

I Have a Feeling..

a feelin' deep inside, oh yeah.... that 2010 is going to be a great year for me.


I don't know how to describe this feeling I have... but I just feel good and hopeful. I don't have too many goals this year, solely because I didn't want to set a million goals and not acheive a good portion of them. So I set reachable goals that I do intend on keeping.


First, I want to take more pictures. Since the purchase of our new camera, I was set on taking more pictures. I haven't. I want to fill our apartment with pictures of people I love and places I've been. It's something I've never been very good at, but I intend to change that with the new year.


Second? I want to make more time for the temple. I only live what? 10 minutes away from one? And 15-20 minutes away from 2 others? Yeah, I think that's do-able..
Put more focus on the significant other. Yes, I know we're newlyweds--that doesn't mean there isn't room for improvement. :)


There are other things that I'd like to work on and I do intend to do just that. But at the end of 2010, I want to look back and feel I accomplished what I wanted to, put what's most important first, and be able to be proud of myself for doing so. I've learned a lot from 2009- and I intend to learn even more in 2010. :) Don't you love new years?

It's Official.

We're adults now.

We made our first big purchase together. A 2008 Kia Spectra. The price was reasonable, and even though we mourn the loss of the Mazda (may he rest in peace) we're excited to see what new experiences we'll have with our new car :) It was a minor financial set back, but we're determined to make the most of it and pay off everything BUT the car by March. Yes sir, I think things are looking up!