A Moment

Have you ever had one of those moments?  A moment when you know you are in a certain place, at a certain time, with a certain someone, and the only word that I can think to explain it is.. destiny.  A moment so perfect where life just stops.

The other day I came home from work and was very frustrated with my job.  I had a horrible day at work, there were bills waiting to be paid, and a sink full of dishes waiting to be cleaned.  I guess you could say that I had a very bad, no good, rotten day. When Justin got home, we did our nightly ritual of showering, eating, watching tv and unwinding for the night.  We got tired and went to bed.  As I laid in bed waiting for Justin to brush his teeth I contemplated my day and dreaded having to do it all again in the morning.  Justin has always done a good job at making me laugh and feel better after I get home from work.  I remember him coming in the room singing and dancing.  I laughed.  He turned the lights, got in bed and immediately rolled over and kissed me on the forehead, told me he loved me, and just held me in his arms.  That was the moment.  The moment where I felt completely in love and content with my entire life.

As Justin fell asleep, my thoughts turned from dreading life to thinking how lucky I was to be living the life I live.  I have a home, food, television, AC ( I would have DIED this summer without it), and most importantly the most amazing man who loves and cares for me so much more than I ever can deserve. I love him.  I love him more than I ever thought I would.  We have been through so much together.  I started to think how I got to where I am now in life.  I am so grateful that on a Friday night in February 2 1/2  years ago I decided to ditch the institute activity that night and go on a date with some guy.  That some guy became my guy, and my life.  

Pookie

Wow.  I haven't blogged in forever!  While my recent hiatus from the blogging world, I have been spending quite a bit of time with this really cool guy.... I guess he's alright.

 We have known and hung out with each other for more than 2 years now.  We officially got together in June and then 6 months later he decided that he liked it, so he put a ring on it!

I love him!  It's so crazy that I have one month until I get married to my absolute best friend.  I never thought that I would get married until I was at least 25.  But I am so dang excited!  I can not believe that I found someone so perfect.

I love that he knows every song  that comes on the radio, and who sings it, after the first few notes.  I love when he sings.  His voice is amazing.  I love when he dances along with the music. That boy gots moves.

I love that he tickles me all of the time just so he can hear me laugh.

I love that he can tell when something is bugging me without me ever saying anything.

I love when he kisses me on the forehead for no reason.

I love that he is goofy. and I love all of the stupid, funny inside jokes that we have.

I love when he uses those cheesy, but smooth lines on me.

I I love that when I call him Pookie he rolls his eyes and says 'oh boy' but still let's me call him it :)

I love that when I am sick or when a friend asks for a Priesthood blessing he is ready and worthy to give one at any moment.

I love that we can talk about absolutely anything.

I love that he takes me to soccer games when I know he isn't too fond of the sport.  (we are working on that ;)

I love that he is always asking me how people in my family are doing.

I love that he has breakfast with his grandpa once every week and loves calling his grandma to talk about the latest Jazz game with her.

I love when he is around little kids.  He is going to be such a good poppa.

I love when I cry he wipes away my tears and scoops me up in his arms.

I love how close he is to his family and how much he loves and cares for each and every one of them.

I love that he took my dad to Carl's Jr. when he asked my dad for permission to marry me.

I love watching sports with him.  We both can get a little too into it.  It helps that we like all of the same teams.  ( I swear it's true.  I am not the type of girl to change my beloved teams for a guy :)

I love his kisses.  Seriously, he is thee best kisser.

I love how hard he works.

I love that he wears shorts all of the time, snow or sunshine, he is crazy.

I love that he fulfills his church calling, even when it seems to be hard and a burden at times.

I love that whenever we fight or argue, we always work through it and learn from it.

I love that we are getting married in the temple and that I get to spend forever with the most amazing man! :)

My Apologies

Have you ever gone through a phase where you just don't feel like yourself?  Like your just going through the motions each day?  Well, that's exactly how I have felt lately. I have just felt like....blah! And the sad thing about it is that I know why and haven't done anything to change it.

A couple weeks ago while I was camping with my boyfriend and his family for a week (which was amazing!). I realized that I had forgot to bring my Kindle which had all of my books that I was going to read while camping.  I was sad to realize my foolish mistake but oh well; there was plenty to do besides reading. I had so much fun but for some reason I just felt weird...  About half way through the week I finally realized why I wasn't acting as cheerful as I would have liked.  My scriptures were on my Kindle.  I never realized how much I rely on scriptures.  There had been some unexpected things that had come up recently that I was having a hard time with and I realized that the one thing that I usually rely on making feel better was missing.

I am both embarrassed and ashamed to admit that it has been weeks since I have read my scriptures.  No wonder why it is 2:30 in the morning and I can't sleep!  I have been up all night trying to figure out ways to make myself want to sleep.  I finally spotted my poor scriptures sitting in the corner of my room that were surprisingly not dusty from lack of use.  I decided that it is about time that I read them.  Wow!  I feel 182.75% better than I did before.

I am so amazed how much the Lord can uplift me by reading just a few simple words.  I had to just open my scriptures to a random page becasue it has been so long since I last read them that I couldn't even remember where I was reading last.  I flipped them open and read some scriptures that I had highlighted:  Doctrine and Covenants 1:37 " Search these commandments, for they are true and faithful, and the prophecies and promises which are in them shall be fulfilled....For behold, and lo, the Lord is God, and the Spirit beareth record, and the record is true, and the truth abideth forever anad ever. Amen"  Yep, as soon as I read that I started to cry.  I know the Lord answered a prayer.  I know that He loves me and always watches over and cares for me; even when I don't always have Him in mind.  I am so thankful for His love.  I'm so thankful for simple things as the scriptures that help uplift me and make me a better person.  I'm so grateful that the Lord answer prayers.

I would like to apologize to my family, boyfriend, friends, coworkers, and anyone that I have been around lately.  I know that I have probably not been the most fun person to be around.  I would also like them to know that I know that I can become a better person by sticking close to the Lord.  I want to promise you all that I will never let myself become such a grouch ever again.  I'm so thankful for the amazing examples that I have all around me.  I guess I realized tonight that life isn't really worth living if I'm not living close to the Lord.  I know He loves me.  I know that my Savior helps lifts me when I make mistakes and He guides me and because of His exa,ple, I want to be better.  I love Him!  Such a small thing such s reading a few lines in my scriptures has made such a difference.  The church is true.  Tis true!

Who's Yo Daddy

How to pray. How swing a bat.  How to show respect.  How to do my best.  How to fish.  How to do math.  How to work. How to ride a four-wheeler. How to stay determined.  How to live the Gospel.  How to fix a flat tire.  How to shoot a basketball.  How to read.  How to stand up for myself.  How to admit when I am wrong.  How to laugh.  How to have faith.  How to love. 

These are just a few things that my dad has taught me. My dad is by far THE most amazing man I know.  I really am the luckiest girl to have a father that loves me as much as 'Big Wade' loves me. I always know that he will be there for me.  He will come and help me out when I let my car battery die, or lock my keys in the car twice within a week, or have to do my taxes, or need help to pay for school, or  just need someone to talk to.  

I love how everyone finds my dad super intimidating.  And yes, he is.  He is a large man that has a very tough guy look to him.  But really he is probably the nicest man I know.  Whenever someone needs help, he is there.  He is always lending friends money, or giving up his time to help someone.  

Many people ask me what my parents have done in order to have a family that is as close as mine and to have a family that tries to do what's right. My dad has never been super strict.  Don't get me wrong, if I do something stupid he makes sure that I won't do it again, but for the most part my dad has taught me by example.   I remember in a job interview once my employer asked me what some of my good qualities were. After I answered she then asked me how I acquired those qualities.  I told her by watching my Dad and the way he lives his life. 

My Dad has taught me to work hard for the things I have.  Because of him, I have learned the importance of hard work.  Whenever I complain about working I can most certainly expect his usual story of "I don't want to hear your excuses.  I remember picking up rocks on the dry farm in my sister's shoes..".  I have learned that I shouldn't complain as much as I do.

Big Wade is hilarious!  He is always making jokes and teasing people.  Not only that, but he always has to be doing something.  I think that every room in our house has been painted at least once if not twice in the past year.  He is always making up some new project to do. Sometimes he thinks that he is funny but he really is not, but it's funny because he thinks that he is funny.

My Dad is a spiritual giant.  He knows so much about the Gospel.  He has always fulfilled all of his callings and is always the one reminding us to pray.  His testimony is amazing and I know that He will always follow the Lord and His counselors.  I went through a pretty hard time in my life and looking back it started to get better right around the time my amazing Dad gave me a blessing.  My Dad honors and respects his Priesthood and I am able to reap the benefits from that.

My Dad is amazing for so many different reasons.  A few years ago he wrote me a letter.  Whenever I start doubting myself I will read that letter and it helps me out.  I hope he doesn't mind me sharing but in the letter he said, "I feel so lucky to have a daughter that I can completely trust...  I never have to worry about you."  Those lines have stuck with me for a long time.  I want to be a better person because of my Dad.  If you could ask me what the worst I could do is, it would be to know that I disappointed my Dad.  I look at my Dad and how much he loves my Mom and our family and it kind of makes me tear up.  He is the perfect example of a loving father, husband, grandfather, and friend.  

I love you Dad!

He Didn't Put a Ring on it!

Saturday night:

 I was working, and it was kind of a crazy night.  I felt like I was running around constantly tending to patients and trying to get everything done.  I finally found some time at the end of my shift to sit down and do some charting.  Literally the minute I sit down, one of my friends sent me a text saying "So you are engaged?".  My first thought: "What a ridiculous question!  I just hung out with him a few days ago and he knows that I have not been dating someone."  He then tells me that on the infamous Facebook it says that I am engaged.  After telling him many times that I indeed was not engaged and that someone who thought they were funny, must have hacked on to my account.  I thought I would go home and quickly change the 'engaged' status to 'single' and no one would ever know it had been changed.... Oh boy, I could not have been more wrong.  I got home from work, showered, and went to bed because I was exhausted from my shift.

Sunday Morning: 

 I woke up from a marvelous night of sleep and started to get ready for church.  I heard my phone buzz, therefore, I went over to see which lovely person had texted me.  I looked at my phone that said I had 21 new text messages and 4 missed calls.  What the junk?!  I had only been asleep for a good 5 hours.  I then remembered...  Everyone was congratulating me and telling me that they didn't even know that I was dating someone.  I was told: 'He is the luckiest guy in the world', 'When's the big day?', 'How did he do it?', 'Is it this guy?','What are your colors going to be?','When do we get to meet him?','I'm so happy for you!' etc.

I was flabbergasted!  Many people told me they wanted to meet him.  My response: "So do I!" Dang you Facebook and your stalking powers! 

I was so confused!

It was great to know that I have so many people that want the best for me.  But it was definitley hard to let some people know that I wasn't engaged.  I felt like I was breaking their fragile little hearts because they were so excited.  I quickly changed the infamous Facebook relationship status back to its original state, yet, I still have kind people giving me their well wishes.  When(or if) I ever do have the priviledge to fool a man into marrying me I now know that I have the love and support of many, and I am uber thankful for that.

All I can say is whomever it was that got on to my account and pulled this clever little trick..touchè! You had me and everyone else utterly confused.  I didn't find it too funny at the time. It's kind of awkward having to tell even my family members that it was all a hoax.  But, it actually was pretty funny.  You are good.... really good!

Welp, I'm Legal!

Go ahead, cheak my ID!   I was able to celebrate the big 2-1 in the best way possible, with my 3 year old nephew!  Instead of sippin down gin and juice, I sipped on milk.  My nephew Tucker's b

irthday is the day before mine so we celebrated together!

T-man blowing out his candles!

My turn!

This year I was lucky enough to have my birthday fall on the same day as Easter.  It made me feel even more loved than I already felt.  If it was up to me, by my 21st birthday I would be off on a mission and have my life planned perfectly.  Thank goodness the Lord has better plans for me.  No mission, schooling is up in the air right now.  I still have my goals in mind, but right now I have no idea exactly where my life is headed.  I am terrified/excited to see what is in store for me next.  I loved being able to reflect on the life of my Savior on my birthday.  It made my own life feel so much worthwhile.  I'm so thankful that I have a Savior who loves me and is my best friend.  Especially in times like now where I'm not sure what to do.   As long as I stay close to Him, I know I'll be just fine! 

Needless to say, I had a wonderful birthday.  21 is an important birthday (even though nothing has really changed for me) and I'm so thankful for all of my family and friends that made me feel special.  Thanks to one and all! :)

Sista Sista

Life hasn't been the easiest for me in the past few months.  But what more do you expect from a college student?  I was so glad to get my finals over with and make a quick get-a-way to visit my loverly sister Britni and her family in Ohio for a week.  I was able to go for my nephew Tucker's birthday, Easter, and my birthday.  I loved every minute of it!

I have always looked up to Britni.  I love being able to see her as a mother and wife.  My nephews are amazing, and I know that is because their parents have taught them so well! It was super rainy pretty much every day I was there, but it gave me the chance to just hang out with my sis and her little tikes.  One of my favorite things was listening to my nephew say his prayers at night. 

While there, Britni wanted to find things around Columbus to do that she hasn't done before.  They leave in just over a year and I was more than happy to help her find some different things to do.  And I have come to the conclusion that Ohio is strange.  Brit wanted me to see what she calls the bunny fountains (aka. huge statues of dancing bunnies)  I like to call them.  Odd.

Also, Britni read online that were over 250 Brutus the Buckeye statues around OSU's campus.  So we set out to find them.  (I also find it strange that such a prominent university has such a dumb mascot.  I mean really? A nut?  You couldn't think of anything better?  At least go for the dancing bunnies are something!)

Much to our dismay we only found 3 out of 250 statues.  Yes, I felt like a falure. We searched forever and couldn't find then; only to find out that the statues have been scattered all around Columbus.  Oh well!

I also was able to go to my little Tucker man's soccer practice.  Such a proud moment for me!

Oh an little Grayson!  Such a happy boy!  His laugh kills me, and no one can get him laughing like his older brother.  I loved watching these two brothers play together.  Tucker is so good with Gray.

Here are my two men on Easter morning.  Such studs!

We also went to a place called the Topiary Gardens.  Pretty much plants shaped like people and animals.  It was pretty cool! 

Nate wanted to see Archie Griffin's Heisman Trophy.  I have to say, OSU's campus is amazing!  It made me want to go out and have a real college experience.  I felt pretty cool walking around campus with a stroller and a three year old running around! 

My sister has a strange interest in odd statues.  She told me that she wanted to take me to a field with corn statues.  I thought she meant a corn field with a statue in it.  No, no.  We found this!

It was in fact, a field of corn statues!  Britni loved it.  I found it bizarre.  tucker wasn't sure what to think. 

I loved being able to spend some time with Brit, Nate, and their kids.  Although, I now miss them more now than ever.  I loved playing with trains, cars, animals, watching Elmo and laughing.  Can't wait to see them in the Fall!