366 Days of Bliss

Hi blog world.  It's been a while.  I'm not great at this whole blogging thing.  Sorry.

September 16th is today's date.  It also happens to be our one year anniversary.  (seriously, where did the time go?)  This last years was awesome.  By far my favorite year in my short 21 years.  Lets review it shall we?

I was sealed to my beloved.

We got to go play in Jamaica! (take me back there!)

We celebrated our first holidays together as a married couple.

We got some furniture for our house. (which still isn't decorated...)

I met the guy from 17 Miracles

 We made pretty cheesy little valentines

Maggee became a member of our household.

We ran in the Color Me Rad 5k.

Discovered we have a pet squirrel... who is actually a girl and had little squirrel babies :)

Went on a road trip to Vegas

Got to walk through the house I grew up in. (I'll write a blog post on this.)

spent cloudy days laying in the grass at the park listening to rainy day music.

Had several Disney movie nights :)

(are you still reading?)
We had a birthday party for Maggee (this also deserves a whole post)

And last but not least for the picture reel, we got to go camping with Steve's side of the family last night.  It was really fun. (besides the fact that I was absolutely freezing all night and didn't sleep)

All of those things were incredibly fun, but they were only fun because I was with my Steve. (queue the cheese)  I feel like I have grown so much in the last year.  Steve really is the perfect husband.  He's patient and loving.  He even cleans ;)  I'm so excited to see what life holds for us.

Our B.O.M. challenge

This is a post my sweet husband wrote about a challenge we recently did.  I feel that he's better than I am with words, so I stole his blog post :)

I recently heard a story of a woman who had been estranged from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for a significant period of her life. This woman’s relatives often encouraged her to return to the faith she had left, but were regularly met with resistance. Years passed and the distance between this woman and the church to which she previously belonged gradually increased. Meanwhile, this woman’s nephew had been called to serve as a missionary for the church she had long forgotten. When this young missionary arrived in his field of service he was challenged by his mission president to read The Book of Mormon in a single week. The missionary accepted this 531 page invitation and faithfully completed the book in 7 days. Excited to share his experience, the young missionary wrote home to his family (which included his aunt) and encouraged them all to accept this challenge to read The Book of Mormon in one week. As the story goes, the challenge was accepted by the young missionary’s aunt who read the entire Book of Mormon in one short week. As a result, this woman’s life changed. She found a happiness she had long forgot, returned to a forsaken religion, and now actively participates in her own ward where she teaches a Gospel Doctrine class. 

That story has been told in thousands of different ways by thousands of different people (perhaps millions). It is a story unique to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. When my wife and I heard that inspiring story we decided ourselves that we would accept that challenge and attempt to read The Book of Mormon in one week. This post is about our experience reading the book, and hopefully may be taken as an invitation for you to do the same. 

          

The Book of Mormon may be one of the most polarizing books in existence. Millions throughout the world proclaim its divine authorship and validity while many others simultaneously castigate the book as a fraudulent work of fiction. I have listened to many people share personal experiences of how they have come to know the book is true, and have studied many articles and academic works seeking to prove its falsehood. I’m fairly conversant with both sides of the story, and as someone who has read the book myself I can tell you this, it is a book worth reading. 

For Katie and I, reading the book in a week seemed like a difficult task as we both work full-time jobs and have other activities throughout the week, but in an odd way this sort of became a great blessing that brought both of us closer together. All of our free time was spent together quietly sitting next to each other reading our books. We would share with each other what we read, what we thought about it, what we learned, and why it mattered. As we moved through the week reading each day we found ourselves planning our days a little differently to make more time to read The Book of Mormon. We discovered we could listen to the book on our phones or other devices as we drove to work or did chores around the house. We spent less time on the internet or watching television and more time with each other. We eliminated the distractions in our lives and focused our attention on one simple task, and as a result, Katie and I enjoyed a little more peace in our lives. 

But what meant the most to us wasn’t simply that we read, it was what we read. The Book of Mormon, at its core, is a book about a family, a family not unlike ours. This family is warned of the evils that exist in the world and is given instruction on how to live in peace and happiness. Throughout the week Katie and I read read about fidelity in marriage, service in the community, humility and sacrifice towards those around you, love and understanding for those with differences, patience and faith during hard times, the power of unity, and the terrible consequences of pride. We read about who we are and how much we matter to the Lord. We read about God’s plan for us and the purpose of our lives. Most of all, we learned of Jesus Christ, what He has done for us, and how we can be close to Him. 

As the book comes to an end it asks you to do something. Find out if the book is true. It doesn’t tell you to listen to someone’s personal experience about The Book of Mormon. It doesn’t tell you to read an academic journal. It simply tells you to ask God himself if it’s true. Read the book, pray to God, ask Him if it’s true. That’s it.

Some say The Book of Mormon isn’t true, some say it is. Either way, I think you should find out. I know I did. 

Alfonzo

So it's been a little while since I've posted anything, for that I am sorry.  I want to introduce every one to Alfonzo.  Who's Alfonzo you ask?  Why he's our friendly little backyard squirrel!
I knew about Alfonzo long before I ever caught a glimpse of him.  He likes to leave little traces of himself in our garage.  For instance pine cones and nut shells.  At first I was so confused, It was the middle of winter and the pile of pine cones and nuts kept getting bigger.  One day I went out to my car and hear something skirting about in our ceiling.  I remembered Steve telling me that his old roommate Garrett had discovered a squirrel in the ceiling and had tried to kill it. :(  I know, he's a monster.  (Just kidding Garrett... kinda)  I was very happy to realize that the sweet innocent creature had not been slaughtered.  He was pretty quiet during the Winter and I kind of forgot about him until Spring and Summer rolled around.
Steve and I have a little yard that we love, see below.

Sorry it's a bit dark.  Anyway, it started warming up and we started spending a lot more time outside.  One day we were out there and I was laying on the hammock and I look up and what do I see?

A cute little Alfonzo staring back at me.
Naturally I went straight to Google to see what squirrels eat.  They eat pretty much everything...  I had some strawberries and blackberries in the fridge that were starting to wither up a bit so I ran and got them and was very carefully setting them in a little nook on the tree.
You know that feeling you get when you feel like you're being watched?  I had that feeling so I looked up and around.  My neighbor (whom I've never met btw) was standing at her window staring directly at me.  She had the most confused and slightly scared look on her face.  Yep... I'm now the crazy neighbor girl who's got a few screws loose and puts old fruit in trees.  Oh well... I've done weirder things.

About a month ago we got our house and perimeter of  our yard sprayed for bugs.  I noticed about two weeks ago that I hadn't seen Alfonzo in a while.  He was usually always outside in the morning when I let Maggee out to go to the bathroom.  I started getting really worried that we had accidentally poisoned him when we sprayed for bugs. (or killed him with old fruit)  :(  I thought I had inadvertently done what Garrett had tried so hard to do. Or so I thought...

Last weekend when we were letting Maggee out to go to the bathroom she ran over to one of the trees and stared straight up.  I followed her gaze and guess what I saw!! Not one, but TWO little baby squirrels and our good old Alfonzo.  Not only is Alfonzo alive and kicking... he's also a girl.  We may need to come up with a new name...

The Many Sides of Marriage

What surprised you most about marriage?

I should warn you, things may get a little mushy here, I’m quite in love.  You’ll probably need some crackers with all the cheese I’m bringing to this post. ;)  Seriously, I always looked forward to marriage, and when I met Katie I looked forward to it a little bit more.  I’ve told Katie plenty of times that my decision in marrying her was as logical as it was emotional.  I wanted to marry her because she had (and has) many qualities that are so valuable in a marriage.  And when the decision to marry her became inspirational, she became irresistible.  I only mention all this to say that I knew what I was getting myself into.  So, what surprises me about marriage? Not much.  I’m happy, I’m in love, and I enjoy being with Katie.  I knew I would.  That isn’t to say marriage isn’t difficult at times, because it is, but we’re committed to each other and love working at our marriage together.  Marriage has definitely been an adjustment from the previous 27 years of unmarried life, but a happy adjustment.  Maybe you’re just thinking, “He doesn’t know what it’s like once you get out of the honeymoon phase.”  Well, whether that’s true or not, you don’t know what it’s like being married to Katie.  And take my word for it, it’s the best.

I should have gone first...How am I supposed to follow that?! Well, to keep it short and simple, I feel the exact same. I'm happy, in love, and also love being around Steve. I go through withdrawals if I get busy and don't get to see him enough. I feel like when we're in heaven and get to spend all eternity together I'll still never be able to get enough of him. However one thing that did surprise me a bit was the fact that EVERYTHING I go through, I go through with him. Before I got married I was very independent. I'm still getting used to the fact that things don't happen to me, they happen to us. For instance, when something really exciting happens I have someone who is right there with me and is just as excited. Or when something frustrating or sad happens I have someone to lean on. Steve still has to remind me on several occasions that it's "us."  

Oh and we can't forget Steve's sleep talking.  That was definitely the most enjoyable surprise. I feel a sleep talking post coming up in the near future. ;)

What have you enjoyed most about marriage?

What I've enjoyed most about married life so far is discovering what a joy it is to place a single person's interests above your own, making that person's happiness the object of your existence. I think that's the only successful way to make a marriage work. Katie has to be the most important thing to me. In one of my favorite novels, Victor Hugo writes, "To protect the being who loves you, to give what she requires to her who shines on you as your star, can anything be sweeter?" Short answer: No. And that's really been what I've enjoyed most so far. We have both found that our happiness in marriage, in life really, lies in securing happiness for the other. 

Not to sound repetitive, but I again feel the same way Steve does. I've definitely enjoyed being able to serve him. I'm constantly trying to find new, creative ways to show him I love him (thank you pinterest for ALWAYS having cute ideas). I feel like this answer mirrors my first in a lot of ways because one of the things I've enjoyed most is the fact that it's now "us" and not just "me." It really is one of the best, most comforting things to know that I'll always have my best friend by my side. I've also enjoyed learning everything Steve has to teach me. His knowledge of the Gospel far exceeds mine and it's exciting to be able to learn something new or gain new insight on a daily basis. 

What are you most looking forward to?

Can I say everything? Because I'm seriously looking forward to everything. School, careers, house shopping, kids, PTA, family home evenings, family scriptures and prayers, Sunday naps, inside jokes, family pets, our first wrinkles, our first grey hairs, our ups, our downs, our trials and our blessings. I'm looking forward to our 50th anniversary and being that old couple who makes passerby's smile because they're just so darn cute together. I'm looking forward to Steve still opening my door when we're 80 (he promised he still would). I'm looking forward to grand kids and great grand kids, summer vacations, watching our kids take their first steps, teaching them to swim, etc...I really could go on forever. I know things will be hard and I know times will get tough but I'm still looking forward to it all. As President Hinkley has said, "Life is to be enjoyed, not endured" and I'm looking forward to enjoying every last moment with my Stephen.

In looking ahead, I'm probably most excited for us to become parents. No, I don't know what it's like to be a parent, and yes, I'm sure there are things that will surprise me and my naive optimism about having children. That being said, I'm thrilled to have the responsibility of rearing a happy family. As I've thought about the future over the years I've always had visions of a little child walking through the park, one hand in Mom's, and the other in mine. I've pictured myself kneeling down in prayer with my children teaching them about who they are, and whose they are, helping them understand the Lord's plan and their part in it. I'm excited for the lighthearted moments when kids say and do clumsy things, and I'm excited for the sacred moments that will bring our family closer together. Ultimately, I'm excited for us to love our children, to have fun with them, laugh with them, and do all sorts of fun things with them as we build a family to last forever. After all, what good is eternal life if you don't have your family to share it with? 

I Just Really Like Dogs

So I have a small obsession with furry 4 legged animals that bark.  I received an e-mail that MADE my day!  I wanted to share the laughs!  There's a photographer who got a group of dogs together, a ball, and a waterproof camera :)

 I love the panic in their eyes.

 This dog scares me.

 I think this one's my favorite.

March Madness

So our work does a little March Madness competition every year.  We do team building activities where we can elect "Team players".  Those are people on our teams who we want to recognize for all the hard work they do.  When you're elected for a Team Player Award you get to be in a shoot off with everybody else on your team who was also elected.  From there, the winner goes on to the shoot off between the whole department (which is a combination of several teams) and get to participate in a shoot off to win a pizza party for their team.  Well, I won the team shoot off and went on to the department shoot off.  I didn't do too shabby.  I made it to the third round and lost by one basket.  Our manager ended up winning the shoot off between all the managers so our team still got a pizza party! yay!  All the team MVP's also got a cute little basketball gumball machine.

Notice the tape around the middle of mine?  That's because as I was sitting quietly in the back of the room, nervously awaiting my turn to go shoot, I tilted my gumball machine ever so slightly.  The top flew off and gumballs went EVERYWHERE!  I was mortified!  I looked up at the room full of people, (around 130 people) staring at me and laughing. Why do these things always happen to me!?!?

Overall though it was fun morning.  Chic-fil-a catered breakfast and our team won pizza!  Not a bad Wednesday if I say so myself.

Steve was one of the MVP's too.  He's the one who beat me and won pizza for his team.

Thunder storms and a Missing Recommend

People kept telling me that on the night before my wedding I wouldn't be able to sleep very much.  They were wrong.  I got a solid 7 and a half hours and even hit snooze when my alarm went off.  They day before my wedding was easily the busiest day off my life, not the actual wedding day, but the day before.  We had this to pick up, or that to drop off, I was running full speed from 7:30 AM-11 PM.  I was exhausted!  There were so many errands to run and people to see that I didn't even have time to paint my toenails.  Hence the reason I slept like a rock.

My friends, Aimee and Vic, spent the night with me.  Vic is my lovely hairdresser and old time friend from Las Vegas.  When I woke up everything was going smoothly.  My sweet father made us breakfast, my hair was curling the way I wanted, I wasn't having any weird skin issues and my make up was looking awesome... great start to a bride's morning.  I got ready with plenty of time to spare and everything was going extremely well.  

As we were leaving we were running through our little checklist of everything we needed.  Dress, check.  Shoes, check.  Recommend and Marriage License, check.  Now here's where I need to give you a bit of a back story...  I was endowed about 3 weeks before we got married so we had a couple opportunities to go through the temple and do a few sessions.  I had picked a specific spot in my wallet that I ALWAYS put my recommend in.  About a week before we got married we decided to go to the Salt Lake Temple since we just work across the street.  The Salt Lake Temple only does sessions every hour.  I was supposed to be off at 4:30 but ended up getting stuck on a phone call at work and didn't get off until 4:40.  We needed to be to the temple, dressed and ready by 5.  We were rushing.  We ran to the Temple and when I handed the sweet little old man my recommend he scanned it and handed it back and let us through.  Well I ended up dropping my recommend into a side pocket of the purse I was using and told myself I'd put it away in the dressing room... Well I didn't... And I changed purses before my wedding.  

As we were pulling up to the temple on my wedding day I went to get my recommend out so that I'd have it ready and wouldn't have to stop and fiddle through my purse.  The second I saw that empty spot in my wallet I was overtaken by shear panic!  It clicked, I knew exactly where my recommend was and it was 40 minutes away.  I tried calling my friends who were back at my parent's apartment and of course they didn't answer any of my frantic calls!  At this point my make up is no longer perfect, my tears are streaming down my face and I'm a big, blubbering, hot mess...  

My mom rushed me out of the car towards the temple trying to avert a full fledged breakdown.  I walked into the temple and saw Steve sitting on the couch waiting for me.  He looked so peaceful and handsome.  I walked towards him with shaking hands and tears in my eyes trying to explain that I didn't have my recommend.  He hugged me and told me everything would be ok.  He took me over to the desk where the bride and groom are supposed to sign in and told the lady I forgot my recommend and wanted to know what we needed to do.  The sweet little temple worker cracked some joke about not being able to get married... not a good time for joking... after she got her little chuckle in she took us past the recommend desk and handed us off to a worker after explaining how ditsy I was who then handed us off to someone else who handed us off to someone else who handed us off to someone else.  I was beginning to feel completely humiliated.  Did we have to let everyone know that I forgot the recommend.  Finally this cute little old man took us into an office and let us sit down.  He explained that this tends to happen quite often and they can call my Stake President to get everything straightened out.  He was so kind and had me back to joking and laughing by the time we were walking out of the office (which was no easy feat).  All three of us were walking out of the office when Steve turned to Brother Poelman (the kind little old man) and said, "You might not remember me, but I'm Steve Howe, Geniel Kuiper's son."  Come to find out this sweet little old man was the man who baptized Steve's grandparents in the Netherlands and helped his family immigrate to America. 

After we got everything straightened out we were patiently waiting for someone to come get us so we could be sealed.  Guess who came to get us?  That's right, Brother Poelman.  Turns out he's also a sealer and rearranged things so he could seal us.  Suddenly my forgetfulness seems like a blessing in disguise.  It was such a beautiful little ceremony.  I wish we had gotten a picture with Brother Poelman but neither of us had that thought until just now.  

After the sealing we got ready and went out for pictures!  Courtney Allphin, our photographer, came up to me right after we came out and informed us of the imminent rain.  She said we needed to hurry.  It stayed dry just long enough to get all the pictures we wanted! When we went back into the temple to get dressed we were starving and all our family had already left to go get something to eat. (Lame I know) Steve and I ended up eating at the Temple's cafeteria and it was sooo good!  We had prime rib. :)  When we came out of the temple it was pouring.  Seeing as we were still scheduled to have an outside reception it was a bit troubling.  Our reception was in fruit heights, which is about 20 minutes north of SL, and we were told it wasn't raining in Fruit heights.  Seeing as storms usually move West to East we decided to stick with the outside plans.  Our reception was scheduled 6-8.  Guess when it started raining?  Right at 6. haha.  Oh well...  We had our reception at the Bates' house and they were so awesome.  They got tarps up and over more than half of the area so incredibly fast.  I was impressed.  We're so grateful to them.  They're the main reason our reception went so well.  After the tarps were up everything was flawless.  Those were the fastest 2 hours of my life and I was sad to see them go so quickly.  After meeting with all our guests for about and hour and 45 minutes we cut our cute little cake, had our first dance, changed and left.  Even though the day had little hiccups here and there, it was easily one of the most fun days of my life.  I wish it would have gone by slower.  I'm so glad to be sealed to my best friend for time and all eternity.