Hosts of angels.

Lately, I've seen this picture pop up on some of the blogs I read.  I really like this picture and what it symbolizes.  I like to think that these hosts of angels are dear loved ones who have passed on... 
Those that knew me and know my potential.  
Those that love me and want the very best for me.

It's a reassuring comfort that when life gets hard, that I am not alone.  
Not only is my life blessed with angels who know and love me here on earth, but angels quietly and invisibly pushing me forward.    

I'm grateful for these angels. Each and every one of them.

Health Hiccup.

Since yesterday, I've been laid up in bed, not really enjoying being a woman.  
Sometimes, I DO NOT enjoy being a woman....it's just downright painful, amongst other things.
This wasn't exactly the week I had in mind. 

Tomorrow I'm suppose to go to a Padres v. Mariners game with my sister.  I'm HOPING that the medicine kicks in SOON, so I can go enjoy a really good baseball game!  Man, I looooooove watching baseball in Petco Park! Plus, my sister and I are planning on enjoying some Phil's BBQ at Petco since they now serve up local restaurants. 

Then Friday, the most AWESOMEST weekend with Levi begins!!!  I cannot wait!!!  Seriously, I think once this health hiccup subsides, I can really truly look forward to this AMAAAAAAAZING weekend that starts tomorrow.  

Until then, I just need to relax a bit and not stress anymore.... thank goodness for little modern medical miracles.

If you want something to last forever.....

This past weekend, I was kicking it with some friends at a bonfire.  We were several yards away from my car, and I had forgotten my camera tripod.  I wasn't in a big need for it, and if I hadn't already gone back to snag more blankets, then I would have gone back for it.  Two of my friends insisted that I send Levi back for it.  I wouldn't have done that.  I myself wouldn't have wanted to walk all the way back to my car through the sand, just for my tripod, so there's no way I would really want to send him back for it, either.  They were very persistant that I should just send him back for it, because that's "what [they] would do!"  They even started to chuckle at that very thought, til one of them said, "Maybe that's why I'm single"
I learned something 10 years ago that impressed me to my very core.  I will always be grateful for Elder  Howard's General Conference talk on Eternal Marriage:

If you want something to last forever, you treat it differently. You shield it and protect it. You never abuse it. You don’t expose it to the elements. You don’t make it common or ordinary. If it ever becomes tarnished, you lovingly polish it until it gleams like new. It becomes special because you have made it so, and it grows more beautiful and precious as time goes by.

While my friends were joking around, I just kept thinking, "I couldn't do that to my sweetheart".  There's just so much goodness to Elder Howard's talk that I want for my own relationship and future marriage.  I treasure my relationship with Levi and respect him as a human being, there's no way I would want to just treat him as my manservant or a lesser human being just because we're in a relationship.  I think there's so much these two friends could learn from Elder Howard's talk.  If only....

ONE. MORE. WEEK.!!!

AWESOMENESS is on the horizon.... I can just feel it!

Oh Phil!

This happened....twice, this week.

El Toro Tri-tip sandwich

Quarter Baby Back Ribs 

Seriously, I'm totally LOVIN' Phil's BBQ! This place is TOO FREAKIN'  DELICIOUS!!!!

I went on Wednesday to celebrate my nephew's birthday.  

Then, last night to celebrate the end of the school semester with Levi.  

Those ribs are like buttah....melt in my mouth delicious!!

I could seriously go back there today and be perfectly happy.

Those beans are the BEST!!!

16 DAYS!!

I can't wait!!

I seriously LOVE this place...

..and this time around, I get to go with the love of my life!   

GRRRREAT times are on the horizon! 

Mahalo Mom!

This past weekend was Mothers Day.  It's also the weekend I became more appreciative of all the sewing lessons my Mom gave me, growing up.  I whipped out 3 skirts in under 5 hours and I was pretty dang proud of myself.  While I stayed up from 1am to 6am, early Saturday morning, my Mom would pop her head in just to see how I was doing.  {Little did she know that I had HeMan & SheRa to keep my company! Who knew they still showed that on TV?!?!}  She really liked some of the little touches I had added to some of the skirts.  
On Sunday, at the last minute, I decided to attend my family ward with my parents.  There is nothing I love more than being able to sit next to my Mom at church and singing the hymns alongside of her.  I really enjoy her alto voice, which happens to blend well with my soprano voice.  Usually, by the second verse of the hymn, we switch it up because I want to try singing alto with her, but then she jumps to soprano.  Sometimes I wish she'd just sing alto along with me, but perhaps she leaves me to do it all my own because she thinks I can handle it without her help. It's still such a blessing to sing with her at church.  I love it and cherish those moments.
I know my Mom and I haven't had the best relationship, these last few years, but I couldn't be more grateful for the gift of music and the talent of sewing that she's abundantly blessed my life with.  

Thank you Mom.

Tonight.

Wow, I'm excited for tonight's dinner!

What a crazy, fun, exciting, and surprising kickstart to the weekend!

Have a great one!

Peace.

This week, I've been trying to invite more PEACE into my life.
Sometimes, I think we allow ourselves to get caught up with so much distraction, disruption and disillusionment from what LIFE has to offer.

There is beauty in the world; bask in it. 

There is anger in the world; refrain from it.

There is joy in the world; partake in it.

There is bitterness in the world; depart from it

There is forgiveness in the world; share it.

The upside to having Meniere's Disease is knowing that I have to avoid stress.  That is one thing I am truly grateful for, with this syndrome.   [Of course that means I can't get too excited about my upcoming Disney parks trip {because I'm uber ecstatic!}.]  However,  it just means that I can't get worked up about every little thing that comes my way.  A wise friend once told me that I need to be "less invested" & to "let it go" sometimes.  He was 100% right!  I forget that sometime, but I'm so grateful when I remember!!

I just want to have a more peaceful life.  I don't want bad relationships--both family and friends.  I want to wish more people well, in their lives.  I want to forgive faster and love more.   I can't judge others and wish them harm, then expect Heavenly Father to forgive me for my own trespasses.  I can only live the best life possible and hope that others are doing the same.  

Jesus said love everyone.

Treat them kindly, too.

When your heart is filled with love,

Others will love you.

-Childrens Songbook, LDS

LUCKY #7!!

Today's our seventh month anniversary.

I can't believe seven months have flown by.  Well...maybe not flown by, but it surely has gone quickly.

I've been thinking lately of how much Levi spoils me.  It's not necessarily just tangible things, it's in the way he loves me.  

To anyone else, it wouldn't be a big deal....but he waits til I finish ALL the ice in my cup, whenever we eat out.  He doesn't complain about it or try to rush me.  To me it's completely thoughtful and kind.  I couldn't be more grateful for his patience.  He's incredibly patient, which has been such a huge blessing.  I love him dearly and I'm grateful to have been loved by this wonderful man for the past seven months.