Blogging in 2018.

I can't believe I haven't posted in SO long...at least since October.  I used to LOVE blogging but with the ease of Instagram, I think that's become my new blog.
I used to blog SO much here that there were more posts here than in my own [handwritten] journal.  Anyways, I think it's a slight goal of mine to blog more.  I mean, it won't be as much as my Instagram since that's always easy to do.
So much has happened in the last 5 months since my last blog post...

WORK:  I moved to another office for about 6 weeks, and then into my own office mid-December.

I LOOOOOOOOOVE having my own office. I love having a door I can close.  I love not having my stuff moved around (happened quite a bit during those 6 weeks). It's so nice and quiet and I can listen to my headphones without looking rude. LOVE IT

CHURCH:  I don't attend as often as I should (aka every single Sunday).  I don't enjoy sitting alone during Sacrament meeting and I sure as heck don't want to be pestered with questions about my personal life from those individuals of which I don't even know their first name.   I try to just go to Relief Society, the 3rd hour class.  It helps that I have a calling in the presidency or else I'd probably not attend as often as I should.  To be honest, I only like to go to sing the hymns or play the piano. 

LIFE:
I like to make lent goals.  This year, I've decided to go with this:

Some days are easier than others but man... April 1st can't come soon enough. I miss drinking orange juice!

A friend from work asked what my monthly goals were.  I didn't have any and she was keen on making sure I, along with 2 other friends, made monthly goals.  Man....didn't think these 4 goals would be THAT difficult to achieve! 

Other than that, this has been my morning 5-6x a week:

I seriously LOVE LOVE LOVE working out at the gym before work!  It's the best way for me to start my mornings. I LOVE having this morning routine! It makes all the difference in my work day! Plus, I love keeping track of my progress w/ Fitbit.  Levi and I started working out last May but after August, it wasn't a huge priority since my goal in life then was just to make it through the day.  Since mid January, I've been going almost every morning (even Saturdays!).  I don't know why I enjoy it so much.  I guess because I want to see how my body develops.  Also, I like seeing the same people at the gym in the mornings.  It's just fun.  I like to do an hour of cardio (elliptical & treadmill) and then I work whatever muscle group needs attention (read: doesn't hurt as much).

And that seems to be about it for 2018 so far. :)

My heart.

This man.
He shows his love for me every day, all day and in many, many ways.  I am beyond lucky that he chose me.  As he has reassured me many times, my happiness is his happiness.  I don't know how I would have pulled through this difficult time which hasn't been easy for him as well.  I can only imagine the feelings and deep emotions that has stirred within him regarding his own Mom that passed away 5 years ago, and now having to watch his wife go through the same experience.
I am grateful for my sweetheart who has put my wants before his needs which doesn't seem fair in the least bit but to ask him to do differently would be like asking him not to breathe; nearly impossible.
Heaven knows of our struggles, but it also knows of all the love in my heart for him, for his patience and most especially his enduring love.
My cup runneth o'er.

August in Rewind: Thursday, August 3. (temple)

Thursday, August 3 (temple)

I was nervous about my nephew being late to the temple since he was going to be Levi's escort.  Slim texted me to tell me that he was already there while we were about 8 minutes away.  That made me even more anxious.  I was doing my very best to be calm.  Levi just wanted to make sure we got there on time but I knew that since it was a Thursday, it wouldn't be busy at the temple.  PLUS, it's not like they could start without us.
We pulled into the parking lot and found a great parking spot. Close to the entrance and close to the front of the temple where we would be taking a lot of photos afterwards.  As we started to walk away from the truck, I wanted to take a photo of us.

I wanted to send a photo to my parents so they could feel like they were included in every step.  I was excited and was also trying to take in every single moment of the day.  It was quiet on the temple grounds, barely anybody in sight.  MAYBE there were 2 other people on the grounds.  It was quiet and peaceful, unlike the usual hustle and bustle of a Saturday.  This was another reason why I'd always wanted to be married/sealed on a Thursday.
We walked in and there was my nephew and his wife. My nephew's wife didn't have her temple recommend w/ her, so she could only hug us at the reception desk and had to wait for us during the ceremony.
The temple seemed different that day.  I felt like I was looking at it through new eyes.  I went into rooms that I had only been in once or twice before.  We first walked into the waiting room and my old roommate, Sestra, was there.  I gave her a huge hug and I got choked up hugging her.  I haven't seen Sestra in about 7 years, and we were roommates over 12 years ago.  Sestra was the best roommates I could have ever had (upon moving out for the first time).  She is kind, sincere and genuinely goodhearted!  I think I squeezed her so tight because she I was over the moon to have her here, in person, celebrating this beautiful experience.  Also because I never knew if I would ever get to this point in my life; being married & sealed.  I wish I could have spent all afternoon just catching up with her.
Reed was next to Sestra and she would be my escort for the day.  Unfortunately, my sister's recommend also expired without realizing it til that day, so I needed someone I was close to; Reed.  I love Reed just as much as I love my sister.  I've known Reed since the day I returned home from my mission  I love her children and couldn't be more grateful to consider her family.  More and more of our guests were showing up, Auntie Sue, Mike & Julie, Buzz...all our dear loved ones.  My heart could just burst at the seams.
We needed to go over paperwork stuff, so they took us to a side room.  I could see more of our guests walking in and I just wanted to greet them all!  We were sitting in a room about 20 feet away just watching them all.  They were all there for us.  I had to fight back the tears many, MANY times.
We went over paperwork stuff, and then the temple president called us into his office.  My heart just wanted explode!  I wanted to cry because this was all becoming a reality.  He explained what was going to take place and my heart was full of love for the man next to me.  He learned about this gospel and joined this religion so that we could be a forever family and it was all coming together.  I wanted to just slow down a bit, and sit there on that couch a bit longer because I wanted to take it all in. Plus it was so dang hot and I was tired of being a hot sweaty mess!
We went back to the waiting room and more guests had arrived.  Our missionaries (technically Levi's missionaries), Jordan & Travis came all the way from Idaho.  I wanted to just cry.  I love these two return missionaries.  We were then ushered to go upstairs to change.  Slim walked over w/ Levi to rent some clothes and I had my brand new temple dress in my bag.  We headed up the stairs and over to the bridal room.
I hadn't been in the bridal room since I was endowed 15 years ago.  It was nice to be back.  It was just as beautiful as I remember and today I was to be the bride.  I was sad that my sister wasn't there with me, but I was grateful for Reed.  Can I just say that I LOVE my dress?!?! It is so comfy and soft and ooooooh so pretty!  I got all dressed and I felt so beautiful.  This was it.  I was going to be sealed, to my sweetheart, for time and all eternity.  We walked up the stairs together and everything seemed to look different.  It wasn't the temple I had known all my life (since I was 12).  It just felt different that day.  Good different, but almost foreign.  I don't know why, but I was alright.
There were beautiful parts of the ceremony that are seared in my heart, forever.
We were able to sit in the Celestial Room for a tiny bit, which gave me time to teach my first name to the temple sealer.  Of all the things I wanted that day, I wanted someone who could pronounce my name.  After about 10 minutes of talking with him,  it was time.  I was friggin' hot and sweaty, so was my poor Levi.  It was just so dang hot and humid that day!!! Wearing layers upon layers of clothes doesn't help a situation.  Then it was time.
I tried to remember every single word spoken in the ceremony.  Although I can't discuss it all, I remember how I felt.  My sweetheart was going to be mine, forever.  I wanted to cry.  I was happy and over the moon about it.  I wished with all my heart that my parents could have been there with us.  I wish my sister was sitting by me.  I wished my Kuku & Tutu could have had front row seats for it all.  But that's ok, the most important thing was that we were being sealed for time, and all eternity.
It was the most exquisite and most serene ceremony I had ever been a part of.
Afterwards we were able to hug everyone that came.  I absolutely LOVED that part! I loved embracing everyone who came.  I wish I could have had at least 5 minutes with each person because they all meant so much to me, and to us.
After we hugged everyone, we were talking with our witnesses, Jordan & Travis.  I expressed to them, with all the love in my heart, how truly grateful I was for their missions.  I will forever be grateful for their missionary service because they helped give me eternity with my sweetheart.  Their eyes were wet and there was just so much love in that sealing room.  My heart was full.
And just like that, it was over.  It happened so quickly.  I wish I took a moment longer to really look at everyone in our company that day.  I know I didn't because I was already so close to crying so many, MANY times and I was trying hard NOT to be a bawling, bumbling mess that day.  As for our actual wedding day, 3 years prior, I was a mess.  I was crying from the second I walked down the aisle to the second I walked out of there. I was a nervous, anxious mess.  I promised Levi that I would do better this time around and I think I did him proud. Nonetheless, thank heavens for water-proof mascara!
Wow, it was over in about 20 minutes.  Something so lovely, and grand and just awesome was over before I knew it.  My heart wanted to just stay in the sealing room.  Eternity was given to us and I just wanted to relish in the wonder of it all.
My beautiful, selfless best friend of a husband was and is mine for eternity. My cup runneth o'er.

August in Rewind: Thursday, August 3. (pre-temple)

Thursday, August 3 (pre-temple)

Today's our 3 year wedding anniversary!!! I woke up around 9 and Levi was still asleep.  I love watching him sleep because he looks so peaceful.  It was still early enough and my Dad wouldn't be at dialysis just yet.  I called over to my parents and spoke with both of them. I wanted to call and thank them for their example of loving and serving in the temple.  It was a good phone call.  We were all emotional.  My Dad, like clockwork, asked about Levi.  He always asks about Levi and how he's doing with work.  I told him that Levi was asleep in bed.  My Dad was speaking so slowly but I'm glad to hear that he was eating quite a bit today, from Mom.  I just felt like I needed to talk to my parents this morning because this was a big event that was taking place in my life and I wanted them to to feel like a part of the day.  I wish they could be there in the temple with us that day but I know deep in my heart that they already know how all of this works.  I owe a lot to my parents in helping me get to the temple, each time I've gone for something important in my life.

I just wanted the world to know how much I love and adore this sweetheart of mine.
He finally woke up and we went to grab breakfast.  We went to McDonald's for 2 deluxe breakfasts. As soon as that was done, I went to get my toenails done.  If there was anything I was going to do, it was to get my toes done! I needed "vacation toenails"! I love me some French tip toenails!

Man, it is extremely humid today!!! Like it's just so friggin' hot and humid!! Sweat on top of sweat on top of sweat!  My phone's going off like crazy with texts and Fb & Instagram notifications. I got to talk to my best friend, MamaStephy.  Man, I love her and I can't wait to wear the special Lularoe dress she sent me! Oh how I wish she could be here!

I'm off to do my nails. Hopefully this doesn't take long!  Thankfully, I have everything set in my temple bag for us. I have my brand new temple dress (OH SO PRETTY!!!) and our temple recommends in the zipper! We're set!

*Dang nail salon took a while.  UGH, I guess that's what I get for not getting a pedicure more often! :(  Wow...time is flying so quickly!!!! I need to do my nails!!!

I took a shower and after I turned it off, it's still so hot and sticky!!! WHY!?! Why did we ever get married in August?! The HOTTEST month of Summer!!! GAH! YUCK!!!

I'm trying to do my make up and I am HOTTER THAN HOT!!! I just can't stop sweating!!! WHY IS IT SO HOT!!!!! :(  :( :(  It's closing in on 2:30p and we should have left for the temple already.  Let me double check my bag for our temple recommends.

WHERE IN THE WORLD ARE OUR RECOMMENDS?!?!?!? I KNOW I PUT THEM ALL IN MY TEMPLE BAG AND I CANNOT FIND THEM!!! WHAT THE F?!??!  Are you friggin' kidding me?!?1?!?!?  I'm tearing everything apart!! My purse! NOPE.  Our dresser. NOPE!!  10 minutes later, after my blood pressure went thru the room, Levi walked in from the truck holding them.  Oh yeah.....I forgot I put them in the glove compartment after his endowment.  WHAT THE HECK?!?!?  Seriously!! I DID NOT need this today!!! WHY DID I DO THAT??!? AAARGGGGGUGH!!!!!!

My finger nails aren't painted.  Oh how I wish I would have gotten that dang manicure!!! But I didn't have time!  I just need a good 5 minutes and I can get it done!  Levi is trying to convince me that we need to get in the truck because we need to leave and get gas on the way.  I am now painting my nails as we drive! YES, AS WE DRIVE I AM PAINTING MY NAILS!!! How did I spread myself so thin to not do my finger nails!!! UGH!!!  I am attempting to paint my nails as he drives... I've NEVER done this before and it is nearly impossible to do.  I'm getting it on the skin around my nails and I am crying.  Seriously, I'm crying because I wanted my hands to look pretty today.  Plus, I just needed 5 minutes of stillness to get this done.  I'm stressing hardcore as we're connecting onto the 52 West, Levi's trying to console me and I just want him to pull off the rode for 5 whole minutes.  THANK GOODNESS for quick dry polish, but it's too late....it's on the sides of my skin and with the max AC, the nail polish is clumping on my nails because it's drying faster than I can apply it.  I'm so mad.  I'm mad at Levi because he rushed me. I'm mad that I didn't give myself more time. I'm mad that I didn't do this before falling asleep at 4am this morning. I'm mad I didn't just do my pedicure on Monday when I went to get my eyebrows waxed. I'm mad that the time we took look for our recommends, I could have been painting my nails!!! I'm just so mad!!

My nephew's now beaten us to the temple and we still had about 10 minutes before we'd reach there!! UGH....my poor nails look terrible and I'm trying to be ok with all of this and calm...most of all CALM for my Levi.  How did time fly by so quickly?! YAY! We're closing in on 5 North!  We're almost there!!!!

11 sleeps.

Sometimes, I wish I could go back to this night, 11 days ago. It was a wonderful, splendid evening. We were a bit crowded in my sister's backyard which made it even more cozy and intimate. I loved having so many loved ones in one space.

  

It was simple but it had good music and good food with great people, which is all I wanted. 

I love summer night dinner parties. But I loved this summer night dinner party the best.

3 Sleeps.

In 2 days, we'll be going to the San Diego LDS temple to be sealed. TWO DAYS!! My mind is constantly thinking of what we need to accomplish within the next two days. Sometimes I have to take a step back to remember what's most important. I don't feel stressed (yet?) because my awesome sister and best friend have been so tremendously helpful with planning and executing our dinner party. 

I'm looking forward to the temple and feeling the spiritual peace and safe shelter from the busyness and craziness of this world. I long to be there again with my sweetheart, to take it all in again. I feel like life slows down a bit there and I seriously crave that. 

I don't know if I'd say that I'm nervous for our sealing. Most new experiences would make me extremely nervous but for now, I feel relatively calm. Perhaps I will feel a tinge of sadness because my parents won't be in attendance. I wish with all my heart that they could attend but traveling would take a lot out of them. I owe so much to my parents and for all that they've taught me about the temple. Their love and dedication to temple service was engrained in me while I was a child and through my teenage years. 

Most of all, I owe it to my sweetheart. Embracing this gospel and being baptized into this Mormon religion & culture has been a tremendous adventure. I appreciate his faith and diligence to help give me eternity with him. I can't think of any better way to celebrate our wedding anniversary than to be sealed for time and all eternity, surrounded by our closest and dearest loved ones. 

I just can't believe it, I'm actually going to be sealed in the temple! I thought for sure this blessing wouldn't come until I had passed on. Thank you Levi for loving me so much to do this for us and our future family. I love you sweetheart.

How is it July already?!?

It's now LESS THAN A MONTH until Levi and I will be sealed in the temple! Seriously..... Wasn't it just May?! 

I'm suddenly feeling very panicked and anxious because I need to pull all the details of our dinner party together, ASAP!!! Seriously, I almost want to freak out because on top of it all, I'll still need to pack for our second honeymoon afterwards. Arrggg..... I can't stand packing!!

I haven't blogged since Mother's Day. Where in the world did June disappear to?!?? 

Had a few doctor appointments in early May. I made a pact with my doctor that I'd start working out. Went to the gym that night and didn't stop going until last week (hurt my shoulder). I've seriously enjoyed the gym so much!! I especially enjoy it with my sweetheart! I bought myself a new Fitbit and picked one up for Levi too! It's been a lot of fun! 

The highs: I was able to watch The Godfather in theaters! Seriously so cool! 

The lows: BiggieSmalls the snail died. I miss that little guy in my fish tank! I need to pick up another snail soon. 

I'm glad I was able to see so many old friends, my in-laws and most especially my nephew Bubba & his wife Sis! I'm glad June was a month of reconnecting and seeing some of my old friends & favorite peeps. 

What's in store for July? 

-A LOT more gym time!!! In a month, I'm already down 10 pounds. 

-Creating the decorations for our dinner party. 

-Levi & his temple endowment! Such exciting times, for sure!!

Temple Tuesday & Work!

Our database system at work has been down all week. It's been ROUGH! It puts us at a standstill. Since Monday, I, along with others, have been pulling staples out of old filings to prepare them to be scanned. I probably have a cup worth of staples I've pulled out so far.

Today was Administrative Professionals day. I work at such an awesome law firm. I thoroughly enjoy the staff and attorneys I work with. We were gifted with a chair massage today. Seriously, I felt like BUTTER!!! It was exactly what my shoulders and neck needed!!! Man I need more massages in my life!!

Last night, Levi went to the temple for the first time to do temple baptisms.

Man, I miss the temple and NEED to go more often!!! Seriously, it was perfectly peaceful sitting next to him as the temple president welcomed us. I loved being there with him. His eagerness makes me excited to take him to the Celestial room. 

Just last week, I called to set a date and time for our temple sealing. I cried happy tears when I got off the phone! I just can't believe it! Eternity is right around the corner!! Today, the missionary who helped get this all going emailed me on Facebook to ask if I remembered him. I will never forget Elder Godby. He helped give me eternity with my sweetheart. I will always be grateful for his persistence to share a gospel message with us. I just can't believe it, I'm going to have my own eternal family with Levi and I'm ecstatic!

Days like this...

This morning, as we were getting ready for church, I laid out my church clothes; grey cardigan, black & white buttoned blouse, black pencil skirt & red tights. 

Levi asked that I pass his church clothes over from our closet: khaki pants, short sleeve white shirt and 3 neckties that were hanging from his shirt hanger. 

As we were driving to church, I asked him why he decided to go with his black & red tie. He told me it was to go with my red tights. My heart swelled even bigger than it had already grown from the night before. 

Last night, I had an emotional breakdown. With 4 friends who recently gave birth in the last month, I couldn't help but feel a little envious of their new role of motherhood. I don't really talk about this much outside my marriage. After visiting our new baby nephew yesterday, my heartstrings were pulled pretty tight. I don't really want to divulge much about my tear filled conversation with Levi, but my heart could burst at his tender and sensitive spirit. I could feel all the tenderness from his heart reassure me. I felt the deepest corners of his heart love me in the way that I needed, in that very moment.

I'm so thankful that God handpicked this man to place in my life and experience all of life's adventures with. My cup runneth o'er.

Two months later...

I'm sick. I think I got Levi sick too. No bueno. We left early from church today because I was about to have a coughing fit in the middle of Sacrament meeting. I'm thankful Levi could drive new home. I'm so grateful to have a partner as caring as he.

Yesterday, we went to Levi's sister's baby shower. 

It was so nice to see his family. They are all so very kind and have been warm & welcoming since I met them. I'm thankful for that. I'm lucky.

I enjoy seeing all of my father-in-law's wooden creations. I appreciate the time & talent put into his pieces. I'm grateful that he taught Levi this wonderful talent. 

On Friday, we went to see Dr. Strange. It was pretty good and I always enjoy watching the Marvel movies with Levi.

The evening before, my friend and colleague Chuy (or did I call him Chewy before?) married his high school sweetheart. 

It was a fun reception although I'm so bummed that I hit traffic and missed the ceremony. The bride walked into the Up song. Levi had to work and I miss having him by my side. 

This is CJ. She trained me for my current position. I couldn't be more grateful for such a patient, funny, helpful & kind colleague and friend. 

I'm sad that this 4 day weekend has come to a close, most especially since we're both under the weather. 

Bummer. 👎

Date Night.

I just wanted to remember this evening out with my sweetheart. We went to Filippi's in Santee, had the usual family combo of spaghetti, lasagna & ravioli with a meatball. We talked about the upcoming Fall season and our Fall traditions. We smiled a lot, teased a bit and enjoyed each other's company, immensely. I truly love evenings like this.

The Last 2 Weeks!

Man, the last 2 weeks have been BUSY.
I didn't even really get to post much about Father's Day.  It was a wonderful time spent with family.  I always love seeing my Dad.  I'll definitely have to post more about my Dad, SOON!
Last week was FULL of training, since my partner was going to be out on vacation this past week.  Wait, did that make sense? 2 weeks ago we trained...5 days of drinking out of a firehose.  Seriously, it was a lot and I think it started to take a toll on both of us.  Thankfully, I totally like my partner and I get the feeling that it's mutual.  She's way chill and funny, which helps since we work closely with each other.  So this past week of work was better than I expected!!! Seriously, I'm so lucky.  I thank my lucky stars and my Heavenly Father that I was able to endure it and come out on top!! The cool part is that my boss let me "spin the wheel".  It's a little incentive for our department and our other offices.  You could spin anywhere from $25 - $100.  I LUCKILY spun and landed on the one $100 spot!  I was stoked!  It was a great way to start a Thursday!
To start this past week, Levi and I were asked to speak in church.  I'm not gonna lie, I was nervous for both of us  We had a week to prepare and this would be Levi's first talk, EVER!  True to form, Levi was calm, funny and informative. Also true to form, I was nervous, emotional (it was on the Priesthood, so I spoke about my Dad) and VERY teary eyed.  I couldn't have been more proud of Levi.  Seriously, so many ward members came up to introduce themselves and compliment us....mostly him and I was perfectly ok with that.  He did an amazing job.
I'm so thankful that life is going to slow down for a little bit, that we can both get into the rhythm of our jobs and figure out having one partial day off together.  Saturdays are definitely different and somewhat lonely.  Saturdays used to be our adventure day.  It's ok though, we've just become more creative with our adventures now.  Until next time....ciao!  

Overload.

Work has been overwhelming lately. Seriously, I've been in overdrive this week trying to learn my partner's desk before she leaves for vacation. I'm not gonna lie, I'm mentally exhausted by the time I get home. Everything looks similar and my notes don't quite help at times. Honestly, I hope next week goes my like a blink of an eye. I'm just so mentally done and I've still got two more days of training. Seriously, I'm so spent I just want to scream. I miss just working my desk and processing court judgements.

Not to mention that both Levi and I were asked last Sunday to give a talk, this Sunday. Honestly, I'm not too pleased about that. He was asked first while I was still in my Relief Society class. I probably would have bargained to speak at a near future date. We've been asked to speak on the Priesthood; something he just received two weeks ago. I feel like it's just a bit early to be giving a talk so soon.  But wait, there's more....

And I keep forgetting that Relief Society was asked to host the ward's first Linger Longer. My RS President asked the presidency to make a main dish that can feed a whole family. Hello crock pot meal...

I keep thinking, when will I have the time to accomplish all of this?? Oh yeah, and we've gotta do laundry too, aside from me working overtime this Saturday to prepare me for next week. Have I mentioned that Levi now works on Saturdays? I'm learning to adjust to it because I miss him terribly as I'm alone most of the day. Our adventure day has dwindled down to grocery shopping, dinner & sleep. Bummer.

I'm just venting. I just need to learn to decompress...or yell loudly into a pillow. Sorry I'm in a sour mood, my plate's a little to full at the moment. I just remembered another thing, I need to figure out my parents' insurance before we start to move them this next month. 

(But I'd bring Levi, for sure! He's cute, such a good driver and we like the same road trip snacks.)

Sunday: Setting Apart & Sitting Together.

Today was a very good day for us.

My sweetheart was ordained to the Priesthood. I was very fortunate to spend some time in Priesthood quorum today. I appreciate the good brethren who made me feel very welcomed. I'm not gonna lie, being the only soprano in a room full of bass and tenors, was a tiny bit intimidating but I think I sang a little bit louder with a lot more enthusiasm. I couldn't help it, it was one of my favorite hymns, Have I Done Any Good? Plus, I loved sitting next to him in Priesthood. It was nice seeing him in this element.

I appreciate the words of our good Bishop, during Levi's ordination. I am so grateful to have a home filled with the Priesthood, again. I think this will make my Dad happy, as well. The Bishop also mentioned having Family Home Evening, which makes me happy. I think this will start a good tradition for our family and our future children. 

After Levi's ordination, the Bishop asked if I was ever set apart for my Relief Society Secretary. Since I hadn't been, we pulled Levi in and we were able to be together for that. I'm glad because I was so happy to have him there with me. Two things that stood out was when the Bishop said, "You are admired by all" and then made reference to my organizational skills. I was taken back by the "admired" comment because I'm still getting to know the sisters (women) at church so how could that be? Maybe some admire different qualities about me? I don't know exactly but it made me happy because I know Heavenly Father knows me and that matters a lot to me.

I've been so blessed. I love having Levi with me. He's so good at church. Sometimes, a lot of times, I marvel at how he just "gets it"! Today's Sunday School lesson was on repentance and one of his answers on the purpose of repentance was so deep and eloquent it just made me wonder how I got so lucky to have someone who is just so dang good!

Since today is now our only day off together, I truly appreciate all the time I was able to spend with him. He's my very best friend and I love him with all my heart.

Friday, I'm in love!

*Today is Friday and I'm ready for the weekend.

*Life is good and there's really no complaints except for the adulting part of it. Dang laundry.

*I'm thankful I don't work tomorrow. I love the idea of catching up with work but man, it'll be nice to sleep in. 

* Levi is over the moon about his new job that he started this week. I love how happy he is when he gets home and all his exciting stories he shares from his day. I'm so happy he's happy. 

* I'm enjoying my newish calling as Relief Society Secretary. It's different not being in charge but that's way cool with me. I'm getting to know more of the sisters which I love. They're so kind and sweet. I taught Relief Society about 3 weeks ago and I was nervous and excited to do so! 

Good times!

I'll blog more later... Life is good!

Come, follow me.

My sweetheart was baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, this past Saturday on May 28. Honestly, it feels surreal and normal, if that makes any sense. It feels normal because of all the many Sundays he's attended church with me but surreal you actually be two active, covenant-making members of the church. He's the "Brother B" to my "Sister B", we're now, "Brother & Sister B"!! That trips me out in a very happy way! I love having him in church with me. I love hearing him pray.

I love the way he just "gets" stuff. I have so much more I want to say, but since it's late, I'll have to post later. 

Right now, I can't adequately express everything I'm feeling and part of me is just trying to wrap my head around this beautiful blessing. I love it!! 

Daylight Savings Monday: Training & Discussions.

Today flew by so quickly.  

At the end of today, I started to clear out more of my cube to take down to my new cube.  I'll take my last box on my way out tomorrow night.  I'll probably set up my desk so it's ready come Wednesday when I start in my new position.  

As I was cleaning stuff up, I started to clear my computer of files and folders I no longer needed.  As I did so, I came across templates and email examples my trainee will probably need in time.  I have no idea how many emails I sent to her labeled, "SAVE FOR LATER: (name of template/example)".  I was just thinking of how I just wanted to be set up for future training with the tools she would need.  I know I wouldn't be there to train her later, but I wanted her to be prepared.  I didn't want her to be blindsided later.  I wished I could be there for all of her training with future projects, projects that I am familiar with.  I suddenly had this maternal type of feeling that I didn't want her to fail and my time of training was soon coming to an end, tomorrow.

It made me wonder if that's how parents feel as their children grow up and soon leave the nest.  Do they wonder, "Have I done my best?", "Will they remember everything I taught them?", "Will they do what is most important?",  "I hope they know they can always ask for help." It almost made me sad to think I won't be there to help my trainee with all of her future questions.  I now have to trust my team mates to take care of her.  Dude, sometimes, I don't know how parents do it.  I mean, it makes me think back to when my nephew, Simi left for his mission. I know she'll be fine and in due time will learn everything she needs to, to fulfill the position.  She'll be in good hands. 

I will surely miss my team.  We've been together for the past year and I'll miss QuiQua, my one colleague that I've worked next to for the last two years.  We've been together since week one.  It'll be so different in my new department.  New faces & new names to remember.  I don't want to get too sentimental, it'll make tomorrow hard.

Last night, we had the missionaries over for dinner.  It was so nice.  They're our first real guests at our place (dinner wise).  It was nice feeling their spirit.  We went over the first discussion.  I'm not gonna lie, I got emotional while they were sharing the Joseph Smith experience of the first vision.  It just brought back so many times I was able to share that experience with those we taught out in the mission field.  It made me think of my sweet companion, Sister Cobb.  I loved my mission and all that I was able to experience. I love and miss a lot of my companions, I'd say, all but one really.  I think I do a pretty good job at keeping in touch with them.  I love them.  

I'm grateful for the challenge of reading the Book of Mormon again, with Levi.  When I don't read the Book of Mormon as often as I should, I forgot all the great stories and experiences that took place.  The elders asked me last night what I liked about the Book of Mormon, and I told them that I liked all the experiences that happened therein.  I said I liked Alma the Younger who wasn't perfect and even tried to lead people astray, but he repented and came back to be a powerful missionary.  I like that the Book of Mormon tells of Alma the Younger's conversion.  I love all the stories of Captain Moroni.  He's the best.  I can't wait to dive back into the Book of Mormon and read all these great stories and most especially when Jesus came to the Americas and blessed all the children.  The best part of the Book of Mormon, is knowing that it is all true.  I'm ready to reaffirm my testimony of it's truthfulness.  

Life, in rewind. {this past week}

I finished our nephews & nieces frame. I love it! I love seeing these kids that we love so much!

I went to Hobby Lobby today, as my "do something fun on your half day (of work)" I love the light blue frame for our wedding party photo. It'll be a nice pop of color amongst the dark frames on the wall. I'm still debating if I like the "Family Rules". I feel like there are so many rules! We'll see where we're at with that, in a week.

I'm so glad Levi said to go with the light blue. It's perfect and brings out the touches of light blue in the photo. I love this photo with all our loved ones.

I brought Jonah to work with me on Friday. He was a hit! I seriously love this bag! $2 at a thrift store = AWESOMENESS!!

I seriously love having a Food Saver!! I also love being able to seal all my Mason jars oh so easily!!

This was the BEST fortune I've EVER received!! I seriously want to frame it!

I made this meme from a funny quote I found. So funny & so true!

Levi had a special photo project in which he asked me to model for him. At the end, I thought I'd snap a few photos of myself as I waited in the car for him. I wanted to surprise him when he later went thru all the pics to make selections. This was his favorite:

This was the sweet little experience I had this week:

We were at Mission Trails working on Levi's photo project. I very much enjoy Big Rock Park! 

But I enjoy this man, a million times more.

My new kitchen! I love the new shelves & kitchen table and chairs!! Our kitchen is so much more organized and bigger now. I love all the space!

This is Levi fixing my mistake. I can't stand assembling things. Reading instructions to build things make me a lil anxious & frustrated. Him, not so much.

Adios old round table & chairs.

I feel like this has been such a fast week. So much has changed in our little flat. Work has seriously flown by and soon enough I'll be starting my new position. I'm nervous, exited, anxious & sad all wrapped! Well tonight we "spring forward " for the time change and it's 1:51am and in 9 minutes it'll be 3:00am. I'm wide awake and church starts at 9:00am. Yikes!! Good night!!

As of late in early February.

Hair Cut.

My hair was getting too long.  I needed it cut and trimmed up.  It feels so much lighter and cooler.  Thank goodness.  I figured a nice trim before the funeral would be nice. 

Celebratory dinner.

Went out to dinner with my sister and nephew after a funeral viewing, last night.  It was a very delicious Chinese dinner.  I'd like to think it was a lil celebratory dinner for me.  :)

Relief Society Night.

Tuesday evening was my ward's Relief Society activity night.  It was so nice to get to know some of the sisters in my ward.  There was so much laughing! I loved it!

Mission Beach Day.

I had a half day certificate from work, so I took Tuesday afternoon off and headed to the beach.  I haven't been to the beach (in swim clothes) since August 2014. Oh man, it was spectacularly wonderful afternoon.  I LOVED IT!!! I can't wait to get back to the beach.  It also helped that the weather was oh so lovely. 

Awesomeness.

I LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOVE THE BEACH!!!

Valentine's Day wreath.

I had to update our door's wreath. I seriously love our burlap wreath and being able to update it with the seasons & holidays.

Korean BBQ.

Last Friday, I went to Korean BBQ with two of my colleagues and their partners. It was so much fun and full of delicious, scrumptious food!! I can't wait to go again with my Levi. I think he'll enjoy it!

That's it for now....gotta run to an appointment.