Hosanna Shout!

Last Sunday, during the Sunday morning session, President Nelson announced a new proclamation to the world.  This proclamation is in regards to the Restoration of the Fulness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It was announced the day before that a Hosanna shout would occur the next day.  As members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, we were invited to participate in the Hosanna shout with a clean, white handkerchief. 
Since I didn't have a clean, white handkerchief, nor could I easily go to the store to buy one, I decided I would make one.  I happened to be going through photos on Saturday and came across the crocheted piece seen above.  It was a piece that my Mom did many years ago.  I thought it would be a lovely piece to add to my homemade handkerchief.  I wanted to mark it with something special to commemorate the significance of it.  I added the year in vinyl. 
The reason I love this handkerchief so much is because it is made by the sewing talent shared by my Mom and I, the crocheting talent of my Mom and the vinyl talent that I possess.  It's special because of that and just the sacredness and beauty of the proclamation that Pres. Nelson shared during this very unique General Conference. 

Thoughts on a Saturday afternoon: Sleeping, blogging and studying.

My husband's asleep. 
Last night was my first time being home, alone, overnight.  I've left my husband alone for extended periods of time, like the time my Mom and I went to Hawai'i last year and 3 years ago when I had to stay with my Dad while Mom was in the hospital.
I had big ideas of cleaning our place from top to bottom. I ended up binge watching Friends and eating junk food.  Probably my laziest night, ever. It was mentally relaxing.

Anyways, this is far from what I wanted to post about.

I've been wanting to change my blog name for a while.  So much so that I thought I'd start a new blog over on Word Press.  There's a post. Just one.  It's weird to start anew like that.  Came back to this blog and realized that I could just change the blog address.  Easy peasy......if I could figure out what I wanted to change it to.  We'll see...

Other than that, I need to study our Sunday School lesson more.  T-minus 21 hours.

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. :)

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!

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 & Father's Day.

There's so much I want to blog about but it's late and I don't want to pull out my laptop. Plus it's 12:50am on a work night....eek!

Today we were asked to speak in church. Next Sunday: What the Priesthood means in our lives.

As for the rest of our day:

I love this man! I enjoy the time I get to spend with him. 

Sorry so short, my mind is consumed with my talk. Nervous, excited, anxious and happy! Good luck to us!

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!! 

Attitude of Gratitude - Day 23: Church & Hymns.

Man, I couldn't be more grateful to have my new ward building less than a mile away.  

It's such a blessing to have it so close.  Today, as I was sitting in church, I loved listening to the musical piece by a pianist, violinist and flute player (flutest?). It was a beautiful piece dedicated to Veterans Day & Thanksgiving.  It's nice to be in a ward with such beautiful talents.  I almost feel like I'm in a Utah ward. 
The Bishop spoke about Tithes & Fast Offerings. It was a pretty good talk.  
Today, I think I was more thankful to be sitting in the congregation singing the hymns.
I have a deep love of the church hymns.  They made many missionary miles seem shorter as I would hum or sing the hymns.  Sometimes, if I wasn't getting along w/ my missionary companion and I needed an uplifting thought, I would recite the words to my favorite hymn. 
As I was singing the hymns, it made me think of the time I was in my ol' stake choir....something I always wanted to do, growing up.  It was such a beautiful blessing!! I truly loved singing that choir.  
After Sacrament meeting, the older gentleman behind me said that my "singing was wonderful, just as beautiful as you!"...so sweet!  I'm not gonna lie, sometimes, that's the whole reason I go to church, I LOVE LOVE LOVE to sing.  
As I was walking out of the chapel, I saw an old friend that I use to work at the temple with and was from my ol' Singles ward.  It was nice to see a familiar face, especially since I know like 1 person in the ward.  
I hope that as I attend more, that I make more friends and hopefully get a calling soon enough. 

Happiness on a Monday!

Today, I felt uber cute (even though stupid cramps were kicking my trash). My  hair felt full and long! At least five women in the office complimented my hair asking what I did differently to it. If only they knew that it was actually day old hair! Ha! I think my hair always looks better the next day. 

I think I was feeling great because of the wonderful weekend I spent with my sweetheart. It was just so great to spend our down time relaxing and truly enjoying each other's company. I LOVED that!  

We were lucky to spend our Saturday evening at my ward (church congregation) annual luau! The Kalua pig was fantastic!! Plus I LOVED our outfits!!

I seriously loooooved my mu'umu'u!!  I felt so beautiful! I plan on buying another one or two more! 

Anyways, I had a spectacular weekend with my sweetheart! I always love spending every minute of my weekend with him. 

The Quiet Life.

It's 8:23am on a Saturday. I'm trying not to wake Levi so I'm trying to think of things I can do as I anticipate him waking up. So I shall blog, on my phone...

You have no idea the trouble and money I went thru to get this ^ here!!! Ugh!!! But it's here and just in time for tonight's Ward luau!!! I'm stoked!!

After I got my pedi, Thursday night, I found my photo on Yelp....thanks to whoever Mary's DIL is. It would have been nice had she asked us before taking the photo if we'd be cool with it on Yelp! Besides you can barely even see Mary! Ugh, a lil annoying cause I looked a lil too relaxed (as I should be when getting a pedi!!)

Moving along...

I want to be Tofu for Halloween (at work!) I think it'd be funny! It'd seem odd to some, which would make it even funnier to me!!

This picture cracks me up, especially since I know it can be bothersome to those four groups of geeks! 

This is what we had last Sunday for dinner. It was suppose to be for the Chargers game, but we were sick, so it didn't quite work out. I will say that food/snacks make football a lot more fun!!

I had to work last Saturday.  My coworker Chuy was very late! We were all supposed to arrive at 7am. He showed up at 8:30, his usual M-F start time. This was the harassment group photo he received, courtesy of moi!

We finally received our marriage certificate!!! Makes me happy! Next step: name change! That makes me happy & nervous. For 33 years I've had the same name and I've grown accustomed to it. I think in a way, it makes me feel like I'm not my Dad's lil girl anymore since I won't have his last name any longer.  However, man am I grateful I'll have something easy in my name! Luckily Levi has a very easy last name so that might help when I'm giving out my work email address ALL. THE. TIME.!!! Anyways, it'll be nice to feel united with my husband and share the same last name. 

This is the Tijuana, Mexico LDS temple. I couldn't be more stoked for its completion. I can't wait to go see it and go thru the open house with Levi & my family. I'm so glad my sister speaks Español! It'll be so awesome!!

I love fortune cookie fortunes! Mine was the top one! {obviously ;)}

I've be on a fan of Eric Weddle, from the SD Chargers! It helps that he's a great player, LDS and seems like an upright guy!

Ok, I think it's time to start my Mac salad for the luau tonight! I'm so excited! Can't wait now if only Levi would wake up, that would make this morning even more spectacular! But he deserves to sleep! Full time work and FT school is quite a feat! He's such a hard worker! One of his many traits that I love and admire. 

Oh how I love this man so truly! My cup runneth o'er! <3

Song of the Heart

Yesterday, in Fast & Testimony Meeting, a brother bore his testimony of the hymn, "I Am a Child of God", that was sung in the General Women's Meeting the evening before.  It was neat learning that Naomi W. Randall, who penned the words to this beautiful hymn, had a daughter in our ward. In Relief Society, we were given the challenge to think of a hymn through out the week, during times of happiness or sadness and anytime in between.  I love the hymns.  I love the hymns, "I Stand All Amazed" and "Have I Done Any Good?", but the one that touched my heart so much last night was, "I Am a Child of God".  

I love this hymn, I always have.  I remember when I was a young girl in Primary, I would cry every time we sang this song. It just made me so sentimental to think that I have a Heavenly Father who loves me. It also made me think of my parents that I loved so much and our home, all of which came from God.  I was probably about 4 or 5, but whenever we would sing it, I would walk over to my Mom (who was a Sr. Primary teacher) sobbing and wanting to be held. Instead, she would turn me right back around and send me back to my class row.  :(  {I think it was just her way of teaching me to grow up and be reverent...at least that's what I'm hoping}  I've always loved this song because I think it's such a simple way to know why we're here on this Earth and where we go after this life.   It's one of the first songs that are taught to Primary children.  How reassuring to know, at such an early age, that you have a Heavenly Father who loves you so much, that he would give you earthly parents to teach you everything you need to know in order to return back to Him.
I'm not gonna lie, I still tear up a bit whenever I sing this hymn.  These days, I like to think that this is the song I'll rock my sweet little babies to, as I put them to sleep.  I want my babies to know that they have a loving Heavenly Father who wants them to be good and learn & do all that they can, so they can return back to Him someday.  What a sweet message of hope and love!

I Am a Child of God

1. I am a child of God,

And he has sent me here,

Has given me an earthly home

With parents kind and dear.

Chorus

Lead me, guide me, walk beside me,

Help me find the way.

Teach me all that I must do

To live with him someday.

2. I am a child of God,

And so my needs are great;

Help me to understand his words

Before it grows too late.

3. I am a child of God.

Rich blessings are in store;

If I but learn to do his will,

I'll live with him once more.

4. I am a child of God.

His promises are sure;

Celestial glory shall be mine

If I can but endure.

Happy Sabbath!

What a beautiful Sunday it's been!

I thought my name was going to be read into my new family ward, so I invited Levi to come with.  Luckily they didn't because I was so nervous.  It oh so wonderful having him there with me.  I cherish any and every moment I can be with him, so it was even more special to have him with me at church.  I'm still getting used to my new family ward.  Last Sunday was my first Sunday there, since being married.  Levi and I went once last Fall and it was so nice to see an old friend from Chula Vista Institute.  When I attended last Sunday, I met so many sisters.  I'm so grateful for those sisters who were kind enough to step out of their comfort zones and introduce themselves to me. 
Sunday School was so refreshingly nice to attend.  It's been a while since I've attended the Gospel Doctrine class.  This week's class was on Hosea.  Can't say I was familiar with that Bible story, but there were really good things to think about, such as how we can be a good spouse. For once, that question finally applies to me! 
Relief Society was so beautiful.  The ward organist taught the lesson for the day (perhaps she's actually an RS teacher, I don't know... I'm still figuring everyone out).  Small world, her daughter also served her mission in New Jersey and was trained by Sister B, who I trained!  In a mission sense, she's my "granddaughter"! :)  I had to introduce myself again.  Ugh... I get so shy & nervous at the same time.  I made them laugh when I said that I finally "graduated" from the Pacific Beach Singles Ward.  The lesson was on, "The Song of the Heart".  It was sweet presentation of the lesson.  Sister E had three sisters present their favorite hymns and why it was their favorite.  Then we sang the hymns, it was so tender. I love hearing the sisters sing, especially since they sing in parts (alto & soprano).  After class, as I was walking down the hall to leave, a very sweet sister named Amy introduced herself to me.  If I had to guess, I would think that she has Cerebral Palsy, by the way she walked.  I slowed my pace a little and we chatted.  At one point, she fell on my shoulder.  It startled me a bit because I thought, "Oh cool, she wanted to give me a hug?  Or did she just fall?", to which it was the latter.  She told me that she sometimes loses her balance. I told her that sometimes I get vertigo, so I could understand the feeling.  She said that sometimes she walks faster than her legs could keep up,  I told her I was actually a fan of walking slower anyways.  She was sweet, I wished her a good week and we parted ways.  I hope we get to become friends. 
I'm so thankful that my new ward is less than a mile away.  Last week, I left 3 minutes til and made it in time!  I was so thankful because I didn't want to show up late and have to walk in late.  I think I would have left.  I'm glad everything was in my favor.  I try not to think of all my old friends I've left in my Singles ward or my ol' family ward, but this is where I need to be now, in this season of my life.  I need to think of the good that's on the horizon and the friends I've yet to make. 
When I returned home, my heart and tear ducts were ready to burst for the gratitude I have for my husband.  The Sunday school lesson really hit home for me.  I hope to never be thankful for all he does for me, but most especially thankful to a loving Heavenly Father who knew what type of partner I would want and need and blessed me with my sweetheart. 
Today has been a very good Sunday.  If you haven't watched the General Women's Meeting, I highly suggest it.  It was all so beautiful!  It made me miss the temple so much.  So many things came to mind. 

For now, I leave you with this sweet choir of Korean angels singing, "I Love to See the Temple". Happy Sabbath!

Daaaaang....time flies!!

•I need to blog more. I keep trying to blog about the wedding, but then I find myself doing something a little more important.

•I'm trying to blog, in bed, in the dark, without my contacts on. I don't know how long this post will be....

•I went out with some of the ladies from work to On The Border, for a happy hour farewell. I'm not gonna lie, I like happy hour! Who doesn't like 1/2 price appetizers?! When we were placing our drink orders, everyone ordered something with alcohol in it. I was the last to order so everyone heard me ask for a strawberry lemonade. A couple ladies laughed and didn't think I was serious. One even looked disgusted that I wasn't drinking. I told them I don't drink, to which two of them laughed and said, "Give it one year and you will be!" She was b!tchy anyways so I could care less about what she thought. I laughed to myself and thought, "Honey, give it 33 years and I still haven't! So take that!!" Some people.... 

•I'm stoked it's a 3.5 day weekend, at the end of this week!!! Hellooooo sleep! Nah, probably the beach!

•It's funny how certain scents can bring you back to a certain place and time. I bought an air freshener, this weekend, that reminds me of my parents' home. It reminds me of a really good time in our lives, a time when we felt like all we had were each other. It made me miss my parents today.

•I find myself thinking of my family a lot, lately. I miss seeing them every day.  I'm always so glad that they're a phone call or at least a 30 min drive away.

•Every day, I learn something new about myself, my husband or how to be a better partner. 

•I need to start attending my new {family} ward. I'm nervous.  It's a whole new ball game...no more Singles Wards. No more quiet Sacrament Meetings--I think that part makes me cry a lil inside.  It'll feel weird not being in the same (dating, schooling, etc.) boat as those in my ward.  It'll be most difficult not having any one to sit by.  I've always had a family member or close friend.  I just wish I had a friend in my new ward. Well technically I do, but he's married now and I think his wife's not cool with the idea of him having a female friend.  I kinda miss having a calling (service position at church).  Anyways, who knows who I could meet. I just wish I wasn't so awkwardly shy. 

•It's past midnight now. I should get some sleep.  I'm excited about lunch tomorrow! I finally made this chicken sandwich filling that tastes so scrumptiously delicious!!!! It has broccoli, grapes, onion flakes, mayo & dried cranberries!!  I also made a bacon, egg & cheese tossed salad! Oh yeaaaah!!

•One day closer to the weekend! YESSSS!!

Jesus, my Friend.

Today is Easter.  So many of my thoughts have been about our Savior, Jesus Christ. I'm so grateful for the talks I heard at church, today.  Two of my dear friends spoke and it was good to hear their thoughts about the Savior and how the Atonement has touched their lives.  To quickly define what the Atonement is, it is everything that Jesus Christ has done on our behalf.  It is His great intercessory prayer that He offered up to Heavenly Father, giving up everything, even His life so that we could return back to our Heavenly Father.  It is Jesus Christ being willing to take upon Himself everything that would ever bring us down in this life; sin, emotional grief, burdens, transgression, etc...anything that would stand in our way of being one with our Heavenly Father.
As I listened to my friends' talks, it made me think of what makes me grateful to have Jesus Christ in my life.  Of all the experiences I've had in my life, one stood out in particular.
About eleven years ago, when I was on my mission, I received the devastating news that my Tutu (grandmother) had passed away.  It was sudden and without any warning.  That Wednesday morning, I received a call from my Mission President saying that I should call home, my Tutu was in the hospital.  A couple hours later, as I was reading my emails from home, my sister gave me the news of her passing.  I started weeping uncontrollably, I was devastated beyond belief.  I didn't care who heard or saw me; my heart was broken and my dear sweet Tutu was gone.  My missionary companion was embarrassed and in a snarky tone said, "WHY are you crying?! Geez!"  I wanted to run outside and cry my heart out on those library steps.  I didn't even get to say good-bye to my Tutu.  I felt a million times worse since I didn't call her for Mother's Day like I had wanted to. 
I cried all the way home.  It was a long silent ride home.  I called my Mission President to see if I could call home.   As I called home and wept on the phone, I was so overwhelmed with grief.  I just couldn't believe that in over a year's time I had lost both of my grandparents.  
I had never dealt with such tremendous grief, alone.  I felt so very alone, 3000 miles away from home and all my loved ones who had each other for support.  I felt no comfort or compassion from my companion.  I didn't know what to do besides cry and pray, because praying is what you do in all cases as a missionary.  So I prayed. 
I knelt down and prayed. I poured out my heart to my Heavenly Father because I felt alone and I felt like no one knew what I was feeling or going through. No one.  I offered up the most humble and sincerest of prayers because I had no one to talk to, except my Heavenly Father.  I wanted to know why He didn't allow me to see my Tutu after my mission.  Why I would have to suffer through this, away from my family, while I was in His service?  I kept telling Him that no one understood what I was feeling and that I was all alone.  I ended my prayer, but stayed on the floor, waiting for an answer or some comfort of peace.  Minutes later, a sweet spirit of reassurance enveloped me; I wasn't alone, not at all.  I came to know in a very real sense that there was One who had gone through what I was experiencing.   I wasn't alone, not at all.  Jesus, my friend, knew exactly of the grief that consumed my heart.  He was my friend that had gone through it all so that we would never have to carry the burdens of life, alone.  I wonder how Jesus might have felt when he received word that his cousin John was dead.  I wasn't alone anymore.  I had a Friend who knew exactly what I was feeling and that was the sweetest peace and comfort I could have ever received in my moment of sorrow.  I had a Heavenly Father who heard my pleas and a Savior who knew of the peace I so desperately needed.
So whenever I think of Jesus Christ and what he's done for my life, I am always brought back to this experience.  I am truly grateful for this experience and the testimony of Christ that I was blessed with. 
Do I know Jesus Christ?  Yes, he is my Friend.

The 12.22.13 Blog

*I can't believe that Christmas will be here in just 3 days!!  THREE DAYS!!!  Where has the time gone?!?! Where has this whole year flown off to??  I'm looking forward to Christmas, and then the days following it.  I can't believe it'll be the NEW YEAR next week!! Wow!!  

*I went to my ward today.  I've been avoiding it for the last several weeks, attending any other ward but that one.  It was nice to see some ol' familiar faces.  A couple weeks ago, the Bishop sent me an email to wish me well and see how I was doing.  I told him the reason why I've steered clear of the ward.  I was hurt from stuff a "friend" had said about me.  When the Bishop greeted me at church today, we had only a minute to talk and then he asked me "Have you forgiven that person?"  I wasn't expecting that.  I didn't know what to say!  It gave me a lot to think about on the way home.  I know we're always taught that we should forgive, but sometimes, I think we need to learn how to forgive. {more on that later....}

*So I got Christmas lumpia, today.  Super thoughtful!

*I'm stoked that my niece will be spending the week with us {my sister & I} in the office.  I miss seeing her & her brother (almost) everyday. 

*I watched the Chargers/Raiders game today.  It was a lil hard, but since it's something that Levi enjoys, I need to learn to enjoy it more.  Heaven knows how much he does for me, so it's the very least I could do for him.  Not like we need to do EVERYTHING together, but I sure do enjoy spending so much time with him.  GO BOLTS! {Man, this might be harder than I think.....I just don't like football.}

*Ok....it's gettin' late..... G'nite.

Aloha 'Oe Pres. Clove

Today, my heart is comforted by the words of a church hymn.....

Each life that touches ours for good
Reflects thine own great mercy, Lord.
Thou sendest blessings from above
Through words and deeds of those who love.

What greater gift dost thou bestow,
What greater goodness can we know
Than Christ-like friends, whose gentle ways
Strengthen our faith, enrich our days.

When such a friend from us departs
We hold forever in our hearts
A sweet and hallowed memory,
Bringing us nearer, Lord, to thee.


For worthy friends whose lives proclaim
Devotion to the Savior's name,
Who bless our days with peace and love,
We praise thy goodness Lord above.

I found out this morning that my ol' stake president, Ric passed away.  I wish I had written him a note like I wanted to, a couple months ago.  I learned so much from him!  I enjoyed every single time he would speak at stake conferences.  I LOVED IT!! I was always captivated every time he spoke.  I will miss his infectious smile and the Christ-like love that he had for everyone.  
I know that many lives, especially those in the Chula Vista Stake, have been changed for good just by knowing this good man.  As it says in Matthew 7:20, "Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them",  I know he was a good man, because of the children he had.  Two of his five children, are my friends and they are such kind, thoughtful & intelligent people.  
Pres. Clove will forever have a special place in my heart and I will always be grateful that I had the opportunity to know him.  

Aloha 'Oe, Pres. Clove...until we meet again.

All Hallows' Eve Quickie!

HALLOWEEN 2013 

in pictures....

THE PANDAS ESCAPED!!!

Mime in a box!

Kudos to those who know what movie this costume comes from!

How cute is he with his purple bowtie?! Answer: SUPER CUTE!

The second pumpkin I've ever carved in my life. LOVED IT! 

Free hand carving--oh yeah!! That's Tat's pumpkin on the left.  Yep, we rocked it!

I think Dorothy wanted me to carry her back to Kansas. 

I've gotta say, that I think Halloween is quickly becoming one of my favorite holidays! So much fun!