Hello New York!

It's been a great year for us and Church History... We went to Nauvoo in June (I've yet to post pictures. That will come... maybe next week), and now we're in Palmyra, New York... the place where Joseph Smith Jr. first saw God, our Heavenly Father, and His Son, Jesus Christ, as two seperate beings. I'm so excited to be here. I love the Gospel with all my heart. I know it is true and I can never deny it. I know Joseph Smith Jr. truly did see God, the Father, and Jesus Christ. I also know that because the Prophet Joseph Smith was so devoted to God and in doing what's right, we have the Gospel on earth and we have a living prophet today.

I feel so blessed to be here. I can't wait to witness Brittany be married in the Palmyra Temple on Friday. What a wonderful trip this already is.


PS We rented a mini-van and we totally love it! We're both so stoked to own one some day!!!!!!!!! I can't wait!!!! (below: doesn't Nic look good driving the mini-van?)

Halloween

We had a fun Halloween. This was the first year we didn't go out and buy brand new costumes. We love collecting costumes... especially WIGS. Weird fetish. I know.

Anyway, here are some pics for your enjoyment.

PS Yes, Nic looks like a freak... but it won him third place in a costume contest! Woot! Woot! Oh, and... yes, Nics entire outfit actually belongs to me.

(sigh)

uh, how in the world do I update my blog in a matter of just a few minutes? The truth is, I can't. I'm a word-lover and as such, I love to write. So, instead of updating and listing all the many happenings-on, I will just simply say...

I miss being a mom. I miss doing the "tedious" things. They aren't tedious to me.

Being back at school has been an interesting experience. (sigh). It's so interesting to people-watch. I've just decided that I don't really belong in the world "of". Confusing, I know.

I just feel like I don't fit in. And it's okay that I don't fit in. I'm actually grateful that I don't fit in. I've experienced the most beautiful little girl in the world. I'm different because of her and I'm grateful I'm changed. But, sometimes it's hard. I have had to re-align myself in the last 6-7 months. I don't know who I am, or really what I'm supposed to do. I'm enjoying myself at school, but I feel kinda lost and I feel like I don't FIT.

Motherhood is SUCH a different world. It's so much better than the "reality" so many people enjoy. I don't get why so many people are turned off to having children. It's really sad. But, I have to say, I'm grateful those people don't have children... children deserve to be LOVED THOROUGHLY. It's just sad that people deny themselves so much happiness, love, fullness... JOY.

How do I put into words what I'm feeling? I don't know that I can. All I know is, I'm grateful I'm a wife and mommy forever.

A Good Laugh

Saturday afternoon was the third of three tests this last week for anatomy. Needless to say, last week I was a stress basket.

This might be one of those "had to be there" moments, but I was there. And it was funny to me.

Nic and I were driving home from running an errand. We had already taken the last test for the week and we were discussing it together.

Nic: Yeah, that was a hard test. But, we did our best.

Me: Yeah, we did our best. But, it still stresses me out, incase you couldn't tell.

Silence.

More silence.

Nic: No, I couldn't tell at all. You hide your stress very well. I don't think anyone can tell when you are stressed.

At which point we both crack up laughing!!!!

Me: Good answer Sweetie. You've learned well.

I love my husband! He's so funny!

The Truth

The truth is, I'm barely keeping my head above water. School is really hard. Nic and I pretty much live at school. It's hard and it's wonderful, all at the same time. But through this hardship, I have learned the amazing blessings of the Gospel.

It's such a blessing that after all I can do, Heavenly Father steps in and helps me. IT'S SO REAL. IT. IS. SO. REAL. I can't emphasize it enough.

This last week I was talking with my aunt, whom I am very close with. She knows the deepest joys, sorrows, and desires of my heart. Anyway, we were talking about some things and she told me something that I have tested. And sure enough, it is true.

It sounds simple... but it is so powerful. Try it. Honestly, try it.

IF you are doing as Heavenly Father would have you do... IF you are fulfilling your "calling" in your "time and season"... and IF you feel like you are barely keeping your head above water, ALL WILL WORK OUT. I know this is true. I have witnessed it this very day. I could write a huge novel, but I won't right now because it's really late and I need to get to bed.

I am so grateful for a loving Heavenly Father. I am so grateful for a loving Savior, Jesus Christ. Without Them, I am nothing. I'm so grateful.

PS I'm also grateful for Lucas, Nic, and Zac. You guys are great. Thanks for dealing with my emotional craziness.

PSS Congrats to one of my dearest, most wonderful friends in the world. You know who you are.

Mmmm, Dat is gooh!

Autumn Sunday Drive

Here is what I love...

1. Autumn Time
2. Motorcycle Rides
3. Sunday Drives
4. Camp Fires
5. Sunday Drives on a motorcycle in the Autumn Time that end with a Camp Fire and hot dogs!

Today was bliss.