Spread the Love

I find that when you are nice to people...they're nice right back.

This is a little cheesy but I still appreciate it.

Thank you old man behind me at the grocery store.

Recalled to Life

I am in the middle of reading A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens. There is one particular theme in this novel that stands out to me. It is found in the simple phrase, "Recalled to life." The theme of resurrection is widely apparent throughout the book and it got me to thinking. We are recalled to life every morning and throughout the day! We get the chance to start over, make it different from the last, and ultimately progress. We say I am sorry, I love you, thank you, etc.. And in this, I would say we are in a way being recalled to the life we are meant to be living.

It is human nature to set goals and make plans. We begin to imagine (sometimes even fantasize) how we would like everything to play out. Then, in the midst of pursuing our plans, we find a glitch and then what? We are faced with yet another decision. Do we compromise our plans to adjust to what reality is, or do we stick ourselves in a mindset of stubbornness only to dwell? I'm talking about dwelling on those "What ifs" or "It's not what I planned."

 REALITY CHECK: Compromise is essential in life! We need to take an opportunity of change with the faith that our Heavenly Father knows what is the absolute best thing for us. Are we going to tell Him that we know what is best or that our plans are better than His? Of course not. He has been planning a lot longer than us. This life is meant for us to learn as we go, take things as they come, and progress toward a better version of ourselves. We are part of The Great Plan of Happiness. Please, let's not turn it into The Plan of Self Pity. So today I am using the power that all of us people have to truly live life the way we want to. I will not be recalled to any dream that didn't go my way. But only to my free agency, aspirations, expectations, and passions. I am recalled to life.

Butterfly Blessings

This morning I walked outside to water our flowers and as I did about 20 butterflies flew out and started hovering all around me while I did so. Being in a super small town (villiage?) where you don't know anyone and do not have a car makes you appreciate things like that. Also, our water was down for about a day and a half and luckily I was blessed to have just bought a case of water bottles the night before. Coincidence? I think not. So today I am thanking my Heavenly Father for watching out for me and letting me know that I am not alone while Brenner is gone all day long. Thank you for sending me butterflies.

Happiest

Marriage is awesome.

 I know I look like I'm 12 here but I promise our relationship is legal.

 I really could take pictures of him all day.

 Even if he does become a stinker.

 Lovin Newport!

 Sunglasses, books, beach.

Easily the best decision I've ever made.

Gowns

Well, one year ago I wore a graduation gown and celebrated with all of my friends and family. In two weeks I will be wearing a wedding gown... and celebrating with all of my friends and family. Which especially includes my very best friend and the person who I will start a family with. It's crazy how much life can change in just one year.

 Typical family picture. (Thank you Ryan)

And yes. This is real, but it's all I am sharing!

Love Her Mother

I know I'm a couple days late but to honor mothers' day, here's a video from lds.org. It's a good one!

Sugar Sugar

Lately life has been absolutely crazy but so great. One of my closest friends, Lindsay, left for Thailand this past week! Oh and Skyler will be going to Africa in a couple of weeks. It's so bizarre how everything can change in just one year. We're all going our separate ways. But to celebrate our short reunion with the girls, we decided to do a girls' night as one last hoorah. It was a blast! I love my friends and I am so grateful that I have them in my life. I have been blessed to have good friends who share my same standards and weird sense of humor...

 At Sugar in Tempe Marketplace

 Goodbye sweet Lindsay! May Thailand treat you well.

This past weekend Brenner and I went with his parents and sister, Kylie, for the day and took out the Freeman's Razor. It was SO much fun! I want it. I love his family and we had some pretty good times.

 Future seester in-law

 Gorgeous spring we found

Yep, life is tasting pretty sweet!