So much happiness

Lately I've been incredibly impressed by how well my Heavenly Father knows me so personally. I won't go into detail but I can testify that God truly does know who we are, who we need in our lives, and what we need to experience to bring us closer to our Savior. I love being a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints for so many reasons and if you would like to personal message me, please feel free because I want everyone to understand why this gospel is the greatest blessing on this earth!

We were able to go to California with the Fousts this past weekend and got to briefly see the Newport temple. Although the gates were closed, it just reminded me of mine and Brenner's wedding day. We went to Newport for our honeymoon and did a session there so I was able to feel a sense of nostalgia for the short time we visited. Being at the temple also brought a new feeling of warmth and gratitude for the decision we made together to be sealed to one another, and the knowledge that I have of eternal families was overwhelming. I've always known that the family unit is eternal but it carries a new meaning being a mother now. I love being a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. It brings a lasting happiness in a way that nothing on this temporal earth has ever come close to. That's how I know it's good and that's how I know it's right.

Oh how I love them.

Summer Highlights

This has been my most favorite summer between having a new fun playmate to hang out with all the time, North Carolina, our Dolly's birthday party, and playing in Grammy's backyard with cousins, it's been one for the books. So I decided to post some of my favorite pictures of the summer with a brief caption telling what it's all about. That way I won't bore anyone with a load of sentimental mush only I will appreciate.

Sending a selfie to Brenner during our time apart and well, I think the cheeks speak for themselves.

                                                  The i.d.e.a. museum                                                   

Bourdeaux's Louisiana Kitchen. Tastiest southern grub.

 Mr. K's soft serve yum.

 Hiking around Lake Norman

Fort Moultrie was even better than I anticipated. It was pretty amazing standing where people served to not only protect our country during WWII and the Civil War, but also where they established this country during the American Revolution.

 The Isle of Palms Beach, SC

It's the best when I find them like this.

Reedy Creek Park 

                        Piggie tail Pals                                  

I wasn't here for these mountain moments but these are officially my new favorite pictures of her. I mean, that smirk!

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O N E

It's so hard to wrap my head around my baby as a one year old. Looking back at all the pictures we've taken the past year has been very fun. She's changed so much and she's becoming quite the little lady! I could be a mom who brags about their kid and tell you all of the amazing things she says, does and performs but I will only save that for family and best friends who have to put up with it. You're welcome. Anyway, Brenner's Uncle Matt and his family came to Charlotte from Chapel Hill to spend Ruth's special day with us and we are so grateful for that. It was nice to have family around. She had a great day and I think these pictures speak for themselves. (iPhone style)

HER CHEESY FACE. AND ALSO ISN'T IT THE BEST HOW SHE'S SHOWING YOU HOW OLD SHE IS?

CHARLOTTE NATURE MUSEUM

 

HAPPIEST BIRTHDAY TO THE GIRL WHO MADE ME A MAMA! I LOVE YOU WITH ALL MY HEART. AND THAT IS NOT AN EXAGGERATION.

Dear Charlotte,

Dear Charlotte,

I LOVE YOU. 

Something strange happened y'all. Usually I love to share my photos and latest adventures with friends and family on social media. But for some reason I just can't bring myself to do so with our time spent in North Carolina thus far. These memories are MINE and I cherish them so much that I am going to be selfish and keep the videos and photos all to myself... at least for a while. 

We've only been here one week and I am taken back by the east coast! I'm not sure if I could do 4 years here for residency for various reasons but it is certainly in the running. The diversity, the southern feel, the restaurants, the lakes, the fireflies, even the amazing neighborhood park and well, EVERYTHING is just amazing. I've always enjoyed the beauty of the Arizona desert and I still hold that near to my heart but here it is a different kind of beauty and I love them both equally. We have had so much fun living here this short time and I can't wait for the next couple weeks to come. We haven't even been to the beach yet! 

I wish I could express how happy I've been while being here. "A picture says a thousand words." Maybe one day I can muster up the idea of publicizing my contentedness here in Charlotte.

Sincerely,

Your biggest fan.

And We're Off! (Almost)

These past couple months have been CA-RA-ZY! With a wonderful trip to Wyoming to visit Brenner's parents on their mission in Martin's cove (blog post on this to come), my birthday, and getting ready to pack and move to Charlotte, North Carolina for a month, you could say we've had our hands full. Not to mention that little rugrat Ruth who decided to walk around and explore everything. I think I have a heart attack everyday watching Ruth walk because she's got the skills of a drunk sailor going on and decides to hang out around the most dangerous parts of the house i.e. fireplace, glass coffee table and end tables. 

Anyway, I really shouldn't be writing. I have a lot more packing to do before we leave in 1 WEEK to North Carolina! So long, if you need me, I'll be in Charlotte.

Monkey See, Monkey Do!

You guys. I LOVE my little family. So Ruth has really been noticing the little things Brenner and I do and trying them out for herself. For instance, ya know how when you bend over you tend to sigh or let out some sort of grunt? Well anytime Ruth bends down to get a book or toy she grunts like a little old lady and it's such a crack up. 

Ruth update: She gives slobbery kisses, she blows kisses, dances, is trying to walk (and is SO darn close!), waves while actually saying hi-- this kills me because she's such a little person and she is trying to get the hang of this language thing-- she does a fake laugh and a fake cough for attention and thinks she is the funniest little thing since Bill Cosby.. uh poor reference?

Anyway, on a side note, I've just been very impressed by how well Heavenly Father knows us individually. I was having this conversation with a good friend about how ironic life is. There are a couple people in my life right now who I honestly didn't think I'd ever see again after high school and at the time was glad for it. But then BAM they are placed right in my life and now I've grown to respect them and see such a different side of them that I thought didn't exist. But guess what? It DOES! And Heavenly Father knows that and I'm so sad I didn't know it sooner. 

 Also, it's been so fun hanging out with people in our same stage of life and Rachel and Jacob make such great friends! I can't wait for Penny and Ruth to run around together, hopefully not getting into too many shenanigans.

Sorry for the novel!

As of Late

First off, let me just express my joy that Brenner is finally done with his surgery rotation! Woohoo!! He's now ending his 3rd year of medical school doing family medicine which is great because there's no call and he gets to have a fairly typical work schedule. That being said, we spent our first Saturday together in about 10 weeks and it was amazing! We went up past Strawberry on the rim and hiked the Cabin Loop trail to some really cool dilapidated cabins that forest rangers used to live in back in the day. There was a beautiful spring that hugged most of the trail and we were underneath big trees and walked through gorgeous meadows. The best part of it all, besides having my husband back, was that Ruth was such an amazing sport! She did great in her baby backpack. We've taken her hiking many times in that contraption but never for this long and she was so funny in it. She takes after both of us and our love for the outdoors. Anyway, I could go on and on about how wonderful yesterday was but it's ok, I'll just post some pictures since I'm sure that's what you'll want to see anyway.

 Oh look! A Horn Toad.

 We signed on our first house! Oh wait...

 I love him. And I love spending time with him. And... I love him.

 

This is her being "sweet" She lays her head down on the closest thing to her when we say, "Ruth, be sweet!"

You know it's been a good day when your onesie is covered in dirt.