Chels was in town and oh it was great to see her

Chels was in town for the long weekend and it was so great to have her here! It was great to be able to laugh together, talk together, take a couple pictures, visit family, go out to eat, facetime Alyssa and really just enjoy being with each other. Adulthood really is an amazing thing. I have seen over the years how Chels and I have grown. When we were younger, we did not get along at all (this may even be a bit of an understatement at times). And my wise Dad always told me that one day I will not only love her more, but we will become great friends. I can't say that I always believed him, but looking at our relationship now I know that he knew what he was talking about. I feel like the older we've gotten the better friends we have become. I am so proud of my sis. I can see how she has grown in so many ways. I see the love and devotion that she has for her daughter and WOW! It is just such a beautiful thing. I am so grateful to have sisters to live, love and laugh with. And when those things don't seem to fit, I am glad to have them to cry, debate and grow with. I am SO lucky for the family that I have. Thanks Chels for spending so much time with me this past weekend. I will always cherish our sister time! I love you :)

valentines day

So many things that I like about this picture :)

I've always been a grouch about Valentine's Day. I felt like the huge balloons, big teddy bears and large amounts of PDA were just too much and almost fake. Even last year when we were engaged I told Josh that I didn't want to make a big deal out of it (I honestly can't even remember what we did). But this year I felt a little different. I actually was craving a little more attention. Maybe that is because we (Josh) had just been so busy lately and I missed spending more time with him. Or maybe it was just a little bit of a pity party fit that I was throwing. Either way, I actually cared about doing something this year.

Well we went out to Olive Garden the night before Vday and had a very delicious meal! Oh man, it really hit the spot! After dinner, we drove up to the base of Y mountain to check out the city lights. It is our special spot. It is where Josh asked me to "tie the knot and marry him" as he presented me with an amazing string as my ring. It was absolutely perfect.

And then on Valentines Day, I didn't even SEE hubby all day. I was at school and work and so was he. He was scheduled for a double shift. I felt a little bitter that they had him working two shifts and that he was also closing, but that is just what comes with this whole growing up thing, doesn't it?

But when I woke up that morning and made my way into the kitchen, I saw the cutest note. He had put up a couple pictures that we had with a bowl of M&Ms, and a little note just for me! It was PERFECT! It was that little boost that I really needed. That extra bit of lovin' that I had been after. Later that evening when I came home from work I noticed a note spelled out on our bed using the letters from our Banana grams game! Another surprise! I can't explain how happy I was, even though I knew that I wouldn't even see Josh until the next day. Those simple, heart felt notes were amazing and reminded me of the understanding, love and sensitivity that my hubs has for me. He knew that was what I needed. He knew that I didn't need something big or fancy or showy. I am amazed how well that boy really does know my heart, even when I don't.

It was a simple Valentine's Day, but it was special to me and I absolutely loved it. Maybe my grouchy attitude for this day will be gone forever as I recognize that it is about love, not just for a boyfriend or spouse, but a love for people, a love for life and a love for God. :)

my first attempt at using a sewing machine: fur collar

the fur fabric was incredibly messy!! This doesn't even do it justice.

 Making this fur collar was the first time I have EVER used a sewing machine. Sad, I know. But I am trying to make up for lost time now! I would say that it turned out pretty successful for my first time, and for the fact that I made up a pattern just using a shirt that I already had. It was fun to make and I love it! I have extra fabric, who knows, I might just make more! Maybe someone would want to buy one even! Who knows!

I plan on wearing it with a wide variety of outfits. So don't be surprised when you see me wearing it every other day. ;) Fist pump for more fur! ;)

giraffe scarf and color blocking

Just some fabric to start!

Some folding and come pins, a machine and then...

haha...

You have yourself an awesome, amazingly soft giraffe print infinity scarf!! I made this all by myself and I feel so proud. I have to admit that it actually turned out great! This was only the second time that I have ever used a sewing machine. My grandma says I'm catching on fast. I'd like to think she is right :)

It was an amazing Sunday today. We had a great day at church. I got to visit some girls from church and get to know them better. We spent time with Josh's family eating homemade Chinese food for the Chinese New Year and just hanging out. And then got to visit with my Aunt LaRae and my grandma. I love being able to spend time and talk with them. They are amazing people and I am SO blessed to be surrounded by such amazing family, both on my side and on Josh's. Being here is definitely a special time of our lives and I need to be better and utilizing that and seeing our families more often.

I hope you all have had an amazing Sunday as well!

new buttons!

Before

 

 

After

It is amazing how a little change to an old thrifted jacket can make a big difference. I wanted new buttons to spruce this jacket up, but buttons are kinda expensive! And I really did not see any that I loved at the craft stores that I looked at. I was probably looking at all the wrong places, but regardless hubby and I had a better idea. We went to DI in search of a jacket that had buttons that I liked! It would cheaper to do that anyway. And we found buttons that I liked! They are black and have anchors and rope on them. I have a love for things with anchors on them right now. It was perfect!

Soon I will be posting some other projects that I've been working on too :) Look at me go!

i make my husband's clothes look good

Jacket: Thrifted    Pants: Gap    Fur sweater: Nordstrom   Shirt: Hubby's   Shoes: Target

I can always tell when I get an outfit right in the eyes of hubby. Because I get fun initial reactions like "Wow, you look great!... really really great!" followed by him just staring at me for a minute. And then he continues to say things like that the whole night long. And when he tells me I look "bad A" with a big mischievous smile on his face. And I get a little extra bum pinching. And hubby titles this post "I make my husband's clothes look good" (referring to the undershirt I am wearing. He says it's no fair I get to wear his clothes. It's totally fair). Yea, I like those days.

just another day

Shirt: VS PINK  Pants: JCrew   Shoes: Sperry Topsider from Nordstrom

I have some words for school right now. People probably think I'm insane for saying some of the things that I am about to say... But here it goes anyway. I have 17 credits this semester. I am working as much as I am allowed right now which is about 17 hours a week. And yet, most days I AM SO BORED! Not that I'm not busy... I am, but it's mostly pure boredom. How can this be you wonder? Well, I wonder the exact same thing. Last semester I had TONS of homework to do. Tons of writing and tons of reading. But I absolutely loved last semester! I learned so much and my classes were so interesting! While this semester I barely have any reading, I do have a lot of Spanish homework, and I have just a few 2 page papers through out the semester. This is where people are probably getting annoyed with me, right? Who complains about not having a lot of homework! It's not the fact that I do not have a lot of homework that bugs me I don't think. I think it is the fact that even when I am in class, I'm prepared for class and I am attentive and listening, and class is still boring. I feel like I am learning nothing new, not being inspired by the lectures, and am just wasting my time. I am paying good money to be here, so come on teachers, inspire me!!

I debate with myself whether this is a fault of mine, or if the class really just doesn't have much to offer me, and I still convinced that it is the latter. I am at a great University where I can learn so much and be inspired to do better and be better and explore the world and soak up knowledge and yet I sit in class wondering why I am there and why is nothing even remotely interesting. Why am I not being challenged at all? I think I complain about being challenged or pushed beyond my limits in general, then again who doesn't? But in reality, I am so glad that I have those things that push me to do and be better. In those moments that I feel like I just can't do it, or where I think its too much, I am able to pull through and get things done. And then after I have struggled and worked hard to get through those times, I look back and I think wow, I did that. And when the next thing comes along, because it always does, I have a little more confidence in myself and my abilities and I keep on learning and growing.

It really is an amazing process and I feel like I am missing out on something. Maybe its good that I have more time because I have been able to get to the gym more often and explore some more hobbies. Maybe my struggle this semester is to find meaning in the seemingly meaningless classes that I have. I am trying to keep a good attitude, interact in my classes and learn and be inspired. What am I going to do when I don't have any of these classes at all? After all, I do graduate after one more semester. Maybe the point of my "blah" mood is that I actually need to be working on my relationship with God, because school ends, but my learning will never stop and my relationship with God should always be my number one priority.

Well now that you've heard me rant about the rut that I am in, I hope that you all think for yourself about your  challenges and what they mean to you, and about the easy times, and what those mean to you as well. But overall I hope you know that God is on your side through it all. And those moments where you think that can't go any further, God is the one who carries you and builds you up to make those hard times you had to endure a strength in your life.


I found these quotes from our Prophet of the LDS church, President Thomas S. Monson, and I think they are at the root of my thoughts today and contain some valuable answers.

On Being Spiritually Prepared

A Foundation of Faith

“If we do not have a deep foundation of faith and a solid testimony of truth, we may have difficulty withstanding the harsh storms and icy winds of adversity which inevitably come to each of us.

“Mortality is a period of testing, a time to prove ourselves worthy to return to the presence of our Heavenly Father. In order for us to be tested, we must face challenges and difficulties. These can break us, and the surface of our souls may crack and crumble—that is, if our foundations of faith, our testimonies of truth are not deeply embedded within us.” ¹

Learn Lessons of the Past

“In the search for our best selves, several questions will guide our thinking: Am I what I want to be? Am I closer to the Savior today than I was yesterday? Will I be closer yet tomorrow? Do I have the courage to change for the better? …

“The years have come and the years have gone, but the need for a testimony of the gospel continues paramount. As we move toward the future, we must not neglect the lessons of the past.” ²