One Sunday Down

The look after 3 hours of church. Shirt untucked, socks and shoes off, collar frazled, hair messy, big smile.

Some of you may know that Keith recieved a new calling to the bishopric. This call came with a lot of different emotions; shock, excitement, bewilderment, some fear. We still aren't quite sure what it all encompasses exactly, but the spirit was felt last Sunday when he was set apart and we both were overcome with immediate peace. He will be serving under the direction of a wonderful Bishop Barrett Christensen, and first councelor Josh Harmon. We are happy to serve with such great men and for such an incredible ward. 

I was so proud today after getting Josh ready this morning and off to church all by myself. We are lucky to have Keith's brother Andrew and his gorgeous wife Alexis also in our ward. Andrew wins the HERO badge today for helping me manage a very wiggly Joshua. We are excited for the opportunity of making more friends and being involved with the ward.
The reality of what this all means has been setting in for me today and this past week. Keith already travels weekly for work. He is usually gone 4-5 days. Between work, friends/family, and now his church duties we are literally going to have to pencil family time in. He has promised me a date every week. Last week I got an entire hour of him all to myself, and it was heaven.  I have a new respect for single mothers, military wives, and especially those with more than one kid! I salute you!

This also means that we are pressing a big fat pause button on looking at houses.

So...one Sunday down, many more to go! And we did it!

Words of Wisdom

Post Post Potter Depression

I am a nerd.
My close friends know this.
I love books.
 I always have and always will.
There is something magical about opening up a new book and falling inside. I'm pretty sure I fell in love with Harry Potter in High School, and every summer after that when a new book would come out and I would spend days lost in their pages. Its a love that has been going on for almost a DECADE! An affair of sorts. (I'm not that old, I promise.) After reading the last Harry Potter, I went through post Potter Depression. I'm not the only one! You know who you are. I feel that way AGAIN after the last movie. Thanks JK. The movies are always just okay. I watched the last one with my dear lovely friend Monique and her husband Nate, and my adorable mom. She was filling in for my husband and I don't know if she even watched much of the movie because I kept interupting her with whispers of "thats not what happens in the book.." It was my obligation to help her know the truth. I especially wasn't thrilled with all the changes in the ending...I'll never understand why films stray from the original text so much. I mean seriously, is it too much to ask? Why do they have to mess with something thats just right the way it is? I want to know what JK thinks about all this rubbish. I will say that I heart Ron's nostrils. I have an urge to pinch them together everytime I see him.

He finally did it!

My baby brother got married. The last of the three kids to tie the knot, and I couldn't be happier for him! I love weddings. Andrew's sealing was particularly special for me because our mission President performed it. First of all, it was a phenomenal experience serving the same mission with my brother. Second of all, we were lucky to have served under the direction of President Don Clarke. He is the most incredible man I know (except for my husband of course) who leaves anyone who comes in contact with him a desire to be a better person. He makes you feel like you can accomplish anything. He and his wife have been serving in Guatemala for the past 5 years as Area Presidents for Central America. 5 years!! Before that they were in Bolivia for 3 years. That is an incredible service! His advice to Andrew and Erica was simple and profound. I want to share it with everyone because I believe that if we follow this counsel, we will be happier in our homes and marriages.

The four main reasons people get divorced are in CAPITOL letters. What we can do to make sure we steer clear of falling into those traps is italicized.

1) CHASTITY

•  Continue to date one another! Treat each other the way we did when we were dating, as if we are still trying to win each others hearts.
• Kiss each other at least 10 times a day.
• Have a date night each week, and most importantly
• Make time to go to the temple.

2) MONEY

• Pay your tithing.
• Spend Less than you make!
• Don't let wants become needs.

3) PRIDE

• You don't always have to be right.

4) COMMUNICATION

• Talk to each other
• Pray together
• Read Scriptures together
• Hold Family Home Evenings
• Hold weekly family meetings

I was so impressed by this that I wanted to share it with everyone! I am so grateful to be part of a church that teaches true principles. And I am proud of my little brother!