GUYS! I made it through this semester!!!!! Granted, finals are still coming up this week, but! even if I totally butcher them all, I should at least pass! What a relief! I really am grateful for the tender mercies that Heavenly Father has shown us this semester.
We don't really have any new news, same old same old with most things, but we are moving forward none the less.
    Today J and I spoke in sacrament meeting. The topics we were given were "the gifts of giving and the gifts of receiving." I really needed the lessons I learned with studying both aspects. I was raised by two of the most giving humans I know, and I really appreciate them. I had always had the notion that it is better to receive, and even though that is true, I had never understood the importance of being a gracious receiver. With every gift given, and every service done, there is a giver on one end, and a receiver on the other end. Is one more Christlike or loved than the other? I do not think so. Those that receive with gratitude do a service to those that give by allowing them that opportunity. I know when I have served, I feel that I get so much more out of it than the one receiving. Heavenly Father receives all of our efforts for good with love, no matter how great of small they may be.
     Anyways! :) Food for thought :)
  We are sort of in limbo with all of the house and work things (on my end) out here so it's hard to really up and leave, but we are hoping to get back to utah to see family and friends within the next month or so. J's job is still going great. He continues to enjoy it and succeed at it, and that means the world to me as a wife! I really appreciate all of  his hard work and his desire to make sure we are taken care of financially. I am SO grateful that he has a job that can provide for us, and one that he enjoys, to boot! I am kind of in a transition between jobs. I was at the Cardiac Rehab and am starting as an MA for a podiatrist in town. He and his family are good friends from the ward out here. I am learning a lot and getting opportunities to do so many cool things!
   Well, we wish you all a very merry and magical Christmas and a most happy New Year!!!

It's time!

I should probably start by apologizing for taking so long to get this post up! So, sorry y'all!
      It's been a wonderful but busy last couple months. For those of you that don't know, I am working on finishing school with my RN. Joe and I have set a goal to avoid debt as much as we can! We realize that some things are unavoidable and some things are definitely worth going into debt for, but because our path to having children is turning out to be an expensive one- :) - we've worked hard to pay for my schooling up front so that if we have to spend tens of thousands of dollars on IVF or adoption, we're not already drowning in debt. Anyways, that being said, I've had to take the extended route for my degree and just go when we can afford it. Luckily, right now we've been blessed with Joe's job that is able to cover our monthly expenses well enough that I can work minimally and focus on finishing school!  It's been so helpful! I'm one of those people that have to work my TAIL off to do well in school. I envy those people that can just read through the material and BOOM understand what's going on! :) Let's just say that isn't my talent! I've still got a ways to go but we feel so good about continuing on this path. At least for now :) So! School keeps me pretty much constantly occupied.
     I got called to the RS presidency a couple months ago. I feel totally inadequate. But, I do know the Lord qualifies those who he calls. I am really excited to serve with and learn from the rest of the presidency. The sisters of our ward amaze me with their faith and strength. Besides my year or so in the singles ward, I have sat in Relief Society maybe 5 times! I have been in primary pretty much exclusively since I left young women's. So this is a totally foreign concept for me! I miss the little- all girls sunbeam class I was teaching, but every Sunday I leave R.S. feeling so encouraged and rejuvenated and can't help but think that that's why I'm supposed to be there right now.
     Joe is still the executive secretary so he stays on his toes with that. He is doing so well with his job, and even more importantly, (for me) he enjoys it. I can't believe what a difference having a job that he loves, makes on us. It's like that saying, "Do something you love, and you'll never work a day in your life." Not to say there are never frustrations, or moments he wishes he were fishing or golfing instead :) but he works hard and the good definitely outweighs the bad. I still think I scored the best husband/partner in crime ever. He makes me so happy and takes such good care of me and helps me be a better person.
     Over conference weekend (which was AMAZING btw!!!!!!) we got to have Joe's parents! Finally! :) They had been serving a mission in Oklahoma, so we really couldn't hold it against them :) but it was so good to see them again and spend some time with them. We loved showing them around this beautiful place that we love so much. We took them to one of our favorite little diners and had them try the famous "slopper," and took them for a scenic drive up into the mountains to see the fall colors around the lake. We also got to go to the royal gorge which was super cool, too. We are grateful for their service and example, but it will be nice to have them back for a while :)
    My sister Karli left for her mission and is now in Anaheim working hard! I'm really proud of her decision to serve a mission. I miss her like crazy already, though.
    AND!.......................... We are finally moving into our house!!!!! We should be in by the end of the month! Yay! We are psyched! We have lot's to do with it but are excited to be started on it. Like most good things in life, we have had to wait and wait and wait! But, it will all be worth it so soon!
   The puppies are doing well! We decided to name the new little guy Henry since that's what he responded to :) He's adjusted so well and is to well behaved and so loving. Such a great companion.
    Well, I ought to wrap things up. As the end of the year and holidays speedily comes upon us, I extend a challenge to mostly myself, to take moments out of  each day to give a quite thought a prayer of thanks for all the many many many blessings we have. My heart gets heavy at times, aching for things I wish I had that I forget to recognize the things I DO have. #lifeisgoodfolks

"Don't nag yourself with thoughts of failure. Don't set goals far beyond your capacity to reach. Simply do what you can do in the best way you know how and the Lord will accept your effort."
Pres. Gordon B Hinckley

End of summer update

I suppose it's about time for an update!

   A couple of weeks ago my mom and I were able to take a quick road trip out to Utah for one of my very dearest friends' wedding in the Logan temple. We stayed with my grandma and enjoyed every second of visiting with her and my uncles and their families. I have always cherished time with my extended family. The wedding was wonderful and it was so awesome to see my friend that I haven't seen since my own wedding! I especially enjoyed the 11 hours there and back I got to spend with my mother. We talked and laughed and cried and sang and slept and talked and talked and talked some more! Precious memories.
   The following week J was quite sick and down most of the week. I enjoyed playing "nurse" for him and getting to take care of him. I've spent the last 5 years taking care of those that cannot take care of themselves but since J is rarely sick and down, I rarely get to "baby" him.  I love my husband more the more I serve him. Lucky for me-I caught what he had this last week. We had a day or so over over-lap and even though we felt miserable, it was a blessing to be forced to stop and spend time resting and healing together. J has a little left-over cough and I sound like an 80 year old chain smoker but besides the nasty cough, we're  feeling much better. Our neighbors brought us the most delicious, home-made chicken pot pie! I would have been thrilled if it were cold cereal brought over, but the fact that it was delicious and warm and homemade really put me over the moon!
     Yesterday, I was driving down the road when I was forced to stop in the middle of it on account of a little doggy standing right there in front of me. I could see it looked frightened so I pulled over to check it's collar and get it home! I slowed down and go closer where I could check tags, to find there were none. So- I went from house to house in the area trying to find his home but the whole neighborhood was telling me that he had just showed up a couple days ago but they had never seen him before. In a tight/small community, you get to know everyone and their dog....literally :) so I was hoping someone would recognize him. I posted on the local FB page asking about him and though many people were helpful, his owner was still not found. I didn't dare leave him on his own to wander the night with the fox and bear and cougars, so I brought him home! My puppies loved him and my husband LOVED him. We gave him a bath and cleaned him up and Poppy and Abby had a blast. He's there same size so I works out just right :) We still haven't heard from an owner but tomorrow I'll hit up the local vets and groomers and see what happens! He's a sweet little guy! We call him "Buddy" since we don't know his name. He seems to like it!
    J is doing a couple different fantasy leagues for the upcoming football season. For those of you that don't know- J is an avid sports fan and football season to him is, as he says, "the most wonderful time of the year." He's trying to convince me to do a family league.......we'll see! :)
    I start classes in the morning to finish my RN and BSN degree so I will end quickly before the drowsiness takes over this post!!!  Have a wonderful, blessed week, all!!!!

Life Lately

     We received news early last week that the home we have hoping to purchase should be available by the end of the month!!! Woohoo! We are so stinking excited! The home has 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms upstairs on the main floor with a basement framed for 2 more beds and a bath. It has a deck across the back that offers an incredible view of the place J and I have grown to love so much! We can't wait to add our own style to the place and make it into our home. There is a slight possibility that the sale would be postponed, as the sellers are waiting to close until they have some investments come through, BUT according to our last conversation with them, everything is right on track.

   J has a great job that he really enjoys. He is great at it, and in his short time with the company, has seen huge business growth as fruits of his labor :) I am very proud of his hard work and very grateful that the Lord has provided him a way to support our family! Back in May, J and I had decided we would head back out to Utah but when J told his company he planned on leaving, they asked him what it would take for him to want to stay, and in the end made him an offer we couldn't refuse. He is looking into finishing up school with his Master's Degree in PR/Communications within the next couple years.

    I am working part time at an out patient rehab clinic. I enjoy not feeling constantly overwhelmed and not having to do so much of the "dirty work," but I can't wait to finish with my RN! I'm going online for the next couple of semesters and then we will see where we are, as to where I finish (CO or UT).

   Our fur babies are doing great and are getting along just fine. They love walks around the lake (or just walks in general)  and exploring everywhere. They keep each other entertained, and in so doing, keep us entertained. They love playing at the Bark Park and love meeting other dogs. Poppy ( the mini dachshund) thinks she is just as big as all the other Labs and Huskys and Great Danes she palys with. She has no sense of "stranger danger" either. She acts as though everyone is excited to see and play with her. Abby is a little more reserved amd appreciates getting to slowly warm up to people. Once she's warm though, she is so loving and loyal. Abby always somehow seems to be in tune with how I'm feeling. It's like she can tell when I'm down or having a bad day and won't leave my side. We sure love our crazy mutts.

     For those wondering, J and I are prayerfully and anxiously working toward starting our family and have been for some time. We appreciate all of the prayers in our behalf. I will be sharing more on this matter in the near future so check back :)

"Busy is a choice, Stress is a choice, Joy is a choice; Choose well" :)
   

Here's to the "Annual Update"

Ok. Let's face it- I'm no blogger :(  BUT J and I have discussed this issue at length, and we hope to use our wanna-be blog as a way to share our journey and update those who wish to know what we are up to. It may not be exciting to most, but J and I are ecstatic! Our life together has taken us (and continues to take us) through some unexpected turns and twists and bumps and dips..... and that friends, is what you call a wonderful LIFE!
 Some major life lesson we've learned this year are:
 1.  Assume that the WAY and TIMING of how you think things will happen, WON'T. We aren't living on our own timing :) Have dreams and goals and do your best to achieve them. But typically the WAY we think we will get there differs from how we ACTUALLY get there. And that is A-okay.
2. Embrace and enjoy the stage/moment YOU'RE in. I regret always comparing where I am in life with where I think I "should be" or where "others around me are." We're living OUR life-not THEIRS. The grass is always greener on the other side, but what you don't realize is the grass on the other side has it's own patch of weeds, it's own thorns and even spots that require gobs of water/effort to keep green. So, what does botany have to to with anything?.... Stick with me! :)..... If we keep looking around us and comparing what others APPEAR to have, to what we do not yet have- it's easy to slip into a rut of self doubt. Instead, look at what YOU have, and..... BE GRATEFUL FOR IT! :) Count your blessings! The stage you are in will slip away before you know it. So, make the most of where you are. 
3. Have Faith. Seems simple enough. And in a way it can be. But when your world comes crashing down around you, it's easier said than done. I love the quote from Pres. Gordon B. Hinckley "Be Believing, Be Happy, Don't get discouraged, Things will work out." Things DO work out. Usually in a way more beautiful than we could have pictured ourselves. Trust in God and in His timing. That's all you can do. "Get on your knees and Pray, Then Get on Your Feet and Work" (also Pres. Hinckley) Pray for what you want/ need and then do all you can do. The rest will unfold when it's meant to. 

With all this being said I must add in a DISCLAIMER: Neither J or I are anywhere near perfect at ANY of these (or anything else for that matter) (Except fantasy football J says) but reminding ourselves and each other of these simple lessons, they do help us as we face our own battles and thorn patches. 

Well, that will do it for ramblings from me today (at least for ya'll....J isn't getting off so easy) :)
Stay tuned for future posts with exciting news about our future! Thanks for all the love and support and prayers on our behalf.