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.