A Change of Season

I sit here this Sunday....reflecting on the past few months.

At the beginning of this year, David and I knew that we were going to experience a lot of change as the months flew by. At first thought, we felt it was going to be quite the adventure (and is sure has!).

Though, change can be a scary thing. It can cause fear of the unknown. Cause added stress. Or even give a string of tension headaches. At the same time, it can also be beautiful. Exciting. And even thrilling.

I think we have experienced each of those emotions the past few months. Some moments....we mange to feel of those emotions at once!

Most of all though.....this change has taught me an important lesson. I think if David and I had a theme for this year it would be:

"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." Proverbs 3:5-6

He knows our hearts. He knows our fears. He knows of the silly, sometimes absurd things that make us feel inadequate. Even more.....He knows where we're going and what we need most.

He has a plan that is greater for us than what we can see for ourselves. It is up to us to put our trust in Him.

So no matter what life throws our way...whether it is a change of scenery, a change of state....or a change of job.....

This change becomes easier...and more comforting in knowing who is directing our path. 

With that said....here are some photos from our time here in Provo! We have absolutely loved being here! Though in a mere 25 days...we will head to Missouri!

Also....Only 108 days til Christmas!! Practically time to begin listening to Christmas music..

Hiking! 

The best snow cones I have ever eaten. If photos could capture taste...you would agree!

Hyram came home!! One of the definite summer highlights!

Though...I felt this photo did more to capture the moment. 

A temple day with this dashing couple!

 Somehow....my brothers became giants. They must have ate extra broccoli...

For the Better....

About two years ago....I took the plunge to move to Las Vegas.... Engaged to a handsome curly haired boy. I was certain, at the time, I would never get used to such a place. Now....as we have packed and moved...I will be forever grateful our first part of married life was in the Land of Casinos.

We will miss the sounds of continuous planes. Date nights of dancing to the radio in a parking lot....Or eating way too much ice cream while watching the airplanes.We will miss movie nights at the discount theater..and picnics in the backyard.We will miss the perfect winters...and monsoon rainstorms.....

Our Father in Heaven always guides us to the places that will help us grow. He always places us at crossroads with a promise.....If we seek Him....He will be our guide and comfort as we continue down the path. He will give us the strength to stand and grow closer to Him.

He knew Vegas was just what I needed.

Sure, we were able to do some incredible things....watch a variety of shows....visit cool sites...and take care of a beautiful home....

Even more though....in our short time there....David and I learned so much about each other...our hopes....goals...and dreams. We both learned that we can do hard things....(Especially David who made it through the trenches of physical therapy school with flying colors!)

Most importantly....we had the chance to meet such incredible people. People who showed us love....support...and friendship. Who took a chance on getting to know such a quirky couple. We will be forever grateful for that love....and for their examples.

I have no doubt that Vegas was the place David and I needed to be.....because it helped to continue to change our hearts.

Because of the people....we leave Vegas changed for the better.


Here are some photos from our last week!

We will miss these two! They will soon be great parents! 

We met up with Sister Davis again! We love her!

Our last night....filled with lots of laughs and great food! We will miss each of them! If ever injured..I would want to be in the same room as these amazing people!

We have loved our Sister missionaries! Perfect pair! 

Sigh....So long Vegas...Sadly..I never grew fond of your summers!

This handsome guy...is finished with classes.

 One more year until he is an official Doctor folks! 

Thanks for the memories!

Provo....here we come!

Cryin' Over Spilt Milk

Recently...on my way home from work, I decided to quickly stop at the store for some milk.

In my rush to check out, I dropped it.

My newly purchased gallon of milk shattered across the floor...gushing it's frothy goodness all over the floor....and fortunately...my pants.  I'm certain my face lit up like a red light bulb. I was immediately swarmed by sweet Smith's workers who kept reassuring me it was okay. I apologized half a million times.....my voice beginning to quiver each time.

Since I wasn't too much of help....they grabbed me a new gallon of milk...and sent me on my way. Now...here is where it gets absurd folks....I got in the car...and literally cried my eyes out for spilling the milk.

What does this have to do with anything you may be wondering? Well. Maybe nothing.

But for me...it was the beginning of a week where I felt like I kept loosing everything. Including my wallet. And...the days were drawing closer to our end here in Vegas and we still were unlucky in the "finding a home" department.

Loosing my wallet seemed to be the climax of the week. Maybe I wouldn't have felt so bad if it was the first time this had happened. Or even the second. (I'm telling you....it's people like me who keep the driver's license division in operation).

So I let myself wallow in frustration for a moment. Or seven... And then I realized how silly I was being.

We have been so blessed living here in Vegas. We are blessed  to have wonderful friends here. Blessed to have a job. Blessed to have each other. Blessed  to be starting a whole new adventure. Blessed to be healthy. Blessed to have a room with a working air conditioner... So many things I was grateful for flooded my mind.

So I prayed. And I thanked. And lets be real here...I probably cried some more.

And you know what?

My ring warranty papers were found. And though it was way past...they still validated it.

My wallet was found. At some restaurant that we hadn't even been to. A stranger had turned it in.

We found a place to live! A small basement apartment in Provo. And....it is even month to month.

I found that I would get to keep working for my lovely boss.....even when we moved.

And a few other items I had been on the search for turned up...one in a parking lot. (Miracle? Yes!)

Looking back at the past few weeks....every little stress I had....had been answered.

So why does spilt milk matter? Because I knew....and know even more now....That Heavenly Father loves me so much. He is so mindful of even the little things in my life. He is probably humored at how frequently I loose things... But He never gives up on me. He never love never fails.

Prayer works. Prayer is for real. He is there. He is listening. He knows every emotion we feel....even if it is the silly embarrassment of spilling your milk in front of whole heap of people. He is waiting....Waiting for us to turn to Him for help. None of my stresses were large or even life or death. They could be written off as a minor inconvenience..But to me it was important. And because He loves me....He was there to help.

You know what else?

He loves you just as much.

Here is a photo for your viewing enjoyment. Sometimes...we doodle pictures of each other. This lovely creation is the result. I think this is the most attractive photo I've ever seen of the two of us. Between his technicolor-ed pants and my Dutch shoes...I don't know what is better...

Have I mentioned how much I love him?

Just to Smile...

Life is good. So good. 

Especially upon receiving photos like this. My "little nymph"  who takes a bad hair day and rocks it. 

So smile. Laugh. Giggle uncontrollably. 

It's the secret to beauty. 

If you don't believe me.....take a look again at this photo....Kids are definitely in on the secret. 

I think we just sometimes forget as we get older.

Happy Sunday! 

It's been a while...

The past two months have been a blur! One second it was March....and now...it's almost the end of May

I would fill you in on all of the details of our adventures the past while....however...like I said.....my days are so intertwined that it gets a little complicated....

So...Instead of my ramblings....here is a picture update of the past two months of our lives.

Aimee and Eric and their cute little family came to visit us! We loved seeing them! 

Sadly...in the excitement of having them here...we were lousy at taking pictures. 

The best part? We will be living much closer to them this summer! Hello Star Wars lego set building and lots of fun! We can't wait!

I think life is pretty great for these ducks!

This cute girl and I ran a bubble run! Who wouldn't want to run through a mass of bubbles!

For some odd reason....cameras come out and I instantly feel the need to put my thumbs up and look overly excited!

Spring was wonderful! I miss it already. Sigh. The heat and I haven't quite become friends yet. 

And cue the drumroll....we celebrated our birthdays! We started off by watching a Cirque de Soleil show....I think my mouth was dropped in awe for most of the show. Amazing wouldn't quite cover it!

To continue our celebration...we had a squirt gun war! Sadly...I was the one who ended up soaked! I need to work on my James Bond moves..

This picture captures the millionth reason I love him! 

I think we're starting to look older....

Vegas is now home to the world's largest Ferris wheel! We had to go look for ourselves...If you are a thrill seeker with heights...I'm sure this would be just for you! David was nauseated just looking at it.

I love this photo! Your eyes are not mistaking you...that is an onion. It takes a pretty great gardener to keep an onion growing for two seasons! I don't think I've ever seen an onion that big in my life!

There you have it....a brief overview of the past two months. Time has gone so fast! We now have less than a month left here in the land of Vegas before our traveling begins.

Stay tuned.

It's going to be quite the adventure!

Spring Break or Bust

Last week was my spring break. (Even though online classes seem to follow you with any internet connection!)

This week is David's spring break.

So..add that together....times it by seven...and subtract three....and you get....(pause for drumroll)....an extended weekend of great things!

We went camping. It was a long trip....it consisted of walking out the back door, and building a fort on the lawn. What about the roaring fire you may ask? Oh. We had that covered. Our roaring fire came directly from a can....filled with alcohol. Perfect for marshmallow roasting!

Can you see that blazing fire? We're pretty much camping professionals. 

The next day...after getting to go to the baptism of one of our new friends...we went to the temple! It was a beautiful day!

I'm secretly posting this picture...without permission of David. I couldn't resist sharing with the world my incredibly dashing husband!

Remember this little guy? He made a temple appearance too!

Love is better than they say folks. 

Wait just a moment! Our festivities didn't end there! We had a visit from our wonderful St. George family....but sadly...no picture. Use your imagination....5 really great people...eating dinner...and ice cream. Picture it? Great.

Today...we had some incredible goals to finish off our weekend. I got up really early to finish my assignments...And then we were going to go hiking at Red Rock Canyon! However...we never reached our destination. We ended up at a place even better. An undiscovered hidden gem of Las Vegas. 

Bonnie Springs.

Just skim over the following photos. You'll be hooked. And want to know how to get there. Wild burros.  A zoo.. a restaurant, and all of the "almost" western you could want! peacock. I'm certain that beats Red Rock any day. 

We didn't have any "next of kin" with us to notify. Luckily...we still made it out safely!

I don't think any words could sum up the odd humor I find in this photo..

I feel the look on David's face says..."You really think this will stop me?" 

So beautiful! 

Poor Jacob Carter. Maybe he should have tried the Bow and Arrow instead.

Also, future travelers note...you're not required to use the outhouse! Hooray for modern plumbing!

Sigh. Dear Vegas, please have this type of weather all year long? Thanks, my fair skinned clan and I appreciate it. 

A cowboy actor? Are you thinking what I'm thinking? Coolest job ever! 

I posted this picture specifically to point out.....my white skin isn't ready for the unsettling burns of summer! Time to bust out the sunscreen!

Of course....the perfect western day wouldn't be complete without seeing some wild burros.

It was the perfect finish to a great weekend! There is no one else I would rather get lost with. As the wise pre-Dr. Brown put it today....."The destination is overrated. The journey is much better." 

I hope you all are enjoying spring as much as I am! If you're not....take a trip to Bonnie Springs!