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So like, it's been a while...
Let's start with thanksgiving.
It was seriously awesome. We went to Britney and Jason's new and beautiful house they built in Idaho Falls. We got into a car accident on the way there. Don't worry, I just can never walk again... JUST KIDDING. It was actually like one of those scenes in the movies where they are laughing in the car with not a care in the world, yet you see the danger ahead and you're yelling at the t.v. saying, "LOOK IN FRONT OF YOU PEOPLE!" Yeah but obviously nobody was snapping us out of our Hollywood moment. There was a semi in front of us, and we were about 2 car lengths away, and didn't see him drive right over a couch, (or in Brandon's description "a grey blob"), which popped it up hitting the left side of the car. It took out a part of the bumper, the fog light, and this big container thing which we managed to salvage and it's in our trunk. We don't know what it is, but it looks important. Now our car makes a funny sound. Maybe it's the important/not important container thing? Not sure. Hopefully it doesn't blow up any time soon. Anyways, we had turkey, fruit salad, mashed potatoes and gravy, homemade rolls, asparagus, and pumpkin/lemon meringue/banana cream pie. Now your mouth is watering and you're welcome. Black Friday happened the next day. Everybody got cool stuff like microwaves and cute sweaters, and I chopped my hair off. It was exhilarating, but B didn't talk to me for an hour. It's okay though. We still sleep in the same bed, and he's over it now.

Cozette was being super cute. So we had to take pictures.

But then she got kind of sick of it and said, "Okay stop now."

Sibel lost her two front teeth too! But she wouldn't sing "All I want for Christmas.."

And this is a thing.

We came home and did our thing. A few days before Christmas we got THE letter in the mail. The letter that would determine our future. In that flimsy little envelope, addressed to Brandon Earl from the University of North Dakota PA program, had written The next several years of our lives. 

Remember how confident we were? Remember how 100% positive that we had it in the bag? We went over to our friends house, sat on the couch as my friend Callie video recorded, we had Brandon's whole family on a conference call awaiting the news. He opened it, read it aloud, and our hearts sank into the floor as he read that he did not get accepted. He hung up, Callie stopped recording, we picked up panda express and a hardcore action movie, changed into comfy clothes, and cried a little. Here's the deal though you guys, this was the only school he applied to, (there weren't any others he could apply to right now without taking more classes), and he he got asked to interview and passed it. So, that's pretty dang solid for a first timer. Right now we are reevaluating a few things, and getting back on that horse and plan to ride it all the way into the sunset like a couple of majestic westerns. BRING IT 2014.

I had to.

Christmas was the bomb. We stayed here in town and spent it with my family. Tradition states that we do homemade Chinese food on the eve. Which is always my favorite part. We had chow mien, general tsou's, (I can't spell) chicken, tempura fried veggies, and then got crazy and made Mexican hot chocolate while we went and looked at Christmas lights. 'Merica. We also watched Mormon messages about the reason for the season as our Christmas lesson.

The next morning we literally rolled out of bed and went to my parents. Jack played Santa. Jack got a new Ipod, so we downloaded a bunch of songs onto a CD for him to put on. Along with directions on how to make a transforming ninja star out of construction paper. We got my dad a bunch of Cd's with old time radio mystery theatre stories with popcorn and hot chocolate packets. When we were kids we would make a bed in the back of the car and drive around with popcorn listening to them. Best memories ever. Then we would have nightmares. It's okay... We got my mom a new hand mixer that's off the food network. Apparently I forgot she already had one? But one can never have too many. Daughter points. Then I got B an xbox 360 slim bundle with 3 controllers and a million games and some other important things that make it more cool. He died and went to heaven. The guys played it for 4 hours straight. B got me new black boots, and a star wars lunch box which contained a letter saying that WE WERE GOING TO SEE WICKED THIS SPRING!!!! Yeah. Top that. Booyah.

Then we prepped dinner and went and watched the secret life of Walter Mitty, which I give a thumbs up to go watch. Super cute family movie. We had a late night dinner that looked really yummy but I couldn't eat because I came down with the flu. Stupid.... Honey ham, scalloped potatoes, and bacon wrapped green beans. You guys. I missed out. To sum it up. Christmas ruled. 

Our grown up Christmas tree

It snowed!

So work has been awesome for me. Still working like crazy! B is really enjoying working at mattress firm. They take good care of him and he gets awesome hours. Plus, have you met Brandon? He can sweet talk just about anyone into buying anything. He can work it. 

For new years we are chaperoning the youth new years eve dance, and going as a group with our Sunday school class. We are so pumped and excited! They are the best kids in the world, and super fun. 

Now I'm sitting here eating chips. Yo gym where you at? #newyearsresolutions 

Why we work

My heart is full. My mind is nostalgic.
Life is crazy. It throws curveballs, forces you to climb steep mountains, sticks it's nasty hairy hobbit foot out and trips you, but then grants you a break and lets you rest a whole until it tricks you into falling in a ditch. For what? It's not because our Father in Heaven enjoys seeing you fall on your face, it's the lesson you learn in watching out for those branches and learning to walk around them next time. Maybe to also let another hiker know what to watch out for.
We've all had those trials. That's nothing new, but isn't it funny to look back on those hardships and reflecting back to when we thought that was the end? The world is over? Yet here we are. We picked ourselves back up, brushed off the dust, and climbed our way back to the top. We may even had others give us a boost.
I've learned a lot from my stumbles, and from the stumble of others rather it be by watching it happen or hearing about it later. The number one lesson I've learned throughout such experiences is that it all leads up to the grand finale. The reason for the falls. As I've shared before, mine was my husband.
Getting to the realization and "ah-ha" moment was never easy. It was difficult, and quite a bumpy ride for us both. However, I wouldn't change a thing. Otherwise I may not have ended up as blessed as I am now. I worked through the trials to receive this blessing.
After we got engaged, I prepared myself for my marriage. I studied my scriptures, prayed with and without my then fiancé, and studied my temple prep manual like crazy. I'm grateful I did, otherwise I don't think I would have expected that first year of marriage. I'm grateful we did those things together and separately to prepare for each other.
Those first few months after we got married, we were asked to give a talk in our ward about how we can strengthen our marriages. Personally I thought it was funny they asked the newly weds because of course we would just say, "love each other and you're set. Duh." But here's what we gathered:

1. Love as He loves YOU! This basically encompasses everything, but simply remind yourself of how much our Savior and Heavenly Father love us, and more importantly HOW they love us.
2. Don't be prideful! You aren't always right, and you don't need to be. Recognize when you've made a mistake, FORGIVE, and move on. Plain and simple.
3. Communicate! You know how everyone says that the key to any successful relationship is communicating? Totally 100% true. It's the foundation for success. Tell each other how you truly feel, express yourself lovingly, and don't do them the disservice by bottling it in.
4. Date each other! Dating doesn't stop once you're married. The flame only burns brighter after that as long as you keep it alive. Flirt with one another, be spontaneous, wear the black dress and heels! Make it a goal to go on a date at LEAST once a month. Make that special time outside of work, school, kids, etc for just each other.
5. Participate in wholesome activities! Going to the gym together, bike riding, watching a clean movie, board games, service projects, actively attending church, or outdoor sports are all examples that keep the spirit in your hearts while being a part of fun activities. It can also unify you more as a couple.
6. Always say 'I love you' no matter what! We all know it can be difficult during any disagreement to tell the debater you still love them. However, it's important to let them know that just because you are upset that does not mean you don't still adore them and love them. This can also tie into never going to bed mad? Also true.
7. Be unique! This is totally something Brandon and I gathered just ourselves, and didn't necessarily read on the internet that would bring us together. But from the beginning of our relationship we created this sign to tell one another we love each other without saying it out loud. What we do is we squeeze the others hand 3 times to symbolize "I love you." It's cute. It's goofy, and something just between us. Find that within your own relationship!
8. Be one another's cheerleader and counselor! I can't remember for the life of me which talk I read this in, but I read somewhere that you are each other's best counselor. In our marriage, any struggle or decision I need help making, I turn to my spouse. He knows me best, and knows what would be the best decision for me. One of the things I seek from him and vice versa is his support in those times, and he seeks mine. You need to be their biggest cheerleader! Encourage, uplift, and help each other.
9. Serve each other! One of the love languages! Service. Give a head rub, run an errand, pick up their dry cleaning, make their favorite meal, get them a present just because, or simply help them get tucked in bed after a long day at work. It goes a long way. There's a scripture that comes to mind in mark 10:45, "for even the son of man did not come to be served, but to serve. And to give his life as a ransom for many."
10. Point out the pros! This also ties into being a cheerleader, but it is more imperative to tell your loved one of all of the great and wonderful characteristics and traits they carry. Recognize them. Point them out. Love them. We are our own worst judge, and at the end of the day, we don't need to be reminded of our shortcomings.

Those were the top ten lessons we have applied and learned throughout our relationship and marriage. We continue to learn more as we journey down this wonderful road together.
I'm eternally grateful for those stumbles and falls in my life that led me to Brandon. I'm grateful for the trials Brandon went through that led to me.
I'm grateful for the time we took in preparing for the temple covenants we made together to honor, serve, and love one another. I'm grateful for the memory of kneeling across the alter from my best friend and superhero and being sealed to him for not only this life, but ETERNITY. I'm grateful for that knowledge. I'm grateful for his example to me in being a worthy priesthood holder in my home, and provider for our family.
Love your spouse. Tell them that, and don't just assume they know. Remind them.
Remember your wedding day.
Honor your covenants.
And by golly, laugh together.
Yes this post was a "just because" where I needed to turn my thoughts into words. Hopefully y'all can take away something from this.
Thanks for reading ❤️❤️

Belated vacae, halloweeny, utah, and real life update

In unorganized pictures....
So we went to Puerto Rico to be a part of my Grandpa's wedding celebration. No big deal or anything. So here's how it all went down...

We stayed about 2 hours away from San Juan in a city called Rincon. The resort was right on the beach. This is a picture of the roof top pool over looking the ocean.

Here's another view from the roof top.

View x3

We were just really happy about our vacae.

The second night we were there we threw a bachelor/bachelorette combined party for Kim and my grandpa on the deck.

Setting up the music to set the mood ;)

The happy couple :)

Look how stinkin' cute my grandpa's new wife is you guys. She was opening her presents. They both got glow necklaces, normal party necklaces, nerf guns, puerto rico picture frames, etc.

My grandpa. He couldn't quite figure out the nerf gun thing hahaha

Kim with my grandpa's cousins. He's Slovic and immigrated here when he was in his early twenties. The best part is none of them speak english but two which was broken english. It's so awesome!

At the combined partay

We had sunsets like this every single night. This one was our favorite. Can you guess why? Think football.

WEDDING TIME

After 8 years, finally tied the knot! Hip hooray! During the ceremony the tide kept coming in and got all our fancy clothes wet, but luckily didn't touch the bride and groom! The reverend was a woman, and did half the ceremony in spanish, and the other in english. A very unique experience. 

Excuse me while I brag about my handsome husband. Like, really? Look at that smile. Such a stud.

Centerpieces at the reception

Bar (don't worry we ordered virgin ;)

Buffet

Arriving to the reception Mr and Mrs :)

She's awesome and such a young hip thang. I told her when she starts getting grey hair then maybe I'll call her grandma, but until then she's just too cool for it. Haha

Also, she has a really hard time taking funny pictures because all she does is laugh. So this is the best one I got ;)

Cake topper

Cutting their wedding cake. Side note, my grandpa (oh and FYI I call him Paca Nick. It's a thing) has a hard time staying in fancy clothes, plus it was super humid in PR. So when they initially got to the reception he went straight in after the dinner to change, but totally spaced about the cake and first dance so everyone had to chase him down to have him change. It was hilarious. Poor guy.

First dance

Paca Nick dancing with my Aunt Valia

DANCE PARTAY

Okay, eventually he changed, and busted out the moves. #mygrandpaiscoolerthanyours

We went snorkeling at a beach called "Steps Beach" and it was awesome. 

We went out and walked to this restaurant called "Lucky 13" we found on trip advisor and it was THE BOMB! B got a pulled pork sandwich, mac and cheese, and slaw. I got this taco called the Squidward which has fried calamari, wasabi aioli, marinated carrots, and slaw. All of it was amazing.

Again, SUNSETS?!

We took a drive into town to go explore, and were amazed by the greenery. Kind of reminded us of fort canby driving through this canopy of trees.

May or may not have gone back to Lucky 13 because we loved it so much

B got super sick the last day, so being in and out of airports coming home for 12 hours wasnt making him too happy.

This is after 11 hours. Don't judge

We stayed in Denver over night on the way home, and woke up and flew into SLC to play with Kelsey and Jon. But it was just really hard going back to an airport. BUT ONE LAST TIME!

I'm the baby whisperer. Love my little niece cozy loving to be cozy with her auntie tay.

Um, so I know Kelsie #3 already posted this, but literally had a New Girl moment watching these two do their shoulder exercises. 

Kelsey(ie)x3 

He looks good with a baby, eh? ;) Can we all just appreciate the cute babies Kelsey and Jon make? Cozette is adorable and so lovey.

Back to real life, but I uploaded some more pics from B's phone, anyways, for Halloween my office the girls dressed up. I was a cat. 

It was fun. Love them.

For halloween we went out to a new restaurant called the yard house at the village in meridian. B got the enchilada stacks, and I got fish 'n chips. Both were amazing. I was super happy that the fish 'n chips were finger food which makes it easier to enjoy, ya know? Then went trick or treating with our friends, then watched a scary movie. 

We watched Ryan and Nena's kids for a week last week. They were such fun kids! Always had so much energy and wanted to go out and do things active. Loved it!

We took them to this place in Meridian called Dart Zone which is an indoor dart zone play house. They split up into two teams, then attack! It's so fun!

Britney Jason and their kiddos were in town this weekend. We ate at this taco truck place and went to the village to enjoy the water show they display with this huge fountain. Look at these sweet faces! They got balloon toys at a vendor. Love them.

So back tracking, when we were on our way to PR we took an overnight pitstop in Denver to play with  Mandi and Collin. They treated us to dinner at an hibachi restaurant which was yummy! So sweet of them to think of us on our anniversary. 

Then we thought it would be cool to go to a haunted house. But we bonded over it since we all clung to each other the whole time. Here's a funny story, so they split up the haunted house into two, right? The first one was based off of scary movies. At one point they had one based off of the movie "The ring." So we turned a corner and there was a well, where the creepy long black haired girl crawled out! B was behind me, and I was attached to Mandi, and I seriously think B peed a little. He kept saying, "YOU GUYS SHE'S COMING! SHE'S RIGHT BEHIND ME! HURRY UP!" It made my life.

Here's a real life update...

So we are still waiting to hear if B got into PA school. BUT, HE GOT AN INTERVIEW!!!! :) He's scheduled for next Monday, so please keep us in your prayers!!! Thank you thank you!!!

B also got a new job at Mattress Firm, (it's a mattress store), as a salesman. Full benefits, sweet compensation and pay, and works well with PA school. We've been looking for paramedics, but it's super saturated here. So it's such a blessing that this job came into the picture.

As for me, I'm just working and waiting for the next chapter to start, (aka PA school, babies, house, blah blah). Everything happens in the Lord's time I know, PATIENCE.

That's all I got.