Give Me Strength

Well, it seems to be that time of year for me......the time to evaluate the past year and recognize all the blessings I received.  This past year was an amazing and hard year. I spent the first half being pregnant and the second half trying to adjust to having a new little person in my home....one who stole my heart. This morning I had the t.v. on as I was straightening up my apartment and I heard a song.....one I've heard before. But this time it screamed at me. So, I do what I always do when a song catches my attention, I find it on YouTube and listen to it over, and over, and over, and....well, you get the point. What was the song, I'm sure you are wondering. "Give Me Strength" by Snow Patrol. This song brought so many people to my mind. First of all, my family. My parents, my wonderful brothers, their amazing wives, and their incredible kiddos. I can't believe how much they have loved me. Their love makes me feel like I have a lot to learn about love! The next group- how could I not begin without mentioning the person who has been by my side for the last almost 10 years....the person who knows what I've been through and my feelings without my saying them- my best friend Alisha. She is so incredible and such an example to me of strength, forgiveness, love, hope, compassion, and endurance. God sure knew what He was doing when 10 years ago, we sat next to each other in a choir class..... and He knew I would need her as I went through some of the toughest experiences. Also, can't go without mentioning all my friends at church in Athens, GA- Charlotte, Brice, Emilee, Matt R., Matt C. Daniel, Stephanie, Dawan, Natalie, Josh, Nathan, Russell, Rebekah, Shannon, Ashlyn, Deanna, and so many more.....if I didn't mention someone- please don't get offended....everyone at the branch was incredible and helped me on my path of shaping who I am and who I want to become. Third group- my extended family! My cousins, aunts, uncles, grandparents.....Truly I can't begin to say how much all of you mean to me!!!!
        I am now enjoying being a Mom. I'm learning so many things- how to love when a little person is angry, hungry, confused, scared, and hurt. I'm learning how to put someone first- no matter how hungry I am, no matter how badly I need sleep, no matter how much I just want to sit down and watch t.v., I'm learning that none of that matters as much as the smile or laugh I get when I spend time making my little daughter feel like she is wonderfully important to me. I'm learning how much strength I have, that I didn't know I had. I'm beginning to get a tiny TINY glimpse of the love My Heavenly Father has for us all.  I'm also beginning to learn how much my parents truly loved me. How much they put aside so they could make me feel important and loved. This next year will truly be the year of learning.....and I couldn't be more excited. I'm excited to try to become even more selfless, I'm excited to learn more about love, compassion, endurance, patience, forgiveness, and more.
      This year feels like it's going to be a BIG year..... haha, might have something to do with the fact that I'm no longer going to be in my 20's....sounds like a good year to run a marathon, and learn more about my Savior. I think it's time to push my body farther than it's ever been,....and also my spirit. Here's to endurance! I will end now.....but know....

The second love of my life!

"I choked back tears today, I can't begin to say how much you've shaped this girl these last ten years or more....." I love you all!!!

Update on our life

First of all- I'M NOT PREGNANT ANYMORE, WOOHOO!!!! If you couldn't tell, I'm not excited at all!  Haha, no, in all honesty, that was the worst 9 months of my life!!  I've never been so sick or miserable. I'm just so very grateful that I have such a wonderful husband who took care of me and the house.  But- out of that unhappiness came the most amazing gift- Olivia:

I never imagined I would be SO much in love with such a little person!!!  She is such a good baby, she sleeps the majority of the night.....only waking up to eat about 3-4 times.  Today, her pediatrician told me that she is "more mature than the average two week old", which freaked me out a little.  Yes, I know she is super alert, she can focus on my face, lift her head, roll onto her side, and stays awake for 5 hours a day, but I don't want her to grow up any faster!!!!!  She's already growing too fast!!! 

Okay, one more picture- with the one person who seems to be able to soothe her, no matter how upset she is (unless she's hungry...then's he's just up a creek!!).

That's all for now......someone is hungry!!

Little bundle of Joy

I am such a slacker when it comes to updating this thing....... but here's a brief recap:

         I am working at a Hospital about 35 min away doing Patient Financial Stuff....aka- helping patients prepare financially for whatever procedure they will be getting done. 

         I am currently 22 weeks preggo with a little girl. I started the pregnancy off VERY sick.... losing all my food at least 7 times a day.  In the last few weeks I've actually brought that number down to ONE!! WOOHOO!!!!  I'm still exhausted all the time, but I feel very grateful to be able to keep my food on the inside. :)  I've been able to feel our little girl moving ALOT.... In all honesty, I haven't been excited or happy about the pregnancy- no idea why, until the last few weeks.  Feeling her moving inside just makes my day!  I love to feel her little kicks and all her little movements.  I'm falling in love with this little one more and more each day.  I now understand why soon-to-be moms can't wait to meet their baby.  I actually am so excited to see this little girl's face and see what kind of personality she has. 

      Aaron is still looking for a job..... kind of stressful, but at the same time, I have no doubt that Heavenly Father will help us.  We are continuously blessed....... I can't get frustrated or discouraged because I know that He will never let us fall.  I love the peace the gospel brings!!! 

Happily ever..........

Well, three months later......... we've gone and tied the knot.  Not too tightly, of course. ;)

We have also moved to Rexburg, ID for Aaron to attend BYU-I.  Hopefully one of these days we'll get a job.....since it seems slightly hard to live on love alone.

More to come later........
P.S. These wonderful pictures were taken by my best friend Alisha McKellar. If you want to see more of her incredible work check this out:  www.AlishaMcKellar.com