Spring Nuptials

Over this last Spring Break week I was honored to participate in being able to witness the union of two couples in the Oakland temple. It was so beautiful to watch two sets of my friends getting married. While I played different roles in the two weddings it was fun to watch the couples go through all of the stress, but in the end have it all melt away once they were in the temple in the sealing room with their families and friends smiling and silently cheering as they made that final step into marriedhood. What was interesting was to watch the differences between the two couples. Once couple was bouncing with smiles full of joy and love for the other and the other that were very intense as they stared into each others eyes. What they both had in common was the way they were so focused on the other. It made me remember when I was doing the same thing 10 months ago. And then when they were pronounced married a wave of relaxation, from the pent-up anxiety, and anticipation, that it all starts then, that would sweep over their bodies and faces.

I had to ability to be with both of the couples before they got married while they were drowning in the plans and crisis that would arise and simply tell them that it would all work out and that it will all be worth it once they here the I Do's and they were able to drift through on the cloud that will descend on them.
Oh the sweet memories they can now share and make together! It makes me so happy to see my friends find the one person they want to be with forever.

I honestly think it was worth missing a few family gatherings to be there for my friends when they wanted me to be there more.

Congratulations TJ & Jessica Da Rosa and Troy and Nicki Remington!

Today is a day when you raise your voice and express your gratitude. Not only is today a picturesque spring day, but it is also the true day of our Lord's birth. For it were not for Christ's birth we would not be able to rejoice in this life. For it was he who created this world and all of the beauties that we are able to behold. Jake and I were able to take them in during an evening walk through the canyon. We saw the wondrous mountains being brilliantly painted with the pinks, oranges, reds, blues, and purples of a setting sun. The calls from unseen birds in the trees. The quick flicks of tails of trout swimming in the bubbling river. A silent beaver waking and making its first swim in the gently eddy near a dam, all the while breathing in the crisp pine scented air. It is a wonder how humble, quiet, peaceful, yet powerful and majestic nature is, much like how our own Savior is to us. We need to appreciate and take advantage of his wonder as much as we do that of nature. It is my hope that we will be able to do that in this week as we celebrate the life and sacrifice our our Lord.

Happy Birthday Dad

Today is my dad's birthday! All day I have been thinking of all the wonderful things that my dad has done. I am so lucky to have a father as wonderful as him. It is often said that a father is a daughters first love, and how true that statement is. I love my dad for everything that he has done for me. He is the one that I would go to if I was in need help on my homework. He has always been patient with me when trying to teach me something new. I could always count on him to teach me and help me with whatever I brought to him. Just sitting and talking to him is a treat. I appreciate the music he grew up with because he would play it, allowing me to be more conscious of what is available to hear.

I know that I can contribute my hard work ethic to him as well. He taught that you should not leave a job half done or without your best effort. My cooking skills also were influenced by him. I would be unable to make my own spaghetti sauce without his guidance. He has always stood up for me when needed, loved me, and supported me in all that I have done, even when it meant moving away and getting married. I know it was not easy for him to see me go, but I am grateful that he did.

I love my dad and grateful to be his daughter. He will always be my first love and I am proud to call him my dad.

I love you Dad!

Patience and it's Reward

A few days ago a friend of mine asked how I was able to have a long distance relationship with Jake. I had to sit there and ponder how exactly I was able to do it. It is no small thing to be able to have a relationship like ours and make it last. I eventually had to say that it took:

1. Patience (and lots of it!)
2. Visiting each other whenever possible
3. Endless phone calls
4. Countless letters and emails (while on his mission)
5. A deep determination for it to work
   And last but certainly not least
6. A strong love for the man he is and will become

This whole thing made me realize how blessed I am to have such a wonderful husband. I began to think about the innumerable things that Jake does for me.

1. Jake strives me make sure that the bed is made every morning
2. We are as financially sound as possible
3. That we always spend at least a little bit of time each day together
4. He shows his love for me in word and deed
5. Jake upholds his priesthood in the reverence it deserves along with the callings he has to manage at church
   
6. Gaining an education for the future
7. Puts up with my never ending mood swings
8. Listens to my rants about work(good and bad)
9. Trusts me
10. Gives me a hug and kiss every night when he gets home (can't have too many of those =D)
11. Allows me to go to California for a week
12. Eats meals I cook even when they don't turn out so good
13. Cooks when the opportunity arises
14. Helps with the chores
15. Always strives to do his best even when he doesn't really feel like trying at all
16. Makes me laugh and smile everyday
17. Reminds me (even though he doesn't know he is doing it) that I am the luckiest woman to have the opportunity to be his wife forever and always.
    
18. His willingness to serve others
19. Teaching me things that I, should probably already, know
20. Being patient with me
21. Loving me for me
    

The list could go on and on.....

It has been a long road to get to where we are today. The numbers were against us, along with half my ward in California, that we weren't going to make it. But we did! And I couldn't be happier. I love Jake and am proud and honored to be his wife.

Adventures at the Salt Lake Temple

Running with the theme of everyday being an experience I can add a new one to my ever growing list. Jake and I have made it a goal to go to the temple at least once a month. To help ensure our goal along with those of our families we trade off who we go with each month. This month was my brother and sister-in-laws turn. They decided that they wanted to go to the Salt Lake Temple for a session. This was the first time that I had been in the temple since Jake and I married. It was such a different experience going through a session without a movie to stare blankly at. Just having real people up there made it more interesting, that and they were old so it was fun to listen to them. What really made the whole episode wonderful was being in the temple and seeing all of the beautiful murals on the wall. I was constantly letting my eyes and mind wander as I looked at the paintings. It was awesome seeing the detail and expertise that was used through out the entire structure.

Another thing that was inspiring was that the Lord always knows where people need to be. The reason I say this is that if at least one person was not there that night it could have been far worse then it turned out to be. Near the very end of the session a women became faint with a pale face. The man with her was unable to help her because he did not speak Russian. Temple workers come out to help but no one was able to help her. A man stood up from among the seated men and came to the rescue. As he stood up a woman that was seated among us stood up to help as since she was a nurse. Between the gentleman, the woman, and the temple workers they were able to establish that she was having chest pains around her heart and the temple medical staff were able to be called and escort the ailing woman out with her translator. I was just dazzled that the Lord was able to place the needed people where and when they needed to be able to serve another.

This whole experience just reaffirmed my testimony of the trueness of the Gospel and that by following what prompting you might get, it may have a significant effect on another persons life. All in all with was a fabulous night.