M.I.A.

So, I have been slacking big time.

Sorry, folks.

Last week was nuts, and this weekend has been even nuttier!

I will dole out a nice long post (or several), including pictures, very VERY soon!

Until then, we are going to make milkshakes and watch Parks and Recreation until we pass out from exhaustion.

:-)

Sneak peek: We stopped at the Oakland Temple on our way into the city one day. It was beautiful and had a gorgeous view!

24

After that last post, I felt the need to elaborate on the whole birthday thing.

Last friday was my birthday. It was also Mexican Independence Day, in case you were wondering.

Twenty-three was the best that I have had so far, and I will always feel quite wistful for it.

I spent so much time with my best friends and had lots of laughs living in Utah. We also had some really fun family times, during the holidays in AZ, and I get a little teary when I think about being around them.

Heck, I got proposed to by and married to the neatest guy on the planet (woo hoo!), so that pretty much sums it up. We had a wonderful wedding and got to road trip across the United States together until we got to our cozy home here in Charlotte (who cares if it's teeny and falling apart?).

However, I really have high hopes for this whole being 24 thing. I get to hang out with Jordan every day (which, obviously, was a lame thing about the past year... how did we ever survive being across the country from one another?). Fall is coming now, so the nasty humid heat is over and the leaves will be changing and looking beautiful soon. We are hoping to visit our families during the holidays. We are also excited to become more active in our ward and callings.

Also, doesn't it sound a little more sophisticated? Like, I am almost in my mid-twenties? No? Just humor me this once.

Anywho, I am anxious to see where the next year will take our little family (maybe to the west side of the U.S. eventually? A girl can dream). I have a feeling this year may be my new best. Raise a glass, my friends!

My 23rd birthday on Squaw Peak in Provo Canyon with my beautiful friends Rima and Carly. Little did we know then where we'd be now! (C: recently married to her sweetheart Devin and living in Idaho, R: living in Sweden... yeah, she's hip like that)

We're Baaaack!

Hi, friends.

We got back from our long and wonderful vacation yesterday, and I have been absolutely pooped.

Yes, I just said pooped.

Turns out the whole "jet lag" thing is not a myth. I am still adjusting to the time difference again, and accordingly, it is 9:46 and I want to go to bed.

So, when I get back to my normal energy level, I promise to post about all of the San Francisco fun we had.

Also, I am 24 now. Sad.

Guess What!?

Jordan may or may not have planned a surprise vacay for us for my birthday.

We may or may not be leaving this morning.

Want to know where? I'll give you a hint...

The West Coast is calling my name. I'm coming, my darling!

Can't wait to share pictures and stories of the fun! :)

In Remembrance

Today, I feel very humbled. I am so lucky to have my life and my freedom. I am grateful for a loving family, a wonderful husband, and to be part of a country that is so strong and resilient. Honestly, I have been kind of dreading today because of the emotions that it stirs up; anger, sadness, vulnerability.

Though I was nowhere near NYC ten years ago during that day that will never be forgotten, I think of those that were hurt or lost their lives and can't help but feel some sort of camaraderie toward them. I am so thankful for all of the men and women that were part of the rescue effort of 9/11 (including my brave and super cool dad), and know how much courage it took to try and save those that were lost.

Last year, we were visiting NYC over September 11 and made a stop at Ground Zero to pay our respects.

I am so blessed to be an American. It is easy to take our country for granted and complain about its leadership or problems with "the system," but there really is no better place to live. I am able to worship and believe the way that I want without having to hide it. Heavenly Father has been so good to me and our small little family, and I look forward to one day teaching our children about this land and all of the many wonders that it provides for us.

The Roses?

Whilst surfing the interwebs earlier, I noticed this picture and immediately started cracking up.

New family portrait, perhaps?

Oh, monkeys... (or apes, if we wanna get technical here) Why do you have to be so precious and hilarious?

The Fall

Hey, folks! Remember that one day when Jordan and I got married and this happened?

The epitome of a lady.

I realized that I've never shared the aftermath of the slip seen 'round the world (or SLC Temple grounds).

Not pretty.

The bright side is, we got a good story out of it. How many people can say they sprained their ankle on their wedding day? :)

Wedding Photos: Jessica Kettle

FHE

We had a lovely little Family Home Evening a couple of weeks ago, and I keep forgetting to post pictures.

It was actually nice outside that night (shocker!), so we took a little stroll around the park and people watched.

We capped off the evening with a delicious treat (because you always have to end FHE with one :-D)... It was a gelati, and probably one of the tastiest things I've had in a while. Chocolate custard, creamy cheesecake Italian ice, and more custard on top. I'm salivating just thinking about it. Enjoy!

Southern Sunset

Scrumptious... The gelati doesn't look too bad either! Har dee har... I give you full permission to make gagging noises :)

Feeling Nostalgic...

Can I whine for just a moment?

This morning, I woke up missing this. A lot.

I miss hiking dates to Stewart Falls.

I miss floating Deer Creek with my wonderful friends.

I miss drives through the canyon.

And I miss the view from the top of Squaw Peak.

Boo hoo hoo.

Maybe it's just the inevitable end of summer that is soon approaching. Or maybe I'm just a whiney baby woman :-)

Out of My Element

Wasn't that funny when I told you all I had exciting news and then decided to keep it from you for almost two weeks!? No?

Sorry, ladies and gents. I have been a tad bit busy! I did get some calls inquiring about my current baby status, as well as whether or not the hub-man and I were moving back home. Not yet, was my answer, on both accounts :-)

However, the time has come for me to share.... Drum roll, please!

I have been called as the new Second Counselor in the Primary for our ward.

I know what you are thinking. Didn't I just get married? Don't I not have any children? Aren't I pretty inexperienced in this arena, after spending the past five and a half years in singles or student wards? All of these assumptions are correct.

After receiving and accepting this calling, I had a mini inner panic attack and realized I have no idea what I am doing. It has been a pretty humbling experience, and I am slowly learning that Heavenly Father puts us into certain places and positions for a reason, even if we (selfishly and naively) question whether or not He has put us in the right place.

Because I am freaking out a little bit, I would love any advice/help/ideas on how to do the best job that I can at assisting the President and making plans for the program this Fall. If you want to learn more about callings in the LDS Church and why we receive them, please ask!

Anywho, I have lots to post on our lives lately, so when I have time to breathe I will fill you all in. Until then, much love!