Mexico Magic and More

A week ago, Jackson and I got home from one of the best vacations I have ever been on in my life.  We had the pleasure to visit MEXICO with his family for a whole week!  We stayed in a little place called Rocky Point which is just about an hour past the US border.  All week we swam, ate, swam, got some sun, and swam and ate some more!  Here are some of the highlights of our trip.

I have two goals this summer: to catch a fish and to spear a fish.  While in Mexico, I was able to complete the latter part of that goal!  I went snorkeling for the first time (Jackson had to teach me in the pool before we tried it in the ocean).  While I was expecting to see all sorts of tropical fish like Dory's and Nemo's and bright colors, what I saw was a lot different.  There were some tropical fish, but most of the fish blended in with the rocks they lived under.  It wasn't until you held still and just floated above the rocks that you could see all the life below you.  I picked up the act of spearing fish pretty quickly, and caught the first fish of the day!  Unfortunately, it was too small to really cook (said Jackson) and we just left it in the ocean.  I hope that fish doesn't come back to haunt me.

Mexico is definitely not America.  This was my first time leaving the great USA, and I was surprised to see that Mexico is not anywhere near as clean as America.  We couldn't drink any tap water (which also meant that we had to brush our teeth with bottled water).  There were a lot of buildings falling apart and left desolate.  Nothing looked like it was given as much thought as things do in America.  Vendors walk up and down the beach all day long looking for a quick dollar selling stuff like sunglasses and bracelets to tourists.  Experiencing Mexico really helped me to appreciate all the good things I have here in the states.

(this one is just because Jackson is so incredibly handsome)

The beach is so wonderful!  We spent the majority of our time just relaxing by the beach or the pool, reading books and getting sunburnt.  At night, when the tide is out, we would go looking for life in the tide pools.  We found hundreds of hermit crabs!  One night, we even found an octopus and a sand crab!  The sand is literally made of tiny shells, and you can find all sorts of perfect shells lying around.  The water was pretty warm the whole time.  There is nothing like just being lazy on vacation.

Mangoes.  They are amazing in Mexico.  We got mangoes every day from the Mango Man.  These guys walk up and down the beach every day with a cooler in a wheelbarrow full of mangoes.  They shove the mango on a stick, peel it, flower it open, and then top it off with lime and salt.  They are seriously one of the most delicious things I have ever had the privilege to taste.

Jackson and I loved walking on the beach together.  Although we were on vacation with the whole family, we still got to spend time together just the two of us.  We would go swim in one of the three pools at the resort, walk on the beach, and even went out to dinner one night.  I love that man so much.  It was really nice to spend some relaxing time with him during a busy summer.

Overall, the trip was amazing and provided some much needed relaxation.  We were even lucky enough to go through the Gilbert Temple before we came home!  I have never seen or been in a prettier temple than that.  You can tell that the Lord is pleased with it.  Every single part of the inside and outside of that area has been given attention.

A year ago today I entered the temple for the first time and received my endowments.  I am so grateful that I was worthy and ready to go to the temple.  I love being in the temples of the Lord!  They are filled with such peace; every time I go I literally forget the struggles of every day life and find myself relaxed and at one with myself.  The temple is a wonderful place to go to, and I'm lucky to live so close to so many.  I know that my life is better since making covenants with the Lord in His holy house.  I love the gospel, I love the temple, I love my husband, and I love life.

In an Instant

Want to know more about me?  Let me tell you about what's going on in my life right this instant!

Making:  A blog post.
Cooking:  Nothing.  In fact, my stomach is growling....
Drinking:  Also nothing.  Don't judge me.
Reading:  Facebook posts.
Wanting:  Our car to magically repair itself so we can drive ourselves around and not feel needy.
Looking:  At our blank walls and wondering what I can do to make them not so blank.
Playing:  2048.  Again.  And beating it for the 7th (?) time.
Wasting:  Time that I should be cleaning.
Wishing:  We were leaving on our Mexico trip tomorrow and not next week!  I can't wait to not worry about anything!
Enjoying:  Having my kitchen light bulbs just replaced so I can finally see in my kitchen when I cook!
Waiting:  For my wonderful husband to wake up from his nap so we can laugh and play!
Liking:  Summer break!  School was getting very tiresome. 
Wondering:  Why more shows like Boy Meets World aren't made anymore.
Loving:  That I have a sweet tooth, even though it's usually always craving something.
Hoping:  There's still pudding in the fridge to satisfy my now craving sweet tooth...
Marveling:  That there's no more pudding in the fridge.
Needing:  To get up and do my workout, to work off all the pudding from last night.
Smelling:  The musty "clean" carpet.
Wearing:  My green Target shirt, my skinnies, and my hair all up in my face.
Following:  Hillary Duff on Instagram.  I'm so glad she didn't turn out crazy like all the other Disney Channel stars!
Noticing:  That Taco Bell is getting a little loco with their Doritos Locos Tacos.
Knowing:  That everything will work out.  It always does!
Thinking:  I should have worn shorts today!
Opening:  My front door to reluctantly pick up my laundry.
Giggling:  Is the greatest medicine :)  And my husband is the greatest doctor!
Feeling:  Like I should grab a quick snack and then workout....

That's me, right at this instant!

Mom is Boston Strong

This day has been full of emotion for me, as I'm sure it has been for many Americans as the Boston Marathon takes off.  Last year, my mom was caught up in the chaos as bombs went off near the finish line of the Boston Marathon.  Luckily, she wasn't too close to the finish line and she was safe, but as I watched the news unfold I couldn't help but feel helpless and scared as I pictured Mom there alone.  She was running with a blind runner as a guide without a phone and no way to contact us and let us know she was safe.  When we did hear from her, she wasn't allowed into her hotel because of how close it was to the race.  Her phone was stuck at the finish line in her bag, quarantined by the police.  My dad didn't know what was going on, her friends running with her were all separated.  She had never felt so far away as she did then.

My mom never got to cross the finish line in Boston.  My dad, the supportive and loving husband that he is, created a finish line back home for her to cross.  She ran the last bit of the race she so desperately deserved to finish and was awarded her medal with cheers and applause from family members and friends.  However, I know that it wasn't quite the closure she needed, so I wasn't at all surprised when she told me that she was going to do the race again.  

I'm proud to say that my mom is Boston Strong.  Today she faced her fears and nervousness and crossed that finish line for good.  While I probably had more fears today than she did, I'm so glad for a mother who shows me how to be brave.  I'm sure it was hard going back to a place that caused so much panic and fear.  I'm sure there was that tiny bit of anxiety that something could go wrong again today.  Yet she did it!  And she rocked it!  My mother is an amazing woman and I'm grateful to be her daughter.

Life can be scary, but we can't let our fears keep us from living!  Have faith, God is always watching.

Happy Marriage

First, let me key you in to what my husband is like.  He was supposed to fill out this questionnaire for my Relief Society, to help my sisters get to know me a little better from his point of view.  However, I feel like you learn more about him than you do me :)  Here it is:

1.  If your wife could have any career, what would she want to be?
A teacher!

2.  How did you meet?
She was a friend of my roommate.

3.  What first make you notice/like your wife?
Her laugh.  'Nuff said.

4.  What is her favorite place she has been?
Red Robin

5.  What is her dream vacation?
Live on a beach in Hawaii for a month

6.  What are some of her interests/hobbies?
Croquet, finger painting

7.  What are some of her talents?
She's really good with people, patient, caring, and understanding.  Also, she's a genius.

8.  What is her favorite dessert?
Fresh cookie a la mode with mint brownie ice cream.

9.  What is her favorite movie?
Disney.  All of them.

10.  What is your favorite thing about your wife?
I like it when she gets sassy and riled up.

There you have it.  He did get some of those things right, others he got almost right.  Overall, it put a smile of my face.

Today in Relief Society, we talked about marriage.  In a young married ward, and even as a single adult, we are often taught about this subject so much that we get tired of it.  Today, though, I was inspired.  Inspired to improve my marriage and share my feelings on what a blessing it has been.

When I was single, I constantly heard of how hard marriage was and how difficult it the transition was.  After nine months of being married to Jackson, I can confidently say that being married has been the best and most fun thing I have ever done.  Life with Jackson has been exponentially better in all avenues.  We have had no arguments other than who is going to do the dishes first.  We have had our faith tested and tried.  We have had tears (some due to hormones, some not).  We have had laughs.  We have nothing but the time of our lives.  Sure, life is hard, but marriage has not been hard, and I can tell you why!  

We communicate.  Instead of keeping feelings, problems, ideas, jokes, fears, etc to ourselves, we share them with each other.  There isn't anything I don't know about Jackson, and if there is he tells me and I do the same with him.  Respectful and nonjudgmental communication is one tool to an easy marriage.

We support one another.  Why do things on your own when you have a constant companion to always be there for you?  And why wouldn't you support the love of your life?  I love supporting Jackson, I am his number one cheerleader!  I love seeing him succeed and accomplish his goals.  I also love coming home to someone who wants me to succeed.  Without supporting one another, marriage would not be easy.

We forgive each other.  Without forgiveness, any marriage is bound to fail!  You have to be forgiving of weaknesses, of mistakes, of pride, of selfishness, of everything!  No one is perfect, therefore you should not expect your companion to be.  Forgiveness is essential to an easy marriage.

We have fun together!  I have burned more calories from laughter since I got married than ever before.  We act like kids, we goof off, we act stupid.  Life and marriage should be fun!  Go on dates every week.  Don't be afraid to be a goober.  Do ANYTHING to get a smile!  Don't let married life get dull; doing the same old thing over and over quickly leads to a boring life, and love should be exciting and fun!  Taking the time to have fun together leads to an easier marriage.

We really love each other.  Obviously, marriage without love will be tough.  Because I love Jackson, I would do anything to make sure he is happy.  I love everything about him; his ambitions (no matter how crazy they are), his smile (it sure sparkles), they way he makes me laugh (all day, every day), his testimony (it's so strong!), his everything!  I'm so glad that I found such a wonderful man to love, it has made me the happiest I have ever been.  Love makes marriage easy.

There are many more elements that a successful and happy marriage need, but these are some that I have especially noticed in mine.  I'm so grateful for Jackson and all that he does for me on a daily basis.  I can not imagine life without him, and I'm excited for the many wonderful years to come!  Here's to marriage :)

 

I Know That My Redeemer Lives

It seems that over the past year, I have felt the Savior's hand in my life more than ever.  I have been blessed in so many ways that I can't even describe.  On the past Fast Sunday, everyone testified of how the Savior has been a part of their life, and I felt impressed to share my beliefs here.  I know that my Savior lives and loves me.  I know that He is aware of my needs and blesses me in ways that don't always make sense but are always in my best interest.  I have felt him near me as I have started the new adventure of married life, through the ups and downs, and in situations that seem to have no good solution.  

I probably felt Christ's presence the strongest last summer when I got in my accident.  I saw in my rearview mirror that the car behind me was going to crash into me, and He gave me peace.  After being hit and while I was rolling into the median, I felt His arms around me and I felt Him hear my prayer as I pleaded, "Heavenly Father, not yet!"  When the car had finally stopped, I saw His influence as tons of people stopped their cars and ran to help me.  I felt His protection as the worst injury I had was a bruise on my arm and a sore body.  While such a horrible event led to so many wonderful blessings I couldn't help but know that my Savior lives, loves me, looks out for me, and prepares blessings for me.  

Even after the accident, more and more blessings came forth, but to some it may seem like mere coincidence.  I try my best to look for the tender mercies my Savior sends my way every day.  He is so involved in our lives, and it is important to me to give Him the thanks that He deserves.  I'm so grateful for the presence my Savior is in my life, and I'm grateful for the blessings He gives to me.  

  

Winter Blues

Just when I thought that winter was over, it had to go and snow again.  That stupid groundhog that I used to celebrate in elementary school has given himself a death wish.  As much as I love the magical and romantic feeling of the holidays and the beginning of winter, as soon as the middle of January comes around, I'm sick of it.  I can't wait to put shorts on again.  I want to go to the park with a picnic lunch with my husband.  I want to go swimming and be a little less pasty.  I would love to go to the beach and lay on the warm sand!  Bring back watermelon and hamburgers and popsicles.  Down with winter!

Anyways, the point of this post is not to get everyone down.  One of Jackson and my's resolutions this year was to go on a fun trip together.  We've been able to take a lot of road trips, but they have been to visit family.  We would love to go on a trip just the two of us!  This is where you guys come in.  Tell me about some fun trips you have been on!  Where would you visit?  What is worth seeing?  The only catch is that we have a pretty limited budget.  So if you have a good idea for a low cost trip, let me know!  Until then, I'll just be stuck here in cold Provo.

Why Teach?
It's no secret, I'm a teacher.  I am currently attending BYU to obtain an elementary teaching degree.  While it feels like I'm going to be in school forever, I am now seeing the light at the end of the tunnel!  I just started my 8th semester and beginning in March I will be in an elementary school all day.  I'm extremely excited and extremely nervous at the same time.  Many adventures await!
One thing a majority of the world doesn't understand is that teaching is HARD.  No, we don't sit and color and cut paper all day.  No, we don't sit on rugs and read children's books all day.  No, we don't play math games and take spelling tests all day.  While I will eventually probably do all those things in my future classroom one day, there is so much more to teaching.  There is really no way to completely train for this career.  We teachers teach English, math, science, social studies, reading, and more.  We provide physical, mental, psychological, and emotional needs.  We teach every single personality and every single learning type.  We teach children with physical and learning disabilities.  We teach second language learners.  We teach children with no support at home.  We teach children who are bullied.  We teach children how to act in a healthy environment.  We create small communities and tight relationships.  We are with children for six to seven hours a day.  There are so many elements to teaching that don't come from a textbook or a math problem.  It's not just the child's education that I am responsible for, but for six to seven hours, their entire social and emotional world.  Teachers have to be delicate, sensitive, understanding, a person to look to, an anchor, a mentor, and everything else.  Teaching is a very special role, and it means a lot to me.  It takes so much work to be a teacher, and I'm excited to except that challenge.  I know that I can be that role model for my students. I love seeing that light in their eyes when they finally understand what you are teaching.  I love their giggles and their sweet laughter!  I love seeing their work, progress, and improvement.  Children are so wonderful!  I can't wait to be in a classroom with my own students.
Anyways, sorry for the rant, but teaching means a lot to me :) Thanks for all the support in my career!  It has and will continue to be a wonderful journey!
Here is a video about teaching for your enjoyment!