A Gold Star

We have been so busy lately.

My body is screaming at me to stop and SLEEP. It's so hard to get up in the mornings. I've been sick for 6 weeks now - no, not the pregnancy sick (eyes rolling) - like a cold-turned-into-some-sort-of-disgusting-infection-sick that won't go away. I went to the doctors a month ago and was told, "It's only a cold". I filled the stupid prescriptions with the hope that they'd get rid of it.

Nope. Still sick.

My voice teacher is yelling at me telling me EVERY WEEK, "You've GOT to get over this! Honestly, Adrienne, you have a recital next month! You're not going to be ready for it. You're voice won't be strong enough."

To which I say, "I'M TRYING!!!"

Then I go home and freak out because I can't afford to be unprepared. I simply can't. I've been dreaming of this for months. I want to do this. I want to conquer this mountain. Uhg.

Travis deserves a gold star - more like 10 gold stars - because he's absolutely amazing. I have been a little more edgy because of how tired and gross I feel. I'm constantly applying Neosporin (sp?) to my raw nose because I've been blowing it so much. And ya know what he does? He doesn't care one bit. He still kisses me and tells me I have a cute nose. Ha!

Beyond that he's SUPER busy with his church responsibilities. He has meetings, follow up phone calls, emails to write/respond to, people to serve, interviews to give, service projects and social gatherings to plan, and more. PLUS he's working and doing his beloved art. He's one busy guy.

Travis is amazing.

Tonight Trav and I tag-teamed our annual neighborhood chili-cook off. Let me tell you, I wasn't up for the challenge this go round. Usually I LOVE planning parties. Not this time. I was cranky and...well cranky. at one point, while decorating the center pieces, I told Trav I was going to sock him in the face. My mom was in the kitchen and started laughing when I said that. Then she turned around and saw that I wasn't laughing. Looking back it's sort of funny. In that moment, though, I wanted to hit him. Why? He started saying something about a talk one of our leaders, President Utchdorf, (of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints) gave this last conference. In this talk he spoke of how important it was that we didn't spend our time on crafts and "cute" things to go along with our church lessons. Trav never mentioned which talk it was, but as soon as he said, "You know. Decorating these things makes me think of a talk I heard this past conference..." to which I quickly interrupted and said, "Shut up, Travis, or I'll sock you in the face." (CLICK HERE TO READ THE TALK - IT'S SUPER GOOD!)

Yup, we're so happy and in love. lol.

I told Travis that the next time he's asked to host something like this to SCREAM "NO WAY!" and run for his life.

Despite my bad attitude and my constant complaining, the evening was a hit. We had nearly 100 people attend. We had 12 different types of chili, 11 pre-carved pumpkins entered into our pumpkin contest, and LOTS of people dressed in their Halloween costumes.

I really need to stop complaining so much. I really am blessed in so many ways. But here's my lame-A excuse: I'm burned out. So until my tank is full of gas again, my complaining will continue. Not because I'm TRYING to be pessimistic but because I'm burned out. Truly.

On a side note, I get to conduct my church choir tomorrow. This will be a first for me so I'm really excited! I hope it goes well. If it doesn't, aw well. At least I tried. :)

Good night.

Torreon, Mexico

My little brother, who is significantly bigger than me, flew out to Mexico yesterday morning. He was able to call us before boarding the plane. It was so wonderful to hear his voice. My phone call with him lasted about 3 or 4 minutes max - but I'm grateful for those 3 or 4 minutes!! I told him how proud I was of him. I also told him that Travis and I support him in EVERY way! When I asked how he felt about heading out, his response was, "I'm a little nervous about the language. Kind of scared. And kind of excited." I think I told him I loved him 100 times! Ha!





Torreon, Mexico (apparently it's referred to as "The City of Lights")



I can't help but wonder what he's doing: how his first night in Mexico went, who his companion will be (better not be an idiot), how he'll adjust to the environment and culture, when - because it's not a matter of if - he'll get sick and how he'll overcome it. So many things running through my mind. So many emotions too. It's crazy.

I googled Torreon, Mexico and found some pictures. Click here to view them.

I know Kolton will be an effective missionary because of the person he is. He has so much compassion and a keen sensitivity towards others. Not only that, but he's a hard worker. I know he'll gain many friends during his time there. I love you, Elder Gourley!!

SUCCESS!

Trav and I went to Park City for the weekend, being it was Fall Break and all. It was our anniversary gift to each other. We decided to give each other the gift of time rather than a literal gift to open. I think I prefer the gift of time. :)

We stayed at the GORGEOUS Newpark Resort


(click here to see pictures). we had our own private balcony with our own private hot tub. Our kitchen was stocked with dishes, pots & pans, a full size fridge, stove, etc. So we brought food (thanks, Nic & Ash, for sharing your dream dinners meal with us) and bought food to keep things a little cheaper. It was fantastic.


We watched movies






Strolled Park City's Main Street




Shopped at the enormous outlet mall (ariel view)



Ate lots of junk food









And ended the weekend with a nice walk up Bridal Veil Falls Trail


It was so wonderful being alone, just the two of us. Life is so busy...I think we're going to make the gift of time our new tradition!

Oh, Travis had a little surprise for me: he packed our wedding video. That was CRAZY to watch. Holy crap we've changed!!! It was bitter-sweet, mostly sweet though. As we took our walk this afternoon (Bridal Veil trail) we talked about how we've grown/changed, what we've experienced, and what we need to do to make sure we stay connected as a couple. I'm so blessed to have such a wonderful individual as my husband. So, so, SO blessed.

I love you, Travis!!

HA! So True!!!

Yet teachers will be evaluated based off their students' abilities to "climb a tree". If their students fail repeatedly then surely there must be something wrong with the teacher/school/school district - not the testing.

Someone stated this is the "No Animal Left Behind" act. Ha!!! Puts things in perspective a little, huh?

Does this make sense to anyone else?!?!

tis the season

I don't think Trav and I have carved pumpkins for a couple of years but tonight that all changed!


Megan & Crystal





Me, Megan, Crystal & Auriel




Auriel



Our finished products!!















Bet you can't guess which pumpkin is mine and which pumpkin is Trav's (try to ignore the fact that Trav looks a little tipsy)!!!

I love this man

Bliss

This weekend brings about a special, special day: our 8th anniversary. I know to many that may seem like nothin' but for us it's quite the accomplishment. Not that things have been miserable or anything. No, we have been doing a lot of reflecting recently and we've come to the conclusion that we've done a lot of good things in those eight years. Neither of us feel as if we've wasted any time.

While our anniversary is this Sunday, October 16th, we will not be able to celebrate it until next weekend because we'll both be off from school for fall break. We've already reserved a hotel in Park City and plan on hibernating there for a few days (we'll try to take pictures while up in the mountains next weekend). It will be marvelous. Our hotel room has a balcony with a private hot tub. We plan to take advantage of that little treat!

I LOOOOOVE OCTOBER. It's such a beautiful month. I'm grateful we chose this time of year to be married. The colors, the smells, the food, the anticipation, the hot chocolate...mmm. So wonderful.

I am madly in love with my husband. I am grateful to be able to recognize how blessed I am to have him as a part of my life - an enormous part of my life. I adore him.

I say this with complete confidence:

One of my neighbors is an idiot. Yup, went to a church meeting tonight and found pure joy in mocking the lady. That and smiling at her while she lovingly shared her opinions with everyone there (I'm dripping with sarcasm). I make sure to look and smile at her because it pisses her off. I am that mature, yes. She is such an idiot.

Thoroughly.
Completely.
Without a doubt.

uMMM...

i TOTALLY FEEL LIKE RAMBLING BUT i HAVE NOTHIN'. i'VE BEEN TRYING TO THINK AND THINK ABOUT SOMETHING INTERESTING i COULD PUT ON HERE. nOTHIN'.

sO, i DECIDED TO TURN MY CAPS ON AND WRITE EVERYTHING IN CAPS THAT'S USUALLY IN LOWER CASE AND EVERYTHING IN LOWER CASE THAT'S SUPPOSED TO BE CAPS'ED. i KNOW, i'M AWESOME. ;)

p.s. i THINK THAT STUPID HOUSEWIVES TELEVISION SHOW IS SOOOOO STUPID. hOW DO PEOPLE WATCH THAT?! sERIOUSLY, SO DUMB. wHAT STUPID SHOW HAS A NARRATOR THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRE THING? aHH! i'M GOING CRAZY (MY SISTER LOVES IT AND SHE'S BEEN HAVING A HOUSEWIVES MARATHON TODAY). *gAG*

oKAY, BYE FOR NOW. hEHE.

Price-matched for my first time ever!!

Not that it's THAT big of a deal, but hey! It's a first for me! I'm so excited to get going on this coupon-ing thing. I WILL TACKLE IT!

Hear me roar!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

A new challenge

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am going to take on a new challenge! I am going to learn how to COUPON!!! Yup, one day I'm going to be that annoying woman at the check register with a cart full of stuff, my hands full of coupons. I'm also going to be that same woman who walks away from the check register with crazy amounts of money saved.

One day...

For now I'm simply trying to make sense of it all. There's a lot involved. In order to save the most money I need to figure out how to use coupons on SALE items. And apparently I'm supposed to be able to plan a week of meals based on sales and coupons. Right now, that's not happening. I'm mixin' and matchin'.

One day....

So, here are the websites I'm looking into using:

Hip2Save
freebies2deals
pinchingyourpennies.com
thekrazycouponlady.com
utahdealdiva.com
fabulouslyfrugal.com

One day.....

wish me luck!

Nic & Ash are having....

A HEALTHY, beautiful little GIRL!!! Mercydez is gonna have a little sister! We're all so happy and excited to meet this little princess. I'm sure Mercydez is prepping her - telling her all the secrets to win us over.

Thank you for your prayers and love. It's been a marvelous day!!!

Wisdom, trust, and courage

Part of this is acting on faith. President Thomas S. Monson (President/Prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints) spoke last weekend and one of his concepts was this:

Wise enough to recognize (promptings)
Trusting enough to listen
Courageous enough to follow

Tomorrow's a big, big day. Huge, in fact. I'm quite emotional about it. I'm scared to death and at the same time so incredibly excited. I am holding tight to the wisdom of my sister and her good husband as they move forward with faith. They are two people I feel to be exactly what President Monson spoke of: wise, trusting, and courageous.

I would encourage you, whoever you are, to look within yourself. Sit quietly and figure yourself out. Question yourself: What are my dreams? What are my fears? How do I respond to these things? What are my motives?

Give yourself credit. Look your fear(s) in the eyes and start.

Start what?!

Start being wise, trusting, and courageous.

I'll keep you posted on tomorrow. Please pray for my family. Pray that Nic and Ash will be at peace, no matter what. Please.

An emotional freak I am, I am

I have been so emotional lately. I have felt extremely low, I have felt happy and hopeful, I have felt overwhelmed and tired, I have felt excited and energetic. It's been interesting. And it's freaking me out.

I have been doing a lot of thinking about my life. I have had so many blessings and opportunities. I had a job that I recently quit that was very beneficial to my growth. I have two parents who have supported me in all my musical desires. I have a husband who completely believes in me and would do anything to steer me clear of any unhappiness. I have a wonderful religion that offers hope, answers, and peace. I have siblings who have taught me many good things, who have stood by me when it was hard or potentially embarrassing (we're a very loyal family). I have had the marvelous opportunity to go back to school and gain my education.

So why the heck have I been feeling so "bleh" all the time?! I think I'm working through things and it's taken it's toll on me. I'm a firm believer that everyone has baggage. If it's not with family or friends, it with religion, and experience, or a choice one's made. I have baggage and I'm not ashamed. I have experience and knowledge because of this. There's nothing to fear but fear itself.

I am working through that baggage, essentially purging myself, and am determined to be conqueror. I will not let the hope for a better past cripple my future full of bright potential.

So I've been thinking about things. Things that matter. I think it's good that I'm nearing the end of my undergrad. While I have thoroughly enjoyed the growth and experiences I've had while there, I'm ready to progress and move forward. I'm ready to take on other things (this includes a graduate degree). I'm tired of fear keeping me from trying new things. I'm going to take things head on and TRY.

Many reasons to celebrate

The first being that it's October - the month Travis and I chose to be married. I don't mean to make people roll their eyes in disgust when I celebrate the month of October. I am simply in awe. I can't believe we will be celebrating our 8th anniversary this year. Honestly!?!? EIGHT!!!

Travis and I plan to clean out our storage unit within the next few weeks. Hopefully I'll find our photo album from our wedding! I'd love to post some pictures! I swear we're the only blog on the earth without our wedding pictures SOMEWHERE on our blog. Sorry....

We have had many journeys throughout our time together. We've seen each other through our lows, our highs, our ups, our downs, our failures, and our successes. It's crazy. I sort of wish I had started a blog when we were first married so I could reread and witness our growth together. I feel like we've known each other forever. It's mind boggling to think it's only been a few short years when comparing it to the rest of our lives.

I am so, so grateful for Travis. I know I say this a lot. Understand I do this because I really, really am grateful. I hope, one day, I am as good of a person as he is. He is a great example to me - to many people. I love him so much. I appreciate him so much. Travis takes his calling as a husband and [future] father very seriously. He understands the importance of providing for his family. He understands how important it is that he have healthy relationships. I am so lucky because it seems everywhere I look there are people who I love and care about suffering. Sorrow, dishonesty, addictions, divorce, hurt, etc is like this viscous plague. Honestly, it's terrifying. So many good people going through things I can't even imagine.

Trust me, I know how blessed I am to have Travis.


Another reason we're celebrating is it was General Conference (click here) this weekend. This is a meeting held world-wide for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. General Conference takes place each year during the first weekend in April and the first weekend in October (semi-annual). There are five sessions each semi-annual conference: Saturday has three sessions (two sessions for everyone, one session for Priesthood holders (men) in the church) and two sessions on Sunday (for everyone).

Conference is a wonderful time because we get to hear our prophet speak, among many other leaders of our church. It is a weekend of beautiful music, uplifting messages, hope, encouragement, and growth. Announcements are also made! One announcement, which Trav and I are particularly excited for, is that the Provo Tabernacle is being reconstructed and will be dedicated as a temple! Isn't that exciting!?! I don't know if you remember, but last year the Provo Tabernacle burned down and the community was devastated. I blogged about it: CLICK HERE to see post/pictures.

This is what it's going to look like once it's completely reconstructed (yet another reason to celebrate!!):



To read about the announcement and reconstruction plans, CLICK HERE.

We're all thoroughly excited!

Anyway, I guess I'll keep things simple and end this post. If I've got you wondering about General Conference (sometimes we "Mormons" are...interesting) feel free to click above on "GENERAL CONFERENCE" and mosey around. All the talks, announcements, and musical numbers are available online to view.

PS I was particularly grateful for the clarification in one of the talks during this morning's session. One of our leaders, Elder M. Russell Ballard, specifically mentioned that ANY and ALL individuals participating in polygamy are NOT affiliated with our church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (aka "Mormons"). If you're interested in this offered clarification, CLICK HERE. As of this moment you can only listen to the talk. I guess they're still working on uploading everything else. :)

I was relieved this was mentioned because there is a lot of confusion on the subject.

And if you're wanting to watch/read/listen to a talk that touched my heart (I was near tears to be honest) CLICK HERE. This was very well stated and I couldn't agree more. regardless of religion, IT'S THE TRUTH.