Grateful

I'm not one to usually jump on the "grateful" train unless it's actually Thanksgiving Day. But today I have been overwhelmed by a feeling of gratitude, and wanted to share the things that I am most grateful for, right now.
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I'm grateful for Kyle. He really just makes my day, every day. He is loving and patient, and darn cute, too. I know I say this often, but I honestly don't know what I would do without him.

I'm grateful for this little babe, growing inside of me. There was a period of time I was nervous it might not be in the cards for me, so as uncomfortable as I am getting, not a day goes by that I think about what a blessing and miracle this is.

I'm grateful for all that Kyle and I have been able to do since we've gotten married. We've traveled, we've lived in a few different places, and we've experienced a lot. I know everyone has kids at the time that is right for them, but I wouldn't trade the (what will be FOUR by the time baby comes) years we've had just the two of us for anything.

I'm grateful for friends. And I'm especially grateful that we have already made some good friends here in Post Falls.

I'm grateful for good insurance. Having worked in the billing field, and now being pregnant, I have seen what a difference insurance makes.

I'm grateful for fun weekend plans. Tonight we're going to see Ender's Game, and tomorrow we're going to the Temple. I'm grateful we live close to a Temple, and that we have the means to be able to do fun things together.

Above all, I'm grateful for my Father in Heaven, who in fact is the one who blesses me with all that I am grateful for.

Movin' Right Along

It's official - we are moving!

And we are moving quite a ways away!

Kyle was offered a job in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho - which he accepted - and we are so excited!

He will be working for the Children's Mental Health division of the Department of Health and Welfare as a Clinician. 

This job came completely out of  the blue. Kyle had applied to a job for H&W here in Pocatello (online on the state website), which he didn't even get an interview for. But on the Friday, June 31 he got a call from the supervisor in Coeur d'Alene, saying he had read over his information from the website and wanted to interview him. Kyle had a phone interview that Monday, a video interview on Tuesday, and then was offered the job the next Monday. 

We are excited for this next little adventure in our lives!

It is crazy to think that we are moving somewhere that doesn't have a "timeline". Do you know what I mean? We were in Provo until we finished school. Then we were in Pocatello for two years until Kyle finished his graduate program. But you don't "finish" a job. We could be living in Coeur d'Alene for years and years! So crazy to think about.

A little about Coeur d'Alene. It is up in the panhandle of Idaho, and is about an 8 hour drive from Pocatello, putting it about 12 hours from Salt Lake and Utah counties. We were up there in January (read about that trip here) and thought it was so pretty, even though it was January and cold. According to Wikipedia the population is about 45,000. It's about 30 minutes east of Spokane, Washington, and is in the Pacific timezone. It is also apparently lower elevation, so hopefully doesn't get quite as cold, haha.

We are really excited to be able to explore the northwestern part of the states - Washington, Oregon, and maybe even take a few trips up to Canada!

(I am also excited that there is a Target....)

Again, we're excited! We are moving at the end of July, and Kyle will start on August 5th.

We are so excited and so grateful for this job. 

Feel free to come up and visit us anytime :)

A Fun-Filled Weekend

I went down to Utah for the weekend, by myself! That's a first - and I missed my love, but also had a fantastic time.

The reason I went down was because my wonderful Lexi was getting married..

Lex and I have been friends since third grade. Good ol' Ms. Russell's class. We somehow immediately bonded, and became inseparable throughout the rest of elementary school. We were in the class each year, usually sat by each other (it helped having last names one letter apart), and spent many weekends over at each other's houses. Our principal called us her "salt-and-pepper twins" (Lex is blonde). We went to different junior high and high school's but kept in touch. At BYU we were able to have a class together our sophomore year.

Anyway, the moral of the story is that she is fantastic, and I love her.

And so I was thrilled to learn that she was getting married.

And I was even more thrilled to be invited to her special day.

But I'm getting ahead of myself.

I drove down Friday after work. 

It was a nice day in Pocatello, but started raining around the Ogden area, and didn't let up until I got to Nate and Mel's. On my way, I picked up In N Out. Nate was out of town, so Mel and I stayed up talking and watching Snow White and the Huntsman.

The morning was full of getting ready and loving on my cute nieces and nephew.

I loved being back in the Salt Lake Temple. It was a strange feeling to sit in the marriage waiting room, and think that 2.5 years ago, my closest friends and family were sitting there, waiting for MY sealing. 

The sealing was wonderful, and Lexi looked amazing. It was a lot of fun seeing her siblings/family as well, since it had been SO LONG since I'd seen anyone.

Now the pictures: 

All newly married.

Looking up at the sprinkling rain.

They are in looooove.

And it makes me happy.

More happiness.

Me with the bride and groom.

Me and the Lex, reunited.

A classic shot, I love it.

Lexi with her five younger sibs (Sam, Hannah, Mati, Liv, Chris). Her older brother, Spencer, is currently suffering from brain cancer, and was unable to attend.

Just the girls. These four have shared a room all their lives (minus Lex and Mati moving for college) and love each other so much. Such cute sisters.

 I haven't mentioned the groom yet, Aaron. 

The first time I met him was at the sealing, But he seemed like a dapper fellow. And seems to really love Lexi a lot! I like him.

I had a few hours between the sealing and the ring ceremony/reception. I was able to meet up with my cute friend Ali. Ali was either a 7th or 8th grader the year we were in the same ward. I was a senior, the only one in my ward. We got along pretty well despite our age difference, and we've kept in touch (thanks, Facebook). She's now a freshman at UVU (which I can't believe.... I'm so old!) We got together at Starbucks and just spent about an hour talking and catching up. 

(Also, while at Starbucks, I ran into Kyle's cousin Melanie with her twin girls, Layla and Malia. It was so fun  and unexpected to see them!)

After saying bye to Ali, I drove to Adrianne's and met her sweet Juliet. 

Me and baby Juliet :)

After that, I drove down to Lex's grandparent White's house in Payson.

The ring ceremony was sweet, and I helped finish setting up for the reception.

The ring ceremony.

Exchanging rings.

Love. (Also, I didn't mention, but her mom made her dress, with Lex's help. So pretty and amazing!)

The fantastic cake!

A view of the reception - it was gorgeous.

Me and the bride, again :)

 Oh man, I'm just so happy for those two.

After the reception, I met up with Ayisha!

We went to the mall, where I got some cute things for a good deal.

Then we went and picked up Janae and went to the Pizza Factory.

Oh.my.

I love that place. We got three things, and shared. 

A bowtie pasta chicken caesar salad, a delicious penne with chicken, sun dried tomatoes, and pesto sauce, and my favorite - bacon ranch chicken pizza (without the onions). 

YUM.

(Sadly, I was really stuffed up, and couldn't taste very well. Second sadly, I left the leftovers as Ayisha's house. But I made Kyle promise to take me back.)

It was so good to hang out with those two, and chat. 

I love my girlies.

 I slept over at Ish's, which was fantastic.

The next morning, we got ready and hung out. Then went our separate ways. 

I went to Sarah's and chatted with her about all things wedding for an hour.

Then I drove to Bonnie's to visit her and her cute fam, and see their new place. I love me some Bonnie time. 

Then I drove to my Aunt Robin and Uncle Sam's because my dad came to town! It was great to see him, and I also got to see my cousin Joe, and his wife Nikki, and their two cute kids Zach and Layla. My Aunt Robin cooked a delicious meal.

And then I drove home to my Kyle.

And I was exhausted, and fell asleep at 8:30.

But I'm excited to go back down this weekend, spend more time with my dad, and celebrate my mom's birthday!

I'm so grateful for all the wonderful family and friends I have!

Blessed

Sometimes I get reminded of just how blessed I am.

I have a good job that provides for our family.

We live in a cute little basement apartment that may not be the greatest, but works for us both space-wise and rent-wise. Not to mention we have great landlords.

I have a college degree.

I have a wonderful husband who is also my best friend, who loves me and is always there for me. He's also a super hard worker who is currently pursueing his masters degree.

We both have wonderful families.

We belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and were married in the Temple.

I have such a great life, and I am so grateful.

Happy Birthday, Kyle!

It's this wonderful man's 25th birthday today!

It's crazy to think that this is the 3rd birthday of his that we've celebrated together.

Last year we went to a Jazz game.

and I'm not exactly sure what we did the year before, but I'm sure it involved hanging out and eating, haha.
{update: Kyle remembered what we did - we had a pizza party and watched  Jazz game at his apartment. and of course played some Rockband.}

This year, we hung out together at home, and ate lunch together.

Tomorrow we'll go out to dinner at Los Hermanos and then check out the new Provo Beach Resort. 

I gave Kyle his presents today....

He got a movie, a new wallet, a framed picture of us, some Peeps, chapstick, and gum.

He also got some new brown dress shoes, and a new belt!

Kyle is my absolute best friend, and I'm so lucky and blessed to have him in my life.

He makes every day brighter :)

The Reason for the Season

"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given: and the government shall be on his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace."

...

As of two days ago (the 17th) Kyle and I have been together 18 months. Where does the time go? Every day I'm reminded of how amazing he is, and how lucky I am. I married the absolute perfect guy for me. And the absolute best thing is that we were sealed in the Temple, and because of that, if we do all we can do, we will be together forever.

Yesterday, we went to my friend Whitney's sealing in the Manti Temple. Everything about it was wonderful. Kyle and I both love the Manti Temple. It's my next favorite (there shouldn't be favorites...) after the Salt Lake. Kyle's Grandpa Hanson was also a sealer there, and he and his wife were temple workers there for many years; it has an extra special spirit to it because of that, to us. The majority of mine and Kyle's families were sealed there as well. Anyway, Whitney and John were sealed in room number 7 - which is the highest sealing room, all the way up the top of the spiral staircases. It was amazing. During the sealing I was remind of some amazing truths. And I was overcome with such gratitude for Kyle, and the blessing that is having the Gospel in our life. I also had an experience that reminded me that we should not judge others, ever. 

So thank you, Whitney and John for asking us to be apart of your special day. 

And for helping my testimony grow. 

An Attitude of Gratitude

Sorry this is a day late, I didn't have time to blog yesterday.

I love this time of the year, it really causes me to reflect on how lucky and blessed I am.

I'm grateful for...

*Kyle, my best friend and the love of my life
*My family, and Kyle's - they love and support us so much
*Our wonderful friends
*Heavenly Father, and Jesus Christ, and the Atonement
*The Gospel in our lives, and the knowledge and light and peace we have because of it
*Temple blessings, and that we have a Temple right around the corner from us, and that Kyle and I were sealed in the Temple and are able to be together forever because of that
*The gift of the Holy Ghost
*Our apartment, and our heater
*Our jobs
*The chance that both of us had to attend BYU and gain a higher education
*Our memory foam mattress pad
*Our phones
*Our new computer

.... And so many more things, both material and not.

Our turkey's we made for FHE on Monday.

Lola's Accident

So Saturday I was cruising on my way to work. It was 7am and there was very little traffic as usual. No one gets up early to go to work on Saturdays. I was cruising westbound along University Parkway in the right lane. As I came up to the light by UVU there was a semi in the lane to the left of me waiting for teh light to change. As I came up to the light, it turned green and we both went to get on the freeway northbound. As we started making the turn to go north he decided he wanted to be in my lane. Needless to say I was a little surprised. My car was about even with the front of the cab.

First I thought "He isn't staying in his lane very well." Then "Wow I wonder if he is paying attention." Next I'm thinking "Uh oh this guy is definitely coming over." At this point I step on it and try to move over on the shoulder as far as I can, but there isn't much room because of the construction barricades. Quickly I realize "This dude is going to hit me." I lay on the horn but by this point it's too late. He rams into my driver side door with the front right corner of his cab. My poor little Sonata gets knocked sideways and now suddenly I'm thinking "Well that really got out of hand fast. Now I'm totally out of control and this just might roll if the semi keeps pushing me." Somehow my car didn't roll and Lola escaped with a blown tire in the rear on the driver side and just a few dents and scrapes along the driver's side. Honestly I can't believe that this is all that happened to her (no broken windows or airbags deployed). I think the wheel and the wheel well took the brunt of it from the bumper of the semi. The highway patrolman said to put on the spare and see how it worked. Thankfully I made it to work and home afterwards.

For the split second when my car was perpendicular to the road and the side of my car was being pushed by the semi, I thought there was a chance that I could die. I had no control whatsoever and it was not a feeling I enjoyed to say the least. I said a very quick prayer and thought I can't die. I can't leave Britt. Now is not my time to die. Thankfully I didn't and miraculously not more damage was done.

Although being dead would almost be preferable to dealing with insurance companies. Especially when you call and they transfer you to the commercial claims department and they tell you to call someone else and you go back and forth between two different groups telling you that the other one is the one you need to talk to. I seriously had about 12 phone numbers written down, had left countless messages, and was on a first name basis with two different supervisors before I finally got them to give me a claim number and get me a rental car Tuesday afternoon. 3 days of phone calls and waiting to hear back from people. Now I just have to wait and see what the insurance appraisal is and then its off to a collision shop to get her fixed.

All I can say is car accidents are a pain (in more than one way) and insurance companies are a joke. So watch out for truckers because some of them aren't watching out for you!!

6 Months!

Today is our 6 month anniversary!

It seems like a long amount of time, and a short amount of time.

I love being married to Kyle.

He's the very best, and better than what I could have ever hoped for.

In honor of it being six months, here are 6 things that I love about him.

1) I love his sleepy smile that he gives me in the morning.

2) I love how he's always willing to listen to my ramblings.

3) I love how willing he is to help cook and clean.

4) I love how he makes me feel safe.

5) I love how he'll get up from the bed to unplug our iPod dock because he knows I hate the light it creates when it's plugged in and it will keep me awake.

6) I love that he loves me.

I'm so grateful for Kyle, and for the blessings of the Temple.

Lucky

Sometimes I get down on myself, or think I could do much better.
And while this is true - I mean, I could be a much better wife, student, employee, friend, etc. I then think about how lucky and blessed I am in my life. And that alone makes me want to do better, to be better.

:: I have a wonderful husband, who loves me, and takes care of me, and wants the best for me, and listens to me, and comforts me. He is the very best thing, my number one blessing.

:: I have a great family who I love very much. I also have wonderful in-laws!

:: I belong to the true Church, and because of that, I am blessed with the scriptures, with prophets and leaders, and the ability to go to the Temple and receive more blessings.

:: I am a student at BYU, a fantastic school, and all four years of my schooling were paid for by pell grants, which means I have not had to go into debt for school.

:: Kyle and I both have jobs.

:: We have a roof over our heads, and all the things to go under it. Bed, TV, table/chairs, food, clothes, etc.

:: We have wonderful friends who love us, and we love them. We love getting together with any of them, and chatting.

:: We have a wonderful, reliable car.

:: We have a working computer.

:: I'm also proud of Kyle for being a BYU graduate.

These are just the tip of the iceburg, but counting my blessings can always make me think, and set goals to become more like Christ and our Father in Heaven. To become more receptive to the Spirit. Just to be and do better.

And this week, I'm going to work on it.

(Although, remember, we're going to YELLOWSTONE on Wednesday - so I can't exactly cook and clean while we're there. But don't worry, I will pick up where I left off when we come back.)