Pants vs. Skirts

There's been a lot of discussion going on lately regarding a facebook event created by a group of Mormon women that call themselves "feminists". (I'll get to why I put that in quotation marks in a bit. :P) Anyway, this event was made to encourage LDS women to wear pants to church this Sunday to "promote equality" in our faith.

Personally, I find this a little... bizarre. Here is a statement from the Church from 1971 on the subject:

“The Church has not attempted to indicate just how long women’s or girls’ dresses should be nor whether they should wear pant suits or other types of clothing. We have always counseled our members to be modest in their dress, maintaining such standards in connection therewith as would not be embarrassing to themselves and to their relatives, friends, and associates.

“We have advised our people that when going to the temple they should not wear slacks or miniskirts, or otherwise dress immodestly. We have not, however, felt it wise or necessary to give instructions on this subject relative to attendance at our Church meetings, although we do feel that on such occasions they should have in mind that they are in the house of the Lord and should conduct themselves accordingly.” (Priesthood Bulletin, June 1971.) (source) 

Ever since I was very young, I was taught to wear my Sunday best to church, and for me that meant a skirt or dress. Being the tomboy that I was, I remember thinking often about how much I wished I could wear pants and tennis shoes to church. Once I voiced that to my mom who told me that the reason why I can't wear pants to church is because church is different. Church is special. Church requires a different kind of behavior and choice of clothing than I would wear every other day of the week. Church is a place to show reverence and worship my Heavenly Father. I believed her then, and I still do now. I wear a skirt or dress to church because that is how I, personally, show that church is special to me. That's why I wear church clothes when I am teaching seminary as well. Plus, I like wearing skirts and dresses because they are girly, and I like being a girl... a lot. :)

However, I don't believe you have to wear a skirt to church. When I was in Russia last year, I had the opportunity to attend the Voronezh branch every week and really get to know and love the wonderful members. There are some things that are a little different about attending church in Russia than attending church in America. The gospel that is taught and the Spirit that is felt is the same, but there are many cultural differences. One of the big ones is that probably about half (or maybe a third) of the women wear pants to church. They aren't trying to protest against inequality or make some kind of statement; their Sunday best just happens to be pants. And that is okay.

Basically, what I am trying to say is that what you wear to church should reflect your desire to show reverence for where you are and what you are doing. You want to wear pants to church? Go right ahead! No one is going to kick you out.

However, I don't think it is appropriate to wear pants to church as a statement or to protest. To me, that is disrespectful and irreverent. 

This is becoming longer than I intended, but I just have to add my two cents about the motivation behind the whole pants issue and the "feminist" women that are propelling it. You know, I consider myself to be a feminist, but I find I disagree with the beliefs of almost everyone else that does. To me, true feminism is embracing the unique, God-given qualities women have been blessed with, and using those qualities to better the world in a way that only women can. Most feminists I have ever read about or talked to are so focused on becoming more like men, or at least trying to adopt the unique, God-given qualities of men instead of recognizing and magnifying their own. 

Today, my husband and I were talking about how deceptive Satan is, and how he has convinced so many women that they have to become like men to make any difference in the world. He convinces them that they have to have careers to be successful and that having children and raising them in righteousness is somehow inferior to going far in a professions. 

What? Are you kidding me? How could there be anything more important and fulfilling than to be a righteous mother in Zion?! I mean, I'm all about women getting as much education as possible and becoming engaged in a meaningful career if they want to, but family should always, always come first. Nothing should ever be more important that a righteous family, which we know is central to the Plan of Salvation and the reason we are here on earth in the first place. That's what it's all about. 

It just goes to show how Satan truly is the master deceiver. He can convince people that the things that are most important are inferior, and even undesirable and detrimental. 

He knows why God created men and women to be equal, yet different partners.  

He knows why women have certain gifts, abilities and responsibilities and same with the men. 

And he knows that if he can keep them from building upon those divine qualities and fulfilling their gender-specific roles, especially by convincing them that gender roles are a bad thing, then he's got them. They cannot progress and reach their full potential. It just can't happen. 

I think this issue has a lot less to do with whether you wear pants or a skirt to church, and more to do with confusion about the purpose of womanhood and why it is supposed to be different than manhood. Like my husband so eloquently said, "If God wanted all of us to be the same, he would have made us hermaphrodites." We're different for a sacred purpose, and those differences should be seen as a blessing, not a punishment.  

Well, that's my two cents... tell me what you think!

Happiness is a Thankful Heart

When I was in Young Women, probably when I was about 14 years old, one of my leaders taught a lesson about gratitude and gave us all a small wooden heart that had the words "happiness is a thankful heart" painted on it. 

To be honest, I have to confess that I don't think I paid very much attention to that lesson... at least, not as much as I should have. I kept that little heart, though, and put it next to my mirror along with numerous other handouts my wonderful leaders made for us. :) Even if not much sunk into my hard head during the actual lesson, I looked at that heart every day and as I grew up a little bit I started to really understand what those words mean, and especially what they mean to me. 

To me, what the words on that heart mean is that the key to happiness is to be thankful, to be positive, to avoid looking for reasons to be unsatisfied, and to express gratitude to family, friends, and  our loving Heavenly Father. These are the things that will bring us the most joy. 

Doesn't it make such a difference to be thankful for everything you have, and not focus on things you don't have? Doesn't it change everything when you stop comparing your life to others, and remember how blessed you are? I know it does for me! 

And the most important part? Don't forget to be thankful always... not just around Thanksgiving. :)

On that note, have a wonderful Turkey Day! :) 

(P.S. One of the wonderful things about being married is having multiple Thanksgivings to enjoy... just sayin'. Hopefully it won't fatten me up too much. :P)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“A grateful heart is a beginning of greatness. It is an expression of humility. It is a foundation for the development of such virtues as prayer, faith, courage, contentment, happiness, love, and well-being. But there is a truism associated with all types of human strength: Use it or lose it. When not used, muscles weaken, skills deteriorate, and faith disappears. President Thomas S. Monson stated: Think to thank." 

-President James E. Faust

Mr. Happy Man

I stumbled upon this video today. It made me happy so I had to share. :)


Mr. Happy Man from Matt Morris Films on Vimeo.

Isn't it easy to get caught up in our own lives and forget to love and serve the people around us? I'm not saying you need to go blow kisses on a street corner, but go show someone you care. 

This reminded me of the words to one of my favorite hymns, "Have I Done Any Good". 

Have I done any good in the world today?
Have I helped anyone in need?
Have I cheered up the sad and made someone feel glad?
If not, I have failed indeed.
Has anyone’s burden been lighter today
Because I was willing to share?
Have the sick and the weary been helped on their way?
When they needed my help was I there?

[Chorus]
Then wake up and do something more
Than dream of your mansion above.
Doing good is a pleasure, a joy beyond measure,
A blessing of duty and love.

There are chances for work all around just now,
Opportunities right in our way.
Do not let them pass by, saying, “Sometime I’ll try,”
But go and do something today.
’Tis noble of man to work and to give;
Love’s labor has merit alone.
Only he who does something helps others to live.
To God each good work will be known.

Thankful

Today is one of those days when I really just can't believe how lucky blessed I am. Life really is so good. and I could not ask for more. Here are just a few things I am feeling thankful for today:

• My seminary class. They are awesome and I love teaching them every day. 
• My family, both the in-laws and the out-laws ;) Really though, I have the best family and I get to see some of them tomorrow! Yippee!
• My husband. I'm just going to leave it at that to avoid getting too sappy on here.
• Just kidding... I changed my mind. ;) That husband of mine is seriously the sweetest, cutest, funniest, most selfless person and he makes me so happy I can hardly stand it. I love him. :)
• My faith. Oh, I love the Gospel of Jesus Christ and everything that encompasses... the scriptures, prayer, the Atonement, the gift of the Holy Ghost, everything. It's all true and I am so grateful to know who I am and who I can will become. 

And on a lighter note...

• Delicious leftovers
• Chocolate milk
• Fall
• Scarves and sweaters (I think I've worn this combination just about every day for a week)
• Netflix
• Facetime
• Apple cider scented candles (my house smells so good)
• Pinterest (I have so many projects I can't wait to start when I finally have time... which will probably be soon, as in the beginning of November! More on that later...)
• Mail, especially from missionaries! I just had another friend enter the MTC and I can't wait to write her :)
• General Conference (I've been trying to listen to a talk every day and I love it)
• This blog, because it motivates me to write a little more often. I used to be so good at writing in my journal...
• Etc, etc, etc... I'd write more if I didn't have to go to work. :/

"We can lift ourselves, and others as well, when we refuse to remain in the realm of negative thought and cultivate within our hearts an attitude of gratitude. If ingratitude be numbered among the serious sins, then gratitude takes its place among the noblest of virtues."

-President Thomas S. Monson

October (...Really?)

I really can't believe it is already October. The past few months have been flying by so quickly, probably since life in our neck of the woods has been pretty busy lately. Hence the lack of blog posts. (Like anyone really cares, but hey... leave my ego alone and let me pretend people actually read this :P)

Things are pretty crazy, but life is so good and I feel so blessed. The past few months have been full of lots of challenges -- the main ones being some health problems and juggling a very stressful job and my calling as a seminary teacher -- but I'm grateful to know how to handle them (thanks to the gospel and a good family) and for the opportunity it gives me to improve myself, gain some much-needed patience, and remember that I can't do everything on my own.

The good definitely outweighs that bad though, so let's talk about that instead. :) Seminary is going pretty well! Hopefully my students love coming to class as much as I love teaching it! They are such good kids and I'm really happy to get to teach them. I love that this calling requires so much preparation time since it kind of forces me to study and learn from the scriptures on a whole new, deeper level, and studying with the teaching mindset really helps me see things I might have missed otherwise. We're studying the New Testament this year and I've really, really enjoyed learning so much about my Savior and his life and example. The more I learn about him, the more I love him and appreciate what he did for me. Ah, the gospel is so true! I just love it.

I'm still working full-time at the same job... yup. On the bright side, I have a job. And I am not flipping burgers. Also, I know a lot more about cell phones than I ever thought I would, and just might be turning into a bit of a tech nerd. I'm fighting it though. Fighting hard. ;) It's pretty stressful, especially when I get chewed out all the time by customers who think I am the sole cause of their problems and also have the power to fix them, but oh well... I guess that's how it goes. Sometimes when they are yelling at me I just imagine that I am on a hammock hanging between two palm trees on a beach in Hawaii sipping on pineapple juice with that cute husband of mine. Of course, the nasty customer in question is the one serving me said pineapple juice and anything else my heart desires. Oh and is also giving me a foot massage while they're at it. You know why? Because my feet are extremely ticklish and I have the uncontrollable tendency to kick -- and kick HARD -- whenever someone just brushes my toes. I think you can see where I am going with this. ;)

Work and seminary are definitely the two main things going on in my life now. Y'know, besides being awesome with this guy.

Mystery Canyon

Mesa Temple

I know, I know... pretty much every single post ends with something sappy about that handsome husband of mine. I'll try not to be too nauseating, but seriously... he is awesome and it just keeps on getting better every day. I am really, really lucky blessed. :)

Totally unrelated, but this is awesome (Just like everything these guys do... I'm a big fan) so you should watch it. That's all.

He's a keeper

(Written Friday night)

Today was a particularly rough day at work.

I got cussed out a couple times by upset customers, even though none of their problems were my fault. I was on the phone with customer service for 2 straight hours, and that was just one of the many calls I made today. (I kind of hate customer service... Can't live with 'em, can't live without 'em.) I was so busy doing customer service stuff that I hardly sold anything, and since I earn most of my pay through commission that means I made hardly any money today. That's just the beginning too... lots of other things happened that I honestly don't even want to talk about. It was pretty bad.

Just after helping a particularly difficult customer, I noticed I had a message on my phone. It was the sweetest, sincerest little love note from my husband. He just wanted to let me know that he cares about me and that I mean so much to him. Yep, you are reading the blog of the luckiest girl in the world. :)

I'm so thankful for a husband that really, truly loves me and wants what is best for me. I'm thankful that he takes such good care of me and always puts our marriage first. I'm thankful that he is patient with me. I'm thankful that he is loyal. I'm thankful he is mine. 

I'm especially thankful that he is temple worthy so we could be married in the temple for time and all eternity. Really, I can't think of anything better than being with my best friend for ever and ever and ever and ever. 

Thanks to him, even the particularly rough days aren't so bad after all. :)

D-backs game

Mesa Temple

On set of the latest Weeber and Judd video. :) Ain't he handsome? 

Anyway, I think C.S. Lewis says what I'm trying to say the best:

"Affection is responsible for nine-tenths of whatever 

solid and durable happiness there is in our lives."

-C. S. Lewis

Busy

I've been using the word "busy" to describe my life probably for the last 10 years. It's kind of funny how every stage of life brings a whole new meaning to being "busy". The past couple months have been particularly chaotic, and it is funny to think that in the future I'm probably going to look back and laugh to think I thought I was busy now when it's just the two of us.

So what has been keeping me busy? Well, I started a new job a little over a month ago, and have been working a bit more than I was expecting. I guess that is a good thing though. I'm just really thankful that I don't have to work Sundays.

When I'm not working, I am preparing lessons since I was recently called to be... a seminary teacher! I was definitely surprised, but I feel so lucky blessed and humbled to get to teach (and by taught by) my awesome students. It's a lot of responsibility, sometimes it can be stressful, and when I often don't get home from work until 7:30pm, it's not easy to get lesson planning in. It's so worth it though and I am so thankful for this opportunity. I couldn't ask for a better calling. I am really going to miss my primary class though. :(

My job and my calling are the two main things that take up my time, but of course there are a thousand other things that keep me busy when I'm not working or preparing a lesson. But you know what? I like it. It's much better than before when I just stayed home and vegged out all day while Dallin was at work. I cooked and cleaned a lot more then... but it is nice to have places to be and things to do, even if I get overwhelmed sometimes.

Sunday Thoughts

The past week has been pretty rough for me. On Tuesday I had a root canal (blah). I wish that were the only reason why my week wasn't very good, but that root canal lead to a really, really nasty infection which made one side of my face blow up like a balloon. Long story short, my dentist put me on some antibiotics pretty early on that should have nipped it in the bud, but for some reason I built up a resistance to them and ended up having to get emergency oral surgery yesterday to drain the infection so I could heal. 

Although I did experience a lot of pain and discomfort, I think what made this week so awful was how anxious, worried, and afraid I was. I already loathe going to the dentist, so you can imagine how I felt about needed to see an oral surgeon. Right before we left, Dallin gave me a priesthood blessing -- a blessing of comfort. One of the phrases that I remember most from that blessing was, "You have no need to fear." 

There is nothing that I needed to hear more than that. It is so easy for me to fear what is to come, and I'm not just referring to dental/medical procedures. I tend to worry about or be afraid of so much, but that is the opposite of faith. As long as I am living faithfully and doing my best to make righteous decisions that will help me to become to person I want to be one day, I have no reason to fear. 

“You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop

to look fear in the face. You must do the thing which you think you cannot do.”

-Eleanor Roosevelt

Before I wrap this up, I also want to express how thankful I am for the power of the priesthood, and how grateful I am to be sealed to a worthy priesthood holder. There really aren't words to do my feelings about this justice. I can't imagine not having the priesthood in my home. I can't imagine not knowing that I can ask my sweet husband for a blessing any time I need one. I received a few blessings this week, including a blessing of healing that my father-in-law participated in, and I know that my week would have been very different without receiving those blessings. The priesthood power is real, I know it is, and I will always be thankful that I didn't settle for anything less that a worthy priesthood holder when I chose my husband.

And since I know you all are just dying to know, I am doing much better today. It only hurts if I press on my cheek, and as you can see in the above picture the swelling has gone down a lot. Below is a "before" picture for comparison. 

Can you tell how happy I was? ;)

Happy Sunday!

-Mikaela

As of late (in pictures)

Since I last posted...

I chopped off the end of my thumb cutting cabbage. I'll spare the gory pictures, but it was pretty nasty. It's much better now, just looks funny and feels a little numb still. 

I started a couple sewing projects, this one being my favorite. And yes, it has pockets... yay! :)

(Directions for dress here)

Dallin and I made a trip to Zion National Park with some friends to go canyoneering. Unfortunately, I chopped off my thumb the day before we left and couldn't get it wet or touch anything without searing pain, so I didn't get to do much besides a couple short hikes. It was still fun though, and I'm excited to go back sometime this year when I can do some more hard core stuff. :)

While the boys were canyoneering, I also got to drive to St. George to attend the temple and visit my sweet, reheaded grandpa's grave. I can't believe it's been nearly 10 years since he died. He was a wonderful man... one of the best I've ever known, and not just because of his red hair which I am thankful to have inherited! 

My aunt and uncle that live in Tokyo came to visit! They are awesome and it was fun to introduce Dallin to them and catch up. Also, isn't my grandpa cute? :) I really have such a great family, immediate  and extended. And that includes in-laws for sure! 

They always bring delicious Japanese treats. We never complain. 

I got my birthday bike at last! Ain't it purty? I love 

it. :) It's nice to finally live close enough to be able to bike places, something I couldn't do when I lived in the boonies. 

I started work at a Verizon retailer. I have a lot to learn, but I feel like less of an idiot every day so that is good... haha. ;) I love being able to help people... even the 80 year old grandpas that come in with their iPhones that are a little too complicated for them. :)

Well, I guess that's pretty much it for us! We're just living our lives that are kept busy with work, church callings, and such... and enjoying married life, which is awesome. :)

Until the next time I post... whenever that may be!

-M

[30 things] 20 random facts about me

Question #1: List 20 random facts about yourself.

1. I love the color red.
2. There are 10 kids in my family, and half of us are adopted (I'm not).
3. I eat tomatoes like apples.
4. I have been to Russia twice, but have never been anywhere else outside of the country (unless you count airports, which I don't).
5. I hate the Twilight books and movies. A lot.
6. I was homeschooled besides a few classes in high school, and loved it (most of the time). Considering how surprised people are sometimes when they hear this, I guess my parents did a good job since my siblings and I aren't complete social rejects. ;)
7. I am majoring in Elementary and Special Education
8. I'm a natural redhead. My husband is too. :)
9. I love, love, love scarves. I would wear them every day if I could! In the fall and winter I pretty much do. The same goes for cardigans.
10. Tulips, daffodils, and daisies are my favorite flowers. 
11. I love all kinds of berries, but raspberries are my favorite. 
12. I like shopping at thrift stores. You never know what you'll find! 
13. I go canyoneering almost every weekend with my husband. 
14. I take pictures of everything, especially now that I have an iPhone. Instagram is my favorite app :)
15. I play the ukulele and some piano, and when I was little I played the violin.
16. I'm a pyromaniac, thanks to my older brothers. :) Maybe it has something to do with my red hair...?
17. I am almost always barefoot if at all possible.
18. I don't like seafood.
19. I love country music
20. ...and I'm a Mormon. ;)

30 Things

One thing I have noticed about this blog is that 90% of the content is just pictures. I've been wanting to do some more writing but haven't really had anything that I wanted to write much about. 

Today, I saw that my lovely friends Emma and Autumn are completing this 30 question survey on their blogs and it inspired me to do the same. I probably won't do it in order, and I might not do them all, but I figure this is a good way to get myself writing more. That's what a blog is for after all, right? 

I've already started working on some of the questions so be looking for them in the next several days! :)

1. List 20 random facts about yourself.

2. Describe 3 legitimate fears you have and explain how they became fears.

3. Describe your relationship with your parents.

4. List 10 things you would tell your 16 year-old self, if you could.

5. What are the 5 things that make you most happy right now?

6. What is the hardest thing you have ever experienced?

7. What is your dream job, and why?

8. What are 5 passions you have?

9. List 10 people who have influenced you and describe how.

10. Describe your most embarrassing moment.

11. Describe 10 pet peeves you have.

12. Describe a typical day in your current life.

13. Describe 5 weaknesses you have.

14. Describe 5 strengths you have.

15. If you were an animal, what would you be and why?

16. What are your 5 greatest accomplishments?

17. What is the thing you most wish you were great at?

18. What has been the most difficult thing you have had to forgive?

19. If you could live anywhere, where would it be and why?

20. Describe 3 significant memories from your childhood.

21. If you could have one superpower, what would it be and what would you do with it first?

22. Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 10 years? 15 years?

23. List your top 5 hobbies and why you love them.

24. Describe your family dynamic of your childhood vs. your family dynamic now.

25. If you could have dinner with anyone in history, who would it be and what would you eat?

26. What popular notion do you think the world has most wrong?

27. What is your favorite part of your body and why?

28. What is your love language?

29. What do you think people misunderstand most about you?

30. List 10 things you would hope to be remembered for.

Wilbur Canyon

Here's a few pictures from the canyon we did last weekend with some of our friends. :)

Trek

I spent last week on a handcart trek with the youth in our stake. We spent 5 days out in the backwoods of AZ dressed up in pioneer clothing, and to get to our main camp we had to drag heavy, awkward handcarts made of wood and metal 20-something miles over the course of 2 days.

If you haven't heard of a trek before, it is an opportunity to experience, in some small way, the challenges the Mormon pioneers endured as they traveled 1,300 miles to the Salt Lake Valley to escape persecution and have the freedom to practice their religion. Some came in wagons, and some came in handcarts that looked something like this:

To make it as authentic as possible, we all wore pioneer clothing and left our cell phones, iPods, and other luxuries at home. We were put into 8 families with a Ma and Pa (I was an adult sister and had 8 younger siblings), given a handcart that we loaded with our water, food, and other supplies, and then trekked 20-something miles over the course of 2 days before arriving at our main camp where we stayed for the remainder of the week.

I'm so glad I was able to attend. I wasn't asked to until the week before the trek, so I wasn't expecting to go and was pleasantly surprised when my bishop asked me if I was willing. I definitely missed Dallin though, who had to work, and was very happy to see him when he came up to spend the last night with us. He still slept in the same tent with me even though I'd been in the dirt for days, so I guess he really must love me! ;)

This is what I looked like when I got home. I look a little dirty, but this picture doesn't even come close to
doing it justice! My arms alone were a few shades lighter after I showered.. haha. So much for that tan!

Here's just a few thoughts about what I experienced and learned during the week:

• I think all of us were challenged in some way by this trek, and it was definitely difficult, but it amazes me to think that we only got a very small taste of what the pioneers sacrificed and endured. I'm so thankful for their courage and that I have the gospel in my life today because of them. 
• There were some times when I really struggled, and if giving up was an option I'm sure I would have jumped on that. One of the reasons I like doing things like this (and the crazy adventures Dallin and I go on) is that it helps me to see what I am capable of when I keep going even when it is hard. I especially loved seeing my "family" as they pushed through some of the challenges, especially when the men were enlisted in the Mormon Battalion and the women had to pull our cart up a steep, long, rocky hill without the help of the men. It was really difficult, but we did it and when we were discussing it later in our trek family I was very impressed with how it had impacted my siblings as well, especially the ones who struggled the most. Oh, the things you can learn when you are put to the test! :)
• There's nothing like dragging a handcart 12+ miles (that's how much we did the first day) until 11:00pm that makes you appreciate finally crawling into your sleeping bag. I've never slept so soundly! 
• It's amazing to see how close each "family" became after just the first day. There was just something about working and being challenged together in pursuit of a common goal that brought all of us together. 
• We were only apart for a few days, but it felt oh so good to give my husband a big hug and kiss when he came to our camp Friday night. I think I just might like him a little bit. ;)
• After being in the dirt for 5 days, it felt like heaven to finally get to shower! :) 

Happy birthday to us!

Our birthdays are just a few days apart, mine on May 31 and Dallin's on the 3rd.
It's fun to have them so close. :) Here's some pictures from the festivities. 

German chocolate cake... mmmmm. :)

I got an iPhone! It is pretty dang sweet! Of course, any phone is sweet in comparison with my old phone... :) It's been fun playing around with different apps and I love having a decent camera with me all the time. 

This is kind of a funny story. I briefly mentioned in passing several weeks ago this cute bike I had seen at Walmart. My wonderful husband took note and decided to get it for me for my birthday. Unfortunately, I didn't describe it very clearly (I wasn't thinking that he was going to get it or else I would have been more thorough :P) and this is the bike that he thought fit my description the best. It's kind of hard to tell in this picture, but it is quite a bit too small for me... haha. :) Wasn't that sweet of him though? He managed to buy it and stash it away without me knowing, and then got up in the middle of the night to put it in the dining room so I would see it when I got up. He is pretty much THE best. :) I was pretty sad when we returned it but it was way too small for me. 

Originally we were going to make pizza margherita for my birthday dinner, but we ended up going out too dinner with Dallin's parents so we made it the next night. It still tasted heavenly. Definitely my favorite... although I think I've made that pretty clear. ;) I think I take a picture every singe time and end up posting it on my blog or facebook since it is just so beautiful. Yes, I am obsessed. 

Being Mormon, turning 21 isn't as "exciting" as it would be if I drank. I am completely and totally okay with that, but I found it hilarious that this is the most exciting milestone I reached. 

I get to have a HORIZONTAL driver's licence? Thrilling! :)

I got Dallin the Millennium Falcon Lego set. Yes, I am the coolest wife ever. 

I really, really love this guy, mountain man beard and all. :)

Birthday dinner. :)

Well, that's about it. Happy birthday to us! :)

As of late

We really, really like pizza margherita. It's become a weekly meal. :)

My tomatoes! :)

Star Wars pancakes taste even better than boring round ones. ;)

At the Mesa Temple. :)

We got to go to a Diamondbacks game as kind of an early birthday celebration for the two of us. We won... yay! :)

Chelsey was there too and it was awesome to see her!