A Little Bling!

So, I have a bit of exciting news... I am ENGAGED!!!

Yes, most of you know this already, but some of you don't! And, it would behoove me to tell the story, as it will go down in history!

So, Ken is the greatest! We had been talking about this for about a month, and while I wouldn't call it an easy decision, it has been an intense bonding experience for both of us, and one that I think has helped us get to know each other all the better.

Once we got to the ring phase, my boy who takes four months to buy a pair of shoes, actually worked pretty quickly! He did a ton of research and we went shopping (though I swore I would never). When he decided on a stone, we went to the jewler who was making the ring, and he showed us the designs, and I approved.

The jewler was great, but he told me when the ring would be ready (BIG mistake). I was a mess, and we had been planning this wedding for a few weeks, and I was bursting at the seams to be able to tell people, but Ken hadn't yet asked my dad, and this little planner was beside herself.

On Mother's Day, Ken went to my parent's house without me, and had the "talk with my dad." It went well, because thereafter, my dad was announcing our engagement to everyone... and still me with no ring! Aaaah!!!

So, in the days that ensued, my panic grew. Did he have the ring? Was he just toying with me? Had he changed his mind and not told me? Finally, on Saturday after an emotional week of me being a basketcase, I knew something was up.

After a long talk and a tour of a venue for our reception, Ken took me up a trail behind Red Butte Gardens that he had frequented during his days as an RA at the U. I suspected the whole time that this was coming, but it was still amazing! When we reached an overlook that afforded a view of the valley, he showed me his "thinking rock," the rock he used to sit on and ponder the finer things of life.

He sat down on the rock, and positioned me on his lap, and proceded to talk to me about our future and the potential for happiness that our life together holds. Then, he leaned in and whispered in my ear that age old question... "Will you marry me?"

I turned a bit in his lap and kissed him and of course said "yes!" He then reached into his pocket and pulled out a little black velvet box. He pulled out the ring, and placing it on my hand, he said, "Here's your sparkly piece of carbon!"

We spent the rest of the day going from place to place announcing to our friends and family the big news, and I must say, my ring is amazingly beautiful!

But more than I love my ring, I love this incredibly loving, caring, patient man who wants to be with me forever. I can't say that this is what I expected for my marriage, it is so different from what I envisioned for myself, its infinitely better! I know without a doubt that Heavenly Father has a plan for me! I know that He knows far better than I what I need, and I know that I need Ken! He is the best man I have ever met! I can't wait to spend forever with him!

The Big Day is September 27- a Monday... you know Ken- got to be different!! Details of the planning and the fun ahead to come!

Our Vital Role in the NOW! A Lesson from Esther.

A print of this Minerva Teichert painting hangs on the wall of the Relief Society room in my parent's ward building. This painting depicts Queen Esther of the Bible, standing before her husband in a moment of vital decision. I never understood its significance, not until recently.

At my Stake Conference a few weeks ago, the President of the Salt Lake Temple, President Child, and his sweet wife, Sister Child spoke to us. I have been pondering Sister Child's words ever since, and wanted to simply blog a little on my thoughts.

Sister Child briefly recounted the Bible account of Queen Esther, the most beautiful maiden in the land that was chosen by King Ahasuerus to be his queen. Unbeknown to the king, however, was Esther's Jewish heritage. She had been counseled by her adoptive father to keep her heritage a secret from the king. Later, when a wicked and powerful man, Haman, decrees that all the Jews in the land shall be put to death, Esther's father counsels her to reveal her heritage to her husband, and speak on behalf of her people.

I can only just imagine how Esther felt at that moment. The fate of her family and friends laid to her charge, I am certain that she felt fear in the face of her husband, who had divorced his previous wife when she refused to obey him. She must have had thoughts amounting to "why me?" and "this isn't my responsibility, someone else can do it." I am sure that we have all had those thoughts. I am sure that we have looked in the mirror and said to ourselves, "why do I have to struggle through this?" "why would the Lord ask ME? I am sure there is someone more qualified/ better suited." But, Mordecai addressed these fears with a very profound statement.

Mordecai, Esther's father said to his daughter in her moment of inadequacy, and self-doubt, "Who knoweth but thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?" Esther 4:14. He told her that perhaps the Lord had prepared her for this moment, for a time when her people would be in danger and on the brink of extinction. He told her that perhaps the Lord wanted HER in this very difficult circumstance, because SHE was the only one who could perform this vital role at that time.

Do we think about that? Do we really consider that our role in the now, in our trials, in our callings, and our jobs and our classes is exactly what the Lord has prepared for us? Do we look upon each moment in life as a stepping stone to creating the kind of man or woman whom the Lord can rely on, who He can use for the benefit of all His sons and daughters?

Although we may not be called upon to save the Jews, or spend a night in a lion's den, or stand on a wall prophesying, we have been called to the time that we live and in the circumstances we are experiencing. Who knows but that you and I are speaking with the voice of the Lord every time we say a kind word or do our part to lift other's burdens and strengthen the feeble knees of those around us? Who knows how doing your visiting teaching this month, or having an optimistic attitude at work, or smiling at someone on the bus can be a fulfillment of the Plan of God for each of us? Who knows how important it is that we endure our trials well and have faith that the Lord has a plan for our lives?

May we stand, as Esther, and reveal who we are as covenant sons and daughters of our Heavenly Father, and have the faith, hope and confidence that the Lord has us in the hollow of His Hand. "Who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?"

Today.

Well, blogging world, since I haven't posted since January, I think its time for an update! And, looks like today is the day. Here's what is going on in my life:

Work: Is crazy, but I think we are approaching the end of respiratory season, so it will calm soon. Love the extra money, love the kids, and love the job, but relief is an appropriate emotion here!

Ken: Is home for over a month now! I'm totally enjoying my boy! I love him!! Sad news is that he will most likely have to return to China in late April, early May... which makes me crazy. Oh well, look for me to be planning lots of lunches and girls nights around then! I need to catch up with my peeps!

Fam: Jonathan got pneumonia in the MTC, but is now in the Phillipines... I miss my J-Dawg. But Adam is coming home in 19 days!! I'm so excited!! My bro Matt was Niko, the flying monkey captain (did you know he had a name? I sure didn't) in his Middle School production of The Wizard of Oz- Ken and I went and enjoyed Matt's stunning rendition of a flying monkey. It was great. Also, in early February, my cousin Chris passed away very unexpectedly. It was quite the experience, but it makes me so grateful for the doctrine of eternal marriage and the Plan of Salvation. Also, I sure love both my immediate and extended families. We are there for each other through thick and thin... and that is certainly comforting!

Church: I was released from my calling as the FHE Coordinator for my ward, only to be called as the Second Counselor in the Stake Relief Society Presidency (what the heck, right?). I was also asked to speak in Stake Conference... oh the joy. But, truly, this new calling is stretching me, and I am so blessed to work with some amazing women, and I have the incredible opportunity of meeting the awesome sisters of the stake. Sometimes the Lord has a great sense of humor in answering our prayers.

Weather: Sorry to all of you winter lovers... HERE COMES SPRING!! I am overjoyed! I have to admit that I love the sunshine- it makes me giddy!!

Well, I hope that catches you all up on the me stuff!!! Not too interesting, but there it is!!

To Become...

I just had a really good conversation with my roommate about fulfilling our role as women in our Church (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints), in our homes, and in the world.

We discussed the fact that, as women, we have been asked to accomplish it all. We are to get an education, in order to one day provide for ourselves and be self-reliant. We are then to toss that education to the wind when and if our Prince Charmings happen our way, and enter the unknown realm of motherhood and homemaking. We are also to be perfectly moderate in all of these things so as to be appealing to men, and not intimidating or overbearing.

We are to be the ultimate business woman and the most expert pie makers. We are to know perfectly how to articulate the meanings of intensive classical literature and soothe the nightmares of our toddlers. We are to work hard for degrees of honor, and then cast them aside for a far nobler profession which is unpredictable and perhaps not possible in circumstances. Anyone else a bit overwhelmed with our roles?

I think that while the world expects us to look stunning in a pair of heels, the world also expects us to push our way to the top of a still male-dominated society with the poise and grace that is demanded of our sex. The funny thing is, that what the world thinks really, truly doesn't matter.

Sometimes as women, as daughters of God, we have to stand back and realize how important the journey that we are experiencing really is. If we fail to realize who we really are, and what we are really doing, we will spend a great deal of time expecting unrealistic and unimportant things of our already incredible selves. Who we are as individuals is actually amazing. The traits we exhibit naturally, without Covergirl, Betty Crocker or Biophysics are astounding.

Instead of looking into a mirror and cataloguing our flaws, I wish we could look into ourselves and see what our Heavenly Father sees... an absolutely breathtaking creation who is on her way to becoming the most important role in all of life... HERSELF.

That woman will change the lives of her children, her coworkers, her classmates and herself. That woman will stand up for herself in times when those values that she holds dear are being attacked on all fronts. She will get frustrated, she will lose sight of her goals from time to time, she will stumble through life in patches, and she will make choices that lead to dead ends. But that woman will also brave that world with a confidence that is not fathomable in the world because she really knows who she is and what she was meant to do.

Please remember that the world is nothing special until you bring to it your unique gifts. Until you live up to the woman inside of you, there is very little else you accomplish that will bring with it true satisfaction, let alone true JOY! And, that ladies, is what we are here to experience, JOY.

Boys leaving me... and a new car!

Last week was a bittersweet week for me. Jonathan (my little brother) entered the MTC and Ken left for his China trip. I also bought a new car. So, there was the elation of being able to go where I want with a very pretty Subaru Outback taking me there and being lonely without some important boys in my life...

Jonathan entered the MTC on Wednesday last week. The new curbside drop off at the MTC is really a blessing in disguise. The hugs are shorter, there is less sentiment and off they go. No pomp and circumstance. It was great for Jon, he was so ready to go (you returned missionaries will understand that feeling well). He saw a friend while we were standing there taking pictures... he'll take his little Spanky-like personality with him wherever he is. He's going to be such a great missionary!! I am so proud of him!!

This is Jon and I a few years ago on a family vacation... I miss J-Dawg!

Later that day I hit the dealer and bought my 2009 Metallic Gray Subaru Outback. It was a long, laborious project that ended with me a great deal poorer but driving off the lot in a shiny, pretty new car! I own a station wagon... I guess that makes me a step closer to being a granola and a mommy. Though neither of those are really reality, its fun to think, right?

This is not my exact car, but the same make, model and color. Pretty, isn't she?

Then, Saturday morning I took Ken to the airport. He flew away to China for a month. It was brutal, though I didn't cry at the airport, I have done my share of crying since. He called me from San Francisco where he had a layover. He got there safe, but his luggage is taking longer to find him than he'd like. We were on skype chatting last night, which was good. Hopefully we'll be able to talk again soon. I miss that boy!

Sigh. This is our cutest pic thus far. I miss this crazy boy.

Fascinating New Thing...

Ken took me to a dance... it was way fun! We had sushi after- yum!

So, I have been avoiding writing this post... sometimes you don't want to jinx yourself. But, after 6 weeks, its probably time to tell the blogging world about Ken.

About 2.5 months ago I moved into an apartment with some roommates. My new roommate, Gloria, decided nearly immediately that I should date her friend, Ken. So, about a month after that, I did just that.

Ken is awesome. Ken is from Aken, South Carolina. He served his mission in Canada, and graduated from the U!! He is a mechanical engineer, and works for a company in West Jordan that designs and manufactures high-end composite bicycle wheels. He loves to play in the outdoors, and he is the middle child of 5. He is 30 (I know, he's old ;-) He is pretty dang cute if I do say so myself. I think that he is the sweetest boy!

I have a great time with this one. I really feel comfortable being myself around him, and I have to say, he seems to like me. We love being together, and we laugh a lot. He came with me to Thanksgiving, and we are ramping up for Christmas... both my fam and his (his parents are coming into town).

So, there you have it. That might explain my absence of posts in the last several weeks, as we are now going on seven weeks since we started dating.

Giving Thanks.

I can honestly say that I had the best Thanksgiving.  I got to spend it with my amazingly crazy, yet wonderful family.  I have to say, that when you combine that with getting to work last night, at the job that I love (most days, anyway) I am one very blessed girl.

Sometimes the Lord's hand is very apparent in my life, and I have to "live in Thanksgiving daily, for the many mercies and blessings which he doth bestow upon you." Alma 34:38.  I feel like yesterday was one of those miraculous days, and I am so very grateful.

"Not what we say about our blessings, but how we use them, is the true measure of our thanksgiving."         

                                             - -WT Purkiser