things like...

today I woke up feeling extra grateful, not just in general but specifically for certain things. things like-- my husband who works harder than anyone I know. he gives his all, 24-7 in everything he does. i feel so much of his love through that, and it makes me love him that much more. as well as the sweet notes he leaves on the door before he leaves to work.things like-- the sunshine when I haven't felt it in months, even when its scorching hot on my black jeans. things like-- my job that i love more than any other job i've had. and not only that, while i've worked there I have found the greatest friends i've ever had in my life. they give me compliments that sometimes i don't feel like i deserve, but they remind me of who i am becoming. things like-- my family and the way we love each other, care for each other, and pray for one another. things like-- an education that i can gain and learn from every day that pushes me to find myself and my capabilities. things like-- heart aches. aching for other people and their struggles in life. things like-- the ability to love and feel it grow. things like-- the holy ghost who protects my thoughts, words, body, and choices. things like-- moments of stress that allow me to find control and peace within myself even when i just want to freak out and throw my hands in the air and say "i'm done". things like-- my physical strength and healthy body that allows me to exercise and build my self-confidence and motivation.

every single piece of this life that God has given me, is what makes me who i am. is what makes me happy. i love Him so much, for the loving Father in Heaven that He is. 

home away from home

the hardest thing about living at home away from our home is all of the people we love not being around us constantly. even though i did it for a year and a half it still doesn't make it easy. i long to be a part of my family and friends lives...this really hit me when i found out that i would be missing 5 of my mission companions weddings. just being newlyweds, there is no way i could fly out each weekend for these weddings, the only option i had would be to go home a month before hunter and that just wasn't going to happen (sorry i love my husband more). but i wish with all my heart that i could be there for my closest, truest friends for them on the happiest days of their lives!

friendship=trust. in so many aspects this is true. trust that even though i can't be there physically, for them to know how much i love them and how happy i am for them. i'm glad i have friends who still love me no matter what and that we can have a friendship that cannot be broken.

although i am SO grateful for the friends we have made out here! i think that the people that enter our lives are one of the most important things in life to cherish- the relationships we make with them.

yet to be

this week i didn't nanny because the family is out of town. so...back at sitting at home all day trying to be productive haha. when these days happen i think. A LOT. probably way too much. then i think of how weird its going to be going back home and getting immediately back into the swing of work and school. so i'm trying to enjoy this "free time", although my personality doesn't like it all that much some days.

anyways...

so i think a lot, right? a lot has come into our lives and a lot of decisions have been made. one being- we will be living in hunter's grandparents basement for a little while until we can get settled, save up, and find our own place. it will be a sacrifice, yes. not very ideal. but thats the way newlyweds live, right? lately i've just been wanting and hoping and dreaming about having our own apartment or townhouse to go back to. its been eating at me, even though i know that it isn't possible right now and that everyone goes through this point in their lives. then this morning i came across this....

and all of the sudden i felt some peace and understanding that thats just how life has to be for a little while. why would i get everything i want handed to me? i have to work hard and make the necessary sacrifices to get to the best. 

i was texting one of my companions this morning and we were talking about life and advice (she's getting married in a week) and got talking about this. (so very grateful for the amazing people in my life. they make life better and show me what life is all about)  she said, "it can be pretty stressful to look out into the unknown but we've lived through experiences that tell us Heavenly Father knows what he's doing." so simple, so true. 

so, keep having faith because, "the best is yet to be"