December 1

The morning of Saturday, December 1, was beautiful. The whole world outside was wrapped in clean white snow. It was soft and freshly fallen, still untouched except for in the roads. I decided to still go running while Justin went to play football. I was surprisingly in a happy mood. Everything was so lovely! The bare trees dripping under the weight of the snow, the perfectly smooth plateaus of white, the houses that looked like Christmas cards. I stopped to make a snow angel, my best one yet, and said hello to those outside shoveling their driveways. It wasn't even that cold outside. And the timing was perfect: the first day of December, the day I think of as the start of winter and Christmas. It set the mood for the rest of the day spent Christmas shopping and decorating. I love Heavenly Father's creations!

One Year Anniversary

Thursday, November 29, 2007, marked one year since Justin and I became girlfriend and boyfriend. It doesn't feel like it has been that long. A lot has happened in that one year, but it has all been worth it because it culminated to our eternal marriage in the temple.

I had planned on doing something cute for Justin, like making him a romantic note or buying something cute, but it didn't happen. When I got home, I expected Justin to be there waiting for me so we could get ready for our date night: dinner and a free classical concert. I knocked on the door so I wouldn't have to dig for my keys. No answer. It looked dark inside. Where is Justin, I wondered starting to get annoyed. I unlocked the door and stepped inside. It was dark and empty. And then I looked down.

There was a trail of almond kisses and rose petals leading me through the apartment, to the bathtub (with more petals, but the water had drained), and to the bed where a beautiful boquet of colorful roses and a romantic note lay waiting for me amid a sea of even more kisses and petals. Justin walked in the door looking gorgeous already dressed up to go out. I was so pleasingly surprised and happy. Justin is the most romantic guy in the world! I felt so ashamed that I had thought poorly of him when I first came home.

We went to P.F. Changs and then walked around the mall. We ended up not going to the concert and got dessert instead at Denny's. Then we drove home and watched Strictly Ballroom (I ended up falling asleep). It was such a sweet night being with my husband. I love him so much!

Truly Beautiful

Yesterday, Justin and I went to the temple with Kara and Isaac. It had been a while since we last went and it felt so good to be back in the house of the Lord. I love going to the temple, especially with my husband. I always leave loving him so much more than I already do. I love feeling the peace and joy inside. I love basking in the beautiful light and warmth of the Spirit. And I always truly feel beautiful. I feel like a lovely daughter of God who has so much worth and potential, so much light and truth, so much love and happiness. I love wearing temple clothing. It is the only outfit that brings out my true beauty inside and out.

Thanksgiving (Part 3)

Thanksgiving was great! It was so nice to be with family again--I especially missed my little sister and my nieces and nephews. I enjoyed cooking dinner and I stuffed myself silly. I'm grateful the roadtrips there and back went safely. And I'm glad to be back home with just my husband.

Thanksgiving (Part 2)

Blessings I am thankful for:

• my husband and his fun, thoughtful, sweet personality
• my family and their love for me
• our cute, little apartment
• my education
• the scriptures and all the truth, hope, and comfort they provide
• the beauty of autumn (and all of God's gorgeous creations)
• sales on needed clothing
• my safety and health
• proximity to the temple and other religious places
• my job
• lost items that are recovered
• my true friends
• people who have been answers to prayers
• warmth in cold weather
• good books, movies, and music

The list could go on forever because Heavenly Father will never stop blessing me! Remember to count your blessings daily and sincerely thank God for them.