Day 28, 29, & 30

November 28th- Yipee!! FINALLY! I finally got a job! I had the initial interview a couple weeks ago (but didn't say anything for fear of jinxing my chances of getting the position) and between Thanksgiving and illness, it took a little while to get the final call. But, I am now officially an aide in a kindergarten/first grade classroom to a little boy with Downs Syndrome. Yay! I'm nervous, but really excited at the same time. So thankful to finally have a job again!

November 29th- Today is the same as yesterday, I'm so thankful to finally have a job. My first day was interesting. But, just like with any job, it takes a few days to feel comfortable. I'm also thankful that I like the people that I work with (so far at least). The head teacher of the classroom reminds me a lot of my sister-in-law and I love that! So fun!

November 30th- Today I am grateful for our Father's tender mercies. He cares about us so much. My sister was in a little fender bender tonight, and I am just so grateful that she is okay and that she was being watched over. Our Heavenly Father knows each and every one of His children and He is a constant part of our lives, whether we realize it or not.



What a wonderful 30 days of thanks! I am glad that I decided to do this so that I could take a moment to reflect each day about the many things that I have been blessed with. I hope that everyone had a great November, and that you are getting excited for the holiday season!
Commence Christmas music!

Day 25, 26, & 27

November 25th- I'm grateful that Rachel and Mike live so close. We had them over for dinner tonight. Then played a "quick" 3 hour game of Monopoly. Fun, fun, fun.

November 26th- Christmas decorating time! Today I am especially grateful for Adam's patience with me. We seriously went to 3 different Walmarts before we found a Christmas tree that we liked. And then to Hobby Lobby twice before finally having everything to decorate. Ridiculous. I wanted to light the whole thing on fire by the end of it all. Ha! I was just so frustrated, but Adam was so sweet and got us the perfect tree even though it was six inches taller than the one we had originally planned on (it almost touches the ceiling and takes up most of the little free space that we have in our living room). But it looks great! I love it. Also, I made the tree skirt for $5 instead of paying $10.50 or more for one. How awesome?

Our first Christmas tree!

November 27th- Whew! What a day to be a primary teacher! I'm not sure if it was just because the kids have been out of school for a few days, therefore lacking structure, or if it was because we weren't there last week so we forgot how crazy it got sometimes, but the kids seemed extra wound up today! I mean crazy, crazy! But, I am still so thankful for them and their sweet spirits. I'm just the one who needs to remember patience and that these children are more Christlike than I am. So grateful to be one of their teachers.

Day 23 & 24

November 23rd- I am grateful for my kitchen. Adam generally does most of the cooking (lucky me!). I'll cook sometimes, but I'm more of a baker if anything (that does not mean I'm great at it!). So, in preparation for Thanksgiving, I was able to bake three pies. Yum!

My first race number!

November 24th- I'm thankful for my physical body. I don't always take the best care of it like I should, but without it I wouldn't be able to: run a 5k, eat delicious food, hug and kiss my husband, or talk with my family and friends.
Its never fun to be away from my parents and younger siblings, especially on holidays. But, today I'm especially thankful for the family that I do have here in Utah, and the time that we are able to spend together.

Day 21 & 22

It seems I'm only blogging every other day now, huh? Well, even if I don't blog on that day, I'm still grateful.

November 21st- I am thankful for the gym. I don't always have the best relationship with it, but I always feel tons better after going. I signed up to "run" my very first 5k race on Thursday (yes, Thanksgiving morning). I kinda got talked into running it with a couple other friends. Since I just signed up for it last week, I haven't really been training for it. But, I figure that since I'm not really trying to run it in a certain amount of time, then I'll totally be okay. I just hope that this is the start of the journey toward one of my biggest bucket-list items; a marathon!

November 22nd- I'm grateful for days like this when Adam and I just laugh the whole evening away. He's my very best friend and we have so much fun together, but unlike the romances in movies, things aren't always perfect. We have more good days than bad, and without the bad ones, days like today wouldn't be so great. So, I guess in a way I'm thankful for those bad ones too.

Day 19 & 20

November 19th- I am grateful for the medicine that the doctor gave to Adam because it helped him feel much better. Hopefully that will continue! I am also grateful for my VT companion who agreed to teach our primary class.

November 20th- I'm grateful for a good night's rest. I went to bed last night at 8:30 (extremely early for me!) and didn't wake up until 8:45 this morning! Usually if I sleep for that long I just feel groggy all day, but apparently my body needed it because I felt completely refreshed when I woke up. I still don't feel sick yet, so I'm not sure why my body needed all that sleep. Either way, I'm grateful.

Day 18

November 18th- It turns out that Adam does indeed have the flu. No bueno! So between his sickness and my late night last night, we spent most of the day sleeping. This means that I am extra grateful for our comfy bed, doctors, soup, and the pretty snow falling outside. (Adam claims that the snow makes it the worst day ever, but I think it's beautiful) Now let's keep our fingers crossed that I don't get sick too!

Day 17

November 17th- Adam has been feeling yucky all day. All his symptoms point toward the flu, but I'm praying that it's just a 24 hour bug. So, in the mean time, I am grateful for medicine to help relieve his fever and his pain.
I am also grateful for super fun nights with my sister, Rachel. We saw the new Twilight movie tonight and we had so much fun! I'm so glad that she's out here to do silly girl stuff with me.

Day 16

November 16th- Today I am grateful for small acts of kindness. Just a simple 'hello' or 'I've been thinking of you, how are you doing?' can instantly make my day better.

Day 15

November 15th- Okay, so this one might be a little weird, but today I am grateful for fun YouTube videos. I was able to find great music, and plenty of things to laugh at today. Enjoy!

I love Karmin so much that I have to post one of their original songs too...

And then one of my friends shared this adorable video via Facebook

I hope you all at least got a little smile out of these! Happy Tuesday!!

Day 14

November 14th- I am grateful for long walks, and stores that acknowledge that Christmas is after Thanksgiving.

Day 12 & 13

November 12th- Today I am grateful to have the opportunity to babysit. My cousin Savannah and her husband Jay and their daughter Karlee have been coming down for quite a few of the home BYU football games. Adam and I watch Karlee while Savannah & Jay are at the games. We have a lot of fun spending time with her and I love seeing Adam interact with her. I can't wait to have kids!

November 13th- Again, I am especially grateful for the children in our primary at church. Today was their presentation and they did fabulous!  They were so cute and funny, and they helped everyone to feel our Heavenly Father's love. Absolutely precious.
Oh, and one of our students leaned over to me during the program and she said, 'I love you as much as I love my mom.' I said, 'oh, you do?' She said, 'Yes, I love you as tall as 100 giants... I think that would be taller than heaven.' So darling! She's got me wrapped around her finger! Although, I feel a little awkward about how she said she loves me as much as she loves her mom. At that age, isn't your mom supposed to be the person you love the absolute most? I'm sure I'm probably just a close second.

Day 11

November 11th- As you may have guessed, today I am especially grateful for the many men and women who have served, and are still serving our great nation. I am also grateful for their families as they are also serving in their own way. We really do live in a wonderful country and I am so grateful for that privilege.

Day 10

November 10th- Today I am especially grateful for my friend, Aubrey. We started living together at BYUI after her roommate's (Amy) brother (Jay) married my cousin (Savannah). Aubrey always makes me happy. I can't help but laugh when I'm around her. I remember the second semester that we were living together, I was having a really hard time handling some things that were going on in my life and Aubrey was always there to let me vent my sorrows and frustrations, completely free of judgement. I also remember coming home from class one day and on my desk sat my favorite cupcake from The Cocoa Bean just because she knew I was having a rough time. How great is that?!

A couple summers ago, she and I went to the open house of the Oquirrh Mountain temple. Gorgeous! And today we had the opportunity to do an endowment session there before she enters the MTC next week. She will be a full time missionary in the Everett, Washington mission. I am so excited for her! She is going to do such a great job in helping to bring people closer to Christ.

The Oquirrh Mountain Temple

From learning the Hoedown Throwdown with me, to spending a peaceful afternoon in the Lord's house, Aubrey has always been a wonderful friend and I am thankful to have her in my life.

Day 9

November 9th- Today I am grateful for the temples. Beautiful, peaceful houses of learning where I can be close to my Father in Heaven.

The Washington DC temple where Adam and I were married for time and all eternity.

Day 8

November 8th- Today I am grateful that I'm not in Covington to listen to all the bickering about today's vote. I love my hometown, and am so grateful to have grown up a "small town girl." But, I wasn't sad to leave the small town drama behind.
I believe that doing at least a small bit of traveling is part of the whole "growing up" process. For me at least, I know that each time I ventured into an unknown surrounding, I got to take a good look at who I really was, and am, as a person. And often times, I changed and grew into a new me. When I was in Idaho for school, my testimony of the gospel grew immensely. When I was in China teaching English, I gained a refreshing sense of independence (ex. a fresh break-up, not being able to speak the country's language, witnessing God's tender mercies numerous times, etc.). And then moving here to Utah, I grew into the person that I needed to be in order to be ready to find my loving husband.
I'm not trying to say that my hometown is a bad place. Or that I never want to go back. It is my home after all. I'm just grateful for the few opportunities that I've had to travel in my life's journey. And even more grateful for the change in perspective that each place brought.

I hope that at least some of that made sense. I will now step down from my soap box. Happy Tuesday!

Day 7

November 7th- I'm grateful that my Heavenly Father blessed me with such a wonderful eternal companion. Today marks the sixth month anniversary of when Adam and I were sealed in the Washington DC temple. He is so good to me. I know that he loves me and accepts me completely for who I am, no matter what. He is my best friend. He treats me like a princess. I know that sounds cliche, but it's true! I never knew what true, genuine, pure love was until I met him. All you women out there who think that the chivalrous man is a dying breed, rest assured that they still exist! You just need to be the type of person that you want to attract. It took me 22 years to be the kind of person that Adam deserved, and it took him 28. Be patient. Grow into the person you need to become. You'll find your happily ever after.

So grateful for my Adam!

Day 6

November 6th- Yay for an extra hour of sleep! Although I am grateful for the hour, I am especially grateful for our primary children today. Adam and I teach a group of 5 year olds. But, today the entire primary (70+) class practiced for their upcoming presentation next Sunday. I loved hearing each of them share a small piece of their budding testimonies. They have such sweet, pure, and strong spirits. It wasn't hard for me to start getting teary eyed as they sang reverently (most of the time) about Jesus Christ and about our Prophet. Our church calling can be extremely exhausting at times, but it is absolutely worth it to be around these little spirits that were with our Heavenly Father not too long ago.

Day 5

November 5th- Today I am grateful for the cooler weather. What?! I know, normally I don't really like winter all too much. Yeah, sure the snow is beautiful, I just don't really like being cold. But, the reason I am grateful for it is because it reminds me of when Adam and I fell in love. So what used to be a bitter and dreary season, is now wonderfully beautiful!

Day 4

November 4th- I'm grateful for nice, quiet nights at home with my husband. Especially when he agrees to watch a romantic comedy with me because he knows it'll make me happy. He's so great!

30 Days of Thankfulness

Quite a few of my FB friends are doing this, and I know that I'm a few days late, but I'd like to do this as well. 

November 1st- I am thankful for my wonderful sisters. On this day I am especially grateful for Samantha. Today is her eighteenth birthday. I can remember when she first began Pre-K! Time flies by so fast! I'm a little sad to see her leave childhood, but I'm so excited to see the person that she will become. She's looking into schools out here, and hopefully it works out so that I can spend more time with her!

November 2nd- I am grateful for Adam's secure job at Tahitian Noni International. He's been working super hard this past week and I am so thankful for that. I feel bad because I'm not bringing in income for us, but he is so great. He tells me that he loves taking care of me. Our country is in a tough economy right now, so I am very thankful for Adam's great job.

November 3rd- The women in our ward are fabulous. I haven't become very close with many of them just yet, but they are always so sweet. I am grateful for their kindness. 

Lately

Adam keeps telling me that it's my turn to post on here. So, here is what has been going on. My job interview count is now up to five and my actual employment number is still a big fat zero. And I've completely lost count of how many applications I've submitted. Which means I'm slowly going crazy in this basement apartment. I feel like my life is at a standstill right now, or at least a transition. I mean, who else watches reruns, cleans, and crochets scarves all day? And then the sad thing is it's like the more bored I get, the more boring I become. It's a vicious cycle.
But! Adam and I did just revamp our weight loss efforts. Complete with a huge chart on our refrigerator! That makes it more serious, right?  My goal is to lose ten pounds by my birthday. Hopefully we'll maintain our will power through the holidays! And SPEAKING OF HOLIDAYS!! My in-laws are coming for Christmas! I am so extremely excited to have Deb, Jim, and Jennifer here! I can't wait!
For this next holiday (Halloween) Adam and I are going to dress as Salt & Pepper. (It's the only thing I could talk Adam into because it only required a t-shirt) Maybe once we have kids, I can talk him into something a little more creative. We'll see.

Our calling at church has been.. an adventure. Who knew that trying to teach 5 year olds about how much their Heavenly Father loves them could be so extremely exhausting? It's been fun though. I love watching Adam learn how to interact with them. I got sick last weekend after we went camping with Rachel & Mike so I wasn't at church. Adam was so nervous to go without me. But I'm sure he did great!
Anyway, thats a little bit of what's been going on with the Bazzelle's lately. Sorry for the randomness.

Remembering the past year

Conference time is always a special time for me.  Now though, it is one of the greatest times of the year.  It was a year ago last weekend that I met Shaila for the first time.  I will never forget our story and how I was interested in her sister Rachel at first.   To be honest I don't think Shaila will ever let me forget that either.  The thing is I really don't care how it happened but that it brought us together in the end.  Mike and I invited their apartment over for dinner between conference sessions on Sunday.  I am sure we grilled something, but I don't remember for sure.  I know though that afterwords Mike told me he thought I had someone interested in me, the rest is history for all four of us.

Looking  back on the last year spent with my best friend I have many memories.  Most of which are so sacred and special they will stay between the two of us, however here are the highlights as I remember them.

1. Our first date, UP THE CANYON.
2. Carving a pumpkin with the Browning symbol.
3. Dressing up for halloween but not wanting to let anyone know that we liked each other so we didn't 'go together', but still spent all our time together at the party.
4. Talking/Texting the week we were apart around Christmas.
5. Her mom telling me that I should just come out to VA, and thanking me for how happy I made her daughter.
6. Meeting her family for the first time.  They are so great and I love them so much.  I couldn't have asked for a better set of in-laws.
7. Taking a girl home for Christmas and my mom 100% sure we would be married.  She was right, as always.
8.  Calling my Mom and telling her I had a fiance, her heart didn't stop but I know it skipped a beat or two.
9. Proposing and getting my words mixed up.
10.  Giving Shaila the best birthday she has ever had!
11.  Buying a ring, what an adventure trying to do that when Shaila wanted to be surprised.
12.  Looking for an impossible apartment, and finding the perfect place for us after having a complete breakdown.
13. Being married, and sealed to my best friend in the whole world.  Sorry Brandon, but I finally know why we never hung out after you met your wife.
14. Our Cruise and me not wanting to swim in the Ocean.
15.  Meeting the rest of her family and seeing mine on our trip to GA this summer.

I cannot wait to see what else life has in store for us, but I know that with Shaila by my side we will get through any challenges that come our way, and we will have a LOT of joy along the way.

Confessions of a Housewife: Part 2

We all need to just vent sometimes. But, if you don't want to hear (read) someone else complaining, please just skip the first half of this post.
Lately, I've been feeling pretty pathetic. I've applied for 35+ jobs, had four interviews, three never called back, and one just told me yesterday that I didn't get the job.
I'm not going to school this semester, because we're trying to pay off a little debt. But, that's hard to do when only one of us has a job! Oh, and speaking of school, why can't schools just allow transfer credits from any school?! Neither UVU or BYU has the major that I started at BYU-I, therefore I have 37 credits that don't apply to anything here. How discouraging is that?
I've come to the realization that I've gained almost 35 pounds since graduating high school. Sick.
The list of people I know that are pregnant (or have had a baby within the last 6 months) has now reached 25. I'm happy for them, really. Jealous even. But, I honestly get freaked out when I think about it happening for us. I mean, how will we pay for everything? We both need to finish school.
I've also realized that your circle of friends really does change after you get married. Aside from Adam (who is my best friend) I can think of two other people that I interact with on a regular basis.
Now, I also realize that I can change all of this, and that I could have a much better attitude. But, don't we all just have those days when we just think "poor me"? Anyway, I do have good things to talk about as well.
For instance, Rachel and Mike are married now!!! I am so excited and happy for them. Rachel might kill me for this next part, but... I remember so many times that I cried over her in the past. I was so worried about her and I was just frustrated with a lot of the choices that she was making. I just wanted her to be happy, but hated that I couldn't choose how she found that happiness. She had to do it all on her own. And I am so immensely proud of the changes that she's made over the last year, and I'm extremely grateful to have her as a best friend again. I was finally able to cry tears of happiness as I watched her and Mike get sealed. So, so happy!

Also, I'm getting a tiny bit more crafty. I learned how to crochet just a couple months ago. I'm not that good yet, but I'm practicing. This is my attempt at a small doll blanket.

When I was finished, Adam asked if it was supposed to be a skirt. Ha! I'm now working on a scarf. It still looks a little misshapen, but it's going better than the blanket.. I think.

Also, last night our Relief Society had a craft night. And I'm pretty stoked about the end result of my project.

Cool, huh? It was just a plain piece of round wood when I started. But, three different coats of paint, a vinyl, and a couple clock hands later, voila! A super cute clock!

Anyway, I've got plenty of things to be grateful for. Most especially, my dear husband who tries to console me when I'm an emotional disaster. He is so wonderful and I'm happy to have him as my constant companion.

Teerlink Family Reunion

I would like to fist pose a question, before reading on ask yourself; What would your dream vacation consist of?

Did you think of water skiing, PGA golf courses, the circus, sitting on the beach, swimming, ice cream, family, ziplines from tree to tree, a huge floating island of fun, Dr. Pepper, and tons of food?  Well our latest adventure consisted of all of that and more.

We recently made the 2,000 mile journey from Orem, UT to Pine Mountain, GA for a week of fun and excitement.  It was one of the greatest vacations ever.  Before I give a few highlights to remember I want to say one thing.  I loved meeting all my new family.  I love them so much and it was such a wonderful experience.  I know my wife and I were meant for each other.  I feel like I fit into her family so well.  I love my whole extended family on both sides.  I am so thankful for all my blessings and the wonderful people I get to be with everyday!


View Larger Map

Thursday
Driving... Driving... Driving

Friday
RELAX for a day in Wichita with my family.  Such a great day.

Saturday
Driving... Driving... Driving. Arriving late that night at our Cabin in Calloway.  We, Shaila and I were in charge of food for the week for our cabin so we made a late night run the 20 miles one way to Walmart for a two shopping cart trip!  we managed to get too much food for the week, but it was worth it.  I loved cooking all week for everyone.

Sunday
This day was a nice relaxing day, we had 80+ people in our family reunion and we slept in a little and all got up for a Sunday morning sacrament meeting.  We took family pictures and then all sat down for a few talks.  We received a very nice printed program with the typo of 'teetlink' on it.   What a great laugh and then Grandma talking about how Calloway was a place where 'The Magic' could happen.  Had a great BBQ and ended the day doing the ice cream boogie, Shaila may post the lyrics later.

Monday
Woke up late for breakfast with the family.  The girls all had things to do all day, like a summer camp of amazing activities.  So the older ones played some putt putt golf, then sat at the beach for a while followed by an afternoon on the floating water park. Aqua Island was amazing!  The night ended with an FHE of get to know you games and for those there, "babies, babies, babies oh...."

Far away pic of Aqua Island

Tuesday
Dad left, sad morning.  I took a drive back to Walmart for watermelon we needed for one of the activities later that day.  Shaila, Rachel and their Mom did Zumba.  Then in the afternoon was the family olympic games.  Shaila and I were team captains and I think our team won!  Although no winner was ever announced.  We did minute to win it games followed by a sand castle building competition.  It was a blast.

Wednesday
Tree top adventures!!!!

So much fun.  That night was skit night.

Lyrics for our skit, sung to "I am 16 going on 17" (from The Sound of Music)

Erin:  I am thirteen going on fourteen primping so I look great. I've put up my toys and moved on to boys but Dad says I'll have to wait.

Amber: I am sixteen going on seventeen dating now yes that's me. Josh is so neat and tells me I'm sweet but he lives over in BV.

Sammi: I am seventeen going on eighteen I love a missionary (                   coming soon                      ) but I'll have to wait till 2013

Rachel:  I am twenty one going on twenty two ready to say 'I do'.  He is so handsome, we'll go romancing in just a month or two.

Shaila: I am twenty two going on twenty three and I just got married.  he is so smart and such a sweetheart and I love his money.

Mom: Totally unprepared am I to face this world of Men.  homecomings, prom, now weddings too.  when will this ever end?  (NEVER!) I need someone older and wiser telling me what to do...

Adam: I'm your son-in-law, favorite son-in-law.  I'll take care of you!

Thursday
more putt-putt golf, relaxing day on the beach and some Wii!

Friday
cleaning up and more beach time.  Flying High Circus at night.

Saturday
Woke up early to Drive... drive... and continue driving to Kansas.

Sunday
Another relaxing day in Kansas.  Church with my family and then a great afternoon.

Monday
Drive... Drive... and arrive back to reality :(

Happy Birthday America

First of all you have to know that I, Adam Bazzelle, have never been to a concert in my life.  Don't be too shocked, according to Shaila there are many, many things that I have never done that are just a part of life.  So shortly after we started dating it was announced that Brad Paisley was coming to Stadium of Fire.  I love his lyrics, he just has the right amount of sarcasm and humor that i can't help but love it.  So she told me without question we were going. 

So while planning a wedding and spending money on that and a ring and everything else we splurged a little and got some tickets for Stadium of Fire.  I have watched the fireworks many times outside the stadium but never from the inside.  We were excited.

The long wait was a little hard to bear but there was so much going on that it wasn't too bad.  We managed to make it without too many problems.   The night finally came and we were ready.  We decided to go early and get a good parking spot, so we went very early, an hour before they started seating.  We stood around and people watched, always a favorite.  

After watching people we got seated and got some stadium food for dinner, I had wanted a hot dog for a long time!  After eating we waited more.  Watching the stadium fill, wondering if we would have some space around us if people didn't show up.

Ten minutes before the start of the show people started piling in and the stadium was filled very quickly.  The program itself was awesome.  From the girls behind us making us deaf from David Archie boy, and the crazy country folk in front of us cheering for Brad it was a great experience.  We felt very proud to call ourselves Americans.  It was worth it.  I would have to say that we had a blast, even if it took us an hour and a half to get back home after.  

Thanks Freedom Festival for helping us celebrate our freedom.  I am so grateful for the wonderful country we live in. 

Cruise Pictures

Our view from the balcony when we first boarded

Leaving the dock

Goodbye Florida

Our Ship in Key West

Arrr

Nights on deck

Cozemel on our way to the beach

The beach!!!!

Shaila told me to look happy...

the water wasn't as warm as I expected it would be

towel animals

back to the boat in mexico

sunset on the water

Confessions of a Housewife

My job as a para-educator ended as the school year ended. I've applied for about ten different jobs now, and I've only been called for one interview so far.. which apparently didn't go that well since I haven't heard back from them. So, for now, I'm a housewife. Here are some confessions...
-I play Mario Galaxy until I lose all my lives and get to Game Over.
-Since seeing a garden snake on our sidewalk, I'm paranoid that one will get into our house.
-I tell myself every night before I go to sleep that I'll exercise for at least 30 minutes the next day. It rarely happens.
-I fix my hair on an average of two days a week now.
-I also tell myself that I'll try learning more Spanish and Chinese.
-Really, I have all kinds of good intentions that don't work out.
-I'm always checking the clock to see how many more hours it is until Adam gets off of work.
-I check Netflix all the time, but usually end up watching the same thing.
-Even though television is clearly meant for only your eyes and ears, I sometimes hold my nose while watching Hoarders.
-I think about how much laundry I already have to do with just the two of us, and it makes me shudder to think about what it will be like when we have kids. Props to all you moms out there.
Anyway, those are some thoughts for now.

Oh and PS- I'll get some wedding pictures up soon.

Another Milestone

Nine months ago I met a boy named Adam. He invited me, my sister, and our roommate over for lunch one Sunday. He mentioned, in passing, that he loved the show Scrubs. I had watched a couple episodes over the years, so in an attempt to make conversation with a new friend I said (probably with too much enthusiasm) "I love that show!" Yeah, yeah, I know. Girls are so weird. But, all you ladies out there can NOT deny having ever taken temporary interest in something for a guy. You know I'm right.
Anyway, a few months went by. Adam and I continued to watch the entire series of Scrubs, but sometimes with a little less enthusiasm. I mean.. we couldn't start a relationship using only a common interest in a television show, right? Well, we clearly found more things in common. So began the wedding madness. That whole time frame has passed, and we're now settling into married life. Which means not having to always go out to have fun. So we continued watching our favorite show. And.... we finished today! (we didn't watch the last season because Adam says it's dumb and he doesn't even consider it to be part of the series).
I know that most people might think this is a stupid thing to call a "milestone." But, many late night conversations happened while watching the show, which led to a great friendship, and then eventually our marriage.
So, thank you to Scrubs. Thank you for the laughter, the tears, the many life lessons, and something that I'll always be able to share with my best friend.

One Year

A year ago today, I was making my return to the United States. It was the end of a wonderful adventure. I left my Chinese home and came back to America.
A year ago, I did not think that I would meet the man of my dreams within four months, and be married to him in another seven.
I didn't think that my sister and I would meet and marry roommates. (She's getting married in two and a half months!)
I didn't know that I would be spending the first six months of this year working in a preschool for children with Autism.
I didn't think that I would have driven across the country almost five times. (With family reunion in Georgia in a few weeks, it will be seven times!)
And, I didn't think that I would enjoy an X-Men movie.

So many other things have happened within this past year, and I still find it hard to believe how quickly time passes.. I miss the experiences I had in China. I miss the children I taught. I miss our coordinators, our handy man, kung fu teachers, and school cooks. I miss the food, the smells, and even the ridiculously sticky humidity.

Although I still miss China on a regular basis, I love where I'm at now. I'm married to my best friend.. for eternity! I couldn't ask for anything better.

Celebrating Adam

A few years ago I bought a super cute cupcake book. My one, and only, attempt at making anything from this book failed miserably. I haven't had enough motivation or inspiration to try again. That is, until I got married. It didn't turn out as wonderfully as I had envisioned in my mind, but it did the job. Adam had a 'Cars' themed cupcake tower for his birthday yesterday.

After he blew out the candles, I began to do that self criticizing thing that us girls like to do. I tried to explain to him how I wanted it to really look and how I could have done things better. But, being the wonderful man that he is, he took my face in his hands and said it was perfect. He whispered that he hadn't even had a birthday cake in almost ten years.
I am so blessed to have such an amazing eternal companion. He truly is my best friend and confidante. I am so thankful that my Heavenly Father decided to bless me with this wonderful man. I am also extremely grateful for Adam's parents, Jim & Deb, for bringing him into this world.
I finally found my missing puzzle piece.
Happy Birthday Adam!

Bridals

These are the pictures we took in Utah with Carolee.  She did a great job on Shaila's bridals.  I love these pictures.  Enjoy.