Today is one of my favorite days of the year! You can't beat great food, especially when it involves pie :) But more than that, it is a day of family and friends coming together and being unified in gratitude. We have our dinner later today with our friends, which will be lots of fun. I was writing in my journal this morning and thought I'd share what I wrote about what I am grateful for on this Thanksgiving Day.
. . . . .
Every single day and more I am grateful for Wesley. He means everything to me and I have never been happier. He makes me laugh and smile with his silliness and his ways. He makes me a better person. I learn a lot form him and his vast knowledge of basically everything I don't know about in this world. He tells me when I'm being ridiculous and when I need to be a big girl and suck it up (but much nicer than that). He loves me for exactly who I am. And that's all I try to do for him.
I'm grateful for my family. My parents have always been and continue to be a huge source of strength in my life. They helped me become who I am today. They love me unconditionally and are my biggest fans. My dad is my hero, and my mom is my ultimate example of everything lovely. I love my siblings and my unique relationship with each of them. I love listening to them. I love laughing with them. I love talking with them. Even when I am frustrated with some of them. They are examples to me. Some of them have produced the amazing little bright spots in my life - I'm grateful to be an Aunt! I love each of my nieces and nephews. They are all the smartest, cutest, sassiest, funniest, and most beautiful children to grace this earth. I love watching them grow and turn into their own little selves. I am also grateful for my extended family and the amazing family that I married into! It is such a blessing to be a Harward. I can't leave out my friends, old or new.
I'm eternally grateful for my Heavenly Father, Savior, and the gospel of Jesus Christ. I know that I am a child of God. I know that I have a loving Father and Brother. They've provided all of us a way back to them. And not only a way back but to be better. I'm so grateful for their love. I feel it every day. I feel it when I list off everything else in my life. I'm so grateful for prayer. I'm grateful for the priesthood, for temples, for the sacrament, for church and leaders, for a prophet, for scriptures, for primary and callings. I am not Anna without The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
I'm grateful for my job. For my coworkers. I'm grateful for the things my job provides for like our warm apartment and all we fill it with. A car even though I despise it in the winter. For my clothes and my body and health. It never ceases to amaze me the strength and resilience of the human body. I'm grateful for life in color and for the beauties of the world. I could go on and on but will end with music. Listening to it. creating it. all of it. I have so so so much to be grateful for! And the list grows as I get older and see the Lord's hand in my life more and more. My heart is full. So from Wes and I in little South Bend, Indiana, Happy Thanksgiving!
Thursday, November 28, 2013
Sunday, November 3, 2013
Just An Update
I'm not quite sure how it's November already, but I'm okay with it because that means Christmas is less than two months away! Yes, we will be back in Utah for the holidays, and I could not be happier. And it will be a longer trip than last year because Liberty Mutual is that awesome - I really like my job :)
Speaking of my job, I'm still in training, but I've been taking real phone calls for the last few days and it hasn't been a complete disaster! Wednesday and Thursday of this last week were spent with a mentor on every single one of my phone calls coaching me and helping me through the sticky spots, and the not so sticky. But Friday I was on my own, as was the rest of the new hire group. We only had a few mentors walking around the room to help answer questions. The training wheels came off rather fast, but I survived! More than survived really. I came home Friday night feeling super about myself and my performance that day. Thankfully, I didn't have too many difficult calls or unhappy customers. And a lot of my questions for the mentors were just confirmation of what I was already going to tell my customer. We'll see how the next two days go, but this was a big confidence booster. It will be back to the training classroom though until December to learn all of the knitty-gritty.
Wes had fall break recently, and is still plowing through school like a boss. I'm so proud of this guy. We're almost to the half-way point: CRAZY! We've been loving our callings in the Plymouth Branch. It really feels like home there! The young men just celebrated 100 years of scouting, and the primary had their program a few weeks ago. I love those kids and all of the wonderful people we get to see each week. Singing time in primary is proving to be a challenge, but I absolutely love it! I have such fond memories of primary, and the songs I learned there are still some of my favorites. Teaching and singing primary songs is such a wonderful way to teach the gospel and to share my testimony.
Besides our callings, school, work, and songwriting for me, we are pretty boring. haha :) Halloween was spent watching The Witches. I fell asleep, what else is new, but before I did, Wes made fun of me for being just as scared of this movie as I was when I was a little girl and would watch it with my brothers. It's a freaky show, okay? :) We did snap this picture that night but that's about as exciting as we get.
I'm sorry for being a poor blogger this year. But Happy Halloween. Happy Fall. We may not have much to write about these days, but life is still so great and we are so happy. I have found a really great groove right now - I don't miss home and school and what I had in Utah. (still miss home and family obviously, but that constant ache and longing isn't quite as strong) Being home for the summer definitely improved that. I have fully adjusted to life in South Bend and know how to be me. And it is good.
Speaking of my job, I'm still in training, but I've been taking real phone calls for the last few days and it hasn't been a complete disaster! Wednesday and Thursday of this last week were spent with a mentor on every single one of my phone calls coaching me and helping me through the sticky spots, and the not so sticky. But Friday I was on my own, as was the rest of the new hire group. We only had a few mentors walking around the room to help answer questions. The training wheels came off rather fast, but I survived! More than survived really. I came home Friday night feeling super about myself and my performance that day. Thankfully, I didn't have too many difficult calls or unhappy customers. And a lot of my questions for the mentors were just confirmation of what I was already going to tell my customer. We'll see how the next two days go, but this was a big confidence booster. It will be back to the training classroom though until December to learn all of the knitty-gritty.
Wes had fall break recently, and is still plowing through school like a boss. I'm so proud of this guy. We're almost to the half-way point: CRAZY! We've been loving our callings in the Plymouth Branch. It really feels like home there! The young men just celebrated 100 years of scouting, and the primary had their program a few weeks ago. I love those kids and all of the wonderful people we get to see each week. Singing time in primary is proving to be a challenge, but I absolutely love it! I have such fond memories of primary, and the songs I learned there are still some of my favorites. Teaching and singing primary songs is such a wonderful way to teach the gospel and to share my testimony.
Besides our callings, school, work, and songwriting for me, we are pretty boring. haha :) Halloween was spent watching The Witches. I fell asleep, what else is new, but before I did, Wes made fun of me for being just as scared of this movie as I was when I was a little girl and would watch it with my brothers. It's a freaky show, okay? :) We did snap this picture that night but that's about as exciting as we get.
 |
| Gotta love the forced smile from Wes ;) This pic was requested by his lovely mom, Shannon, and probably would not have been taken otherwise. haha :) |
I'm sorry for being a poor blogger this year. But Happy Halloween. Happy Fall. We may not have much to write about these days, but life is still so great and we are so happy. I have found a really great groove right now - I don't miss home and school and what I had in Utah. (still miss home and family obviously, but that constant ache and longing isn't quite as strong) Being home for the summer definitely improved that. I have fully adjusted to life in South Bend and know how to be me. And it is good.
Sunday, September 29, 2013
Truly Blessed
Well. We've been back in South Bend close to two months now. In that time, Wes has started his second year of law school after his very successful first year and summer internship. He left me for a week to continue interviewing with firms in Salt Lake for next summer. All of his hard work paid off when he accepted an offer last week from a great firm, Stoel Rives. He is really excited for summer and his time with them, and I am so proud of him!
After a couple months of job searching, I started last week with Liberty Mutual in their call center in Mishawaka. They're a really great company to work for, and I think I will really enjoy my time with them. I'm just happy that I have a job again and can contribute to our family!
Before I started working, I had a lot of time to basically do whatever I wanted. I was anxiously looking for work, of course, but even after I secured my job there was still a three week wait before I would start. I enjoyed reorganizing our apartment and deep cleaning it after our summer absence. I got back into the kitchen and started trying new recipes - thank you Pinterest and wonderful food bloggers. And, as I already sort of announced, I worked on recording and writing music! In case you missed it, I posted two songs to Sound Cloud already and another one is coming today. Check out my Facebook page for the links.
I also had time to just reflect on the wonderful summer we had and to really see just how blessed we have been in our first year of marriage. I could not ask for a better husband and family. I know that I am loved by my Heavenly Father, and He is so good to me and my family. Wes and I are truly blessed.
After a couple months of job searching, I started last week with Liberty Mutual in their call center in Mishawaka. They're a really great company to work for, and I think I will really enjoy my time with them. I'm just happy that I have a job again and can contribute to our family!
Before I started working, I had a lot of time to basically do whatever I wanted. I was anxiously looking for work, of course, but even after I secured my job there was still a three week wait before I would start. I enjoyed reorganizing our apartment and deep cleaning it after our summer absence. I got back into the kitchen and started trying new recipes - thank you Pinterest and wonderful food bloggers. And, as I already sort of announced, I worked on recording and writing music! In case you missed it, I posted two songs to Sound Cloud already and another one is coming today. Check out my Facebook page for the links.
I also had time to just reflect on the wonderful summer we had and to really see just how blessed we have been in our first year of marriage. I could not ask for a better husband and family. I know that I am loved by my Heavenly Father, and He is so good to me and my family. Wes and I are truly blessed.
Sunday, August 25, 2013
Good stuff to come
Now that we're all settled back in Indiana, I broke out my birthday present (awesome recording equipment and software) from Wes. After a really long and frustrating two days, my own little recording studio is all set to go in our apartment. It's kind of a surreal experience listening to your own voice and music and lyrics played back to you like it's supposed to be there but so cool! My poor fingers had blisters on the tips from playing my guitar so much - that's what happens when I don't play at all for four months and lose my calluses. I'm a bit rusty, but it's all coming together every day. Who needs a day job? I've been working on a few covers and a few originals as well, so watch out for those appearing soonish - either here or FB. Exciting. I know.
So earlier this week, I was just hanging out by myself while Wes was at school and wrote down a few thoughts on my latest endeavor, a little bit about the writing process for me, and music in general. I apologize if it's a little random and sporadic but that's just the way my brain works. (You don't even want to know what my journal looks like)
Music is the universal language because it comes straight from the heart. To the heart. It can express the feelings inside you better than just plain words. A few simple chords or notes can take you on a journey. Bring pictures and images to your mind. Take you on a journey of times, places, people, memories, and feelings. And every time you listen to the same song or hear the same tune, it can be an entirely new experience. What is incredible to me is that this is not unique. I'm sure that everyone has been moved by music somehow somewhere.
Music is truly a gift from God. I believe He gave us voices to sing and hands to play. I hope I can use this gift to simply bring joy - to my life and anyone else that cares to listen. I hope you do (listen) and that it does (bring you joy).
I'm not sure why this is exactly, but I don't always write from a happy place. It's more often melancholy and afraid. unsure and questioning. Those states and emotions fuel my creativity. Not that my music turns out sad but it's born on those sad, rainy days when I take a moment to think and reflect on life. When I'm happy and in a good place, I want to do and be. do fun things and be with people I love. At those moments, the world is right, and I don't need to reflect but just live my beautiful life. When I try to write about those happy things, it just comes out cheesy and insincere somehow.
This is purely for me. But music was meant to be shared and enjoyed. I don't hope to become the next youtube sensation or even a name out there. It's fun to dream of those things and making it big in the music industry, but that's not important to me. What is important is being able to express ME and what's inside me with anyone that wants to listen. I feel like sharing my music is the next step to progress it further. So thanks for reading and soon to be listening :)
So earlier this week, I was just hanging out by myself while Wes was at school and wrote down a few thoughts on my latest endeavor, a little bit about the writing process for me, and music in general. I apologize if it's a little random and sporadic but that's just the way my brain works. (You don't even want to know what my journal looks like)
Music is the universal language because it comes straight from the heart. To the heart. It can express the feelings inside you better than just plain words. A few simple chords or notes can take you on a journey. Bring pictures and images to your mind. Take you on a journey of times, places, people, memories, and feelings. And every time you listen to the same song or hear the same tune, it can be an entirely new experience. What is incredible to me is that this is not unique. I'm sure that everyone has been moved by music somehow somewhere.
Music is truly a gift from God. I believe He gave us voices to sing and hands to play. I hope I can use this gift to simply bring joy - to my life and anyone else that cares to listen. I hope you do (listen) and that it does (bring you joy).
I'm not sure why this is exactly, but I don't always write from a happy place. It's more often melancholy and afraid. unsure and questioning. Those states and emotions fuel my creativity. Not that my music turns out sad but it's born on those sad, rainy days when I take a moment to think and reflect on life. When I'm happy and in a good place, I want to do and be. do fun things and be with people I love. At those moments, the world is right, and I don't need to reflect but just live my beautiful life. When I try to write about those happy things, it just comes out cheesy and insincere somehow.
This is purely for me. But music was meant to be shared and enjoyed. I don't hope to become the next youtube sensation or even a name out there. It's fun to dream of those things and making it big in the music industry, but that's not important to me. What is important is being able to express ME and what's inside me with anyone that wants to listen. I feel like sharing my music is the next step to progress it further. So thanks for reading and soon to be listening :)
Saturday, August 17, 2013
M.I.A.
This was a random late night post a few weeks ago when I couldn't sleep and then never posted...so it's a little late and inaccurate but I'm going to post it anyway :)
So it's probably about time that I join the blogging world again. I've told myself that it's okay I haven't kept up on it because my blog is called 'In the Land of Michiana' and I'm not there right now. Or it's because I've just been having too much fun livin it up in good ol' Utah. In reality I've just been lazy and realize that most of the people that read my blog know exactly what we've been up to this summer because they've been right there with us.
We leave for Indiana in just four days. Mixed emotions... Last year was pure excitement followed by harsh reality. This year I know what to expect, mostly, and it will be easier. I'm excited to be back in our apartment because it's ours. I have lots of ideas for better organization and new recipes to try - thanks Pinterest. Wes and I have a new hobby to enjoy together: golf. I never pictured myself playing golf or being one of 'those couples' that plays golf together, but it's actually a lot of fun, relaxing, and a much better way to spend time together than say watching mind numbing tv.
The thing I dread is the job hunt, which I started over a month ago. I'm not very patient when it comes to jobs because I've been told my whole life "who wouldn't want to hire you?" and being a college grad makes you more of a snob when it comes to what you'll apply for. I had a very discouraging day when another position was filled by someone other than me, and all of a sudden the grounds keeper position or cage cleaner position (yes that really is a job title at Notre Dame. I think it's for some lab or vet's office) were looking pretty darn promising. Thankfully I have somebody with their head on straight all of the time and he helps me to remember to be realistic and then finds 30 jobs I could apply for on Google. Love my Wesley. I will go back to the bank if nothing pans out. I'm just hoping for more money, or possible tuition benefits, or something that actually uses my degree.
On that same bad day, I was also having mid-college crisis thoughts again that go something like "I don't know what I'm good at, or what do I want to do with my life, or what good is that piece of paper anyway?" I'd rather ditch the job hunt and make writing music my day job. Talk about THE life. That plan is even more tempting when my birthday present was a bunch of recording equipment. Maybe Wes is really telling me to do that! Anyway, once I got a grip after a few tears, I reminded myself that my college education happened the way it did for a reason. I felt really good about the decision to major in exercise science and better yet I loved it! Don't doubt answers that have already come. If it felt right then, it's still right now. (One of the best Elder Holland talks - Cast Not Away Therefore Your Confidence.) I will find a job and it will be what's right for this year. I just have to have patience, more faith and trust in the Lord's timing, and more patience. Wes also reminded me that he's the reason I don't have the job I had all lined up after college. It always feels good to blame someone else :)
So that's what's happening now and in the near future. This summer has been so wonderful. I true summer because it included no job, family, friends, and sun. I've got the best tan I've had in a while without even trying because I've just been at the pool a lot with two highly active, crazy, adorable, smart, sassy, lovely girls all summer. Developing my mommy skills has been a lot more difficult than I expected. I've watched children almost my whole life and have done a lot of babysitting of nieces and nephews, but never in a full-time sort of way. It's exhausting to say the least. All mamas out there be proud of the work you do every single day because no one else can do it better than you. Being a mother is possibly the most selfless job or role there ever was and ever will be. There are constant decisions of doing things for you or for your kids. Children are naturally selfish and that makes it that much harder when you've given them everything you can already and they just want more of you. You without the technology or distractions. There's a difference. I'm grateful for this summer and the chance I've had to get a glimpse into a mom's world. One I'm going to stay out of a while longer, though baby Max is enough to change my mind in a heartbeat, or a smile, or a gurgle. I want one of him :) I wouldn't mind stealing easy-going Alex either.
Besides the kiddos, summer has included lots of family, food, shopping with the sis, reading Mormon romance novels - can I say real life love is so much better? :) - and golf. It also included a road trip to Cali for a most beloved Aunt's wedding and an anniversary of my own! Birthdays and parties and Sunday dinners. Where it all went to so fast, I do not know. I wish in so many ways that it was still just the beginning. I love my family so much it hurts to think about leaving them, again, and not coming back til Christmas, again. But at the same time it's fine. They're just a phone call or Facetime away. I've got the one I absolutely can't live without leaving with me so it will always be okay. Time to look East. for home. for a new school year. for new adventures.
Here's a quick look back in pictures.
So it's probably about time that I join the blogging world again. I've told myself that it's okay I haven't kept up on it because my blog is called 'In the Land of Michiana' and I'm not there right now. Or it's because I've just been having too much fun livin it up in good ol' Utah. In reality I've just been lazy and realize that most of the people that read my blog know exactly what we've been up to this summer because they've been right there with us.
We leave for Indiana in just four days. Mixed emotions... Last year was pure excitement followed by harsh reality. This year I know what to expect, mostly, and it will be easier. I'm excited to be back in our apartment because it's ours. I have lots of ideas for better organization and new recipes to try - thanks Pinterest. Wes and I have a new hobby to enjoy together: golf. I never pictured myself playing golf or being one of 'those couples' that plays golf together, but it's actually a lot of fun, relaxing, and a much better way to spend time together than say watching mind numbing tv.
The thing I dread is the job hunt, which I started over a month ago. I'm not very patient when it comes to jobs because I've been told my whole life "who wouldn't want to hire you?" and being a college grad makes you more of a snob when it comes to what you'll apply for. I had a very discouraging day when another position was filled by someone other than me, and all of a sudden the grounds keeper position or cage cleaner position (yes that really is a job title at Notre Dame. I think it's for some lab or vet's office) were looking pretty darn promising. Thankfully I have somebody with their head on straight all of the time and he helps me to remember to be realistic and then finds 30 jobs I could apply for on Google. Love my Wesley. I will go back to the bank if nothing pans out. I'm just hoping for more money, or possible tuition benefits, or something that actually uses my degree.
On that same bad day, I was also having mid-college crisis thoughts again that go something like "I don't know what I'm good at, or what do I want to do with my life, or what good is that piece of paper anyway?" I'd rather ditch the job hunt and make writing music my day job. Talk about THE life. That plan is even more tempting when my birthday present was a bunch of recording equipment. Maybe Wes is really telling me to do that! Anyway, once I got a grip after a few tears, I reminded myself that my college education happened the way it did for a reason. I felt really good about the decision to major in exercise science and better yet I loved it! Don't doubt answers that have already come. If it felt right then, it's still right now. (One of the best Elder Holland talks - Cast Not Away Therefore Your Confidence.) I will find a job and it will be what's right for this year. I just have to have patience, more faith and trust in the Lord's timing, and more patience. Wes also reminded me that he's the reason I don't have the job I had all lined up after college. It always feels good to blame someone else :)
So that's what's happening now and in the near future. This summer has been so wonderful. I true summer because it included no job, family, friends, and sun. I've got the best tan I've had in a while without even trying because I've just been at the pool a lot with two highly active, crazy, adorable, smart, sassy, lovely girls all summer. Developing my mommy skills has been a lot more difficult than I expected. I've watched children almost my whole life and have done a lot of babysitting of nieces and nephews, but never in a full-time sort of way. It's exhausting to say the least. All mamas out there be proud of the work you do every single day because no one else can do it better than you. Being a mother is possibly the most selfless job or role there ever was and ever will be. There are constant decisions of doing things for you or for your kids. Children are naturally selfish and that makes it that much harder when you've given them everything you can already and they just want more of you. You without the technology or distractions. There's a difference. I'm grateful for this summer and the chance I've had to get a glimpse into a mom's world. One I'm going to stay out of a while longer, though baby Max is enough to change my mind in a heartbeat, or a smile, or a gurgle. I want one of him :) I wouldn't mind stealing easy-going Alex either.
Besides the kiddos, summer has included lots of family, food, shopping with the sis, reading Mormon romance novels - can I say real life love is so much better? :) - and golf. It also included a road trip to Cali for a most beloved Aunt's wedding and an anniversary of my own! Birthdays and parties and Sunday dinners. Where it all went to so fast, I do not know. I wish in so many ways that it was still just the beginning. I love my family so much it hurts to think about leaving them, again, and not coming back til Christmas, again. But at the same time it's fine. They're just a phone call or Facetime away. I've got the one I absolutely can't live without leaving with me so it will always be okay. Time to look East. for home. for a new school year. for new adventures.
Here's a quick look back in pictures.
Birthday Dinner: Cheesecake Factory. Don't mind the horrible orange lighting.
These two cool cats were my best friends all summer. AJ and Alex
Birthday Girls!
bubble blowing - a summer must have
Fourth of July fireworks watching. Yes, Stevie is one of the kids
California cabin stay. Sooooo awesome. Wish we could stay for a month!
Cute Noah was my backseat buddy
The happy couple
Dad and Nana. You can kinda tell they're related
cute Max
Block towers and cities. a daily occurence
One year anniversary with this guy :)
Cali and Isaac. building sand castles
Crazy first day of school faces. I think this picture portrays their personalities perfectly. Love these two and it's been the best summer with them!
Sunday, March 17, 2013
spring break
I forgot how nice spring break is. BYU will do that to you ;) Even though I'm not in school, Wes had spring break this past week, and so I took the whole week off of work - so nice and much needed, though I'm struggling with the motivation to go back...
Anyway, here are some of our adventures of the week:
Monday - Wes went to the dentist. Super exciting, I know, but it's not like my house cleaning, laundry and grocery shopping can really compare to that. haha so it was a typical day.
Tuesday - We went to the American Pancake House for breakfast and were quite impressed with our delicious breakfast. (insert picture of large plate with pancakes, eggs, bacon, sausage, and hot chocolate since I forgot to take one)
I took Wes home to do what he wanted and then went shopping! After hitting up TJMaxx, I'm now ready for spring, if only the Indiana weather would cooperate...it didn't get above 45 degrees all week :(
Wednesday - Pure laziness all day. And it was fantastic.
Thursday - More shopping for me followed by a run at Notre Dame.
Friday - Studebaker Museum and the Oliver Mansion. The museum was three levels of nothing but old cars restored to perfection. They even had some carriages and buggies. Seeing the history was very cool.
The Oliver Mansion was gorgeous! Built in 1897, it was one of the first homes in South Bend to get electricity throughout. The family made their money during the industrial movement in the area, and everything in the house is exactly as they had it. It was donated to the city with all of their belongings in it. Beside the hand carved wood work and the lavish furnishings, my favorite was the sunny music room off of the main hall. The Steinway grand piano in it was beautiful! Wes stole a picture before the tour guide told us no photography.
After these fun tours, we went to a pub downtown to get some delicious fish and chips.
In between all of the relaxing, I was still quite productive with baking, reading a few books, and working on my music. Wes also got a lot of studying and exam prep done. The best part was being able to spend so much time with Wes! Back to the grind tomorrow, but it will only be eight more weeks until we're homeward bound for summer break!
Anyway, here are some of our adventures of the week:
Monday - Wes went to the dentist. Super exciting, I know, but it's not like my house cleaning, laundry and grocery shopping can really compare to that. haha so it was a typical day.
Tuesday - We went to the American Pancake House for breakfast and were quite impressed with our delicious breakfast. (insert picture of large plate with pancakes, eggs, bacon, sausage, and hot chocolate since I forgot to take one)
I took Wes home to do what he wanted and then went shopping! After hitting up TJMaxx, I'm now ready for spring, if only the Indiana weather would cooperate...it didn't get above 45 degrees all week :(
Wednesday - Pure laziness all day. And it was fantastic.
Thursday - More shopping for me followed by a run at Notre Dame.
Friday - Studebaker Museum and the Oliver Mansion. The museum was three levels of nothing but old cars restored to perfection. They even had some carriages and buggies. Seeing the history was very cool.
I really liked the color combo on this one and the little back seat that sort of pops out of the back.
This was probably our favorite car overall style wise.
The Oliver Mansion was gorgeous! Built in 1897, it was one of the first homes in South Bend to get electricity throughout. The family made their money during the industrial movement in the area, and everything in the house is exactly as they had it. It was donated to the city with all of their belongings in it. Beside the hand carved wood work and the lavish furnishings, my favorite was the sunny music room off of the main hall. The Steinway grand piano in it was beautiful! Wes stole a picture before the tour guide told us no photography.
This is part of the library
This isn't the Oliver mansion, but a home about a block away that was built around the same time. Pretty sure it was the Studebaker's and has now been turned into a fancy restaurant. Just to give you an idea of what we saw.
After these fun tours, we went to a pub downtown to get some delicious fish and chips.
In between all of the relaxing, I was still quite productive with baking, reading a few books, and working on my music. Wes also got a lot of studying and exam prep done. The best part was being able to spend so much time with Wes! Back to the grind tomorrow, but it will only be eight more weeks until we're homeward bound for summer break!
We got to sit in one of the cars at the museum - lighting not so great for this pic! Still, such a fun day and week.
Sunday, March 3, 2013
Second First Date
Disclaimer: This post will feel more like a crazy college girl's journal but that is because I was a crazy college girl at the time of these events and that is how I remember it all taking place. I apologize in advance for all of the side notes, run-on sentences, and random thoughts in parentheses.
Last year's February 28 was a snowy day on BYU campus. I was wearing my favorite gray boots and striped yellow scarf. I skipped Marriage Prep (don't worry I was going to go to the afternoon section) to take an O Chem midterm first thing that morning - those tests are known to take three hours without blinking an eye. I unexpectedly ran into an old friend that I hadn't seen in a long time (this friend is the one that I started dating, see my First Date post, but things didn't work out and ended on rocky terms. I wasn't over it completely, and seeing him was exactly what I needed.) Made my day, and I thought it couldn't get any better... But it did.
Wes and I like to look back to these early times in our relationship and see all that has changed. It's fun to hear his perspective and all of the little details after the fact - like the fact that he saw Jessie and I before we saw him but he didn't say anything or the reason why he decided to call me again or that it was right after his mom's birthday dinner that I called him back. We know that none of the events that week were coincidences. Everything happened the way it did for a reason and was perfectly orchestrated by One who knows more than I do. (I say I because Wes was a lot more clued in to the fact that we were meant to be together than I was at the time :)
Last year's February 28 was a snowy day on BYU campus. I was wearing my favorite gray boots and striped yellow scarf. I skipped Marriage Prep (don't worry I was going to go to the afternoon section) to take an O Chem midterm first thing that morning - those tests are known to take three hours without blinking an eye. I unexpectedly ran into an old friend that I hadn't seen in a long time (this friend is the one that I started dating, see my First Date post, but things didn't work out and ended on rocky terms. I wasn't over it completely, and seeing him was exactly what I needed.) Made my day, and I thought it couldn't get any better... But it did.
Later, I was running late for Marriage Prep (I was still FREAKING out that I'd seen Jon earlier and was trying to figure out what it all meant. So naturally I was writing all of my thoughts down on a scrap of paper in between classes), and I hurried out of the JFSB basement to bump into none other than Wesley! I NEVER saw this kid on campus, ever, so it was quite a surprise. It was just a quick hello goodbye, but still my day was getting even better. (Side note: there were multiple doors to get out of the building but I chose to stay inside as long as possible and went out the far entrance, which is exactly where Wes was coming in.)
Made it to Marriage Prep with my friend Jessie. As we walked out, she spotted Wes in the crowd and called out to him. The three of us talked for a while out in the cold. I was trying to be so nice and cute and flirty to try and make up for the disappointment of December. Our little chat was good, and then we all went our separate ways. Mine was home to teach piano lessons.
And guess who called me in between two lessons?? Wesley Harward. I was shocked to say the least, but I couldn't stop smiling after our quick conversation. I said I'd call back after I was done teaching. And I did. And he asked me out, again. And I said yes. And I could not have been happier! (Evidence of this shear joy - spinning around my room saying 'He called me!! Wes asked me out again!!') Little did I know that that happiness would never leave but only increase and that I'd be married to him in less than six months. All I did know was that I had a second chance with this boy, and I wasn't going to break his heart again. I'm so grateful he had the courage to call me again because our second first date changed absolutely everything.
We arranged for that Saturday, March 3. It was an incredibly busy day for me, but I knew I could not put Wes off till the next weekend. I participated in the stake Women's Conference, rushed home to eat and change to then head off to campus to record a demo of a song I'd written with a friend - recording is seriously one of the funnest things ever. I then went straight to a special friend's birthday party for a while to then race home to change and compose myself for my date with Wesley. He picked me up, and I introduced him briefly to my family. We went to dinner and then a show in Murray. It was very entertaining, though I was exhausted and was trying to hide it, and the best part was spending the evening with Wes. I didn't know that it was the renewed beginning of something special but just a wonderful date with a good, attentive, adoring young man.
We arranged for that Saturday, March 3. It was an incredibly busy day for me, but I knew I could not put Wes off till the next weekend. I participated in the stake Women's Conference, rushed home to eat and change to then head off to campus to record a demo of a song I'd written with a friend - recording is seriously one of the funnest things ever. I then went straight to a special friend's birthday party for a while to then race home to change and compose myself for my date with Wesley. He picked me up, and I introduced him briefly to my family. We went to dinner and then a show in Murray. It was very entertaining, though I was exhausted and was trying to hide it, and the best part was spending the evening with Wes. I didn't know that it was the renewed beginning of something special but just a wonderful date with a good, attentive, adoring young man.
Wes and I like to look back to these early times in our relationship and see all that has changed. It's fun to hear his perspective and all of the little details after the fact - like the fact that he saw Jessie and I before we saw him but he didn't say anything or the reason why he decided to call me again or that it was right after his mom's birthday dinner that I called him back. We know that none of the events that week were coincidences. Everything happened the way it did for a reason and was perfectly orchestrated by One who knows more than I do. (I say I because Wes was a lot more clued in to the fact that we were meant to be together than I was at the time :)
Thursday, January 31, 2013
Remembering Bill
My Uncle Bill died early this week in his truck of natural causes. He was 57 years old. Most of you won't know anything about him or that my dad even had a brother. I don't know enough of his story to give any background, and what I do know doesn't need to be told. Here are some reflections and memories of my Uncle Bill.
...
I've been thinking a lot about my Uncle Bill this week. Just about everything. I wish I could have known him better. I only met the man once in my life! He was always an elusive character to me growing up. We used to send him a Christmas package every year, but eventually we stopped because it made him feel bad that he had nothing to give in return.
I also recall a few letters he wrote to my dad. The paper was thick, and it smelled of cigarette smoke. He would include a few scented sticks or something to mask it.
We have a few pictures of Bill at our house. My favorites are the ones of him as a kid - the awful junior high school picture and cute portraits of him as a little boy.
He would call once in a blue moon to talk to my dad. This would always get my dad going. I know he loves his brother, but talking to him would only bring sadness and frustration.
As a kid, the impression I got from my dad was that he didn't like his brother and that they certainly didn't get along. I understand better now the situation and their relationship. My dad shared with us the legendary story of Billy and rock n' roll star Randy Rhodes. My brothers all have copies of the old photograph of the two young rockers.
I finally met my Uncle Bill at age 13. We went on a family vacation to California to visit the Petersons, go to Great America theme park, see San Francisco, and visit my brother JR, his wife Kristen, and their new baby, Cali. (Probably the best family vacation, hands down.) Anyway, Bill showed up with his girlfriend Linda while we were at Nana's. I was intrigued by this man that looked so much like my father, and yet was so very different from him. At times I thought he was crazy because he repeated himself a lot and didn't always make much sense. I had almost been taught to be afraid of him. But I liked him. He was so fascinating and different from anyone I'd ever met. And he's my Uncle.
There's so much I don't know about him. But here's what I do know: Billy made many wrong choices early in life. He has had to live with the consequences of those choices for the rest of his days. Despite all of this, he was a good man. He had dreams and ambitions. Big dreams. He had real talent - as a musician. as an artist. as a writer. He had a good heart. A big heart. He lived a simple life. in his truck. in various parking lots. He was and is loved, and he loved.
For whatever reason, his time to exit this part of life was now. but he is still living, and in a much better place. I look forward to the day when I will be able to meet him again. without all of the hardening effects of life on his body and mind. We can have a Peterson Jam Session :) I'm grateful for the Plan of Happiness and the peace it brings to me and can now bring to my Uncle Bill.
Love you, Uncle Bill. Rest in peace.
...
I've been thinking a lot about my Uncle Bill this week. Just about everything. I wish I could have known him better. I only met the man once in my life! He was always an elusive character to me growing up. We used to send him a Christmas package every year, but eventually we stopped because it made him feel bad that he had nothing to give in return.
I also recall a few letters he wrote to my dad. The paper was thick, and it smelled of cigarette smoke. He would include a few scented sticks or something to mask it.
We have a few pictures of Bill at our house. My favorites are the ones of him as a kid - the awful junior high school picture and cute portraits of him as a little boy.
He would call once in a blue moon to talk to my dad. This would always get my dad going. I know he loves his brother, but talking to him would only bring sadness and frustration.
As a kid, the impression I got from my dad was that he didn't like his brother and that they certainly didn't get along. I understand better now the situation and their relationship. My dad shared with us the legendary story of Billy and rock n' roll star Randy Rhodes. My brothers all have copies of the old photograph of the two young rockers.
I finally met my Uncle Bill at age 13. We went on a family vacation to California to visit the Petersons, go to Great America theme park, see San Francisco, and visit my brother JR, his wife Kristen, and their new baby, Cali. (Probably the best family vacation, hands down.) Anyway, Bill showed up with his girlfriend Linda while we were at Nana's. I was intrigued by this man that looked so much like my father, and yet was so very different from him. At times I thought he was crazy because he repeated himself a lot and didn't always make much sense. I had almost been taught to be afraid of him. But I liked him. He was so fascinating and different from anyone I'd ever met. And he's my Uncle.
There's so much I don't know about him. But here's what I do know: Billy made many wrong choices early in life. He has had to live with the consequences of those choices for the rest of his days. Despite all of this, he was a good man. He had dreams and ambitions. Big dreams. He had real talent - as a musician. as an artist. as a writer. He had a good heart. A big heart. He lived a simple life. in his truck. in various parking lots. He was and is loved, and he loved.
For whatever reason, his time to exit this part of life was now. but he is still living, and in a much better place. I look forward to the day when I will be able to meet him again. without all of the hardening effects of life on his body and mind. We can have a Peterson Jam Session :) I'm grateful for the Plan of Happiness and the peace it brings to me and can now bring to my Uncle Bill.
Love you, Uncle Bill. Rest in peace.
Saturday, January 5, 2013
Year in Review
A new year brings plans for needed changes and achieving dreams, as well as looking back and seeing where you stood a year ago and marveling at the distance traveled. I think it's safe to say that everyone does these things, to varying degrees. My goals were set December 31, but I didn't Really start to ponder the past year until last night.
In a nutshell, 2012 was a pretty fantastic year for me and definitely the most eventful year to date. So here's my year in review:
- Began my last semester of college. Woot!
- Started dating Wes :)
- Started writing songs and loved it
- Started dating Wes. Seriously
- Graduated from BYU with my Bachelor's. Yay!
- Fell in love
- Got engaged
- Planned a wedding
- Received my endowment
- Got married to the love of my life!
- First time on an airplane
- First time on a cruise ship
- First time outside the US
- Moved out of my parent's home
- Moved across the country
- First Notre Dame football game
- Called to serve in a Branch
- Home for Christmas :) plus many more things
I had big plans for 2012. I knew I was going to graduate...then what? I wanted to move out, buy my own car, get a full-time job, live the 'single' life, and think about a mission, future career/more schooling, and eventually marriage. Well, I think I can check most, if not all, of those big things off the list even if they did happen in the most unexpected ways. And I believe I have Wesley to thank for that. I'm so grateful for the way it all happened, unexpected or not, because it's exactly what I needed. 2012 was a year of firsts. And second chances :)
So here's to 2013! Who knows what will happen? But I'm excited to live it and love it knowing Wes will be right there with me.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)