Tomorrow is Thanksgiving Day. I am grateful for the things I have every day, but Thanksgiving is a good excuse to write about it and to be especially grateful. This list is nowhere near complete or specific enough, but it will do for now.
I am thankful for:
The basics - food, water, shelter, clothes, etc. the daily necessities. The things that I hope to never take for granted because so many go without them throughout the world.
Music - One of my greatest joys is in listening, making, and appreciating music in all forms. I'm thankful for my mother who instilled this love in me from a young age, and I'm thankful for the ability to play musical instruments.
Learning - I'm so grateful for the excellent education I've received and for the constant learning that takes place in my life. I'm thankful for my ability to learn and to love it!
A job - even if it's not my favorite, it serves its purpose, and I am able to help other people.
The beauties of this earth! Nature never ceases to amaze me. I most particularly love sunrises and sunsets. Even though they happen every day, each one is unique and beautiful. And I rely on the fact that they always come.
The gospel - I would not be who I am without the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I am thankful to know the way to live a happy and fulfilling life. I am so grateful for the gift of prayer and to know that I am never alone. I'm grateful for my Heavenly Father and for His son and for the Atonement.
Friends - Near and far, I have incredible friends, and I love them dearly.
Family - So so so grateful for my forever family! My siblings are my best friends and my parents are my greatest examples. I miss them every day, and each day I am more and more grateful for them.
And Wesley. I thank my Heavenly Father every single day for this man who is my best friend and the love of my life.
I have so much to be grateful for! And I know where all of my blessings come from.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
Sunday, November 4, 2012
Perfect Weekend
An absence in my writing means we've been working too hard and not having any fun :) Not true. Working hard but still having fun, just lacking the time to blog about it!
Two weeks ago, Wes' parents, Shannon and Floyd, came to visit us and to go to the BYU v. ND football game! What a fantastic weekend! With enjoying good food, great football, gorgeous fall weather, and the best company and conversation, I'd say it was a perfect weekend.
Sitting in the Notre Dame section was a blast - can I say what an amazing stadium - but quite dangerous for the lone BYU fan: me. I was wearing a BYU shirt...under my ND sweater, so naturally I had to cheer for ND and BYU, mostly to annoy Wes ;) It was a great game and just so fun to be part of the energy and experience. Autumn was in full swing on campus, so we enjoyed showing the Harwards all of the sites and, of course, doing a little shopping at the bookstore.
Having family in our home was wonderful - though I feel bad about the sleeping accommodations: the couch and an air mattress. We were just very cozy in our little apartment ;) The time went by much too quickly before we had to say goodbye. Makes me so ready to see my family and to go home for Christmas! Until then, we'll keep staying busy and keep you up to date with the happenings in South Bend.
Here are some pictures from the game - see FB for more of them :)
Two weeks ago, Wes' parents, Shannon and Floyd, came to visit us and to go to the BYU v. ND football game! What a fantastic weekend! With enjoying good food, great football, gorgeous fall weather, and the best company and conversation, I'd say it was a perfect weekend.
Sitting in the Notre Dame section was a blast - can I say what an amazing stadium - but quite dangerous for the lone BYU fan: me. I was wearing a BYU shirt...under my ND sweater, so naturally I had to cheer for ND and BYU, mostly to annoy Wes ;) It was a great game and just so fun to be part of the energy and experience. Autumn was in full swing on campus, so we enjoyed showing the Harwards all of the sites and, of course, doing a little shopping at the bookstore.
Having family in our home was wonderful - though I feel bad about the sleeping accommodations: the couch and an air mattress. We were just very cozy in our little apartment ;) The time went by much too quickly before we had to say goodbye. Makes me so ready to see my family and to go home for Christmas! Until then, we'll keep staying busy and keep you up to date with the happenings in South Bend.
Here are some pictures from the game - see FB for more of them :)
The view from our behind our seats (second row from the very top) - Touchdown Jesus and watching the band march into the stadium.
A few minutes before the game started. Great day for football!
Oh hey, it's us!
Sunday, October 14, 2012
Cupboards and Drawers
Wes has developed a bad habit of leaving cupboard doors and/or drawers partially open in our kitchen. As his wife, I lovingly tell him this and remind him to close them all of the way.
One such instance of reminding happened when I ate the last tortilla from the bag. The tortilla was all hard and dried out because "someone" had forgotten to seal the bag. I casually mention this fact, and that it's similar to the cupboard doors.
Some time later, I had been reading on the couch in the living room, I walk into the kitchen and see this:
Every single cupboard and drawer, OPEN. At this point, all I can do is laugh. :) I guess this is what I get for all of the nagging, haha!
In Wes' defense, the cupboards and drawers don't close easily. You think you've given it a good enough push to close all of the way and it only closes half way. And, in truth, Wes is a very clean and organized person almost all of the time. He gets after me for leaving papers and books out on the table or couch. He was having a hard time with this post as he read over my shoulder and is still threatening to start his own blog "to refute this vicious pack of lies or sue for libel," whatever that means. haha
This is just one of many jokes between us. We love each other, and we have so much fun spending each and every day together - all of which are filled with laughter :)
One such instance of reminding happened when I ate the last tortilla from the bag. The tortilla was all hard and dried out because "someone" had forgotten to seal the bag. I casually mention this fact, and that it's similar to the cupboard doors.
Some time later, I had been reading on the couch in the living room, I walk into the kitchen and see this:
Every single cupboard and drawer, OPEN. At this point, all I can do is laugh. :) I guess this is what I get for all of the nagging, haha!
In Wes' defense, the cupboards and drawers don't close easily. You think you've given it a good enough push to close all of the way and it only closes half way. And, in truth, Wes is a very clean and organized person almost all of the time. He gets after me for leaving papers and books out on the table or couch. He was having a hard time with this post as he read over my shoulder and is still threatening to start his own blog "to refute this vicious pack of lies or sue for libel," whatever that means. haha
This is just one of many jokes between us. We love each other, and we have so much fun spending each and every day together - all of which are filled with laughter :)
Sunday, October 7, 2012
I'll Be Home For Christmas
Getting a job has been a wonderful blessing and much needed for our home and my sanity. But being a new employee means little to no time off, especially during the holidays. Knowing this fact, I tested the water by asking fellow employees if they thought I could get time off during Christmas (because the thought of going home has been a huge comfort for me being here in South Bend, not to mention that Wes' little sister, Jamie, is getting married five days before Christmas). Needless to say, going home is really, REALLY important to me, and the thought of not being able to is one I can't even stomach.
The prospects looked grim the more I talked to coworkers, but I went ahead and emailed my boss and explained the situation. Many emails followed with further questions and me anticipating the final word. More than just my hopes were on the line because so was our budget - We've been watching ticket prices gradually increase, and we know they will only continue to do so.
But after agonizing for two weeks wondering and waiting to see if Wes and I would be able to go home for Christmas, the verdict finally came in: We're going home!! Woohoo! Purchased plane tickets Friday night. We're flying in late the 19th of December and leaving the 26th. It seems like nothing in comparison to the four weeks Wes gets off from school, but I'm just grateful to have the days that are the most important. I have to work crazy hours before and after our trip, but it will be well worth every second :)
If only in my dreams"
The prospects looked grim the more I talked to coworkers, but I went ahead and emailed my boss and explained the situation. Many emails followed with further questions and me anticipating the final word. More than just my hopes were on the line because so was our budget - We've been watching ticket prices gradually increase, and we know they will only continue to do so.
But after agonizing for two weeks wondering and waiting to see if Wes and I would be able to go home for Christmas, the verdict finally came in: We're going home!! Woohoo! Purchased plane tickets Friday night. We're flying in late the 19th of December and leaving the 26th. It seems like nothing in comparison to the four weeks Wes gets off from school, but I'm just grateful to have the days that are the most important. I have to work crazy hours before and after our trip, but it will be well worth every second :)
"I'll be home for Christmas
You can plan on me
Please have snow and mistletoe
And presents by the tree
Christmas Eve will find me
Where the love light gleams
I'll be home for Christmas
Yay!! See you December 20th!
House Guest
Monday afternoon of this last week brought our first house guest! Grandma Anderson (Wes' maternal grandmother) makes an annual fall trip back east, and we were privileged to receive a visit from her as she passed through Indiana. It was wonderful to see her and enjoy an evening together. She toured Notre Dame campus with Wes while I was still at work, and then we met up at the South Bend Chocolate Company - YUM. Dinner out and chatting followed. I fell asleep on the couch (typical), but she loved our little apartment and spending the night with us.
Her visit was quick, but it was lovely to have a piece of home come to us. Bringing things forgotten, news and love from our family, and a welcome, familiar face. Grandma Anderson is such a sweet, wonderful lady, and we love her! We're now looking forward to seeing Wes' parents in a couple of weeks for the BYU game! Still haven't decided who I'm going to cheer for...
Sunday, September 23, 2012
Wes was right!?
Our first Sunday attending the Plymouth Branch. First I have to say that the drive to the building was very pretty. The leaves here are just starting to turn (love Autumn), so I look forward to future drives when the trees are all 'on fire'. Utah highways are ugly. Especially compared to the green, tree lined roads we get to drive on here. Though the little towns we drove through reminded me of Sanpete County - small, old homes with property and the occasional large, beautiful home with gorgeous property. Also passed a drive-in movie theater.
Anyway, we get to the small Branch building and discover that today is their Branch Conference. The Stake Pres. greets us and asks me if I'm bashful. I laugh and say no, and he replies 'Good. Anything can happen in a Branch'. We sit down and Wes tells me I'd better be ready to speak. No way! They wouldn't do that. But he just smiles at me, and my heart starts to beat a little faster and my mind starts casually preparing what I might say, just in case Wes is right.
The program is announced - my name is not said. Whew, I relax and enjoy the speakers. Except I keep feeling very...emotional is the only word that comes to mind. I keep feeling so many things and my thoughts are everywhere. Pres. Jones gets up to speak and says instead that we will hear from Anna Harward first...
Wes was right! Darn it, haha. So I get up and bear my testimony to people I've never met. I first tell them what transpired since the start of the meeting and that anything really does happen in a branch. They laughed. The spirit then hit me so strongly that these people are good and faithful saints of God, and I was so humbled to be in their meeting today. I bore my testimony simply - while fighting through some tears and a squeaky voice, of course.
After taking my seat, I was still really emotional for a few reasons. The Holy Ghost again bore witness to me that I am in the right place and here for a reason. I know that Wes and I will be able to do so much good while we serve in Plymouth. I also felt the wonderful love of my Heavenly Father - that he truly knows me and is mindful of my needs. He knew I needed to bear my testimony today and that maybe someone needed to hear it. I'm so grateful that Pres. Jones felt inspired to call upon me today and that Wes helped prepare me for this situation, even if I didn't want to admit that I knew he was right ;) I'm also grateful to have received personal revelation and to have been a part of this neat experience. It may have been a really simple thing, but simplicity is often where the most profound things happen.
I love being a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints! Can't wait for more Sundays in Plymouth, Indiana.
Anyway, we get to the small Branch building and discover that today is their Branch Conference. The Stake Pres. greets us and asks me if I'm bashful. I laugh and say no, and he replies 'Good. Anything can happen in a Branch'. We sit down and Wes tells me I'd better be ready to speak. No way! They wouldn't do that. But he just smiles at me, and my heart starts to beat a little faster and my mind starts casually preparing what I might say, just in case Wes is right.
The program is announced - my name is not said. Whew, I relax and enjoy the speakers. Except I keep feeling very...emotional is the only word that comes to mind. I keep feeling so many things and my thoughts are everywhere. Pres. Jones gets up to speak and says instead that we will hear from Anna Harward first...
Wes was right! Darn it, haha. So I get up and bear my testimony to people I've never met. I first tell them what transpired since the start of the meeting and that anything really does happen in a branch. They laughed. The spirit then hit me so strongly that these people are good and faithful saints of God, and I was so humbled to be in their meeting today. I bore my testimony simply - while fighting through some tears and a squeaky voice, of course.
After taking my seat, I was still really emotional for a few reasons. The Holy Ghost again bore witness to me that I am in the right place and here for a reason. I know that Wes and I will be able to do so much good while we serve in Plymouth. I also felt the wonderful love of my Heavenly Father - that he truly knows me and is mindful of my needs. He knew I needed to bear my testimony today and that maybe someone needed to hear it. I'm so grateful that Pres. Jones felt inspired to call upon me today and that Wes helped prepare me for this situation, even if I didn't want to admit that I knew he was right ;) I'm also grateful to have received personal revelation and to have been a part of this neat experience. It may have been a really simple thing, but simplicity is often where the most profound things happen.
I love being a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints! Can't wait for more Sundays in Plymouth, Indiana.
Sunday, September 16, 2012
YES!
So, it's been a week since my last post, and I'm done waiting for the news I last wrote about. The anticipation ended Wednesday actually - sorry for the delayed response.
Short story: I got the job, and I start tomorrow! And our calling is one that came out of left field, but we are so excited.
Long version: Last Monday's interview went well. I felt really good about everything and was confident in my performance. Tuesday - call from the operations manager and she says there is another position open at a different branch but more hours. Interested? YES. Later Tuesday I get a phone interview with the manager there. Again, feel really good and even more confident. Wednesday - email comes with a job offer! Woohoo! Like I said, I start tomorrow with orientation and training for two weeks, then working at the Maple Lane branch.
The peace of mind that securing a job brings is great. One constant worry is now off of my mind. I'm ready to have my weeks full and busy again and to bring home the bacon ;) Oh, and I'm excited to wear some new clothes! (date night this week was shopping at the mall :) we spent more on Wes than on me. haha)
Back up to Tuesday night now. We met with our stake president, and we have been asked to attend the branch in Plymouth - a town about 45 minutes south of South Bend. They have lost a lot of members recently due to economic difficulties, and they need some strong members to reinvigorate the branch. We were not expecting this. Or anything like this. But we are so excited! Wes especially because he has served in many branches before on his mission and has loved his experiences in them. This will definitely be very different for me, but I'm looking forward to all of it and the missionary experiences that we will have.
This week has been full of great moments, and it has reminded me to trust in the Lord's timing. I wanted a job weeks ago - He knew I needed this one, this week. We were ready to serve in the South Bend ward - He needs us in Plymouth. I know these things are right, and I am so excited to see what lies ahead.
Short story: I got the job, and I start tomorrow! And our calling is one that came out of left field, but we are so excited.
Long version: Last Monday's interview went well. I felt really good about everything and was confident in my performance. Tuesday - call from the operations manager and she says there is another position open at a different branch but more hours. Interested? YES. Later Tuesday I get a phone interview with the manager there. Again, feel really good and even more confident. Wednesday - email comes with a job offer! Woohoo! Like I said, I start tomorrow with orientation and training for two weeks, then working at the Maple Lane branch.
The peace of mind that securing a job brings is great. One constant worry is now off of my mind. I'm ready to have my weeks full and busy again and to bring home the bacon ;) Oh, and I'm excited to wear some new clothes! (date night this week was shopping at the mall :) we spent more on Wes than on me. haha)
Back up to Tuesday night now. We met with our stake president, and we have been asked to attend the branch in Plymouth - a town about 45 minutes south of South Bend. They have lost a lot of members recently due to economic difficulties, and they need some strong members to reinvigorate the branch. We were not expecting this. Or anything like this. But we are so excited! Wes especially because he has served in many branches before on his mission and has loved his experiences in them. This will definitely be very different for me, but I'm looking forward to all of it and the missionary experiences that we will have.
This week has been full of great moments, and it has reminded me to trust in the Lord's timing. I wanted a job weeks ago - He knew I needed this one, this week. We were ready to serve in the South Bend ward - He needs us in Plymouth. I know these things are right, and I am so excited to see what lies ahead.
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