Happy Memorial Day!!

I have another post coming today...most likely. I've got quite the chore list to do today before Dan gets home from work.

I just wanted to take a minute and express my gratitude for this great land we live in and for the many great and honorable service men and women who have sacrificed their time and even their very lives to protect this beautiful land I call home. Memorial day has always been important to me, but it's also been the day that we were doing yard work and then swimming and BBQ-ing later in the day. My dad always put the flag up outside our home.

In recent years, (geez that makes me sound old!) it has come to mean so much more to me. Rewind a few months ago to April 1st. College of Nursing Professionalism Conference at BYU. We said the Pledge of Allegiance. I could never begin to count how many times I've said the Pledge of Allegiance in my life, but it's a lot. This particular day, the words really struck me, and I remember feeling so much pride and joy and feeling a little bit more of what the cost of freedom really is and how much freedom and living in these great United States of America has so richly blessed my life.

My grandpa served in WWII and was a POW after his plane was shot down (I want to say over Germany, but I may be wrong). I have few regrets in life, but one was not ever taking the time to sit down and talk to him about his experiences in the military. Granted I was only 12 or 13 at the time before his Alzheimer's disease had set in, but still.

I also have a brother in law serving in the military. I've been thinking about their little family more and more, and I'm sure I will in the coming weeks. I'm so so grateful for all 3 of them, but especially Brad, for making the sacrifices each and every day so that I can sleep safely and in peace. I'm so grateful for my sister in law and the huge strength and role model that she is in my life. I've never met a stronger woman and I'm so grateful she is my sister.

It's my hope that today, especially, we remember to take a moment and give thanks for the many people who have given the ultimate sacrifice for the cause of freedom and all those who have served our country so diligently past, present, and future.

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands: One nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for ALL.

Happy Memorial Day! and may God continue to bless America!!

TWO

Our 2 year anniversary was on Monday. Two years!!! Craziness I tell you, absolute insanity. Dan had to work and we had just gotten back from Nauvoo at 12:30 in the morning (another blog post: sister's wedding in Nauvoo/Nauvoo trip from last week!). So the actual anniversary day itself was fairly uneventful. And that's just fine. I needed some serious recovery from being in Nauvoo for a week.

I made a pretty delicious dinner (if I do say so myself). Pork chops with garlic mashed potatoes and a salad made of Romaine lettuce. Dessert was strawberry shortcake.

For a few moments during the day, I took the time to reflect back on where we've been/done in the last two years. It always makes me smile when I look back on the brief time we've had together so far. That makes me so happy though because it's always been one of my goals to live my life with no regrets and to be happy. I want to be 90 years old sitting on a rocking chair with Dan and reflecting back on the life we've lived and be able to laugh and smile about it all, knowing that we've lived a good and happy life.

The most memorable part of our wedding day for me was after we had been sealed in the temple. I've mentioned this before, but when I think back on that day, this is the moment I remember. Everyone had walked by and said their congratulations, and it was just Dan and I left in the sealing room. We were both grinning from ear to ear there was this intense joy and overwhelming feeling of peace that completely enveloped the room. As we walked out, I felt a weight lifted off my chest and finally felt like I could breathe. It was a feeling that has been imprinted in my mind and in my heart forever. I will never forget that moment.

The sealing room was so full, both physically and spiritually. I know that people on the other side were in attendance that day, especially my Grandpa Mecham and Dan's brother Kameron. I could feel them both so close that day.

In the last two years, I've learned that being married is so hard, and so easy, and so rewarding, all at the same time.

I  have learned that I am very quick to get irritated, but that Dan's not, at all. In fact, it takes so much to really even get him angry period. I'm learning to be more like that. Thank goodness he's so patient with me.

I have learned that just snuggling up next to each other in bed is enough some days, and that a smile when he walks through the door after a long day at work immediately sets the tone for the rest of the night.

I have learned to try many new recipes (thank you Pinterest!) and 90% of them are keepers, but you can never go wrong with some spaghetti and garlic bread.

I have learned that my mom doesn't have all the answers anymore, but that I still call her with most of my questions anyway.

I have learned to truly appreciate the quiet peace that accompanies temple service. When we were in Nauvoo, Caitlin went through for her own endowment. I remember uttering a silent prayer, pleading with my Heavenly Father to feel peace. He never ceases to amaze me. It was so quiet I almost didn't notice, but it was definitely there, and I'm so grateful for that.

I have learned that love notes are more memorable than any big fancy dinner. They are far more treasured as well.

I have learned that being happy is a choice I have to make every day, and that no one else can determine my happiness.

I have truly come to appreciate how hard Dan works to take care of us each and every day. It's something that I take for granted, and I don't tell him thank you enough.

I have learned that words are more often than not never adequate to express the love and gratitude that I feel for Dan each and every day.

I have learned that actions speak louder than words, but that words still carry quite a bit of weight.

I have learned to recognize my Savior's hand in my life, and just how involved He really is in the finer details of my life, in the simple, seemingly  repetitive decisions I make each day. He is always there.

Most importantly, I have learned that Dan is the perfect man for me, in each and every way. I could never ask for anyone better. He strives so hard each day to be better and makes me want to try harder to be better. We're going places in the life together, and I could not have wished for a better partner and companion through this life and eternity.

Happy 2 years my love. And here's to many many more.

Words of advice this morning brought to you by

Cristina Yang

"Have some fire. Be unstoppable. Be a force of nature. Be better than anyone here and don't give a damn what anyone thinks. There are no teams here, no buddies. You're on your own. Be on your own."

Now onto review one last time and ROCK THIS FINAL PASS OFF!

Stuck like glue

There's something about country music. Something in the lyrics or the music that speaks to my soul. There is always something or some part in the song that I find myself identifying with, something that makes me really think.

After I got married, I found myself to be much more emotional that I was used to, due in part to some crazy pills, but I think a lot of it had to due with the simple truth that I shared my entire life with someone now. It was no longer just me on my own. It was the two of us, in it for the long haul. Forever. It was the thought that things can change in an instant and I could suddenly be missing half of me. Something changed after I said "yes" across that temple altar. I became a part of a whole.

This morning driving to school, a song came on the radio. Yes, it was Sugarland (FAV!) and this song came out when Dan and I were dating or had just gotten married. I love it. It's adorable, and slightly stalkerish. But hey, when you're part of a whole, I think you earn the divine right to be a little sappy and a little stalkerish.

You and me, baby, we're stuck like glue!

A little pick me up

This week went from fairly low key to crazy intense and stressful in matter of hours. Such is life.

Today I made a list, like I always do, of all the things I absolutely HAVE to get done by certain days (ex. Process paper due Wednesday night) and then off to the side all the things I should really get started on (ex. End of Life teaching paper due April 15th, Research executive summary due April 15th).

Today, I started to feel overwhelmed, like I always do, when I saw that mountain of a list to climb by the end of the week.

Today...turned out a little bit differently though thanks to this little gem.

John 14:3-4

And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.

This was in my End of Life class, and we were talking about legal and ethical issues at end of life (advanced directives, power of attorney, etc.). However, it hit me a little differently in the sense that all the work and effort I am putting into this life and especially my education is valuable, and it means something not only to me here, but in the next life as well. And Christ knows how hard I have been working to achieve this goal and the struggle it's been. He has not forgotten me, and while I'm busting my butt here to make that goal a reality, He is preparing a place for me.

In my Father's house there are many mansions...

I'm hoping one of those mansions is for me.

Happy Monday.

Easters

I just wanted to take a minute (literally a minute-I need to catch some shut eye!) and express my gratitude for Easter Sunday. I really hate the commercialism of it all and the easter bunny, but we won't get into that. I'm so grateful for the Atonement in my life and for a Savior who sank below it all to bring me back up, to make it possible for me to have a fighting chance in this life, who has given me the opportunity to wipe the slate clean and try again tomorrow. For that, I will be forever indebted and grateful to him.

I believe in Christ; He is my King!

With all my heart to Him I'll sing;

I'll raise my voice in praise and joy,

In grand amens my tongue employ.

I believe in Christ; He is God's Son.

On earth to dwell His soul did come.

He healed the sick; the dead He raised,

Good works were His; His name be praised.

I believe in Christ; oh blessed name!

As Mary's son He came to reign

'Mid mortal men, his earthly kin,

To save them from the woes of sin.

I believe in Christ, who marked the path,

Who did gain all His Father hath,

Who said to men: "Come, follow me,

That ye, my friends, with God may be."

I believe in Christ--my Lord, my God!

My feet He plants on gospel sod.

I'll worship Him with all my might;

He is the source of truth and light.

I believe in Christ; He ransoms me.

From Satan's grasp He sets me free,

And I shall live with joy and love

In His eternal courts above.

I believe in Christ; He stands supreme!

From Him I'll gain my fondest dream;

And while I strive through grief and pain,

His voice is heard: "Ye shall obtain."

I believe in Christ; so come what may,

With Him I'll stand in that great day

When on this earth He comes again

To rule among the sons of men.

-Bruce R. McConkie

Lucky

It's a great feeling knowing at the end of the day that your husband is making you a better person.  And that your marriage is making you better.