to bask in the beauty of this country.
Another check off the bucket list.
Night 1 // Drive Up
Day 2 // Hike to Hidden Falls, Inspiration Point, and the Jenny Lake Loop
Took a dip in Jenny Lake.
I only went bum deep. Stephen took the plunge.
Is it cold?
"Just like the rec center..."
MRE's for dinner at the campsite with a view of Grand Teton.
Day 3 // Lupine Meadows hike, Mormon Row, lunch at The Bunnery, drive home
All in all we saw deer, pronghorn, groundhogs, coyote, and bison
along with your traditional woodland creatures.
It was a fun visit.
Just be sure to print your directions.
Especially if you drive home a different way,
because chances are you will not have cell service the majority of the drive
and somehow you will detour WAY out of the way...
This school year has been one of the most difficult times in my entire life.
While this time has made me question myself,
a few things I now know more certainly than ever.
1. Trials make us stronger.
2. The Lord has perfect timing.
3. I am married to the most wonderful man in the entire world.
4. The temple can bring you more peace than any other place on Earth.
5. Daily personal prayer and scripture study are a key to happiness.
My trial is not over by any means. Right now the only benefit I've received is several answers to the classic interview question, "Have you ever failed at anything?" I do know that eventually I will overcome this trial, and I will be stronger for doing so.
The Lord knew what lay ahead of me this year. He placed Stephen in my life so I would have someone to lean on through these tough times. My marriage has not encumbered my trial, it has lightened the inevitable. I am so grateful for the Lord's timing in giving me Stephen. I am more grateful to Stephen for being the best support, study buddy, friend, inspiration and example I could ever dream of. He is my rock, and I would not have made it through this year without him.
Stephen and I made a goal to attend the temple weekly. I can truthfully say that since we have been married, we have missed less weeks than I have fingers on my right hand. Even when we didn't think there was time in the world, we went. Those precious hours in the temple were a source of peace and strength to me.
Most nights, when all I wanted to do was crawl into bed and sleep for the few hours I had left, I got on my knees and said my prayers instead. We would read scriptures and talk about what could be learned from our readings. To be honest, there were not many days where I saw a direct correlation between what I read or prayed for and the answers I received. But this I do know, the spirit has been with me each and every day. And if there is one thing I have succeeded in this year, it is reading my scriptures and saying my prayers daily, for the first time in my life.
Trials are hard.
I pray everyday that I will see the purpose in mine
and be able to overcome it.
I am grateful that the Lord has blessed me
with my family,
Stephen,
and this incredible gospel.
They have brought me closer
to my Heavenly Father,
who loves me with all his heart
and is preparing me to be the best I can be.
"The Lord shall fight for you and ye shall hold your peace."
mini taco bowls, stuffed peppers, triple berry sauce and German pancakes
cheese blintzes, Mama Honey's recipe
homemade birthday cheesecake, Stephen's favorite!
pomegranate
something we don't like so much
SCHOOL
early mornings
canceled exams!
Smith charts, textbooks
even on vacation, Grand Canyon Thanksgiving
something we like to call
CLOTHES
sequin skirts
Sperry's
new shoes
and winter wardrobes!
a look at some beautiful
WEATHER
melting snow
and sunshine
and more snow
and back to sunshine... or sunsets
and more sunsets!
and last but certainly not least,
FUN
Winners of the "Spookiest Costume" award
wedding pictures
Bobsled and Skeleton World Cup
We have some pretty cool relatives
laundry - surprisingly fun
best of all, date nights :)
We do love school and the bliss of the Provo "bubble", but we couldn't be more excited to go home for the holidays. We're hitting up both hometowns, and 3 of the 6 friend weddings we have this break. Crazy silly wonderfully busy with friends and family. Maybe not having a phone will help my sanity ;)
