Memphis Day 2

Yes, after three months I am finally finishing my Memphis posts.
If you missed Day One's actvities, here is the post.
Friday, October 10:
We woke up Friday morning and went to the Memphis Zoo with Josh, Alicia and the kids. It was a ton of fun watching the kids get excited and tell us everything they knew about all of the animals. Boy are they smart! We got there just in time to watch the sea lion show. Here are some videos from that.  

 

Here are some other pictures of the other zoo animals. As well as the camel that we got to ride on! The zoo is one of my absolute favorite things to do. I love animals.

Zoo Entrance

Hippos, underwater was all we saw of them

After the zoo, we went to one of the best places in the Memphis area to get snowcones! They were delicious, to say the lease, and one of the best I've ever had.

After that we headed back to Josh and Alicia's house to get ready for Emmett's baptism. Their church building is right next to the temple, so they were able to get pictures in front of the temple. It was a great baptism. Isaac and Emmett's grandma Krupp gave talks, there was a cute musical number by Emmett and Melynn, as well as many other great things. The spirit was very strong and it was a very memorable moment for me.

After the baptism, we went back to Josh and Alicia's for cake and ice cream. The ice cream was delicious, a kind that they apparently only sell in the south. YUM!

It was so fun to be able to spend Emmett's birthday with him, and to be there to witness his baptism. He truly is a great young man.

When all is said and done

This has always been one of my favorite songs. It brings out the reflective side of me.

"When all is said and done, as the season slips away when I've taken steps beyond my sight, will I find my strength in greater light. Will my courage grow with every passing day? Will my faith be constant as the setting sun when all is said and done? When all is said and done, and the years have turned to gold, will my life become a legacy of the things that matter most to me? And will I want to be the person I've become when all is said and done?...... When all is said and done, when my eyes can finally see.. will i glory in the sweet release and will mercy fill my soul with peace? Will I kneel in wonder at the Savior's feet, will I hear him say "well done", when he sees who I've become, Will i live with him, when all is said and done?"
Am I doing everything I need to, to become the person that I need and want to become?

Everything falls together

And by fall together I mean are placed that way by a loving Heavenly Father. There have been many changes in our life lately. We were both a little stressed here and there wondering where we would be in life in a few months. Isaac was looking for a second job for the summer. We were looking for a new place to rent, with hopefully quieter neighbors. I was looking for a new job with a more consistent schedule, and with not so late of hours (secretly also hoping for better pay as well). 

We almost bought half of a lawn mowing company for Isaac to have something to do during the summer. Then he almost worked for someone mowing lawns.

We toured so many houses and apartment complexes. Drove around looking for rent signs for days on end.

I applied for so many jobs. Spent hours and hours looking for one on every job website. Asked around to everyone I knew. Filled out a few applications, sent my resume in. And it seemed like nothing was happening in any direction.  
After a few months there were still a lot of unknown variables. Also plenty of worrying, praying, and hoping that something great would happen for us, we started to see some great opportunities. 
Thanks to our friend Cardon, Isaac was able to land an internship with the Idaho Department of Transportation. A paid internship with a guaranteed 40 hours a week. So it will be a busy summer for him. He will stay on at FedEx, with the around 20 hours a week. With a total of 60 hours a week. 
We applied for an apartment with Five Star Property Management, our application got approved, however the apartment got rented that same day. We looked at a few of their other properties, but none of them seemed quite right. While driving around one day looking for signs, we found our new apartment! It is exactly what we had been looking for! Two bedrooms, laundry, bigger living room, better closets, more kitchen space, quieter neighbors, we get to stay in our ward, so many wonderful things. Needless to say, we are excited to move in a few weeks.
After continually looking around, I finally got an interview. And then a 2nd one at the same place. Now I work at Five Star Property Management. Had we rented an apartment from them, I wouldn't have been able to get a job there. It is going to work so much better during the school year, and I get 40 hours a week during the summer. Which is going to work out so well.
Between the two of us, we will be working 100 hours a week. Yay for earning money during the summer. Things happen for a reason. In the right timing. In the Lord's timing. 

Rough Day

Every now and again, it's normal to have a rough day. But it's not usual for us to both have rough days on the same day.
It's been the kind of day, that I just had to keep telling myself, "It'll all work out, everything will be fine." Because, if I didn't, I felt like I would've just lost it.

It's days like today, that really make me appreciate the good days. And also, to help me realize just how amazing Isaac is. When we have struggles, they build us so much closer together. I don't think I could've picked a better man to marry. He understands when I'm frustrated, and tries to help me through it. And I hope I do the same to him. I hope that I am as good of a wife, as he is a husband.
There are always blessings in every day, even though sometimes, the bad seems to outweigh the good. I like to think that Heavenly Father is just trying to prepare us for the next great thing to come. That's why we have hard times, so that we can appreciate the good times when they come.

This talk is the best, I recommend it:
Come what may, AND LOVE IT!

Even on days like this, I can say, I AM BLESSED. I have so many things to be grateful for.
So here's for hoping that tomorrow will be better.

“If our lives and our faith are centered on Jesus Christ and his restored gospel, nothing can ever go permanently wrong. On the other hand, if our lives are not centered on the Savior and his teachings, no other success can ever be permanently right.” —Howard W. Hunter

Isn't it beautiful?

Isn't life beautiful when everything starts to work out? Just when you are at your wits end, and you have so many things you are worrying about, everything always comes together. Maybe not the way you expected, or even wanted, but in the way that was the best for you.

A few weeks ago, I was stressed out beyond reason. I needed to find a job, Isaac and I need to find a place to live, I was overwhelmed with school, stressed about random wedding things, and I didn't know how in the world I was going to do it all, or if it would even work out.

But alas, it all has worked out so far. We have found a place to live, we sign the contract next Monday. I am going to move into there, and then Isaac will slowly move his stuff in and then we will both live there after we get married. It is so perfect for us. It has a washer/dryer. It is a half of a block off campus, and the size that we wanted. AND, it won't break the bank! :) It is unfurnished, and luckily we have all of the furniture that we will need. Between my parents, and others giving us many things. I can't wait to marry my sweetheart and move in together! It will be an adventure.

I have had several job interviews, and currently have been offered one job, possibly two. I will be able to work, and help out with the finances! WHOOP! :) I should have a job by the end of the week. Not a moment too soon.

School has been fine. I am making it through my last science class. Since I decided to change my major, I no longer have to take summer classes (bonus). I was also able to withdraw from Anatomy & Physiology. Which was a blessing in disguise. As it has freed up a bunch of my time, and made it easier for me to accomplish so many things. It has also decreased the stress in my life by about 100 million percent. Which in turn has made it easier for me to be able to have a little bit of time to do small things for the wedding.

It's amazing what happens when you have faith that everything will work. When you have someone by your side who helps you with everything. I am so grateful for Isaac, and for the amazing person that he is. He is selfless, and always so willing to help me with everything. I am also grateful for our families and for all of the things that they all do to help us out. Most of all, though, I am grateful for my Heavenly Father. He wants me to succeed more than anyone, and I know that he places things and people in my life to help me succeed to my best ability. That's why He has given me the opportunity to marry Isaac. To learn and grow in ways that I cannot do by myself. So that I can realize what is really important in this life, and to learn what I came here to do. But also, so that I can feel the encircling power that love is. Every day, I am more and more aware of what love is. A portion of it is caring so much about someone, that you will do anything for them. You will put their happiness above yours. Wanting them to be successful, and doing anything to help them get there. It is through the love that Isaac shows me, that I realize just how much my Heavenly Father loves me.

Decisions

Recently there have been a few things that have changed. Decisions are hard. As is life. Something that I've thought I wanted since I was about 15 years old, suddenly I just don't want anymore. The con's far out weigh the pro's. I'm trying to make up my mind and figure out something else for my life. It's almost like a huge weight has been lifted off of my shoulders. And pretty much like there is no stress anymore. Well, not any overwhelming stress that I can't handle that is. We'll see what the future brings with all of the decisions that are coming my way.
Easily enough though, I know that I will be able to handle this and make the right decisions for my future. Changing my major never sounded so good. I'm not positive what I'm going to be changing it to yet, but I have a few options that I am looking into. Pharmacy just doesn't really fit into what I want anymore. It will take a long time to get through, will be extremely expensive, and if I decide not to work when I am out of school, there will be no point in racking up that much debt. So I'm going to get a degree in something that will help me in raising my future children, and help out my future family. I am not positive yet, but I am meeting with an adviser tomorrow to figure it out.
We'll see what the future brings! Through lots of prayer and research, I'll be able to figure it all out. Change is sometimes scary, but it is going to worth it. Wish me luck.

Ours

"Life makes love look hard.... You never know what people have up their sleeves. Ghosts from your past gonna jump out at me. Lurking in the shadows with their lip glossed smiles. But I don't care. Cuz right now you're mine. And you'll say, Don't you worry your pretty little mind. People throw rocks at things that shine, and life makes love look hard. The stakes are high, the waters rough. But this love is OURS!"
So despite the fact that I am not the fondest of TSwift. I absolutely love this song. And I am absolutely in love with a certain someone. Everyday is a new day, and yet the only thing that changes is how much my feelings for him grow each and every day.

I am so incredibly blessed. In all areas of my life. I belong to the most amazing church ever. I am grateful for a Father in Heaven who loves me unconditionally. I have the most amazing boyfriend ever. Who does everything for me, and loves me more than I deserve. My family is the best thing that has ever been. My parents support me in everything I do, and I love the relationship I have with them. My sister is absolutely incredible. She is such a great example. I love them all. My roommates are incredible! I don't see a whole lot of them lately, but we all are there for each other when we need to be. I have the best friends I could ever ask for. I'm grateful for all of the amazing people in my life who are always there for me. I am grateful for the examples that I have been blessed to be able to have help me along this path of life. I am happy.

2012

What a year.
So many amazing memories come to mind when I think of this past year. I met so many incredible people, some of which have become a big part of my life. This year has been one of the best years of all time. Everything that happened will forever be a memory that I cherish. Thanks to everyone who made this year what it was! I have the most incredible family ever, who have supported me in everything I have done. I have the most amazing friends I could ever ask for. I am so blessed to be able to be going to college, and no matter how hard it gets, I am grateful for the opportunity to be learning so much.
I have so many blessings, and I have my Heavenly Father to thank for all of them. At this years end, I am the most grateful for the Gospel of Jesus Christ that I have in my life. It has helped me through so many things, and I wouldn't be where I am today without it. I love my Savior with all of my heart, and I'll be forever grateful to Him. I have been given so many experiences that I know have helped me to become closer to Him, no matter how challenging they were to get through.
I hold no regrets for the year of 2012, and I look forward to 2013.

I hope for it to be a year filled with service to others, great grades, amazing memories, testimony building, incredible people, and Isaac!

Service

It's amazing how doing a tiny bit of service can change your entire attitude. It's dead week (the week before finals week) around here, and I definitely didn't want to go to FHE tonight. Especially since they announced that we were to be going to an elderly care facility to put on a musical program, and then help them decorate some cookies. My first reaction was, seriously? I have better things to do, like study. But I go every single week, and I shouldn't not go one time just because I don't like the activity. So I went. It was easily the best decision I could've made. It was one of those heart-warming experiences that just leaves a great spirit.
There were some of the cutest people, and they were just happy to be alive. So kind and filled with love. Most of them couldn't really do much but sit there, but they were still happy. It kind of put things into perspective for me. I am so stressed out about finals coming up and doing everything just right. I just need to take advantage of my opportunity to be learning all that I am, and do my best. Stressing about it, is really going to solve nothing. I just need to get it done, and I need to be happy while doing it. There's no time like the present. I won't be young forever, so I might as well take every opportunity I can now to do everything that I want. And I might as well be happy doing it, otherwise, what would be the point?

I've taken a step back more lately and tried to serve people as much as I can, even in the simplest of ways. And each time, when I do something for someone else, I feel a small portion of the love that Heavenly Father has for each of his children. He put us all here together, so that we can learn to love each other through serving one another.
Let's make the most of this Christmas spirit, but also make this a year long thing. Serve someone everyday. It doesn't have to be a huge. Even the small things are noticed and needed.

Who you are

While studying for my chemistry exam, that is in nine hours :( , I was listening to Pandora with my classical music and lds hymns stations playing. This song came on, and it was just the inspiration I needed to finish my studying. This gospel is true!

Don't watch the random video. Just listen to the words ;)

Eyes on the prize

“Don't you quit. You keep walking, you keep trying, there is help and happiness ahead. Some blessings come soon. Some come late. Some don't come until heaven. But for those who embrace the gospel of Jesus Christ, they come. It will be alright in the end. Trust God and believe in Good Things to Come.” 

- Jeffrey R. Holland

This man is one of my favorite apostles.

This quote has been EVERYWHERE lately. I probably can't count on one hand the times I've seen it this week. Must be meant to be. Sometimes, I just want to give up. Give up waiting for my sweet boy, give up college, give up my hopes, and give up my dreams. Just plain give up.

Life gets so hard sometimes. At this time in my life, there are so many things attacking me, just willing me to give up. 

Luckily, there are small things here and there that help me out. 

-I got an A on my chemistry exam this week. That is one of the biggest blessings ever. I have struggled so much with chemistry in the past. Last semester, I took this same class and didn't do so well. Since I needed an A, I had to retake it, and lucked out with the best professor.

-My friend Miranda, while talking to her today, told me to look up this talk , which is also by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland. This man is incredible. And so is this talk. He is definitely inspired of God. 

-Quotes. For some reason, quotes help me out when I am struggling. Whether religious, song lyrics, or just common quotes. I have quotes and sticky notes of adapted quotes all over. Written wherever I can write them.

"Things that were hard to bear are sweet to remember." -Seneca