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. 

2013 Recap

This blog post is something I continuously worked on throughout the year. It was something I wanted to do, so that we could remember all of the things that happened this year. Often times at the end of each year, I try and think back to everything I have accomplished that year. Sometimes it is difficult, and I often only think of the negative things. Which is the other reason I wanted to do this. To remember all of the great things that happened to us in our first year of marriage. I hope to do this in the future years to come, but next time I promise to try and include more pictures :)

January:
-My best friend came home from his mission on the 10th.
-We started dating again on the 12th.
-We had our last first kiss again on the 16th.
-I turned 20 on the 31st, Isaac did a fake proposal (just to psych me out).

February:
-We went ring shopping on the 1st.
 -My wedding dress was ordered and purchased on the 2nd.
-We scheduled the temple on the 5th.
-We got engaged on the 8th.
-Most of the wedding planning details, at least the big ones, were done this month.

March:
-I started birth control this month, and boy did it make me crazy.
-We took a trip to Utah with my family.
-After much thought, prayer, and conversation, I decided to change my major.
-We went and supported Cassie at some of her softball games.

April:
-On the 3rd, we toured our first place for the first time.
-I was offered a job at downeast on the 10th.
-We signed the lease for our first place together on the 12th.
-I officially changed my major to accounting on the 15th.
-My first day at Downeast was the 16th.
-I went through the temple on the 27th, and received my endowments.

May:
-We ended the semester, and took all of our finals the beginning of May (we both did well in classes!)
-We were married for time and all eternity in the Idaho Falls Temple on May 10.
-We went on our honeymoon to Park City, and enjoyed a nice week of relaxing.
-My best friend, Hailey, left on her LDS mission on the 22nd, to Richmond, Virginia.
-We quickly learned just how great married life is. Being together is our favorite place to be.

June:
-After no other birth control working, we went with our last option, the dep-provera shot.
-We were introduced into the real world when we got our first real callings on the 9th. We were put in Cub Scouts together, more specifically the bears. I also was put into primary as a "buddy" for a little down syndrome sunbeam boy. 
-On the 13th, Isaac found out he got a job at Fedex as a package handler. He had been searching all summer and finally got his second job!
-We realized just how early we needed to go to bed, just so that we could function, especially since Isaac now had to wake up at 4 am Tuesday-Saturday.
-We witnessed Isaac's youngest sister get married to her sweetheart on the 22nd. All of the Wood children have now been married off.

July:
-I had been sick most of June and into July. We started charting what I ate, and realized it was dairy that was making me sick. Almond milk became a regular part of my diet! :)
-We were able to spend the 4th of July up in Idaho Falls. We went boating with some of Isaac's family for a little bit that day, then had a barbecue at his parents house. We went to the Chukar's game with his parents and his sister Karlee's family. We went and watched fireworks with my family in our usual spot.
-On the 23rd of July, I was offered a shift lead position at Downeast, which I took. It pretty much means that I have to work a minimum of 20 hours a week, and just have more responsibilities than before.
-Towards the end of July, I couldn't really eat any food without getting sick. My health problems started linking with gallbladder symptoms. Which led to multiple doctor appointments, a hide-a-scan, and ultrasounds.

August:
-I had surgery on August 5, to have my gallbladder removed. My first surgery ever, and it went well.
-Isaac decided to start training for a half marathon in November, and boy was he excited.
-Right before school started up again, we were able to go with Isaac's family to a condo up Ogden canyon for a few days. It was filled with boating, a cousin's mission farewell, more boating, and cherry hill. Isaac got burned crazy bad, but it went away fairly quickly. We had a great time, and it was nice to have a tiny vacation from real life.
-One of our best friends, Breanna, left on her mission on the 21st, to Louisville, Kentucky.
-School started up again on the 26th. Isaac had 16 credits, and so did I.
-Isaac's last day at Domino's for awhile was on the 30th. Since his semester was going to be very challenging, we decided it best for him to only be working 1 job, with about 17-20 hours a week.
-Very quickly I discovered that I couldn't work 20-25 hours a week, take that many credits, and still find time to clean the house, so I cut my hours at work to 10-15. I had been very nervous about working during the semester, since I had never before worked while going to school.

September:
-We were able to make many trips home this month, which is always a great relief.
-My parents took us to the fair on Labor day, which was a blast. Fair food is definitely one of the best things.
-I switched up my birth control, yet again, to progesterone only pills this month. Still trying to find something that will work well with my body.
-Classes were very different for each of us. Isaac's were some of the harder classes he had taken, up to this point. Luckily, this month he found a wonderful statics tutor, who helped him understand all of the concepts.
-My classes were somewhat easy, in comparison to all of the college classes I had taken. I was thoroughly enjoying almost every single one of my classes. I discovered that I was finally in the right major, and was extremely excited about it.
-On September 28, Isaac rode in his first bike race. 50 miles. He loved it, and can't wait to do it again next year.
-I developed a sinus infection towards the end of this month. The same week I had 4 exams.
-Isaac also started thinking about changing his major towards the end of September. From mechanical to civil engineering.

October:
-We watched conference together the first weekend of this month. It was wonderful to just be able to spend some time together and not have to worry about anything else.
-This month was crazy with midterms, projects, tests, work, and everything else that seemed to happen.
-We were THRILLED to say the least when our infrared heater came in the mail. Now we don't have to freeze this winter!

November:
FLEW by!
-Isaac ran his first half marathon on the 2nd, with a time of 1:37:35. It was very close to the goal he had set.
-I got a 95% on my Accounting test, and was oh so excited about it!
-We hit our 6 month mark of being married!
-I went to Utah with my mom and sister for a couple of days to do our annual shopping trip.
-Our ward's primary program was on the 17th, and the cute kiddos did great.
-Isaac turned 22 on the 25th, and also went skiing for the first time of the season that day.
-For Thanksgiving we drove down to Provo to be with Isaac's mom's side of the family. It was great to see everyone. 

December:
-We went to The Forgotten Carols on the 2nd, it was my first time going.

-We tried the advent calendar for the first time this year. We weren't super successful with it, but we had a lot of fun doing it.

-We celebrated our first Christmas together, and started a few traditions as a new family. 

-We went to temple square and saw the lights on the Saturday after Christmas with my family.

-We rang in the new year together, and look forward to the year 2014 and all of the wonderful things that will come our way.

Gallbladder surgery

In preparation for my surgery, my husband and dad gave me a priesthood blessing. It is such a huge blessing to know that I have so many worthy priesthood holders in my life. To give me blessings whenever I need them.

My surgery was scheduled at 10:45, which meant I was supposed to be there at 9:15. The hospital called me at 8 and asked how soon I could be in. The surgeon was an hour ahead of schedule. So I hurried and woke up and got in the shower real quick. We made it over there, waited for a couple minutes, and then they took me back to get ready for surgery.

 

The lower right hand picture is right after I put on the hospital gown. It was HUGE! But, I still thought it was great. Although, I hadn't been too excited about putting it on, it sure was cozy.

The lower left hand picture is when they were putting my IV in my left hand. They had also just put these incredible leg things on my legs. They were supposed to make it so I didn't get blood clots in my legs during surgery, and they gave me a nice massage the entire time I was there. I asked my mom if we could buy some, and the nurse said I probably wouldn't want to because of the cost. 

My anesthesiologist gave me some kind of medicine to relax, because I was starting to stress out. It made my face itch. But soon after I was totally fine. They then rolled me into the operating room after I said goodbye to my husband and my mom. As soon as I got in the OR, this really nice lady put these toasty blankets all over my legs and body. They were super great. I thanked her, and she said that was her favorite part of her job. And the next thing I knew, the anesthesiologist said something and I was out. I didn't even get to count backwards from ten. 

Before I knew it, I was in recovery. My surgery had only taken about 30-40 minutes, which was less than the expected hour. My throat was killing, because of the breathing tube that they had in. Good thing I didn't have to feel that! ICK! I could hardly talk because of the scratchiness of my throat. I don't really remember recovery either. Just that I ate some jello, crackers, 2 bites of apple sauce, and loads of water. And apparently I slept for a little bit of time.

The upper right hand picture is of me after surgery in recovery. Recovery lasted longer than expected because they gave me an Oxycontin which my body did not like. I was also super shaky from the anesthesia trying to wear off. So I was in recovery for about 2 hours or so, when originally they said it'd be about an hour. 

The upper left hand picture was right before I left the hospital after my surgery, jello in hand and puke bag in my lap (just in case). They rolled me out in a wheelchair, which was pretty great.

All of the staff at the hospital were super nice and accommodating. Even though it was just an out-patient surgery, they treated me very well.
My whole family has been super supportive and have checked up on my several times. My husband is pretty much the greatest thing. He has helped me out so much in the past day. It is just another affirmation that I married the right man. He would do anything for me at the drop of a hat. He is absolutely incredible, and I couldn't possibly be more grateful for him than I am right now. I will always be well taken care of. And a special thanks to our best friend David Titus for bringing me flowers when I was at home!
Recovery is going fairly well. The pain meds have helped a lot. The four incisions hurt quite a bit, but with time they will go away, of course. I'm just taking it easy, and relaxing. Thanks for all of the concern that those close to me have shown.

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.

50

Yep, yet another post counting down. It's kinda a huge deal to me. Don't want to hear it, don't read it :)

Anyways. I love Isaac DeMar Wood. Pretty much ecstatic that he comes home in 50 DAYS!!! A lady at work asked about my dating life, and then she remembered that Isaac comes home soon. She instead asked how long until he comes home. It took me a minute to think about it, but I sorta freaked out when I figured it out. "50 days! 50 days? 50 DAYS?!?!"

While driving today, this song came on, and I cried. It is the truest thing there ever was.

Also, I got a letter from him on Saturday. For the first time in three months. And boy was it good to hear from him. He sure does love me. All those doubts, that build up after waiting so long between letters, disappeared the second I saw that letter sitting in my mailbox. Each day that I went without a letter was made up in that two page (front and back) letter. I've spent the majority of the past two years not getting letters. Which has been the hardest, best thing. I've been able to become strong, and not rely on that communication. But to rely on the communication between my Heavenly Father and I more. Going anywhere from 2 to 3 to 6 months at a time between letters, made each letter that much more special. And somehow, it made me fall even more for that sweet missionary. Knowing that he has put the Lord first, always.

One of those days

Have you ever had one of those days, where everything seems to fall into place?

I love those. Especially on days like today. Good mood day. Chemistry is AMAZING. I actually am understanding it this semester, and it is incredible. I discovered that since I now understand it, I am enjoying learning about it.
Weirdest thing. 
Everyone told me I'd hate chemistry. Turns out they were wrong. Story of my life. Everyone told me I would hate ISU, they were wrong on that one too.
Life lesson #1- don't listen to other peoples advice on such things. Don't hate something or not do something, just because someone else says they didn't like it. Learn from experience. Take a chance on something. If you feel it is right for you, then go for it. Don't let anyone else tell you that you shouldn't do it. No one knows what is best for you, other than you and Heavenly Father. Listen to those instincts.
Life lesson #2- everything will be exactly what you make of it. If you want to have the best time, you will. If you want to succeed, you will. Positive thinking can get you far in this life. On the same aspect, if you think you will fail, you will. Have faith, and you can do anything.
Sure there will be bumps in the road, but if you are prepared for them when they happen, they will be all the easier to deal with. Prayer and scripture reading have helped me more than I can ever even explain, especially lately. Each time I have a great day, I think about the things that could've caused it. It always comes back to those. Each time that I just have a completely crummy day, I think about what I did wrong, and it is always that I have forgotten these essential things.

I love this gospel of Jesus Christ.
It means everything to me, and I have no idea what I would do without it. On days where I am just struggling and can't seem to do anything right, I still manage to feel the spirit. I cannot imagine what it would be like to have those days even more frequently, with no spirit involved. I would not make it through.
Luckily, I don't ever have to find out what it is like. And you don't either.

First Day

So. I'm a sophomore in college. When in the world did that happen?!

I've come to a conclusion about life/college/happiness. I can get through anything as long as I have these four things.

1- M.otivation

2-O.ptimism

3-M.orning prayers

The drive and will to do with my life exactly what I want, especially in college. The positive attitude that I am completely capable of doing anything. My Heavenly Father on my side, starting the moment I wake up, also having enough faith to get me through each day. And my mom. (See what I did there, clever I know). With these things, I feel as if I can take on the world.This is going to be my slogan, or motto this school year/semester.

It helps that I know this kid comes home in about 4 months! :) I just love him.

Lucky

I am such a lucky girl. I've got so many people who love me and who help me out constantly. I don't know what I would do or where I would be without any of them. Also, I love my job at domino's. For the most part. It is
I started this post on Sunday July 1st. And then fell asleep with my laptop open, so there were about a trillion f's across the screen. I think I wanted to finish that sentence with fantastic? Who knows.

All I know is, on Sunday I didn't really know how incredibly lucky/blessed I really am. I could only fathom a very small portion. I have so much to be grateful for, and instead of telling you all about my past week, I am just going to make a list of things that I am SO INCREDIBLY GRATEFUL FOR:

1. My life. I am so blessed to be here today. It is amazing

 how one experience can change your outlook on

 even the simple things like having more time here.

2. My family. I am so grateful that families can be forever,

 and that my family will be together forever. With that, I am 

grateful for the temple and my ability to go there often.

3. Isaac DeMar Wood. I can't even explain this one. 

The impact he has had on my life is not even explainable. Even though

 I haven't seen him in 18 months, the impact he has on me continues to 

grow. I am a better person because this man loves me.

4. Miracles.

5. The Gospel of Jesus Christ. I have no idea

 where I would be without it. It means the world to me.

6. My jobs. In this economy, there are so many that don't

 even have one job, and I am lucky enough to have two. To help me

 pay for college, and also all of the things along the way that come up.

7. My loving Father in Heaven. Who knows me, loves me

 unconditionally, and is always watching out for me.

8. My parents. My dad is the most incredible man ever.

 He would do absolutely anything for me, and he loves 

me so much. My mom is amazing, and does 

a lot for me. I love them both so much.

9. America. Not only am I grateful for it, but I am grateful to live here. 

There are so many freedoms that I have that I have taken for granted in the

 past, that so many men and women have fought to protect. I am also

 grateful for the founding fathers, and that they were led and 

guided to write an amazing document such as the Constitution.

10. The power of prayer. Not only am I grateful that I can pray 

to my Heavenly Father, I am also grateful that He answers 

our prayers with so much power behind them.

 

Past the Point

Here is a snippet of this incredible song from Hilary Weeks' new album. I love it! It is called Past the Point.

It is super inspiring, and reminds me what I am capable of. Which, more often then not, I forget, and need reminded of.  Just when I think that I can't do something, and lose faith in myself, my Heavenly Father proves in small ways just how much He loves me, and how much potential I have. I was down on myself today while studying, and this song came on. It was just what I needed to hear to remind me. Chemistry is kicking my butt. But, each time before I study and do homework, I read my scriptures and say a prayer. That is the only reason I am making it. I have great things to accomplish in this life, and without Heavenly Father's help, there is no way I'll be able to do even half of them. He makes everything possible, because He knows I can do it.

Lyrics: 

Lock me up
That's what you'll have to do
If you're gonna stop me
From getting where I'm going to

I try to keep
The sun from coming up
Or the tide from rolling in
Now that I know what I'm capable of
Cuz every time I wanted to stop, I kept running
And every time I hit a wall, I climbed
I've broken the bands of my self-limitations
Gonna go until I've gone

Past the point
Beyond the mark
Further than I ever thought I could
Out of the dark
Into the light
Just like He always knew I would
And when Heaven tells me I can
I believe it

No storm
Not a wave of fear or doubt
No chains of disappointment
Could ever hold me back now
'Cause every time I want to stop, I'll keep running
Every time I hit a wall, I'll climb
I'm breaking the bands of my self-limitations
Gonna go until I've gone

Past the point
Beyond the mark
Further than I ever thought I could
Out of the dark
Into the light
Just like He always knew I would
And when Heaven tells me I can
I believe it

There it is
Right in front of me
Just a few more steps
Just a few more breaths
And I'll get

Past the point
Beyond the mark
Further than I ever thought I could
Out of the dark
Into the light
Just like He always knew I would

Quotes