and then the sun came out.

I wish there were words to explain the feelings I experienced this week. It just shocks me to have everything I have ever believed shaken. The people you thought you knew, are just not who you thought they were, the trust you built up only to have it dissolve into nothing, and your emotions being thrown around back and forth till you wake up feeling exhausted like your thoughts were running marathons.

But then you take a moment, you sit back and just breath. The world stops spinning and your thoughts become clearer. You realize that what people do cannot affect you if you don't let it. No one can make your choices. And then you feel a warmth within your heart knowing everything you knew you knew is true, and all you can do is hope and pray that someday the ones who disappoint you will have a change of heart.

I cannot be more grateful for my testimony in the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I know with every fiber of my being that I have a purpose here on this earth, and everyday I will strive to become what my Heavenly Father created me to be.

Mike has been so helpful in these trying times and never lets me forget how much he loves me. He is such a good example to me. Saturday was hard. But I knew I had to shake it off and appreciate all that I have. Mike and I cleaned the house and and decided the best place to be at that time was in the temple. So we went.

What an amazing place. Just walking in the building, I could feel the sadness and hurt melt off. I was filled with joy and could not describe this transformation happening within me. I felt alive and well. I felt extremely blessed to know what I knew then. After a beautiful time there, Mike and I decided this would be our Valentine's Day tradition. There is no better way to demonstrate your love.

Like stated in D&C 45:7, "For verily I say unto you that I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the light and the life of the world—a light that shineth in darkness and the darkness comprehendeth it not." And this I know with all of my heart as that Saturday afternoon the darkness went away and the sun came out in Logan, if only for a brief moment, but it shone as if to say, "have hope and faith that there will always be light amongst the darkness."

I know he hears my prayers, and I am grateful for his warm embrace during trying times.

Love is in the air...

So time flies when you're stressed out and busy, but life is good. Since my last post we've entered a new year, I've gone back to school, and its February. January was never really acknowledged considering my lack of sleep in that month and how fast it went by.

To kind of back up and update you on January, I went to Vegas with the girl's for Kylee's birthday. We spent the weekend in St, George and headed to Vegas on Friday where we received VIP treatment all day long. We were on every list in town, everyone wanted us to go to their clubs and grace them with our presence. HA. We had a good time shopping, dining, and at the end of the night we even did some clubbing at a fancy club named TAO where we were escorted past the 2 hour waiting line and into the club for being so fabulous (or for knowing the owner's little brother, either way). We danced the night away and drove back to St. George way too late for anyone's safety. But in general, it was a successful girl's weekend.

School started with a bang (to the head) and we were assigned a group project. We were to design a library commons area and we had a pretty good time doing so in spite of the lack of sleep and the short amount of time we had to do so.

Grandma Maughan passed away. We really miss her. She was such a fun person, and always smiling. Grandpa will be needing lots of hugs and we will be doing our best to provide them.

and soon, Valentine's day will be here. For some reason, in the past Mike and I have made this holiday bigger than Christmas with the gift giving. Last year I got him some pretty sweet RayBan's and he in return gave me a shopping trip along with a fondue dinner. This year we even went a week early, and already got our shopping done. HA. We've agreed to not use our presents till Valentine's day, but its sooo hard considering I have been waiting for it for so long now. This year Valentine's day falls on a sunday and the next day I don't have school. So we have decided to take the whole day off and celebrate. Not that we are cheesy and celebrate this, but on the 16th we will have been married for a year and a half! I'm excited to have a whole day with my husband and to have his undivided attention (which I don't get very often!)

New Year's Eve party treats

New Year's Eve kiss

Playing in the snow with the Kidlets

Mike helping Callie walk through the snow (her snow clothes were impeding that ability)

Mike and I at Eliane & Fabio's wedding