Merry Christmas!

Chris and I had a relaxing Christmas. Chris made breakfast and we opened presents. It was so fun. We got presents from both of our families. I don't really have a favorite present, but it's been a blast. We also got to call my sister, Heather, for her birthday. It was nice to talk to her. I hope she had a good day. It was also nice that Chris had Christmas Eve and Christmas Day off. I got to have him all to myself!! :)

We got to Skype Jared with Chris's family. They Skyped us and then they went on their other computer where Jared was. It was so fun to talk to him. I wished we were back home for that, but it was so cool. I miss my little brother a lot, but I'm so glad Jared's doing well.

Christmas always gives me the opportunity to think of how much my Savior, Jesus Christ, has done for me. I'm so grateful that He suffered not just for my sins, but for the sins of the world, and I'm so thankful to know that He lives. I'm grateful for good parents and good teachers who have helped me on the path to righteousness. I'm thankful for good sisters and good in-laws who keep me on that path of righteousness. I'm grateful for the temple and that I can be with my family forever. I don't know what I'd do if I couldn't be with my family again after this life. I'm grateful for the Book of Mormon and I know that it's true. I've read it so many times. I love that when I read it, I always feel the Spirit and I learn something new every time.

Christmastime brings up so many childhood memories. I remember when I was younger, every Christmas morning, me and my sisters would get ready for the day, put on our pajamas we received from our grandma and grandpa, eat breakfast, open Heather's birthday gifts, and then we could open our Christmas gifts (in that order). Plus, I'd always get a rubber bug or critter of some sort in my stocking from Mrs. Claus (my mom said she has a sense of humor). One year, my sister and I got big rubber spiders in our stockings. I reached my hand inside it. I felt it, threw it on the ground, and screamed as loud as I could. ;) The next morning, I opened the coat closet to grab something and I found one of them on the top shelf. Then, I went into the kitchen for breakfast, and I found the other one on the kitchen counter. My dad was laughing at me and told me that they're fake, but I'm still scared of them to this day. That's really embarrassing, but it is the truth so don't laugh at me! ;)

I was sad that I wasn't with my family for Christmas this year since we are really close, but I'm also grateful to start new traditions with Chris. :)

Christmas Eve

Tonight, my family Skyped Chris and me from Shelley, Idaho. My mom's family goes to my mom's house every Christmas Eve. They do a little program. I loved seeing my family. I miss them a lot. The only people that weren't there were my cousin, Brynne (she spent Christmas with her husband's family in Utah) and her brother, JD (because he's on a mission in Seattle, Washington). The program was awesome. My aunt did the Top Ten things we did this year. We did a cousin ornament exchange. I got an ornament from my cousin, Sam. It was a cowgirl boot since I live in Texas. My cousin, Brigham (I call him Buggers) had Chris. We don't know what it is yet because it's still in the mail. So, we should be getting it soon. My cousin, Shane (I call him Shaners), and his brother, Luke (I call him Duke), told us jokes. They are funny boys. I miss them. We got a breakfast sandwich maker from my Aunt Patti. I'm so excited to use it. She always gives the grandkids awesome gifts. We got pajamas from Gran. Dad brought them down when he was here. We put them up in the closet until Christmas came around. I sure miss my fam.

I cannot believe tomorrow is CHRISTMAS!!! I also can't believe that it's my sister, Heather's, birthday tomorrow. She's going to be 15. I feel so old! This year has gone by way too fast.

Chris didn't have to work today and he doesn't have to work tomorrow!! I am so excited to spend Christmas Day with him. He is the greatest husband I could've ever ask for!! :)

Family Home Evening

Chris and I had Family Home Evening with Sara Comish and her family. Sara leads the music in Sacrament Meeting and her husband, James, is a Primary teacher. They have a little girl, Jade, who is just adorable, and a little girl, Emma, who is equally adorable.

We made sugar cookies. Jade talked my ear off. She yelled at Chris because he didn't do the cookies like she wanted him to. It was so cute. I had a good talk with Sara. I'm sad because I don't get to sit by her in Relief Society anymore, but seeing James in Primary kind of makes up for it.

Sara and I have become pretty good friends. I'm still getting to know her and her family, but I think it's safe to say that she's probably my best friend in the ward. It's nice to have one of those again. Sara's the biggest sweetheart ever. When we met, we instantly connected. One Sunday, I was telling her I am not a very good cook. That next week, Sara gave me a cookbook she had in college that had really easy recipes in it. She told me to try some of them (I've tried a few, but not very many).

It's crazy how much my family has grown in the last two years (well, almost two years): my sister-in-law got married in May, my three sisters gained a brother-in-law, plus I have these awesome in laws to add to my already amazing family. I am so blessed. There is no better time than the Christmas season to be reminded of how much we all have and how much we have to be grateful for. I'm so grateful for my Savior and that He and Heavenly Father have blessed me with good parents who are faithful, who go to Church, who try to do what is right, and who set good examples for their children to follow. I'm grateful for my testimony and for how much it has grown and has been strengthened over the years. I'm grateful to know that Jesus Christ is my Savior and that He died and lives for us. I'm grateful for the scriptures and how I always learn something new when I read them. I'm grateful for the temple and that I know that families can be together forever. I don't know where I would be if I didn't know that. I want to be with my family for eternity. I am so grateful for a loving, kind, patient Heavenly Father who will always be there for me when I am struggling and who will help me when I am in need of His help. I'm grateful that I can talk to Him by just getting down on my knees and saying a prayer. I'm grateful for the priesthood. I'm so thankful that Chris lives worthily to hold the priesthood. I know that the priesthood has certainly changed my life and saved my life on occasion. I am so grateful for this time of year and how we can each ponder on our blessings and thank Heavenly Father for all we have been given.

Aced It!!!

I took my final exam online for my Life Skills Class this afternoon. And guess what grade I received on it? I received a 91% which is AN A!!!! I'm so excited about it. I called my mom and she was literally bouncing off the walls (well, I'm guessing). I am so relieved that I received that grade. My overall grade has been all over the place. I wasn't very good at the quizzes at first, but I got better halfway through the lessons. My overall grade is a B. I wished it was an A, but I will certainly take it!

Chris told me to wait until he got home from work to start on my final. I started on it anyways, but I waited until Chris got home to submit my answers (so I kind of listened to him, right?). :) I like that he likes to look over my work before I submit it for a grade. At first, I wasn't really good at it, but I got better and it really paid off.

The Pathway Program has been a huge blessing to me. I never thought I'd be receiving my education and figuring out what I want to do with my life. Before I started, the only thing I really ever wanted to be was a mom. And I still want to be a mom, but I'm so glad that I have more options and I can earn my degree and use it in case something happens with Chris's job.

Next semester, I'm going to be studying English and taking the second part of my Book of Mormon class. It'll be fun. I'm so glad it was English. I was always good at English in high school and it's my favorite subject. At first, I thought it was Math. Thank goodness it's not because that is my worst subject. :)

My mom mailed me Christmas gifts from the fam (aka family) and we decorated our Christmas tree a while ago. It's getting me in the Christmas mood. I can't believe that it's almost here. Chris wanted a tool box to put on the back of his truck. So, I got him that. After we bought it, he said that I shouldn't give him any more presents because it was really expensive. Now I just need to get things for our stockings. I still wonder what Chris gave me. He's being really sneaky about it. We also received gifts from both of our families. Chris's sister, Cindy, had me. I had Chris's other sister, Anna and Anna had Chris. My sister, Heather, is going to be 15 years old on Christmas Day which means I'm getting old! Where did the time go?

Eventful Week; Christmas is Coming!!!

Chris and I had a pretty eventful week. Chris's dad had a heart attack so we flew straight home. I was freaking out about it. It was nice to come back to small town Shelley, Idaho for a little while. I didn't actually know about it at first. Chris received a call from his mom. He got off the phone with her and he told me that we were going home now. He told me what happened. So, I called my mom and she helped me pack because I didn't know how long we were going to be staying at the time. She told me to pack for five days. I was pretty set, and then Chris came home and he told me that we were staying for the week. I was really excited to go home, but I wished it wasn't for an emergency. Chris's dad is doing a lot better, which I'm so thankful for.

We spent most of the time with Chris's family. It was good to see everyone, despite the circumstances. Chris and I went Christmas shopping. My mom's family always spends Christmas Eve at her house and we do a little program with fun things. My Aunt Ernie (her name is Erin) does the "Top Ten" things that we've done throughout the year (one for the grandkids and one for the adults), we always participate in the Nativity, my Aunt Patti gives the grandkids gifts, and we exchange ornaments with the cousins. We usually pick an ornament that describes that cousin or reflects on something they were involved in throughout the year. It's so fun. I've gotten some pretty weird ornaments over the years, but I love it. One time, I got in a car wreck and it was my fault. I had no idea what to do so I drive home (Note to future drivers: NEVER EVER EVER do that!!!). After that all happened, at Christmas Eve, the cousin that had me gave me a car ornament with a pink flamingo driving it. My aunt said, "This is a funny little car for Delaney's funny little wreck." I've loved receiving those ornaments over the years and, in my opinion, that has been one of the greatest memories I've made.

I also love Christmastime because my sister, Heather, was born on Christmas Day. She's turning 14. She hates having her birthday on Christmas, but she's always the first thing I think about every Christmas morning. I still remember the day she was born. Kay and I had to stay at a neighbor's house for Christmas. I got a Barbie doll and a big bag of candy from my grandparents and Heather was born. Those are the only things I remember from that day. Oh and since Christmas Day is her birthday, she always picks our dinner. We've had chicken nuggets on Christmas before. Enough said. :) But, I still wouldn't have it any other way.

Christmas Mood!

So I woke up at 6 this morning since our church is at 8:30. I made sure my homework was done and I was all caught up. Then, I turned on Sounds of Sunday and Christmas music was playing. It totally got me in the mood! Now I have to get shopping, get a tree, and get decorations up, the whole Sha-Bang!!!!

This is the time where I miss our families. My mom would be playing Christmas music since the end of October. She already would have decorated for Christmas at the house, baked Christmas goodies, and bought all of her Christmas presents. I haven't even started! I don't even know what to get Chris. I'm not very good at being "Santa."

I'm going to miss doing Christmas with both of our families. My mom's family comes over to their house every Christmas Eve and we do a little Christmas Eve program. We exchange ornaments with the cousins (I've gotten some pretty weird ornaments over the years. Some of them aren't even Christmassy, but I love them!), our Gran gives us all pajamas, there's a lot of food, our Aunt Patti gives us gifts, me and my sisters usually sing, and all the grandkids participate in the Nativity. I also just learned being in Chris's family that they usually buy gifts for everyone, but when I came into the family, I texted Chris's mom, Denise, to see what they do, and I suggested that we draw names. So we drew names last year, and we actually drew names this year too. I think I started their own little tradition. It's kind of fun now that Cindy, Chris's sister, is married too. Their family is really growing. It'll also be new this year too since Jared, my favorite brother-in-law (I call him "Bro" and he calls me "Home Slice.") is on his mission and we are gone. I miss Jared like crazy! He just lights up a room.

My Daddy is in Town (for a little bit anyways)

I got to see my dad yesterday. He flew in here on business and is staying for a couple of days (I believe). My mom said he wanted to come see Chris and me. I'm so glad he did. He's staying at a hotel. If we had room, I'd have him stay with us, but our apartment is pretty small. Dad really liked the apartment. Since Chris was at work, Dad and I went out to lunch together. Then, he took Chris and me out to dinner that evening. I told him how school's been and he told me how everything was at home. I miss my family a lot. It was so good to see him. He made my day!!!

Update on my Schooling

The Pathway Program has been a lot of help to me. I have to work on my lessons online. There are 12 lessons. In those lessons, I have to do an Application Activity (it's like a worksheet online), a Teach a Friend (I have to teach someone I know what I've been learning. I usually teach Chris or my mom when Chris isn't home.), and I have to post my assignments on what they call a Discussion Board. So I have to post it on the Discussion Board by Wednesday and I have to respond to three of the other discussions posted on there by Saturday. I've learned a lot. It's been hard because sometimes I forget to post my assignment on time, but I've been getting better.

I had an assignment today about careers. I had to write down three careers that I am interested in and that I think I'd be very good at. I wrote down that I'd like to be a librarian in an elementary school (I used to volunteer at Riverview Elementary back home and it was one of the best jobs I've ever had.), a secretary, and an Occupational Therapist Assistant. I'm not sure what's in store for me, but I'm pretty excited about that last choice. I'm still learning about it, but it sounds like a lot of fun.

I'm very proud of what I've accomplished so far. It's been a long, hard ride, but I'm riding along with it. :)

General Conference

Conference was so awesome. Yesterday, Chris and I had the Sister missionaries over. Chris made crepes for breakfast for all of us. He told me he had never made them before. He could've fooled me. We also had fruit, juice, and apples with caramel. It was so good. I'm so glad the Sisters could come over. They could only stay for the first session. I wished they stayed for all of it, but I know they have things to be doing. They always seem to put a smile on my face.

Chris's friends also came over yesterday when Conference was over. We played games and hung out. It was fun.

I didn't have a favorite talk from Conference. I liked all of them. I usually can point out one or two that I loved, but this time, it's hard to choose just one talk. They were all so good. I looked at my notes and tried to choose one, but I couldn't. :)

I am so grateful to be a part of this Church. I'm grateful for the blessings it brings me. I don't know where I would be if I didn't have the gospel. I'm grateful for my testimony and how it has the power to influence others. I'm grateful for parents who raised me in the Church and for their testimonies and examples. I'm grateful for the temple and I know that it is a place where we can be with Heavenly Father. I know that Thomas S. Monson is a prophet of the Lord and that he receives revelation from Him.

A Nice Surprise

The Sister missionaries stopped by our apartment to grab something to eat. I made them sandwiches. You will never guess who I saw. I saw TAYLOR RICHARDSON! Taylor and I went to high school together. We used to be good friends in middle school. She's on a Spanish speaking mission here. I thought that was cool that she was on a Spanish speaking mission. She said she was on exchanges (I think that means she won't be in this area very long). I never thought I would see her here! I gave her a big hug and was still in shock. Sister Davis laughed at us (I love hearing her laugh). She thought we were so cute. Taylor said Sister Davis was telling her in the car that they were going to see the Gibsons. Taylor said that she thought, "Gibson...Delaney's married name is Gibson." She was so cute. Sister Davis took a picture of us.

I'm so glad Taylor decided to go on a mission. I know she will do great.

I never thought I would see Taylor here in San Antonio. :) This again proves how small the world really is.

It's so fun to see friends that you grew up with in the least likely places. I never thought I would see any of my friends from high school again. It is always a nice surprise.

The Pathway Program

I've been starting some college classes. I heard about the Pathway Program through BYU-Idaho. My mom told me about it. She said I can get my Associate's degree through it. So I talked to Sister Hagey about it and she told me to "Go for it!" So one of my assignments was to introduce myself. Classmates comment on your assignments (they are supposed to comment on three of their classmates, I believe) and this one girl, her name's Hollie, commented on my introduction. The first thing she said was, "I love LOVE your name!" I thought that was so cool. I'm so grateful I've been able to start some classes. I'm taking a Life Skills class and a Book of Mormon class. I do my Life Skills class assignments online, which has been pretty fun, but kind of difficult because I have to post them on a certain date. I'm doing pretty well. I have a B- for now (I'll take it!). I never thought I'd be able to start school, but I'm very glad I have. I was told I can get an Associate's degree through this if I do well. So say a prayer for me because I'm going to need it! :)

So that's been keeping me busy. Chris has been busy with work, homework, and Young Men's (as usual). He has long days at work for the most part, and sleeps like there's no tomorrow. :) He's a silly boy, but I love him all the same. I love that he's working with the Youth. We have some pretty awesome Youth in our ward. I don't know them very well, but they are pretty cool. I'm still surprised there aren't Young Men in our apartment 24/7. :) I thought there would be, but there hasn't been anyone yet. Chris is so good with those boys.

The only downside of doing school is that I can't go with the Sister missionaries to lessons as often. I like going with them and helping out. I love to see how the Gospel can change someone's life. Usually, they text me and ask if Chris and I are able to go to one with them. I hate having to say no when I go to class. They are so great, though. I just wish I could be of more help to them.

Youth Dance

There was a youth dance tonight. And since Chris is in the Young Men's, we got to go. It was so fun. I've missed going to youth dances when I was in Young Women's. Those were my favorite. I forgot how much fun they were. It was nice to go to one. Chris and I danced the night away. The youth probably thought we were crazy, but we thought it was fun. I also danced with a couple of the young men. They were fun. I visited with Teresa Ford (she's the secretary in Relief Society. Her husband is the Young Men's president), Nancy Ford, and Lori Hagey. I love visiting with them. We have wonderful people in the ward. I am so glad I've made so many friends.

We stopped at Sonic on the way home and got shakes. I got a strawberry one, but I didn't realize it had coconut in it. Let's just say it wasn't my favorite (I don't like coconut). Chris liked it, though. :)

Then we came home and Chris worked on some homework and we watched Doctor Who. Chris is such a hard worker. I'm so proud of him. He is so good to me and everyone else. Once again, I have to say, I am one lucky girl.

My Partner in Crime

I thought I'd tell about my amazing cousin, Brynne. She lives in Salt Lake with her husband, Clark. When we were little, we were inseparable. We would make up dances, hang out with the aunts (thinking we were so cool), and did just about everything together. She is an incredible dancer, pianist, singer, and she's wicked smart. I am so jealous. When she was in high school, a lot of girls were mean to her. I felt bad because she is so AWESOME! I kept thinking, "How can anyone NOT love Brynne? She is just the best!"

She is so kind to everybody and always looks on the bright side of things. Once I was in a bad mood and she laughed and included me like it was no big deal.

She told me that when I got my driver's license, she was going to take her brother, JD, and I was going to take my sis, McKayla, and we were going to meet at Perkins and have something to eat. It never happened because we were so busy, but it was a really good idea.

She participated in the Distinguished Young Woman Program (aka Jr. Miss) and she won her local program and was 1st Runner Up at State. She played the piano for her talent and was awesome.

Before she got married, she invited all the girl cousins over and we had a "Girly Cousin Weekend." It was so fun. We played pranks on the boy cousins and they played pranks on us. We had a good time. Oh, and all the girl cousins, our aunts, and our Gran went to go shopping for her wedding dress too. That was a fun time.

I always feel so important and welcome when we hang out together. It's so nice to feel that way. I hope that we will always be close.

Frightened

I went to go get the mail this afternoon and I saw an ambulance and two police cars around one of the apartment buildings. I asked what was going on. I guess someone barricaded themselves in their apartment and threatened to commit suicide. I don't know who it was. I've never met him. It was really scary.

I went Mutual this evening with Chris. They went ice blocking with the Young Women. It looked like they had a lot of fun. It reminded me of when I went to Young Women's and Mutual. I miss those days. :) I miss my leaders most of all. I'm glad Chris likes his calling.

After, we went to Whataburger for some food. They have the best burgers I've ever had. It was so good.

Then we came home. Chris and I thought the ambulance and the police cars would be gone and everything would be okay, but they were still parked there. I couldn't believe it. It scared me.

A Relaxing Labor Day

Today was a great day. Chris and I watched Doctor Who, made brownies, and went to Cracker Barrel for lunch. We also went to the movie Planes with some of Chris's friends. It was so cute. I definitely recommend seeing that.

Not much else has been going on. I heard news about the Sister missionaries today. I've been going to a few lessons with them. I heard that Sister Elliot is being transferred Thursday, but Sister Davis is staying. I am so sad. I've been going with them to some of their appointments. They've been a lot of fun. Sister Elliot is from Utah and Sister Davis is from Colorado. They have been so nice to me. I'm so glad I've gotten to know them. I will miss them when they go back to their homes. They are so awesome.

A Little Piece of Home; Many Blesssings

Chris and I saw Jason Forbush, a friend from Shelley, at Church yesterday. He's here selling pest control for the summer. It was funny. He was sitting in Sacrament Meeting a couple rows behind where we were sitting. I looked back and saw him. Then I had to do a double take to make sure it was who I thought it was. Jason said he was so excited to see someone from Shelley at Church. I don't know him very well, but he is a nice kid. We were in a Seminary class together in high school. He didn't talk much in Seminary, but he always seemed pretty nice. He came over for a bit after Church and we visited. It was so good to see him. Klint Metcalf, another friend from Shelley, is selling security systems (I believe) in Texas, but we haven't seen him yet. He said we were three hours away from him so I understand that we haven't seen him. I hope we can see him soon.

I've also started a little bit of schooling. I'm scared and excited about it. I was always so scared to start school because I learn differently from others. I have to study a lot for the information to stick in my brain. I hated taking tests because of it. But I am glad that I am getting an education, even if it's just a start. It's still education. I decided to start on the Pathway Program through BYU-Idaho. I talked to Bishop Hagey and his wife about it. Sister Hagey was excited for me. My mom's been a great help too. I hope this will help me at least start to get an education.

I think we are living a pretty good life right now. I'm grateful for the opportunities Heavenly Father has blessed us both with. Chris is in the Young Men's presidency and he loves it. I'm surprised there aren't a lot of boys at our apartment yet. :) I play the piano in Relief Society. I've been tagging along with Sister Davis and Sister Elliot (the Sister missionaries) when they need me. They have been so great. I've gone to a couple lessons with them. I'm so glad they invite me to go with them. I'm home all day so it's nice to get out of the apartment for a few hours. I'm grateful for the gospel and how it does give us so many opportunities to share it with the rest of Heavenly Father's children. I didn't know how hard it was, taking the rejection from others who aren't interested. I respect them, but they don't know what they're missing. :) That's why I am so grateful to have the full truth and knowledge of the gospel in my life. I'm grateful for good parents who raised me in the Church. I'm even grateful for the little things: Family Home Evening, having family prayer and reading scriptures in the morning before school and have discussions about it with my family (that was always the best part of my morning), attending the temple regularly, the list goes on and on. We are all very blessed.

Wonderful People

Life has been pretty good for Chris and me I must say. Yesterday, I played the piano at a baptism, which was very sudden. The Primary president called me the day before and asked me to play. I was happy to do it as always. The guy who was getting baptized was a convert. I'm very happy for him. It was a very spiritual day.

Chris and I had dinner with Bishop Hagey and his wife, Lori. They are such kind people. Lori has helped me so much. She's an inspiring woman that's for sure. I'm so glad that we have good people in our ward.

I miss Jenna Borchardt, though. We've gone to the temple together with Lori Hagey and Nancy Ford. She is such a sweet girl. She's on a mission in Vancouver, Washington. I barely know her, but she's been so much fun to talk to. She would always tell me how excited she was to go on a mission and she's very inspired. I always love to hear her strong testimony and how it's been strengthened through the Savior in Relief Society. That's a great trait for a missionary to have; for anyone to have. She is so kind and a good friend to me. I sure miss her.

Chris and I sure have been blessed with good people here in Texas. I was worried that I wouldn't have one friend, but our ward has been kind and loving toward us. I'm grateful to have a second family. I don't know what I would do without them.

Sea World

Chris and I took Jerome, Whitney, Mandy, and Rockelle to Sea World yesterday. We saw dolphins. They swam with trainers and they did flips and spun around in the water. Mandy thought that was so awesome.

We also saw a show with a dog, a cat, and some birds. It was cool. I can't really describe them very well, but it was cool. The other neat thing was all the animals that we saw were rescued from abused homes or habitats. It was awesome.

The instructors put on a mystery show with the seals. It was really cute.

Then we saw a ski show. That was incredible. A few guys lifted girls on skis and the guys did flips like you wouldn't believe.

We also went to a synchronized divers show. That was cool. Then, a girl swam with a dolphin and the dolphin did exactly what the girl told him to and after he did it, he got a treat. :) Mandy had so much fun. She loved it all. It was so cute.

After all the excitement, we all went to Whitney and Jerome's and had ice cream. It was a very exciting, fun, exhausting day.

I am really going to miss Whitney and Jerome when they move to Korea. They've been such a big help to me and Chris. It's been fun to have them around.

Happy Anniversary

We've been married a year today! It's crazy how much time flies. Chris and I celebrated yesterday. We went to the temple and went out to eat. It was a good day.

I gave Chris a solar watch face for his Navajo watch he has since his other watch face stopped working. He really liked it. The nice thing about Chris is he will always tell me what he wants for a gift. He's kind of hard person to shop for. When I was thinking about what to get him for his birthday, I called his mom (Denise), his sister (Cindy), his best friend (JD Hampton), and his best friend's wife (Destiny Hampton) for ideas of what to get him. Denise and Cindy both said, "Let me think on that." It made me laugh.

When we came home from the restaurant, Chris told me to close my eyes. He led me into the living room. When I opened my eyes, I saw a PIANO right in front of me!

I literally started to bawl. I've been wanting a piano ever since we moved to Texas and now I have one! Chris did such a good job. He told me his cousin, Whitney, helped pick it out. I don't know what I did to deserve such a wonderful husband. I love Chris so much and I must say, I am one lucky girl!

My family and my mom's family are going to Bear Lake this week. They've gone every year ever since I can remember. We usually stay in the condos and have fun with the cousins. We play in the water, have a balloon toss, play volleyball, and relax. I'm really sad I'm missing it. My Gran makes t-shirts every year and she mailed our t-shirts to us. That was nice of her.

I really miss my family. On my mom's side, we literally do everything together. Us cousins, we are best friends and love to spend time together. I called my sister, McKayla (I call her Kay), and asked about Bear Lake. She said it would be a different year this year. My cousins, Brynne, and her husband, Clark, can only be there for a couple of days, JD (Brynne's brother) won't be there because he's on a mission in Seattle, Washington, my Uncle Bryce because he has to work, and, of course, Chris and I won't be there because we are in Texas. I'm sad I'm missing it. That's for sure. Hope they all have a good time.

I Love to see the Temple

I went to the temple today with Lori Hagey (the bishop's wife), Nancy Ford (the Relief Society President), and Jenna Borchardt (a girl I met in the ward. She and I have become good friends.). Jenna is leaving on a mission soon. She's going to Washington (I can't remember what city it was though). I'm really going to miss her. Sometimes, we get in trouble in Relief Society because we talk too much. :) Oh well. We're girls. What can you do? :) The temple was a good way to start my day.

I'm so grateful for the spirit I feel in the temple. I remember being a little girl, thinking that the temple was a huge church and when I'd get married in there, I'd walk down the aisle. :) I'm so glad that the temple was one of my goals ever since I was little. It has truly blessed my life.

Heavenly Father really knows what He's doing and has blessed my life. I'm so grateful for Him and all He's done for me. I'm grateful I can go to the temple and make sacred
covenants. I'm grateful for the Book of Mormon and how much it teaches me. I know it to be true. I'm grateful for missionary work and for the missionaries serving. I'm grateful for the priesthood and that Chris has that power to bless our family and touch others' lives as well.

Fun Times

So last week was fun. We had a 4th of July breakfast on Thursday. That was fun. I really like our ward. They are pretty nice. It's still kind of weird to call my ward members by their first names, but they say it's okay. I told them I felt like I was at that awkward stage where I'm not sure if I should call them by their first name or keep calling them "Brother" and "Sister."

I've been working with the Sister missionaries a little bit. That's been fun. I've gone to see two families: one wasn't home and the other one was Methodists so they weren't really interested. Oh well. What can you do? The missionaries call me "Sister Gibson." It's weird to get used to. One day, I was talking to Sister Hagey, the bishop's wife, and I told her I don't think I could have the kids in Primary call me "Sister Gibson." She said that it was a sign of respect and that they need to learn it. I learned that too, so it's weird to be on the other side of that (if that made sense).

Chris is as busy as always and I try to keep myself busy. Usually doing laundry, cleaning, and attempting to cook (well nothing has caught on fire yet so I guess I'm doing okay). :)

Birthday Party!

Chris wanted to have a birthday party/barbeque around his birthday so we did one yesterday. He usually has one around his birthday. Last year, we had a party for my dad and Chris (my dad's birthday is the day before Chris's). Chris grilled bratwursts and hot dogs for Whitney's girls. Whitney and I made a chocolate cake which everyone loved. I'm not a big cake person, but I thought it'd be fun to make one. I knew someone would eat it. :) Everyone seemed to like it. I'm so glad. I met a couple of his friends and Whitney and Jerome and their girls came too. It was a birthday party/going away party for them since they are moving to Korea soon. I will be so sad once they leave this place. They've been fun to have around and have been a big help to me. We've had a lot of fun with their girls. They are so cute! They seemed like they had a good time.

When everyone left, and Chris and I could finally go to bed, we both collapsed. We were so tired. It'd been a long day for me because I was getting things ready for the party. Chris even noticed and said that I could go to bed. :) I sure love that boy!

Birthdays All Around

Today is my daddy's birthday. I hope he had a good day. He is such an awesome man. He is kind, loving, and mindful of our family. I am so glad I am a part of his family. He is just so awesome. He is the bishop of their ward and when I worked at Broulim's (our little grocery store in Shelley), I would hear all the time from ward members, "Your dad is such a good man." He is a good man. I'm so grateful that I am his daughter. I gave him a call today. I'm glad he's doing well.

Tomorrow is Chris's birthday. I am so nervous about it because I had no idea what to get him. I talked to his mom, his best friend, and his sister about it. They all said, "Let me think on it." I thought it was funny. But he's pretty good at telling me what he wants. I hope I did a good job.

We are also going to have a birthday party with Whitney and her family. I am going to make a cake with her for it. I hope it is okay. Neither of us are real big cake eaters, but I figured Chris and Mandy would like it. It will be fun for all of us! :)

Happy Father's Day!

Just wanted to wish my hubby, my two amazing fathers (my father-in-law and my daddy), my awesome uncles, and wonderful G-Pa a HAPPY FATHER'S DAY! I hope you all had a good day and know how much you are appreciated by me and many others. I'm grateful that you all want to do what's right and follow your Heavenly Father. I'm grateful you all have the priesthood and want to serve others even when they don't ask for it. I'm grateful that you love your families (including me) and want to spend time with them. You are good examples to me and I wish I could be as amazing as all of you. Thank you for all you've done for me, our family, and many others. I love you all! :)

I gave Chris his own Father's Day today. I gave him a card and a bunch of candy. He was surprised because I hid them all. It was fun. I hope he had a good day.

This week was pretty fun. I got an email from my cousin, JD, who's on a mission in Seattle, Washington. He is doing so well and has changed so much. I'm glad that he wants to serve his Heavenly Father. He is such a good example to me and our cousins. He's the oldest boy cousin so he's the first one to go on a mission. I'm thankful for him and all he's done for our family.

I also attempted to wrap Chris's birthday present. That didn't go too well. I was going to take a picture of it, but it was pretty bad. Just trust me! :)

I've been thinking about Chris's cousin, Whitney. Her and her family live in Converse (it's about a 10 minute drive from our apartment). Her husband, Jerome, is in the Army (I kept thinking he was in the National Guard. Silly me! ;)) and they are going to be moving to Korea pretty soon. It'll be a sad goodbye. It's been fun to live so close by them. They have two little girls: Mandy, who is a ball of fun (she's about 4, I believe), and Rockelle who always has a smile on her face (she's about 1). One time, we were hanging out with their family and I would look at Rockelle with a big smile and said, "Hi Pretty Girl!" She would have this big smile on her face. It was the cutest thing! I'm grateful that they live so close to us, for the time being.

So Grateful!

Today was kind of scary day. Around 4:30ish, Chris called me. He usually calls me to tell me he's on his way home. He said that there was a shooting at the base he was at. It really scared me, but he said they didn't shoot anywhere near the hospital, which made me feel so much better. I'm so grateful that Chris is okay and that he is in my life.

I also got an email from my cousin, JD, who's on in mission in Seattle, Washington. He is sure loving his mission. I can tell he's changed for the better. I'm glad that his testimony is strong and that he loves his Heavenly Father. I am so glad he's my cousin.

I'm so grateful for answers to prayers and for a loving Heavenly Father. I am grateful I am His daughter. I'm grateful for my family who loves me. I'm grateful for missionaries who willingly give up two years of their life to serve the Lord. I'm grateful for the scriptures. They teach me something new every time I open them. I'm grateful for the temple and that families can be together forever.

The Lord has truly blessed me today! :)

Got to see our Fams!

Chris and I got to go back to our hometown, Shelley, Idaho on Friday. We stayed until Monday. Chris's sister, Cindy, got married on Saturday so we went up for the wedding. Cindy was beautiful in her dress! She looked like a princess! She married Derek Staley. He's from Missouri. They are so cute together. I am so happy that both of them are happy!

 Mr. and Mrs. Staley coming out of the temple!

Look at those lovebirds! :)

Aren't Derek and Cindy adorable?

Aren't my in-laws cute? :)

Cindy and her lovely bridesmaids: Stephanie, Jordyn, Paige, Anna, and Lizzy

That was the first time I got to go to a wedding in the temple. That was a neat experience.

Setting up for the reception was hard work. I tried to help Denise as much as I could.

Groom's Cake

Bride's Cake- that is so hickish! ;)

This was taken before the reception started. I love Cindy's goofy face.

I don't know what Cindy Bug is doing in this picture, but Chris thought it was funny so he took a picture of it. Silly girl (I'm meaning Cindy)! ;)

It was fun to go home to small town Shelley, Idaho. It was a little hard to see my fam since we were helping with the wedding, but we did get to see them. And, Chris's brother, Jared, had his mission farewell yesterday. He did well on his talk. He's going to Albuquerque, New Mexico and he leaves on Wednesday. I hope he has a splendid mission. He is such a good brother (and yes, I call him my "Bro"). Life will certainly not be the same without him, but I know he will do an awesome job!

It was good to see all of them. I wished we could've seen my family a little bit more, but it was good to see them for a little bit. I do miss them a lot! They are a lot of fun. I have the best family in the entire world! I'm glad that I'm a part of their family. I'm so grateful for all they do for me. I get homesick sometimes being so far away from them, but they call me and I call them. It's been good.

I just wish we could've had more time with both of our fams. I love them a lot! It's been hard being away from them, but it's also been fun to be on our own at the same time.