Don't Forget Eternity

Jesus Christ will teach his people

Last weekend we were blessed to be able to listen to General authorities in our broadcast-ed Stake conference. (For any readers who are not members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, that just means that the members of our stake met together and had speakers satellited to us, rather than them coming to our building. A stake is an area  of members. It helps us be more organized if they break us into groups.) It was an excellent meeting! There were so many wonderful things presented to us, however the thing that stuck out to me the most is this: Every part of the Gospel Jesus Christ taught is tied to Eternity. My mind was drawn to the day before when I had been on pinterest, flipping through whatever was there, and there was one of those silly "Meme" things which said, "Live for right now. Forget Eternity." My heart broke a little when I realized that the message the world and Satan are promoting is just that, to forget eternity.
How has it come to this? Maybe it has been here for a while, and I am just coming to the realization... I don't care who you are, or what you believe, but what you do today always effects tomorrow. There is no way around it! Everything has a consequence. Good or bad is how you choose your actions. At least that's the most logical way I have found to do it. If you don't want a burned hand, you don't grab something that is hot.
Throughout this week I have had several discussions about the Relief Society visiting teaching message for the month. It really has hit me that not only does what we do effect Eternity, but it also effects everyone around us! If we choose to be Christlike in all that we do, others will see and be blessed by that. However, if we choose to let our weaknesses overcome us and for example: not welcome a new face in church, smile at someone on the street, judge others for their weaknesses, or ignore the responsibility we have as brothers and sisters in God to care for one another, Eternity and those around us are effected!
The whole purpose of this life is to live it well, have joy and make it home to our Father in Heaven for ETERNITY! Satan is working so hard to help the world forget this. So how do we fight this eternally devastating message? We have to be firm in our own beliefs, but not forget what the scriptures teach us.
We are free to choose! - 2 Nephi 2 : 27
Every good thing comes from God - Moroni 7 : 16
It is through Jesus Christ that our Eternity is possible -1 John 5 : 11
We are to allow all men to believe as they choose - Articles of Faith 1 : 11
We can only help if we are helping with the right foundation. Jesus Christ made all of this possible. We get to be happy because he loves and blesses us! We are the fastest way his truth gets out to all of the world, and yet half the time we don't take our duty seriously.
I know Jesus Christ lives, and I will do all in my power to let the message of eternity never die!
 Joseph Smith Jr. declared:

“The Standard of Truth has been erected; no unhallowed hand can stop the work from progressing; persecutions may rage, mobs may combine, armies may assemble, calumny may defame, but the truth of God will go forth boldly, nobly, and independent, till it has penetrated every continent, visited every clime, swept every country, and sounded in every ear, till the purposes of God shall be accomplished, and the Great Jehovah shall say the work is done.”

And so it shall be. God bless!

If you wanted to read the visiting teaching message, here it is! http://www.lds.org/liahona/2013/02/converted-unto-the-lord?lang=eng

Even the Desert Floods

My morning started off stiff and a little slower than I had intended... I had some pain in my shoulder, but I knew I needed to keep on keeping or else the work we needed to get done would never happen. I worked up the umph to get out of bed and shower. During my shower I noticed that there was little to no water leaving the tub after it came from the shower head. That was odd to me, because our tub usually has a really fast drain. I didn't think much past it, other than that I would ask Myles to send a work order to the family housing office so they could fix it.

Putting my food back into its spot

I tried to call my mom about my shoulder, but she didn't answer, so I made my way down stairs only to find water all over the floor. I looked for the cup that it came from, but I found nothing. I did notice the slightest sound of dripping water. Upon my investigation I found that there was water trickling down the walls of my kitchen! AH! I grabbed all the towels I could find and tried to catch the drips. Then I grabbed all the food out of the cupboards that might get wet and ruined. My mom called me back and my question about my shoulder was completely forgotten. I told her about my flood and that I was doing my best to stop things, but that I didn't know what to do. She had her head on straight, and told me to call the land lord. Oh... DUH!

You want this on your wall, don't you?

I called them and they said they would send someone asap. The back door was open, and my neighbor heard me talking. She told me that she had the same issue! The maintenance guy showed up a few minutes later. When he was told there were two apartments involved he said it was out of his hands, and that he would send the plumber that they use as a contractor. 

All the food on my table.

Myles and I had things to do, and a flush-able toilet was severely needed. We left and hopped they would fix the problem before we came back. I was blessed to be able to get into the Chiropractor. He adjusted my Collar bone. Apparently that was making my shoulder pinch weird. I am so glad he always goes for the problem, rather than fixing the immediate symptom. After spending most of the day at Ann's house, we returned home, hoping to find a fixed main line. As we pulled up, our neighbor happened to be on the way out and she said they had fixed it. Our main line was plugged and everything that came from mine,  and my neighbors plumbing went down my wall! SO GROSS! My Toilet is upstairs! :/

My day was blessed, even though it started off crazy! It even rained!

Our Journey Home

This last weekend we surprised my family in Oregon! What a blessing!

Our trip out was a blast! The surprise worked out amazingly! Both Hannah and Kimber were in tears, shaking and laughing hysterically, Chad was blown off his feet (Not literally), Lillian was excited, Mom was pleased, and Dad… Well he had a reaction that is one of a kind. He was sleeping and I woke him up when I got there. He thought he was having delirious dreams! It was really funny! The whole weekend was filled with joy and laughter!

On the way to the airport!

Hannah was amazing in her show! She is really becoming a star! She had to sing in a pretty voice, rather than a belting voice for this show and although it isn’t her favorite, she really is phenomenal at any style she tries. Watching her kiss a boy was a little weird for me, but I’ll have to get used to that, because she is going places! Kissing boys comes with the territory. 

Our plane to PHX

Although the trip was way exhausting, it was SO much fun! Let me tell you about it more than that small detail though. We started our Journey early on Friday morning; however, it seemed earlier than it was! I had been having trouble sleeping for the entire week for multiple reasons. I had been dreaming about being a detailer in one of the dealerships we cover, as well as dreams about my surprise going all wrong! So getting up before 6 on Friday was indeed a difficult task for me.

The plane ride was just like any other, long, boring and nauseating. We had a LONG layover in phoenix, but we had some lovely gelato during our wait.

Doing Hannah's Hair

The hilarious Emma

We arrived in a clouded over Portland around 3 pm. Meredith picked us up and was out “Taxi” driver for the day! She took us into Salem where I needed to stop at the eye doctor. (I broke mine on Thursday.  I needed to see if they could work me a deal.) She took us to the school, where mom and Hannah were, by route of River Road. The closer we got, the more I had fluttering in my stomach, and my hands started to shake! I was SO excited!

GMA and GPA Mabee

Upon arriving at the school we found Tina, the Janitor. We told her of our plan, and she gladly let us into the Auditorium. The door opened, and I was surprised to find out that the entire cast was on the stage getting notes from the night before. There was no turning back! Hannah’s eyes were drawn to the door as it opened. She jumped up and screamed and ran to me. I let her tackle me as her tears streamed down her face and her body shook with emotion! Meredith had my phone and recorded the whole thing! It is hilarious! Anyhow, Witt didn’t like that I interrupted and called Hannah back after not much time. Mom and watched the whole thing from the top of the room. She was glad to see us! Myles climbed the stairs to her and after Witt broke up Hannah and me, I followed him up there. She was glad to see us! She claims she “knew” we were coming because Myles isn’t sneaky about asking when the show is, but I think she just hoped we would come.

Our Star

Mom sent us to the house really quickly because she was afraid we were going to miss Kimber. She was right to send us, because when we drove up Kimber was sitting in the front room, looking out the window. She was waiting for Raymond to come get her and was confused when my mom’s car drove up. Realizing that someone had seen us, there was no delaying this one either! I hopped out of the car and jogged up the sidewalk toward the door. In the meantime, Kimber let out a blood curdling scream and came to the top of the steps, launching herself quite gracefully off the deck, and into my arms! She was balling and shaking just like Hannah did. She kept saying, “McKay! This is not a funny joke! This is not funny! Oh, McKay!” I’m not sure what she thought was a joke, but it was reality and we were really in the same place! Lillian and Chad came to see what the screaming was about and were just as shocked as everyone else! Lillian screamed at the top of the stairs and ran to us. Soon we had a group hug going because Chad got to the top of the steps and got the greatest look on his face! He said, “McKay? How are you here??” He ran down the stairs and hugged me as tight as he ever has! One of the best parts was that he had asked me the day before when we thought we might be coming next. I told him “For sure June. Hopefully sooner” It is great to feel loved!

Dad was home sick and taking a nap. He does a weird freak out, shaking, zombie thing whenever someone wakes him up in the first place, but as the noise from all the kids barging in filled his room it was especially bad. He started shaking before I even put my hand on his shoulder.though it isn' laughing histerically, Chad was b His eyes opening into tiny slivers. He looked really confused. Then his eye got huge and he said, “ARE YOU MCKAY?” Everyone was laughing hysterically at this point! I couldn’t answer him I was laughing so hard, so I just nodded my head yes… He let out a huge sigh, grabbed my head and slammed it into his shoulder. He was trying to give me a delirious hug. Heh heh!

We spent the next hour with those who were home. Dad even got up from his nap to make us some food! I was glad about that because the last time I ate real food was 5 am their time! I had a chicken burrito then…. At dinner time dad made us breakfast! Haha we had omelets. After dinner we rushed off to the high school to watch Hannah’s show! The whole show was great, but I am completely biased… she was the BEST part! She doesn’t like to sing in her “pretty” voice, but she is SO good. Anything she puts her mind to she will accomplish. We helped get everything put away afterward… 

Just like old times! I miss that!

At home we caught up with everyone and then went to bed. I never realized how crazy uncomfortable that bed I used to sleep on is! Holy Cow! With the exception of camping, I never felt so stiff in my life! Saturday felt as though it came way too early. I was already so tired, so that isn’t saying much… We spent some of the morning dying Hannah’s hair darker so her hair piece matched, and the rest of the morning we spent at La Perla with a family from Myles’ mission. They were so thrilled to see Myles it was cute!

We had a great time and some good eats, but before too long, we had to get back to the family so that we could spend time with my grandparents, who were coming to the show that afternoon by chance. They were excited to see us! We watched the show for a second time. It wasn’t as good as the night before, but still good.

We had some Frozone: Frozen Yogurt with the Grandparents. It was super delish. They couldn’t stay for long, they needed to get over the pass before it got too dark

Myles and I ran some errands for everyone and their dog, then made it back to the school before the last chance to see Hannah in her show. That performance was great! They all were! AH! Hannah is so much more talented than I am! In not so happy news, Lillian rolled her ankle when we got home. It swelled so fast! It was crazy!

Lillian got taken to Urgent care on Sunday morning because mom was concerned about some of the pain she was describing. I was getting updates most of the morning while we were in church. It was great to see everyone! Susan was ecstatic! I really do like her! The rest of Sunday was spent with family. We watched a movie, Hotel Transylvania is really cute, by the way. We cleaned, cooked, and ate together. Played some games. Ray and I fixed my computer. I was so glad to be home! Mom was so kind as to adjust both Myles, and Myself. That was so good. I don’t think I was off too horribly, but it was nice to get back on track.

Monday began at an early 3:30 am… Dad drove us to the airport and our return journey began.  This one was only slightly shorter, but it seemed much more so because I slept the whole time! We got into El Paso around 1:30 and unfortunately had to work. That was one LONG day.

All in all, we were SO glad to be there and to have been able to visit! I miss them so much! We had a fabulous time and we can’t wait to get there in June! :D

Lessons Learned

Not unlike any other time I sit down to blog, I don't know what to write about. I don't understand why that is! I mean, lets be perfectly honest, I am an opinionated lady! I get that from my mom. ;) The last blog I wrote was about starting anew and being an example of Christian behavior. I have been able to do that everyday, even if it is the smallest of things. The thing that sticks out to me most is something that happened today.

I <3 this

I was filling up with gas-a not so happy experience-and I noticed a man right away who seemed to be bundled up a lot for the cold and he was pacing, I assumed that to be because he was cold. He walked up to me, seemingly nervous, and said, "Excuse me miss, I know this is a lot to ask, I can see you're already spending money right now, but would you happen to have some change I could have. I haven't eaten in 2 days and I am looking to buy a sandwhich." I quickly pulled my wallet and asked him how much. I was fully willing and ready to give him everything he needed for his lunch. He turned it down and said he only wanted $2 from me. I finished filling up the car and went on with the rest of the day. As I drove away I thanked my heavenly father for the opportunity to serve someone today.

Goofy is my middle name!

Over the last few weeks life has been crazy busy. Myles' older brother got married. It was a nice ceremony and reception. I helped out with some of the decorating and did some sound things for the actual wedding portion of the day. It was a fun and exciting atmosphere, but I do have to admit the gratitude I felt that someone else planned my wedding. I was exceptionally pleased with the decorations at both receptions, and the Temple sealing truly is a great experience. Although there was some drama, by our own choosing we filled the night with fun! It was a long 2 days, but they were seriously fun ones! We were asked to give talks on the following Sunday so that was a little more hectic than we anticipated. Our talks were very much guided by the spirit.

Our job has some major ups and downs when it comes to a first week to the second kind of a basis. We get paid per car. We have absolutely no control over what lots have how much work for us. Because of that our pay checks can vary a lot, causing our money conscious minds to freak out a little bit. We started looking into new job opportunities, however after much prayer and a visit to the temple, we have been instructed to stick this job out. We don't know if that will be another month or until May when we move, but we are thankful to have a job, and we will stick it out as long as the Lord asks us to.

This might be my favorite picture

My new calling in the ward is Relief Society Activities Coordinator. I really had a hard time accepting this to be my call, but I told the bishop I would do it, and I started into my new job. It was a hard experience at first! You will all be glad to know that I have had a change of heart! I have my first activity planned and I am so excited! I am thankful for the people that have accepted to be on my committee. They are a real blessing to me! Our Valentines activity is going to be a great one!

I am in love with my visiting teaching route and my fabulous companion Christine. She is a great friend and I know it was perfect for both of us at this time. The Sisters we visit are strong, faithful, ambitious, beautiful women who are examples to me! I'm thankful that God has provided this program to women in the Church. It really is inspired, even if it takes me a while to get out of my dear mothers attitude. :P

Bridesmaids!

Our wedding pictures came! Sharlene Fagersten with Your Good Side Photography did a super amazing job! The pictures have an assortment of beautiful pictures, serious pictures, and down right fun ones! I am so thankful she agreed to do it, even while she was in school and working, both full time.

We are FAMILY!

Myles got a new tie from Hannah

We went to the Temple this past weekend. It was, as the Temple always is, a beautiful experience. I wanted so badly to have "more profound experience than I have before" moment. However, I asked in my prayers that I would only have what I was ready for. That proved to be a hard thing for me. It was wonderful! However it was the same wonderful as I always thought it was, and I was feeling disappointed that the feeling I thought I wanted didn't happen. I walked out of the temple, trying to keep my head high, but I had this nagging wish that something more would have happened. I became bitter and then saddened because I knew that isn't a feeling you are supposed to have when you come out of the temple. The following day I was able to be touched by the spirit and was finally able to be taught something. I have been taught this by friends, teachers, loved ones, and the spirit countless times. The lesson is: The Lord works in his own time, no matter how faithful and obedient we are. I am now beyond my negative feelings and proud to say that I love going to the temple! Despite my desire for a "profound" something to happen, I know that God is going to work in his time. He is constant. He always has done things in his all seeing time, and he always will. My little human mind sometimes can't grasp that concept. Good thing God sends me the same lesson over and over. Maybe one of these times I'll get it.

My hair is getting its length and curl back at the same time!

I hope everyone is doing well! We are so blessed and thankful to be where we are at right now. Be Faithful!

PS-If you want to see more pictures, there are tons on my facebook!

Starting something new

Myles bulding out table from Ann with tools from my parents

Our Christmas and New Year went very well. We had fun and spent them with Myles family. I wont say it was easy not being with my family, if I did, I'd be lying but all in all I survived and I know it may not get easier, but I will be able to bear it better as time goes. We were blessed by many presents by others and were able to stick to a strict budget for our gifts to others so we didn't go under! It was a fun time and we didn't forget the true meaning of Christmas. We skyped with my family at the end of the day and they called me when they opened our presents to them. That, for me, started the ever lasting fight over the tears. I tried so hard not to cry all day. It was really hard. I made it through though! It didn't help that they were hanging up with me to go skype my not-my-husband best friend, Brother Jon and I didn't get to.

He's so handy

We spent the rest of Christmas week working and new years eve was spent watching Pitch Perfect. (I enjoyed the music but it was very crude at some parts) and shooting fireworks. I think my inlaws learned for themselves that I like sleeping and I don't like the cold. Myles woke me up from my couch nap to get me to watch fireworks and I was crabby and freezing!!

  

Our pathetic claim to snow. It sure was cold!

We helped Gpa Nielsen harvest Pecans

We are glad to start this new year!! :) It will bring adventures of every kind!

Myles shaking the nuts off the trees

2013 is starting off with a chill! We have had snow falling for nearly 30 hours. Guess how much stuck to the ground?? Maybe a total of 2 inches... It's mostly gone now. It's crazy to me that people "can't drive" in this. The roadway is completely clear of any snow! Nothing stuck to the pavement. lol It makes me miss home more than ever. Especially today... Anyway, the down side to the snow is that we can't work when there is snow on all our cars. That made it a little difficult for us this week, with them being closed on new years day, and then the snow, we weren't able to get as much done and got no where near our goal. A goal is just that though, a goal! You can set a goal and not make it because of elements of life you cannot control. Such as weather and what days people close their businesses.
Through all of this I'm trying to remember something that my dear friend and Freshman seminary teacher always said. "During trials, don't ask 'why is this happening to me?' but ask 'what am I supposed learn from this?' And so, even though that is the one of the most difficult, humbling questions one can ask themselves, that is what I ask.

What am I supposed to learn? Sometimes I ask myself that when I'm at church and the speaker is boring, or the lesson is not grabbing my attention. At that point I can usually teach myself something pretty great with the help of the Holy Ghost. However, when this question is posed in the face of a trial, the answer always seems to come more slowly. The answer is never apparent until far after the trial is over. I have decided for myself that in the case of missing being with my family, and having rough work weeks, that my answer is faith. That must be it! It's fairly general, but I can always use more! Faith, Hope, and Charity, right?

Today Myles and I watched a man with his dog,
who appeared to be homeless or at least lived a very meager life style. He had just purchased a warm drink from Starbucks and he and his dog tried to stay close together through the snow to be warm. The man was trying so desperately to assist his dog to climb a wall, when he put his drink down on the wall and squatted down so his dog could climb up him. On the dogs first attempt he didn't make it so the man moved a little bit and the dog jumped up him again. Only this time the dog bumped the scolding drink and it spilled, melting what snow was around it. Not only did the man not have a warm drink to keep him through the cold, but it had spilled all over his shabby bag. He helped his dog up the wall the rest of the way and stood up. He looked up at the skies and shook his fists in anguish. He appeared to be cursing God. My very first instinct when his drink spilled was, "quick! Do we have cash in the car? Find it before the light turns!" I wanted him to have his warm drink in the cold. We were not able to find anything smaller than a $20 in the car, and I almost wanted to give him all of it. I missed my chance and as we passed by him, he and the dog we finding cover under the awning of an empty building. I wanted so desperately to stop but we had work to do. What a lame excuse! I have been thinking about this all day long. Why couldn't we have stopped? If only to see if he had been burned! I wish so badly that we had chosen to show him that God really was out there and looking out for him. There are days that I want to complain about the things that I don't have, or about how such and such a thing went wrong. On those days I still know that God lives, and loves me! He is watching out for me and my family, and he always knows my heart aches. I usually don't make resolutions, but this year I did. This year my goal is to find someone everyday, who I can be an example to. I want to let everyone I come in contact with know that I believe in Jesus Christ! Not by my words alone, but by my actions as well.

Jesus Lives!

Christmas?

It will be Christmas in 4 days. This year is going to be a lot different than I have ever experienced it. It's not only a a first for me, but a first for a lot of people. It will be Myles and my first Christmas together <3, My sweet nephew Ben's first Christmas ever, Mom's first time not being with all of her kids at least for a little bit on Christmas day, My first Ski season without hitting the slopes with my friends, My first Christmas apart from my family, the first time M&M will have to really watch a Christmas budget closely, and the first time that I get to work like my mom did to bring the Christmas spirit into my own home.

It always struck me that my mom did everything within her means to give presents to a lot of people. Not only that, but presents that actually meant something. Weather or not that present may or may not have been a note, or something cheesy, or even something extravagant never mattered. It was always something that she worked hard on. This year she didn't get time to wrap the presents that she sent to our house. I had to open the boxes to see if the fragile things inside had made it in one piece. The boxes were a little ragged looking so I had to look... I didn't want to because the underside of our tree is sort of bare and I want to have something for us to open on Christmas. I grudgingly looked inside the first box and inspected the glass thing, tears welled up. I had to take a deep breath and hold them back as I searched the rest of the box. I pulled it together, and looked in the next box. All was in tact. Now, I am an extremely emotional person already, but I started to cry because my super amazing, and exceptionally thoughtful mommy sent me a clear Glass picture frame thing with the words, "REMEMBER WHO YOU ARE" in big bold black letters engraved on it. Now, to most, these are just the words from the Lion King that Simba's dad says to him. But to me, these are the words my mom said to me every time I got out of the car, walked out the door, left her presence in any way, or just needed a reminder. She always told me on the way out the door for school, "Bye, love you. Be good. Remember who you are!" To most kids that would annoy, but to me it was always the reminder that I was 1. A daughter of a heavenly king. 2. To be a Shining example to all around me. 3. That I was McKay Boyack (Maxey) and that I am a strong, confident young women that could get through anything.

So when you get a present that is thoughtful, take the time to appreciate it! The people that gave it to you, think you are amazing and want you to be happy.

Now, spreading the Christmas spirit in our house has been a little bit hard. Myles and I are constantly on the go, and work takes up a big part of our lives, even during the Christmas "break". So this year has been different when it came to spreading Christmas spirit. We don't have the money or the time to do it like my mom does! The Christmas goody making was on short supply this year! Usually mom, Hannah, or myself makes a ton of goodies and we put them on plates and either ding-dong-ditch them, or go caroling. We did ditch one loaf of banana bread that I made at a friends house, but our caroling  numbers are on short supply with just the two of us. So we made a total of 4 loaves of bread, and ditched one. We have done no caroling, and basically the only Christmas music we hear is what is played on the radio. My father would be pleased to know that the Carpenters are not forgotten when it comes to "Sunny 99.9". We finally have some wrapped presents under our tree, but sadly most of them will be moving on to Ann's house to be opened with Myles' family because only 2 of them are for either of us. So, to me, it feels that Christmas spirit is lacking within my home, but that's probably just because I'm an adult with a full-time job, and no children to make it seem like the most magical part of the year.

I had a hard time getting presents for Myles because he didn't mention anything he wanted, and he pretty much has everything he needs. I am not very creative, but I finally came up with one present that he didn't tell me he needed after I forced it out of him. I'm really hoping that he likes it, because I thought it was pretty ingenious! Myles, however, is the surprise present extraordinaire and claimed to have lots of ideas for me! I'm excited to see what he came up with!

Ben is having his first Christmas, but I hear he isn't very interested in the tree or the presents. Maybe he will be once he realizes he gets to rip everything apart. I'm sad I don't get to see it, but I'm sure I will get a full report, so I will live through it.

Budgeting is an old hat for us, so managing Christmas has not been too bad. :)

Although these are all things about Christmas, I have been thinking about the true meaning, and why we are all even here on the earth. Jesus Christ is the reason! He is not only the reason for this season, but the reason that we all live in joy and happiness. There are scary things in the world, but guess what? Christ over came it all. He is Almighty, he is the Prince of Peace, he is the reason I find blessings in each day, and he is the Good News! Jesus Christ is born! He died and has risen again, so that we can be free! Let us not forget to live joyfully, but also to live prayerfully, kindly, gently, righteously, and with a true testimony of the love that our Father in heaven and his son, Jesus Christ love and bless us. Extend a helping hand to those in need, smile at the people you come in contact with, be cheerful, find the tender mercies, be the one who reaches out to the one, and live the Gospel to the fullest!

We are blessed to live in a warm home, and an extremely full refrigerator and cupboards, have good friends, a job, a fuel efficient car, families who love and care for us, and most of all, the knowledge that Jesus Christ is our Savior and King.

Merry Christmas to all! May God bless you and your families! May your testimonies, and the testimonies of the Youth of the world shine brightly. Praise to the Lord, The Almighty! He is my all!

Mom, this is for you

My mom was chastising me for not writing a blog recently, so here I am, fingering away at the keyboard trying to think of something fun to tell you guys.
I think since my last blog I have had a few exciting things happen, so here goes! We'll see if I can get them all!

Me and my parents in front of our (Myles and mine) favorite Mexican restaurant! Seriously, if you're in Cruces area, eat at Chopes. Most delicious food I've had. 

I think the biggest thing was that my mom actually got on a plane to come see me! It had only been a week, but she missed me that much! We also happened to be throwing the New Mexico reception on the same weekend so it worked out well. ;)

Pic of us from the Cruces reception

We took them out to eat, which turned out that they took us out even though we had been planning on paying. Silly parents... haha anyway, we got to go back to my parents hotel. They had chairs so we decided it would be better that way. We are still working on getting a table and chairs... We had a great time talking, and giggling with each other, all while the dog across the hallway was going crazy!

My NM BFF Beth and I. She was a HUGE help! Love you!

The reception here went well! It didn't seem like there were as many people, but it was still a blast! We danced and greeted people, my Dad had the slide show going again, we even had little kids running across the gym and sliding on their bellies. It was a lot of fun! I did tell Myles that he was not to shove cake in my face this time. I might have cried. haha. I was too tired to think it was funny. It had been a long week of moving in and jumping back into work and I just couldn't trust myself to react well. All was well, we were kind to each other when it came time to cut the cake. The night ended well and there were a lot of people there to help us take down. It truly was a blessed occasion.

Sunday we were up bright and early to get my parents to the airport. It was not an easy thing to leave them there again. We likely will not see them until June for sandcastles. But I do know that the Lord provides for the things that will bless his children. Maybe if I'm lucky an miracle will happen and we will be financially great! Anyway, we made our way back to Cruces to make it in time for Myles' mom's ward sacrament meeting. We were in such a rush when we got home that I didn't even notice until halfway through church that I forgot to put my bra on! Talk about distraction from the spirit! I was laughing so hard, and I'm sure the people around me thought I was nuts! Good thing I was only visiting. Haha! Today, on the way to church I had to make sure that I had one on before Myles got too far from the house.

Myles eating ice cream on our rockin' 70's couch

We have mainly been working non-stop since we got back nearly 2 weeks ago. This last week was a little stressful. The policies and procedures are changing with some of the dealerships we work with so they wanted to "train" us in the new way. Problem is, we asked them what they wanted us to do different, and they said, "Oh, just look on the website and do what you think looks the best. Uh... We were already doing that, thanks... We did end up changing a few of the pictures to make them more "appealing to the eye". Hopefully it will solve the drama problem and we can go on with our lives.

A different angle

My adorable nativity

Today we went to our new ward. They seemed friendly enough! There was a couple people in there that Myles knows. Some kids from his seminary class are in it, so that is fun! We got all of our information to the bishopric and I assume we will be getting callings within the next few weeks. The lesson for third hour was on forgiveness. Although it was very well taught, I had a thought during the lesson that i never got to share. One of the headers in the lesson was, "Forgiveness frees us from the burden of hatred." Or something along those lines... The thought came to me that not only does forgiveness free our spirits, but it frees our bodies as well. I don't think many people realize the adverse effect holding a grudge can have on our bodies. I learned this, not only from my mom, but it was a huge subject in massage school as well. The minute we have an adverse reaction to something or someone, our body makes a mark, so that we can hold on to it. As LMT's we are taught to be supportive and understanding when clients break down on the table. When you work out a "knot" in someones body, it's brings to the surface emotions which were present when the knot was placed there. If there was anger, fear, confusion, sadness, pain, etc it can all come up. When you forgive a person or a situation, your spirit is freed and you can live with the spirit more fully, but in addition to that, your body can live up to it's more full potential. AH! So exciting! Thanks for reading my thought, moving on now.

Look at that cute Ref! ;)

Today we also in-listed the help of our good friend Trevor and got our couch moved in, so now we have more than one place to sit. It is really wonderful to feel like it's all getting together! Yesterday Myles and I put in a team effort and cleaned the house to prepare. Because my couch finally got moved in, that means my nativity went up too! A lady from my mom's ward gave us an ethnic nativity! It really is beautiful, very different, but beautiful the same! I don't think I've seen any similar to it. 

Our oven is really small and there is no room on either side or our pizza stone.

Myles has been reffing basketball and I think I'm slowly coming to understand the sport. It really is one that confuses me. I don't understand all the rules yet, or why the players or the ref's do what they do, but I'm getting there and I'm enjoying watching! I told Myles all I wanted for Christmas was a stadium seat! On the day's that he works two games, my back starts to kill! I am really glad I get to watch him, even if it does hurt my back sometimes.

Our stockings, made by Kimber! <3

Kimber sent us our Christmas/Wedding present! They are adorable and I couldn't ask for anything more! We plan on getting our tree up by Wednesday at the latest, and I am starting to feel like it's Christmas, even though it's still in the 70's. I hear tomorrow is supposed to be colder, but we'll see what actually happens. 

We had some sniffles and aches recently but those have passed. Myles has been putting thieves and peppermint oil into our humidifier so we wake up as fresh and clear as can be! We are busy, and doing well. I wish you all a merry, happy holiday season.