Okay lets catch up!

It has been so long since I have given an update. Lets go way back to where we left off (to say way back is a bit of an understatement).  We were able to go to Michigan over Manorial day weekend! It was so much fun. Michigan is beautiful. I fell in love with how green it was! I could not be more blessed to marry into the family I did. I was given the grand tour of Detroit. I saw everything from the bridge to Canada and the different churches around. It was so different to see the churches with gates around them.

We went to Mexican town. Brian was excited to take me there. While we were there we got our birthday presents from his parents. They surprised us with Detroit Tigers shirts and tickets. We went to the game that night, Brian was in heaven. This couldn't have been more fun. Well that is what we thought. While we were sitting there watching the grounds crew set up for the game we saw someone come up the stairs with a big stroller. It took a minute to registrar but we realized that it was Mark, Juliane and Adam! What we thought was a great surprise was made even better. It was nice to spend that time with everyone.

I felt spoiled because the next morning we went to the Detroit Zoo! Brian made fun of me before we left because I was so excited to go. I know I am a dork but I just love Zoo's! We met Ryan, Christine, and the girls there. This was the first time meeting Ryan and the Girls it was great to meet them. Everyone is so inviting. I couldn't have felt more loved. I will say I was happy to spent time with my new cute nieces! The zoo was really fun there was a butterfly room, reptile house, and polar exhibit! It was great to see Brian with his family. There is so much I learn about him everyday. He is such a loving patient man!

After the zoo we picked up Lauren from the airport! I was so excited to spend time with her it had been way too long. I have missed her a lot! The reception was that night and it was wonderful Juliane and Mom worked so hard and did such an amazing job. I met many people that have been a huge part of Brian's life. Everyone was so kind! On Sunday we had a family barbeque. Ryan is quite the cook. Christine was so sweet to have us over to her house. We were so sad to leave on Monday. the trip was too short but it was great to see where Brian came from.

                                      
Well the next few months got crazy. I was working full time and Brian was in school. I was able to interview for student teaching positions and took the offer from West Kearns Elementary. I graduated from BYU-I (well I walked). My mom and grandma were able to come visit it was so fun to have them in Rexburg with us. That same weekend Tim and Cassie and their kids came into town for education week. Brian and I watched the kids while they went to education week. We had so much fun playing with them and seeing how much they have grown. It was sad to see them leave but it was time for our big adventure.

The Fourth of July in Idaho Falls

 

 

Graduation with Grandma and Mom

 

Concert for Ryan Shupe and the Rubberband

Moving to Utah

Once graduating was over we packed our things and left for Utah. We live in Cottonwood heights now. We love the ward that we are in and the support that they are to us. It is nice to also be closer to family. The times that we have had to spend together have been great. Brian is working so hard. I feel so blessed that he has been well enough to work such long days. Being here so far has been a humbling experience. I have felt that we have been in the dark for a while now but we keep praying that the light will come soon. 

I have seen many sweet mercies while we have been here and I know that the Lord is watching out for us. We are learning more and more about each other and I know that I am falling more and more in love with Brian each day. 

I have had some time to think either while I am out on runs or I am in the car on my commute to the school. I am truly blessed to be in the career that I am. I see happy smiling faces everyday. The school that I am teaching at it a rough school. The neighborhood is not the best. Our school is about 80% poverty. It is a blessing to watch these children who have seen, and go through things that no human should go though, smile, laugh and play. It reminds me that even in times of struggle there can always be joy. While we have been here I have found that the girls I am student teaching with are such a sweet blessing. I learn so much from each one that I dont think they understand. Watching the passion that they have to teach and to serve the Lord is changing me forever. I am so greatful for their kind listening ears.

The West Kearns Girls

I know I know this has been the worlds longest blog! I just want to say that we are blessed beyond what the eye can see. I have found that yes when it rains it pours but, there is always a place to go and escape the storm. Find something you love and do it. I have seen that as I run more and sing more. I am finding more joy in my life. I know that the bad will pass and one day I will look back and know that I was never alone. Not only did I have the most amazing husband there to help me but, we had family, friends and most of all our Savior to lift us out of the gloom and despair. Thank you all for being such wonderful blessings in our lives!

At Steve and Melissa's wedding

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The trail that is right behind our neighborhood! (aka my favorite place to run)

My wonderful student teaching class

 oh and P.S. I didn't mention but I love my mentor teacher! She is amazing and I am going to learn so much!