Sept. 25- Spoiled

It is humbling to love and witness the love back. I truly was so very spoiled for my 45th birthday. Cheri and Ariel went all out for my birthday at school and all the coworkers who don't even really know me came to my room and sang to me. Jody came to work with balloons and cupcakes for the students. It was so amazing. My dad got the family pizza and me a Whole Foods cake that took 2.5 hours to drive to get. I am truly the luckiest woman on earth. I can't even adequately say how blessed I feel and honored I feel to be with these people. I also got 3 new pairs on fast running shoes. I feel seen. And I do have to mention the beautiful thoughtful cards the girls wrote. They were poems to my soul. Eli also got me the funnest shoe tags that say, "I ain't no snow hoe bitch." (Inside joke)

 

Sept. 19- Kim's 45th

This was quite the time for me and Kim to hang out and celebrate her birthday in Sierraville. It was beautiful and I could feel the spirit guiding me. Life is always throwing twists and turns, but God knows everything and places us in the places we need to be to do His will.

 

June 24ish- Staff Infections

We had a beautiful play date with our friends the McMillens. We went up to Callahan Park and played in the streams. And apparently me and Ella had cuts on our toes that turned to staff infections within 1 day of each other. 2 trips to Urgent Care later, both SUPER quick due to new wait time updates, we had our meds and were better in time for Spain. Painful and annoying, but ever so grateful for American Health Care.... see Portugal in July for more info. (Also just a random picture of Alex as a Viking Runner)

 

June 23- Heading Home

Jody and I were trying to go to the Oakland temple and it was closed. We ate another hands down delicious breakfast, this time in Berkley. We walked around and hit a paper store where Jody found a fanny pack with a light. He is my person. I love to do things with him. Forgiveness and growth are possible.

Pain is also very present still. At the temple I was very distraught. I mourn what should have been and what was covenanted and broken. It's ok to have happiness and pain. It's ok to reflect and be sad about the past. It's also ok to move forward and keep trying and find out that you are strong and resilient. That you have so much to learn. That every experience is to teach you and help you become who God has destined you to be.

You are never alone in your suffering. You may not see them, but angels surround you and weep with you. And they dry your tears and help you up. And The Savior takes your chin gently in His loving hands and helps you remember how very special and how very loved you are.

 

March 23- Ladybug Lake

70 degrees. 100's of runners in packs. The most beautiful trail with the Austin city in the background. Soft dirt/asphalt. I give Austin running a 8/10.... the heat is a little bit killer but everything else is AMAZING.

 

March 4- Whoopsie Daisy!

I reached for my water bottle and accidentally hit a curb. I didn't expect Jody to come help because we have AAA, but he came right over and waited with me the whole time. It was nice to have him there for me.

 

Dec. 4- Roseville Temple, My Happy Place

Sometimes I need to just get away. Not from anything in my life, just the past and things I had no control over. I am so grateful for the temple and the relief I find there. I'm grateful for the hustle and bustle of Christmas and all the happy people around me. Most importantly I'm grateful for The Savior who knows how I feel.

 

Oct. 7- I love to see the Temple

Sometimes you just need to go to the temple. Ella waited for us and read scriptures. 

Scriptures that we felt impressed on there were Joshua 1:18 "Be strong and of good courage" 

and John 8:14 "I know whence I came and whither I go"

I have a firm testimony that we are beloved children of our Heavenly Father and Mother. We came from our home above and will return when we are done. The temple is a place where we can make covenants and feel the love from our divine parents. I'm so grateful to be able to go there and know these truths. My life has so much meaning knowing my purpose.