President Hinckley

I have been reflecting today about what President Hinckley meant to me. I wanted to share just a couple things that he said that have truly impacted me and that I try to live by today. These things may seem small to some, or all, of you, but for whatever reason they really registered with me.

First, I remember sitting in a conference priesthood session with Dad and Mike when I was still in high school. I'm sure I wasn't paying too much attention until these words caught my ear, "Husbands, cherish your wives." It was so simple, but it hit me so hard. It caused me to think about what it meant to cherish your spouse. There was never a better example of this than President Hinckley. I have never forgotten those words and have tried to truly cherish Steph because of it. He later said that successful marriages are brought about by each individual caring a little more about their spouse than they care about themselves. How true.

While I was on my mission President Hinckley gave one of the greatest talks that I've ever heard. I can't possibly sum up the whole talk here, so I will just encourage all of you to look up his talk entitled "Testimony" that he gave in conference in 04' or 05'. Again, I'm not sure that it will impact all of you the same way that it impacted me, but it can't hurt to try.

I don't know if any of you know this, but I spoke in a sacrament meeting that President Hinckley presided over. I had just returned from Boston and was asked to speak in the 1st ward. Needless to say, I was shocked when I walked in and saw him on the stand, and I still have no idea why he was there. Now I don't know about all of you, but speaking with the prophet in attendance seems incredibly daunting, and I expected myself to buckle under the pressure. While on my mission I had spoken many times in front of stake presidents, area authorities, seventies, and once in front of an apostle, and every time I was nervous. But this time I wasn't nervous and I'll tell you why. You hear all the time about how President Hinckley was so loving. Well, this time when I got up to speak, I didn't feel judged or inadequate or unworthy, I just felt loved. In that moment I knew that, even though he didn't know me, he loved me. Because of this experience, I know for myself what people mean when they say that President Hinckley was so loving. He really did love all of us and was the greatest example of Christ-like love that I've ever known. Thank you President Hinckley for your incredible life.

Three Cheers for Steph!!!

She did it! She passed! And it only took 4 hours and 265 questions to do it. She was understandably nervous, because the test can be as few as 75 questions and as many as 265. Very few people that we have talked to had all 265 of the questions, so we weren't sure what to think. All I can say is great job Steph and thank goodness its over!

Bored Stiff

You all know how excited we have been to have Steph graduated and working, so it may surprise you to know that I am not all that excited anymore. The combination of Steph working, Steph constantly studying for the N-CLEX (Wednesday), and my light school schedule (one class) have left me so bored that I've taken up reading. Steph is only working 3 times a week but it feels more like 5. On the days that she works, she is up by 5, out the door by 5:45, and doesn't get home until close to 7. When she gets home, she has a quick bite and then hits the books. The days that she doesn't work are filled with studying. What a trooper! She is understandably nervous about the test, but she has put in the work and will do great! We should have her results on Thursday and will let you all know.

The most fun that we've had in a while was Friday when we went to see The Kite Runner, which was a great, eye-opening, movie. It is set in Afghanistan, which made us think of Mark and Amber who start their deployment on Tuesday. I have a hard time telling them how I feel, so I hope they read this. Mark and Amber are two of our heroes. Everyone should give them a call and let them know how proud we are of them. Thanks for your sacrifice guys! We love you.

On a lighter note, one of the best things ever is back in stores. Dreyers' Thin Mint ice cream is by far the best ice cream ever! Since it was pulled from the shelves in April I have looked for it every single time we have gone to the store. If you don't believe me just ask Steph. I love it! Since its return on Thursday, I have had at least one shake a day and have gone through two half gallons. Just try it and I'm sure you'll agree.

Tagged

I think I was tagged a long time ago and never did it and Greg asked me about it the other day, so I guess I better do it before I forget.

1. Where did you meet your husband? We lived in the same apartments. Greg fresh from a mission and me fresh from high school. We met, I liked his roommate, I thought Greg was nerdy, we were friends for a long time and then something clicked.

2. First thing said? I really don't remember, but I know that when we very first met we didn't really talk much. It takes me awhile to warm up and get talkative.

3. 1st date? We went 3D mini golfing, dinner at the Pasta Factory, and to the airport lookout for surprise sparkling cider in wine glasses. And a visit from some sort of large wild cat.

4. 1st Kiss? Greg's apartment after watching Beautiful Mind. It was dark, some awkward silence, and I was dying because it had been established that I was to make the move. (long story, if you want to know I will tell you later)!

5. We dated for 7 months and then I went to Alaska for the summer (3 months) and we got engaged the day I got home and then married about 5 months later. Never wanted a winter wedding but it turned out great.

6. Where did you get engaged? It was supposed to be at the airport, but I kind of spoiled that one. So it happened in Memory Grove in Salt Lake. I had never been there but it is so beautiful. A long walk to the bridge and there we were standing in rose petals. And then Greg popped the question.

7. Where were you married? Logan temple

8. How did the reception go? Good. They both were long and exhausting. Wait I wouldn't say the one in Salt Lake started out so good. The time was ticking and people were arriving and my mom, who had my dress, was still MIA. For those of you who were there, or who know me, I of course had a emotional breakdown. All in all it was great!

9. Where did you go on your honeymoon? We went to Salt Lake because it was right before Christmas and we wanted to be with our families and we had a reception in the middle of our honeymoon. It was still fun to be downtown at Christmas time.

10.Do you have a song? No not really. Some that we both liked but "we" didn't have a song.

I tag Lara and Aimee

Under Construction

As you all seem to have noticed we are in the midst of making some changes to our blog. The plan is to make the blog bigger and better for a bigger and better 2008.

Among our plans for 2008 are Steph passing the N-CLEX, Greg getting into and starting nursing school (cross your fingers!), moving into a nicer place (hopefully with a pool and an extra room for all of you), graduating from the scoot to a Rav4, Boston, Yosemite, pool parties, a Colbie Caillat concert with A-Cakes and Em, and much much more! While one of us will definitely miss Alaska, we are both excited for a summer in the sun and we look forward to seeing a lot more of all of you. So here's to a great 2008!