Anaheim has a HUGE Piece of my Heart

It has been 2 years since I have come home from serving my mission in Anaheim, California! Not a day goes by that I do not think of the year and a half I spent there. I remember the people I met by knocking on their doors or talking to them in the streets. I remember those times when we were invited into homes. I remember the things that strangers, members, missionary companions, other missionaries, my mission presidents and their wives' taught me. I remember the miracles that I witnessed and felt daily. I remember the times that the work was just too hard and I cried. I remember the times when I was so happy with the work that was happening, I cried. I remember those moments when the spirit would testify to me of my Savior, Jesus Christ and His love. The times when I strongly grew to know the Book of Mormon was true and the times that I felt and knew that the church of Jesus Christ has been restored! My mission was a wonderful and life changing experience and I loved it all!  Thanks to everyone that I met. You have helped change my life! 

Life 2 Years Later

Enjoying: 

Married life

and smores ice cream <----- that stuff is good. 

Living:

Utah 

Looking Forward To: 

Warm weather!

Reading:

Harry Potter #4

Job: 

Part time school in Special Education at the USU Orem Campus. 

Also working as a Special Education para educator. 

Working On:

 Homework and organizing videos since being married. 

Current Church Calling:

Emergency Preparedness Coordinator 

How My Testimony Has Grown:

I have developed a huge appreciation and love for visiting teaching and how it truly does bless lives. This program is truly inspired by the Lord as I have seen Him involved in it. I have been on the receiving end and it was a blessing. I've seen how visiting teaching is needed by others. Also, since marrying Andrew this past year my testimony of eternal families has grown. How grateful I am that I do not need to fear of losing him, my parents and brother, or my future family to come. How much God loves us! How much He wants us to be happy! I have a better understanding of how important having Christ in the center of your life is. Being a missionary, that's just what we did, but in real life it's harder. I've seen that as I read the scriptures, attend church, have family home evening, go to the temple, I am literally so much happier. God is good!

My Top 20[16]

I can't believe that 2016 is over!
Corny alert ahead... but whenever we ring in a new year I am always a little sad about the one left behind. The things I learned. The experiences that happened. Then I realize that I have a great opportunity for the current year and I get excited again!

In 2016 I had many tears shed. It was a HARD year!
Life was unpredictable 90% of the time with major life decisions.
I really struggled with college. Not academically but in other ways.
It was a lot of trying hard to be happy but not always succeeding.

2016 had it's moments of pure joy as well and I like to remember those!
Here are some of my absolute ones that made 2016 one to always remember!


1. Got engaged.

2. Went to the Provo City Center Temple open house 3x's + the dedication.
One of the most beautiful things ever.

3. Saw Zootopia. Literally, one of the best movies. It made it to the top of the year list!

4. Met Alex Boye.
(I don't know why I'm wearing all black. What was I thinking?)

5. Andrew and I ended our long distance relationship. Both local and so much better!

6. One last hurrah with my family at our cabin as Clifton's.

7. Became Mrs. Earl.

8. Took my first cruise EVER! 

9. Disneyland with the best guy.

10. Andrew's company gave us a weekend getaway for him working at the company for 5 years!

11. I got to meet Al Fox Carraway (read her book, "More than the Tattooed Mormon").

12. Washington DC.

13. Got accepted into the USU Special Education Program.
(this was a huge relief, my acceptance letter got lost and I was freaking out that I didn't get in. Luckily, I did get in!)

14. Made new friends.

15. Arches with my parents.

16. Temple Square to the Christmas lights. This day was perfect and so needed!

2016 has a lot of good memories. I'm excited to experience all the memories that 2017 will bring!

And this year I will have Andrew with me the entire time. No more long distance!

Marriage is a wonderful thing.