A Beautiful Soul

We meet so many people throughout our life. A mean, a TON of people if you really think about it. Acquaintances, neighbors, roommates, grocery store clerks--the list goes on and on. But it's those people that touch our life that, corny as it sounds, stay with us forever.

After hearing the death of Michelle Crossan, I couldn't help but to accept the overwhelming feeling of sorrow. I bawled the duration of the night and succumbed to the feelings of losing a good friend. I kept telling Carl about the things I loved about her, and then (being the English major I am) hated the fact that I was talking about Michelle in the past tense. Carl quickly remedied this and reminded me that Michelle still lives. Though she is parted from her body, her spirit is still alive. This is a belief of my religion and I have been comprehending and embracing it more than ever.

On earth, I feel as though Michelle had many dreams and ambitions. She wanted to be a missionary--not literally called on a mission, but be a missionary in her every day life. Her bright spirit and example touched so many people. I know she influenced many to feel the love of the Savior in their life. Michelle had an overwhelming desire to attend the temple. One of her lasts posts was all about the her love of temples. I couldn't help but cry and laugh at one of her comments, "Peace begins with a smile... SO SMILE!" While we are all searching for the peace during this trying time, Michelle still gives us comfort :) In one year, Kristina will be able to do her work; I can't imagine the joy and ecstasy that day will bring.

Michelle is the second person I know to pass away. My grandma was the first. I hope hope hope they meet soon. They would be the best of friends :) Michelle was a friend to all she met, and will create more friendships in this next stage of life. Remember all the joy and life she brought into your life, and this heartache will gradually pass.

I love this picture :)

Pintrest Perfection

I, like my good friend Caitlin, finally sorted through my "craft board" on Pintrest and completed a craft! It was simply exhilarating. No joke. I'm planning another craft session for myself next week!

I decided to make my own coasters seeing as it was relatively inexpensive. You can find the link on my Pintrest board but it doesn't take you to the original blog. I simply had to follow the directions left from another Pinner. So to be brief:

• I bought 4 tiles from Home Depot for .16 cents each (I want to go buy 4 more now!)
• I had to buy Modge Podge since I did not own any at the time (about $3)
• I already had scrap book paper
• I currently need to buy some felt and maybe some clear spray paint (as called for in the directions)

The end result? :)

So the top left coaster is not quite perfection, nonetheless I love them all!

So cute, right? And so easy! I love Pintrest :) It allows me to release my inner crafter! Commit to crafting on of your pins on Pintrest!

The Little Brother

I meant to post this a couple weeks ago, but time some times slips away. My little brother's birthday (Aaron) is the day after mine, and I have always loved sharing the joy of celebrating with him. He turned 14 in April (14!) and he is becoming quite the young man. He has his quirks--which I love--and has the tenderest heart ever. I wish he loved me as much as he loves Carl, but I'm just glad he approves my husband ;) He loves his nephew and nieces and treats them so well! I am so excited for him to interact with my little ones in the future :)

Like father, like son = Goofy!

The men :)

Ryan likes to help blow out candles :)

The Big 'Ole 2-3!

Wow. I'm 23. I feel like an old person & lately in a lot of my photos my eyes do look old! I'm starting to get a lot of crinkles. I should stop smiling as often ;)

It was a super great day! Carl woke up when I did because he wanted to spend the whole day with me. He loves my birthday more than I do. I speak truth! :) He wanted to give me my presents right when I woke up. He's always so thoughtful about what he gets me. One in particular has blessed both of us. His name is George. George Foreman. And it is AMAZING! (Thanks to Ashley & Ben for introducing it's capabilities into our lives!)

I attempted to make french toast for breakfast, but it turned into scrambled french toast. I didn't want to use the Foreman for fear the egg would get it too gooey. Carl suggested I-Hop and nearly fainted when I said yes! (I'm such a penny pincher sometimes & we don't go out to eat as much as he'd like ;)

I didn't get ready before we left...

He chose a super yummy omelet!

We were settling in to watch an episode of Psych when Ashley, Ryan, and Madilyn dropped by! I love Ashley so so so much (who doesn't love their older sister?) so I think my love for Ryan is so big because he is her son! He sees Carl & I as a pair and will often ask where the other is if we are separate. I love it :) We don't have a lot of toys at our house, but we did have balloons!

We decided to stick with our plan and meet up with my family at Thunder Over Louisville despite the dismal weather. I was super nervous about driving there just the two of us. Last time I went it was on my 18th birthday and someone smashed in my passenger side window to take my purse that just had a library book in it. I like to think they were educated thieves ;) We made it there just fine and honestly had a pretty good time! We didn't dress warm enough and were cuddled in blankets for the majority of the afternoon/night. Here are just a few pictures!

I love my parent's love :)

I love my family SO much and that's all I wanted for my birthday. Carl is the love of my life, and my family is mine forever. :)

Living on Love

Yesterday morning Carl made us a tad late getting out the door for work and such. The reason?

He wanted to dance with me! :)

He put on Michael Buble's "Smile" and started leading me in an impromptu jive around out bedroom (We had just watched Dancing with the Stars)! Then he put on another song to rumba to which I exclaimed, "We're going to be late!!"

I love my husband. Immensely :)

For those of you who would also like to jive with your significant other :)

A Realization

During Neil L. Andersen's talk during General Conference, he mentioned that President Monson would frequently remind the brethren to think "what would Jesus do?" I immediately asked Carl if he recalled those bracelets that kids would wear with the acronym "WWJD?" Isn't it crazy--and slightly frightening--what the trend is now? We are not encouraged to ponder what Jesus would do in a situation; rather, it is encouraged that we live our life on the edge without holding back. Popular songs ask us to not uphold obligations, get drunk, and experiment with sex and drugs. In just 15 years or so our world has lost the mentality of thinking what Jesus Christ would do: give service, visit the sick and afflicted, be missionaries to friends and strangers--essentially forget ourselves in the lives of others. He is who we strive to be like every single day of our lives.

Are you remembering to be Christlike?

A night at the theater! ...Actually, two nights.

For Christmas, my parents were ever so kind and purchased gift cards to Derby Dinner Playhouse for Carl and I to see a play! It took us awhile to find a good time to go, and ironically we made reservations for the same weekend as my sister's musical! Our weekend as follows:

Friday, March 23: Angela and Autumn starred in South Oldham High School's "Beauty and the Beast"! Okay, they weren't technically the stars, but you know I watched only them when they were on stage. :) Yes, the main characters were there too, but I would constantly point out for Carl and Amelia "Look, there's Angela!" or "Can you see Autumn?" I always felt like I had to search for Autumn, and she would always be on top of a platform. I don't know how I would miss her in the first place :P Angela played a silly girl, a dancing knife, and a mobster. I loved watching her as the mobster; she looked like she was going to really kill someone ;) Autumn was a villager and a dancing fork! I loved how she would always interact with her fellow villagers; such a cute performer!

TINES! ;)

Me and Tim!

Saturday, March 24: We ended up seeing a performance titled "Smokey Joe's Cafe" at Derby Dinner Playhouse. I was a little hesitant because, as you might be able to tell, this was going to be a performance with nothing but oldies hits from the '40s and '50s. When it comes to music, I'm game for almost everything BUT oldies. It just never struck a cord with me. I ended up loving the show, and Carl and I came away singing a few tunes :) I've been to Derby Dinner in the past, and I have never been disappointed with their shows. Their charisma, playfulness, and professionalism just make it so easy and entertaining to watch.

(No pictures; I didn't want to get in trouble!)

Needless to say, we had a fabulous weekend :)