Some Things I've Learned About Life

I have this journal. I made it sometime in high school. Maybe 9th or 10th grade… Okay, my first entry was in 2008. I write in it every once in a while. More so in high school. Once or twice since I've been in College Station. Now I blog. But I don't want to be too open about more personal experiences, so today I wrote in my old journal so I would have this memory written down. Any who, after writing in it I browsed through older entries. It was kind of painful to read some of them. Embarrassing and heart breaking. It had silly teenage girl self-esteem problems. It talked about my ex-boyfriend, and how I thought we were meant to be. And when I decided to move to College Station. When I met Jacob. And when we broke up and how hard it was. Yeah, that was the last entry before today. Probably the most painful, reliving one of the worst parts of our relationship. But going through all of my ups and downs I did take away a few things I wanted to share. So here they are:

Life doesn't go according to plan. And that's okay. That's always been a struggle for me. I get this idea in my head of exactly how it's going to be. And then it doesn't happen that way, so I get upset. And by doing so I ruin the moment, the memory, whatever the case may be. I let myself ruin it. On our honeymoon Jacob told me there will be NO plans. If we want to do something, then we'll go do it. But he wasn't going to let me plan things out, only to have the plans change, and for me to be upset while we're on our honeymoon. This obviously happens way too often. But I'm lucky that he's stuck by my side.

Life is hard. Everyone has their own experiences and their own trials. What's hard for one person, may be easy for another. And what's easy for one person, may be hard for another. But you know what? I made it through all of my trials. And I always came out stronger. Seriously. My journal isn't that great of a record, but I did highlight some major events/ experiences and I always came out better no matter how difficult it was. And that gives me hope.

The gospel is true. I'm a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, or as many people are more familiar, I'm Mormon. If you want to know more about it, check this out… or just ask me. Even if you don't associate yourself with a religion, I promise you by doing things as simple as praying daily, and reading the words of God. It can truly change your life. Heavenly Father is there. He knows you, and he is so aware of you.

And on that note I wanted to mention a few more things.

I'm so grateful for the priesthood, and one thing in particular, Father's blessings. So you know how I said Heavenly Father is aware of you? In every single one of my Father's blessings, my dad has gone in not really knowing what is on my mind, but his blessing is everything and more of what I needed at that time. I'm so grateful for the blessings my dad gave me growing up. I'm also grateful for the example of my father in-law to my husband, and to me! All three men have been great examples and have blessed my life because they are worthy priesthood holders.

I'm also grateful for patriarchal blessings. My husband and I got married on a Friday, the Sunday before is when he got his. I almost feel selfish because it mentions his spouse pretty often, way more than mine did. But I'm also extremely grateful. This week our patriarchal blessings answered my prayers. And it's amazing how much I can still receive comfort from mine. I got mine almost 4 years ago. Which really is a lifetime of experiences ago. But it still gives me strength.

To sum it up…

Life is hard. But the Lord is there. He knows you. And he's watching over you. Don't give up. Things may seem the worst they've ever been, but you'll make it through. And you'll be stronger because of it.

Life is pretty great when you think about.

#14daysoflove

One day, on pinterest, I came across the idea of 14 days of valentines, or as I like to call it 14 days of love. Basically I go shopping for 14 things, this ranged from something I already had to about $3 per item, I think overall it was about $22 for the whole thing, and I come up with cheesy sayings to go along with the items. So here's 2014's #14daysoflove …

Day 1: I've got a crush on you (Crush soda)

Day 2: We go together like bacon and eggs (bacon and eggs for breakfast)

Day 3: Sometimes you're sour, but mostly you're sweet (Sour patch kids)

Day 4: Do-nut you know I love you a lot?! (Powdered doughnuts)

Day 5: The fun don't stop when we're together (Pringles)

Day 6: I'm a sucker for you (heart-shaped straws)

Day 7: To my sweetheart (Sweet Tarts)

Day 8: You're extra special to me (Extra gum)

Day 9: I chews you (Chewbacca foam angry bird)

Day 10: We fit together like two pieces of a puzzle (puzzle)

Day 11: Maybe I'm an airhead, but I'm crazy for you (Airheads)

Day 12: You make my heart pitter-patter (ping-pong kit)

Day 13: Love bug (sour worms)

Day 14: You are the star in my eyes (Starburst)

Last year when I first started, I wasn't sure he really liked it. But after a few days, he was really excited to see what would be next. So I did it again this year, and I think I'll do it every year after.

We've never made a huge deal out of Valentine's day. Last year we went to a movie and then dinner. The movies were packed, but by the time it was over the restaurant wasn't. This year we were going to cook dinner at home and then watch a movie. But we both got home from work around 7:30-8 and did not want to cook. So we decided to try out a new place in town. It's called Mickey's Sliders. I don't know how long it's been there, but it was delish! And not crowded at all. After dinner we went to the theater and it was way too packed. So we decided to go get a red box and head home. Before the movie even started we both fell asleep though. Haha. But it was a great night overall. I'm starting to get used to this things-not-going-as-planned thing. And even though everything we did was different than what we planned, it was a great night. I'm so glad I got to spend it with my husband :)

My vday gift. I'm so glad he found 'our' rose. It's the same one he got when he asked me to be his girlfriend, numerous times in between, it was also my bouquet at our wedding, and he still gets it for me and probably always will. I love it.

I wanted some kind of picture documentation of the night.

Gotta fix the 'stache ;)

Love this guy so much

He can't even hide the smile driving around in his new baby. Haha.

We had such a great time together. Where ever you were, with whomever you were with, I hope yours was great too! Happy Valentines Day!

What's New?

So here's a quick run down of life with the McConnells lately. Quick because I have to get ready for work soon. And because I've been meaning to do this for about a week and if I don't do it now, I don't know when I ever will.

Rats.

It all started when we noticed bite marks on the dogs food bin outside. Then I actually saw something chewing it one night. I thought it was a mouse. For a few nights in a row I would see the 'mouse' come out about the same time each night. So we got some mouse traps and waited for them to come out and play. But at that point the mouse traps were't working, and we realized it wasn't one, but at least 5…. So pest control came out. And we had rats. not mice. Anywho we've killed about 4 or 5 and now the hole is sealed and we haven't had a problem since. I will admit it was fun 'mouse hunting' with my husband the first few nights though. Haha.

Gina.

Jacob's brother is getting married to Gina in about 3 weeks. We are so thrilled!!! Like seriously, they are perfect for each other. And it makes me so happy that they're getting married. Last weekend I went to Gina's bridal shower. It was so fun. The girls who put it together are so creative.

Part of the gift I gave her I made a quilt. I love making them. I tried to go with a simpler, more modern type. It didn't quite turn out like the one I got the idea from. But it was still super cute, and definitely a reminder of how much I love making them.

My shirt. It's doing weird things, I know. Ignore it, please. Thanks.

Henley.

Then we went to Katy for my niece's 1st birthday. It was a short trip, but well worth it. I can't believe how huge she is. She is absolutely adorable, and the party was a hit. Talk about a spoiled little girl!

Us with the birthday girl. One day she'll like us, one day.

Stephen and the girls. Bella's next up for turning 1!

Papa and Bella.

The truck.

AKA Jacob's baby. On the way home from Katy we stopped and finally got THE TRUCK. I'm just glad everything worked out and that now we have a second car. It is pretty snazzy. Surprisingly, I've even gotten to drive it twice ;) Jacob's happy, so I'm happy.

We're not excited or anything.

Jacob sent this to me as we were sitting at the light, right after we got the truck.

So when it was my turn to drive, I has to take an excited selfie too.

That's about it for now. Next blog though, #14daysoflove…