March 2014

March was a pretty busy month, which is why it's been so long since I've blogged. Things have finally slowed down some, so here's my update...

At the beginning of March we drove to Utah for Stephen and Gina's wedding. It was a great trip overall. And the weather in St. George was perfect! But I am seriously not looking forward to that drive again this summer.

We stopped by the Grand Canyon on the way there.

And our trip overlapped my birthday. I got my Cafe Rio fix in, did plenty of shopping, and got pretty spoiled by Jacob and his family. So much love from everyone, it was fantastic.

And the day after my birthday was Stephen and Gina's wedding day. Did I mention the weather was perfect?

We love these two so much and are so happy for them :)

The following weekend was their reception and ring ceremony here in College Station.

So… I aspire to be super creative and crafty, but I'm not there yet.

But I work with what I can and I was proud of the outcome of the reception.

I just so happen to be watching my sister inlaw Kiya as she put together Gina's bouquet and wrapped it. And this was how it turned out when I tried to mimic it. I'd say it looks good! Lol.

And thanks to my other sister inlaw, Kristy, for making these cute banners, it made decorating so easy. Seriously, she's the best! She made some for my wedding too, and I just love them!

Gina (the bride), Gina's friend, and Janice (our mother inlaw) made all these paper flowers. And then Gina, Janice, and I painted them. They turned out so cute!! And they were the perfect decorations.

One of the really special things about the wedding is that Stephen and Gina got married in the St. George Temple. Well so did my inlaws, and my mother inlaw's parents, and one of their parents, and one more generation were all sealed in the St. George Temple. It was a very special weekend, I'm so grateful I got to be apart of it.

Exchanging rings. Seriously these two just brighten up any room they're in. They're so fun to be around. I feel pretty lucky to have them as family.

And of course I gotta' throw in a picture of us ;)

And then the following day, we went to Katy to celebrate my niece's first birthday, and also my oldest brother's birthday.

Baby Bella is 1!!

She had fun smashing her cake… not so much having to get cleaned up afterwards.

It's funny how when kids are younger, sometimes it seems like they like tags or boxes more than the actual presents. Haha.

Brody. What a cutie!

And now for a bunch of random pictures on my phone… Sorry it's probably boring. But more than anything this blog is just to have a record for myself since I don't do a very good job of journaling...

After her birthday, the next time I babysat Bella she was wearing the outfit I got her so I tried to get a picture of how cute she looked. But she just wanted my phone...

And then she just wanted the bow off her head. Oh well. Haha.

I love that my brother and his family live so close now. Like less than a mile away from my house. It's so fun to be around them. And she's just such a cute kid!!

This is how she started down the slide.

… And this is how she ended. 

I love Katy… But I'm so glad I don't live there. It's kind of hard to see but both sides of the highway are stop and go. This is Katy. Not Houston. Katy. Just let that sink in. Okay, maybe I'm just too used to living in a smaller town, but I really don't miss this.

This is what happened when I first tried to take Chewie on a walk. We like to call him our special puppy. Don't worry, he loves walks now. It just took him some getting used to. Lol.

And this is how much he's grown. He's almost the same size of Leia. I never thought I'd have a 'big' dog… Let alone two. Haha.

Sometimes I like to take selfies...

One of my favorite things is when my husband adds on to my love notes.

Also this is our current favorite song.

Listen to it here. 

And that's about it. I hope you somewhat enjoyed this and it wasn't completely boring :P

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…

You Are My Sunshine

Things around here have been pretty busy lately.

The puppy is still figuring out potty training. What a nightmare. Leia was SO easy to potty train. But he is still cute, and getting big fast! We think he'll end up bigger than her.

He wasn't so sure about the vet...

He's just so cute and smushy

<3

If there's any lesson I should know, it's that things change. One minute you have this planned, and before you know it you're down a completely different path. And I'm the kind of person that gets this idea in their head, and when it changes, everything goes wrong. But I'm getting better, I promise.

Well, we wanted to purchase a "home" by the end of 2014 or close to. I say "home" because Jacob really wants to buy a duplex, and though I agree with his reasoning, a real house sounds so much more appealing. Anyways, that's been pushed back probably at least 3 or 4 years. 

Now we're buying a truck.

After some hair ripping and other frustrations, the loan has been approved. Hopefully we can get all the paperwork done today and have the truck by this weekend. Seriously though, getting denied because you don't have sufficient history is the stupidest thing ever. How am I supposed to get any history if no one will give me any because I don't have any. Did that make sense? Whatever, it's taken care of, moving on.

And then last night as we were driving to dinner… my car just stop working. Perfect timing, right? Driving down the middle of the road, dashboard lit up and freaked out, we couldn't accelerate, nothing. Fortunately we cruised to the median and got out of traffic. And then it wouldn't even start. When he finally got it to start, it crapped out again. So we waited another minute or so for traffic to clear. It turned on and we were able to turn into the parking lot. We sat and waited for Jacob's coworker to get there with a scanner. Oh, the perks of having a mechanic as a husband ;) It has to do with the computer, but Jacob's hoping he can replace a fuse and that'll do the trick. I don't know really, that's his department.

I don't know about other newlyweds, but there's always something going on around here. And in the midst of all the craziness and whatnot, last night there was about a 5 minute calm that my husband and I got to share. It was kind of beautiful.

We were back from dinner and Jacob was on the computer looking into what's wrong with my car, I was multi-cleaning. I have a problem of starting one thing, and then getting distracted with another. And at one point I was sitting on top of the washer, I had one of Jacob's hats on my head I had picked-up, our eyes met, and he smiled the most beautiful smile and said I love you. We're weird, I know. But once the washer calmed down. I went and sat by him and we just cuddled for a few minutes.

Pandora was on playing on the TV, the washer cycle stopped, the dogs were in the back yard. And at that moment it was just me and him, with some soft music playing.

I know we sound crazy. But with everything around us going crazy and out of our control. It was so nice to be able to just sit and be together, and share a quiet moment. Really I just wanted to note this for myself. We don't get those moments all that often. And it was lovely. So that's all I really wanted to get across with this super long post.

Life is crazy, but love is beautiful.

I'm so grateful that he's mine.

And here's a little flashback pic to when it all began <3

Hello 2014!

I know the post is named 2014, but I'm gonna start in 2013 ;)

The weekend before Christmas we went to Katy to spend time with my family. And we actually got the whole Ruske family together at the same time. It was great!

It's amazing how much my family has grown, and is growing!

The end of 2012 we added Caitlin. 2013 we added Henley, Bella, and Jacob. And now that she's been telling everyone, this year we'll also be adding baby boy Seckinger. I'm so grateful for my family!

Jacob and I both had to work Christmas Eve, but only that morning. So we spent the rest of the day with Jacob's family. Us, his parents, brother Stephen, and Stephen's fiancé Gina went to go see Frozen.  New favorite movie. And like every other little girl, (oh, big girl too!?) let it go is my new favorite song. Then we spent the rest of the evening at his parent's house.

Christmas morning we enjoyed our first Christmas together. We've actually been together for 2 Christmases already, but this is the first one we were together on Christmas day (he's spent the last two with his sister in Waco) AND it's our first married Christmas.

Christmas morning with our Christmas pajamas.

Jacob's favorite way of wrapping gifts is in a blanket. So I told him he had to actually wrap them. So he made origami wrapping paper boxes for some, wrapped some normally, franken-wrapped (lots of leftover pieces taped together) another, and put one in a blanket. Since he worked so hard on the origami I let the blanket slide. Haha.

After opening presents, we got ready and headed back to his parents house. Good thing they live like 10 minutes down the road ;) Haha. We had Christmas lunch, opened a few more presents. Then Kim's family came and joined us. It was a great Christmas holiday overall. And we are truly blessed!

In other excited news, I got my wedding pictures!! Yay! I seriously can't tell you how excited I was to get them. And now the empty frames hanging in our bedroom are filled with beautiful memories of our wedding :)

I'm so grateful for a fantastic photographer, and she captured the moments wonderfully!

Now to introduce you to Chewie…

Yes, we got another dog.

You can't really tell from the picture, but he has bright blue eyes.

Bella was so excited to meet her new puppy cousin.

The even shared some snuggles.

Leia's warmed up to him too.

It melts my heart the most when they're snuggled up together.

And lastly our 2014 goals.

Yes goals, not resolutions. That word is just asking to get broken. Lol.

2014 Goals:

-buy a duplex

As much as I want a 'house', we've talked a lot about it and a duplex is what will work the best for us. Live on one side, and rent the other side out basically having their rent pay the mortgage. I don't know if it will happen in 2014, but it is our next big purchase.

-cook at home more

It's way too easy to buy take out, and way too expensive. Plus I love to cook. It's just a matter of making myself do it after coming home from a long day at work. But so far so good.

-declutter/organize

Seriously though, he's 22 and I'm 20 and we just got married. We have way too much stuff. And most of it is crammed in the closet of the guest bedroom. Time to go through that baby and get rid of it/better organize it.

And now for Jacob's list… I told him he should choose a few things to be his goals. I let him take his time, and a day or two later he walked up and started writing these…

-more sex

-win lottery

And he turned and looked at me with a big smile on his face. Funny, I'll give him that, but I told him he had to write 2 real goals.

So he wrote these…

-pay off mafia…(debts)

what a character…

-fix ruby

(his 1966 ford ltd galaxy)

He's crazy and goofy, and hardly ever serious when I ask him to be. Only seriously a kid in a man's body. But he never fails to make me smile. Keep me from being serious all the time. And showing his love in his own way. I'm so lucky to have him, and it doesn't get more serious than that.

Love this guy so much! :)

2013 was fantastic, but here's to what 2014 has in store!