Yes, we saw Hunger Games!
Friday night was date night. Much needed and much anticipated! We started off the night with dinner at Rumbi's (coupon discount = bonus!). The food was so yummy, and I loooove their sweet potato fries! Mmm. So yummy. Definitely added to the "family favorite" list. After eating, we went to stand in line for the 9:20 showing. The line wasn't too bad once we got there, but glad we bought our tickets before going to dinner. The line grew very quickly after we arrived. (VIP movie tickets were given as part of a wedding gift to remind us that dating in marriage is very important = another bonus!).
The movie was awesome! Kyle hadn't read the books, so he didn't really know what to expect besides the water-down summary I gave him. Almost everything in the movie was as I had imagined when reading... except Peeta. I imagined him more.... manly. At the end I was ready for the next one to come on! haha. I had been watching season 2 of 24 lately, and when I wanna watch the next episode I just click "next" and ta-da! So sad its gonna be a while before its out. Totally worth it. Kyle liked it, too. Bonus!
However, as I thought about how good the movie was and how well they compared it to the book (besides the fact so much was left out, and reading is always better than watching)... I realized how much of a twisted story it is. Seriously. The capitol = the epitome of vanity and pride. And kids battling it out to the death of all but one?! Who came up with this story?! And why do I find it so entertaining?? Hmm... food for thought.
Fun date with my totally awesome and handsome husband = success. :)
Monday, March 26, 2012
Friday, March 23, 2012
AZALEA
My niece is the cutest. Ever. Last night she came over to my house while her parents worked, and my family went to see the VIP showing of Hunger Games. She has quite the hilarious personality! I always have so much fun with her. When I went to pick her up, my mom had given her her very own CTR ring. She was so excited to wear it and show it to Uncle Kyle because its a special ring.
My favorite part about seeing my niece is her excitement to see me. Seriously. It melts my heart every time. As soon as she sees me she yells "Elena!" and runs and jumps into my arms while we chat and say how excited we are to see each other. Yeah, pretty awesome. And yes, I am the favorite aunt... but that's just between the two of us :)
Our night was filled with bike riding, a walk around the neighborhood, teaching her random words in spanish (per her request), grilled cheese and tomato soup (I know, so healthy and in line with my new desired "eating habits" haha), Little Mermaid (in which she imitated Ariel throughout the whole movie; even asked for a hair tie to put around her ankles to keep them together like the mermaids!), throwing around my large exercise ball (hey, that's considered exercise, right?), coloring, and the beginning of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (her new favorite).
Nights like that really make me excited for my own children. Until she gets crabby and doesn't listen to me. Then I'm happy to hand her back over to my brother and SIL. But let's be honest, that hasn't happened in a very long time!
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| Can you see her excitement?! |
Our night was filled with bike riding, a walk around the neighborhood, teaching her random words in spanish (per her request), grilled cheese and tomato soup (I know, so healthy and in line with my new desired "eating habits" haha), Little Mermaid (in which she imitated Ariel throughout the whole movie; even asked for a hair tie to put around her ankles to keep them together like the mermaids!), throwing around my large exercise ball (hey, that's considered exercise, right?), coloring, and the beginning of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (her new favorite).
Nights like that really make me excited for my own children. Until she gets crabby and doesn't listen to me. Then I'm happy to hand her back over to my brother and SIL. But let's be honest, that hasn't happened in a very long time!
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Blessed
The words of a favorite song of mine come to mind on days like today... "Count your many blessings name them one by one.... count your many blessings see what God hath done." Its amazing how many ways we are blessed each and every day, and how small and simple they may be. They can easily go unnoticed if we don't take the time to think about all that we have.
I am getting down to the end of my journey called Nursing School. Its been a long 2 (and a half) years... and I sure hope that this really is the end. We have a lot going on in these next few weeks, points to earn that can make or break. To think about it all at once nearly puts me into cardiac arrest... so I've just been taking it one day at a time. Today we had our first quiz in Psych, and I got 20/20! Helps with the cushion heading into the final. If you don't know, in order to pass each semester, a student must average a 76% or better in tests/quizzes ALONE. Then, once that is accomplished, the points from ALL the other "busy work" throughout the semester are added into the equation to give the final grade. If you are normally a straight-A student, be prepared for that streak to come to an end. ha! Basically, I am happy that so far I am doing well. It hasn't always been fun or exciting and times I question why I decided to go this route, but I am reassured time and time again this is what I'm supposed to be doing. I am grateful to be in Nursing school.
And this flower is just so cheery, don't ya think??
I am getting down to the end of my journey called Nursing School. Its been a long 2 (and a half) years... and I sure hope that this really is the end. We have a lot going on in these next few weeks, points to earn that can make or break. To think about it all at once nearly puts me into cardiac arrest... so I've just been taking it one day at a time. Today we had our first quiz in Psych, and I got 20/20! Helps with the cushion heading into the final. If you don't know, in order to pass each semester, a student must average a 76% or better in tests/quizzes ALONE. Then, once that is accomplished, the points from ALL the other "busy work" throughout the semester are added into the equation to give the final grade. If you are normally a straight-A student, be prepared for that streak to come to an end. ha! Basically, I am happy that so far I am doing well. It hasn't always been fun or exciting and times I question why I decided to go this route, but I am reassured time and time again this is what I'm supposed to be doing. I am grateful to be in Nursing school.
Monday, March 19, 2012
What kind of baseball fan are you?
Sundays are my favorite days. Yesterday was a much needed one. I really needed to hear the things I heard. Should be like that every Sunday, right? Yeah, I know.
It was our ward conference, so our stake president was there as well as the stake relief society presidency. In sacrament, our bishop told us of an analogy of 3 baseball fans. I will simply paraphrase, for I remember the concept but not the whole "story". Fan #1 is a spectator. He goes to every game, faithfully supports them and dreams of being in the hall of fame. However, a spectator has never made it to the hall of fame solely by spectating. Fan #2 is the bench warmer. He makes it to practice, keeps the bench warm, is up close and personal with the game. Everyone sees him go to the games, he never misses. But realizes that to be part of the team requires a lot of work, dedication and sacrifice. No one enters the hall of fame by simply keeping the bench warm, either. Fan #3 is a pitcher. He attends every game, makes every practice, watches what he eats to be physically prepared, exercises on his own time, and makes it a very active part of his life. He dreams of being in the hall of fame, and eventually his hard work puts him there.
What is the difference between these three fans? They all want the same thing: to be in the hall of fame. But are they all committed enough to obtain what is desired? Are they putting the work into receiving the reward?
This teaching can be compared to many different situations, evaluating our priorities and dedication towards anything we accomplish in life. For the purpose of this post, compare this in a spiritual sense. What type of member are you? Do you desire the blessings that come along with being a faithful Latter-Day Saint? Does the road seem to hard or strict to stay committed? Or are you willing to do whatever it takes to obtain those promised blessings? What is it worth to you?
This was like a punch in the gut for me. As I sat and listened, I tried to evaluate which "fan" I was at this point in my life. I can see where I lack, and where I need fixing. The Lord doesn't ask us to be perfect, no, but He does as us to try our very hardest. It also reminded me of what Elder Bednar shared at a stake conference last year, the difference between obtaining and receiving a testimony and being converted to the Lord. They are two distinct things, yet we need to have or "be" both. We need to be a testimony or witness of Jesus Christ, as well as be converted- in every aspect of our life- to His Gospel.
Relief Society was wonderful, too. Words shared were about not comparing ourselves to those around us. The things others are doing, how many kids they have, the type of house they live in, the trips they go on, etc. We can choose to be happy. Whether we have a stressed marriage, a dead-end job, a troubled child, or other ailment, our happiness is a choice that no one can make for our own self. WE are in charge of that.
I often find myself blaming things around me for the way I feel. So, I thought I'd take a moment to list a few things I am grateful for: the blessing I have to wake up every morning healthy. I can walk, read, see, write, smell, feed myself, attend school or work, play a game, go to the gym, etc. I am grateful for the house I live in, the food we have in our pantry and our fridge (even if I don't know how to cook it all... yet), electricity, running water, and cars that run smoothly. I am grateful to live in a country with freedoms many do not have, that I can worship how I desire, marry the man of my choosing, and obtain the schooling I desire.
Sundays are inspired days. Its been two weeks since I was at church because of vacation (as mentioned in the earlier post), and I could feel the difference. I know that I was where I was supposed to be yesterday, hearing what I was supposed to hear.
Sometimes the Lord doesn't always work in mysterious ways, but simple ways.
It was our ward conference, so our stake president was there as well as the stake relief society presidency. In sacrament, our bishop told us of an analogy of 3 baseball fans. I will simply paraphrase, for I remember the concept but not the whole "story". Fan #1 is a spectator. He goes to every game, faithfully supports them and dreams of being in the hall of fame. However, a spectator has never made it to the hall of fame solely by spectating. Fan #2 is the bench warmer. He makes it to practice, keeps the bench warm, is up close and personal with the game. Everyone sees him go to the games, he never misses. But realizes that to be part of the team requires a lot of work, dedication and sacrifice. No one enters the hall of fame by simply keeping the bench warm, either. Fan #3 is a pitcher. He attends every game, makes every practice, watches what he eats to be physically prepared, exercises on his own time, and makes it a very active part of his life. He dreams of being in the hall of fame, and eventually his hard work puts him there.
What is the difference between these three fans? They all want the same thing: to be in the hall of fame. But are they all committed enough to obtain what is desired? Are they putting the work into receiving the reward?
This teaching can be compared to many different situations, evaluating our priorities and dedication towards anything we accomplish in life. For the purpose of this post, compare this in a spiritual sense. What type of member are you? Do you desire the blessings that come along with being a faithful Latter-Day Saint? Does the road seem to hard or strict to stay committed? Or are you willing to do whatever it takes to obtain those promised blessings? What is it worth to you?
This was like a punch in the gut for me. As I sat and listened, I tried to evaluate which "fan" I was at this point in my life. I can see where I lack, and where I need fixing. The Lord doesn't ask us to be perfect, no, but He does as us to try our very hardest. It also reminded me of what Elder Bednar shared at a stake conference last year, the difference between obtaining and receiving a testimony and being converted to the Lord. They are two distinct things, yet we need to have or "be" both. We need to be a testimony or witness of Jesus Christ, as well as be converted- in every aspect of our life- to His Gospel.
Relief Society was wonderful, too. Words shared were about not comparing ourselves to those around us. The things others are doing, how many kids they have, the type of house they live in, the trips they go on, etc. We can choose to be happy. Whether we have a stressed marriage, a dead-end job, a troubled child, or other ailment, our happiness is a choice that no one can make for our own self. WE are in charge of that.
I often find myself blaming things around me for the way I feel. So, I thought I'd take a moment to list a few things I am grateful for: the blessing I have to wake up every morning healthy. I can walk, read, see, write, smell, feed myself, attend school or work, play a game, go to the gym, etc. I am grateful for the house I live in, the food we have in our pantry and our fridge (even if I don't know how to cook it all... yet), electricity, running water, and cars that run smoothly. I am grateful to live in a country with freedoms many do not have, that I can worship how I desire, marry the man of my choosing, and obtain the schooling I desire.
Sundays are inspired days. Its been two weeks since I was at church because of vacation (as mentioned in the earlier post), and I could feel the difference. I know that I was where I was supposed to be yesterday, hearing what I was supposed to hear.
Sometimes the Lord doesn't always work in mysterious ways, but simple ways.
McRae
I am officially and legally Elena McRae. It is so wonderful. I love my new license, and social security card, and the fact that at my graduation (fingers still crossed it will be this May) I will be announced Elena McRae :)
I am so grateful that I married the man I wanted to marry. I know that sounds silly... "Of course you wanted to marry him, you said yes". But really, I feel so happy inside that I chose him. That he chose me. He is so wonderful, and a very choice blessing in my life. Its so nice to sit and ponder the path my life has led to this point, and that all things happen for a reason even if we do not understand them in the moment. Looking back, I am grateful for the times I listened to the promptings of the Spirit, and followed my heart. What I have in my life right now, I could not have "imagined" for myself. The Lord led me to my husband, as he has led me to so many other things. My heart is full of gratitude for the temple marriage that we share, and the knowledge that as we both live faithfully and honestly to our covenants, we will be together throughout the eternities. I look forward with excitement to the joys and struggles that will bond our relationship in the life we'll lead together.
I am so grateful that I married the man I wanted to marry. I know that sounds silly... "Of course you wanted to marry him, you said yes". But really, I feel so happy inside that I chose him. That he chose me. He is so wonderful, and a very choice blessing in my life. Its so nice to sit and ponder the path my life has led to this point, and that all things happen for a reason even if we do not understand them in the moment. Looking back, I am grateful for the times I listened to the promptings of the Spirit, and followed my heart. What I have in my life right now, I could not have "imagined" for myself. The Lord led me to my husband, as he has led me to so many other things. My heart is full of gratitude for the temple marriage that we share, and the knowledge that as we both live faithfully and honestly to our covenants, we will be together throughout the eternities. I look forward with excitement to the joys and struggles that will bond our relationship in the life we'll lead together.
Spring Break
**lots of pictures in this post**
Spring break just ended for me. It was a NICE reprieve from school. Although every day I got a knot in my stomach thinking about how much crazier life will be over the next month and a half of school. I quickly tried to dismiss those thoughts.
Kyle and I started out the week with a short trip to our place in Rio Verde. My husband is absolutely amazingly talented. He is my own superhero, he can do/fix/build basically anything. Truth. This get away we have in Rio Verde is one example of dedication and talent, and for me = joy :)
First, I'll start by showing you some pictures of building this wonderful place. It took him every day after work and in between "life happenings" over a span of 5 years to complete this house on his own. His dad and brother would come help out every now and then. Kyle designed it himself, and constructed the frame from left-over steel. He used the best of the best for this place. Yes, I'm totally tootin' his "bragging" horn, but hey, that's what wives do, right??
The frame all being put up.
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| View from the front |
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| My handsome hardworking man. |
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| In the process |
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| Outside view |
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| Outside view, those are large glass windows, just with the curtains closed. |
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| He custom made EVERYTHING you see here. Well, besides those chairs, and the pots and pans. |
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| Its about the size of a large studio apartment, without the apartment complex. Bonus. |
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| Awesome tile job in the shower. Complete with TWO shower heads :) |
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| I just love him :) |
So now that you all see how talented he is, I'll just go ahead and tell you about our little trip. We went up there Saturday. I hadn't felt good the day before and hardly ate anything, so Saturday I was famished! I was a nice wife and took us to Old Country Buffet (a place only my grandparents and dad would ever choose to eat!) since we could eat our little hearts out. It was amazing. Needless to say, I barely managed two plates of food :/
We ran a few more errands and got up there after sunset. We got some groceries in fountain hills, and our must for vacation: the largest bottle of GREEN MACHINE. That juice is heavenly. We then stopped at my favorite place- Senor Taco- for some bean burritos. They are heavenly. Large like filibertos, but I don't feel like puking afterwards. Mmm...
Sunday we woke up running a bit late for church, and couldn't speed up a bit on the way due to some marathon going on...but made it to the building in time for sacrament... except there were NO cars there. A sign on the door said it was stake conference: which was in Scottsdale. Fail. So, we went back and read some spiritually uplifting books to try and make-up for no church. After a nap and some lunch, we packed up to go fishing/hiking the verde river. One lesson learned while dating/married to Kyle, when he says a hike is no big deal and only a mile or so, always know that means a few miles or so. Or twice as long as he thought. This man is someone who hiked the John Muir trail (230 miles in 10 days) for FUN. Awesome, but not my cup of tea even though I do love being outdoors. However, it was nice weather, and a cool breeze, so we ended up having lots of fun. We hiked/fished/mostly hiked til about 9 that night. Fun times. It would have probably felt more successfully had we caught anything but seaweed... I mean, riverweed? What do you even call that nasty green mushy stuff?
Monday we woke up and drove into Scottsdale for lunch at another favorite: Paradise bakery, and some window shopping. Found this adorable baby/toddler store called Moon Beams. Got some great ideas! Although the shops were fun, their price tags were for those of a much "higher" status than ours. Ha! So we went to a few different places and got some fun things. Our last stop was home depot for some paint stuff we painted on the roof. Sad, we had to cover up my "Marry Me Elena" since it was in black because in the summer it could destroy the roof. Good things photos last forever! Or until your laptop crashes, like mine did, and you lose thousands of pictures in a matter of seconds. Sad. Anyways, here are a couple pictures of our fun time!
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| Heading out |
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| So pretty! |
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| First fishing stop = no success |
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| 3rd fishing stop = we could SEE fishies, but they were not biting anything we gave 'em! |
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| Needle Rock |
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| Cool swimming hole = no success. |
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| No, he didn't jump. Boring! |
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| Pretty scenery along the way = awesome! |
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