lets chat

i have heard that if you put all of your trials in a bucket with the rest of the world's, you'd want to pull yours back. but would i?

sometimes it's hard to imagine our lives with other people's trials. at the moment, our very own trials are what seem so defeating.

my friend once told me that she believes each person has one main trial in life. (obviously, a plethora of trials, but one big one).

i have discovered my life-trial.

hmph. i need a cupcake.

random thought wednesday

why do we always want what we don't have?
i am working on being more content

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i thought acne was only for teens
you should see my skin now
actually, no. no you shouldn't

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did anyone catch life unexpected last night?
love it already

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i have such great friends here in pittsburgh

i don't know what i'd do without 'em

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my brother in law is coming
to visit in february
i can't wait

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i made these the other night

they are so good
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i went to buy lunch today at the food court

the place only accepted cash

at the food court

pittsburgh is weird like that

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i got to skype with my niece last night
it's truly amazing how much my heart loves that little midget

strength through unity

my heart is shattered into a million different pieces as i reflect on the earthquake that devastated the country of Haiti. i can't even begin to wrap my head around the struggles and trials that poor country has been through. this tragedy really hits home for me because this is where tannon spent two years of his life, spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ. during those two years, he was taught what it really means to give all that you can give.

tannon quickly learned not to compliment haitians. as soon as he could say, "i really like your hat", they had taken their hat off their head and insisted that he have it.

i feel so helpless. all i can do is pray my guts out for them and donate money. i know that if the situation were reversed, they would be giving us all that they could give, even if it meant them going without.

***to donate, go here or text “Yele” to 501501, which will automatically donate $5 to the Yele Haiti Earthquake Fund (it will be charged to your cell phone bill).

christmas surprise

after some serious trigonometry and mad woodcutting,

tannon surprised me with this on Christmas morning:

i love it! he even bought the cute decorations for it. what a guy.

treasures

don't you love the hidden treasures in your stocking on Christmas morning?

• what were/are your favorite stocking findings?

it doesn't cost a thing to smile

on sunday, i was finally able to attend relief society since moving to pittsburgh. tannon & i got called into the nursery the week we moved here, and that's where we've been every sunday...ever since.

although i absolutely love the children in our ward, i have deeply missed relief society. there is something so powerful about a group of women getting together on a regular basis to share experiences and opportunities life brings.

i was hit with several emotions as the incredible teacher shared her insight on Christmas. it really opened my eyes and helped me learn that Christmas isn't always easy for everyone.

Christmas is about HOPE

although i hurt inside that i won't be able to share this Christmas season with our families, i am truly overwhelmed by the blessings that i have received throughout my life, and especially these past few months. i am grateful that i actually have a family to miss throughout this season. and especially that they are just a phone call away.

i thank Him for his birth, life, & sacrifice. He is my Savior.

just because

i have the best sister ever.
yesterday, she surprised me with these:

from clear across the country.

she found a cupcake shop in pittsburgh

called and had them ordered

had my husby pick them up

just because

i.love.you.sis.