IT'S BEEN A WHILE. . . .

I wish I was better at blogging. I wish I always had something interesting or insightful to write about.  But I guess this blog is mostly for recording events and highlights.  So that's what I plan to do! First off, we had a lovely weekend.  Honestly I can't remember what we did on Friday ha, but yesterday was so great because it seemed like we were so productive!!  I don't know anyone who doesn't like that feeling.
In the morning we got up and decided to go on a walk.  We ended up at the stadium just down the hill.

^^Beautiful sunsets here!!^^

When we first moved to Logan, we realized one night as we were walking, that the stadium was open!  We weren't sure if it was supposed to be, or if we'd get in trouble by being in there.  We went in anyway and just sat and talked on the bleachers until the sun went down (I guess it was alright because no one stopped us?) That is a sweet memory for me. 

Anyway... knowing that it would probably be open...again...we went in and ran around on the field for a bit (not very long, still afraid we might get in trouble or something)!  It was just fun to start the day with a walk together.  

^^Sittin' right in the end zone^^

Then we planned our errands- the post office, bank, store, return redboxes, car wash, and of course, a stop to visit...

 HALLOWEEN CITY! We love this time of year with Halloween coming up, so we couldn't wait to get in there and look around.  I bought a cute ghost garland that I can't wait to hang up and start decorating!

For a little date night, I made some BBQ chicken pizza and we watched Spiderman 2 together.  Super fun Saturday!

Today (Sunday), has been very uplifting and enriching.  We went to the Ogden Temple re-dedication and thoroughly enjoyed it.  (On a side note- we're really glad they had handkerchiefs for us to use so we didn't have to wave around the old, off-white pillow case I cut up 5 min. before). The speakers' topics made me think of my first temple experiences and the way they made me feel.  And then I was reminded of the things that helped me prepare for going to the temple.  All the Young Women lessons, FHE's, getting baptized, etc.  

^^The day I went through the Jordan River Temple for my endowments. July 2013^^

I'm grateful for all the countless people, not to mention family and parents, who helped plant a seed in me and who guided me to make the right decisions for myself.  Going to the temple helps me maintain the eternal perspective that was taught to me from such a young age.  

^^Newly renovated Ogden Temple^^

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland had this to say about the dedication:

I’ve just had the opportunity to witness the wonderful re-dedication of the Ogden Temple. Temples are beacons of light for the world, symbols of hope, and proof of Heavenly Father’s eternal love for us.  My thoughts are especially drawn to the young people of the Church. You too have the opportunity to share Heavenly Father’s love with those around you and bring light to a sometimes dark and confusing world. My young friends, never underestimate your power to share the light of Christ and uplift those with whom you associate. You can be a much needed force for change and good in the world.

In this "sometimes dark and confusing world," I want to continue trying to be a light, a force for change and good in the world. And I hope to leave that hope with my children and grandchildren. I hope to get better at it as I consistently do the small and simple things, to steadily climb up the spiritual ladder.  I'm grateful for the temple covenants and blessings, and specifically for the reminder to always be worthy to enter. 

Later this evening I had the opportunity to meet my visiting teaching partner to talk about our plan for visiting teaching.  I was a little nervous, going over to her apartment, never having met her before. I instantly felt excited about the whole thing, and grateful that she had initiated the meeting (she really is so sweet- she brought me delicious cupcakes when I was down with a bad cold.  Good thing my taste buds didn't fail me that day).  I haven't always been good about my visiting teaching, but having a partner who's excited and wants to serve as well, I am confident it will be a great experience.  Plus, I really want to get to know more people so I think this is a door opening for my being-more-social-goal :)  

To end the day, I watched one of my fave's, You've Got Mail, while Spencer and I baked chocolate chip cookies.  To say it was a good weekend would be an understatement.  And as much as I really don't want to go to work tomorrow, it's these types of weekends that make me feel ready to conquer anything! We are so blessed :)