Married Life...

I 100% enjoy the fact that i am now a married women!! I didn't always enjoy the process of planning and picking all the little important details but i made it through!!

Life has gone on since getting married- and much quicker then i could anticipate. We went on a great honeymoon to Cabo, Daytona Beach FL, Orlando FL, and Corona, CA. We finally went back to work and into the real world. That's when the changes started...

Church- I was really struggling with being in a family ward. It had been 10 years since i was in that type of ward and going to relief society was hard. It was mostly the older women who were in there because all other women were in primary or young women's. I tried to get to know people but it was hard. Kris got called to Ward Mission Leader which helped him to get to know quite a few more people. He had been going to this ward before we got married and really enjoyed it. I felt  alone- until I got called to be in the Primary Presidency. What a change that is for me...considering i hadn't been in primary since was a participant of primary. Things haven't changed much though! I quickly learned that one sharing time lesson a month wasn't too bad and that we don't have that many children so we have it combined. I still feel like I'm getting to know the kids and their personalities. My presidency is great- I relate to them all and enjoy being around them. This  calling, as scary as it was, was a blessing and an answered prayer.

Work- My job has been super busy in the months of September through now. We had a refinance of a multi billion dollar company, budget season, pre audit season, personnel changes that left us without a few players,etc. It was great time for me to grow though. I was able to help in the new hires process and interviewing, my opinion mattered when it came to my co-workers. I was also able to take the lead on many projects and budget. I feel like i have transitioned into a  more split work person- half analysis, half accounting. With all this new responsibilities i was promoted to Senior Staff Accountant and was given a super nice raise! What a great feeling of accomplishment!!

Family- My little sister had a baby! I can't believe that we finally have a grandchild in the family. Bre had a pretty good pregnancy- only sick in the first trimester but running up to her due date even. She was so in shape that when the baby was born she only had 4 pounds left to lose! (I'm a bit impressed and proud!) It was awesome to be a part of her everyday pregnancy- not only to be able to help her in any way possible but to also help me prepare for the future- having kids scares me!  I spent many days with her in Provo while her husband did an internship in Iowa and even in the delivery room. Lots of things have changed for her and her family but i am so excited for little Hazel. She is a perfect baby it seems- sleeps through the night, really quiet unless she needs something, just a sweet and tiny baby! I am still very much trying to accept the whole pregnancy issues for my future whenever that occurs. Its a scary ordeal in my mind! Hopefully I'll get over it because now Kris is baby hungry!

House- Kris had bought a house about 7 years before we ever met. I'm very grateful that i am in a house not an apartment and the we have the means to stay in it as well as fix it up. We came into some unexpected money one week and decided to spend most of it on house stuff. We updated all the door knobs and light fixtures in the house, as well as buying ceiling fans for the living room and our room. We also bought two storm doors with the coolest receding screen/glass fixture. Lets just say that unless you know what you are doing these projects are a little harder to get done. Kris and Brandt (our amazing bro in law) worked so hard to figure those fans out- I very much appreciate them!! Kris finally finished the last of these projects with the storm doors. They are gonna be such a great addition to our house!! Thanks so much Kris for making our house so much cooler!!

I've lost some friends and have gained some new ones. This is really hard for me especially. I am a very loyal friend and expect the same back. I know that when people get married or move away or other life changes occur its a lot harder to stay in touch. I have been trying my best at staying in touch with single friends, already married friends, trying to create new married friends, and maintaining a relationship with everyone. I have never intentionally hoped to hurt a friend or neglect a friend but perhaps it has happened. I really appreciate the relationships i have and hope you will all be patient with me as i transition my life still.

Overall, being married has been great. I always have someone to come home to and talk to throughout the day. I have someone that i let in to see my awful days but also celebrate my great ones! I am loved completely and can't imagine my life without Kris. We have so many fun things to look forward to in the next year- we have lots of trips planned, house changes, and adventures waiting!