Life in general since last time! :)

Hello Friends and bloggers,

I haven't written for awhile. Life has caught me into it's loop again.
What's new? I am sure you don't want me beating around the rock; I'll just hop skip to the point...I started a few free courses that BYU offers. It's classes that help strengthen skills we need in life and so on. I am taking courses on: Trust
Strengthening Marriage and Family: Proclamation Principles and Scholarship
Introduction to the Book of Mormon: Studying: 1Nephi - Alma 30
I have decided to start with these courses. They are all self paced and 2 out of 3 of these classes are graded. I am grateful that BYU offers these sort of classes.
Anyway, I haven't started the lessons yet; I have looked through the syllabus and whatnot for 2 courses so far. I will start them tomorrow.
Other than that being news; I started a photography hobby. I can't call it a business quite yet. I have learned so much already about photography that I am addicted to learning more and more! I have 2 photo shoots in October coming up and 2 coming up in November. I had my first hired photo shoot last weekend.
It was an out of the ordinary photo shoot; but, I LOVED every minute of it! I photographed a good friend of mine's chickens, peacocks, ducks, butterflies, and land. Her husband runs a website for the peacocks, chickens, and ducks for breeding and selling purposes. The rest was for practice. I have a niche for nature just like my Nana had. I look forward to editing some of the photos and putting them on my Photography Facebook page.
Yesterday, I spent the evening writing out my photography release forms for my upcoming clients. I did some research as well and saw how other people did theirs.
What else is going on? Hmm...Andrew and I's two year wedding anniversary is coming up next month! We are really excited about that. We are still 100% sure we made the right choice in choosing each other! We KNOW Heavenly Father brought us together. We look forward to what He has in store for the two of us. We plan to try for a family in the next few years. Right now, we are educating ourselves, still striving to get ourselves financially stable, and enjoying each other without having the responsibility of having children right at this moment. It's for other people to have children within the first two years of marriage; good for them, but, that's not us. I always saw myself when I was younger having children right away; but, now that I have grown up a little and matured through my personal issues along with Andrew, we are in no rush. Eternity has no time frame and we know Heavenly Father will send us children when He perceives it to be the right time.
I have grown fond over my potential (most likely) future sister in law, Jessica, she makes my brother so happy and that makes me happy! I know Heavenly Father placed them in each others way for eternal reasons. They are so cute. They write to each other every week and are so faithful to one another. They are a couple other couples should look upon for a positive example. They are a couple that make Andrew and I want to be better to each other.
I am so fond of the Bower's; especially Leslie and her husband. They definitely prepped and encouraged my brother to see beyond what he thought was the limit. They helped him prepare for a mission emotionally, spiritually, and mentally. They have also encouraged him and helped him see his true potential. There are some people out there that would try to take that credit; but, ultimately it's the Bower's and other family friend's that helped him mature into a worthy and strong priesthood holder. Thank you Bower family!
I have gotten into baking and creating art projects more in the last few months. I have discovered fondant recently and will actually create with it today. I am so excited!!! Just like photography; I love to create. I love to see what kind of projects I can accomplish around the house and I actually have some up my sleeve that I plan to accomplish. I have been collecting these mason glass jars for the past month...you'll see what I have conjured up. I don't want to ruin the surprise. That's the only hint I am willing to hand out. I love to bake things!
Though I am afraid of being vulnerable in front of other people; I have decided that I am going to take three other women with me and we are going to sing in sacrament meeting. I spoke to my friend Susan and she suggested we victimize another soprano and alto. She is an alto and I am a soprano. Maybe we will sing something for Christmas. I am currently picking out a song since this is ultimately my project. Speaking of projects, I have decided that I am going to complete the Personal Progress program that the Young Women are required to accomplish. I may not earn a pendent or certificate; but, I'd like to be able to say I did it. I accomplished this and find out what the hype is all about. Thankfully I have a friend that is in the young women's program presidency.
I am still an Activity Day Leader and Primary Sunday school teacher; I love it! At first I hated being in Primary for the sheer fact that I wasn't in relief society with women my own age anymore; however, now I am seeing why Heavenly Father placed me in this calling. He is preparing me for my own children. He is helping me personally as well grow into the woman that He knows I am meant to be. I have learned and grown so much emotionally and spiritually since having these callings. I have the girls and the lessons that have come out of it to thank. I thank Heavenly Father every day. It's amazing how you think in a calling that you are meant to help someone else; but, than realize it's not just another person that's being helped out; it's yourself as well!
Well, I have to get going. I leave for the church in about 2 hours. I am bringing someone dinner tonight too; so, I better get going. I will let you know how my fondant play time went. :) Peace everyone! God loves you and so does Jesus Christ; I KNOW it!!
Have a blessed rest of your week!

Love,
A&G

My Monday & all sorts

Hello Friends & fellow bloggers, 

Today has been good to me. I saw a humming bird for the first time in real life today. It was pretty amazing! I saw a baby bird fly on its own for the first time this morning as well. <3 

It seems there are a lot of new baby animals lately. ... ..maybe we'll have a pleasant winter? I feel animals have better sense than we do on that kind of stuff. I have noticed the leaves have started changing color and falling from the trees. I love to pay attention to nature. It's what I do. :) 

I took the dogs for a walk this morning and they both behaved so well! I have made a goal that I am going to take them for walks once a day every day. Odette seems to love the walks. She pulls even when we are going up hill! She is a trooper. :) I have noticed Athena has started hanging around me more since I have started walking her and giving her more attention. It's amazing how that works. :) I like that she loves me. 
The weather is gorgeous today; it's not humid. The clouds in the sky have a beautiful acclamation to them. I have enjoyed the breeze that hits from time to time. <3

I went and got my hair cut today. I recommend the salon in JC Penny's at the mall in Elizabethtown. They are kind of hidden away in JC Penney; but, if you know where the bathroom is; than you'll find it in the same area. The lady that did my hair Angela, she was really nice. She shampooed, conditioned, combed, cut (layered), blow dryed, cut again, and styled my hair. It took her an hour or so & I only got charged 34 dollars. I tipped her 10 dollars because she did such a good job. <3 She was patient and friendly. 
I received her business card and plan to see her again. 

I needed a hair cut; it was starting to become so blah and too long! I left it long enough so I can style it however I please. :)
Andrew and I are doing a lot better. We had a great start to our week. Andrew had one homework assignment to finish on Sunday and when he was done, we took our dog Athena and her doggy friend for a walk & had a good time holding hands and chatting and listening to nature speak. We went home and hooked up my laptop to the projector and watched stand up comedy. We watched *Jim Gaffigan* & *Brian Regen*. They are both extremely talented and hilarious comedians. <3 Maybe Andrew and I will plan to see a show together one day. 
We ate some ice cream and had some pillow talk. It was awesome to snuggle all night! I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE to snuggle with him as we sleep! He is comfortable. :) So that's a bonus being married to him. We woke up this morning and spent some time together before he got ready for work. We try every day to read our scriptures together in the mornings and we have been really successful with that thus far. We kneel in prayer too. This time we are reading out of the Book of Mormon and today we landed in the Book of Mormon in the Book of Mormon. We're excited that we are almost done reading! :) This will be my first time reading the whole Book of Mormon with someone all the way through. It's exciting to know we have gotten this far together in the Book of Mormon together. :) My testimony has grown so much and along with prayer I have come to know even more that the Book of Mormon is another testament of Jesus Christ. <3 

So, my mother in law and I were talking yesterday and I was telling her how I am going to start a part time business for photography and I was asking her if she'd be willing to show me some ropes in editing photos and what not. I have some experience; but, she is really good seeing she has been doing so for 20 years; including videography. Her and I thought of the same thing in including her in the business. So, we will be partners. I want to do it because I need a hobby I will look forward too aside from school and whatnot. Andrew is a busy man with work, school, and church callings; so, I need something to keep myself busy when I am not stressed with school or church. We also need the extra money & experience is always good. I have always enjoyed taking pictures of things since I have learned to take pictures and I love to catch moments people don't tend to look for when taking photos! :) So, I plan on setting up a business blog this week to get started and posting some photos I took at my cousin's wedding. I am thrilled! :D 

Anyway, I better go now. I still have plenty to do before my honey comes home. Have a great day everyone!!! 

Always and forever, 

-A&G

Wow! What a woman!

Bloggers & Friends, 

I enjoy this font: 'Trebuchet'. It's quaint isn't it? The post previous to this one on trust...I used a lot of old fashioned words no one really uses anymore; however, I am a creative writer and have always enjoyed writing since I was little. I suggest you look up the words if you don't know what they mean. 

Anyway, as I have previously explained on this blog, I don't particularly enjoy picking out titles for things because it's an awkward stance...therefore, what you see is what you get; however, today the title means something. To me "what a woman!" is someone that holds themselves high. Not a snobby or materialistic person; not a woman that gives out more than she receives. A woman that holds herself pure at all measures. A woman that respects boundaries & doesn't flaunt herself innapropriately for the world to see. A woman that ordains and respects marriage and family. In my very own opinion, there are too many women or "girls" I like to call them because that's what they are that don't respect what has been ordained by God. Now people argue that there is no God; no higher power; so, with that being said, shouldn't character have something to do with it? Each of us should have common sense. We are born with it no matter how absent minded our parents were. Anyway, some of you may disagree; but, there are women out there that tempt men to look at them, flirt with them, accept them. There are women out there that defile the wife by tossing themselves at married men. It's crazy. What happened to single people dating single people? Wives shouldn't have to feel like they are competing for the attention of their husband. Single women should leave married men alone. PERIOD. Wouldn't these women EXPECT other women to do the same thing once they get married? Anyway, that's my rant of the day. 

Moving on, I have recently started thinking about picking up photography. Maybe I have mentioned it to you before; but, I have been taking lots of photos lately; especially in the past few months. I love it!! I feel like photographers are a dime a dozen & I have friends that are photographers...however, I love photography! I am not a professional; so, those photographers that are friends definitely have that going on! I want to learn so much about it. I actually have my first gig coming up maybe in a few months; a new good friend of mine personally asked me today. I was thrilled!! ~ Maybe by then, I will have a better improved camera? I documented my cousin's wedding for example this Summer & the pictures with my camera actually turned out marvelous! :) So...maybe I will have another blog up soon that specifically has my photography written all over it? I will definitely post the website...I mean, I have to get my name out there somehow; and how did other photographers start out if they didn't experiment? ~It should be fun!~
Today, I spent the whole day with my good friend Susan at a private business owner sale day! The weather was fabulous & we sold an okay amount of stuff. I am going to do my best to help promote her business! WHY? It's not because we are friends; it's because she has a GOD GIVEN GIFT to create. I mean check it out for yourself! She makes everything by hand & so does her mom. They both do custom orders and can make anything for any occasion, time of year, any age. You name it; they can do it. <3
Their business is called BLOSSOMISTIC! Here's one webpage you can go to:  http://www.facebook.com/pages/Blossommistic/184011034960717

I love their stuff! :) Give it a looksie. :) She has her business information on there if you see something you like. :) 

What else is new? We are....not pregnant! I have had some people ask me that lately; and, I just want to make it clear that we aren't trying at the moment. It will be awhile till we do; however, once it happens we will DEFINITELY  let everyone know! So, if you see a bump...well, that's my lack of a six pack and it's hurtful when someone makes a pregnancy comment...so unless you are for sure; don't ask. Think: Would I want someone doing that to me? In public? Patting my stomach? Cooing over me? I bet...not. 

So. I have learned so much important aspects about my life. ~ I need to make a lot of changes to make a positive difference. ~ Last night, I had so many awakenings shed forth that really brought me down to tears for half the night till I grew so tired I fell asleep. Most of all, I haven't been the daughter of God that I know I can be. I haven't been the wife I know I can be. I haven't been the daughter I know I can be. I haven't been the friend I know I can be. I haven't been the example I know I can be. I haven't been the teacher I know I can be. ~ I took my problems and wrapped it in bitterness, depression, and anger for so long that I secretly became that person. I became what I didn't want to become. I gave up. Simple as that. I gave up the woman that I know I am destined to be. I didn't trust anyone; I refused to trust Andrew. I refused to trust period. I always questioned everything around me and everyone. I live my life in total and complete fear constantly. ~ I have recently learned so much about myself as to why I became like this and the source of my problems was unexpected; however, it makes complete sense. I have had to cut some people out of my life and I am hoping it's temporary. I hope things can be mended & sorted out according to how Heavenly Father would want it. I didn't want to do that; but, I am trying to change my life. Mold it and part of it was over pure anger and disgust. Though some of the people won't admit that they have wronged me; I must learn to forgive. I must learn to let go of that bitterness and part that makes me so cold. ~ I must accept that people are the makers of their own destiny. They are the guide of their souls. I must no longer worry about their judgment day; but, mine alone. I must consider my fate over theirs. Though I have been blindly robbed of several important aspects in my life; I must remember most importantly that I strongly desire not to rob my future children of the same aspects. ~ I must bring together the family I have now; I must become the daughter of God that Heavenly Father has prepared me to become. 

In my home, a dear friend gave Andrew and I this picture frame encased is a set of "Home Rules" 

1. Always be honest (Proverbs 12:22)
2. Count your blessings (Psalms 34: 1-3)
3. Bear each others burdens (Galatians 6:2)
4. Forgive and forget (Micah 7:18)
5. Be kind and tender hearted (Ephesians 4:32)
6. Comfort one another (1 Thessalonians 4:18)
7. Keep your promises (Romans 4:21)
8. Be supportive of one another (Acts 20:35)
9. Be true to each other (Revelations 15:3)
10. Look after each other (Deuteronomy 15:11)
11. Treat each other like you treat your friends (Matthew 7:12)
      ~but most importantly~
12. Love One Another deeply from the heart (1 Peter 1:22)

These home rules have been sitting on our wall in our bedroom for 22 months. I haven't looked at them at all; really looked at them until now. Last night I had the thought that I needed to get out of bed and look at these rules. I did. My heart caved. I hadn't been faithful to these rules. I felt ashamed of myself! I begged for forgiveness. 
*How do I feel now? Today? This beautiful Sunday morning? I feel nervous for what's to come. Of course for someone that has lived in fear, that's expected to not change over night. I feel like I need to absolutely do this! I need to apply all of these rules daily. I need to give Andrew the support that he has been lacking from my part so severely. I need to remind myself that I can trust Andrew he is faithful, he is honest, he is faithful to His Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, he is faithful to me. I need to remind myself of that every time I have those cringing thoughts and sequences play in my mind. Satan knows my weaknesses. He knows my intense struggles. I need to be the wife that Andrew deserves. I need to be the wife that Andrew worked so hard for to obtain in his life. I need to be the woman that he has chosen. I need to be the wife that Heavenly Father has intended for me to be. I know He so strongly desires me to be the woman, wife, mother that He has sent me here to be. 

~I have faith that everything else that's shattered from people's choices will be mended over time. I can't beat myself up for the choices of people I trusted. I can only fix myself and that saying is true in so many many ways. 

Ladies and gents, It's time I light my torch and march forward into the abyss of what life brings sometimes. It's time I hold tightly to the iron rod and this time never ever let go. 
I am doing this for myself, my relationship with Heavenly Father (God), my marriage with my sweetheart Andrew, my future children who are currently counting on me as they see me make my life choices, my friends who love me dearly, and all future people I am meant to meet and help. ~Change isn't going to be easy; there are going to be times when I have my short comings; however, I must press on. I must build my trust in the people that matter most to me. I must have faith. 
I must continue to be encouraged. 

Well, it's Sunday. I should get ready for church now. Thank you for reading. <3

It will always be, 

A&G :)

Funny word called TRUST

Bloggers & Friends, 

Trust is a funny thing. Its nature is fragile as ever and when broken its linked to fear of one trusting again. It’s hard to gain back once betrayed & it will always be linked to a thought in the back of the mind that isn’t in harmony of its nature. 
I have heard the sentences, "I will never" "I wouldn't" "It's not in me" "he's/she's/they are not that kind of person" etc. Or simply  Hearing these sentences, one would consider that it's true; However, curiosity is an awry feature in our lives that many don't consider amiss. Curiosity tinkles in our flow of thoughts and causes apace sequences to shed forth; hence, chiming our very desires. 

Chiming our very desires causes us to become dastard to our very morals; therefore, daunting us to defile the very trust one has engraved in us. Once defiled we must defray. 
We must ere passionately toward that funny thing called trust. We must fawn for the poignant apparitions we've been intolerant too. We must not feign. We must not leave our loved one's forlorn. We must not atone to being froward. We must not heed toward curiosities tinkles that are dastard to our very morals; perhaps, we should obeissance oft to what's knowledgeable & righteous. We should instead propound righteousness to others through deed & words. We could be quite puissant. 
By so doing, we would never quail over trust's fragile nature. We could be unsullied. Oh how we could change the world. 

-G

~♥How miracles are wrought♥~

Hello Fellow Bloggers

I am amazed at how the Lord really keeps His promises. I am also amazed at how He really has His eyes on us and takes care of us. It's amazing how prayer works & how obedience works. After years of not knowing my extended family on my father's side, I had the beautiful opportunity to meet most of them for the first time two weekends ago. It took me awhile to write it because it was something I wanted to cherish in my heart first before writing it out loud. I know I was meant to meet them because in order for me to help with genealogy; I had to receive vital information such as names and dates. I was amazed and still stand amazed at how strong & powerful the feelings of the Holy Spirit were on my trip. I had time to make some recordings of course; but, I am thankful that every step forward I took, The Lord & the holy angels stood by my side every step of the way.
I know my ancestors have been waiting for us to do their work. To seek them out, find out what kind of people they were, bring the family together and in doing so, attending to their work in the Temple. After all these years of visits from them, thoughts of them, dreams of them, and feelings of them, we finally attained information and names of our ancestors.
On this trip, I was able to understand myself a little bit more. Some questions about who my heritage is, why I have some personality traits and certain desires, how the health works on my father's side was finally answered. I know my work is cut out for me in doing my genealogy and I am thankful I have help of family and friends. I look forward to this amazing journey of genealogy and bringing the family together; I know they are most certainly excited and joyous on the other side. 

This is most definitely a time to celebrate.
Though on the other side, those spirits aren't worn down by time...I know, they are aware of our time and it's important that they remind us to do their work. I am most certainly thankful that they have allowed us to feel that doing their work is essential. I am also thankful for the spirit of Ellisia (I don't remember how to spell His name).
So, as you can tell, my trip to Massachusetts was preset to happen and it all happened at the right time and right place. I had an enjoyable time of meeting immediate cousins, 2nd cousins, my Aunts (one is a long time friend of my aunt and she is also "adopted" into our family), my uncle, and etc. Blissfully, my cousin Murdock got married that weekend to his beautiful wife (my cousin in law) Cynthia. It was a joyous occasion on top of another joyous occasion. My uncle Lenny married them and he did an amazing job. Below I will post some pictures of the wedding so you can get an idea of how amazing it was.
I am extremely thankful to my husband Andrew for all of his support throughout this whole entire process. I am thankful to him that he allowed me to go and see family for the first time. I look forward to the day he can meet my extended family as well. I love him forever and I am thankful that we are forever for this time and all eternity.
I am thankful to my mother in law for all her support. She has encouraged me, supported me, loved me, respected me, been honest with me, directed me, and has done all this in righteousness. I love her and I have so much respect for her. I am thankful that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ saw fit to bless me with an amazing woman as my mother in law. I have been so blessed and I am thankful for the friendship her and I have built so far. I am thankful for the rest of my in laws such as my sister and brother in laws. All of them have been amazing and I enjoy their friendship. They treat family like they are family and I admire their proper example to me.
I am thankful for all of my family on Andrew's side and my side.
I have learned so much in a span of almost two years and my life and spirit has been strengthened and enhanced for the greater good. I still have plenty to learn of course; however, I am thankful for all the helping hands that have helped through the path that I have chosen to take. I am thankful how Heavenly Father really has His eyes, ears, and arms stretched out and open unto me.
I am thankful though my extended family isn't LDS, that they have agreed to allow me to take our ancestors names to the Temple and do their work. I am thankful 

~that they have high respect and admiration toward the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. ~
Until I write in here again next time, I bid you all a fantastic week!

Love,

A&G 

The guests table numbers

~My Cousin Murdock and his new wife, Cynthia~

They are Marathon runners & very outdoorsy like Andrew & I

 Drinks Menu...I loved the virgin Shirley Temple!

Everyone happened to be standing in the same spot; so the photographer brought everyone in that spot together. Left to right:
Cousin Christa, Aunt Marlene, her husband (Uncle) Lenny in the back, Cousin Lexi, Bride Cynthia, Groom Cousin Murdock, his friend, my father, and my 2nd Cousin Mike

The Menu

 Aren't these beautiful?

These swell decorations in the day time; I loved their decor. They did a great job!

My 2nd (likes to be called Uncle Mike & he is a retired Elvis Presley impersonator and performer)
Cousin Mike had to take a picture with the ladies. It was funny he said, "should I give a little leg?"

After the wedding ceremony with left to right:
My Aunt Marlene, Cousin Christa, Me, Angie, & my Cousin Lexi

Wonderful summer embellishments

In Lynn, MA with my cousins, sister, & a giant white horse; left to right:
Christa, Lexi, Me, and my younger sis Angie

Their summer decor in the night light

 I 'd their cupcake theme as their cake!~

Will work for Cupcakes? Does photography count?

My Grandma & I