Christmas Before Halloween.

Once upon a time, Halloween was my most FAVORITE holiday ever. This year is different for some reason. Jon and I both have 2 costumes, one for the day, the other for our church Halloween Party...(which is Nov. 1st so.....huh?) But I'm still more stoked for Christmas than I've ever been.

I'm guessing it's the newlywed giddyness or the fact that I've consumed so much pumpkin flavor I'm turning orange, or maybe it's the white Christmas lights that I already bought for our living room. Whatever it is, I feel the Christmas spirit in OCTOBER and I'm ready to put up a tree and sing some holiday tunes! Not to mention the slightest peek of winter has begun today with the bit of snowfall we've had! It's exciting, and I'm ready for the day I can celebrate the Christmas holiday without judgement. (Black Friday, come quick!)

I don't even need turkey and stuffing this year, just bring on the eggnog and peppermint.

Let the Fire BURN!

Well, I am just SHOCKED at how much influence my blog post about being Mormon has had. I usually post my blog on Facebook for my friends and family to read, but never in a million years did I think over 35,000 people would read it in just 5 days. I've been bashed by ex-Mormons and anti-Mormons alike, as well as some just trying to show me that I am clearly blinded by the emotional comfort of being Mormon. There have also been really good comments and feedback that has warmed my heart and made me smile.

Overall, I'm glad I could share my testimony with so many people. I felt inspired to write it and I know Heavenly Father wanted me to. I'm not a perfect person but I definitely don't regret sharing what I believe. I encourage you all to share what you believe, too!!!

And just so you know, I'll keep using my blog as my public journal about my crazy life, with a hint of my testimony here and there. Just wanted to share how AWESOME I think it is that a little post I wrote sitting on my couch one Thursday night has gotten the attention of so many people! And even the negative just helps me see how true it is. :)

It only takes a spark to get a fire going! So light a fire and share some of your testimony through a blog or Facebook or Instagram...anything! We've got the tools to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ like WILDFIRE!

10 Reasons You Should Be Mormon.

DISCLAIMER: This post is meant to only share what I believe and invite you to learn more. Please do not take offense!

Most people know that I'm a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Since that's a mouthful, we are also nicknamed "Mormons". That is only because we read The Book of Mormon alongside the Bible. It's more record of Jesus Christ, only it takes place in ancient America. It is an awesome book that has changed my life! But the main reason I'm writing this post is because I LOVE being Mormon and I want you to know why! So here are 10 reasons YOU should be Mormon, too!!! (There are billions more, but 10 seemed like enough.)

1. Jesus Christ is the center of our faith. A lot of people believe we don't worship Jesus Christ...but we do! (Just check out the church's full name.) We believe in the same Jesus Christ that other Christian faiths believe in. He is the Son of God and died for our sins.

2. God still speaks to the world through a prophet. Remember in the Bible when God called prophets? Well guess what?? He still does! There is a living prophet today named Thomas S. Monson, and there are also 12 apostles. Joseph Smith was the first modern-day prophet who was called by God to restore the Church of Jesus Christ to the earth after years of people creating their own faiths. The only way you can know there's a prophet is through listening to what he has to say and praying to know for yourself.

3. The Book of Mormon is MORE evidence of Christ! In a world of people with little to no faith in Jesus Christ (although there are many who do believe), it's such a blessing to have another testament of Jesus Christ in book form, just like the Bible! The Book of Mormon is the second witness that proves of Christ, and both can be read side by side to learn more about who He is and how we can be like Him. It rocks! Plus, it's much easier to understand because it hasn't been translated a million different ways and times like the Bible! (Only once!)

4. No paid clergy. Most faiths have a paid bishop or pastor, and that's their life career. Our 14+ million members worldwide, from the prophet to the bishops to the members, NO ONE is paid. It is because of our faith in Christ and the order which God creates His Church that we are all willing to volunteer much of our time to it. We also follow the commandment of tithing, where 10% of our income goes towards building churches and temples, feeding the poor, and other church organizations. Plus the church is exactly the same everywhere in the world!!! As it should be. (To help settle some of the dispute, a small stipend for living expenses is served to the prophet and apostles. However, most have retired from successful jobs when they are called. There are also jobs associated with the Church media and such. What I was getting at is that we don't have people that go to school to become prophets and apostles and bishops and that becomes their job. They are called by God. Just wanted to clarify.)

5. Biggest missionary program EVER! There are currently about 74,900 missionaries throughout the world in 405 missions. None are paid, they don't get to choose their destination (the prophet and apostles do that), they go for 18 months to 2 years, and start as early as 18 years of age. We even have to save our own money to serve! Why do we do it? Because we know that this is the true church of Jesus Christ and will bring more happiness and peace to your life than you can ever know otherwise! That's why I did it.

6. Death does NOT separate families. God put us on this earth in families so we can learn and grow together. We all have a need for a family unit where we can learn how to avoid the evils of this world and become strong. Satan is constantly attacking the family today because it is the most important thing in our lives. But would God put us here in families just to break them apart at death?? Of course not! That's why when we are married it is not til death, but for all time and eternity. This is done in the 141 temples around the world, where families are being united every day.

7. Temples!!!!!!!!! You've probably seen a temple in a picture or real life, but they aren't just pretend castles. In ancient times, God commanded His people to build temples to perform sacred ordinances, like marriage which I mentioned above. With the restoration of His church through the prophet Joseph Smith, temples became a commandment once again. They are beautiful and the House of the Lord on earth. You can feel the peace there even just walking around the grounds.

8. Authority from God. No one can just stand up and decide they have authority from God to start a church. That's what people thought in the days after the death of Christ and His apostles. Many churches were formed and people had this idea that they could start a church however they wanted. Some had good intentions as well. But that authority that was given by God to baptize, preach the gospel, basically run His church on earth, was brought back! Now it lies in our church, because God restored it through a prophet just as He always has.

9. We aren't perfect but we have the same goals! Lots of people think members of our faith are supposed to be perfect robot clones of each other! At least, that's what it feels like sometimes. Nobody is perfect, and everyone in our religion (or any other for that matter) struggle with something. We may not always follow our faith perfectly, and we make mistakes, but most of us share that same goal: to try to follow the example of our Savior and be united as families for all eternity.

10. HAPPINESS FOREVER! I am in no way going to say that being a Mormon means no trials. FALSE. But, we can handle our hard times and our struggles so much easier with the knowledge we do have. Happiness is so much more abundant when we follow the teachings of Jesus Christ and try to be better everyday. People often ask me how I can be so happy all the time, and it's because I know where I came from, why I'm here, and where I'm going.

So, ready to be Mormon???! Well maybe not yet, but you can know for yourself if all these things I've said are true by learning and praying.

Request a FREE COPY of The Book of Mormon by clicking here, or even better invite the missionaries to come share more with you by clicking here! If those are too intimidating, check out the website below to learn more and even chat with missionaries online. You won't regret it.

WHAT HAVE YOU GOT TO LOSE????

www.mormon.org

Here's the Book of Mormon ONLINE! :) https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm?lang=eng

**For all those who have things to share, THANK YOU! I appreciate all the positive and not-so-positive feedback! :) I didn't realize how many people would end up reading this and I'm extremely grateful! But just know, I WILL NOT post rude, bashing, or vulgar comments. I moderate all of them. If you have nothing nice to say, don't say it at all. THANKS AGAIN!

A Dolla Make Me Holla!

Life has been good for our little family. Boo is the craziest cat ever but we love her (in a not creepy cat obsession way) and school is kicking our butts! We are still trying to find the balance between school, church, work, marriage, money, the whole shebang. I wish there was a secret recipe to it all, but I feel like everyone has their own way of dealing with it.

On the plus side, Jon got a new job at a hot chocolate place opening here soon. I'm excited for him since he super hated working at a call center. Who wouldn't?! He was really stressed last week so I surprised him with TONS OF CASH! Ha. (Not really, it's all fake dollar store money but it was still pretty cool.) Plus some movie goodies and Iron Man 3 from RedBox for a night of relaxation. It was nice and it made him happy.

Well, money is getting tight (we bought 6 boxes of mac n cheese this week at 69 cents each...budgeters!), spiders are making their way into our house to avoid winter which is really unpleasant for me (plus Boo just plays with them she doesn't even kill them...rude), and our ceiling leaked in our living room since we're in a basement and the upstairs neighbors decided to wash their tub last night!! What the?? But we are so blessed. Things are never perfect but that's what makes life so good. It's stuff we'll laugh about eventually.

Holy crap, Boo just did like 5 extremely fast laps from around this couch I'm sitting on to the kitchen and back. I think she drinks Red Bull when we aren't home.

Don't worry, be happy y'all.

OCTOBER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Just needed to quickly rant about October being the best month ever.

(Side note: having a cat is the best. Not because we are crazy cat people, but because we can make her do the most hilarious things!!!!!!!! Husband is making her freak out right now and it's hilarious. She thinks our couch is possessed I'm pretty sure.)

Anyways, October is the greatest time of year and I'll tell you why.

♥ Pumpkin flavored everything.
♥ Halloween movies. Scary and kid flicks.
♥ Straw mazes and haunted houses. Idaho has got those down.
♥ Zombies.
♥ Monster Mash on repeat.
♥ Candy until you can't candy no more.
♥ Dress up!!!!!!!! I take it very seriously. But no trampy costumes. Seriousy, that just ain't classy ladies.
♥ Pumpkin patches and hayrides.
♥ Brisk weather. Just enough to be bundled up but still be fashionable.
♥ If you're Mormon, it's all about General Conference month! If you're not, click here to figure out what the heck that is. It rocks.

Me: "Jon, I love October but I can't think about what else is great about it!!"
Jon: "The leaves changing colors?!?!?!? What have you never experienced October before?!?!?!!?!!!!"

♥ Pretty leaves.

So basically October rocks. What else do you love about it????

HAPPY AUTUMN!!

The Faldmos are Rocking Life.

Well it's been forever since I've updated, but with really good reason...I'm a wife now!

First off, the wedding was a success! I'm Mrs. Faldmo for eternity! Being sealed in the San Diego Temple was beautiful. It was so special that our family and close friends could come. We were just so happy! And why wouldn't we be?? We had only waited 4 long years for this day!!

After the ceremony we realized it'd be impossible to get wedding pictures at the beach like we wanted with Labor Day traffic, but that didn't phase us. We ate In N Out in the car together which was just what we wanted. My dress was so huge I piled 5 tons of tulle fabric onto my lap and used it as a table. I didn't dare eat inside, we would have needed 4 booths for me to fit!

The reception was awesome, but the entire day was the most humid and hot day of the year...or in Caifornia history. Of course right? Jon and I planned to jump in the pool at the end of the night, which we did. (Can't wait for pictures of that.) Also the caterer didn't show up, which normal brides would flip out about but obvi I'm not normal. I was bummed but we just decided to get a bunch of Little Caesars pizzas. Priceless. That actually made it even better. I know what our anniversary dinners will be!

Our honeymoon in Vegas was epic. We had an equal amount of laziness and adventure, and did the only thing I really wanted to do which was go on the New York New York roller coaster! It was awesome. One thing I did realize about Vegas if you weren't aware, everything is expensive but nothing is worth what you pay. (I guess that's why people gamble.) Blue Man Group was an amazing show though.

Now we're up at school trying to survive normal married life. I'm so grateful to spend every day with my best friend! Sounds so cheesy and cliche but it's seriously the greatest thing ever!!! He's a fantastic husband and I'm glad we survived all the ups and downs of the last 4 years to get where we are today. So stoked for forever with this guy.

Well, when wedding pictures arrive I will definitely post em. As for right now, check out our adorbs new cat we got! Her name is Boo since we love Halloween and are now pretending that's her birthday. She's a year old and sort of like Batman. By day she's a totally normal cat, but by night she's a part dog, part cat, part bunny that runs and jumps around like a lunatic. Fits in perfect with our crazy selves.

And yes, she has a pink collar with rhinestones and a matching tag with her name on it. Let's just say I am craving a baby but we need a couple years of happy kid-free married life first.

LOVING LIFE.

Who's in Charge Here????

Life is so good. I'm grateful I've had the opportunities I've had in life, especially when I'm taking a leap of faith.

Jon and I got engaged knowing that we have no money, I've got school debt, and we are basically going on 100% faith that everything would work out. The plan was I would work full time, Jon would go to school full time, and hopefully we'd make ends meet. I always felt anxiety about this plan for some reason.

Then today we were looking into my schooling and figured out I can be done in a little over a year. We felt really good about changing our plans, with only a couple more weeks til school starts, that I would finish for a year while Jon worked and only took a couple classes. It all fell into place! I got the classes I needed and my photography/videography business has been picking up a lot!! It's a giant blessing and we know it's because we have pressed forward with faith that we are doing what's right.

I love him so much. We are a match made in heaven and we can do anything together. I can't believe it's almost a week away! Time is winding down. We get to be together FOREVERRRRRRRRRRRR!

Moral of the story: life is good if you'll just have FAITH!!!!

14 Days is Chump Change.

We are just 2 weeks away from being Mr. & Mrs. Faldmo. Seems like we've waited forever for this day and yet it's coming up so fast! I'm ridiculously happy.

It's kind of crazy, we spend every single second together (not exaggerating) from morning til night and never get sick of it. It's been like this since the day we met. I'm sure it'll change a little bit after we're married for like 50 years, but then again I am marrying my best friend.

This has been a great summer of family time, our new love for puzzles, counting dips in the pool as a shower. It's a fun little vacation until reality sets in and we have big responsibilities again. But I'm excited to have challenges and experiences with Jon that come with being married. He makes me so happy and eternity with him is going to ROCK!!!!!!!!!!

Plus, look at these cool kids. We're pretty much the coolest people ever.

Not Til Death Do You Part.

Lately wedding bliss and stress has been abound, but I have felt inspired to share something with anyone who will read it!

Being LDS or Mormon, there are a lot of things people know or claim to know about our faith. However something a lot of people don't realize is how our marriages take place. Eternal marriage is one of the principles of my faith that gives me the sure knowledge this church is true.

In most marriage ceremonies, the words "til death do you part" are spoken. This is a tradition in many marriages and faiths, but it seems to be looked over by most. What does it mean exactly?

Now friends and strangers alike, don't be offended by what I am about to say. This is based on the knowledge and belief I have in my faith. "Til death" means just what it sounds like. Until death. Doesn't that seem awfully tragic? Why would we have marriages and families if they only lasted in this life?

The happy news I want to share is that because of Jesus Christ and the plan of happiness God has for us, we can be with our loved ones forever! God has once again required His people to build temples, just as in Bible times, to provide the means necessary to link heaven and earth, this life to the next, and that includes marriages.

I don't know exactly why I felt like I needed to share this today, but what I do know is that families are meant to last forever. I'm so grateful that Jon and I get to be married August 30th in the beautiful San Diego Temple (pictured above) where "til death do you part" will not be spoken but instead they will say...

"for time and for all eternity."

Click here if you would like to understand more about what I've shared.
And don't be shy, I love questions!

Happy August! For some reason I love this month! ;)

Adventures in San Diaaahhhhhgo and more!

Update from the SoCal summer adventures with Jon and Steffany!

Wedding plans have been coming together! Can't believe we're only 4 weeks out. It's crazy how fast time flies. My mom just left today from her week long visit. It was fun having her! We got to have my bridal shower which was really great, my in-laws did such a good job it was so fun. Finally my rustic beach wedding vision is coming alive! I honestly had no idea if it would since I couldn't pin point just what I wanted.

In today's news, Jon and I decided today was a great day for the beach and a little adventure! We drove down to Mission Beach in San Diego which is a cool place. A little beach mixed with a chill local scene of shops and food. Jon about went crazy with driving down there though. He's such a great fiance, always willing to do crazy things with me!

It was hilarious when we tried finding the local Rite Aid because all we wanted was some of their THRIFTY ICE CREAM! Seriously, best ice cream ever. Chocolate Malt Krunch is my favorite ice cream in the universe. We tried using BOTH of our iPhone maps for a good 20 mins to find it but we failed. Just went in circles over and over again. So we got some In N Out to ease our stress, and headed for a nice walk around Balboa Park. 

But we were getting too loopy for Rite Aid, so we finally found one near there and I ate the most delicious cone ever. It was so worth it. Balboa was fun and tons of people complimented Jon on his awesome Bruce Lee shirt. Man, I love him. Jon, not Bruce Lee.

The sunset on the way home was beautiful. Jon and I would scream at the top of our lungs every time it peeked over the mountains. It was pretty funny. I love how silly we are. And then of course, we ended up getting a flat tire 2 miles away from home, so Jon used his manly man skills to put on the spare while I shined the iPhone flashlight on him. It was a great end to our crazy adventurous day. 

Also we realized something, people are way rude to us when we drive because of our Idaho license plate. Totally not fair. We aren't from Idaho we SWEAR!

So that's the update on life as we know it. Can't wait to marry my best friend!!!!!!!! 

Wedding wedding wedding!

I can't seem to blog these days but it's because we've been keeping busy! Which is a really good thing.

Today we got our marriage license! It was $90 for a piece of paper that gives us permission to get hitched. Kinda crazy. That was exciting though.

Plus my mom is officially in California so tomorrow morning I get to see her and hang out for a week! I realize I haven't seen her for 6 months! I'm pretty stoked. 

Tomorrow is my bridal shower which should be fun. I didn't expect one so I appreciate my mom and his mom throwing it together.

All in all life is good. Wedding excitement, plans, and jitters fill the air! One thing I know is I am totally head over heels in love with my man and I am so grateful that I get to be his wife soon. What an awesome blessing to get to be with him FOREVER! He's amazing.

And just in case I get too distracted to post again, next time I'll be...

Mrs. Jon Faldmo!!!!! :)

Bye bye, Burgtown.

Jon and I are officially leaving Rexburg as single people! I can't believe how time flies and how excited I am to get home! And get married!! :) 

We are going to see Jimmy Eat World tonight too! Just a fun little concert before our long trek to So Cal!

It's been an emotional and stressful week, but we've survive and we are on our way to eternal bliss! 

Or something like that. :)

One More Week!

I'm just sitting here all content listening to Mr. Faldmo jam on the piano. 

We are so excited to get the heck out of Rexburg! The stress of the end is definitely obvious. We are so ready for no more roommates, no more living in separate places, no more hw assignments for a little bit. Even a break from jobs. Just wedding prep, beach trips, and lots of family time. Plus we've got Disneyland and Sea World planned! 

Yes, please! I love you, California! 

Can't believe I get to be his wife in 7 weeks! We've definitely waited long enough!! So stoked. Definitely gonna be the wedding of the century.

Just gotta push through 7 more days and we are outta hereeeeeeee!

5k, Lake, Demo Derby, Sunday Sickness.

Such an eventful Saturday we had! 

So eventful that I woke up this morning sick 

and feeling like I got hit by a bus.

We ran the Color in Motion 5K here in Rexburg which was totally fun.

However, I have ZERO running experience

and Jon and I hadn't exercised in at least a month.

(School and work got the best of us.)

Still I was able to run some, walk some, 

instead of walking it all like I predicted.

And it was way fun being covered in rainbow powder.

And that rainbow powder actually DYED my hair pink. 

Sort of a pink ombre look.

I washed my hair and saw it was pink and I am loving it.

Super fun summer hair, totally by accident!

Hopefully I can keep it around for as long as possible. 

Since we were committed to making this Saturday AWESOME, 

we headed over to the lake for some swim and sun.

I realized I'm terrified of legit swimming and can only do a doggy paddle...

...yeah, unashamed.

So my wonderful fiance taught me how to swim with his high school swimmer expert experience.

I did pretty well. :) 

Next task is to overcome my fear of going under water!

Then after a mini power nap (the sun sucked our energy),

we bought a couple of black cherry cream sodas (SO GOOD) 

and headed to the DEMOLITION DERBY!

I love the demo derby.

I go to school in farmer land.

There was some sweet action happenin! 

This was my fave car, #80. 

It was reppin the most delicious BBQ joint in all of Rexburg,

Blisters BBQ.

It's in a gas station so you THINK it's sketchy but in fact 

it's a party in your mouth.

I dream about their brisket daily.

And again, since I have the best fiance ever,

he knew I've been craving cotton candy since the 4th

so he hooked me up with some at the derby! 

:)

All in all, successful weekend. Today I'm feeling the repercussions, though. Woke up with a stuffy nose, sore throat, sinus headache, stomach ache, and overall achy body. It was totally worth it!! Plus it's survivable when you have a great guy willing to make you soup and hang out with you even though you're death warmed up.

Hope your holiday-ish weekend was FANTASTIC too!

Christmas Lights in the Sky.

It's late but I couldn't sleep before blogging about the great 4th of July we had!

Jon's parents are in town so we spent the whole day with them and other local family which was so nice. Not having my family close by is a bummer, but today just reminded me that I'm marrying into a whole other second family that is also wonderful! :)

We saw the Rexburg parade that is oh so adorable. Jon and I already felt like parents since we seemed to care more about small children getting run over by parade floats than their parents did! We got some free froyo and free Otterpops from it, so we were happy campers.

His parents took us out to Costa Vida which, if you've had it, you know no words need be said about that spectacular lunch. If you haven't had it, shame on you and you're future children!!

Kidding.

Then we chillaxed, watched The Avengers because we support American super heroes...and Thor. Later was dinner at his aunt's house and of course, watched some fireworks. I think of them as Christmas lights in the sky. I just love it!

Now there's a thunderstorm happening outside, which I love. I think heaven is having their own firework show.

Hope you all had a great holiday! I love America!!! So blessed to be born and raised full blooded red, white, and blue!

There is Too Much Summer for This Ish.

Okay everyone, let's have a heart to heart.

It's July. Summer to everyone in Murika. And yet, us BYU-Idaho students are stuck in school til this month is close to finished. So of course I need a moment to rant.

It is too warm for homework. The lake is prettier than a classroom. Laying on the grass eating ice cream sounds much more pleasant than studying for finals. Oh, and you know, marriage. That's happening for some of us this summer also.

So Idaho kids, this is our sort of positive reinforcement. We'll be out of here in just 3 weeks! Sure it sucks right now but WE CAN DO IT. Easier said than done, but can totally be done.

Suck it up, eat an Otterpop, and KEEP GOING!!!!!!!!!!!!!

(I'm blogging instead of homework. Does that make me a hypocrite? Fine, I'll do it now.)

OUR SUMMER AWAITS!

20 Reasons Why He's The Greatest Fiancé Ever.

I'm exhausted to the bone right now. With the heat in Rexburg, plus a few other things I'd rather not mention, I'm achy and tired and need my bed and a goodnight's sleep. But today I felt so blessed to have a fiancé that loves me so much so I want to blog 20 reasons why!! (There are more...many, many more.)

1. Laughter is the best medicine, but you don't have to be sick to laugh. He makes me laugh harder than anyone else in the world.
2. Those blue eyes. 
3. He constantly wants to help me. He asks "what can I do?" as often as he can and it's so nice to know someone cares that much. Him being around is more than enough, every time.
4. That guy can cook some delicious meals.
5. I never get enough of his forehead kisses. Granted, I have a huge forehead so that makes it easy. 
6. I've learned so much about forgiveness from him. He forgives all my mistakes and everything in between.
7. He makes doing nothing so much fun.
8. Who knew someone could have so much patience with a crazy woman like me!?
9. He's not the least bit embarrassed to hold my purse in public when it's being really annoying and falling off my arm.
10. We've been through some big trials already, and yet I feel like I could survive a zombie apocalypse by his side. (Let's be serious here, it's gonna happen.)
11. I'm a girl who has a lot to rant about and I swear he has the most amazing listening abilities. I never feel ignored.
12. He tells me I'm beautiful a lot. A girl needs that.
13. You know the saying "you know me better than I know myself"? He really does.
14. He always gives a solid effort at everything he does, and works hard for what he has. I really admire that.
15. He never yells. Ever. And I think he's only been frazzled like twice in his life. (He doesn't like being frazzled.)
16. We are the real life Jim and Pam.
17. He's way more attractive than any super hero.
18. Sometimes it's hard to have a positive attitude and not give up, but he reminds me that I can do anything as long as I stick with it and become the best. He makes me want to be the best I can be always.
19. He loves my music and hearing me sing, even when I don't.
20. The most important reason of all is that he loves me and makes me feel like a princess. Together we can do anything. 

I can't wait to be with him forever. I love you, Jon!

2 MONTHS TIL THE BIG DAY!! :)

Defend the Truth.

The Supreme Court has officially ruled that the ban against same-sex marriage is "unconstitutional."

It's a big day for America. We have officially blurred the lines of truth.

I have no ill feelings towards homosexual people. In fact, I love them! But it saddens my heart that the world is forgetting where we came from and why we're here.

It completely makes sense to me why they are fighting so hard for this. EQUALITY. Men who like men and women who like women want to be able to enjoy all the benefits that come with marriage, even if it's not your traditional marriage.

However, the only way to create a family unit that lasts for eternity is by marriage between a man and a woman. 

Physically two of the same gender cannot create a family. Men and women have different traits that are embedded within them to raise children that will not give those children the same experience without one or the other. 

I can guarantee you all, religious or not, that when we start losing our grip on right and wrong (which has been happening for a while) that's when the government, this blessed country, and all the freedoms we enjoy will fall to the ground.

I'm so grateful to live in the USA and have the blessings of freedom of speech and religion. I just hope that I can be a force for good to remind others that God has a plan and whether you believe in Him or not, whether you accept that plan or not...

it's the truth.

Click here for my complete view as a Mormon on marriage and the family.

Jon Day Weekend.

Saturday was a day I declared as "Jon Day."

I really wanted to give him a whole day where he felt important and we did whatever he wanted without my complaints. Plus, he'll be up here without me on his birthday this year.

It started with me waking up at 6:30am on a SATURDAY (that's true love) to make and bring him breakfast before work. (Side note, I can't wait until we don't live in separate places. It makes making breakfast for someone pretty ridiculous.) Then that afternoon after he got off work we drove down with his coworker to SLC!

No plans. Just us and our duffle bag of overnight stuff. We felt like nomads and kinda liked it.

We decided to go to the Utah Art Festival which was really fun. I swear, I could have fun staring at a wall with that boy! And actually at one point, we were staring at a wall...except there were people dancing on it! It was pretty rad.

We were determined to buy our first piece of art for our first little apartment, but soon realized everything was way overpriced and we could just buy some canvas and make our own.

We got to spend time with our great friends Amber and Jordan (and their cute little nugget Harrison) who not only let us stay with them after our plans got smashed, but also gave us their old car.  For $1. No, I'm not kidding. We owe them. Plus they're the world's cutest family! :)

Sunday we spent time with David and his wife Sarah and our good friend Andrew. It was like old times but in new times, if that makes sense. It was really fun. I think the best part of it all was Jon and I realized how excited we are to be married and to have a life together. I had heard all the time that love only grows stronger, but this weekend it all made sense. I feel so lucky!!!!!!!!! I can't wait until this semester is over and it's our big day!!

So that was that. We got to Utah as homeless, carless nomads, and left driving our old school '94 Corolla back to Rexburg.

 I'd say this was the weekend to top all weekends.

Granny Smith Apples.

So I'm not a huge apple fan, but if I'm in the mood for a Granny Smith apple, I will down that thing.

Which is what I just did.

It was so delicious.

I went to the little store on campus to buy Jon a Twix because, well, I'm the greatest fiance ever, and I was about to get one for myself when a shiny green apple was calling to me. Seriously I could hear it, "Eat me instead of chocolate! Pilates kicked your butt this morning, don't let it go to waste! Don't you want to fit in your wedding dress?!?!?!!?!?!"

Gah, you win apple.

But it was a good choice and I'm satisfied. Even FULL! Surprising, I know.

What this rant is really about is health and dieting. I won't say much except for that I am just NOT one of those people who will ever completely cut out sugar, I love ice cream and pizza too much, and soda is sometimes the only thing that can quench my thirst.

However, ain't nothing wrong with eating lots of fruits and vegetables and moderating sugar. Exercise is good too but good heavens let's not compare ourselves to other people! (Yes, ladies, that means YOU!) I've come to grips that I have a "pear shape" body that carries most of my weight in my hips, and I'm okay with that. I want to be healthy but never so concerned with it that I'm embarrassed of myself or lacking confidence.

WOMEN, WE ARE ALL MADE DIFFERENTLY.

That's not an excuse to be unhealthy and obese, but it is a reason to celebrate whatever SHAPE God has given you.

Even if you're the shape of a Granny Smith apple.