Saturday, October 25, 2014

Doin' Big Things...

I figure it's time to officially blog about Josh and I's upcoming adventure! We have been so busy preparing that it's been tough to keep up with school, work, and everything else going on in our lives! (Not to mention blogging!) Well anyways, here is our next adventure-


These two lovebirds are flying off to live in DC for 4 months! We are so excited to go back to where we got engaged! (And I'm really excited to move close to home for a couple months!) So what is bringing us to DC you ask? Well, my extremely intelligent and handsome husband applied and got accepted to BYU's Washington Seminar Program where he will have the opportunity to learn about many different career options he has as an Economics major. He is currently still involved in the applying process for the possible internships but so far the prospects are looking good! With the program we got housing right in DC and we are so excited to try city life out. I will be doing my Student Teaching and a coaching internship. I'm still in the process of figuring out which school I'll be at, but somewhere in DC that's for sure! While I'm a little nervous about the prospect of teaching in such an urban school district I am continually gaining enthusiasm for the opportunity ahead. 

After our DC adventure we will come back to Utah for me to finish up one class over the summer and Josh to finish his last semester in the fall. Then who knows where life will take us after that! It's both exciting and a little nerve-racking to have a future open to so many possibilities. But I think both of us have decided to go with exciting


Also I'd just like to mention that Josh and I have almost been married a whole year. I can hardly believe how fast time has flown. It's been the best almost year of my life! (you can count on a mushy anniversary blog come Dec. 21) 

Thursday, October 9, 2014

The Month of October

Every year when October rolls around I go through an internal struggle. I debate whether or not to blog about my experience with Breast Cancer. When I was 13 my Mom was diagnosed with Stage 2 Breast Cancer. My Mom has told me in the past that she has struggled with October meaning everything being pink for a month instead of it meaning the leaves changing color and Fall being in full swing. After she finished Chemo she had to get rid of all the things that reminded her of Chemo, for example her big, comfy blanket she had used in each Chemo visit. I struggle with October because I don't want to give one more reason for my Mom to think back about that incredibly difficult year for her and my family. But I've decided this year it's important for her to know what I think about when I see the color pink take over October.


I think about when my Dad told my sister and me the news. He had tears in his eyes with a look of extreme worry yet strong determination. He promised us that this experience would bring our family closer together. He proved to be absolutely correct. I remember that was one of the first times I remember getting a real glimpse at just how much my Dad loved my Mom. His love continued to manifest as he took her to all the doctors appointments, kept the house and family organized, remained a faithful Bishop, and even gave her daily shots as part of her treatment. He stood strong by her side teaching me how to be a strong and supportive spouse. 


I think about the many friends that rallied together to help my family out in any way they could. When my Mom had to get a mastectomy her friends gave it a positive spin by throwing her a party complete with a Boob cake. They kept the love coming by sending little notes, prayers, and thoughts our way. They helped with dinners, rides, and anything else our family needed. I learned how important it is to be a good friend and to have good friends in return.  

Most importantly I think of my Mom being a fighter. I think of my Mom being incredibly strong throughout the long, hard path. I think of how she has continued to fight for her health. I think of how she admits to her weaknesses but is brave enough to address them and carry on fighting. She taught me that when the going gets tough the tough get going. 


So I'm ok with pink taking over October. While it reminds me of the ugliness that is Breast Cancer, it mostly reminds me of the good things that came because of it.