Wednesday, June 15, 2011

IT"S BEEN A WHILE

Alot has happened since I last posted. I didn't know anyone even looked at our blog until I saw my friend Emily and she told me she always checks to see if I've updated.


I am going to try really hard to do better at blogging, I found out you can have your blog made into a book! Since I'm not good at keeping a journal, a blog is probably as good as it's going to get.



A Quick Little Update on Us!

...from where I left off.



November

Craig and my Uncle Eric decided to go Elk hunting in Driggs. My Aunt Rachel and I LOVED this idea since we'd get to spend lots of time together while the boys were our driving...I mean hunting. I think we were able to go up 2 weekends and spend time with their awesome family.

We love spending time with those crazy kids.



There is a beautiful house by the temple that has red and white Christmas lights. I thought they were so beautiful. So Craig patiently unscrewed every other red light in a strand and put in white bulbs, until we had enough for the front of our house. One night I got home late from cleaning the temple and came home to our beautiful lights up!



Since both of our families live here it makes holidays a little hectic. Craig and his Helms cousins like to plan an activity for Thanksgiving morning, this year was shooting out in Oakley. It was so cold that Ashley (Jason's fiance at the time) and I sat in the truck 98% of the time. Ashley was brave and got out to shoot a few times. This year we will be better prepared with warm clothing and hot chocolate!



Craig's family usually gathers during lunch for Thanksgiving, and my family does Thanksgiving dinner.This year we went to Craig's grandma & grandpa Harrison's for lunch...ate too much then headed over to my parents for dinner later that day. Hopefully we can figure out an easier way to celebrate with both families so we don't make our selves sick eating so much good food!



December

Craig's cousin Jason got married to the beautiful Ashley early December. We enjoyed being with them on their special day! I also got to meet some of the Helms family that weren't able to make it to our wedding. We're so excited to have Ashley in our family.


Little Brooke got baptized. I can't believe it was 8 years ago I was loving on that chubby baby! She had the chubbiest, softest, most kissable cheeks I've ever seen. I'm so glad Brooke loves us so much and invited us to her special day! It was also fun seeing their Grandma Marsha. She lives in Canada so we don't get to see her often.



A few years ago my Aunt Becky and I bought a fake rat and hid it in one of Rachel's drawers to scare the kids. Brooke "the fearless one" was so scared and we still laugh about her reaction! This year I found a pack of little mice. They were a really soft rubber so they kind of wiggled. I had taken them with us when we went up for hunting and always forgot to hide them. So before we left from Brooke's baptism weekend I hid them throughout the house. Little did I know Marsha is TERRIFIED of mice! The poor woman nearly had a heart attack. It was pretty priceless.



We had our first Christmas together being married. And we loved it! Craig's sister Heather had a Christmas party at her house on Christmas Eve and we were able to spend the day with the kids! We also found out that our new baby niece would be arriving on May.


We had Christmas morning at our house then went to my parents to spend the rest of the day with them. It was a nice relaxed day.



Travis, another of Craig's cousins, got married to Fran the end of December. I love Fran! We have alot of fun together, especially if we're trying to fool Grandma Helms. We were so excited to attend the temple with them! And I'm so happy I got a new friend!



My kitchen sink pipe froze!! Our brother-in-law Wayne was staying with us and he and Craig decide to use a blow torch (in my house) to unthaw it.... It worked but I was very nervous about the thought of a blow torch being used in my house.



January

I'm sure great fun things happened but I can't remember them....


I think we started planning our Time Out for Women trip! We were able keep it a secret from Rachel and Eric gave told her on Mother's day.



February

We got a new car and we LOVE LOVE LOVE it! It's a cameleon Saturn Aura. I say cameleonbecause it is always a different color. Sometimes silver, grey, light blue or a tint of tan. We love it and I have grounded my self from ever talking to car sales men again. I went in to simple look at another can and somehow left with a new car... But we got a great deal, good gas millage, it's roomy, and we love it!



My birthday! Craig got me a cricut! I have wanted one for a long time! Unfortunately since I got it I have used it twice... I need to go more crafts!




Also we got a new beautiful couch! We love it. I think it's a little too big for our living room...but of well it's beautiful!




March

We were very fortunate for Craig to get a new job (still farming) in Murtaugh. He LOVES it there. He really enjoys going to work everyday and made new friends fast. This job has been such a blessing in our life's. Best of all: He drives John Deere's now! What more could we ask for :)



Craig and his cousins like to go to St George for Spring Break, ride their dirt bikes, and visit Grandma & Grandpa Helms. This year we had planned the time off from work , and found out Grandpa needed to have his shoulder replaced. So they would not be up for visitors.


We still wanted to get away before Craig was really busy with work so we decided to surprise my best friend Mayra and go visit her in Washington. We had so much fun being with them, and loving Alex! He is growing up way to fast!!! We spent a day in Seattle, went to the Space Needle, Pike's Market, and to Hard Rock Cafe. During this trip Craig found the most amazing donuts! The company is called Franz, and they make chocolate covered raspberry filled donuts! AMAZING! I bought as many as we could find! I've found the Franz brand at Albertson's here, but they do not carry these amazing donuts (which is probably for the best).


My Aunt Rachel's family got to come up for a weekend. We always love being with them. This time we went to Shoshone falls.



April


I planted wild flower seeds in our front flower patch. Since I'm a person who likes immediate results it's driving my crazy that it still only looks like a weed patch! No flowers are blooming yet!!!



Fran and I went to Rexburg one Saturday to see our friends for the day. I dropped her off at her friends apartment and spent the day visiting with 4 of my great friends from my Rexburg days! It was so fun to be with them again, it's been a very long time! Hopefully we can do that again soon! I also got to meet Abby's sweet baby Mr Henry Lincoln! What a precious baby!


May

Our newest niece Kaylynn Louise was born on Mother's day! She has a FULL head of dark hair!


Too bad they live in Canada so we can't enjoy her more.



My mom's ward had a fun Super Saturday activity with really cute crafts. We made (started) some wood blocks that say "bloom where you are panted" and a magnetic menu calender. Super cute! I'll have to post a picture once I complete them.



I made some Black Berry Jam! Craig's dad invited me out to make jam with him, his wife Danielle, and grandpa & grandma Helms. We had a blast! I was so excited to learn a little about canning, and to get to spend some time getting to know them a little better.



The Snake River is very high this year, the highest it's been since the 1997 flood. After the super Saturday activity the amazing youth in the pella wards went over and helped fill sandbags at the Cozakos' house. We were able to fill over 500 sandbags in about an hour!!! The river has since gone down a little bit, so hopefully there will not be another flood!



My little brother Kevin graduated High School! What an emotional day! I can't believe he is old enough for this. He has grown into quite the funny kid! We're proud of you Kev!!His class did a flash mob during graduation. It was hilarious! Here's a link to the video: http://youtu.be/00el6RkULO8 .



June

A few weeks ago we went to Cauldrin Lin (Star Falls) in Murtaugh. I had not been since i was a toddler, and have no memories of it. Since the water is so high this year the falls were so beautiful. We are so grateful Heavenly Father has given us so many beautiful things.



TIME OUT FOR WOMEN! This year my mom, aunt Rachel, and I attended Time Out for Women for the 1st time. We LOVED it so much and each heard exactly what we needed to hear! We stayed overnight at the Ramada (not somewhere I would recommend to anyone). My mom and Rae had a blast scaring me. So what I'm a little paranoid! We had a blast and are looking forward to going again next year.



Kaylynn's blessing was on the 11th, so we were able to go up to Canada for a few days and spend time with their family. The kids have grown SO much since we seen them in August! The 2nd day we were there we went to the Cardston temple and did baptisms. It was really great to have Craig performing the baptisms for me, his mom, Ashley and Candice. Grandpa Harrison and Wayne were able to be witnesses and help with confirmations. This was Marla's first time doing baptisms so it was really neat that Craig was able to help with that. It was fun to get to spend time with them. We went to a train museum, and an air plain museum, and a couple candy stores. Everything is expensive in Canada. I believe a gallon on gas was something like $5.40! $3.62 a gallon looked great when we got home!


Craig had his birthday! His birthday was the day we were leaving Canada. It was so sunny to spend the ENTIRE day with him! That never gets to happen! Happy birthday Love!


Now we are enjoying being back home, and back to work. We've been trying to work on our yard, and slowly we'll get it how we'd like. At least the lawns green and being mowed. I think when we moved in last summer it was dead! Sometime this summer I'd like to get our kitchen and living painted, I've had the paint for months but never have the ambition to do it!









Thursday, November 4, 2010

I am so thankful!



I have been so blessed! I have so much to be thankful for and so much to rejoice about! Here are a few things I'm thankful for:
1: I have been sealed for all eternity to my very best friend!
2: I have a great home that is perfect for us!
3: My parents have always taught and continue to teach me about the gospel.
4: I know my Savior lives.
5: I have many friends that strengthen me.
6: I have the privlage to live in a free country. Where I am able to worship as I want.
7: I have a good job.
8: Craig and I get to help with the youth in our ward.
9: Our parents live near.
10:We have 3 neices, 3 nephews, and will have another this summer.
11: I have a little sister that loves to spend time with me.
12: I have never had to go hungry, be homeless, or live in poverty.
13: I know that I have a Heavenly Father, who loves me, and knows me.
14: I have the right to vote.
15: I have many "grandparents" that love me. Luckily they let me adopt them.
16: I've had the same best friend for 11 years.
17: My dad has alot of faith in me,loves me more than I know, and is one of my biggest fans.
18: I have 4 little cousins that love spending time with Craig and I.
19: My mom and I have helped eachother through alot of hard times and good times.
20:That my cousin sends me pictures of her little boys often.
21: That I grew up in a small town.
22: I get to go to the temple with my husband at least once a month.
23: Sometimes when Craig has to work late I can go with him.
24: I know I have angels watching over me.
25: I know miracles happen...I am one of them.
26: I have a brother thatis perfect and gives me strength to keep going, so we can be together one day.
27: I was able to be with Mi when Alex was born. I love that boy more than I could ever imagine.
28: I was able to attend BYU-I and make great lifelong friends.
29: Craig didn't give up on me when I was too blonde to realize he liked me.
30: A brother that is up for doing tricks on people anytime, and loves me even though we dont always see eye to eye.
31: I know how to cook so we dont have to eat from a box.(unless we want to)
32: I have had alot of leaders that have so much faith in me.
33: I have an aunt and uncle that love and support me in all that I do.
34: My husband loves to make me happy!
35: I can sew.
36: I am able to keep in touch with loved ones far away.
37: I was blessed to learn about enduring to the end by one of the best examples there is.
38: I have the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost.
39: I have sacred covenants with Heavenly Father.
40: I have a puppy that loves to play with us.
41: I have a strong testimony that has never waivered.
42: People can trust me.
43: My family can be together forever.
44: Craig takes care of me and makes sure I'm safe.
45: I have more friends than I can count.

Thursday, September 30, 2010

Charity Never Faileth


In Relief Society a couple of weeks ago we were discussing how blessed we are to not only have a living prophet, but to hear from him monthly! Every month he gives counsel to help us become a better people and draw nearer to our Father in Heaven. But if asked what our prophet had to say this month, would we know? I probably wouldn't. So I challenged my self to monthly write in my journal what the prophet has counseled, and to post here also for my friend and family.
This month I was lucky enough to attend the annual Relief Society Broadcast with my mom. As I listened to the wonderful talks and music, I couldn't help but want to be a better person, like our dear President Hinckley said, "Try a little harder, be a little kinder".
This month President Thomas S. Monson’s counsel was on Charity. Here’s what he had to say:

" I consider charity—or “the pure love of Christ”—to be the opposite of criticism and judging. In speaking of charity, I do not at this moment have in mind the relief of the suffering through the giving of our substance. That, of course, is necessary and proper. Tonight, however, I have in mind the charity that manifests itself when we are tolerant of others and lenient toward their actions, the kind of charity that forgives, the kind of charity that is patient.
I have in mind the charity that impels us to be sympathetic, compassionate, and merciful, not only in times of sickness and affliction and distress but also in times of weakness or error on the part of others.
There is a serious need for the charity that gives attention to those who are unnoticed, hope to those who are discouraged, aid to those who are afflicted. True charity is love in action. The need for charity is everywhere.
Needed is the charity which refuses to find satisfaction in hearing or in repeating the reports of misfortunes that come to others, unless by so doing, the unfortunate one may be benefited. The American educator and politician Horace Mann once said, “To pity distress is but human; to relieve it is godlike.”
Charity is having patience with someone who has let us down. It is resisting the impulse to become offended easily. It is accepting weaknesses and shortcomings. It is accepting people as they truly are. It is looking beyond physical appearances to attributes that will not dim through time. It is resisting the impulse to categorize others.
Charity, that pure love of Christ, is manifest when a group of young women from a singles ward travels hundreds of miles to attend the funeral services for the mother of one of their Relief Society sisters. Charity is shown when devoted visiting teachers return month after month, year after year to the same uninterested, somewhat critical sister. It is evident when an elderly widow is remembered and taken to ward functions and to Relief Society activities. It is felt when the sister sitting alone in Relief Society receives the invitation, “Come—sit by us.”
In a hundred small ways, all of you wear the mantle of charity. Life is perfect for none of us. Rather than being judgmental and critical of each other, may we have the pure love of Christ for our fellow travelers in this journey through life. May we recognize that each one is doing her best to deal with the challenges which come her way, and may we strive to do our best to help out.
Charity has been defined as “the highest, noblest, strongest kind of love,” the “pure love of Christ . . . ; and whoso is found possessed of it at the last day, it shall be well with [her].”
“Charity never faileth.” May this long-enduring Relief Society motto, this timeless truth, guide you in everything you do. May it permeate your very souls and find expression in all your thoughts and actions.
I express my love to you, my sisters, and pray that heaven’s blessings may ever be yours. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen."
(Charity Never Faileth, President Thomas S. Monson. September 25,2010)

I hope that I can take this counsel to heart. I pray that I can show charity toward others, and grow closer to my Heavenly Father.When I judge, I have no time to love. I am so gratful for the oppurtunities that I have to hear from our sweet prophet, and his wise counslers. I am so grateful for the oppurtunity that Craig and I have to attend the temple often. I'm gratful that I know that my family can be together forever, and that I have the help of our Savior. I am so blessed. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

The Helms



We are finally married!
The wedding went great! Everything turned out great and the reception was nonstop busy!!! We were so lucky to have so much support from our family and friends! It was great seeing so many people we don't get to see very often. We had a great time, and we're lucky enough to get to go away for 5 days! We are so blessed!
I am so grateful to be married to my best friend!

Friday, August 6, 2010

Almost there....

We are only a week away from the wedding! We are so grateful for all of the love and support we've been given . We have so many people who love us and want the best for us. Here are about half of our invitations! We are so excited to spare this special day with our famil and friends. Hopefully everything this next week goes fast....and smoothly! We are so excited to start on this new adventure together. Craig truely is my best friend, he means the world to me and I'm so grateful that he wants to be with me forever.

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

It's Getting Closer!



Well we are only 15 days away from the wedding! We are so excited but ready to be done with the wedding. There are just a few projects to finish up for the reception, along with getting our house ready. We were very excited Monday night when we started pulling some carpet up and found wood floors!!! We have wood floors everywhere except the bathroom & kitchen :) That made us both so happy! I am so excited to start painting this week! Luckily work has been slow for Craig this week so he's been able to spend time with me and help me get things done. I'm so grateful for him and all the love and support he gives me, I am so blessed!

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

5 more weeks


Well almost 5 weeks left until the big day and we can hardly wait. We just have a few more things to finish up and are anxious to get our cute invitations out. It's been long engagement and we are ready to settle into married life. Luckily, planning the wedding and reception hasn't been too stressful so far. We feel so blessed and are so excited to be starting our life together !