Life in the Bluegrass State

Ok, now that I've written about the miscarriage and can process my thoughts better, I believe some updates are in order.

About 36 hours after we moved to Kentucky and unpacked the truck (with the help of our amazing church congregation out here), we headed out to DC for my little brother's wedding. It was great to see our family and all be together for such a happy event. In between wedding festivities and visiting with family, we took Ryan to the National Zoo. He loved everything, and made animal sounds left and right. Also during the week, Brenton and I went out to dinner to celebrate our 3rd wedding anniversary. We ordered three desserts at one of my favorite Greek restaurants. One for each year. They were delicious!  (strawberry cheesecake, white chocolate raspberry mousse cake, and creme brulee)

After the wedding, we headed back to Kentucky so Brenton could start his new job, and I could settle in the house. Brenton's first day of work was on our actual anniversary, May 1st. He had to work until around 9:30 in the evening, so we were grateful for the early celebration the week before. However, when he got home he surprised me with some sparkling cider, chocolates and a movie. We cuddled up on the couch surrounded by boxes and enjoyed the time together. 

Since then we've unpacked, settled in and started making our house a home. Everyone has been so kind here. I've never lived in an area where the people are more friendly. Honest.

Here's a little slideshow of our move, trip to DC, and our first month or so living in Kentucky. While we may have had a few bumps in the road, things are looking up, and we're very happy.

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Surprise Getaway

As you know, our anniversary was on Sunday. Due to a recent purchase, I figured that we weren't doing anything too big for the special day. Luckily the day was gorgeous, so Brenton made a lovely picnic lunch for us. I took some pictures of Ry-guy and we enjoyed the afternoon.

After lunch, I suggested some ideas to Brenton as to how to spend our evening, and he looked at me with a twinkle in his eye and said, "What if I told you we won't be here for the evening?" After quickly packing, we rode up to my aunt and uncle's house, as Brenton had already planned with them to watch Ryan for the night. I still had no idea where we were going, but I was so excited!! We dropped off Little Buddy, which was a bit hard for me as I hadn't spent a night away from him since the NICU, then headed out.

We began driving higher into the mountains. The more we drove, the prettier it got. At last, Brenton pulled into a gorgeous bed and breakfast nestled in a canyon by a rushing stream. It was breathtaking. After checking in, Brenton lead me to the Denali Suite. It was lovely, and all set up with rose petals, sparkling cider, and chocolate covered strawberries. You could even hear the stream from our room! I loved that. Brenton took care of everything. I was so surprised. He's always thinking of sweet things for me. I'm so lucky to have him as a husband.

                   

We had a lovely evening. It was wonderful to feel like a couple again and celebrate the day we became a family. I'm always amazed at how Brenton continues to surprise me. He is such a wonderful man. It's incredible how one special day can completely rejuvenate your entire marriage. I love my sweetheart so much, and can't wait to spend the rest of forever with him.

Two Years

What more can I say about the amazing man that I married? Should I tell you how he always puts me first? Or  how he finds little ways to make me feel special every single day? I could go on for hours about how in his mind, I really am a princess, and am therefore treated as such. Maybe the best thing I could say is I'm pretty convinced the first thought that comes into his mind every morning is, "How can I make my sweet wife happy today?"

Two years ago I knelt across an alter and promised to love, honor, and cherish Brenton for time and all eternity. Every time I think about it my heart fills with gratitude for the Restoration of the gospel, and the blessings that come through faithful obedience to the ordinances of the temple. Marriage has brought me greater joy and prosperity than I ever imagined.

I'm amazed that two years have passed by since my wedding day. While that may have been the day I looked the prettiest, it isn't the day I've been the happiest. Yes, up to that point, it was. However, since being married to my best friend my happiness has only continued to increase. There have been challenges both emotionally and physically, but there have also been immense blessings, the greatest one being the birth of our son, Ryan. Nothing in this life can compare to the joy that comes from seeing your child for the very first time, and knowing that he is sealed to you and your spouse forever. Even if all you get to do that first time is feel his tiny hand wrapped around your finger as he lies in a NICU bed, the bond is still there.

To my dear husband, I love you, I adore you, and I admire you in so many ways. You are the best choice I ever made, and the best part of each day is discovering more reasons as to why you are the perfect fit for me. May this next year be as wonderful as the first two of our 50-year honeymoon, and once that honeymoon's over, let's start another one. Happy Anniversary, sweetheart.

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Italian Surprises and My Best Friend

This is a tribute to my dearest friend, Laura. I could write dozens of posts about her, and most likely will as time passes. This is just another example of why I treasure her so much.

A few weeks ago I was looking for a fun way to surprise Brenton with a date. He's always coming up with great ideas for us to do, and so I wanted to give him a night off. As I tried to come up with ideas, nothing sounded fun. While talking to Laura about it, she came up with the great idea to turn our kitchen into an Italian restaurant. More than that, she even came over to help me transform the kitchen and make the meal. I constantly feel that Laura does so much for me that I can never repay her kindness. This was again one of those times.

In between taking care of Ryan and finishing the laundry, Laura made bread stick dough, while I prepared an antipasti and pasta dough. That's right, we made pasta from scratch. I'd never tried to make my own pasta before, but Laura brought a recipe with her by an actual Italian. I was surprised at how simple the dough was to make. We rolled the dough out super thin, and cut it into linguini-sized strips. We took turns entertaining Ryan as he got fussy, too. I was so grateful to have Laura there. Ryan loves spending time with her.

As the afternoon flashed by, Laura cut out several silver stars to hang from our ceiling above the table to give the room a fun romantic look. Yes, she's that thoughtful and amazing. I whipped together a quick playlist of italian music and ran upstairs to change. Then it was time to start boiling pasta and set the table. Before we knew it, Brenton was home, and very surprised! 

Everything turned out lovely. The pasta was delicious, and so fun to make. Brenton was very excited!

I'm so grateful for Laura. She goes above and beyond what I would ever imagine, every time. Her kindness, friendship, and love have meant so much to me. Having a best girl friend is indispensable, and I couldn't ask for a better friend than Laura. I love you, sweet, beautiful girl. Thank you for being my best friend. 

Celebrating Early is the Way to Go!

Brenton and I decided that we could save a lot of money if we simply celebrated Valentine's Day a few days earlier than the 14th. So on Wednesday the 9th Brenton took a half day at work and took me out to lunch. Earlier in the day a beautiful bouquet of roses was delivered to our door. I was not expecting that at all.

We ate lunch at Tucanos Brazilian Grill. It's one of our favorite places. Brenton had a $50 for $25 coupon, and so we were even able to get dessert! The food is so delicious, and it felt great to get dressed up, get out of the house, and spend time with my sweetheart. 

Upon arriving home, I noticed another package on our doorstep. As I picked it up I read, "Godiva" on the side. My dear husband had sent me chocolates, too. And not just any chocolates, but Godiva!!! You don't eat Godiva chocolates, you experience them. It's a symphony for your mouth every time. I'm in love with their chocolate. 

In addition to these lovely tokens of affection, Brenton bought me a hat in the style of my favorite actress, Audrey Hepburn. I love her style. I think she is such a classy, timeless lady, and I love emulating her fashion sense. I was so excited to wear it to church this past Sunday. 

And now the real question you're all asking is, "but on actual Valentine's Day, didn't you feel left out?" The answer is, "nope!" I had beautiful flowers to look at, amazing chocolate to eat, and a flooded dishwasher and disposal to take care of. If we hadn't have celebrated early, that would have ruined my day, but since we'd already done something special, I could attack the problem, get it fixed, and be grateful it didn't spoil any plans that we had made. A win-win in my book!!! 

Life's moving on, and I'm so grateful to be married to my best friend. He is more than I could have ever hoped for in a spouse. I am continually amazed by his sincere love for me, his kindness, generosity, and adoration. He is my hero, and I love him with all my heart. Not to mention we have the most incredible, adorable, sweet baby boy in the whole world. My boys are amazing and my cup runneth over. 

Brenton's Top 25

Today could have been a disaster. It had all the right set up to be one. Today was the day I decided to go through my closet, all my drawers, and only keep out the clothes that currently fit me. This meant things I thought I could wear I would try on, realize I was too fat, and have to box up. Recipe for emotional breakdown? You betcha.

It's been very hard for me emotionally to accept who I am now. I'm still 20 pounds heavier than I was when I got pregnant, and that was already 15 pounds heavier than I was when I got married. I often feel that since Ryan is four months old I'm supposed to be all better and back to normal. I posted on my Facebook status last week how I felt, and received many wonderful comments and messages that helped me realize many new mothers feel this way, and I'm not alone. The fact is, pregnancy tears a woman's body apart. It just does. And with Ryan's extremely difficult delivery I have to add a lot more recovery time. On top of that, the emotional part is difficult because while you're pregnant, it's easy to imagine, "Well, I'm big now because there's a baby inside of me, but once he's out things will go back down and I'll be me again." But I'm never going to be that person again. I wish I'd known that earlier. All I ever heard was, "it's worth it." And yes, that's true. Ryan is worth every extra pound on my body, every inch of stretched out skin, and every stretch mark. I wouldn't trade him for anything, ever. But when he's been screaming for four hours, I didn't get any sleep the night before, and I'm within an inch of my sanity, he doesn't look that cute. And I don't stand there smiling saying, "Wow, this was worth it!"

So yes, I'm chunky, and working on it. Yes, some days I'm so tired I question what I was thinking 13 months earlier. Yes, some days I feel completely alone. And yes, sometimes I tear up when I see my pretty clothes I used to wear that I now don't have a prayer of fitting into. So what does all of this have to do with boxing up clothes and Brenton's top 25?

I started going through all my clothes and sorting them into piles based on weight goals. Ideally, I'd like to lose 30 pounds, but I'll settle for 20 to be at the weight I was before I got pregnant. I sorted my clothes out by 10-pound increments so that as I hit each new goal, I'll have all my clothes to pull out of storage as a reward. In each box I wrote myself a short congratulatory note. To keep myself motivated as I packed up I put on some music. I saw Brenton's ipod on the table in our room so I plugged it into some speakers and looked for a good playlist. As I searched, I saw the list, "Top 25 Most Played." Intrigued, I clicked on it. I figured it would be pretty fascinating to find out what Brenton listens to the most. Over half of the list were love songs that are special to the two of us. In fact, 9 out of the first 10 were our love songs. It made me smile and tear up knowing I have the most wonderful husband in the world.

It always amazes me how even during times that may seem difficult, Brenton somehow finds a way to make it better, even if he doesn't know it. It was just another reason why he's such a great fit for me. He turned a potentially hazardous afternoon into a very sweet one, and I smiled as I said a quick prayer of gratitude that I married my very best friend.

Now that my closet is cleaned out, I no longer have to open it every morning seeing the clothes I can't fit into. Everything I see I can wear. That's a good feeling. And I'm about to start aerobics and strength training five days a week at 6AM with my best girl friend, Laura. I'm nervous about it, but having a friend to go with me is great motivation. It's a new dawn. It's a new day. It's a new life. And I'm feeling good!!

The Belles on Christmas Day

This was my first Christmas not spent with my parents. Last year Brenton and I spent our first Christmas together in VA, but with the addition of little Ryan, we decided to have a nice, quiet Christmas in our own home. It was a new experience combining traditions from two families into one, but we created a lovely holiday that fits our new family perfectly.

On Christmas Eve, we dressed up, made a fancy dinner that my family growing up used to make on Christmas Day, and had a small family devotional dedicated to the Savior. We read the scriptures, sang hymns and Christmas carols, and bore our testimonies about Jesus Christ. Afterwards, we gave each other the two gifts that we handmade. Then we put Ryan to bed and Brenton and I watched the George C. Scott version of "A Christmas Carol."

Christmas morning, we woke up and showed Ryan that Santa had visited our house. It was fun to show him different presents, and then give gifts to each other, too. Brenton's theme for me was definitely Beauty and the Beast. He got me several new Belle items. One of them was a Belle figurine on a carousel horse. Another was a Beast and Belle trinket box. Then there was a new Belle barbie doll with several outfits. He even found a Belle Christmas ornament that I didn't have (an impressive feat, believe me). By the time all the presents had been opened, I was surrounded by Belles. It was wonderful!

We enjoyed the rest of our day together, Hoyos style. We watched Christmas movies, played with Ryan and his toys, and munched on finger foods. It was a lovely day.

Now it's a new year, and I'm excited to see what it brings for us. 2010 was definitely an adventure, and I'm sure Ryan will make 2011 just as exciting. Like most new beginnings, I've taken time to ponder on all the blessings we've received during this past year. As I've sat rocking our baby to sleep, I've shed many a grateful tear over the fact that both he and I are alive, healthy, and happy. Brenton is doing well in school with a major he loves, and we have a lovely home that fits our budget. Both of us are working to lose weight. Brenton has a great job that allows me to stay home watching Ryan, and I'm starting an online crocheting business next week. I have so much to be grateful for.

When Brenton Proposed

Two years ago today, a boy I was very much in love with took me on a date. We walked down south of campus by the Botany Pond and had a picnic. He pulled out two plastic champagne flutes, a bottle of sparkling cider, and a lovely dinner. We sat and ate happily, and then fed the ducks at the pond. A few minutes later, we went for a walk on the brick trail just by the pond. As we walked by a certain tree, I heard music playing. The boy lead me to the tree where a pink rose was laid on a rock. He handed me the rose, sang to me, and got down on one knee, holding out a beautiful, heart-shaped diamond ring. He looked up at me and said, "Katie, you are my best friend. I want you to be my best friend for forever. Will you marry me?" I had planned exactly how I'd respond in my head dozens of times, but I was so excited I simply blurted out, "Yes!" And suddenly, I was engaged to a boy named Brenton, who has made me, and continues to make me the happiest girl in the world.

Brenton's Birthday!

My sweetheart turned 24 this past week. Since it was on Tuesday, we opened his presents on Monday night for Family Home Evening. This way we didn't have to get up super early on Tuesday morning and open them before work.

Nationals hat and cap rack for his closet.

Golf tees that Ryan helped pick out by kicking to the right or left to show preference.

Digital picture frame that was on my desk at work, that will now be for his desk at work.

Then on Tuesday, we had cake and Brenton made his birthday wish.

I managed to get him a few presents he wasn't expecting, which was a success for me. I have a hard time getting Brenton presents. Boys tend to like expensive things, and when you've set a budget for the birthday, pricey stuff isn't really feasible. However, I feel I did pretty well, and Brenton was happy.

BYU game-day flags for the car.

Coach's size baseball bag for his work's softball team.

Official Bobby Flay cast-iron skillet and quesadilla flipper for my Master Chef.

Happy Birthday, Brenton. I love you more and more every single day, and can't wait to celebrate many more birthdays with you, including the upcoming official birth day of our little boy!

Pizza and a Piano

Well I'm 37 weeks, and little Ryan could arrive any time. Most likely, he'll go right to his due date, maybe even a little past. That's pretty normal with first pregnancies so I hear. They'll be checking to see if I'm dilated at my appointment this week, which could mean he'll be coming in a few days, or another few weeks. Either way I'm so excited for him to come. Everything's all ready to go!

As our summer is starting to draw to a close, we enjoyed a fun "Pizza Date" with our friends, Todd and Lisa. We each designed personal pizzas. It made me laugh to see how each person designed his/hers. It was a pretty good indication of our personalities. The boys wanted every topping on the table, and threw it all over their pizzas haphazardly. Lisa and I made ours much more organized and aesthetically pleasing. For dessert, Lisa made an amazing fruit and cookie pizza. A true masterpiece that would make Martha Stewart proud. We had a really fun time. Here are some pictures from the event.

This past week, my dear husband surprised me by getting me a piano for our home. I've wanted one for over a year now, but it hasn't been in the financial cards for us. As it turned out, Brenton was researching pianos in the local ads for weeks looking for an affordable one. He found that renting one (not even a good one, mind you) was around $50 a month. We didn't want to add another monthly payment to our budget, so that was out. However, he found someone who was moving that week, and was selling a piano for $300. Brenton talked him down to $250, and had it deliverd for free to our house the very next day. I am so happy to have it! It felt so good to sit down and play a Chopin waltz, Beethoven Sonata, even just several scales! It' s a small upright, fits perfectly for our home, and will do nicely for us to have the next few years. It has brought me so much joy already. I am amazed continually at what an incredible husband I have. I marvel every single day at how fortunate I am to have someone as wonderful as him. I truly believe he wakes up each day and thinks, "What can I do to make my sweet wife happy today?" I love him more than I can type in a blogpost, that's for sure. Oh, and did I mention that his birthday is this week? And instead of thinking about himself, he gets me a piano? Amazing. (Don't worry, I haven't forgotten about his big day. The presents are already purchased and wrapped).

Our Photo Expedition Week 1

Last week I received an e-mail from Kodak Gallery, and they mentioned a photo expedition sweepstakes they were promoting through Facebook. I clicked on the link and found that each week this summer, Kodak will pick five random objects for contestants to take pictures of and submit. Brenton and I figured we didn't stand a chance winning, but that it would be a fun thing for us to do to record the summer we had Ryan. So, we spent the day on Saturday taking pictures of the five things for last week. They were an umbrella, a cupcake, a sunset, a U.S. flag, and something with polka dots. Although it's not a requirement, we decided that both of us should be in each picture, something definitely doable when you have a tripod and a timer on the camera. It was a blast. Here are the pictures taken in color. To see the pictures in black and white, with the certain object highlighted, see my Facebook profile.

The first picture we took was the cupcake. We went to "The Sweet-Tooth Fairy's Bakery" in Provo, and picked out the prettiest cupcake we could find. A kind lady at the bakery took this picture for us. The cupcake was incredible. Very, very tasty.

Next, we took a picture of the umbrella. We came up with the idea because we recently bought a hose attachment for our garden called a "rain-maker." So we watered the garden with me under the umbrella. Also note, those are my new gardening/rain boots, and I LOVE them!.

After the garden, we took a picture of something with polka-dots. Really, it just ended up as an excuse to eat a root beer float. We filled up my big frosty mug, put in two straws, and oh yeah, I put a polka-dot ribbon in my hair from an Easter gift basket my mom gave me back in college. It actually ended up being my favorite photo of the whole set.

Our last two photos proved more difficult. We looked up online to see when the sun was setting, and thought we'd try and take the pictures down by Utah Lake. However, we went the wrong way and by the time we realized it, we would miss the sunset if we turned back. So we found a pretty field, set up the tripod, and took a quick picture.

Our last picture proved to be the hardest. We just couldn't seem to come up with a nice way to take a picture with an American flag. It has so much symbolism in it, and so we didn't want it to look cheesy or disrespectful. As we were driving back from the sunset field, we saw an elementary school with a flag. Brenton pulled up, and said, "This is the flag we're using. We'll make it work." With minutes of daylight left, we set up the tripod and just, stood there. It took a few tries to get one with the wind blowing, but it turned out ok.

It was a really fun day. We're excited to see what this week's five objects are, and create more memories for our first summer in Utah. On the off chance that we win, I'll be sure to let y'all know.

Catch-up

I've let another month pass by and haven't updated anything on here. Life just... happens, and sometimes it's hard to stop long enough to write about it. I'm going to attempt a quick catch-up here for those who are wondering how everything's going currently.

First off, Ryan is doing great. He's perfectly healthy and right on schedule at 27 weeks today. Last Saturday, the 22nd, we went up to Salt Lake and had a 4D ultrasound of the little peanut. It was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. We got to see his sweet face, and even watch him smile a few times. At one point he opened his eyes, and the nurse managed to snag a picture of it! It was so awesome. He also turned and waved right at us, which melted our hearts right on the spot. I can't believe that technology has gone so far that we can see his facial features before he's even here. I watched him make expressions that I've seen Brenton make. It was simply amazing. Brenton took a picture of Ryan on his phone that we sent out to family right away. When my mom got the picture she told me, "I can't believe I'm looking at a picture of my unborn grandson, on my phone!" Technology is incredible. We truly live in a blessed world. Here's little Ry-guy's picture.

As another update, Brenton and I had our first wedding anniversary this month. We spent the weekend down in Prescott, AZ with Brenton's family. I got to meet both sets of his grandparents, as well as a few aunts, uncles, and cousins I hadn't met yet. After a lovely visit with them, Brenton took me to Las Vegas for a few days. I'd never seen the strip, so it was really cool. We stayed in the Excaliber, which looks like a giant castle, and saw their "Tournament of Kings" jousting dinner show. Later we looked at all the neat hotels and watched the fountains at the Bellagio several times. It was really fun. The next day we went to the aquarium at Mandalay Bay and then enjoyed lunch at Bobby Flay's restaurant, Mesa Grill. He's our favorite Iron Chef, and the food was amazing. We had such a lovely time. It was great to have a few days off of work to be together and celebrate our marriage. Brenton took care of all the planning himself, and I was surprised every step of the way. We had so much fun!

In other news, we re-did our family room downstairs. It was looking so cluttered, like a crammed student apartment. We hadn't really decided how we wanted to organize the place with all our stuff together. So, a year into our marriage, we decided it was time to spruce up the room and make it look more aesthetically pleasing. When we visited with Brenton's parents, they gave us four tables that dramatically upgraded our current furniture, and that's where we got the motivation to re-do the room. We pulled our ratty love seat away from the wall, and faced it towards the t.v. so we wouldn't have to watch sideways anymore. That divided the room in two, leaving the back half for our rocking recliner and a bookshelf. It's our mock library now. The other huge problem was the lack of coordinating upholstery and curtains. Everything looked mis-matched and messy. The last big issue was all the clutter in our entertainment center. It was packed with boardgames, electronics, books, wii games, etc. Not to mention all our Guitar Hero stuff for the Wii on the side of it. Brenton put shelves in our storage closet, stacked up all the boardgames and Guitar Hero stuff back there, and I boxed up the excess electronic equipment and Wii games into stylish boxes. Then we went shopping for linens. I made a slip cover for our love seat with a set of blue, king sheets, an idea I got from my sister Liz. Next, I took some large brown rick-rack and sewed a border on the slip cover. I put a brown scarf over the curtain rod, and then made curtains for the bottom shelves of the entertainment center with the leftover blue, sheet fabric. With the new tables and adjustments we made, the room has literally been transformed. We are so pleased with how much more organized it is. I don't have a before picture, but you can sort of see what the room used to look like from the Easter video I posted up a few months ago. Here's the finished product. It feels much more like a home now, and we're very happy with our crafty selves.

There's not much else to report. Ryan's room now has a dresser, changing table, and crib, and is quickly coming together for him. We're excited for the upcoming three-day weekend, because for the first time since I started my job, we actually get this Monday off together. We were thinking about traveling somewhere, but with the expenses of a nursery, have decided it would be more relaxing to stay here. Hopefully this won't be the last post I have up here until next month. We'll see!

Easter and Emergency Root Canal

What a lovely Easter weekend. The weather was a bit cold, I'll admit, but Conference was wonderful. I loved getting to listen to general authorities from the church give excellent remarks on several gospel principles, particularly those on motherhood and the atonement of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Before Conference I always write down a few questions that I want answered in my life. This time most of my questions focused on how I can be a good mother, without ever being one before. I was amazed at how many talks were focused on raising children in the gospel. Surprisingly, there were also a fair amount on motherhood specifically. I particularly enjoyed Elder Ballard's talk on the relationship between mothers and daughters. I have always known that my mother has been the greatest influence in my life, but it was reassuring to hear from an apostle that the best way to be a good mother is to emulate the wonderful qualities my own mother has. That is a great place to start, and I feel like it won't be so scary being a new mom when I have the example of my own mother to guide me.

On Easter morning, Brenton and I surprised each other with Easter baskets. He got me the Primary songbook, and children's scripture stories on dvd. And of course, because he is so thoughtful and always tries to think of ways to make me smile, he hid five pink princess Easter eggs around our family room for me to search for. I never would have thought of something sweet like that. I know he's going to be a great dad because "the greatest thing a father can do for his children is to love their mother." There's never been a doubt in my mind how Brenton feels about me.

After the conclusion of Conference, Brenton and I along with two of his siblings, Garrett and Giselle, went up to Kaysville to visit Aunt Shelley and Uncle Brian's family for Easter dinner. We had a lovely time visiting with family and watching the kids hunt for eggs. We played games and spent time socializing together. As always it was wonderful getting to visit their family.

Today I went back to work as usual, ready to start the new week. Now as a quick update, I had previously been to the dentist and knew I had some cavities that needed to be taken care of next week. However, this morning my top back molar started to hurt, and within thirty minutes the pain was so bad I could hardly think straight. I raced over to the dentist and had an emergency root canal. While it was not how I wanted to spend my Monday, the dentist was very quick and skilled, and once the ridiculously painful numbing shots were in, the pain went away with the nerve he drilled out. And because he was so delicate with my mouth, I'm not in too much recovery pain either, even though I can only take Tylenol. I know that is because Heavenly Father is looking out for me, and He hears the prayers of me and my husband. We were very grateful that I was taken care of so quickly, and that I have good insurance to allow the work to be done with minimal cost to us. I'll be back to work tomorrow hardly the worse for wear.

The Lord loves us. He watches out for His children. I'm grateful for that. I know He watches over me, and helps see to it that even in times of emergency, I'm helped along the way.

Thanksgiving Menu

I'm attempting to cook my own Thanksgiving dinner for the first time. It's going to be just me and my sweet husband, Brenton. Here's our menu.
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Stuffed Cornish Hens

Vanilla Cornbread Stuffing

Some type of rolls (Brenton's in charge of that)

Cheesy Potatoes (Again, Brenton's assignment)

Assorted Relish Tray

Steamed Asparagus

Creamed Broccoli

Fresh apple, with a zest of orange, Cranberry Salad

Sweetened Sweet Potatoes with a brulee'd marshmallow coating

Crisp Sparkling Cider

Fresh Apple Cranberry Pie

Whipped Pumpkin Cheesecake Pie

Mulled, Spiced Cider (for dessert with the pies)

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I know it will be a challenge, but I think I can handle it, and I'm pretty excited to try. One of the greatest things about the Thanksgiving meal is that you can pile everything on your plate, let it all blend together, and it still tastes good. It also makes fantastic leftovers. We're going shopping for everything this weekend, and we've been really careful with our grocery budget this month so that we can go all out for Thanksgiving. If you would like any of the recipes for the dishes on the menu, let me know. My mom can make all of this completely gluten, dairy, nut, and fresh fruit free by the way. She's amazing like that.

Financial Security Begins with a Budget

I have often heard the council, "live within your means." Excellent advice. We live in a time where people use credit cards to pay of other credit cards. Everything is "buy now, pay later." Debt is a plague. It never sleeps, it never takes a holiday, and if not taken care of, it grows rapidly. If there's one thing my parents have taught me in addition to the gospel, it's how to budget. Because of their love, support, and good council, I managed to graduate from college debt free with money in the bank. Brenton and I were able to get married debt free. Now that I am working in a secure job, we are in a fantastic position to save and prepare for our exciting future. This past weekend we factored in my new salary, and created a budget based upon the system my mother taught me in college. It's fantastic advice, so I thought I'd share it with the rest of you.

Step 1. Pay your tithes and offerings. Before you even open the envelopes containing the bills, pay your tithing. Before you budget your monthly income, pay your tithing. Each month, contribute a generous fast offering. I can testify that as Brenton and I have done this, no matter what the situation we have always had enough. It is always the number one priority when it comes to finances. You cannot expect anything else to work out if you have neglected this crucial step.

Step 2. Make a list of everything you have to pay each month, no matter what. Rent/mortgage payments, utilities, cell phone bill, Internet, insurance, etc. These bills typically stay at a set rate, so next to each item, write out the price you pay each month.

Step 3. Add on to your list things that you have to pay for that are not at a specific rate. Things like groceries, gas, entertainment, and eating out. Commit to a reasonable amount that you know you can stick to. If you make a completely unreasonable goal, you won't keep it, and you might as well have not created the budget in the first place.

Step 4. Set aside money each month for your retirement fund. The earlier you start, the more it builds up. Next, set aside money each month for your emergency savings. This fund is for "rainy days," like when the car breaks down, or your basement floods, or you have to go to the hospital, an emergency root canal, etc. If you don't put aside money for this, life's little mishaps will catch up with you and you won't be prepared.

Step 5. Always have a miscellaneous category. Because every month you will have some random expense that you won't know where to factor in. You bought a new pair of shoes, or decorations for your home. It was somebody's birthday. You found a really great deal on windshield wipers, things like that. Give it a specific amount that fits within your means.

Step 6. Any money that you have leftover after everything else has been factored in, use as a "flux" category. Because let's face it, each month there's always something that needs more money than you thought. It's a family birthday, you need to buy new furniture, Christmas shopping, painting a bathroom, etc. If you plan in advance with the flux money, these expenditures won't throw you for a loop. Also, if you don't have anything that month that requires the flux money, put it in a separate fund for a vacation in the future.

Step 7. Once everything has been given a category and a specific amount has been assigned, MAKE SURE that it does NOT go over your monthly income. And double check that you have already taken out the money set aside for tithing and fast offerings when looking at the numbers for your monthly income.

Step 8. Next to the column that has each category's allotted amount to spend, create a column to enter in the amounts actually spent that month. Make sure that you are keeping good track of this. Use whatever system works for you. Track it online, in a checkbook, on a chart in your wallet, and always verify with receipts or spending reports.

Step 9. If there is a difference from the amount planned or actually spent in a certain category whether negative or positive, write it in the column next to the amount actually spent. Make sure you mark whether it's leftover money, or if you're in the red.

Step. 10 Next to the difference column, make a column entitled, "Compensation" and for each category that has a negative or positive difference, write down where you are going to take the money from, or what you're doing with the surplus. For example, if you went over in the "eating out" category, in the compensation column write that you took money from the grocery fund to cover it. If for any reason at the end of the month you are still in the negative, factor that into the next months budget by decreasing the amount there.

I have found that this system works. If you don't keep a budget, it's so easy to lose track of your expenditures and fall into debt. By keeping track of everything, it disciplines you to live within your means, and save up for something better. As always, remember that tithing and fast offering always comes first. No exceptions. Even if that means you will not be able to pay for something mandatory. The Lord will provide a way. I know this to be true.

So happy spending! But remember to keep track and stick to the plan!

Top 10 Reasons to be Happy for Today, Nov. 5th, 2009

10. I finally set up an appointment today at work after literally hundreds of cold calls.
9. I discovered another one of my outfits that looks great with my new brown boots.
8. Did I mention that I have new brown boots? They're so cute.
7. Every time I look to the left of my desk, I see the D.C. temple, a picture of Christ, and a slideshow photo frame of pictures from my wedding.
6. My angelic niece left me a voicemail on my phone which I have now listened to over a dozen times.
5. Today was payday.
4. Tomorrow is Friday.
3. My sister celebrated her silver birthday today with my mom, and it made me smile every time I thought of them enjoying the day together.
2. I didn't lose my voice from the head cold I have until 6:45 this evening.
1. Today is the 2-year anniversary of the day I sat down next to a boy in the library who would one day become my eternal companion and very best friend. I love you, Brenton Adams Hoyos. Thanks for asking me for my number 2 years ago, today. I promise I'll spend the rest of forever showing you how grateful I am for that bold gesture.

The Beginning of 'Happily Ever After'

Can it really be three months since my last post? I often put in my journal when it's been a long time since I've written that it's hard to put my life on hold in order to write about it. However, the last time I posted an entry I was still engaged, and now I'm a married woman! It's still so exciting for me to write down "Katie Hoyos" on something.

I felt so prepared for marriage. and I'm very grateful for everything I did to plan and be ready for such a big step, but as my parents have often told me, there's no amount of preparation that can compensate for experience. Next week we will have been married for two months. Two months! It's funny, because I feel like I've been married my whole life. It's such a big life change in every possible way, that I almost can't remember what it was like to not be married.

I have found in just these very few months that marriage, just as all things in life, is what you make of it. Only this time it takes three people. Brenton and I are so wonderfully happy because we work our tails off every single day for each other and for the Lord. We're happy because we want to be. I'm amazed each day that if I'm selfish it effects him, too. Suddenly I start to think about everything in marriage that's difficult, and all the new responsibilities we now both have and I think, "what was I getting myself into?" But then I have to take a step back and know that this was the most important decision in my life, but that I made it. I chose to marry him, and when I did I knew the sacrifice it would take. Then with a bit of an attitude adjustment, I remember that we're in this together and I forget myself. Suddenly everything is better. I'm happy, and I can't imagine life without my sweetheart with me.

It's a fun place to be at the beginning of the phrase, "Happily Ever After," and I'm even now recognizing that it remains 'ever after' just so long as both of us recognize that our choices have a great impact on each other. I can't quite express how wonderful it is to pray together, to have family scripture study and Family Home Evening together. Being able to recognize that we are a family and we make decisions together is such a great blessing. And by putting the commandments first, knowing that our first priority is to the Lord gives us the assurance that we will make it. Not just now, but "ever after."

Why I'm Getting Married in the Temple

As I have been conversing with several of my friends about my upcoming marriage, often the topic of conversation turns to where the wedding will be taking place, and why I'm choosing to be married there. As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I have always made the conscious decision to get married in the temple. It is not just because it is the tradition of LDS culture, or because it is expected of me by my family. I am choosing to be married in a Latter-day saint temple because it will allow me to be sealed to Brenton not just until "death do us part," but for "time and all eternity."

There is no ordinance in the church more sacred than that of eternal marriage. By marrying Brenton in the Lord's Holy house, we have the opportunity to be together forever. Yes, forever.I can't think of a more beautiful promise. It is one that is binding on earth and in heaven. In addition, every child that we have the privilege of having on this earth will also be sealed to us. As soon as he or she takes their first breath, they are ours forever. There is no other ordinance that can do this other than the sealing ordinance performed in the sacred and holy temple. That is why on our wedding announcements we have the quote from "The Family: A Proclamation to the World" which states, "The family is ordained of God. Marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal plan." There is no other way but through the temple that this can happen. It is not merely a beautiful building, but an essential ordinance.

To me, heaven would not be heaven without my family and my sweetheart. I cannot fathom a life of eternal joy and happiness if they weren't there. I know that the only way for them to be there with me is through the temple of our Heavenly Father. Because my own mother and father chose to be sealed in the temple, I know that I will always be with them so long as I keep the Lord's commandments and endure to the end. Now Brenton and I are making that same choice so that our children will have the same blessings. It is all part of our loving Heavenly Father's plan for us. This is why as a member of the church I believe so strongly in the family. The times that I am with Brenton and my family are the closest to heaven that I have ever felt.

I know that temples are the Lord's house on this earth. I know that families can be together forever, but it requires more than just a wedding certificate. It requires the sealing ordinance that can only be performed in the holy temple. It is through the Atonement of our Savior, Jesus Christ. I know that He lives. I know that He suffered for each one of us because He loves us. I know that the only way to return to Him is through His gospel. While His truth is made manifest throughout the world, the fullness of its glorious message is found in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I know this to be true. I am so grateful for this knowledge and the blessing it has been in my life. I love my Savior, and I love His plan. It truly is the plan of happiness, and it is through that plan that I really can live happily ever after through the eternities with my husband and family.

He Gave me Wings

It's 74 days until I get married, and to me it can't come soon enough. I didn't know I could ever be this happy. I used to dream about it in high school, but as I started college those dreams vanished and by the time I was half-way through I felt I would never have the life I imagined as a little girl.

In a previous post I wrote about an experience that gave me my testimony of Jesus Christ's infinite atonement. After that experience, I once again believed that I could have "every good thing." That doesn't mean I wouldn't be given trials along the way, but I believed my happiness would only increase as I strove to follow Christ's teachings and live worthily to receive His promised blessings. As I began to realign my life with the gospel, I remembered a quote from Sister Hinckley that she said about her husband, President Gordon B. Hinckley. She stated, "He gave me wings." I wondered if that would even be possible. I had never dated a boy that made me feel like that. I often felt my opinions were never validated, and that if I wanted to go out on a limb or try something new, it was either completely out of the question or I had to ask for permission. I began pouring over my patriarchal blessing to find information about the man I would marry if I stayed true to my covenants. I prayed that if I held true to the promises I had made with the Lord, He would give me those blessings in His own time.

November 5th, 2007 I met a boy in the library. Much like the kind and good elders of Israel I had been dating all semester, he was courteous and sweet as we struck up a friendship. We dated casually for a few weeks, and I began to see qualities in him that I had only dreamed about. Suddenly, my opinions mattered, and as I spoke about dreams and desires that I wanted, he gladly encouraged me to shoot for them. I often wondered those first few months, "Is this real? You mean, this kind of boy exists? And he's interested in me?"

As time passed we began to date steadily and I started to realize that everything in my life was better. I felt so free, like I could do anything and he would be supportive. My family was supportive, my friends were supportive. I didn't know that I could be on the same page with everyone. I had never felt so beautiful. He was so attentive to me. Everything I said mattered. Every emotion I felt was understood. For the first time, I could be myself, and since I'd never dated someone before who let me be that way, I finally learned who "myself" really was. I wanted to be my best self around him not because he expected it of me, but because I expected it of myself just from being around him. He helped me achieve goals I never thought I would reach. I watched both of us slowly become the people that we always saw in each other. It was even a physical change. I literally saw my countenance become brighter. The contrast in photos was startling. I was beginning to learn what love truly is: complete selflessness. In a word, charity.

And now I am going to be a wife! I am going to be sealed for time and all eternity. I will be able to spend the rest of forever with the person that I love most. And because we both have lived up to the qualifications of worthiness, the covenants that we will make will bind us not only to each other, but to our sweet children that we will someday have. What a magnificent promise.

I sit here and type this looking at my glittering left hand that shines with so much symbolism. As I gaze at the heart-shaped diamond with three others on each side, I see a heart that has taken flight. I now know what sweet Sister Hinckley meant when she said, "He gave me wings!"

Marriage, and Some Views on Prop 8

I've had this blog for a little while, but haven't known what to write about. Well, now that I've been engaged for a little over a week, I've been contemplating a lot on the sanctity of marriage and how significant it truly is. That being said, I finally know what to write about first.

As stated in the "Family: A Proclamation to the World," "marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God." I know this to be true. I know that we have inspired leaders who gave us this remarkable council years before the calamities and attacks we are now faced with on the sanctity of marriage arose. We have known for over a decade now the principles taught in this sacred document. As I prepare to be married in early May, I have begun a careful study of this document in order to better understand my calling as a woman, wife, and future mother. As I have studied I have gained an immense appreciation for the divine calling of both the husband and the wife. Each of their roles is essential to the sustaining of a healthy and wonderful family.

Why is this so important today? First of all, divorce rates are disturbingly high in our current civilization. Many couples believe that getting married is great and wonderful, but isn't it nice to know that when things get a little hard, there's always the back door of divorce to escape through? Even worse is when a couple decides that before they make the significant leap into marriage, it is acceptable to embark in a "trial" period by simply living together. On top of that, many of these latter couples have a child out of wedlock, confusing the child from its very birth. How tragic that this has become the norm in society. It is child abuse to not give a proper home to a sweet, beautiful infant, who came into this world perfect and divine. That child deserves a family to be raised in, where he or she is nurtured and treasured by a loving mother, and honored and strengthened by an adoring father. This is God's plan, and it is perfect.

The culminating and most disgusting attack on the family today is now the subject of great debate in California, and the rest of the United States: that of legalizing same sex marriage. What a despicable idea that destroys everything the family stands for. Same sex marriage is a pinpoint attack on the family. It destroys the very center of God's plan. It is stating that mankind doesn't care about the Lord, and that they have every right to be selfish and choose to revel in their own terrible choices. Regardless of how the world views homosexuals, the Lord does not approve and does not honor it. It is contrary to his plan. Why do you think he created males and females in such a way so as to create a physical bond between them strong enough that they can literally fit together and become "one flesh?" To arose those same chemical feelings with two members of the same sex is a foolish mockery providing only temporary satisfaction. It is disturbing and wrong.

While it is understandable that same sex attraction is real and can be a powerful temptation in a person's life, that does not make it excusable nor give it the right to be tolerated. As a Latter-Day-Saint, I have been taught to love the sinner, but hate the sin. Just as an alcoholic struggles with putting down the bottle, so should the man or women who struggles with same sex attraction. We do not roll out the red carpet to the alcoholic and allow him to drink to his heart's content with no consequences. Rather we rally behind him, give him support to quit the terrible habit that is ruining his life, and punish inappropriate behavior. We invite him to change, and to free himself from the awful chain that is his addiction to alcohol. Why is a homosexual any different? It is a very real temptation, but embracing it, and then enforcing a law on others to embrace it is madness. It is as disturbing as creating a law allowing a sex-offender the right to walk around a school full of young children as often as he would like, and sue the parents that attempt to pull their child out of class.

If Proposition 8 isn't passed, religions may be sued for their belief in not honoring same sex marriage. Books will be read to children embracing the concept of homosexual relationships. Adoption agencies that do not support same sex marriage will have to withdraw their services or be forced to allow an innocent child to be given to an unethical relationship. It will have devastating consequences. We can and should love those who struggle with same sex attraction, but we can not and should not embrace their sinful choices. No matter what the world says, it will not change the fact that God's law is universal, and he will not be mocked.