A Pensive Sunday

Today I had some time in church to sit and think about life, family, friends, the gospel, etc. I don't spend enough time being pensive and reflecting on my decisions, experiences and traits. Adam was sustained as the Assistant Ward Clerk today, so he's still at church and I have some down time to get some thoughts out of my head. There will be some good and bad things so read at your own risk:)
Blessings-
Adam:
He is perfectly tailored to compliment my weaknesses and I'm so grateful to have him with me everyday! I know that he loves me and would do anything to make me happy! He also respects and appreciates me and I am deeply grateful for that.
Teaching:
I have learned a lot about myself during my student teaching. I have had to stretch farther than ever to really get my students learning. I realize that I really like to be in control of my situation and that I need to learn to let go of that control at times.
Family:
The past couple of years have been hard, really hard. I miss my mom everyday and wish I had the power to part the veil and talk to her but I do know that we are both where we should be. I have been blessed to feel an increased need to rely on the Savior more and that in turn has decreased my desire to do everything on my own. I have never felt such intense grief and loss but I have also never known more than I know now that the only real healing comes from taking it all to the Savior. "I Feel My Savior's Love" describes my feelings on this topic perfectly.
Friends:
No matter how far away (Norway, SLC) or close (down the street) they live I do have friends that I can rely on. They love and support me while still helping me to become a better person.
New Family:
When we first got engaged I wasn't sure if I would fit in with Adam's family but they have become my own! I love going to Evanston to spend the weekend and I feel "at home" while I'm there. My mother-in-law has really gone out of her way to do things for me that my mom would have done. I am so grateful for that and feel so blessed to have her in my life.

Weaknesses-
I still have a hard time remembering to read my scriptures everyday and pray in the mornings.
I'm not as accepting of new things in my life as I should be.
I jump to conclusions way to soon.
I don't go to the temple every month and I miss that.
I usually only clean on Saturdays so the house can get pretty messy by Friday.
I swear in my head more often than I like.
I bottle up my emotions and let them come to a boil too often.
If something has been on my mind I will talk about it to anyone that will listen and I need to be more picky about what I say (even if I am just venting).
I get scared about having kids.
I don't appreciate Adam verbally as much as I should.
I plan too far ahead and then get frustrated if something changes:)

Goals-
Go to the temple on the first Saturday of every month.
Do something that I'm not comfortable with once a day.
Be more prudent about what I share with others.
Write in my journal at least 2 times a week.
Tell Adam the reasons why I appreciate him.
Tell other people why I appreciate Adam.
Let go of the control factor.
Give others the benefit of the doubt.

Beefs

So, lately I've been thinking about "beefs". Before my mom and sister died I used to carry grudges more than I should have (which was not good) but after I lost them I began to realize that it's just not worth the time and effort it takes to hold a grudge against someone and it doesn't make life any better. As most of you know I had a friend who had a "beef" with me over a trip we took last year and to this day they still refuse to talk to me. All those years of friendship wasted over a disagreement over $20 and a hotel, when we could have just sat down and talked it over. So here is my ranting and advice (not to exonerate me from beefs I have and have had) to "Beef" holders:
A. Get over it and talk to them about it. You're not going to get an award in the afterlife for being the "Best Beef Holder".
B. Being rude or short with them is what second graders do.
C. Holding "beefs" doesn't make you or them a better person.
D. It's okay to admit that you weren't completely in the right. No one, on either side of the beef, is ever completely in the right because we can always do something better.
Thanks for listening to my babbling and I hope that we can all let our "Beefs" go so that we don't miss out on the relationships we could have enjoyed!

For you, Mom

Even though I had to pay $10 to get the orange sign for my mom, it was worth it!
After running the race and relaxing at Brooke's house!
My trainer from the mission, Heidi, called me last Friday night and asked if I wanted to run the Rex Lee 5K the following morning. I decided it would be an adventure, since Adam was going to be gone golfing, even though I hadn't run a 5K since my junior year of High School:) We got there early and it was pretty chilly! I ended up walk/running the race but I decided that was okay because that is probably what my mom would have done too. I really enjoyed the entire experience and was grateful to do something in honor of my mom! I plan on doing this every year that I can so if you want to join me next March, you are more than welcome! I love you Mom and know you're always around!

Adam's Birthday and other fun news

Makenna being angry that her shoe is off:)
Finally a new washer and dryer!! (Although I will still boycott Sears for the rest of my life)
New Camera... Love, Love, Love it!
The Birthday Boy Pose
The Bunks
Bunker puzzled

Sleepover Time!

Marshmellow Popcorn Heaven!!
Adam and Parker snuggling while watching "Horton Hears A Who"
Parker came to sleep over at our house a couple of weekends ago and we had so much fun! We made sloppy joes and found out that Parker is not a fan but luckily we had Ramen Noodles as a back up! While we were eating we watched "Horton Hears a Who", which is hilarious, and then headed to Baskin Robins to get some yummy ice cream. Parker didn't end up going to bed until 11 pm (sorry Brooke) and milked me for anything he could. Good thing I'm such a sucker! He came to church with us the next morning and bore his testimony with me at the pulpit!! He is such an incredible kid and so stinking smart! All in all we had a fabulous time and look forward to more sleep overs with an earlier bed time:)

The Newest Addition to the Fiebers!

We got a dog... some may think we're crazy but it's nice to have company when Adam is working at night. Bunker is a boxer that is about a year and half old. He's cute, cuddly and is learning to obey but doesn't chew on things! Thank goodness! Adam calls him our "trial run" before babies!

Valentines Day!!!

Teaching elementary school has it kicks and this is one of them! Remember when you got to make those awesome Valentines Boxes that took hours of preparation...? Well, I got to make one for V-day and I had fun reminiscing about all of the boxes that I've made throughout my life and the many more to come!! My box ended up being way to small. I guess that Valentines have gotten bigger and better since my childhood:) Adam and I went shooting for Valentines day as well in order to keep our streak of "romanticness" going (remember that we went shooting on our anniversary as well)!! It was fun and I'm becoming a sharper shooter every time!