Wednesday, November 30, 2011

What I have is enough

I have a very, very blessed life. I know it and I try to recognize it often. I am abruptly reminded of it when I see a homeless person, hear a story of those who are financially struggling during these hard times, or see a handicapped person. But there are times when I think the grass is greener on the other side, so to speak. I'm not saying I want those hard times at all, don't get me wrong! I get jealous of things that other people have or are doing. I think I'm missing out on opportunities others are taking--spontaneous, frivolous, far-off trips or the adventure of starting a family (still going to wait on this one a little while). I feel like some of the people around me, like in my ward, are so amazing and that I could be that way too if I was given their callings and handled the trials they had. I could be a creative, thrifty, DIY wife (& future mother) if I were to search Pinterest long enough...and set aside enough time to buy and make such researched things. I could be incredible and always know what I've got when I've got it (remember that song "Yellow Taxi" by the Counting Crows? I wouldn't lose whatever it is that I have).

Really, Samantha? You're ridiculous. Get over it. Be happy with what you've got because it could always be worse. Am I right or am I right? I should just roll with the punches. Take life as it comes. You know all those cliche sayings. The thing about cliches, though, is that they're true.

But no matter what I'm feeling, I eventually snap out of it and realize that I have the Gospel in my life and that is enough.


Thursday, November 10, 2011

Fall Fever

"Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower." ~Albert Camus

Fall is my absolute FAVORITE season! It seems like a lot of people I talk to love the summer and hate that now it’s so cold out. Summer’s great, especially when it comes to water sports and such but I hate being hot, sticky and sweaty. That’s basically how I can succinctly describe any summer I’ve experienced in the following places I’ve lived: Mississippi, Japan and Utah. This is especially true when lugging around a backpack all day at school. An exception to an insufferable summer is Vancouver, WA. It’s the perfect temperature there and one of the most gorgeous places you could visit. So basically, when Fall finally arrives I accept it like it's the Queen of England!


I just can't get enough of how crisp the air is, how gorgeous the leaves are when they change color, and the scrumptious delights that are baked during this time of year. It's like, "can life get any better?" Nope. :) Let me show you through pictures:



We can walk to the temple without sweating before we even get inside. And yes, Loren was growing a beard.




It's BYU Football time! First game of the season!!

Unfortunately, that was the horrendous game against Utah. We won't talk about it any further.



This game we won! But what's better-we got front row seats!! Cosmo was always 3 feet away me, never next to me. Poo. Btw, thanks Amelia for knocking some sense into me because

I LOVE BYU FOOTBALL!!!



I get to see this everyday. And what can I say? BYU has a gorgeous campus :)


Fall = General Conference (if you want to know what General Conference is about, go here). I am fortunate enough to get tickets from my former Bishop, Rob Wallace--thanks again!



Conference while bf/gf--2010.



One year later. Conference as a married couple ^_^



Colorful landscapes going up Provo Canyon for a little BBQ/picnic. Beautiful, right?



The studly cook


Our fellow picnickers--BFF Candice (left) and Jessica (Loren's 2nd youngest sister)



Just one of the many yummy things I get to make in the Fall. Banana squash with dill sour cream sauce. Mmmm.



Fall is also when Halloween happens. We went to St. George the weekend before to spend time with the Stones. 'Twas fun :) We just relaxed, went on a triple date to a corn maze (I had never been to one before) with Loren's younger sisters, and ate delicious food. Patty definitely knows how to make healthy and filling food. I love eating there!



The two boys on the ends are brothers. Cute how it was a family affair, huh?



Rachel (whose head I'm trying to bite) looks positively devilish. :)



I will never cease to love Fall. I found this quote that perfectly expresses my admiration for the season (and my dream to fly) "Delicious autumn! My very soul is wedded to it, and if I were a bird I would fly about the earth seeking the successive autumns." ~George Eliot.



See how much we're in love, with each other and Fall?