Best Day! Rob's Baptism

February 2nd, 2013 was the best day!!  It was a day I will remember forever.  The love of my life, did something that will change his life forever.  

The reason Rob decided to be baptized into the the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is his own.  You should ask him about it!  He has a wonderful story of how Heavenly Father let him know what He wants for him.  

I can give you the facts though :)

These are Rob's missionaries.  He started with Sister Anderson (far left) and Evans (far right).  After Sister Evans was transferred, Sister Nixon (right of Rob) came.  These women have sacrificed 1 1/2 years of their life to teach the Gospel of Jesus Christ to everyone they meet.  I can not say enough, how grateful I am for their dedication.  Never, have I had more of a testimony that missionaries are inspired.  

If you know Rob at all, you're not surprised by this picture. I love his sense of humor.  The guy on the far left is Mike Robinson.  I approached Mike after Rob's first time at church.  He is the Ward Mission Leader.  There could not have been a more perfect priesthood holder to come into Rob's life.  Mike did everything he could to help Rob.  He was at many of his discussions, helped the missionaries with the baptism, opened up his home for discussions, and became friends, true friends, with both of us.   

Jared Roberts is Rob's Elders Quorum President (left of Rob). He is also a wonderful example of a righteous priesthood holder.  Jared also became a good friend to us.   Mike is on the right.

Rob was baptized about six months after he started investigating.  

First Sacrament Meeting: July 29th, 2012

First Missionary Discussion: August 10th, 2012

Rob decided to be baptized: Sunday, January 27th, 2013

Told me: January 28th! :)

Baptized: February 2nd, 2013

Confirmed: February 3rd, 2013

Receiving Aaronic Priesthood: February 10th, 2013

I have never been happier for someone.  Rob took the time to figure out for himself what he wanted.  He didn't let anyone choose for him.  And now, he's happy and confident in his decision.  I am honored I was part of his journey.  A friend of ours, after the baptism told Val, "Rob, is a future leader of the Church".  I feel the same way.

The Utah Trip: Out of Infatuation and into Love

Going to Utah with Rob for Christmas was wonderful.  It was a Christmas, for years, I had been wishing for.  Why you might ask?  Two main reasons:

Mom and Auntie Jody at Temple Square

I was able to see almost my whole family and spend time playing and talking with them.

Playing dominoes with the Hollands/Banks.

I shared the traditional Christmas activities with someone I love.  I have always loved Christmas activities like reading the Christmas Story, going to Temple Square, decorating the Christmas tree, opening presents, and watching Christmas movies.  It has been hard though, in recent years, to do these things 'alone'.  I know I was with family and friends, and I was happy and so grateful for them and my awesome life, but there always seemed to be something missing.  This year though, all my Christmas activities seemed to be more full.

Hiking in a Winter Wonderland

The lights at Temple Square

Light show at the Botanical Gardens in Virginia 

Christmas at the Washington DC Botanical Gardens

Walking around Park City

So what do I mean by Out of Infatuation and into Love?

I will explain my case study and then at the end, quote a great book on relationships I've read that helped me see this phenomenon.

Case Study:

I think most couples think they are in love before they actually are. I think they are first infatuated with each other. Now, if it's a good match, you hope they will move to love after the infatuation fades.

This might not always happen. The infatuation fades and they see each as they really are, and decide, they weren't really in love at all, or that the other person changed. This is all fine, we all just hope they didn't get married in the mean time!

So, at the risk of incorrectly pinning my relationship, I would assess, Rob and I have moved from infatuation, seen a bit of each other, who we really are, and can say, we love each other, faults and all. (Yes, I realize that was too many commas, but can't you just hear me saying that?)

Now I'm not saying there isn't more to learn.  There's lots more to know about each other and figure out in our relationship. As you can read in the book quotes, this is the beginning of actually getting to know each other, but I feel like we're on the right path.

How did I figure this out? It was after we came back from Utah.

1. We spent 10 days with each other (about 2 hrs. apart that whole time) and I still didn't want to see him leave my place when he dropped me off. This was 10 days of crazy hair and sniffles in the morning, meeting my family and friends, and me crying for almost no apparent reason.

2. We found out (even I didn't know this until now), that I have a tendency to be jealous. Now, that's mine to work on, but the awesome thing- we talked about it!  We talked about it in a calm manner! Rob was patient until I saw what I couldn't see about my behavior before. And now, we have developed a good pattern of communication and growth.

3. We aren't disparate to see each other every day. Now do I want to see him every day? Of course I do. Am I tempted to skip sleep, laundry, etc. to be with him? Of course. The difference since we came back, is though the desire is still there, we know the person will still be there tomorrow, even if we don't see them today. We make time to see each other, but have added the ability to balance the rest of life. (Helps a ton with New Year Resolutions ;)

4. We are disclosing information that requires trust and understanding. Now, of course, I can't elaborate on this, where would the trust be then? Ha.

All these things have made me realize, I totally love this man, and it's not just because I love having a date on holidays, or someone to take to the work party, or even to have someone to cuddle with- it's because we match each other and we make each others lives more full. At least I hope he would say the same thing.

Okay, enough with the cheese- here's the meat:

John Van Epp, Ph. D. has done a lot of research to write and design a book and training called ' How to Avoid Falling in Love with a Jerk'. The Army actually uses it to help the soldiers make good marital choices.

Here's the information that I gleaned for this blog post:

'Yet the most significant patterns that influence long-term relationships are not even evident in the early stages of a dating relationship. Time is needed to expose these areas and accurately predict what these patterns mean for a future marriage and family.'

Intimacy or knowing a person = talk (mutual self-disclosure) plus togetherness (diversified experiences) plus time.

'A balance is necessary between what you know about a person from talking and what you learn from your experiences in a new relationship.'

'Therefore, to truly know another person, you must engage in a deepening openness that is matched with a variety of experiences in which you see the other person 'in action'.'

'Three months is the 'magic number'. Not until around three months into a relationship do deep-seated patterns start to become evident.
Also, the newness of a relationship is a natural inebriating effect accompanying attraction that typically begins to wear off around the third month. We put our best foot forward until we feel a bit more secure in a new relationship. Then we slack off a bit and let our imperfections surface.'

Now a lot of this can be further explained, the I = T + T + T in particular, but you get the general idea. (Let me know if you want an explanation of more of the book- I would happily write that blog!) If you've read all though this post, kuddos. It was a long, and sometimes eye-rollingly cheesey one.

Here's to Utah and love!

Why I'm turning into my Mother...and partly my Father...

Usually when someone states that they are turning into their mother!! it's a bad thing.  I happen to think it's a great thing.  Why, might you ask, do I think I'm turning into my mother?  Let me count the ways...

Wrapping Presents
Mom wraps presents not only in pretty paper, but puts beautiful bows, bobbles, and at times, ornaments on them.  They are a work of art!  The ornament she put on Rob's has become our trip ornament.  (We want to get an ornament on every trip we take.) Now, I am not at this level yet, but I do like to wrap and put really pretty ribbon on.

Hosting Parties 
Mom often hosts lovely parties, with nice centerpieces, yummy food, and invites just the right amount and mix of people.  I have hopefully picked this up and LOVE hostessing!! My most recent example is a football party.  Rob told me he wanted to have some people over to watch playoff football Saturday.  What was my immediate thought?  "Oooo, I could make the coolest football food."  I also thought, we need to tidy up his place (he's actually a really good bachelor, but you know...).  I decided decor would to over the top, but I defiantly thought about it.

This brings me to my next example,
Cleaning the House 
I seem to always want to clean the house before anyone comes over, honestly, even close friends.  I just want them to be comfortable.  Pretty sure I remember from my childhood- 'Lindsey, we have to clean the house, people are coming over...'.  Not that the house was a mess otherwise, just a next bit of tidying.

Helping Kitties
I found a group I can volunteer with to help an adoption center with their kitty cats.  I thought to myself, why am I always drawn to not only animals, but helping animals?  Mom.  I grew up watching her care for horses, abandoned kittens, and puppies to be adopted.  She always knew what to do when they were sick, and I still call her when an animal is sick and I don't know what to do.

Jewelry
Mom has a few necklaces and earrings she cherishes.  They have been given to her by important people at important times.  When I was younger I wondered why she wore the same necklace day in and day out.  Apparently it took being an adult to understand this.  I find myself wearing my grandmother's star sapphire ring and the blue necklace Rob gave me most days.

Adopt an Angel
When my church put up an angel tree, it wasn't really a question, I knew I would want to help someone.  I love that part of the Christmas season.  No one should feel anonymous, alone, or unloved, and especially during Christmas.  I remember as I got older Mom would suggest we get less presents for ourselves and adopt a family or an elderly person.  It was one of the best parts of the Christmas season.

So in conclusion, I'm proud to be turning into my Mother.

It seems, in ways, I'm also turning into my Father.

Christmas Stockings
Dad LOVES making our Christmas stocking great.  Watch out World Market, her comes Dad.  I've for sure picked this up.  How fun is it to shop for stocking stuffers!?

Certificates and Funny Wrapped Presents
I have many fond memories of scavenger hunts for Easter baskets, bb guns behind couches, and certificates for stuff.  I realized I picked up this from dad when I wrapped clues to Rob's Christmas present in 3 different box and 1 bag.  Oh yeah, it was a trip to New York.  Dad inspired wrapping.

LOVE you both!

One month to make my goals...

Why do we wait for January to look back at the year and look forward?  Well I'm doing it in December.  (I'll do it in January too, but hey, why not).  Here's the progress on 2013, with a P.S. on December goals.

General Resolutions

• Eat out less - replace eating out with friends with activities with friends
• I started strong, need to continue to try into 2013
• Get to my goal weight
• Grrrr, another 2013
• Respond to service requests, i.e. There's a service opportunity, call this person to chip in
• Grrrr, 2013 for sure.  
• Ultimately organize room
• DONE!! I did this!  Before I moved to Fairfax I loved everything about my room and all my stuff and that was great to move in this condition.

Daily Goals

• Read scriptures and pray more
• I have gotten better at this, and I'm excited to continue.  Rob actually helps me with this, he always remembers to pray before we eat.  I love that.
• Play my guitar 20 minutes or more per day
• Beginning guitar done, Intermediate guitar done.  I have a basic knowledge.  I'm starting an online class from a university.  I think it will help me take it to the next level.
• Watch less TV
• I think I've watched less just because I've been busier.  I think at this point, maybe I just keep myself to only watching my DVR shows and not extra.
• Be more kind
• I think I've done some of this, but can't hurt to keep it for 2013

Weekly

• Take pictures
• Totally did this!  Check out my deviant art account:  http://aggielou3.deviantart.com/gallery/ 

Monthly Goals

• Work on Family History
• Hum...I only did 2 ordinances, and though it was awesome, must be better in 2013
• Find a regular service opportunity
• Well, I think I just found one.  Helping kitties at an adoption center.
• Go on a date once a month - even if I ask him
• Totally did this!  AnD I met ROB!  As Brian says, put the energy out there and things happen.
• Go to the temple
• Did it :)  More to come.

December 2012 Goals

• When I'm at work, be engaged in work.  No Facebook at all.
• Do my hair at least 4 times a week - I've been really blessed with wonderful hair, and it doesn't look bad when I just shower and go, but I want to make more of an effort (even if the man I love still loves me in a ponytail and no make-up).

Adventures in Cooking and Crafting

Well here it is, the good, the bad, and the smelly!

You wouldn't think with a great guy to do things with I would have time to cook and craft, but when you have him help...it works out well.

Rob doesn't love veggies, and by that, I mean he didn't eat them before I came along.  Fortunately he humors me:

Roasted Potatoes and Asparagus with Lemon and Rosemary.  Good stuff.

Key holder near the door - Pinterest project, hehe.

Have you ever eaten Romanesco?  We have.  Rob tells people we ate little trees.  

(hint: it tastes like cauliflower)

Yeah, you're reading that right, $500 a lb. for Truffles!! No I did not buy any, but I do love when they're on the menu at a restaurant.

So I tired to make divinity.... yeah, two epic fails later.... 

Jody's going to have to teach me over Christmas.  

So begins the practice Thanksgiving Dinner.  I've never hosted a Thanksgiving Dinner.  I'm SO excited for my Dad, Jeanette and little brother Jake to come I want dinner to be great.

7UP Biscuits - not bad, not great.  This recipe will be replaced.

Supplies.  Earlier my entire table was entirely covered.  Thanks to my roommates who endured the full table, fridge and counters!

That's right, I made gravy.  Slightly lumpy, but tasted good. I'll do better next time.

The buffet on Practice Night.  Sweet Potato Casserole, Sausage Stuffing, and Gravy.

More of the fixin's.  Corn Soufflé, Mashed Potatoes, Roasted Chicken, and Biscuits.

The unsuspecting diners.  Thanks ladies and gentlemen.  Kari brought excellent bruschetta.  Since my appetizers were epic fail, I'll be replacing them with her recipe.

Here's the spread.  Yummy!

Okay, the famous family Pumpkin Chiffon Pie, and a trial Poppy Seed Cream Pie Tort.  We're keeping the Pumpkin and throwing out the Tort.  I also need to try a different crust recipe.  Good thing for practice.  It was a really fun night.  Maybe I'll practice every year, family coming or not.  The diners were happy and even took home leftovers.

Why yes, those are little tiny plants inside wine corks.  Why no, I have not started drinking wine.  Thanks Eddy for the supplies.  They have a magnet on the side so they stick to my refrigerator.

Well that's it for the cooking and crafting for a while.  Thanks to the family cookbook, calls to aunt Trudy, my kitchen helpers, and Pinterest.