Together (& Crazy) Forever

 

This is the picture from our thanksgiving. 80 people and all of them related (except for a couple of David's friends from the ship that are taking this picture). They are crazy. There is so many people and so many personalities. What you cant see is the half naked little girl rolling down the hill or the screaming babies and this picture does not capture all of us yelling at each other to hurry up and get in the picture because we were freezing! But I am so glad that we will be together forever. The more I learn about and understand my Heavenly Father's plan for His children, the more I appreciate these crazy people and the more I love my husband and appreciate our Eternal Marriage. Here are some more pictures of our crazy time:

My mom and two of my sisters (couldn't find Olivia)

 Sammers LOVES Thanksgiving

 Nom Nom Nom

 Ellie. Don't you just love her cute (blurry) face?

Here is another one. Less blurry this time.

 Ellie's cousin Everett. The E's!

 Half Naked Child previously mentioned. Ohh Kingsley.

 Love you Grandma.

 Grandma and all her old Boyfriends. HA HA HA HA!! She appeared to have covered all her military bases.

 David was jealous of Vaughn's jamies and Legos. I was too a little bit...of the jamies.

 Still so in love after all these years. I want to be like them.

 My cutie patootie Grandpa.

Grandpa's sweet car. :)

To learn more about Forever Families and how we keep such happy faces visit www.mormon.org

Carrier Classic!!

Growing up I didnt really think much of Veteran's day. It was a day off from school, which I very much appreciated, but the meaning of the day would barely even cross my mind. Things have obviously changed, and days like veterans day make me reflect on my love for this beautiful country, and the people who serve and protect her. This veterans day I had the special opportunity to spend the day with our men and women in uniform...and two top rated basketball teams aboard the magnificent nuclear carrier, the USS Carl Vinson (the very same one that buried Bin Laden at sea).  The first ever Carrier Classic was quite a sight. My husband was especially childlike, getting to talk briefly with childhood heroes and great men of basketball, and not so great men, ahem Vince Carter (but that is a story for another time).  The game was great, the event was fun, but the best part was being with the men and women who have earned this special day through their hard work and sacrifice. 

Getting Ready to go into the game:

 Yes! We won tickets! You should have seen my cute husbands face when he found out that he won the lottery for tickets to the game.

 Magic talking to an WWII vet, one of the greatest generation.

 Obama giving his speech before the game/ shaking hands (aka recruiting votes)

 Us toward the end of the game:

  Way to go Tar Heels!

spaghetti squash with turkey sausage

Lately I have been on a bit of a health kick. And in sticking with my cooking something new every week that I started awhile ago, I decided to try this out. I LOVE spaghetti, but pasta is not really on the healthy food list (yeah I know there is whole grain pasta, but still). This was so so easy! I think our spaghetti days may have changed forever. you just cut the squash in half, fill the bottom half with water, put the top half over it cup side down (like you glued it back together) and microwave it for 10-15 minutes. Then I cooked some onions and turkey sausage together, added marinara sauce, and ladled it all over the squash "noodles". YUM!

I Heard a Rumor

Last night while working an event I was approached by a coworker who wished to share with me a rumor she heard about me in the office.  I do not really like rumors and I started wracking my brain thinking about what people could possibly be talking about. She said it may not be true and did not wish to offend me, and then proceeded to whisper under her breath, "Marissa, are you a Mormon?". I had no problem saying "Yes!". The rest of the conversation went like this...

Co-worker(with puzzled look): "Mormon...Like Sister Wives?"
Me: "No, nothing like that,"
Co-Worker: "But those people are Mormon"
Me: "No they actually are not, though many people think that. Would you like to hear about the differences?"
Co-Worker: "Yeah tell me, I dont know very much."
I gave her a basic outline on what I believe.
Co-Worker: "So you are basically just Christian then? Because I am Catholic and what you told me was different but it wasn't that different"
Me: "Yes, yes we are" (Happy to hear a catholic admit that a Mormon is a Christian)
Co-Worker: "Cool, I've never met a Mormon before so this is really fun" (although I am pretty positive she has met a Mormon before, and sweet she thinks I'm fun)

I got a bit of a laugh out of the entire situation. Then today, when I got to work, there was a new girl training for one of the financial positions. And guess what, she's a MORMON too! My catholic co-worker was in awe. She went from knowing no Mormons (as she believes) to 2 Mormons in only 2 days.  We are going to take over the office!  The only problem is, she went to the U so we can't be friends. Darn.

It still rained on Noah

Last week was wonderful... weather wise. It was nice and cool and there was even a little bit of rain. I was a little bit upset when I went out to 80 degrees again today (although I know my friends experiencing snow would not agree that this was a disappointing thing to have). But other than the weather, it was a very rough week. One particularly rough day as I was driving home from work reflecting on all that had happened that day, I started to tear up, and then I started to pray. I like praying on my way home from work. Sure its completely unconventional, and no, I cant bow my head and close my eyes or fold my arms, but I have 30 minutes of silence where I can express my feelings and listen for answers. I have been struggling with why's lately. Why is a question I know I should not ask because I need to just have the faith to accept the trials that come my way and learn from them, but I often wonder what I am doing or have done (in other words is this punishment) to bring particular hardships on myself. As I was praying and thinking about this, the rain started to come down pretty hard. The fact that the weather matched my mood was making me even more depressed. I finally got off the freeway and started to drive up the hill toward my home. As I approached the top of the hill, traffic slowed down. It was a little bit odd for there to be traffic on this particular stretch of road so of course my mood did not improve (and now you all think that I am just super moody). But when I finally got over the top of the hill, I saw what all the fuss was about. Straight ahead was the largest, brightest, most beautiful rainbow I have ever seen. And intertwined in the first beautiful rainbow, was a smaller, slightly duller but no less beautiful second rainbow. People were pulling over to take photos, and I imagine everyone was in awe just like I was. I started to think about rainbows and what they mean. And then it occurred to me. Noah was a very righteous man who was so loved by our Heavenly Father, but the floods still happened to him. He did not avoid the rain, but he had the tools and the faith to be safe and remain dry and comfortable throughout the storm. So maybe my trials are not a result of something I did, but I can still be faithful and find a way to remain safe and comfortable (or more at peace) throughout the storm. I felt instantly lighter and so much better. And this probably isn't the truth, but I think that rainbow must have been placed there just for me to see. What are some of the rainbows in your life?

Prosciutto Wrapped Stuffed Chicken

(Pictures Coming...as soon as my husband gets home from work and tells me where he put the camera cord)

I bought this lovely Prosciutto at the store on Monday determined to come up with something yummy to make with it. I see it on Food Network all the time so it must be delish. I gave David a taste of it and he quickly told me "That is NOT good!". Well after that I certainly had to prove him wrong. I came up with this recipe and it was SOOOO good. It looks fancy but it's super easy. Its a little bit of a twist on my moms famous Chicken Cordon Bleu Try it and tell me what you think.

Ingredients:

-4 Large Chicken Breasts (tenderloins attached)

-1 package cream cheese (regular or low fat)

-1 cup cooked chopped broccoli

-1/2 pound thinly sliced Prosciutto (found at the Deli counter)

-1 tablespoon fines herbs (or Italian herbs)

-White cooking wine (the kind you buy near the condiments that you don't need ID to purchase is fine)

-Salt and Pepper

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Spray a 13x9 baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.

2.. pound out chicken breasts. (If you dont have a mallet like me, use the back of a skillet. Just cover the chicken in plastic wrap and start hittin!)

3. in a bowl mix chopped broccoli, cream cheese, and herbs

4. Sprinkle Salt and Pepper on both sides of the chicken (Taste your Prosciutto to see how salty it is before you over-salt. It will still need a little salt on the inside but maybe on the outside)

5. Lay out Prosciutto on a clean cutting board. Depending on the width of each piece you may need 2 or 3 slightly overlapping to be the width of the rolled chicken breast (which you will do in step 6)

5. Spread 1/4th of the broccoli mixture on the first chicken breast. roll it up. Then lay it on the prosciutto and roll the prosciutto around it so that it covers the outside of the chicken. Lay seam side down in the baking dish (you could also use toothpicks to hold it together)

6. Repeat Step 5 with all of your chicken breasts.

7. Pour 1/2 cup of white wine in the bottom of the baking dish. Cover and bake for 45-50 minutes.

8. Serve over white rice, using some of the pan drippings as a sauce over the top.

Lord, I would follow Thee

Today, in Relief Society, we sang "Lord, I would follow Thee" for the opening song. The words to the second verse really struck me. "Who am I to judge another, when I walk imperfectly? In the quiet heart is hidden sorrow that the eye can't see." This didn't strike me because I am a very harsh critic of others, but more because I am a harsh critic of myself. I find myself often comparing myself to others and always coming up short to their fabulousness. I could relate to having sorrow hidden in the quiet heart, and I realized that others who I saw as much better than I, also have trials and also experience pain. I still ask often what I have done to not be worthy of the blessing of children like so many around me. And maybe it isn't me at all. Maybe the spirits meant to reside in my home are not ready to be here yet. Maybe Heavenly Father's plan for them does not start until much later. And maybe the sorrow in my heart has a purpose for my life and my learning. The atonement has always been real to me. I have felt the pain that sin brings, and the healing joy that Christ has offered. But I have learned more about the atonement and about my Savior through this trial, than any other. I understand my Heavenly Father's love for his children more, and I am trying to learn to not compare myself to others but rather be the best that I can be and be satisfied with that. And until I am blessed with the thing my heart yearns for, I will continue to say "Lord, I would follow Thee."

Marriage Enrichment Weekend

David and I were very fortunate to be able to attend the Marriage Enrichment Weekend with CREDO southwest this past weekend. CREDO is a program run by military chaplains to enrich the lives of service members and their families. The retreat was held at the Hilton Hotel in Mission Valley and was Friday night through Sunday afternoon. The hotel and all the food was paid for (really nice since FREE is my favorite number) and the CREDO chaplain had marriage classes each day. A lot of it was from Gottman's book (which I read twice in college) and I highly recommend.

The retreat is designed for couples who are doing well in their marriage and want to keep it that way. We got to make a colored timeline of our relationship, practice better communication skills(for when we are together and apart), go on a special date, give each other gifts that represented what our spouses love means to us, and write special love notes that will be mailed at some future unknown date. The whole thing ended with a very beautiful prayer offered by the chaplain.  I am really glad that the military supports families like it does, especially since being a military family is not easy.  It was nice to really focus on the routines and rituals in our lives that define us, and show each other how much we care. It definitely put a smile on my face to be able to spend such a wonderful weekend with my husband who I love dearly. What are some special or ordinary things you do in your home to show your spouse you love them?

Ten Years Later

I have been thinking about several things over the past few days. First off, We had a HUGE power outage here in Southern California on Thursday. Made me realize I am not as prepared as I thought I was. Yes we had flashlights but no spare batteries. Yes we had food storage but no way to cook it. And we had no extra water. Emergency Preparedness FAIL! We did have a radio though, and thanks to the fact that we just got a new car, we had an outlet to plug our dying phones into. President Obama happened to give a speech on jobs that night (that we missed along with the rest of the southern portion of the state and most of Arizona) but he also mentioned a few things about 9/11 that I have thought about ever since. He said that  over the past 10 years since that horrible day we have become stronger and that as Americans we do not live in fear. I felt proud to be an American, but I also thought to myself that there are times that I have more fear now than I did ten years ago. And maybe some of that has to do with my age; I was only in the 8th grade when the towers fell (though I do remember where I was, what I was doing, and all the details from the news story). But I hate to admit that I was a bit nervous as I drove toward the base today to pick up my husband from work. I am a little bit afraid every time I fly. And as a military spouse, I am always afraid that my husband will be whisked away to a far off land to fight in a war against very bad men.  I fear for my children and especially for their children, because it seems that every day there is more evil than good in the world. But I am also humble and full of faith and I know that if I put my trust in a loving Heavenly Father that I have no need to fear. I have a strong belief that the events of that day were the result of evil men using their agency to do harm, but I also believe that it was a day needed to turn the hearts of the children toward their fathers and their God. The events of that day and the people who lost their lives and the heroes that were made will never be forgotten. I am proud to be an American: Yesterday, Today, And Forever.

So for I've learned

Since we are not moving until the Spring,  I have been spending time learning things about this new place called "The East Coast". Let me share some of them with you.

1. There are Hurricanes there
2. Oddly there are Earthquakes there also
3. Everyone there works for the government. There aren't too many other options.
4. Traffic there is worse than the 91 during rush hour. Not sure how traffic can get much worse than a dead stop, but it is apparently.
5. I will need both heavy coats and short shorts there.
6. There is a TON of history. Battle grounds, holy places, and awesome beginnings.
7. There is lots to see and do, but I am kinda already starting to miss home.
8. Government housing is pretty nice. Maybe they will let us move in here:

Heart Broken

I am following the lead of a dear friend of mine in the hopes that this helps not only me, but others around me (and also my husband is convinced that writing is therapeutic). I'm not sure where to start exactly, so I guess I will just go and see where I end up.

There they were 6, not 1 or 2, 6 positive pregnancy tests lined up on my bathroom counter. After the first one, I had to be certain it was correct, so over the next few days I took more. I wasn't overly shocked. We had been trying for a few months. But I was so happy and so at peace and I felt very prepared. Conceiving a child is certainly the best diet plan because I haven't eaten that healthy in years. I was willing to do whatever it took to protect that little one (very little at this time) forever. I felt connected to him/her from the very beginning, and I felt my Heavenly Father's love all around me. And I certainly have never been so elated to be that sick in my entire life. Life was very good. Then the bleeding started. At first just a spot here and there. And then the cramping came (I will spare the rest of the details) and it was over. I wasn't far along, and I knew that miscarriage, especially for a first child, was quite common as I had been taught that in several of my BYU courses, but I didn't want to think it would happen to me. I cried. I cried for days.  I didn't expect the physical and spiritual pain that would follow. I literally felt like my heart was broken and my soul was torn to shreds. I prayed fervently for comfort. There were times I wondered why my Heavenly Father didn't think I would be a good mom. I saw teens and drug addicts having babies on TV. How did they receive such a blessing and I could not?

I have since learned not to think this way. My husbands faith never wavered. He held me tight and did his best to dry my tears. He knew that everything happens for a reason, and when the time is right, we will be blessed as well (he has had to remind me of this a lot lately). I have a few friends, who I consider to be very good friends, announce the birth's of their babies this upcoming February...the same month my little one would have been born. And every time I saw a new announcement I cried long and hard. I cried when we purchased a crib for my brother and sister in-law and their new baby knowing that I might never get to purchase one for our home. And I cry every time someone asks me why we don't have children yet and when we are going to try, especially family members.  My broken heart is still not fully healed and my spirit is still quite sensitive, but I am praying for understanding now and for the ability to recognize that there is a plan for me. And whether that plan includes children or not, or maybe it includes them but not through normal methods, I don't quite know yet. I am learning to trust in the plan, and for my husband's sake I am going to learn to not cry so much(which could prove to be the hardest thing of all). I have been reading my favorite scripture a lot lately, so I thought I would share that with all of you in the hopes that it will comfort another as it has comforted me.

"My son (or daughter in my case) Peace be unto thy soul. Thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment; And then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high..."(D&C 121:7-8).

Does the bird have a name?

Today at work a soft spoken military spouse called the Fleet and Family Support Center where I work to ask questions. She was a young newlywed...VERY young and VERY newly wed. Her husband had recently joined the Navy and she, for lack of better words, knew absolutely nothing. She asked question after question ranging from if it snows in San Diego and if people die in the earthquakes to the dangers of deployment and what ship life is like. Some of the questions did make me laugh a little bit (on the inside), but it is these people that make me love my job. Shortly after I began to think about my own situation. The next few years of our life have recently been made a little bit clearer, and with this clarity came a slew of never-ending questions.
Like:

What exactly is that flower in the corner of that sign? Does the bird have a name? Why is the only picture I could find online of this sign on an Asian wikipedia page?  How big are the bugs there really? How is the traffic? Do people die from freezing to death in the SNOW?!? I think I might call up their Fleet and Family and ask all of these things. I wont mention that I work for the Navy or that I have been married for a couple of years. Because even though I am super excited and really looking forward to this new chapter in our lives, every so often I feel a little bit scared of being so far away from home in an almost foreign land. But we go where my spouse is needed and we do the best we can.

I will miss you California.

Earthquakes and all.

Giant Snowcones

A few weeks ago we took a trip to Hawaii with my family. It was a graduation present from them for me. It was very relaxing and amazing to get away (especially since we are both working now and don't really see as much of each other).
The sunrises and sunsets were beautiful,

the random rain showers created the brightest, most picturesque rainbows,

the ocean was clear and warm,

the snowcones were yummy,

The temple was just as ETERNAL

 The Entertainment was grand,

 and the company was fantastic.

Life is a little slower there and it always reminds me to appreciate the little things in life and look at life with a whole new pair of eyes.

Yeah my hair was kinda a frizzy mess the whole time, and yeah I got a little sunburned that first day, and yeah I cut my foot open on a rock (at least I didnt step on a sea urchin like my little sis shay) but those are just hazards of life. we live, we make mistakes, we learn, we get tan, and when all else fails just
eat giant snow cones and smile like crazy.

The Silent Ranks

It seems like that new show "surprise homecoming" is gaining popularity. More and more people are talking about it.  And I am sure its lovely, but after I watched the first episode I knew I could not watch another. I absolutely hated it. And it wasn't even the fact that Billy Ray being the host is somewhat odd that turned me off. It was the sheer fact that I know exactly what it feels like for that loved one to be gone, to be wondering about where they are and what they are doing, and to pray that same fervent, pleading prayer of safe keeping every night. It makes me cry, and after all the tears last year, I just don't really like to cry. I have been lucky enough to have the opportunity to work with military families every day though. Some of their stories break my heart, some of them make me laugh, and all of them I feel an instant connection with. I think I have posted this before, but in honor of those wonderful people I come in contact every day I wanted to share this poem by an anonymous author once more:

The Silent Ranks

I wear no uniforms, no blues or army greens.
But I am in the military in the ranks rarely seen.
I have no rank upon my shoulders, salutes I do not give.
But the military world is the place where I live.

I'm not in the chain of command, orders I do not get.
But my husband is the one who does, this I cannot forget.
I'm not the one who fires the weapon, who puts my life on the line.
But my job is just as tough. I'm the one that's left behind.

My husband is a patriot, a brave and prideful man,
And the call to serve his country, not all can understand.
Behind the lines I see the things needed to keep this country free.
My husband makes the sacrifice, but so do our kids and me.

I love the man I married. Patriotism is his life.
But I stand among the silent ranks known as the military wife.

(this is the certificate I got when David reenlisted last year for being a military spouse. It was a big surprise and very touching)

TMI

It has recently occurred to me just how ridiculous social networking has become. We too often share too much. If a stranger walked up to me on the street and asked me where I went every day during the week, what my birthday was, where I went to school, where I work, and who my family members are, I would try to get away from the creeper as fast as possible. But we post all of that online for everyone to see. We tell them when we are expecting children, when our anniversaries are and what we had for dinner. It is quite convenient to get the news out fast and stay connected with people, but it is getting out of control! No wonder identity theft is the fastest growing crime in America, and I am totally vulnerable as well. Many times I have found myself knowing things I did not really want to know, and seeing things I would rather not see. I am very thankful for social networking sites because they keep me connected to my husband when we cannot be together, but gee whiz people, just keep some things private! Don't make me blush over things that should be kept behind closed...and locked doors.  TMI!

'Til We Meet Again

My favorite and most influential teacher John Sawaya passed away today. He has been battling cancer for many years and his body was just too weak to go on. I am sure that he was welcomed home with open arms, because he truly was one of God's best souls. He was more of a friend and a mentor than simply a high school teacher. He was one of those people that touched others around him in ways no one else could. He loved his family, and his job, and his smile was contagious. He made me want to be better than I was every single day, and he taught me that happy people are the ones that have the most impact on the world. Yesterday morning I sent a note over to his house (via my little sister) that included my testimony on the Plan of Salvation. Why did it take me knowing how sick he was to share my thoughts and feelings about what I know to be true? It made me think that life is short, and even if we have been sick for a long time or a short time we never know when the exact end is. My message of love was not embarrassing or offensive, though so often I feel like it would be to those around me.  And even though I was not there with him, I felt very close to him knowing that he would soon have a deeper understanding of our Heavenly Father and His love for him. I know he was chosen even before he was born to be a teacher and to touch others lives, and I strongly believe that his teaching abilities will continue to be used to do good throughout eternity. He left behind a wife and two little girls who I wish I could hug on this day. He will live on in the lives of those he touched. And I know without a doubt that I will see my good friend John again. I love you Mr. Sawaya. And I am sure that God is with you til we meet again.

While She Was Out

Sooo yeah...my Friday updates kinda went by the wayside when I started my new job and immediately had to work a 65 hour week. I loved every minute of it though so even though it made me super exhausted, it was worth it. Right before I started working though, I went up to my parents house and did a "while you were out" on my little sisters room. Here are the pics!

This is the before. 

And now for the After pictures! Drum Roll Please....

I'm kinda jealous. I want a cute room like this. Unfortunately I share my room with a boy and he wouldn't like this very much. But the second I have a little girl, I think I will try pink stripes. :)

June Gloom

Anyone else experiencing June Gloom? I thought summer was here and then it went far far away. Come back sun! Come back! I was hoping to get a bit of a tan before I have to start work on Thursday, but I guess this is just the universe telling me I don't need skin cancer. Sigh...