Charity NEVER faileth

I have been somewhat introspective the past few days as this chapter in our life comes to a close and another one will soon begin. I have also been reflecting on our difficult journey toward parenthood, and what a struggle it has been. I have not been super open about it in the past, but I have found, the more open I have been the more support I have been offered by those around me and that is definitely needed. This past Sunday we had a Relief Society (our all female class at church) lesson about parenthood and the command given by our Heavenly Father to have children. I have had a really hard time grasping the fact that there is a commandment I have been given that Heavenly Father has (so far) not allowed me to keep. It is very confusing and frustrating and lots of tears have been shed over the fact. This sunday was no different, and the lesson left me sobbing. But this time I was joined by another military spouse like myself, a new friend of mine who recently moved here, and who also struggles with this very issue. After the lesson had ended we recieved an amazing amount of love from the other women in the room. When we first arrived, I didn't think I would have much in common with the women in my ward and I worried that I would not connect with them or fit in very well. They all seemed to be much older than I, and at VERY different points in their lives. But I came to find out, as I have so many times before, that my Heavenly Father is very aware of me and my needs and these women were just what I needed. They truly love each other without judgement and without any of the clique-ish design that is so common in women's organizations. They support each other in quiet, thoughtful ways and they are exactly what God intended the Relief Society organization to be. I will forever remember what they taught me about being a virtuous, valient, faithful woman. I wish I could stay a bit longer, but I know there will be another amazing group of women for me to join on the other side of the country who will continue to help me become the woman I was designed to be.

A Valentine's Day Love Note

My husband is a man of very little words. He is more into actions. He tells me he loves me every day, which I so appreciate, but beyond that not much is said. He usually lets Hallmark do the talking and signs his name at the bottom. He spent this Valentine's Day (like so many others before it) on the ship. Here is the note that came with very thoughtful gifts:

"Happy Valentines Day!!! I love you and I cannot wait to get home and SMOOCH!" 

I will be waiting dear. Come home soon.<3

Pre-Valentine's Day love note

I am a big proponent of showing mushy love on random days, and not just once a year (though I am a fan of the pink stuff everywhere). So here is a love note written just for my love.

Dear Sweetheart,
I love you. I love the way you work so hard to support our little family. I love the way you hold me close when I am sad, and let me cry when I need to cry. I love the way you mumble when you sleep. I love the way you pray for us. I love the way you kick me out of the kitchen when you want to make dinner, and the way you are so proud of your hamburger helper. I love the way you always kiss me after being apart for any length of time...and I love that you don't care if people are watching. I love that you make me feel special and valued like no one else can. I love when you tell jokes only you would think are funny, and I love that I end up laughing anyway because your laugh is contagious. I love that you think "us time" is important and always try hard to make it happen. I love that you try hard to live your faith because it lets me know that you love and value our marriage. I love that we are best buds...forever. I love the way you dance in the car, and sing off key to all the songs (even though I pretend to be embarrassed).  I love the way you help keep our relationship strong when you are far away by always thinking of me. I love that your family is so important to you. I love that my family is important to you too. I love that you let me be crazy, and weird, and myself all the time. I love that you are crazy, and weird, and yourself all of the time. I love being married to you. Happy random Sunday. I love you. 

Love, Me