WHOO HOO

Phew. That is all I can say. I have finished yet another semester, and it feels so good. I actually had mixed feelings this time, because I really enjoyed my classes and worked hard in them. I actually learned from my classes. Weird. Anyway, I worked super hard and I got A's and B's. So satisfying. 


Now, I think I can finally get excited for Christmas. It still hasn't hit me that it's so close. It's weird, just haven't felt much of the Holiday Spirit this year. Hopefully that will change, because Christmas is such a wonderful time of the year. We will see. 

Just a little tradition...

Last weekend I had the amazing opportunity to go to Time Out For Women for our church with my mom, aunt, my aunt's mother and sister, and my brother's girl friend. It was such an amazing weekend, complete with wonderful speakers and music. My mom and I started this tradition a year ago, and now we just love it. If you haven't had the opportunity to go to this event, I strongly encourage it. It's a great time to spend time with those you love, and to have a sweet escape from the hustle and bustle of the world for a few hours. And, it's totally worth it.

This year, we went to the session in Salt Lake City, and we got to hear speakers, such as Brad Wilcox, Sheri Dew, Hilary Weeks, Wendy Ulrich, Emily Watts, Michael Wilcox, Stephanie Neilson, and Laurel Christensen. These men and women were so inspiring to listen to. If you haven't heard of Stephanie Neilson's story, it is truly inspiring. She and her husband were severely burned in an airplane crash about three years ago, and hearing her story of how she had to move on with her life and accept her new life was a real tear jerker. I'm not kidding, in a room of thousands of women, I think everyone was crying when she spoke. Anyway, all these speakers really helped me have a spiritual boost, and I really needed it. Here are a couple of quotes from some of the speakers.

"One who chooses Christ chooses to be changed" --Brad Wilcox

"Some things are simply more important than others" --Sheri Dew

"The secret to becoming is learning" --Michael Wilcox

"Where you are today is no surprise to God. He knew this would be your plan A." --Laurel Christensen

(Side-note on the last quote, Laurel's story was about how she had different plans for her life, and how she came to realize she was where she was supposed to be. It was a great talk, a favorite among our group).

The music was provided by Hilary Weeks and Jericho Road. I loved hearing Jericho Road because I listened to them all the time as a teenager and I've LOVED them ever since. And I've just started to listen to Hilary Weeks about a year ago and am in love with her music as well. And I just loved every second of it.

Needles to say, it was a great weekend. A pleasant break from school, but a great boost to get me through the last three weeks. It was just so wonderful to spend time with my family, especially my mom and dad. Sometimes it's hard being grown up, and not being with my parents all the time. Of course, I wouldn't change anything for the world on where I am now, but I sure miss my parents. They are so wonderful, and I appreciate very much on all that they do for me. Thanks mom :)

My Bucket List Getaway

This is my entry in the Just Ask Bucket List Getaway Giveaway. Just Ask offers a breast and ovarian cancer screening and is encouraging people to share 15 things that I want to enjoy in my lifetime as a reminder to be aware of my health. Want to enter? Head over to TodaysMama.com to get the details.

My Bucket List

1. Visit Italy
2. Visit Ireland
3. Learn how to cook like Julia Child
4. Learn how to bake bread
5. Learn how to better serve my fellowmen
6. Go skydiving (I know, I know, it's clique but I've always wanted to do this)
7. Go on a cruise to Alaska
8. Get a puppy for Christmas
9. Ride on a subway
10. When I have kids, I hope to live to see them grow up
11. Learn to accept failure as an experience to grow
12. To live each day with passion and vigor
13. Visit the Eiffel Tower
14. Visit the Ancient Pyramids of Egypt
15. To go on a backpacking trip through Europe

it's a bright kind, sunshiny day

I had one of those moments today when I was reallyoverwhelmed. I'm not talking about looking at my planner and realizing I had a million and one things to do. I'm talking about waking up way early (ok, more like 6:15) to finish up some homework and finding out that we forgot to pay our internet bill, so I couldn't get on the internet. Then, having a minor meltdown because my homework wasn't finished in time for class, and wouldn't be able to submit. (No worries, I talked to my teacher, and he was understanding and allowed me to still submit the homework). Then, everything seemed to pile on my shoulders in my first class. I knew when I signed up for the class (a 400 level class) that my workload would be plentiful, but man oh man I underestimated it. I left the class in tears. I couldn't believe how much work I had to do for that one class, on top of my other four classes, who were also in need of my attention. Needless to say, I was a emotional wreck. I went home. And I had an hour and half to before my next class to pull myself together.

In the midst of my anxiety, I decided that because I couldn't get on the internet still, or go up on campus quite yet, I needed a bubble bath. Here is one confession of mine, I adore bubble baths. And it always helps me relax and get a grip with reality. One of my favorite pastimes is taking a bubble bath with a book. Today, that book happened to be, "Life is Short. Wear Your Party Pants" by Loretta LaRoche. I got the book forever ago on the clearance shelf in Barnes and Noble. At the time, I thought the title was funny, and since Ms. LaRoche is a professional speaker on the subject of stress relieving, I bought it. Anyway, today the book was a perfect choice. During those moments of my bubble bath, it was reconfirmed to me to live in the moment. stress is good. take a chill pill. Ms. LaRoche has a wonderful sense of humor, and the few pages I read helped me calm down tremendously. She re-enforced me to reevaluate my priorities, and how I view myself. Of course, Ms. LaRoche is no substitute for apostles, or our prophet, but it helped in the same way. And I was grateful all the same.

One of the ideas she mentioned was to stop self-fllaguating yourself. She said if we listened to that inner voice within us every time it puts us down, imagine those put downs as whip marks on your back. A little gruesome, but it made the point that is it really worth it? We don't need to constantly be putting ourselves down, because we are doing the best we can. Step by step, day by day we get better. And we should recognize that instead of always punishing ourselves.

So it's Tuesday. Meltdown? Check. Recovery from meltdown? Check. Optimism for the rest of the week? Done.

Adult begins with A

So. I'm constantly telling Denver that maybe I shouldn't have a blog, because I feel I have nothing really exciting to share. I don't have kids, I'm not doing anything but school and work. Of course, being the wonderful husband he is, Denver tells me that I do have something to share, that I am still living a worthwhile life. Thanks honey.

Pondering what that really met--living a worthwhile life--brought me to the conclusion that even though I don't have kids at this time in my life and all I'm doing is getting an education, that's still worth something. Something some people in this world only dream about. And I am grateful.

Being in school does give me the chance to connect what I'm learning in class to real life. Pretty much the purpose right? So in my English class we have to write a magazine. And this week we had to think about what our magazine should be about. I wasn't in the mood to have our magazine be about dating, or anything like that. So I suggested it be about "Discovering You." I wanted this magazine to be a magazine about discovering who you are, right now, at this time in your life. I wanted to explore how to really and truly find yourself, and be happy with who you are. Of course, this all leads to my own personal life. Being in your twenty's is hard. You're technically an adult, but still yearn to call mom and have her take care of all your troubles. And being married in your twenty's...yes, that qualifies you as an adult. So since I have no kids, this is what is on my mind. Learning to be comfortable with myself and figuring out who I even want to be. Am I really doing things that make me happy? Am I making adult decisions? How am I handling those decisions? What am I doing to improve myself, and what am I doing to strengthen my testimony? Of course, I don't have any of these questions figured out right now. I'm still sorting them and processing them in my mind. I'm hoping this magazine will help me out--because my group thought that this was a great idea.

So. Getting an education here at school really is helping me become an adult. Being married is helping me become more adult-like in my thought process, and through my actions. Maybe none of this is relevant to anyone else, but to me, it's my life. I figure, being at my age, we're through being teenagers. It is time to grow up. And this applies to being at school, fulfilling church callings, and work responsibilities. I'm realizing that hey, I am an adult, and I have to act like it. Certain situations at work have opened my eyes that there are problems happening at work that aren't acceptable. And I'm the adult. So, find a solution! I can't have my mom call my manager and have her explain the problems I'm facing. I have to talk to my manager to find solutions. It's such a new experience, and it's making me realize that I'd like to be a kid again :)

Overall, this blog is a chance for me to outlet my feelings. And that's enough for me.

A little bit of family...

I had the rare opportunity to wake up earlier than usual and just lay in bed and think. Scary for 8:00 in the morning, I know. But of course the first thought was how much I am grateful for family. I just thought about how abundantly blessed I am to have an eternal marriage. How blessed I am to have wonderful parents. How blessed I am to have a valiant, faithful missionary brother. How blessed to have another special set of parents, and for the first time in my life sisters. And more brothers :). I just know Heavenly Father was watching out for me when He led me to my parents, and when I got married. That was my number one worry from the get go about marriage, the haunting question if I would get along with my husband's parents. Silly worry. 


And so, as I lay in bed, I got wrapped up in the conversation my mom and I had yesterday about marriage. I told her that marriage wasn't what I expected it to be, and she had asked how so. I didn't really have a definite answer, only that nothing really ever prepares you for it, and that it is so much harder than you think! I remember in Young Women's, how my leaders always made marriage sound like this fairy tale story. Maybe they mentioned it was hard work as well, I don't remember. But they made it sound like when you get married, it's a free ride from there. So I assumed that things would be easier, rather than harder. Ha! 


Of course, marriage is one of the best things that ever happened to me. And it's a lot of fun! I have a husband whose number one goal in life is to make me laugh and smile. I also have a husband who for some reason, leaves his socks all over the apartment. Or has this slight addiction to computer games. :) But I love Denver and all his little quirks. That's the beauty about marriage, you really do come to know your eternal companion each day. And I thank my mom for telling me that marriage is hard work. I really do appreciate that. You have to earn happiness by keeping the commandments and living faithfully. I have a testimony of that. 


I love family. I have always loved what that word means. And I have always been super close to my family. I know families can be together forever. And I love the word "can". They don't say families will be together forever, because that implies it's a free ride. Families CAN be together if everyone works together to support each other and love each other. 


Needless to say, I am abundantly blessed. And I try each day to thank Heavenly Father for what He has given me, by being the best daughter I can be. Love that family tie. 

and the countdown begins...

so...School begins in a mere two weeks. I can say I'm definitely ready for it. I've always been excited for school to start. I love getting new school supplies, notebooks, pens, pencils, binders. Sometimes I even get those big pink erasers just because I like them. It feels more like school when it's in the fall. When the semester starts in April, it just doesn't feel the same. But September...yeah, that's when you're supposed to start school.

This is my second to last semester of college. I am way pumped. This semester should be very hard, but super fun. I have my last batch of humanities (minor) classes, and my last load of English (major) classes. I am also hopefully going to be ushering at the school devotionals. Haven't heard back from them yet, but hopefully everything should work out. I've also got an idea of what I would like to do with my degree. If it pans out, I would like to work at a school as an English tutor. Elementary, middle, or high school, it doesn't matter much to me. Two of my best friends are currently teachers, and it made me realize I really didn't have a goal of what I wanted to do. I didn't want to take the easy road. Even though that's more of what I'm comfortable with, I've realized I really need to step out of my comfort zone and actually make some goals. I want to look back on my life and at least recognize I made goals and went for them. Scary...all this grown up planning.

As I drive through the streets of this little town, I realize how much my life has changed in four years. Can you say a lot? I always used to brush off the whole idea of how college matures you and all that. And how being at a church school was all about getting a spiritual education. Well, now that I am older and wiser (thank goodness) I realize the wisdom of those ideas. Yes, I am more mature after my freshman semester. I am more focused in my life. My life then...consisted of having fun, enjoying classes, and of course, boys. Now..I am married to the most wonderful man I could have asked my Heavenly Father for. I am way more focused on school, and our life together. Good heavens it is hard! Keeping my life is neatly compact piles of school, work, wifely duties, church, it really tires me out. Is it worth it? Absolutely. My spiritual nature has also grown. I am constantly thanking my Heavenly Father for all the opportunities I've had to grow. My testimony has grown. I've realized that being on my own two feet, and now four =) that I really have to stand up for myself in order to get my life where I want it to be.

Deep thinking for a 22 year old? Probably to some. But to me, this is what I think of everyday. How my mom always has to tell me to "bloom where I was planted" because I've been sick of this tiny town for a long time. Everyday I tell myself I'm one day closer to graduating. One day closer to the next chapter of my life. One day closer to looking back and kicking myself for being so eager to end school. So..bring it on! =)

back to reality...

Denver and I just got done with a week and a half long vacation of fun and sun. First we spent some time celebrating our anniversary in Vegas baby! (pictures to come later). Then we headed out to see his parents in California for a week. What a relaxing vacation, full of fun, sun and family. The only bad thing about the vacation was getting a sunburn on my neck. This happened during our excursion to Santa Cruz on the boardwalk. We were in the sun all day and silly me, I keep forgetting how delicate my skin is. It hasn't been exposed to sun for a while. But it's ok now, just looks like I have a skin disease on my neck :D

Now we are back to reality. Errands to run, fridge to stock, and back to work. You always need a vacation to remind you how blessed you are. And how life is really not bad and you have nothing to complain about. :D

A Day in the Life of Bree.....

I've really enjoyed reading the daily posts about what someone does during a normal day. Capturing the daily, non important things. So I decided to give it a try. Here goes.

First...I do my scripture study. Recently I've

been reading the General Conference talks. Today I read Sister Mary N. Cook's "Remember This: Kindness Begins with Me." I really enjoy reading the conference talks. It makes my day go so much better.

Second...I try to do a little 'me' time. I write to my brother Brady who is on his mission in Peru. I also love to read, so right now I'm reading "Anne of Green Gables." I love Anne. She makes me laugh. I love when she says, "Isn't it wonderful that there are so many things to enjoy in this world."

Third..Cleaning. I wish there was a cleaning fairy to help me every now and then. My least favorite thing to clean is the bathroom. My favorite thing is vacuuming. Weird, I know. But I enjoy having a clean house more than anything, so I stick with it. Maybe one of these days Denver will find his joy for cleaning. :D

Fourth... I go to work. And it always helps to have a smile on my face. People do appreciate a smile, I'll tell you that. You meet interesting people too at work. There are the cute old grandpa's who eat there almost everyday. I know two regular customers now, and I have stepped out of my comfort zone to have conversations with them. There are the mom's with four kids that come every other day, and those who just need people to talk to. I enjoy that part of work.

Procrastination...

This is my curse. I never used to be like this, mind you. Back in high school, I always tried to get A's and B's only. The thought of not doing homework was criminal. Not paying attention in class was appalling. And not having a good attitude? Well that was simply unforgivable. Now, a mere four years later since graduating high school, I have seemed to forget that high standard I used to keep. Procrastination has become my own worst enemy. And my best friend. I can't go anywhere without it.

As I am yet writing another research paper (due tomorrow), I have to take a moment to pause and reflect on my short life. In high school, if I had a paper due, I would knock it out of the way as soon as I could. I was always two steps ahead of everything. Now? I'm lucky to get it done the morning of. Not the best method to live by, I know. I have to ask myself where my motivation has gone. I love learning, but lately, I just am done with the whole thing. Must be the senior blues. I have only two semesters left, and instead of enjoying every last minute of college, I just can't wait for it to be over.

I have always been like this though. Once I get seriously fed up with something, I have a seriously hard time letting go of that thorn in the rose. I can only see that thorn. And believe me, I will let it push into me as far as I will let it go. I am the champion of the whole "the grass must be greener on the other side" mantra. I know this is one of my weaknesses. I know having a whole "the glass is half full" is the way to go. And I know I will look back on these four years of college and beg to have these years back. I'm not stupid. But living in the moment can be hard. And right now, with finals a week from today to look forward to, finishing this last paper, being cheerful is seriously lacking with me.

Other than end of the semester woes, life is good. Still trying to find out who I really am, all that good stuff that comes with being 22. Trying to figure life out, accepting my true purpose in life, deep stuff. That's a blessing with being a member of the Church. You know your true purpose. You have the map of life. You just have to follow it. And believe me, we all make it so much harder than it is. But along the way, we find our moments of pleasure, triumph, and joy. I will feel all three of these by tonight when I have typed that last sentence of my paper. Because, as we all know, I will put off this paper until the very last minute of the day.

Life Lately

I suppose it's time for another post. Yes, I realize it has been quite a while since my last one. I had forgotten how crazy my life gets when a new semester starts up again. So much reading, writing papers, and crazy little assignments. And of course working. I really have started to miss that time in Virginia. I knew I would. But, all in all, things have been going ok for Denver and I. Once we got our grant money in April, we were able to breathe a bit easier and finally settle into the same old routine. A few things that have been noteworthy:

• Denver got called as Elder's Quorum Secretary (again) and I got called as a Relief Society pianist
• We have actually been home taught and my visiting teachers have been very warm and open
• Denver and I were able to go to California in May for his brother's mission homecoming
• My brother left for his mission to Peru
• I have written too many papers and assignments to count
• I have started running again with my friend Emily.
• Eight of my friends are pregnant
• Three of my friends are now engaged
• One of my friends got married, and I was able to fly home to be there for her

Well, nothing too exciting, but it is what it is. My birthday is next week, and Denver is promising me he will find a perfect gift. Silly boy. He is also in the process of planning something for our anniversary. We've discussed a few options, such as a long weekend in Moab, Salt Lake, or St. George. As long as we're together, it doesn't matter what we do. It will be 2 years in August, how time flies.

I guess I should go write my research paper. It's due tomorrow. :)

Spring-a-ling-de-doo!

Ahh...it seems like spring is finally here. It never feels quite like spring until Easter arrives. And with it being Easter weekend, I feel very comfortable and at peace.

“In our hour of deepest sorrow, we can receive profound peace from the words of the angel that first Easter morning: ‘He is not here: for he is risen.’”

With each passing year,I grow to have a deeper understanding of Christ and His life. His mortal ministry, and the Atonement. I can never express how grateful I am for Him, because my heart would either burst, or I would run out of words to say. But, I am so thankful for the Easter season. It is a wonderful reminder of hope, faith, and love.


This new semester has started off quite challenging for us. Or maybe just me--because Denver can adjust to anything in a heartbeat it seems. Our grant money didn't arrive when it was supposed to--so we really didn't have money to buy groceries or anything. And not having anything to eat really takes a toll on you! Especially when you work fast food, and everyone around you is eating. :) Anyway, we got that problem resolved, and we went grocery shopping last night. I will never again take for granted a fully stocked fridge, or shelves. I think this was a test for me--to see how I would handle difficult situations. Like I haven't had enough of those already :) Either way, I'm glad I am able to eat and have concentration for school.


Our new apartment is shaping up! Pictures will be coming soon--I promise. We FINALLY got a shower curtain and a trashcan today. Crazy how the little things are so important to us, and how we think we can't survive without them. So showers will regain in this household. Taking baths took too long! :)


Well for this Saturday I will do some more homework, and hopefully finish my new favorite book series, "The Hunger Games". I'm currently on the last book, and can't wait to see what happens next! If you like to read, I'd recommend these.

HAPPY EASTER!!

new life

It may be cliche to take a picture of a blossoming tree, but I was so excited to see the trees outside of our apartment greeting spring! I just had to capture the moment. These trees are all over the city, so whenever Denver and I take one of our daily drives to the store, mall, or errands, this wonderful sight is always pleasant to see. It's strange to think that we have only two more weeks in this part of our life. Denver's internship has been a success for him, because now he really knows what part of advertising he really wants to do. (And making tons of phone calls, and being a "secretary" is not what he wants). That was his response when I asked him what he does all day during the days at his internship. :)

Today has been a peaceful sort of day. Just mellow. (I'm listening to "Make it With You" by Bread. Sums up that mellow-like feeling). We had to do our laundry, and we found another laundromat to do it in. One that was much more cleaner and may I be so bold as to say less-ghetto as the other one we had been going to. May not seem very exciting, but it was to me. Denver also treated me to Panera for lunch while we waited for the laundry to finish. What a sweet guy. I really do love him!!

Saturday we celebrated Denver's birthday. He wanted to see the movie "Battle L.A." and go to dinner, so we did just that. Denver's friend from CA, Chris, joined us. We went to Longhorn Steakhouse for dinner because Denver was craving some real meat to eat. As for the movie, he was content seeing L.A. being destroyed. What a monkey. On Sunday after church, Chris and his sister Andrea invited us to go to one of the parks out here, Mermount Park or something like that. It's huge, over 100 acres of beautiful park. I forgot to take my camera (no surprise there) so no pictures. Maybe we'll give it another visit before we leave.

Well, there was just a little quick update on what's been happening. Somebody is coming to look at our apartment today. Cross your fingers, we've already had two people back out on us. Third time's the charm right??

just thinking

It's been a little challenging to think of what to post these past couple of months, just because not a whole lot has been happening here. Other than Denver's internship, and church, we haven't really ventured out and explored. But we are doing pretty well. Denver is really enjoying his internship. I think he's feeling quite grown-up. :) Church out here is a tiny little branch which is unique. We have made friends, the only other young couple in the branch, which was a great blessing. I was about to go crazy. We haven't been able to get jobs, which was something I was anticipating. No one wants to hire people for only a few months. So we've had to budget extremely well.

For Valentine's Day, Denver got me two movies. Movies are the other love of my life, so Denver has kept a track of the ones I'd watched on Netflix. I couldn't stop talking about a cute 80's movie that I'd watched, Peggy Sue Got Married. So Denver was sneaky and ordered it for me. He also got me the movie Valentine's Day. How appropriate!

I figured out the other day Denver and I have been married for a year and half. That is beyond crazy. We've learned a lot about each other, and continue to do so. We've been through a lot of moves, but it's been an adventure. I love you Denver! :)

A Whole New World

Well...it's almost been a week since we've moved to Virginia. It's been quite a bumpy ride already. When we first moved in, our apartment was FREEZING! And, we didn't have electricity. Apparently there was some miscommunication between the apartment complex and the power company. So, we spent the first day or so without light, warmth, or running water. Great housewarming gift, right? Anyway, we finally got everything settled and now are able to enjoy the luxuries of a warm shower, blessed light, and a warm apartment. So I think for now, we are finally getting settled and are taking time to explore our new city. It's quite different from what I'm used to at least. We live near downtown, across the bridge. So it's kind of like living in a mini Brooklyn, and being across the bridge from Manhattan. But of course, on a much smaller scale. :) It's a whole new world from Rexburg, that's for sure.

So here are some pictures of the apartment. Denver and I do have one of our dreams fulfilled-of living in an apartment with exposed brick (even though it's painted over with white paint) and having hardwood floors (painted over with a brownish beige color) and high exposed ceilings. It's not a very big apartment, but will be perfect for the three months we live here. The building itself is pretty cool, it used to be an old tobacco factory and is now renovated for apartment living. Anyway, it's a pretty cozy little nook. Our kitchen has plenty of storage space, our bathroom is huge, and Denver now has a mancave. I know he's pretty happy about that! :) Our furniture was all bought from thrift stores around the city for pretty cheap. Our couch was only $10 (Denver's friend Chris is going to let us use his steam cleaner. I'm still nervous to sit on it :-), and we got our little table set for $70 including the chairs. Denver was able to find a desk for his computer for $5. And our adorable little entertainment center was found at Goodwill for $25. I think we got some pretty good bargains. Our bedroom looks a little sad, but oh well. Not much we can do about that!

Anyway, this is the next adventure in Denver and I's life. I hope it will be great!