Princess Fiona

Ok, so Brannan won about 6.5 billion brownie points last night when he decided I could have a puppy. We picked her out online, picked her up, and now she's all settled in at her new house :) She's almost 4 months old, pure bred, playful, cuddley, doesn't bark (unless Brannan comes downstairs in a towel...true story), doesn't shed, doesn't bite (hard), hates the cold, and LOVES her squeeky duck (Ducky). I didn't think Brannan would ever let me have a dog, just because he doesn't care for them so much. When he randomly said we could have one, I about had a fit. When I saw her in person, I did have a fit. She's adorable! I tried to get some good pictures, but she was being a spaz...so here's our newest addition, Princess Fiona!

New News

So recently, a lot has happened! Now that I've got those stupid nails off, I can type properly, and shouldn't have a problem blabbing my mouth off.

For starters, the big day went really well with the help of my family and friends. I couldn't have done it without them, and I'm so glad that it's over! The stress is gone, and I had a wonderful time at the temple! Brannan and I are now sealed forever, and it's amazing how tangible it feels. The difference feels strong. I love it! My mom, sister, and friend Emily deserve a shout out for all the amazing things they did in preparation. I wasn't the easiest person to be around, so I know they love me for putting up with my attitude. Thanks guys! Brannan tolerated my endless stressing, so I am glad he can put up with me too :) Love that guy :) After all the fuss ended, we all loaded up and went to Idaho to hang with more family. On the way home, I got a ticket for speeding...bummer! Brannan and I jammed out on the way home to Phantom of the Opera Soundtrack...I'm so glad he's mine...he's pretty awesome!

Last Saturday, I went skydiving out of the blue. It's always been one of my goals in life to jump out of a perfectly good airplane, but I figured it would be later on...Brannan just casually asked if I wanted to that Saturday, and I just as casually said, "Sure." I didn't freak out till everyone ahead of me was jumping out...If I didn't have a guy strapped to my back dragging me to my certain heart attack, I wouldn't have gotten the rush I had free falling at 13000 feet. I definitely recommend it!

Today on the way home from work, we had a flat tire. We were going 85 mph...good thing I had two strong men with me, or I would still be out there changing that tire! Dumb.

Now for some pictures :)

Pictures of skydiving by: Brannan Ekins
Pictures of Sealing Day by: Amanda Pendley

The Big Day

Brannan and I are going through the temple next week. I never thought I'd be able to say that 2 years ago, but now it's really happening. Marriage is a lot harder than I thought, but it's also very worth the effort. Knowing that the first year is the hardest helps me see that eternity is a little less undaunting. Now that we've learned to be a little less selfish, and put one another first before ourselves, our lives have been as easy as breathing. There are still bumps along the road, but at least now we aren't the ones causing the obstacles! I am truely grateful for my dear husband, and his love for me. Nothing says it better than coming home to the dishes done, and the house in order. I am so glad he picked me and put up with me over this past year. I love him so much! I could go on, but I got my nails done and can't type near as fast and accurately as I'd like. It's making me pretty mad, so just know that we're in love, and are excited for eternity together!

Chocolate Raspberry Cream Cheese Cake

It was a bit rich, but it was good!

I've decided that I have too much stuff to write about, so I'm going to pick random pictures and tell stories that way. This picture was taken on the 1st of May, 2010. I remember that date because it was the beginning of my self changing. My caterpillar days you could say. I had just gotten through an awful relationship with an awful person. I wanted to be different, and so I started. It was slow going at first, but I didn't give up. My mom was a huge influence for good, as were my siblings. I swear I got a call at least once a day from one of them, giving me encouragement and hope. At the time, I didn't want to hear anything about church stuff because I was so overwhelmed with how much changing I had to do, but I eventually got over that, and started asking my Heavenly Father for help. At this point I was in my cocoon. Then something amazing happened that I didn't know was happening until after the fact. Help came. I was given a friend of common faith. Someone I looked up to. Someone that helped me through so many adversities into the light. He didn't even know it at the time, but he rescued me from the darkness. He was and still is my idol. I still can't believe it sometimes. That I actually married my personal savior. I still have to check myself for dreaming. I guess my reality is finally better than a dream now. So, for those that find life unbearable, don't stop hoping and dreaming, and striving for what you want. Never, would I have imagined when this picture was taken, that a little over a year later, I would be sitting here on my own couch, in my own house, married to the man of my dreams, writing a blog (of all things) and feeling so happy I could implode. In life, we fall down. It's what we do when we get up that's important. Now, I'm just busy being the beautiful butterfly I was meant to be.

Rainbow

It rained a few days ago, and this is what I saw when I looked out my front door. If you look closely, you'll see not only one rainbow, but a double! What a beautiful world we live in!