mission monday

Stopped at a park for a little fun time before an appt.

 

I know it’s been a while about me talking about my mission but my second companion has been on my mind and the difference she has made in my life. The blessings she was in so many ways so here goes a mission Monday on my second companion: my “greenie buster.”

Our Golden investigator! Most PRECIOUS experience!

CheyAnn Ross! What a wonderful companion. I actually had the privilege of having her as my companion twice but first she was my greenie buster. She was the perfect one for me. Let me explain a few things about Ross. If I could only pick two words to describe her I would say classy and confident. I have never met anyone that fits that classification better. Her confidence is the best kind too because she isn’t really effected by what others think and she isn’t cocky and self-idling. –In my opinion those that are confident in that way aren’t really truly confident because they are making up for something. Anyway she is so classy too. I can’t talk her up enough about how amazing she was. And being me- very UNclassy and very unconfident she was what made my world change and many paradigms shift.

A girl we thought was already a member- yet another GOLDEN
With amazing ward support.

Being a greenie I thought I knew way too much and my trainer was awesome and we were OBEDIENT! I had a skewed way of thinking and going to my new area I thought it would be the same. Now I am not saying we weren’t obedient but it was different. I remember writing home at the very beginning saying how nervous I was for the area and companion because it wasn’t going as I thought it should be. (Man I was so naive.) Ross being her confident self taught me one of the most valuable things I have held on to since. I don’t know if I can explain it well but I will try.

CheyAnn had a good relationship with God. I saw it. She emanated it. The Spirit was there even though I thought we weren’t doing things the ‘right’ way. I realized that people can see things differently and it didn’t make them wrong and I was right. If she was good with God and I was good with God even though we did things differently or saw things differently then who am I to judge that she should do it the way I think its right. (Is this making any sense?) It helped me realize even more the dumb part of judgment on others. I have been able to apply this thought process a lot and it has been a great way of not judging anyone-in any circumstance-whether they are in the gospel or not.

P-day having fun looking at the crazy DI clothes

Well not the best explanation but it will do. I became very dependent on Ross which I am sure was HARD to deal with. I was learning, it was a new way of thinking and I fell in love with how she was, so different than I and so amazing. I remember also realizing how Utah bubble I was in as we shared experiences and as I taught. In lessons I would constantly refer to things as if everyone knows certain lingo, saying the stake or ward is doing…. (and many more things I never really knew people wouldn't know what I was talking about) Ross would have to take up my slack and explain what I was talking about because I would use too much lingo and verbage that most didn’t know.

We had lots of fun and I learned a heck of a ton. (that’s a lot) I know more that she was sent to me than the other way around. The next few companions I will get back to but at one point I had a break down. I had my mini Gethsemane and then I got news I was being transferred to none else than Ross. I was ecstatic-other than leaving one of my favorite areas-I knew for a certain things were going to get better.

P-day with elders hiking!

Service shoveling snow

Up to Great Falls I went to ‘kill her off’- it was her last transfer and I got to be her companion. She was sick in this part of her mission. Many doctors’ appointments but man she was still determined as ever. Though I was more of a seasoned missionary I fell back to a little too much of dependency. I KNOW I wasn’t as easy as I could have been looking back. I was still a little broken from the area before. My confidence was shot, my heart heavy, dealing with MANY emotions, and I needed to be built up again. Who else better than someone who is so naturally confident, happy, and great at helping me out? No one. She built me up and helped me see my worth. I sometimes wish I wasn’t as hard as I know I was for her. I was the one getting all the gain and I drained her. So I can’t thank her enough, for merely being her amazing self. Also for being the one to give so much and take so little. I hope one day she knows the great change she has made in me. I have come to cherish those memories.

Disclaimer: I make myself seem like a lame 

companion. We had a lot of fun times, good memories, golden investigator, times where the Spirit was SO strong, worked hard, loved many and have times of talking I wouldn’t trade for the world. I just realized later the person I was and the person I changed into with my time with her. Sure love you CheyAnn (Ross) Prestidge 

Our great falls amazing view we got!

Short Thought

Conference!

I always love conference. I didn't use to until I was on my mission. To be quite honest the first conference on my mission I was actually most excited that we had hours already booked and planned out. I was with Cheyann Ross. What a great companion. This is when I fell in love with conference! It reminds me of a book I read before the mission. A book called, "Blue Like Jazz" says something that hit me.
 "I never liked jazz music because jazz music doesn't resolve. But I was outside the Bagdad Theater in Portland one night when I saw a man playing the saxophone. I stood there for fifteen minutes and he never opened his eyes.   After that I liked jazz music. Sometimes you have to watch somebody love something before you can love it yourself. It is as if they are showing you the way."
I feel this applies to me in so many things. At one point in my life I really feel like I was 'past feeling.' I have slowly been showed a better life. I have talked about my amazing roommates that showed me how to be happy, feel loved, and have a more vibrant life. My mission lit me on fire with wanting to live life to my fullest and my husband is the best man I could imagine to continue helping me with all of it.
I still have some conference to catch up on but what I have seen is great. WONDERFUL. I have had a new fire to learn to do (at least a little) genealogy, to be a better person, and the crazy amount of impact I will have on this little parasite in me! :) The importance of being a great mother is weighed on my mind and my abilities I am unsure of. I know I will try my hardest and some days won't be as great as others. But ready or not here comes motherhood.

As I find the amazing quotes in conference if I feel the need I will share an exert. Today is,
"...External circumstances don't really matter or determine our happiness. WE do matter. WE determine our happiness. You and I are ultimately in charge of our own happiness... Brothers and sisters, no matter our circumstances, no matter our challenges or trials, there is something in each day to embrace and cherish. There is something in each day that can bring gratitude and joy if only we will see and appreciate it." Dieter F. Uchtdorf.
I really like this. Although I still have not so good days I realize I am the one who determines my happiness. No matter the outside influences- of ANY sort- (and there are some doosy ones right now in my life) I can choose to love and move forward. I am strong, I am LDS and I love life!

Pregnancy! -what a weird thing!

I had never realized the craziness that comes with pregnancy. There are 100 things different with me being pregnant than not. ALSO I didn't realize the difficulties that comes. I really don't know why people do it more than once!
First off I don't ever get sick. I might have little things like a headache or something but I am a fairly healthy person. I haven't thrown up in YEARS, so long ago I don't even remember how long ago it was. This pregnancy I don't just have morning sickness, its ALL DAY LONG. I am very grateful I don't throw up daily but when I do I am not one of those that feels better after- I feel worse! I get so weak and exhausted and I usually get a headache shortly after. This is just ONE of many things that is different than I am used to.

Ten crazies of my Before and After!

1. I have these food aversions that drive me nuts. Who doesn't like Cafe Rio? I absolutely LOVE it. Well I guess not when I'm pregnant. It even sounds GROSS. The biggest downside of this the food aversions is that  its not consistent. One night BLT's sounded so GOOD. So we made it. I thought this would be a good food for left overs so I can make something quick. Nope sounded nasty from then on. (mind you I didn't get sick from it either.)
2. Before I never have ice put in my drinks out to eat or at home (even water). Now I crave the coldness of Ice water. This isn't a big deal but totally threw Gary off when I asked him to put ice in it.
3. Smell. Well I have ALWAYS had a good sense of smell. But it has enhanced drastically. I can smell my deodorant with my arms down, to the computer getting hot from overworking it. Most smells just make me sick. I can be a little blunt so don't be hurt if I straight up tell you that you need a mint. :)
4.  Before I was an early bird. 7-730 was often when I would wake up naturally. I would be wide awake and really liked my mornings. NOW I am exhausted at 8:30 at night make myself stay awake until at LEAST 10. I most often am in bed by 11 with nightly routine stuff done. Then sleep in until 9-10! I even slept until 11 once! That is UNHEARD OF! (for me)  Gary loves this one!
5. Before I am a GO GO GO type. Straight from vacation to a temp job to school and trip up to SLC for the weekend was a common occurrence. Now I don't like having things planned for 2 days in a row. Its draining. We were invited to a little trip and initially I would jump on the option even with working out other plans around it with having stuff the day before and after the trip. I hesitated with already having NO plans.
6. Gary has always wanted to watch movies a ton more than I. I really do like movies but if I had the choice I would socialize, play games, get whatever else done needed or various other things. I don't often FEEL like watching a movie. NOW we watch movies 5 or more times a week. One day Gary came home and asked what I did today. With a head bowed I said, "I watched 2 movies." He was shocked. First I watched a movie even without him and on top of that 2. I wasn't feeling very good that day he concluded. TRUE.
7. I won't go into detail on my blog on this but plainly put sex is different. Not in a bad way just different. :)
8. Before I vowed I would do SO good with NO medications during pregnancy. I am a little hypochondriac and I would forever feel horrible if I ever did something to hurt the baby. Well, I have to stay alive. That's really how I feel. I did NOT want to take ANY medication. I broke and took unisom at night (which I love.) But as I continued to feel so sick all day after one night of crying because I felt so horrible Gary called up and got me a prescription of zofran. I didn't disagree anymore and it really is a Godsend. But I take more medication when I am pregnant than I ever did before!
9. Before I would NEVER take naps. When it was day I just had the HARDEST time to fall asleep. I would even at times feel so tired that I swear I could sleep if I tried- so I did and I would be up 15 minutes later with no success. Now, I don't take naps still all that often but when I do its not all that hard. The blinds can even be open. (If you know me you will be surprised at that.)
10. This one is a weird one! Beforehand I was ALWAYS conscious of money. And now I still am but its different. When I want something (most of the time food, gum, suck on candy to get rid of the nasty taste I always have in my mouth etc.) I don't even begin to wonder if I should I just DO. I want it. Now I am still me and am still conscious of a lot but I don't even care half the time it is WAY more than I'd usually spend. Its quite a weird concept. I sure love my husband for even encouraging me to get what I want (normally I have a hard time getting things).

Before I end the 11th best of all is Gary. He has become all the more sweet, tender, errand runner, patient, giving and so much more that he was already good at but has enhanced it. He is the best man out there for me. I can't be happier with who I chose to live my lifetime and eternity with!

He brings many laughs which makes the pregnancy not so hard.

Gary Swearing IN!

It has been official for a bit but GARY LYMAN is SWORN in to the air guard. He signed his life away for 6 years! The swearing in was a lot cooler than I thought. I had a little American pride come and an excitement of the future being involved with the Air Guard.
There are MANY benefits that come and a potential full time job when we return to SLC. I can't take all credit we have been far blessed by God with the path we have been directed. He has abundantly  blessed Gary and I in so many ways I can't even explain! I am so happy, life seems to be working out just fine and dandy. (even though I know some rough roads are ahead while Gary is gone for 5-6 months! But I will always look for the silver lining. -which I might not always be good at but I will try)
Here are a few pictures of the grand event!

Swearing in

Head of Gary's department

Gary's Recruiter. She's WONDERFUL! 

The crew that came

Proud wifee

Man is there NEWS!

My life never seems to be calm. But I might bring that on myself. Well, a lot has happened. I have moved up to Sandy for the next little while (friends let’s play!). I have done this for many reasons. First off, Gary joined the Air National Guard! He will be leaving for 6 months and I didn’t want to live in St George all by myself… not only because there is no point, BUT I am PREGNANT! I didn’t want to go through everything alone especially if there were any complications and I didn’t have anyone to help me. Although I will miss my friends and ward down there!

My first choice of where to live worked out. And sure happy it did because my mom doesn’t have any room… well unless you count a half of a bedroom with food storage and a fridge in it! I don’t know if any of you have an in law that you would feel comfortable living with WITHOUT your husband? But I don’t. So my dearly family the Brunson’s that I have lived with for 6 years off and on since I was 18 offered their home once again to me. They are amazing and listen to what Rick (the dad) said to me when I asked if he wants me to pay rent. “No, we don’t want anything. We do this in hopes that those we help can do things for others.” What an amazing man. We do help around the house, Gary has spent 2 full days with some construction things they are doing on the house (which I’m sure he will be helping out more on other days) and I try to do dishes once in a while and show appreciation for all they do. We also have taken kids to school and other things. Although it doesn’t pay for all they do we hope they realize our gratitude.

About pregnancy… well I will do a whole post on the craziness but as for general information.  I am 12 weeks along. I am due March 28^th (well this is MY calculations not a dr.’s) I haven't actually had a first dr's appointment yet. :/ I had a free consultation and the midwife asked if we wanted to hear the heart beat! Yay! It was so cool. It actually was cooler for Gary. I mean it was awesome for me but here is the back story on that:

The night before this I had a dream that I sort of had a dream that I miscarried. But I wasn’t worried I have had lots of weird crazy dreams and didn’t feel like this was a premonition or anything. I also have been sick and the realization of me having a baby has come from all the weird things that happen with pregnancy. So when the midwife starts searching for the heartbeat and she can’t find it for quite a long time Gary actually got nervous. (I just thought it is probably hard to find) Then she found it. Fast little heartbeat of 175 beats per minute and it made the realization for Gary a lot more real. It was very cool to listen to but it was Gary’s moment of truth… I feel like it will even be more for him when we get an ultra sound!

Anyway, that is our update. Up in Sandy, I’m prego, Gary joined the Air Guard and leaving for basic on a date we will find out in the near future.

My new favorite amazing blog

I have never seen a person be SO creative with taking something from the DI (or looks like DI clothing...) that are HIDEOUS and are transformed to something very trendy, fashionable and CUTE!
Its amazing that with a little creativity (or a lot), and a little cutting, sewing and fixing (or a lot) you can turn THIS:

Before

After

into
THIS:






Her website is http://refashinista.net/

AMAZING!

Life update

Life has been quite different the past little bit.

At the end of June Gary and I went up to SLC. He stayed while by weekend's closure I was going back to St George. Gary has a window washing business he does over the summers (makes really good money which helps with our lack of motivation to work full time jobs the rest of the year). All of his clients are in SLC and he knows great places to find more clients up here. And who in their right mind would want to work in the extreme heat in st george anyway. SO I have 2 jobs in St George and nothing in SLC.
SEPARATION!
Off I went to St George, knowing little of the struggle that was awaiting me. The first little bit wasn't too bad. I was very busy with my 2 jobs, unpacking, projects I had written previously and other random things I set up. The hardest part of the entire month alone was CONSTANTLY going home to an empty house, sleeping alone (while constantly scaring myself with "did I lock the door?" type things), and no one to make food for, go out to eat with, watch movie with, go to the park with, shop with, anything. The normal things I never realized how much I LOVED doing with Gary and now I would sit alone unmotivated to do other things watching the health and fit show.
The funny thing is I didn't mind at times being alone, to do whatever I please and how I pleased. It was times when I would talk to Gary and he's going camping, fishing, downtown with my best friend, seven peaks, my families fathers day party and my sister's birthday party. I missed a lot in June and if I wasn't planning on coming up so much in July I would have come in June. But Gary had something often. I was happy he was keeping busy, having fun and I loved hearing about it. I soon became ok with it all.
One night I was talking to Gary. He was off to go do something fun and I said, "what should I do?" Being the kind hearted man he is, he said- "do something for someone else." OF COURSE. I used to do this all the time when I was younger. I loved making brownies, cookies or anything sweet then writing a note and doorbell ditching it. Or anything to make someone else feel special. This made me realize that I had all the opportunity in my own hands to have fun.
That night I ended up doing something for Gary but ended up planning many things so I wouldn't be bored or alone so much. First, a fun party at my house with ward friends. This was an absolute blast. It made my entire month worth it! I got closer with all of them and it has now become a monthly thing! (So excited for July 13th!) Then, my another friend of mine, (Christie) and I went and saw Hairspray at Tuachan. It was WAY fun and I sure love doing things with her. My companion texted me one night and she ended up coming down. We went to Benja's (SO GOOD...I highly recommend anyone who is coming to St George to try it out!!) and a movie. She slept over and came to church with me.  We both had a spiritual experience that brought us back to our mission and a man we both love (I think I will do a different post altogether for this experience.)  Lastly I also took a temp job for one weekend. It became a very busy and fun time. Although I missed Gary still I was reminded that we have to make our own lives into what we want. Giving or moaning, exciting or boring, alone or friendship, happy or sad. I was waiting for someone to invite ME over, I was the one ALONE. It would be so nice of someone right? NO, I create what I want my life to be. I became okay with what was going on in our life. Not seeing Gary every day wasn't the top of my bucket list but it doesn't mean I can't be okay with the situation and have fun otherwise.

I think too often we are waiting for WHEN THIS happens then it will be okay. It is always NOW, WHEN never comes. Its always in the future and its so easy to constantly find the when. Yes I wanted to see Gary, I knew when I got to see him again I would be happy. But why waist all the happy times I did have waiting for the ONE happy thing to come.

I am SO glad I followed the promptings to keep my jobs, to be separated for a time and to learn once again that NOW is the time to live life no matter what the circumstance is. I give all praise to God, He knows us so well. He is so aware of our tiny details of life. I am SO grateful for the MILLIONS of blessings I see constantly. God is REAL. I use to wonder, and I still have many religious questions or misunderstandings but this I KNOW God loves us, is aware of you, he is VERY real in my life.