The question has been popped

John Cozzens and I have known we wanted to get married for quite some time. At the beginning of August we went on a camping trip with Kayla and Logan, Blaire and Julio. The topic was subtly hinted at. He told me that he had a very personal experience in the temple that made him feel good about me. Fireworks were involved. Literally. :) While I was at EFY I myself had prayed about him and got a peaceful feeling. I knew that I was going to marry him pretty early on.

We dated all through July and half of August without being official boyfriend and girlfriend. On 8/12/14 John told me he loved me and then asked me to be his girlfriend. That escalated quickly. ;) That night we started briefly talking about getting married. About a 2 weeks later, which was the week before school started, we went through the Ogden Temple open house. It was breathtaking! We decided that was where we wanted to be sealed! :) As soon as we were done we went out to the car and called and set up our appointment. Things REALLY escalated quickly! But when you know, you know.

It's been a great four months with John. We've definitely had our ups and downs. But no relationship is perfect. And I'm learning that to have a successful relationship you have to put in 100% every day! It requires sacrifice on both sides. It is built on a love of the gospel, love for your partner, friendship, and trust. Relationships aren't easy. But they are worth the work.

John and I went ring shopping and picked out a gorgeous ring at sears. :) I knew the proposal was going to be happening soon. This last Monday (the 22nd) I told John we should go on a date the next day to Temple square. I asked him what we should do before temple square and he told me he had surprise for me. I instantly knew he was going to propose that night. I had to work that day and it was thee longest day of my life, because I knew what was in store for me that night! ;) I was SOOO excited!

I met John at his house after work. He told me to put on all my warm clothes and get into the car. He proceeded to blindfold me. That was a weird experience, folks. We drove for about 10 min. and once he parked his car he lead me out of the car to a bench. I could hear laughing and I could see flashes. I knew people were there and were taking pictures!!!

 He took the blindfold off of me and we were in front of the Ogden Temple!! Jen, Kayla, Logan, Jenny, Andy, Desmond, and Johns mom and dad were there!! I felt a little disoriented because I wasn't expecting to see all these people and it was SO bright! haha John sat next to me with his guitar and sang me a song that he had written to me. It was SO sweet! :) :) All I could think about was how lucky I was to get to spend forever with the man of my dreams. The man that I love more than anyone of anything!

He then got down on his knee and asked me to marry him! :) Um, and of course I said yes!!


The question has been popped!

 

We took some pictures and then departed and went on a fancy, romantic date! He took me Macaroni Grill because he knew I wanted to go there for my birthday but didn't get to go!! (adorable) Our waiter was so nice. He bought us dessert because we just got engaged! I love Macaroni Grill because you can draw on the tables. But is fancy! So we played hangman upon waiting for our meals. :) After dinner we went to temple square to look at the lights. It was romantic. It was fun. It was freezing!! haha

I'm so in love with John Cozzens and I've never been more sure about anything! We shall be sealed in the ogden temple on May 1st. :) :) His proposal was perfect and better than I could have imagined! :) I'm excited to marry my best friend!

The ring! I'm engaged!!!!



"going to the temple and we're gonna get married"

Best hug ever!

Our first date as an engaged couple! :)

Temple square lights. It's on 14 degrees. No big deal.

24 never looked so good

So... it was my birthday on Saturday! I am officially 24, people. It's always surreal when my birthday comes because that means it's also Christmas and the end of the year is just around the corner. But I love starting a new year and looking back at how much progress I have made in the last year and thinking of ways I can improve myself for the upcoming year.

This years birthday was pretty great, although it didn't go exactly as planned. John called me around 10:30 pm the night before because he was at work and there wasn't a customer in sight. He was scheduled to work until 12:30 am so I wasn't planning on seeing him that night. We talked until about midnight, but seconds after I hung up the phone he called again saying he got off work a half hour early! So we talked on the phone for awhile more while I cleaned my room, because it was/is a disaster. He kept asking me if I was going to bed soon and how much longer I was going to clean. When I asked him why he wanted to know he responded with "I have my reasons". Not suspicious in the slightest. ;) A few minuets later, he told me he was almost to my house! Um... adorable! He showed up to my house with a present for me!! He made me a cute poster and got me some slipper socks! It was the best present to be able to see him for a few minuets! He is very thoughtful!

In the morning, the fam-bam decided to go to breakfast at Crackle Barrel. Jason flew in that morning from Texas so that was a great birthday present to be able to spend my birthday with him. After breakfast John and I decided to go skiing! It was his first time so I was teaching him! John knows how much I hate driving so he made sure that on my birthday I didn't have to do any driving. He also filled up my car with gas for me. :) Once we made our way through the long, snowy drive up the canyon to Powder Mountain, we found that the resort was closed. CLOSED! So unfortunately skiing didn't happen. And I admit I was pretty disappointed. But we decided to go bowling instead. We had talked about how we had been wanting to go! We had a great time, despite the fact it was our plan B. Wanna know the best part of it?! I beat John!! I BEAT JOHN!!! That never happens! Neither of our scores were good. But it was fun! After bowling we drove through the Layton Park Christmas lights. While we were waiting in the line of cars, we listened/made fun of Justin Bieber's songs "Little Drummer Boy". haha Just because it's so ridiculous. hahaha

Breakfast with the family!

Bowling! We worked HARD to get this picture ;)

Proof that I beat John Cozzens in something!!!! :) :)

After the lights we met the family at Roosters for my birthday dinner! To finish the night we went back to our house and opened presents. I got a temple bag, a book about taking our your endowments, a book to plan my wedding, a few piano books, a gift card to café rio, tabasco sauce, gloves, lotion, a smiths giftcard, charming charlies giftcard, and a scarf! :) John also got me the softest blanket! Over all it was a pretty fantastic birthday!! I'm super blessed to have the family I do and the amazing boyfriend I do! ;) The next day, (Sunday) Jen made my the dinner of my choice (Chicken-Cordon-Blu) since Mom and Dad were gone, and she made me 2 cakes! :)

Roosters Birthday Dinner with my favorite people!

We then played the picture game! John drew the funniest picture of an "awkward first date". It was so funny because it was of things that had happened to us!! He drew a picture of our awkward door step scene where we sat on the ground, linked arms, and then stood back up! haha He also drew 2 people getting flu shots on a date, which I did with Chase once! haha So, I'm pretty lucky and it was a great birthday!! 24 never looked so good!

John's interpretation of an "awkward first date" hahaha

Happiness Tips

There is an article going around on Facebook called "10 happiness tips from Gordon B. Hinckley". I loved it and felt it was something worth remembering. We all have moments in our lives where our happiness levels aren't quite where we want them to be. It could be due to the fact that things in our lives aren't going the way we want, or because of trials we are facing. Sometimes we simply just have a bad day! There tips a good reminder of how to keep a positive attitude and be happy no matter our disposition.

Tip 1:The Purpose of Life is to be Happy
"Life is to be enjoyed, not endured"

I feel that we are all entitled to bad days. It's okay to show upset emotions and to even complain once in awhile. It is alright to EXPRESS yourself! But when doing so, it's important to keep the perspective that life is supposed to be happy. In difficult times, I guarantee we could all still find happy things in our lives. Whether it be the sunny weather all the way to knowing there is a God who loves his children. By looking at the small details of our lives, we will see what really matters most and see all the happy things in our lives!

Tip 2: Happiness cannot be achieved if we are selfish and complaining
"Generally speaking, the most miserable people I know are those who are obsessed with themselves; the happiest people I know are those who lose themselves in the service of others…By and large, I have come to see that if we complain about life, it is because we are thinking only of ourselves."

Complaining can be therapeutic. And sometimes you need to get those emotions out so you don't explode! But... it's important to not dwell on the negative and to know how to move on with life. Having a glass half full type attitude can change your whole perspective on life! No one likes to be around someone who is negative, selfish, and complains all the time. The more we think of others and participate in service, the less we think of ourselves. That gives us less time to dwell on our problems. Think positive thoughts! : )

Tip 3: God is in charge when we are obeying his commandments
"It isn’t as bad as you sometimes think it is. It all works out. Don’t worry. I say that to myself every morning. It all works out in the end. Put your trust in God, and move forward with faith and confidence in the future. The Lord will not forsake us. He will not forsake us. If we will put our trust in Him, if we will pray to Him, if we will live worthy of His blessings, He will hear our prayers."

God is with us every step of the way. During the good times and the bad times. This reminds me of that poem about the foot steps in the sand. It is one of my favorites!!

During times of trials, the Lord lifts us up and carries us. But we have to do our part and trust in him. We have to do what he asks of us and keep his commandments. He loves us. He listens and answers every prayer. He is in every detail of our lives.

Tip 4: Set realistic goals for yourself
"Aim high, but do not aim so high that you totally miss the target."

Don't set goals that are impossible to meet and that will make us feel like we have failed at life if we don't complete them. Remember that God typically uses positive motivation, while Satan tries to make us feel “not good enough” and discouraged.

I was an EFY counselor this past summer and we always taught the kids to make "SMART" goals.
S- Specific. When your goal is specific, it has a greater chance of being completed than a general goal. To set a specific goal you can ask six "W" questions. Who (who is involved), What (what do I want to accomplish), Where (Location), When (Time frame), Which (requirements and constraints), and why (specific reasons, purposes or benefits of accomplishing the goal).
M-Measurable. Measure your progress. This helps you stay on track and creates accountability.
A-Attainable. Don't set goals that is too hard for you to accomplish. But don't set goals that are too easy either. You want to challenge yourself, but in a way that will help you grow and not fail.
R-Realistic. Your goal needs to be something that you are willing and able to work at.
T-Timely. Set a time frame. When there is no time frame, procrastination is easier to develop. There is no sense of urgency. The mentality of "I'll get around to it eventually" sets in.

Tip 5: Laughter is the best medicine
"In all of living, have much fun and laughter."

Studies have found that laughter and exercise have similar effects on your body. A 2006 study showed that it took 10 min on a rowing machine for your heart rate to reach the level it would after just one minuet of heavy laughter. It also seems that laughter burns calories. 10 to 15 minutes of laughter about 50 calories.

Laughter is not only good for your body, but it is contributes to our attitude. Laughter is contagious and it creates a pleasant atmosphere towards the people around us. So laugh at yourself. And laugh at the curve balls that life throws at you.

Tip 6: Praying
"Let us never forget to pray. God lives. He is near. He is real. He is not only aware of us but cares for us. He is our Father. He is accessible to all who will seek Him."

Prayer is a powerful resource that we are able to use anytime. I know that I sometimes forget I have that tool available to me. God is willing to help us if we ask him. He wants to help us! If it is important to us, it is important to him! He cares about even the smallest of things. I have 2 examples of this.

I went to Japan earlier this year with my best friend, Nat. While I was there I got this ring. I am a very sentimental person, especially when it comes to jewelry. Ever since I got this ring, I haven't taken it off. It reminded me of Natalie (who was on a mission) and of Japan! I was at work at my spa, and I was cleaning and lost my ring! I looked and looked and looked for it and could not find it! I was SO upset. And I thought to myself "why am I so upset, it is just a ring!" But honestly, it meant a great deal to me. So I went into the bathroom, and prayed asking that Heavenly Father would help me know where to look. A few minuets later, I felt that I should look behind a chair in one of the rooms. It was there!! I know the Lord answered my prayer. There is no way that was a coincidence. He cared about my ring, even though it was something so silly. He cared because it was important to me, and I am important to him!

My second story is about EFY. I had a training week in Provo at the beginning of the summer. The last day of the week I went to the dance with my kiddos. One of my girls was having a hard time at the dance because none of the boys were asking her to dance. I saw her in the corner crying. There were so many people around that there wasn't much I could do. So I walked away from the dance and said a quick prayer asking that I would get a moment alone with her. Literally seconds later, she asked if I could take her to the bathroom. Girls ALWAYS go to the bathroom with their friends, especially teenage girls! This girl turned to her friend and asked if she wanted to come with her and her friend, after thinking for a moment, said she was going to stay at the dance. That was perfect because I would have a moment alone with her. As I walked her to the bathroom, I stopped and asked her if she was okay. She broke down and started talking to me! It gave me an opportunity to talk to her. It was amazing because I knew exactly what to say. It was like I wasn't the one speaking. Random scriptures were popping in my head! When we came back to the dance, I said one more little prayer asking that she would get asked to dance. The next 2 slow songs she got asked to dance!

I know God answers our prayers. Both of these experiences are things that are so simple. They were not extravagant experiences or huge things I prayed about. God cares about the small, simple things just as much as the life changing experiences in our lives.

Tip 7: Have a positive Attitude
"Stop seeking out the storms and enjoy more fully the sunlight."

Complaining all the time isn't going to solve your problems. It is only going to keep you in a bad mood and impact those around you in a negative way. Our thoughts are very powerful. I believe that if we were to realize just how powerful our thoughts really were, we would think less negative thoughts. Our thoughts lead to our actions.
"A negative mind will never give you a positive life"

Tip 8: Happiness requires work
"The best antidote I know for worry is work. The best cure for weariness is the challenge of helping someone who is even more tired. One of the great ironies of life is this: He or she who serves almost always benefits more than he or she who is served."

When we serve others, we forget ourselves. We forget our problems and trials. We become selfless. We become more like Christ. I think of all the stories of Christ and how almost every single one of them includes him working and helping those around him. He is always healing, ministering, teaching, forgiving, praying, ext.. He is always doing something that is going to help others. That is what we are supposed to be doing. By doing so, it will create a sense of happiness in our lives.

Tip 9: Study things that matter
"You can be smart and happy or stupid and miserable. . . it’s your choice"

I feel like this goes hand in hand with having good priorities. By spending our whole lives watching TV or playing video games, we are missing out on educating ourselves on things that really matter. We have to remember that the education we learn here on earth, we get to take with us in the next life. It is important to keep an eternal perspective. Studying and becoming educated in the gospel and school work that is beneficial creates happiness.

Tip 10: Read More
"It is both relaxing and invigorating to occasionally set aside the worries of life, seek the company of a friendly book…from the reading of ‘good books’ there comes a richness of life that can be obtained in no other way."

My patriarchal blessing talking briefly about how important 'good books' are. This goes hand in hand with 'studying things that matter'. I think that the scripture fall greatly into this category. By studying the scriptures and becoming educated on gospel doctrine, we will become happier and gain a better relationship with our Father in Heaven.

The gospel in the only true way to happiness. One of my favorite quotes is "Satan's way is the easy way, but Gods way is the happy way". I believe that. Obeying the commandments and trusting in God isn't always easy. Sometimes our plan and his isn't the same. But he knows what will make us happy. But we can be happy by gaining knowledge of the gospel, having good priorities that help us keep an eternal perspective, keeping a positive attitude, working hard, helping others, forgetting ourselves, praying, laughing even during times of tribulation, setting goals, becoming selfless, and remembering that God wants us to be happy.

I'm thankful to have this knowledge and to know that God loves us and wants us to be happy. :)

Because Of Him

I received an e-mail from Nat today! I love getting her e-mails and hearing how she is doing! Today

was a very inspiring letter. She included a great conference talk by President Uchdorf about managing your time and slowing your life down. When your life is full of stress, it's important to remember what things really matter. :)

I wanted to include some of Natalie's letter because it was SO good! She wrote:

?We ate Lunch at a member's home, Maria José. It was a wonderful meal. Except, Maria José kept returning to the kitchen to clean the dishes instead of eating with us. Afterwards, we shared a spiritual thought with her and her family. Maria José broke down in tears during the message and could not stop. Her tears grew and eventually the silence around us grew with it. "Maria José, Are you okay?" I asked. She replied, "I am so stressed. My home is a mess and I have so much on my mind. So many things I have to do."

How many times do we have moments like this? ...This is what made me think.

It reminded me of a talk given quite a few years ago in a General Conference. They gave an example of a child cleaning up toys. There was a box for a set of zoo animals and the child started by picking up all the small little animals like chickens, hens, sheep and stuffed it in the box. Nearing the end of all the toys to clean up, the last one remaining was a large giraffe. The child in frustrations tried stuffing the giraffe in and closing the lid to the box. But of course, the lid wouldn't close. Going to her grandma, she asked for help. The grandmother saw that what needed to be done was to dump out all the small animals and start over again placing the big ones in first.

How many times do we stress about putting in the small things first? How many times do we stress about our upswept floors or whether we will have a perfect meal to feed to our kids each day?...or even to feed to the missionaries?, haha.

What are the big things to put in the box first? Elder Uchtdorf explained here...

 

 

We need to remember our self worth does not reflect on our to do lists. We must prioritize our lives and decide what is good, better and best. Uchtdorf also talks about 4 relationships that are most crucial in our lives. Our relationship with God, our Families, our fellowmen, and ourselves.

 

Natalie continues on saying: "Don't let the temporary stresses of the world stop you from taking in the things of eternal value. Remember Mary, who chose the better part, something she will never lose throughout all eternity. Remember to put the small things after."

 

 

Lastly, Nat included an AMAZING Mormon message. It includes such basic truths, yet is so powerful.

 

In Alma 7:11-13 it says:

11 And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people.

 

 12 And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities

.

 13 Now the Spirit knoweth all things; nevertheless the Son of God suffereth according to the flesh that he might take upon him the sins of his people, that he might blot out their transgressions according to the power of his deliverance; and now behold, this is the testimony which is in me.

 

The Atonement of our Savior was an act the is unfathomable!! It effected every person who has lived and will live on this earth. Our Savior continues to live and continues to love us. He died for every single one of us and as he knelt, pleading with God in the Garden of Gethsemane, he felt each and every one of our pains and afflictions, individually. One by one. Because of him there is hope. Because of him there is happiness. Because of him there is life. Because of him there is repentance. Because of him we never have to be alone. Because of him there is no end!