Baby Boy- Lukas

Mike and I found out that we are having a baby boy- Lukas Ellis will be joining our family in February 2012. We are so excited!

Baby Bliss

Life has taken an interesting and very welcome twist. Early in June, Mike and I found out that I am pregnant with our first child. We couldn't be more excited for the opportunity to become parents and to start this new journey in our life together. February can't get here soon enough!

Feelings

My lesson this week in my Sunbeam class is on feelings and it got me thinking about all the feelings that I have felt in my life. Life is full of ups and downs and I have learned that it is how we react to these circumstances that makes the difference.

This past week, my little brother graduated from high school. As he gets ready to leave for college in a new state away from home, it reminded me of the feelings that I felt being a new graduate. I was scared- scared to leave my family, my friends, my high school boyfriend- scared that my new life was never going to be as good as the life I had then. I was excited at the same time, which confused me. I was going to Oklahoma where I had no family and very few friends, but I was fortunate to have the rowing team waiting for me at the University of Tulsa. I knew that I would have instant friends at church too with my same standards.

College was great. I loved being a part of the rowing team and had the opportunity to serve as team captain for 2 years. Rowing taught me that with hard work, I could achieve any goal that I set. The girls on the team and my coaches became my family. College also brought with it sadness, heartbreak, love, laughter, and many great memories. Looking back, I didn't do everything right, but the path I took helped me become the person I am today.

After college, it was time to embark on a new journey. I got my own place and started working. I learned to be self-providing and gained confidence in my abilities. Living on my own was not easy, but it was rewarding. My relationship with my college boyfriend ended and I learned that I could be happy on my own. I gained an understanding of myself and re-learned that I had a very strong testimony in Jesus Christ.

Just when I thought things couldn't get any better, I was re-introduced to my now husband. Funny how this happens when you gain the ability to be happy on your own. Mike has been the greatest blessing in my life and I have grown to love him more and more each day.

Overall, looking back on my 25 years, life has been a roller coaster full of surprises. I wouldn't change it for anything.

SMILE

Have a bad day? This will cheer you up! Sweet nephew, Joseph Ellis.

Flowers

Eventually, the time comes in marriage when you realize that the other person is not perfect. Mike and I had that moment these last few weeks. We have learned, though, that for every action there is an equally important reaction and that when someone makes a mistake or accidentally hurts the other one, it is necessary to work together. I am thankful for my husband and his great example to me. He continues to show his patience and makes effort to ensure that a trusting environment is also felt in our home.

As a surprise one day (as I was at work on a bad weather day and school was cancelled), Mike decided to surprise me at work by bringing me a bouquet of flowers. When he was at the store, he ran into an elderly man at the flower display named Donald. He and Donald got to talking and Donald asked him if he was in "trouble". Mike laughed and said "maybe a little". Donald then told him that he too had bought many flowers in his life and looking back, all those flowers were worth it. He expressed his love for his patient wife and encouraged Mike to keep buying flowers. Though a random encounter, Mike left with new insight and a greater determination to always progress forward in our marriage.

I cannot express how grateful I am to my father in heaven for giving me such a wonderful companion. Someone who is quick to seek forgiveness when needs be, but even quicker to give forgiveness in return.

What will 2011 bring?

Today is the start of a new year. Looking back on the past year, I am amazed at what an interesting twist life has given me. The year 2010 brought a proposal, Mike's acceptance into law school and graduation from OU, our wedding in San Antonio, a move to a new place, a new nephew, and alot of great memories spent with both Mike's family and my own. I cannot wait to see what 2011 has to offer!