Leap Year

Leap year is actually pretty hard for me and my family.  8 Years ago my sweet mother passed away.  I just wanted to take a moment and reflect on lessons I learned from her as well as some precious memories.  She was such an amazing example to me of service. My mom was someone who always put others before herself.  I loved the way that she encouraged us to serve along side her.  I remember many many occasions where we went to help out with my Grandma Larrabee when she was bed-ridden. She helped us make cookies and we took them to soldiers on the air-force base on Christmas.  I remember how my mom ingrained in us the importance of being kind to everyone. When someone was in need she always tried to help them in any way possible.  I remember once she literally gave someone the coat off of her back on a cold winters day. Another time all she had was some fruit loops for the baby in her purse, but she still gave that because it was all she had. It didn't matter who it was. My mom was always someone who loved to listen and empathize with others.  She would laugh or cry with you depending on the emotions you were feeling.  As a mother, sister, wife, and friend she cherished her relationships and boosted others up.  My mother has forever influenced me for the better. It is because of her creativity that I developed my abilities in art.  She has been the inspiration for my love of writing.  Because of her I became so passionate in educating myself about alternative health.  She has inspired me to love working with mentally handicapped. She also inspired me to educate myself on mental health which led me to working at the college as a mentor, it was one of the greatest experiences of my life.  My goal this last month was to serve more because I knew it would help me draw near to my savior, my mom, and my husband. I am so grateful that I chose to do this when I was down this month it helped so much to focus on other people. Most of all I learned from this experience that it is so important to say I love you and to express your feelings.  I love you mom!!! I love my wonderful husband for being such a great support, and I love all of my  family (including my husband's) and friends!!

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January 1, 2012

School has been pretty crazy, but the weekend is finally here.  Hooray! Lately we've been pretty excited for weekends because we've been making new friends with people from our young married ward.  To be honest we struggled with our ward in the beginning.  It took until we finally invited some people over and made an effort to reach out to the other couples in our ward before we realized that it was our attitudes that really needed to change.  I think that it can be that way in the church quite often.  If we would have continued to just think negatively about the ward and just waited around for someone to reach out to us, eventually it may have happened but then again maybe not. Anyways it's turned into a pretty regular thing, getting together with friends, we switch off houses and activities and each week we get to meet at least one or more new couples from the ward. 

The other thing that really motivates us is the opportunity we've had to go to lessons with the missionaries.  We really like going and it helps us to focus on Christ and keep at the center of our home.  It has proven to be the greatest blessing in our marriage.  As we strive to have a more Christ centered home we are better able to endure the challenges that life throws at us and those close to us.  We've also noticed that our testimonies and our love for the Book of Mormon has strengthened as we have made it a goal to read it personally and together each night. 

Life in general is good, other than the fact that we still have no clue what we are doing.  Aaron has a good job,I'm able to learn how to be a wife, and we both are going to school.  I'm still not sure what I'm going to major in and most of the time I feel that I learn more on my own from the good books I've been reading, along with doing research on topics that interest me. ( I bet my parents would've liked to hear that more often when I first started homeschooling ;), but at least I came around to admitting it, right? ) There are still times when Aaron isn't sure that he absolutely loves his major or his job.  He still really misses woodworking and would love to do something that requires more creativity rather than the repetitiveness of what he is doing now.  However, one thing is for sure and it is the fact that we feel so blessed that he has a job!

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LIfe is wonderful

The house is really quiet while Aaron is at work, thought it was a perfect opportunity to blog.  Christmas was wonderful this year. We are excited for our new computer, it sure makes life easier. I got my favorite doll from my parents house, she's looking well loved, I need to fix her up a bit, which gives me something to do.  I loved being with friends and family as well as having an opportunity to reflect on everything that Christ has done for me personally, as well as for my family.  It was so nice to see my mom's family over Christmas, I feel like I don't see them much. 

I've had a lot on my mind today, I've been thinking about all the blessings I have been given.  I've especially feel so blessed to be married to such an amazing man.  Not too long ago we were leaving Sabrina's house and Aaron said he wanted to take a detour.  We ended up taking the longest way possible, but I didn't think anything of it.  Finally the car stopped at our favorite frozen yogurt place, I was so surprised. This is just one of the many examples of little things that Aaron does for me.  Aaron works so hard for us and reminds me of his dad in that aspect. There is never a dull moment in the Simons' household, Aaron seems to make sure of that. He is so fun to be married to and always knows how to make me laugh. 

 We feel so blessed that the fall semester is over!! Aaron survived, and he got a 4.0! 

We are looking forward to a new year.  We are hoping that this year Ron Paul is elected President; that Aaron's parents get back in their home and shop; and are looking forward to when Quinn gets off his mission.  If these things happen, then it will be one of the best years ever!!

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The semester from H E double hockey sticks

Only 3 days left of aaron's grueling homework and class schedule!! But... a week more of finals, and then it's officially over!!

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November 12th

We've been praying as a family for 7 years for this miraculous event. Kylie, Chandler, and Jordan we're finally able to be sealed to our parents. It's such a blessing and the greatest joy to know that our family is eternal and that they are able to have none of those blessings withheld from them. This was such a good day. Aaron and I absolutely love our family.

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 This is at Aaron's parents house just before we went to the rodeo. It's a favorite picture of ours.

 This butterfly came out of it's cocoon right by the door of our honeymoon suite.  It kinda reminded me of us starting a this new stage in life.  Hopefully Sabrina is right that it's a good omen.

This morning I dressed up and waited by the door for Aaron to get home.  I surprised him and said I was him for Halloween, he got a good laugh out of it.  If you look close I even tried to make it look like I am scruffy.

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