Spring to Summer

I have been cutting back in hours at the hospital, and this is one of the perks! I can find time to blog. We have been working so hard that it seems we have missed our shot at summer, but never fear--I have plenty of old pics to keep this post somewhat entertaining! haha. At least for me... I realized I never posted anything about our anniversary (6 months ago, ahem...), and I can't believe that because it was the sweetest! We both worked, and had decided we would celebrate on our next day off together. However, Alan totally surprised me with flowers that were so beautiful and unexpected at work, that I teared up. He treats me so well.

Of course we went to the fabulous Brazilian steakhouse to celebrate... Oh sweet mercy, I can never get enough of that rice, beans, salad bar, and LAMB with MINT JELLY! YUM! 

(Sounding a little food crazy, I know.)

After our Anniversary, not too much excitement happened. I worked 60+ hr weeks and Alan and I welcomed Becky into our home. It was fun having her around and getting to know her as an adult, rather than "pesky annoying little sister." She was transitioning from school, trying to get to NYC, and stayed with us while she did. She worked at Chic-fil-a, which worked rather well for us:)  

I don't have any pictures of my birthday, but Alan and I both took the day off, and committed to the beach! I worked until late the night before, and we made it to the hotel in Charleston around 2am. It, of course, was raining pretty much all day, but it was nice to get up and go with Alan for a couple hrs, just relaxing on the cool sand. We met up for dinner with Chris and Becca and went back home. Some of the girls I have gotten to know through Alan's job shocked me with a package delivered to the ER that was filled with incredible cookies and huge chocolate covered strawberries! I could not believe their thoughtfulness! It meant the world. 

Alan's birthday was fun. We didn't do too much again because of work, but he got lots of love and attention. We went to Red Robin, gift from mom and dad, and it was scrumptious! I gave him money for a helicopter flying session. I know he has been dying to fly a helicopter! Of course, he still hasn't used it... Let's be honest, he really just wants to fly his OWN helicopter:) But, we are a little ways away from that! He got a lovely package from his dad that was pretty fun! It was filled with Whataburger mustard, ketchup, and french fry chips. So fun. 

The fixin's went well with all the grilling we were doing for dinners this summer. Alan is THE MAN at the grill. I seriously love his "creations." We got this beauty for a steal, and Love it!

I even had my moments this summer when I made a few treats... I am pretty sure these were almost as good as mom's!

Amidst all the food, can you believe I have lost weight?! I mean... I feel like I could eat that whole pan all over again! I guess we have been fairly busy. I even went to YW camp!!! What a fun experience. I was called as the Laurels advisor a few months ago, and this was where I really got a chance to see my girls, as well as so many others, really in their element. It was busy but so fun. I think I gained so much more than anybody else! I was "camp nurse" so I wasn't assigned to anyone, and got to certify the girls in all sorts of medical training. I got to know many struggling girls, and kept being so impressed by the thoughts of "just because we are members, does not mean we are less affected by the worries/corruption of the world." It broke my heart to hear of many girls backgrounds, and yet uplifted me to know that while they were at camp, they seemed to have those burdens lifted, and they had a chance to just feel peace. I loved being a part of that. So much of my job was more counseling that medicine (though there was still plenty of that.) I made dear friends with the stake leaders, and one special lady, who I adore, even went running with me at 6am! Ok, I won't lie, I went running with Her, because otherwise, I wouldn't have gotten up at 6am. She is a machine! And I loved the time we had together. But good grief--the camp is on a side of a mountain! Almost all of our run was uphill! It hurt soo good! 

The last bit of our summer fun happened with a last minute weekend trip with our friends to their beach house. It was beautiful, and Alan and I had so much fun walking the beach, getting beat up by the ocean, and just flat out relaxing! I have never really burned, so I wasn't thinking much about sunscreen, except on my face, but oh my goodness, did I regret that! I don't have many pics, but these:

It was such a good chance for us to reconnect, and it was then that we decided I absolutely needed to cut down on hrs because we were missing out on our life together. Our priorities have shifted and I am just so grateful for a husband who is wise and good and kind. He understands the importance of balance and encourages us to do what it takes for us to have a happy marriage and home. I mean, I have basically just slept while at home, and I know I am probably burned out, but I do feel my eyes have been opened to new insights through such a rough schedule for the past 6 months. This is what I have learned: Work will never be as fulfilling as the work you do in your home. I miss making dinners for Alan. I miss cleaning my house. I miss being there to talk with him about his days. I miss being the person he looks forward to coming home to. The YW lessons these last couple months have also really impacted me, reminding me of my innate and God given gifts. Obviously, I CAN work, but the most fulfilling roles I will ever have in this life will be that of wife and mother because those are instilled in my heart. So-- that's our life now. Attempting to find balance, and me striving to live a more fulfilling life.

I think I am pretty well caught up with the Summer now. I am sorry for the crazy long post, and probably a lot of jumbles at the end. I promise it all makes sense in my head! We booked a cruise to go on in September and I can not wait!!! We do live such a blessed life, and I am so grateful for all that I learn daily with that man by my side. I just feel... Grateful today.  The Lord always takes care of us as we do what we know is right, and I am completely confident now that our little course correction is definitely for the better! So--I hope you have a very fulfilling day today!