I feel that this is a safe topic to approach since Graham never gets on Facebook, or especially my blog! ;) Before we were married, I was able to hear many, many people share on what they personally thought about marriage, young marriage, the newlywed stage, the divorce rate, why people chose divorce, how kids would mix in, moving to a new area- everyone has an opinion on everything! Which, for the most part, was fine. I enjoyed hearing what others think, unless of course they planned to berate me with reasons why I wouldn’t be able to succeed in life due to it, in which case I promptly shut the conversation off.  But most were courteous enough to be kind, and many offered genuine, helpful advice. I am growing as a wife, I think so at least. It is hard when suddenly there is another person who you must totally commit to, share every detail with and begin trying to mesh two single people into one married couple.

    I have a little advice, if anyone cares to take it from a newlywed herself :)

    Remember, you picked them! All the time I get, “is it fun?” And my truthful answer (at least this far in) is: yes the married life can be so fun, but boy do you have to love the other person a lot! Luckily, I do love my husband that much. But daily trials always seem to seep their way in, biting and gnawing. For us, keeping a goal in mind has been a good idea. (“We are eternally bonded to each other regardless of whatever is going on so get over it!”)

  Develop qualities.We offer strengths and weaknesses, where one is failing the other must lift them up. Personally, I am bossy; I think that I always have been that way. It has really been so hard for me not to try my hardest to maneuver my way into getting exactly what I want, seriously it is so difficult! Graham is pretty good at standing his ground, but often kind enough to follow my (sometimes frivolous) plans. Graham is not the best at showing his feelings, one of my strongsuits, so he has been developing that. It is amazing how much we are able to help each other grow and, while staying the same person we each fell in love with, be able to become more perfected for the other.
  Be kind. Last Sunday Graham said that one of his fellow priesthood leaders said his goal was to do 10 nice things for his wife each day. I was fascinated by that; what an excellent idea! I have tried to adapt that into this week. Each day as I picked up Graham I tried to have a little gift or surprise prepared. Monday was a slice of cheesecake from the Cheesecake Factory, Tuesday was two of his favorite energy drinks (MONSTER; he is obsessed ya’ll, truly in a comatose state without them), Wednesday I had cooked supper and brought it as a picnic as we drove to the beach and lastly today, Thursday, he had a M&M yogurt with some new socks he had been needing ;) So they haven’t been anything marvelous or grand, but it makes me so happy to see the appreciation he has for each thing.
    Always, always, always remember why you love them. This week has been a big surprise to me, in a different way. No offense to my husband, but I felt that I was more of the spiritual backbone, always pushing us to do better. Of course, he has always been spiritual himself leading and guiding in his patriarchal role, but I did feel that it was moreso myself. I have realized this week that he has been my strength; I have been falling short and feeling sorry for myself while he has been pushing, encouraging and making me want to do better. That has been the number one quality I searched for in a person and to see it in action with the man I know that Heavenly Father gave to me has been beyond amazing.
    I guess that is the main reason why I felt inclined to write this post. Just find a person who will truly uplift you, that is absolutely the most important quality. Once you find that person just stick with them, throughout everything. Lastly, just get married and make your own happily ever after!

Welcome to Hogwarts: school of witchcraft and wizardry

    Well I have to be honest, for the most part I have avoided writing, not because I didn't remember or have ample time. My main reasoning is that I have felt so negative. For the past two weeks it seems like allll kinds of things have taken a different, unwelcome turn particularly my car situation (we have been a single car family for over two weeks). Also, I detest reading exceptionally whiny or depressing posts, so I try my best to keep mine upbeat when possible! (By the way I just figured out that I have 2100 views- I am so stoked! I just knew no one would read them when I began my blog!) 

   Last Wednesday was time for another Faith in God Girls, now that is a mouthful to say let me tell ya! My fellow leader, and sister in law, Kipin, was the one who picked out activity. Pinterest, every crafter's piece of heaven, has a slew of wonderful crafts for everyone! Our activity idea? An easy no-sew felt flower to decorate headbands, belts, barrettes, the possibilities are endless. The two of us did a trial run on Tuesday and we were so pleased with how they turned out! Kipin wore her new belt to work even! Twas so cute. 

    Our girls, just two of them this week, seemed to be excited after we explained it. They picked out the felt they wanted to use and Kipin explained how to create them... An hour later this was our result! 

 

    I am really enjoying working with the Faith in God girls. It is sort of strange because I am used to dealing with younger children, but it truly is a nice break that they can carry on an adult- like conversation without drooling profusely on your new blouse, interrupting to tell you about their lizard with a broken tale or watching them gag themselves with a baby spoon. I've seen and heard it all my friends.

    So after Wednesday I was looking forward to my weekend. Please guess why. If you didn't  answer "HARRY POTTER WORLD AT UNIVERSAL," then you were wrong. Anyone who knows me well recognizes that I'd give my left leg for the ability to be able to ride around on broomsticks, cast wicked spells at Malfoy, or make a few Felix Felicis Potions at Hogwarts.  

    So back to the point, friday ad the day my life was to be changed forever. I have literally DREAMED that one day I could go to Harry Potter world, I love him so. This place has been near the top of my bucket list for as long as I cab remember, even above Disney World. Finally, my chance arrived with a church trip to Islands of Adventure (HP is within this park) from my old ward.Well Graham and I tagged along for the trip and I must say.... It did not let me down! Harry Potter world alone was worth the money, especially with six other themes areas. Featured inside were many of the areas mentioned repeatedly in the books like the Hogwarts castle, Zonko's joke shop, Honeyduke's sweet shop and Ollivander's wand shop. It was so spectacular! The tall pointed shops with snow cover tips, the butterbeer wagons amidst the people, the crying plants in the window (see: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone for more info). I literally felt tears well up in my eyes as I entered the Hogsmeade gate but forced myself to withhold tears lest my husband should make a mockery of my debacle. The rides there were my favorite as well; attention, if you go, do NOT miss out on the Hogwarts castle ride- it is the best in the park! All in all, it was just what I needed to lift my spirits! I had an amazing time. 

A Good Deed to Me

    Graham and I just had quite the experience. After I picked him up from work, my car is in the shop, we stopped by a gas station. As we tried to leave, Graham's car would start but die after he tried to drive. Which means we would be stranded with ZERO vehicles between the two of us. At first I calmly asked if we could pray. We did. After several minutes, we concluded the car wasn't going to suddenly crank regardless of our faith. By this point I began to try to figure out what would we so with work, callings, and just generally needing a vehicle? 

    In the meantime I called our mechanic cousin, and he couldn't begin to work on it until Tuesday. So Graham called a towing company to have a third towing bill in one week! (Depression; seriously guys I am depressed over this) However the towing company couldn't come until early Tuesday, roughly the same time that we had work. It just sunk in how everything was going awry! No car for me, bills to cover it, Mama in the hospital, Graham had no car to use... But our lives are not on hold and we need them! 

    Amidst this turmoil there was a young guy eyeing us, probably about 20, finally he asked if we were having car trouble ("Well, yes.... That is why we have been here for over thirty minutes pouring sweat with our car hood lifted up.") I immediately doubted his skill because he was so young... Well he surely did prove me wrong quick, fast and in a hurry. He figured out, roughly, the problem and was able to how Graham how to start the car. We left within a matter of minutes; we are hoping to retrieve my car before putting his in the shop.

    Afterwards I marveled at the situation- a random stranger kindly offered to help, basically saving our day. How easily he could have left without offering to help; he didn't have anything to gain by helping us. I feel that he was sent to us, to help us when we were weak: a mortal angel ;) I am SO thankful for wonderful people like him who truly seek to do a good deed with nothing in return. In honor of him, I am going to pray for more opportunities to serve others! 

Monday's Adventure

    Mondays are okay for me, usually. It is the beginning of a new work week and the end of a weekend, but really it has to happen sometime right? A few people I know utterly rant and rave every single Monday morning about how horrible, atrocious and cruel it is. ("It should be banned!") It is just a day, people. Unless you has a Monday like mine, then I can understand why you complain until your checks are red with a fiery determination to express your hatred. My day, yesterday, began like any normal day. My alarm went off as usual but I couldn't seem to get up! I fell asleep later than usual and it totally messed up my entire schedule. Graham brought me cereal and suggested getting up lest I become late for work. "Late? I have never been late, I'm always early!"
    Finally I crawled out of bed as Graham left for work. Slow as a turtle I moseyed around finding clothes, brushing my teeth and fulfilling all daily rituals. As I glanced at the clock I decided I better head on to the car. My sweet Tallulah, the blue beetle, was off in a race against time. Typically, the interstate was clogged up ( I detest having to drive on it when I have to be at work by 9, it is cleared up by 10).
    Speedily as I could I jetted along my path, realizing being late was a good possibility. About a mile from my workplace I received a frantic call from the lady I work for who was having to delay a meeting so I could be there to watch her child. Tallulah should be thankful both her and I made it there in one piece after that. I pulled up, literally ran to the door to greet her mother and grabbed up the child; we were off on our own little adventure. My work day went well after that. I played and cleaned to the best of my abilities to compensate for my tardy.
     My work day actually went pretty great despite my earlier flub. About 15 minutes before I was to leave I had an experience. Seriously anyone with a queasy stomach mine as well quit reading here, as in by the end of this sentence, though I will try not to be explicit. So after lunch we had storytime, where the baby sits in my lap and I use a delightful (giggle) falsetto voice to tell each story. As I was about to wrap it up I noticed the baby was gassy... Kind of awkward, though normal. A few minutes later I glanced down to see the most pathetic, somewhat revolting sight... Diarrhea. Yep, the baby hadn't agreed with her broccoli apparently. It was all on the bottom of my shirt but mostly ALL over the baby. Now let's talk about a phase of depression hitting you real quick like- that'll do the trick. After a long cleanup process I finally got everything situated. Emphasis on the loooong. Anyways that was complete and her mother was home- which means I get to go home too! By this point, let's be honest, I deserved to go home, take a relaxing shower and wait for my beautiful husband to console me.
    So I entered my car which was stifling hot! My phone screen immediately fogged up due to the heat. Beyond ready to go home I crunk the car... Then it died. Now, let me briefly explain, my car is 12 years-old. This is not out of the ordinary for it to die then start on the second try. So, with a prayer in my heart, I went for it. No success. Not one ounce. That's when I realized... It has the same symptoms of the past three times I have had car trouble: the car will crank yet won't drive, Daddy insists is because I get "bad gas" which messes it up. With beads of perspiration on my lip, forehead and chest I began frantically calling my parents' house. I knew that I needed to identify the problem before calling the mechanic to see if they could work on it. After ten minutes or so Daddy finally picked up and was infuriated, yet again, that I had moved to Jacksonville beyond his help (he just really loves me y'all). So he advised that I immediately get a ride home, ask around for a mechanic, explain that my fuel pump was the problem and move back home to Douglas
    . In the meantime I was in a predicament trying to see how I could get home. Graham, recently hired at Bank of America, didn't have his cell phone on where I could call him and wouldn't be off for another hour. He wasn't able to pick up my calls or answer my texts. My only other option was my mother-in-law Camille who I knew would come but lived nearly 40 minutes away on the other side of town. But as I explained my situation to Camille, she graciously stopped what she was doing to come to the other side of town to pick me up (thank you so much Camille, you are a lifesaver!) Then I had to figure out what to do with my vehicle. Could I leave it in the driveway of my boss' house? Probably so but I really didn't want to inconvenience them. Time was ticking, nearly 4:30 and most places were closing by 5. Siri, my iPhone voice activated princess, came to my rescue with nearby mechanics. After a few calls I became discouraged because no one likes to work with Volkswagens and couldn't help. Finally one mechanic recommended another who might be of help. Thankfully this final place was able to help, he even called his boss to ask for special permission to pick up my car after hours. I thanked him repeatedly for his kindness.
    Monday we were home by 8 o'clock. I had absolutely zero plans to do anything that required moving more than twenty feet. I laid out on the couch and finished some homework up! My babyboy Graham played his new Xbox 360 I bought him for the next three hours. Twas wonderful to relax after stressing all day... I am so thankful there are always rainbows after rain ;)

My day began getting better as my boss insisted that I come inside with her, so I wouldn't be stuck in the blazing heat outside. After fifteen minutes Camille picked me up and we were on our way to my house. Graham met up with us shortly afterwards. My darling always makes me feel better. The three of us decided to get supper because I was too exhausted to even think of cooking by this point. After my very very very grueling Monday we were home by 8 o'clock. I had absolutely zero plans to do anything that required moving more than twenty feet. I laid out on the couch and finished some homework up! My babyboy Graham played his new Xbox 360 I bought him for the next three hours. Twas wonderful to relax after stressing all day... I am so thankful there are always rainbows after rain ;)

I just felt so happy to see this note that Siri misinterpreted! Pretty cute, huh :)

 

Wednesday, then Thursday, lastly Friday

    Wednesday I shared the fact that I am now a Faith in God Girls leader! (I am pretty sure I am the assistant leader however) I serve with my sister in law Kipin;  we are determined to be diligent to this calling after skipping our first week together, accidentally of course. In our defense they only meet every two weeks and we are busy, forgetful girls :/ Oh the shame.... anyways. Since she is still traveling abroad a few notorious places in Europe, I was solely in charge of the week.

My girls!

    So I don't have too many memories of the types of activities we did in FIGG, which used to be known as Achievement Day Girls, besides having a small colorful book with items to check mark. To my knowledge this book no longer exists, if it does please forgive me as you correct me ;) So the best thing I could think of was to google ideas!  All sorts of adorable ideas popped up! There were mock tea parties (featuring juice), wonderful baking experiences and spiritual sleepovers, (let that one sink in) all in the name of LDS 8, 9, 10 and 11 year-olds. As I sifted I felt a little drawn to a certain topic and eventually began the process to have a fun lesson for the girls.
    Scripture Superheroes! Each of us who read probably have at least one person in the scriptures who seems extraordinaire above the rest.  Personally, I have about 76.

Cape Bookmarks!

     We began by a quick word of prayer and the opening song of "Scripture Power" - this song was perfect for the lesson but everyone on the room could only remember the chorus! Talk about an awkward 90 seconds for each of us. Afterwards I began to draw, more embarrassingly that the singing, on the board and asked the girls to guess who I was drawing. My stick figure gradually bloomed into a eye mask wearing cape bearer, in resemblance of a superhero. Lucky for me one of the girls guessed it! So I began to explain a lesson and read an excerpt from President Ezra Taft Benson, discussing heroes and heroines.  Then each girls was given a sheet of paper with instructions to write "I CAN BE LIKE MY SCRIPTURE SUPERHERO" on the top and bottom.  Then each girl had to hand draw their number one superhero! On the back they listed their "superpower." It was very sweet to have each girl read who they felt drawn towards and why they were super.
    After this part I have each girl a bookmark in the shape of a cape which read "How I can be like my scripture superhero." The Spirit was evident when they wrote down personal ways to improve themselves to become like their Superhero: one wrote down that she wanted to be courageous like Daniel and play kickball without being afraid of losing another wanted to be a good example at school like Joseph Smith...

Mine has a red cape. No judgement.

     Lastly we had a small party with cookies and popcorn to help write down a list of ideas they would like to do later on in the year. (Pajama parties! Temple trips! Make cookies!)
    All in all I felt that it was a great hour I get to know these girls better. And I can't deny that it made me so excited to hear what the kids (at 10 and 11 years old) know! It testifies that they are learning at their parents' and leaders' feet. I felt so inspired to continue on with this new calling. I hope to be able to continue to share new experiences that I have with them.
    By the way here is the link to the original website that idea came from. (http://ldsactivitydayideas.blogspot.com/2013/02/who-is-your-scripture-superhero.html)  This one is much more cool and theme-oriented. But I didn't  have a printer to get all of her coolio superhero things with :(

    Fixing to play catch up, while vastly off the previous topic.This past Thursday and Friday were oodles of fun. I secretly made the plan to go to a salon to whack off my hair and color the rest. Well I just couldn't stand the wait, so I researched hair colors and lengths all the while trying to imagine how each would look. I nixed the idea of a pixie and Graham forbade that I go after a darker hue. So finally I decided medium length (short hair might shock me into a coma considering I never felt comfortable with it on me) and blonde highlights, since my pitch-black eyebrows made me feel weird going too light. So Thursday was my salon appointment and I just couldn't wait! I even bragged to the baby I nanny for, multiple- um- times. Well last Tuesday was a rough day. Didn't accomplish a few things at work, came home and felt overwhelmed. Then I thought about how pricey a haircut and color would be so I did the unthinkable... I grabbed a pair of scissors and cut it myself! I did a pretty dang good job, if I can say so myself. I even let my sweet husband go back and trim up the ends. He almost had a panic attack, willfully refusing but I stood my ground, and he survived it, all the while doing a great job for his first hair trim! Now I didn't go crazy enough to color my hair, I went with my appointment on that one. I think it came out with the color looking great, you know being as humble as I can when I say that haha. I am just excited about a new change! I haven't had hair this short since 6th grade! And this was my first (successful) time dyeing my hair- so I feel like a new woman. Watch out work blondeish Lacey is taking the bull by the horns. Sidenote: the salon charged $85 for a half head of highlights is that a good deal or not?

All nose! My Before.

Less nose, right? My after.

    Friday was our first official "date night" since we have been married. Since we are both busy during the week I begged for a little down time to just have Graham&Lacey time like the old days. So Friday it is- supposedly weekly. This weekend we went to Adventure Landing near Jax Beach at 6pm- 10pm for a discounted 13$ a person! Our quest was the water park; luckily, it was just so fun. The two of us had a great time and stayed until it closed at 10 (I assumed we would want to leave way earlier... Puh-lease! Graham was not wasting his money, my precious tightwad). I would recommend anyone going!  

A few missed turns and a lesson learned!

    One of the best things about blogging is that it is similar to a journal. Earlier I was thinking about generations down the road and if the google'd my name how they might come across this blog, and know a little more about me. Anyways, interesting food for thought.
    Today was a weird day. My job as a nanny seems to add to the stress or peace of a day. If the baby hasn't taken a nap I take it to heart and hope that tomorrow will be better; I think I am kind of weird about it because I worry intensely that I'm not doing a great job. But today was fabulous! I woke up early enough to have breakfast and pack a lunch, was a few minutes early, succeeded in finishing a few chores and the baby was perfect. During her nap I began to plan my Achievement Night, now referred to as Faith in God Girls, and found an awesome idea. (I'll let you guys know how it turns out.) Everything was peachy.
    On my way home I decided to stop at Ross and do a little shopping for a thing or two I needed. My GPS routed me to the downtown area. Siri's sweet voice led the way and I followed. I twisted and turned, going on an unfamilar route."Turn right on 354A towards Mar----" I looked down to see that my phone had died. Let me emphasize the situation: As I head towards an unfamiliar side of town, on a busy interstate, my phone died and I have no clue where to go. Oh yeah, it was flooding to make life more interesting. Panic mode ensued as I cursed myself for my Ross addiction.
    The only thing I knew to do was to take the last turn Siri suggested, with the off chance of finding my store. Boy what a bust! I never saw a glimpse of the store. Bummed, I decided to head home; "erm, where is home?" At last I saw the sign for 95- South, which my house is close to! So I jumped on it, only to discover that it was leading me to an uphill bridge, packed with people and rain continued to pour. Oh my luck. So up I went, as my brain began to think: wait! What if it begins lightning and it strikes the bridge and I sink into the bottoms of the depths of this ocean and Graham will never even know why I died! Yet again I began to loathe Ross and all its' glory. Up I went, relief truly present once I was, finally, off of it.
    Then came my next dilemma, if I am able to see the road signs (which I couldn't until I had nearly passed the exit) how will I know which one to take? I could visualize Daddy's face as he told me I was making a mistake moving to Jacksonville. The only road name I recognize was University so I decided to wing it and take the exit. Of course it immediately required me to choose North or South, and as everyone else took North, I did too. After a few miles I began to question my choice. Then I passed a slightly familiar area and panicked again because my house wasn't even close to that side of town! So I turned off that road and became more lost. Then I saw a McDonald's and figured I mine as well calm my nerves with some french fries. And I did. Then I resolved to get back on University and travel South. As I went, I made two more off- turns that proved fruitless and annoyed me further. Then I asked in a humble supplication, or what I hoped came across as humility, that I would be directed home.
    After the entire trip had lasted an hour, I recognized a familiar roadway and realized that I was only two minuted from home! Following that familiar course I was home in no time. It was pretty miraculous that I made it home, considering that I know nothing of the extensive roadways. I guess that can be viewed as a similar situation to how life can be once we are off the straight and narrow path : we aimlessly go along hoping for something good to happen... But it only happens once we put forth the effort! I am thankful that I am able to constantly see the sweet tender mercies in my life such as knowing the true gospel of Jesus Christ, being blessed with my amazing husband, and having my wonderful family.... I am lucky to be so blessed. I know that if I truly ask for the help, in faith, my God will provide it, I testify of that.

Blogging and Blogging and Blogging

    My plan is to become an active blogger again! I am trying to make it a part of my daily routine. Speaking of, that is one of my favorite reasons to be working again, to be able to have an active schedule. Also, I enjoy the time crunch in my day because it eliminates laziness, which I just seem to be chalked full of. And I can't deny I love that check being placed in my hand with my name on it!
    So recently, I've thought alot about my move. This may seem to be a small change for others was, in fact, a huge deal to me! I decided to list a few of my personal ups and downs to moving.

CONS:
-I miss out on things going on back "home." For instance, Graham and I can't drive back home every weekend (seriously people, it's 250 miles!)  so this weekend we missed out on Listi's grad party at the river. They all had a great time, but looking at their pictures on Facebok just makes me wish I was able to be there.
- Having my own set of friends. Graham has a great group of friends, they care about him and since they do, they have all extended their kindness towards me. But that's just it- they are still his friends! Hanging out with bachelors all the time is exhausting :(
-Knowing I can rely on Mama to have to a good old home- cooked meal waiting on my arrival. I actually enjoy cooking, but it takes forever! Then sometimes I am so tired that I just bust out the cereal and milk. Not winning any wife points with that one.

PROS:
-Graham and I are solely on our own. We work hard, we make money, we pay the bills. It's kind of euphoric knowing that you are part of the reason your lights are on.
-The whole distance thing is behind us! Prior to our wedding each weekend Graham or I, Graham 85% of the time, had to drive to another state to see each other. When Graham came he stayed the weekend at my Grandma's and when I came I was only able to stay one day. Now every morning and night we see each other, I couldn't be more happy about it.
-I'm helplessly in love with Graham and would move to the ends of the Earth if he was there... Recently I shared with a friend our first rocky spot during our relationship. Graham and I were somewhat serious, though we had only dated a few weeks, and he asked if I would be willing to move to Idaho with him, the same place where he served his mission. I totally stopped in my tracks and thought that might be the end of us. After careful contemplation and many, many more memories, I knew that I couldn't live without him! (With that being said I *hope* to live in the Georgia- Florida area forever!)

    So moving is not for everyone, and I thought it wasn't for me. But I'm starting to like it, more and more. I miss everyone back home immensely but I'm growing to love this big city. Who would have ever thought that a little old country bumpkin, afraid of frogs and turtles, declaring she'd never leave home would do just that? All in the name of love! It's been a crazy ride...