Expressions of Love

Saw this from another blog and had to share. I'll admit i teared up. haha. But it totally made my heart smile.

Enjoy.

:) can't wait.

Good Thing Going

For what reasons I still do not know, it's always been a common thing that girls fall for the bad guy, right? Well, not this girl. Haha. I'm the opposite. I love me a good boy! (: Maybe it's from seeing my older brother living the "bad boy" life which I grew to see as completely pathetic and unattractive? Maybe that's why? Hah. I'm not sure, I just don't dig it. But give me a guy that goes to church and can give a mean prayer, psh....fugidaboudit! Lol. No but really. That's what a huge part of Muka that I love. I also have like "requirements" or most know it as a list, and he qualifies in every way. Well minus the last one but that was just until recently! haha. who gives anyway he's goin on his mish! That's all the work i could want! (; and I'm a firm believer on if things on your list are for good reasonings, don't settle for less! (:

My list was the following: (and i tell my primary girls this should all be no-brains for their future lists too!) haha.
-Don't Smoke (ew.)
-Don't Drink   (NO THANKS :)! )
-Don't Mix (Kava, obviously..mm,mm girl i don't do ashy. Lol.)
-Has a car ( i WILL NOT be picking you up for whenever we wanna kick it)
-Has a job (and no i will not pay..all the time at least! haha.) 

Some of you may ask after looking at this, why isn't there anything about being a member of the church or else a worthy priesthood holder listed on here?? well because honey that's a given for me, if you aren't that, I'm sure you're a great guy but it won't work in the end so i'm saving both parties some time. lol. Another big thing for me is language. It's a huge turn off for me when a guy swears. it's not okay to me. In any way, like whether it's just during a conversation or (worse) if it's directed towards you. I've just grown up being taught it's disrespectful.  Same goes for listening to music like that when your with the opposite sex or movies too. It's just not very comfortable to me. Lol. I know that's weird to a lot of people. I guess you could say I'm super traditional.

To me. There's nothing like a handsome, worthy priesthood holder. Romantic to me is praying together. And I love the idea of being able to be intimate with out literally being intimate, you know what i mean? Being able to lay together  and just talk forever, fall asleep, without having to do anything.  there is absolutely nothing  like a relationship that's centered on the lord. No other love really compares. Period.

 

 ..and I'm so grateful I have a handsome worthy priesthood holder.. 

we have more to come in our relationship, more progress to make,  but thus far, 

we've got a good thing going.

we don't have to ask, we know that it's gon'last, eternally.

(thanks Tarrus Riley! hah.)

 

The New (stressed) Kid on the Block

So I work in the apartment management business, and I’ve been in this business for 4 years now. Within the 4 years I’ve worked at 2 different apartment properties, and have had 2 different positions at each place. 

My first 2 years I was a leasing agent so my main job was to just lease apartments to those that came in looking to move. I was than promoted and transferred to another property. I was than the Assistant Manager. (: An assistant manager is pretty much the Financial Manager. All and anything money goes through me. My main focus as the assistant manager is to collect rent and any amounts owing from after people move out. Therefore, I am the most hated person in the office. Haha. No but really. I’ve seen and heard anything you can think of as far as customer service nightmares are concerned. People have called me pretty much any bad name you can think of, I have had things thrown at me or thrown off my desk, and have come across some clinically insane people. Lol. People honestly have no idea how draining and hard it can be working in the apartment management industry. I can’t think of any other job field that has to deal with worse customer service situations than us. We are involved in every aspect of these people’s lives. The apartments are (obviously) their homes. Therefore we’re dealing with “being responsible” for their homes and the personal possessions that are in the apartment, their family that resides in the apartment, their vehicles that are at the apartments, and the bills that they are responsible to pay for that apartment. It’s exhausting to say thee least. But anyway, I’ve been an assistant manager for 2 years now. After I got back from my vacation (the one I did my last post about) I went back to work and was told I was being transferred in 2 weeks….To another property. Same position, same pay, same company, just a different property. Now don’t get me wrong, I’m so grateful for my job and the paychecks I get. Lol. But I was so sad and very unhappy. I wanted to cry honestly when my manager told me. Lol. I loved my co-workers I worked with. I was so sad to leave. I didn’t want to. Plus, I’m one of those people that is not a fan of changes. But, I had no choice. So whatever. Two weeks passed, and it was the day before my “First Day at the New Property.” (this past sunday) I was soo nervous. Nervous like the “going to be starting at a brand-new school in a new town” kind nervous. Ya know?  Lol. Whatever, So Muka kept telling me to just be optimistic, so I was. Up until I got there and saw what I had to fix. Haha. 

It’s a hot mess there. I’m just an organizer freak so there is a lot of work that needs to be done there. And long term mistakes that need to be fixed. I’m super nervous and stressed about this change but I’m just trying to continue to take Muka’s advice and stay positive.  I know it could’ve been worse. I could have had no job or been “demoted” and had a big pay cut. 

I know everything happens for a reason, so for now I am just going to keep working hard until the reasoning to me being moved to a hell hole comes to realization. Lol.  For now, I am the new (stressed) kid on the block...trying to stay optimistic!

Our Last Trip Together

So Muka and I have had a few trips together. Each one gets better and better. :) Our first was when we graduated high school in the summer of 2008. A group of us went down to St. George. Tons of fun. (: Our 2nd trip was last summer (2010) I took my sister to Hawaii for her *Sweet 16* and being that Muka's mom works for the airlines, he flew down as well. He grew up in Hawaii so it was awesome having someone there that is familiar with the area. Him and Sep have also been real close since the beginning of our relationship. That trip was AMAZING. Third trip was "camping"out in Manti while he was attending school at Snow College. Great quality time, major sunburn! Lol. And our last we did before he leaves was this past weekend at Echo Lake. It was me, Muka, and of coarse, my bff's....haha. my sisters sepa and sariah. :) It was tons of fun. The girls will be starting school in 2 weeks and Muka leaves in 2 months so we all thought it'd be fun. We invited friends, but everyone flaked and it ended up being us. :) which was just fine with me! Here's the pics i got from our trip!

 You know I had to get a solo shot sometime on the trip! Lol.

BEFORE

AFTER (: 

 

Muka's so good with kids. Which is so encouraging because i know he'll be a great dad. (:

 

Yes, I am the one that got -thee least- air. Lol. 3rd from the left. But i swear i jumped my highest. hahaha. 

 

 

 

Lol. An idea of his to do this pose.

 These weren't all the pictures but i know i've already posted enough. Lol. I don't know how to edit them yet while posting them in a blog so I'm sorry you've had to scroll down so much! All in all, just

when i think i love him to the max, a day passes and i love him even more. 

I had so much fun this weekend with my family and muka. I'm so grateful for the loved ones in my life.

Next trip will be when he gets back....Bora Bora. our honeymoon! Lol. (:

..just one of those nights..

So it just hit me....today marks exactly 60 days (pretty much 2 months) until my missionary leaves. Today as we were hanging out (this week's been our "last vaca of the summer/before Muka leaves/before my sisters start school trip), we were driving around and I just couldn't help but think of how weird it'll be once he leaves. Agh, I get emotional even thinking of it. But I just honestly can't even imagine how it'll be or feel.  I just try to be as much of a sponge as I can, and just soak up all our time nd memories we make, hoping that it'll help for when he's gone. People tell me that we need to hang out less, talk less, ect....to help get use to when he leaves. But i feel like if i do that i'll be even more a hot mess once he goes. I'll regret not spending as much time or not talking as much as we could have. Ya know? How does someone even prepare for leaving their spouse for a long period of time?? Can you even do that? Is it really possible? If someone says so I flippen' doubt it! Lol. (Did you notice i said spouse 3 sentences ago, as if i'm a wife?! Haha. Shut up, Don't hate. I pretty much, practically, (almost) am! hah.)

Gosh but anyway, I was just looking at my calendar and counted and was like, omg! It really is only in 60 days! :( Gall it's so bitter sweet guys. I AM so excited. You have no idea how much of a process it's been and how long we've wanted this, but tonight is like some other times when it just hits me, the being gone part. And scensy(sensitive) Sally kicks in and tries bringin' me down! Lol. But can't a girl just sit in bed and cry?! I mean that's just being human though right? haha.

Agh, I'm just gonna miss this guy so much. I already do and he hasn't even left yet! Lol. Nbfr. Can someone play the violin for Nae?! Cause she's just having one of those nights! :( Lol. 

I mean, who wouldn't miss this?! haha

This has been Vent Sesh #1...many more to come.

We All Deserve Our Own **Happily Ever Afters** (Best Believe, I'll be Gettin' Mine!) Lol. ;)

  So anytime I need to be upgraded music wise or with movies and such on my ipod, my go to guy is no other than this hot guy named Mark Henry (aka My Boyfriend). Lol. Haha. Anyway, recently he told me of how he's put Talks (from General Conference and such) on his Ipod and he listens to them before or after his scripture study. He hasn't put them on mine yet, but it inspired me with this blog post. (So thanks Love :) )

I googled some talks to read about Waiting, Being a Missionary Girlfriend, and Temple Marriage Preparation. I came across this talk from President Uchtdorf and thought it was absolutely amazing. Some of you probably remember this one, it's from the General Conference back in April of '10. Either way if you've read/ or remember it or not, you should read it again. It's a little lengthy, but sooooo worth the extra read. This man is amazing and I love hearing or reading his material. So, get comfy and keep reading, it's worth it! :) 

 

 

Your Happily Ever After

Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Second Counselor in the First Presidency

---

Heavenly Father offers to you the greatest gift of all—eternal life—and the opportunity and infinite blessing of your own “happily ever after.”

My dear young sisters all around the world, I am grateful and honored to be with you today. President Thomas S. Monson and all the leaders of the Church love you; we pray for you, and we rejoice in your faithfulness.

Over the years I have been exposed to many beautiful languages—each of them is fascinating and remarkable; each has its particular charm. But as different as these languages can be, they often have things in common. For example, in most languages there exists a phrase as magical and full of promise as perhaps any in the world. That phrase is “Once upon a time.”

Aren’t those wonderful words to begin a story? “Once upon a time” promises something: a story of adventure and romance, a story of princesses and princes. It may include tales of courage, hope, and everlasting love. In many of these stories, nice overcomes mean and good overcomes evil. But perhaps most of all, I love it when we turn to the last page and our eyes reach the final lines and we see the enchanting words “And they lived happily ever after.”

Isn’t that what we all desire: to be the heroes and heroines of our own stories; to triumph over adversity; to experience life in all its beauty; and, in the end, to live happily ever after?

Today I want to draw your attention to something very significant, very extraordinary. On the first page of your Young Women Personal Progress book, you will find these words: “You are a beloved daughter of Heavenly Father, prepared to come to the earth at this particular time for a sacred and glorious purpose.” ¹
 

Sisters, those words are true! They are not made up in a fairy tale! Isn’t it remarkable to know that our eternal Heavenly Father knows you, hears you, watches over you, and loves you with an infinite love? In fact, His love for you is so great that He has granted you this earthly life as a precious gift of “once upon a time,” complete with your own true story of adventure, trial, and opportunities for greatness, nobility, courage, and love. And, most glorious of all, He offers you a gift beyond price and comprehension. Heavenly Father offers to you the greatest gift of all—eternal life—and the opportunity and infinite blessing of your own “happily ever after.”

But such a blessing does not come without a price. It is not given simply because you desire it. It comes only through understanding who you are and what you must become in order to be worthy of such a gift.

Trial Is Part of the Journey

For a moment, think back about your favorite fairy tale. In that story the main character may be a princess or a peasant; she might be a mermaid or a milkmaid, a ruler or a servant. You will find one thing all have in common: they must overcome adversity.

Cinderella has to endure her wicked stepmother and evil stepsisters. She is compelled to suffer long hours of servitude and ridicule.

In “Beauty and the Beast,” Belle becomes a captive to a frightful-looking beast in order to save her father. She sacrifices her home and family, all she holds dear, to spend several months in the beast’s castle.

In the tale “Rumpelstiltskin,” a poor miller promises the king that his daughter can spin straw into gold. The king immediately sends for her and locks her in a room with a mound of straw and a spinning wheel. Later in the story she faces the danger of losing her firstborn child unless she can guess the name of the magical creature who helped her in this impossible task.

In each of these stories, Cinderella, Belle, and the miller’s daughter have to experience sadness and trial before they can reach their “happily ever after.” Think about it. Has there ever been a person who did not have to go through his or her own dark valley of temptation, trial, and sorrow?

Sandwiched between their “once upon a time” and “happily ever after,” they all had to experience great adversity. Why must all experience sadness and tragedy? Why could we not simply live in bliss and peace, each day filled with wonder, joy, and love?

The scriptures tell us there must be opposition in all things, for without it we could not discern the sweet from the bitter. ² Would the marathon runner feel the triumph of finishing the race had she not felt the pain of the hours of pushing against her limits? Would the pianist feel the joy of mastering an intricate sonata without the painstaking hours of practice?

In stories, as in life, adversity teaches us things we cannot learn otherwise. Adversity helps to develop a depth of character that comes in no other way. Our loving Heavenly Father has set us in a world filled with challenges and trials so that we, through opposition, can learn wisdom, become stronger, and experience joy.

Let me share with you a personal experience I had as a teenager while our family was attending church in Frankfurt, Germany. One Sunday the missionaries brought a new family to our meetings whom I hadn’t seen before. It was a mother with two beautiful daughters. I thought that these missionaries were doing a very, very good job.

I particularly took notice of the one daughter with gorgeous dark hair and large brown eyes. Her name was Harriet, and I think I fell in love with her from the first moment I saw her. Unfortunately, this beautiful young woman didn’t seem to feel the same about me. She had many young men who wanted to make her acquaintance, and I began to wonder if she would ever see me as anything but a friend. But I didn’t let that deter me. I figured out ways to be where she was. When I passed the sacrament, I made sure I was in the right position so that I would be the one to pass the sacrament to her.

When we had special activities at church, I rode my bike to Harriet’s house and rang the doorbell. Harriet’s mother usually answered. In fact, she opened the kitchen window of their apartment on the fourth floor and asked what I wanted. I would ask if Harriet would like a ride to church on my bicycle. Harriet’s mother would say, “No, she will be coming later, but I will be happy to ride with you to church.” This wasn’t exactly what I had in mind, but how could I decline?

And so we rode to church. I must admit I had a very impressive road bike. Harriet’s mother sat on the top tube bar just in front of me, and I tried to be the most elegant bicycle driver over roads of rough cobblestone.

Time passed. While beautiful Harriet was seeing many other young men, it seemed that I could not make any headway with her.

Was I disappointed? Yes.

Was I defeated? Absolutely not!

Actually, looking back I recognize that it doesn’t hurt at all to be on good terms with the mother of the girl of your dreams.

Years later, after I had finished my training as a fighter pilot in the air force, I experienced a modern miracle in Harriet’s response to my continued courting. One day she said, “Dieter, you have matured much over these past years.”

I moved quickly after that, and within a few months I was married to the woman I had loved ever since I first saw her. The process hadn’t been easy—there were moments of suffering and despair—but finally my happiness was full, and it still is, even more so.

My dear young sisters, you need to know that you will experience your own adversity. None is exempt. You will suffer, be tempted, and make mistakes. You will learn for yourself what every heroine has learned: through overcoming challenges come growth and strength.

It is your reaction to adversity, not the adversity itself, that determines how your life’s story will develop.

There are those among you who, although young, have already suffered a full measure of grief and sorrow. My heart is filled with compassion and love for you. How dear you are to the Church. How beloved you are of your Heavenly Father. Though it may seem that you are alone, angels attend you. Though you may feel that no one can understand the depth of your despair, our Savior, Jesus Christ, understands. He suffered more than we can possibly imagine, and He did it for us; He did it for you. You are not alone.

If you ever feel your burden is too great to bear, lift your heart to your Heavenly Father, and He will uphold and bless you. He says to you, as He said to Joseph Smith, “[Your] adversity and [your] afflictions shall be but a small moment; and then, if [you] endure it well, God shall exalt [you] on high.” ³

Enduring adversity is not the only thing you must do to experience a happy life. Let me repeat: how you react to adversity and temptation is a critical factor in whether or not you arrive at your own “happily ever after.”

Stay True to What You Know Is Right

Sisters, young sisters, beloved young sisters, stay true to what you know is right. Everywhere you look today, you will find promises of happiness. Ads in magazines promise total bliss if you will only buy a certain outfit, shampoo, or makeup. Certain media productions glamorize those who embrace evil or who give in to base instincts. Often these same people are portrayed as models of success and accomplishment.

In a world where evil is portrayed as good and good as evil, sometimes it is difficult to know the truth. In some ways it is almost like Little Red Riding Hood’s dilemma: when you are not quite sure what you are seeing, is it a beloved grandmother or is it a dangerous wolf?

I spent many years in the cockpit of an airplane. My task was to get a big jet safely from any part of the world to our desired destination. I knew with certainty that if I wanted to travel from New York to Rome, I needed to fly east. If some were to tell me that I should fly south, I knew there was no truth in their words. I would not trust them because I knew for myself. No amount of persuasion, no amount of flattery, bribery, or threats could convince me that flying south would get me to my destination because I knew.

We all search for happiness, and we all try to find our own “happily ever after.” The truth is, God knows how to get there! And He has created a map for you; He knows the way. He is your beloved Heavenly Father, who seeks your good, your happiness. He desires with all the love of a perfect and pure Father that you reach your supernal destination. The map is available to all. It gives explicit directions of what to do and where to go to everyone who is striving to come unto Christ and “stand as [a witness] of God at all times and in all things, and in all places.” ⁴ All you have to do is trust your Heavenly Father. Trust Him enough to follow His plan.

Nevertheless, not all will follow the map. They may look at it. They may think it is reasonable, perhaps even true. But they do not follow the divine directions. Many believe that any road will take them to a “happily ever after.” Some may even become angry when others who know the way try to help and tell them. They suppose that such advice is outdated, irrelevant, out of touch with modern life.

Sisters, they suppose wrong.

The Gospel Is the Way to Happily Ever After

I understand that, at times, some may wonder why they attend Church meetings or why it is so important to read the scriptures regularly or pray to our Heavenly Father daily. Here is my answer: You do these things because they are part of God’s path for you. And that path will take you to your “happily ever after” destination.

“Happily ever after” is not something found only in fairy tales. You can have it! It is available for you! But you must follow your Heavenly Father’s map. Sisters, please embrace the gospel of Jesus Christ! Learn to love your Heavenly Father with all your heart, might, and mind. Fill your souls with virtue, and love goodness. Always strive to bring out the best in yourself and others.

Learn to accept and act upon the Young Women values. Live the standards in For the Strength of Youth. These standards guide and direct you to your “happily ever after.” Living these standards will prepare you to make sacred covenants in the temple and establish your own legacy of goodness in your individual circumstances. “Stand … in holy places, and be not moved,” ⁵ regardless of temptations or difficulties. I promise you that future generations will be grateful for you and praise your name for your courage and faithfulness during this crucial time of your life.

My dear young sisters—you who stand for truth and righteousness, you who seek goodness, you who have entered the waters of baptism and walk in the ways of the Lord—our Father in Heaven has promised that you will “mount up with wings as eagles; [you] shall run, and not be weary; and [you] shall walk, and not faint.” ⁶ You “shall not be deceived.” ⁷ God will bless and prosper you. ⁸ “The gates of hell shall not prevail against you; … and the Lord God will disperse the powers of darkness from before you, and cause the heavens to shake for your good, and his name’s glory.” ⁹

Sisters, we love you. We pray for you. Be strong and of good courage. You are truly royal spirit daughters of Almighty God. You are princesses, destined to become queens. Your own wondrous story has already begun. Your “once upon a time” is now.

As an Apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ, I leave you my blessing and give you a promise that as you accept and live the values and principles of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ, “[you] will be prepared to strengthen home and family, make and keep sacred covenants, receive the ordinances of the temple, and enjoy the blessings of exaltation.” ¹⁰ And the day will come when you turn the final pages of your own glorious story; there you will read and experience the fulfillment of those blessed and wonderful words: “And they lived happily ever after.” Of this I testify in the holy name of Jesus Christ, amen.

                                                                                                                                                               

Amazing Right?! That's the gospel for ya! Haha. K keep reading because now it's my insight on the talk! :) hah. 

Anything Worth Having, Is Worth Waiting (Fighting) For (Words From Me!..Cass!)

After reading this, it totally gave me a much needed boost of confidence! :)
I'm beyond determined to continue pursuing my Happily Ever After. Like I've said in my previous posts, Muka and I have went through a lot together. Our relationship has been F A R from perfect. But I believe we've overcome the adversity and affliction in our relationship. We've only gotten to where we are now from that adversity. As much as it was absolutely awful at the time when we were going through it, and i didn't think I could overcome it........I did, we did, and i know for a fact that we wouldn't be what/where we are now without having gone through that. I may have lost some things and some people along the way. And I may have (had) some hard feelings and some major resentment, but, after now having the love i have with muka, and having the relationship we have, I can do nothing but thank that adversity. For giving me what i have now. It's now just the tragic chapter in our (still being written) love story. I've fought for it and I now have my Prince Charming :) He may be leaving me for a little while, but it's for a mission I completely and 100% support. Some may see it as a road block, but I see it as a blessing. I have a selfless god fearing man that loves me and loves the lord. I can wait for someone like THAT! Lol.

I am now, more than ever, determined to pursue my Happily Ever After that I know the lord has in store for me.

 Us after Muka got his endowments. 07-30-11

If you've stuck through this whole post, thank you! I love you for. ever. Lol. Thanks for your time! Until the next! ;)

.Cass..