Updates and thank yous!

I have so much I want/need to put up:

- The baby of Tom's family graduated high school!

-Tom and I's trip to Wyoming to go to a memorial service/family union

- We went through SLC on our way and I got to see an old friend (12 years now) and that was AMAZING!!! And spend some quality with the grandparents.

- Going the the opening house and going to see baptisms being done in the SLC Temple (I had an ear infection and couldn't do them :( but I at least got to go into the Temple for the first time with my grandparents)

- Spending time with my most beautiful niece.

- Telling my mom I was sorry... and for the first time, feeling my heart broke for her and all that she has gone through. I am so thankful for my mom. She truly is a beautiful women and has so much to offer this world. I am so lucky to have her in my life and to have such a wonderful relationship with her. Thanks Mom!

- Tom and I preparing for the Temple.

- My CALLING as a primary teacher for the sunbeams.

- Doors opening in my life that I wasn't sure was going to happen. I am going full commission at my job starting tomorrow and am going to go back to school and get my degree to teach!!! :)

So much has happened. And I feel like I don't have anytime to write... but that is a good thing.

I wanted to spend a few moments to thank some people who I have never really had the oppurtunity to thank. As I continue to prepare for time and all eternity with my husband, I continue to look back at people who have influenced my faith and who have lived their lives through the Gospel. I am brought back to when it first started 12 years ago:

My grandparents are the ones who really introduced me to the Church. I am so thankful they brought me the Gospel. I would not be here without them. Their example of marriage and of unconditional love is amazing.

The McQuade family as a whole but more specifically... Maggie was my first Mormon friend and she lived life so full and so happily growing up, and now as I see her with her family, I know God has truly blessed her. Her faith showed me so much and I will never forget the trip she invited me on to go see the Billings Temple open house. It was then that I felt the Spirit stronger than I ever had and I will never forget it. That and the joke her dad told me about the cemetary and people just dying to get in... haha!

Lacey- growing up she was probably one of my favorites and I still love her to death. I love her curls and her happiness radiates throughout any room she walks into. As I follow her blog about her waiting for Mark, I am inspired and touched at her faith. And I know that it is only through her faith and the Gospel that the love she has with Mark has lasted and is going to be for time and all eternity.

Nicole Madsen, Paige Murdock, Amanda Whitlock and Randi Jones- when I first starting investigating it was these girls that held my hand and helped me investigate. I took a few lessons, went to a few instiute classes and YW, even the activities and while I wasn't able to get baptized until I was 18, they never gave up on me. And even when I stopped investigating, they still asked and I believe still prayed for me.

My sister- I am so thankful that my sister is a member as well. Having someone in my family that understands and that will be there the day I get sealed is so amazing. I am so blessed that God provided her with the oppurtunity to hear the Gospel and that we can talked about the Church. She really has become one of my best friends and I never thought that would happen.

Aubrie Larson- throughout college, this little lady tried so hard to get me to go to institute and to go to activities with her... and while I never went... her persistance lived on in my heart and when I decided to get baptized, she was one of the first people I told. Her faith and testimony are amazing and I am so thankful to have met her and to have her in my life.

My husband- who since we started dating, showed me what life would be like with the Church and the Gospel in my life. It was amazing to me that even though he wasn't active how rightous of a life he still lead. I believe that is what made me start investigating again. He was so happy and he wasn't partying or doing bad things, he had that something I wanted. As we continue to grow together with the Gospel in our lives, I couldn't be more in love with him and I believe with everything I have that it is because of our faith in Christ that we are as strong as we are!

My mom- for letting me investigate and helping me make choices. It hasn't always been easy and I know she doesn't always agree with the Church. but her support is amazing.

I can't say it enough.... I am so thankful for the Gospel. My life is so much better now that it is in my life. I can't imagine where I would be without it. While it hasn't been the easiest road I have ever traveled, it is SO worth it. So thank you... all of you for making a difference in my life. I cannot wait to be with my husband for time and all eternity. I cannot wait to have a family of my own and know that we will be sealed together forever. I simply just cannot wait.

P.S. Pictures will go up soon of the trip home via SLC!