Time

Today while sitting at work I've had a lot of time to think (yes, it's only been 2 hours of sitting... but I still have 8 more to go! Lots of thinking time!). Here are a few of my thoughts:

• I wish people could just be happy all the time. No up's and down's. Just smiles on faces.
• While I was talking to my visiting teacher yesterday, she reinforced the whole "be an example" idea. I wish people, including myself, were better examples to everyone around.
• I am thankful for the examples I have had in my life to get me to this point.
• Pinterest is taking over my life. Especially on days like today.
• Money. It's a terrible thing. I hate that it's so necessary for survival. I've seen what a lot, and a little, can do to people--I don't envy either case.
• No matter how much I complain about school or work, I've got a pretty good setup going. A wonderful husband who loves me more than anything, a good job that I learn from everyday, an education, and so much more.

And, those are just a few of my thoughts as of 8:50am. It's amazing how much time you have to think when you have to be to work by 7am :)

One of THOSE Days.

Yup. It was one of those days. Or should I say it's been one of those months? Maybe 2 months? Lets just say... work is totally giving me ulcers. Ok, maybe not ULCERS, but it is nothing less than stressful.

Between girls kicking holes in the wall, having to put girls holds, girls breaking things (on purpose), obnoxious parents, and straight up craziness, I am in need of a BREAK.

This is what work does to me. Oye.

Want to hear something great? Jamie (my cousin.. for those of you who aren't related and read this blog) is now working with me! And she is wonderful enough to work for me on Friday so I can have a MUCH needed break. Yeah, family does rock :)

Jamie, Jason, me, and Leah in Chile.

Even though work stresses me out... it is also a great experience for me. While some girls are still having some pretty extreme problems, others have made huge changes since I have been there. Seeing that growth and the happiness in their eyes is what keeps me going.

Everyday I become more and more grateful for my family, and more specifically my parents. They raised me right, simple as that. I owe who I am and where I am today to them.

My parents. Don't know what I'd do without them!

Watch This. No, Really, Do It.

My best friends mom posted this on Facebook. I'm now obsessed. Watch it from start to finish--you won't regret it.

2 months before Chris Medina and his fiance were supposed to get married she got in a terrible accident that caused brain damage. He still, to this day, takes care of her. Such an amazing song. There really are good people in this crazy world :)

Not many music videos have actually made me cry. This one did the trick. I love it. Lots.

Yes, this really happened.

Colton learned how to crochet at the Wilkey Family Reunion. Thanks to Grandma Burgener for being such a wonderful teacher :)

Best part about this? "I Do What I Like" (on the back of his hat)... while crocheting.

Yes. I love my husband. He's so domestic :)

Winnie The Pooh

Hilarious. And yes, it's Colton that showed me this clip and is dying to see the movie. Oh, how I love my awesome husband :)

Oh, How I LOVE My Job. I think.

Work today was awesome. I got to sprint after a run-away girl for about a mile, and then got to squat for about 20 minutes while I had her in a hold. Really, does it get any better than that? Too bad all I have to show for my awesomeness is some claw marks and some sore thighs.

So pretty much we've been having some problems with one of the girls, and she has had to be put in multiple holds over the past several weeks. Some how I've always avoided being involved in these holds, but today was pay back for missing out on all of the previous ones.

To start things off, though, I just have to tell you a tender mercy that happened. I normally wear flip flops to work, because I'm a flip flop girl. For some reason, though, this morning I decided to wear some different shoes (Bob's... they are knock-off Tom's. They rock). Honestly, I think the Lord knew that today I would need different shoes, and that's why the thought came to wear them.

So anyways... Back to today. So I was following this girl around outside and I knew something was up. I called to have another staff come out and help. Needless to say, this girl took off into a dead sprint. There was no way we could catch her. She ran to an incredibly busy highway and started running out into the lanes. Luckily, she didn't get hurt. We finally were able to catch her and somehow got her into a hold (Not one that they had taught us. We definitely made it up--but it worked. haha) We had her on her stomach.. me on one side, the other staff on the other, and her therapist on her legs (Her therapist had shown up in a vehicle by this point). We were still having a hard time keeping her down, but luckily a random guy pulled over and helped us. During this time it was hot, we were on a busy and dangerous road, and I got some awesome claw marks. Remember that during this entire hold I was squatting. Talk about PAINFUL. It was about a 20 minute hold before another staff got there to relieve me of it.

Needless to say, I am tired. My legs hurt. And I learned I really need to start working out.

1 Year!

Yup, that's right. Colton and I have already been married for an entire year! A lot of stuff has happened during the past year. Mostly we have learned a lot about each other. Here is what I have learned about my husband:

• He is the most patient man I know. (You'd have to be to put up with me 24/7)
• He has a strong testimony.
• He is loving.
• He is kind.
• He is a hard worker.
• He wants nothing more than for me to be happy--always.
• He can cook. (Way better than I can.)
• He speaks an amazingly sexy language. (Who doesn't love Italian?)
• He is forgiving.
• He is understanding.
• He makes my shopping habit worse. (Because he always wants me to buy the stuff I try on--I love it. haha)
• He yells at the TV while watching sports.
• He is unselfish.
• He likes to crochet.
• He loves my family.
• He has an amazing family.
  
• He is amazing.
  
• He is perfect for me.

Plus, I'm sure so much more. It's amazing what you can learn in a year. I can't wait to see what else there is to learn during the rest of forever. I love you, Colton! Happy 1 year!

WE DID IT! ;)