Sometimes...

Sometimes we are forced to hard things whether we want to or not.... and that just stinks!

Beef....

It's what's for dinner.... 







This little ad MADE. MY. NIGHT.

Blog Slacker....

I have 100% been a blog slacker.... Boo to me! The fact that I have logged on, began writing, then deleted my post a good number of times, still doesn't redeem me.

The semester is almost over. I can hardly wait. I need a break from school and need a few months of crafting, reading, working, cooking, and just being a wife. This semester has been a real thorn in my side. Not because of school work, but because of my desire or the lack thereof. I have really been struggling to have the desire to work hard, jump through hoops, and work towards teachers "needs". Don't get me wrong, I love love love learning, but all semester long it has felt like all I have been doing is jumping through teachers hoops. It's hard to have that desire to learn when nothing you are learning applies to you, or when you lack the desire to learn about the subject..... Pretty much..... It's really a personal problem, but school is a BOOOOOO!! anyways.

It's been really such a hard few months, not just school related, but other things as well. I won't go into detail, but I know that it's through hard things and trials that we grow the most.  I have to keep reminding myself that God really is just molding me into who He wants me to be. All of these things happen for a reason and I'm going to be a better person because of it all. 

On a more positive note, I have so much to be grateful for. I have an awesome husband, a one of a kind family, and wonderful neighbors/ward members/visiting teachers/home teachers! Really though.  This week after my sweet visiting teachers came I went into my room and began to cry. I was overwhelmed with gratitude for their incredible ability to know exactly what I need to hear. And it's not just this month that that has happened, but every single time they come I feel the spirit and know that my Heavenly Father is 100% aware of me. It's awesome.

This semester has been loaded with so many fun experiences, wild adventures, and visits from family. I'm not going to try and redeem myself for my lack of blogging, but I will share a few favorite pictures from the past few months....I'm so grateful that I've had these days to live and experience.

MDill and I made 300? (I think it was...)  of our specialty pretzels for Chris and Julia's Wedding. It was a lot of work, but so much fun to do!

Chris and Julia were married in the Salt Lake Temple. Their wedding was so much fun. I loved seeing many friends and neighbors that I haven't seen in such a long time and being able to chat with them.

Carter boy had his first birthday! We went down to Blackfoot to celebrate with the Gunderson and Merritt family. It was such a delight to see how much little Carter Bug is loved.

The sisters all came to town for a visit. We enjoyed watching conference together as well as going for a 4 mile run UP the temple hill together. We really enjoyed some sisterly time together. It was nice to just relax, watch conference, and not worry about silly trivial things.

Um.... did I mention we went to the Downeast sidewalk sale while they were in town....So funny!

My dear sweet sister also did a Christmas card photo shoot for us. It was more funny than anything. I think this was right after Heather said something that included the word "boobies"? It was a beautiful fall day with wonderful colors, perfect temperatures, and great company.

2nd half marathon = accomplished!

Such a fun day! Most of us in this picture ran in a women's only race called "The Pink Series" It was on Momma Linda's birthday and it supports breastcancer, so we all got on our running shoes. Even my one of a kind mother-in-law came all the way from California to be with us. Other highlights included having good ol' Meggie girl there with us and Momma Linda strutting her stuff with the pink boa I gave her. Also, a big kudos to Shauna on finishing her first ever half marathon.

Momma Linda with her birthday dessert. It was an epic weekend.

Halloween was a definitie highlight. I made homemade costumes for Michael, Lara, and I. And, our really good friends decided we should be a themed group for the ward Halloween party, so we were. It was a hoot, especially to see Carter bug walking around like a drunken parrot. He was still pretty new at the whole walking thing.

I love when people come to Rexburg to visit us. Well, for Michael's birthday my parents and Heather drove up to Rexburg and spent the weekend with us. It was such a delight. I love listening to my parents, even when they are talking about insignificant things. They took us everywhere, to dinner, to bowling, to West Yellowstone.... etc... and every ounce of it was fun. Especially when an unnamed person had to use the woods as a bathroom... oh wait I think there was more than one ;) Anyway, it was a wonderful taste of home. (Personally I think they should visit more often... hint. hint.)

 One of the sweetest treats was having Sara Smith and her cute cute cute children visit over the week of Thanksgiving. MDill loved playing with Theran and I'm pretty sure Theran grew pretty fond of him too. It was such a wonderful week jam packed full of family time, games, and of course a delicious turkey.

I'm pretty sure Theran would have played hide-and-seek all night if we didn't tell him we were going to eat all the pie. 

Needless to say, within the midst of the hustle and bustle of life, and the hard things life throws at us, I am overwhelmingly blessed and would do well to pay more attention to the wonderful things my Heavenly Father continuously gives to me.

While you were gone....

Dear Amy,
You have been gone for quite some time now, but inspite of your absence everything continues to spin on. So, this has resulted in funny things that happen almost on a daily occurrence that I have happened that I want to tell you about. Yes, yesterday I did call your phone and yesterday for half a second I was hoping you would answer it, but you are in Africa. So in order to remember some of the things I have wanted to call and tell you about I thought I might make a little list so that I can remember.
#1 - (and this is probably how I would have said this over the phone!) AMY! Guess what I just saw? You will never guess. (Then I'd make you guess three or four times.) Nope, I just saw a yorkie in a pink dress being pushed in a pink baby stroller by an old lady with curly gray hair and a pink outfit. Yup! Believe it. It was truly ridiculous. (Then you would ask why I didn't take a picture.) Becuase I was so terribly caught off guard. It's not every day you see a dog in a dress. By the time I thought to they had already walked by. (Jenny!) I know I know, I really wish I could just someone teleport you my mental image. So classic. Amy. Like seriously.

#2 - I'd call you again later that night to talk about the dog in a dress. Similar conversation would occur.

#3 - Amy! We were all just out in the hot tub and a rodent ran into the condo. (What?!?) Yeah Amy, Dad had to chase it out. So so funny. Then, next thing we knew Dad was chasing it out again. Twice Amy.... Twice! So so funny. Like Christmas Vacation funny, but without the rapidness of the squirrel and without the wig being torn off our great aunts head and without our Dad's boss being kidnapped kinda funny.

#4 - Amy! I'm entering the Indy 500. (What?!?) Yup, I've finally mastered driving stick. Yup, my goal from 3 years ago can finally be crossed off the list. Best part was when Shauna told me about you driving stick, apparently you sucked at it and nearly went through the church building in reverse? (Not true! Who told you that Shauna?) Yup, but I'm going to side with her that this one, you have never really been an A+ driver. But guess what, I did donuts in reverse, of course on purpose, and Shauna loved it. I wouldn't be surprised if every time I come to visit she asks me to take her out for reverse donuts.... Anywhooo.... That's what I was calling to tell you... (then we would carry on in a conversation about nothing really for probably a good 20 minutes or so)

I know there has been more than those three things that I have wanted to call and talk to you about, but as of this second that's all my overworked mind can think of so if I think of anymore I'll be sure to leave you a voicemail. Oh and I did call and leave you a voicemail about my date with Mr. David. His music is back on so I now can go to the library until 11:30 again. I thought I was going to have to quit after last time when there was only silence.

Get back safely. Tell Stampy the Elephant hello for me. And enjoy Africa. 
This song is for you!
The video is a little strange, but hey it's the 80's right?!?



  

Booo school....

Right now I just want to get on a little (maybe it will turn into a big one) soap box about how much I am SO done with school. I'm to the point in the semester where I don't want to do ANYTHING, but I'm also at that point in the semester where all the stuff that really counts towards a grade is happening. What a dilemma! I AM SO DONE WITH THIS! Ok, well not really I still have another 2 semesters, and I think the fact that it's only a #2 is the only thing that keeps me from being a college dropout.

It's my own fault, not having a plan from the beginning. If I had a plan and was the little planner/organizer that I am now then I would be officially done with school. But I guess that's part of the fun of it, when I started school I wasn't the person I am today. I've changed, grown and become a better /more organized person. But still... BOO school! 

Whatever happened to having the summer for fun non school related things?!? 

Rescued by Christ

How many times have I let the Savior down? Many, I'm sure of it. My Savior Jesus Christ is just who I need and just who I am relying on. I keep working on myself so I to can become better. I truly have been rescued by Christ. And while often I find it SO difficult to go to him and ask Him for help, I know He is always there waiting.

This man's message is a simple, but beautiful one. I'm grateful to him for sharing.

So Happy!

Happy.

One of my favorite words.

I think a lot of times to many think of happy as being a destination. They forget that happy is a mood and a choice.

So ladies and gents... Choose to be happy!

This is what made me happy today.

Seriously guys, I can't look at this pic and not smile. I love everything about it. His cheesy smile. His wanna be part. His awesome sweater vest, I LOVE sweater vests. And the fact that he is holding a kitten. So so funny. What really makes me happy is this...

Tonight I think I'll go and bring some more sheep into the fold at the temple. Learn about temples here.
Love you Elder Worthington! Keep up the good work.

Today I...

Life has been so good to me in so so many ways. Yes, it has its rough patches, and yes there are days I just want to cry. But the good outweighs the bad. The beautiful outweighs the ugly and the light definitely outweighs the dark. The other day as I was walking from campus to home and from home back to campus (this takes quite a while!) I was left to my thoughts - this usually results in happy or sad tears - and realized how truly beautiful my life is. As I got to where I was going I hurried and typed up a few things I was feeling. It went like this.

Today I…

Today I saw beautiful things.

I saw two birds using a puddle as a makeshift birdbath.

I saw my landlord riding his bicycle around campus in full-fledged suit.

I saw high school graduates with eyes of hope, accomplishment and fear.

A grandmother, mother, and daughter, all who were walking at an elderly pace, obviously out of love.

A mother, just like mine, walking over to car that’s lights was left on. She jiggled the locked door,  and the lights are still on.

Today I saw a load of laundry on the couch and another already in the washing machine. 

I saw raindrops on the window. 

I saw my husbands beautiful smile and bright blue eyes. 

I saw love within the temple and families united forever. 

A soft newborn baby and each of his mini features. 

Today I saw beauty. Every which way I looked. 

Those are my thoughts... Nothing to fancy, but yeah. Life really is beautiful.

Adam....

This kids mission has been out of control crazy. Keep on chugging Elder Worthington!
Learn why he is in Brazil here.

Bitter Sweet...

This last week has really been one of those bitter sweet type of weeks. It's actually been one of the best weeks I have had in a long time. It was full of all sorts of productivity... cleaning, crafting, homework, temple going... you know, all that stuff that makes life, life.

But to get to the point of it. Our really good friends Thomas and Kayla moved away so that Thomas can go to school in Washington. We are so stoked for him! And even a little jealous. But with our excitement comes the bitter part. That is that they took their set of twins with them.

It has been such a blessing for me to have the Nelsons right next door. They were constantly checking in with us, feeding us, hanging out with us and a wide array of things. They have really helped us throughout our first year being married. I mean heck, they even let us live in their apartment over the summer! The biggest blessing of all was that the more we got to know them the more our friendship and love grew for them and their little family. I was thrilled when Thomas and Kayla asked if I would be able to watch their boys during fall semester while they had a conflicting class. At first I was a little nervous because they were twins and that's twice the amount of baby I grew up watching. But I got the hang of it. (Now it's weird only babysitting one baby.) Watching the boys for Thomas and Kayla whenever they needed it was more of a blessing for me than them. I learned so much about myself, children, and love than I could have ever learned all by myself. Here are a few, of about a trillion, things I learned.

*I have realized that love is all about being selfless. At times love is that corny sappy crap they show in silly chick flicks... but love is ALWAYS about being selfless. Sometimes it's hard to be selfless, especially when you are with grown ups who are capable of being self-sufficient. BUT when you are with babies, toddlers and children it's so simple and easy to be selfless. Especially with Kasen and Layton. (Trust me, they are so stinkin' cute that you would want to do anything for them too!)
*It's ok for things to get messy. Especially faces.
*Babies poop in the bathtub. Be prepared to not only clean up the poop, but to give the babies two or more baths in one night if necessary.  
*Take advantage of all the cuddles a kid will give ya. 
*Tasks around the house that seem easy now, will not be so easy to get done with little munchkins around. Especially loading/unloading the dishwasher.
* If you make enough dinosaur noised the kids will eventually catch on and stop looking at you like you've gone mad.
*Always wrap up that poopy diaper right after it comes off or that poopy diaper might turn into poopy furniture, poopy hands, pretty much anything poopy.
*Kids love to touch the ceiling, but don't start it unless you are willing to keep holding them up to the ceiling for a good 45 minutes straight.
* Little hands clenched to my finger as we walk down the sidewalk is the sweetest feeling in the world.
* Figuring out what a baby wants to eat for breakfast, lunch and dinner can be easy but can also become a hefty task.
* Having a variety of books is definitely good for the adult in the picture. Toddlers can look through the same one time and time again.
* Picking up a little guy after a nap is the best time of day. (Why? That's when they are super cuddly.) Waiting for them to really wake up makes for the best cuddle time. 
* Motherhood has a much greater span than your own children.
* I have a lot to teach my sweet husband about babies and children. We can check how to buckle a baby into a car seat off the list. :) 
*A mere acquaintance can turn into a lasting friendship rather quickly.
*#1 thing I've learned is I CANNOT WAIT until I have my own babies to take care of. All of these fingers and toes fingers are crossed for twins. ;)

Here are a few of my favorite Kasen/Layton pictures...

Thanks Thomas and Kayla for trusting me with your children and allowing me to spend so much time with them and with YOU! Love you guys and wish you guys the best.

P.S. Better get Washington prepared because the Dill's are coming to visit before you know it!

A good ol' funny...

Watch Christian Videos and Read the Online Bible at GodVine.com


I may or may not just love this video. :) It is just the sunshine I needed today. 

Peaks of the week...

I have really enjoyed this last week and there was one day in specifically that was the perfect day, that I wouldn't trade for anything. There have been a lot of funny, happy, and just perfect moments over the past 7 days. Let me preface by saying this list is in no specific order. Most items listed are things which I'm sure the average person would not enjoy it as much as I.

*Two afternoons in a row spent with the cutest twins and my two little buddies. 
*Cuddling with Kasen on both afternoons. He was so cuddly and I just couldn't get enough.
*Building a fort with the twins. Well really I built the fort, and they showed a little interest in it. I think I enjoyed it the most though.
*Robin Hood and cuddling. One afternoon I turned on Robin Hood for Kasen and Layton to watch, at one point both of them were cuddled up on my lap with their blankets. I love it.
*Pizza Roll pit stop to Maverik by Michael. Since I was craving pizza, Michael stopped by Maverik at 1:00 a.m. on his way home from work to satisfy my cravings, sadly the only place that was open in Rexburg that late, didn't have any form of pizza. 
*Man with the walker. One day I was in the Smith building on campus waiting for Michael to pick me up. I was sitting on a staircase facing a set of doors. In the reflection of the doors I could see an older man with a walker approaching the top of the stairs. I stood up to turn around and offer him some help at exactly the same time another girl approached him and asked if she could be of assistance. He laughed and said "No no I think I'll be ok. That's the one good thing about this walker..."(I was wondering where this was going)"... All the pretty girls always ask me if I need help." I love that moment. That old man made my day.
*Meetings with Berg. I met with Bergy Berg multiple times this week and I have yet to EVER leave her office feeling down, sad, or any not happy feeling. I always leave her office feeling better than when I went in and on top of the world. This last week was no exception.
*Chicago Plane Tickets. Berg and I purchased the airplane tickets for Chicago's Summer Jam this coming August. Not only did we get airplane tickets for the trip, but CTA passes as well. This only further excited me for this coming August. I stinkin' love Chicago.
*Colorado Plane Tickets. We got plane tickets to go to Denver in April to spend time with Lara and Katie. Katie (my mother in law) is graduating from a program she has been working very hard on. Michael and I told her a while back that we would be there to support her when she is done, so we booked the tickets and can hardly wait for a mini getaway.
*Remembering homework on Wednesday. Oh yes, this was a lovely peak of the week. Not only did I remember to do my homework by Wednesday at 11:55 but I was done with it by 9:00. Eat that Eng 325 that I always forget about. 
*E.R. visit with Kev Kev. My first E.R. visit was a definite peak, I mean maybe not so much for Kevin, but it helped me realize that I never want to go to the E.R. in a big city where there are real wackos about. It was an adventure to say the least.
*Real snowfall. It has finally somewhat snowed in Rexburg. After weeks of anticipation it finally snowed. Now, the wait to see if it ever snows again this season. The snowfall was short lived, but I loved it.
* Haircut. I finally took care of the mullet. It was much-o needed and much-o appreciated. I was pushed to the edge with my long hair in my eyes and the party going on in the back. 
*Calling Amy to tell her about my haircut. It just goes without saying that this phone call was a classic one.
* I finally got up the courage to look this man in the eye and talk to him. He had no chance of avoiding it. It was quite liberating and the awkward barrier is down.
*Cleaning. Over the weekend I cleaned like mad (partially because I was a little mad... good therapy, try it.) at my mom's house. At first I was not a happy camper but by the end of the day I just wanted to finish what I had started. Needless to say, I left my parents on Sunday with a non-Christmas decorated house and a basement that was a lot cleaner than when I got there. And yes... Amy DID help. My favorite part was discovering all the little reminders and toys of how awesome my childhood was and how blessed I have been. It really was fun and I can't wait to have little babies to tear that basement apart and enjoy all those awesome toys! For reals though, we probably have more toys than the actual fisher price company. 
*Mandy's farewell. My cousin Mandy is heading out to Russia to serve a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I couldn't be more excited and a little jealous for her. She is going to be wonderful. I loved chatting with family, holding Brian and Jenny's baby for the first time, getting hugs, and coming closer to my own family. I talked to my Aunt Jana a little bit and she sure is a sweet lady not to mention she made delicious soup! 
*Adam's Monday letter  is something I look forward to every week. No matter how short or how long it is, I always cry a little. I love hearing from him and I am constantly praying for him.
*Realizing how out of shape I am after carrying 50+ boxes full of stuff down stairs. This was a peak because I realized I'm not the fit, running, fit Jenny I used to be. I really need to tie up my running shoes and get back out there. 
*The Duke's house was an all around peak of the week. As soon as I entered the doors I was greeted with hugs, shouted greetings, and tons of love. My friend Christi is about to head off on a mission to Honolulu and I'm ecstatic for her. It was so so much fun chatting with the Duke girls, crying a tad, and simply being with the people I love and miss.  
*President Duke patting my head and messing up my hair. This is it's own peak of the week for sure. While I was at the Duke's President Duke came over and asked Michael and I how we are doing. He shook Michael's hand than patted my head and messed up my hair. I loved it and I simply love that man. He is very special to me and a real gem.
*Dry beans into edible beans. That's right, I turned dry beans into edible ones. This is not something that I have EVER done before or really seen done for that matter. So I did it. Write it in your journals, post it on your blogs, heck! make it your facebook status if you like, I Jenny Lyn Dill and really becoming quite the little chef. 
*Bananagrams with Dads. Over the weekend we played bananagrams at the Worthington house. Wayne (my father in law) was in town so he joined right in. It was fun to see both of my Dad's doing their best to create the best words and ultimately win the game. 
*Dancing with Wayne. After Bananagrams we decided we wanted to see Wayne's dance moves. So... Just Dance 3 was our solution. Wayne and I had a showdown where he pretty much slaughtered me. That's right, Wayne beat me at my favorite song. 
*Grocery Shopping. My parents let us do a bit of shopping in their storage room before we left on Sunday night. We left with some canned veggies, mac and cheese, a gallon of milk and a few other things as well. Point of the story, it was a peak of the week to be reminded that I have been blessed with great parents who never send us home empty handed.

to you....

To the man who pretends not to see me....
I know you see me, but yet you keep ignoring me on purpose. I know it's on purpose, there's no hiding it.  It's just as painful for me. I saw your hand shake as you unlocked the door today then hurried and ran off like you had no idea who I am. Well do you know what? It hurts. It hurts that someone who claims they are so Christlike can't even forgive enough to say hello and ask how I am. It hurts that someone who I thought cared doesn't even care enough to make even a small amount of eye contact. It hurts and I'm sick of it. I'm sick of feeling this way. I know I shouldn't let other people determine how I feel, but every once in a while I'm not strong enough to not let others influence the way I feel. I'm working on myself. I'm working on being happy. So couldn't you just say "Hi Jenny, how are you today?" and genuinely care? Isn't that what the Savior taught? Isn't that what he would want you to do? Just sayin', maybe you should take a little bit of your own preachin' and apply it to your life. That is all. I've vented and feel much better now. Happy Thursday! It's almost the weekend. :)

Facing my fear!

Well, I have reached the point where I cannot avoid it any longer. My entire college career I have had a looming fear about student teaching and today I began to apply. I am applying for fall 2013 (it's the next available time I can do it) and I'm applying to my home state. I might even be able to teach at the middle school I went to.... which may be even more scary! But, I'm excited for the adventure that is in store and even more excited to be done going to school, but teaching it instead! There is light at the end of the tunnel and I'm almost to it.

very merry belated christmas!

I really really wanted to send out a Christmas Card this year, but dagnabit... They can get to be quite expensive, so here is my card I created weeks ago, but never got out. Merry Christmas from our home to yours!