You + Me = LOVE

So Tuesday after work Dustin told me that he had my Valentine's present already. I was rather surprised because we had set a $10 limit and he hadn't asked me once what I wanted. I was also very excited because I love surprises. Latter on he asked me if he could just give it to me now. For those that don't know, Dustin has a very difficult time holding on to a present until the day you're supposed to give it. We go through this with my birthday, anniversary, and Christmas. At first I went through my normal "No just wait a few more days", but after much persistence from Dustin I finally gave in and said fine you can give it to me now. When he came into the room with a rather large Nordstroms box I had a feeling he didn't stay within our $10 limit. Because honestly what can you even buy from Nordstroms for $10? I opened the box and found the beautiful Coach purse that I had previously told him I was so in love with, but of course had no real intentions of buying. My sweet husband continued to tell me that it was to show how much he appreciated me and all I do for him. I was so overwhelmed!

I still get gitty everytime I look at it! It will be a constant reminder of how lucky I am to have such an amazing husband! Dustin and I have been married for just over 2 1/2 years and it gets better everyday. I still get gitty when I look at him too. He has been by my side through good times and bad times and I couldn't imagine my life without him. He is so smart, loving, helpful with household chores, motivated, and so funny! He is always trying to make me laugh, even when I don't really want to laugh, but always end up laughing anyway. I am so greatful for every day I get to spend with him. He is truly one of the biggest blessings in my life!

Us on Valentines Day. When Dustin saw this picture he said that my shirt made it look like I didn't have boobs like an optical allusion. I told him that's exactly what a girl wants to hear. Oh my husband always trying to make me laugh. Some times it doesn't quite work! :)

Blessings through Books

So lately I've been in such a reading mood. That's all I want to do is just read. My friend Lauren was kind enough to let me borrow a few because Dustin told me I've been going through the ones I've bought too quickly that I can't buy anymore for a while. I personally don't think it's a waste of money to buy books, but whatever. Pick your fights right? So in the pile of books Lauren brought me the book "The Book Thief" really stood out to me. I read just enough of the back to find out it took place in Nazi Germany. (Side note: I hate reading the back of books or the synopsis of books because I like to go into a book not knowing what's going to happen.) I really love reading books about the Holocaust. I'm not sure what it is, but I love them. And this book added to my love. It was really one of the best books I have ever read. It's a very clever, engaging, well-written book. Since it takes place in Nazi Germany there are a lot of heart wrenching things that happen. Things I couldn't imagine having to go through. It made me feel like the things I've been going through lately really aren't nearly as bad as having a leader that finds certain people inferior enough to murder them in horrific ways and try to make you go a long with it. Having air raids and the daily possibility of losing your home, your life or the lives of your loved ones. I've been complaining a lot lately about how we still live in Utah. I've pretty much acted like living in Utah is the most terrible thing I could have happen to me. (Because driving through a snow storm has become one of my worst nightmares.) After reading this book it makes me so great full that I live when and where I do and not during this horrible time. I think Heavenly Father knew that my heart wouldn't be able to handle seeing so many innocent people suffer in such a way. It makes me feel better, if only a little bit, about living in Utah. Even thought I still hope everyday Dustin will get a job that will take us out of this freezing cold place.

I've also been trying to focus more on staying positive and seeing the good in every situation. And what better place to turn than to the gospel. My friend Kassandra let me borrow the book 'If Life Were Easy It Wouldn't Be Hard" by Sheri Dew.

I highly recommend this book to anyone that is having a hard time with anything. It really helps you look at life in an eternal prospective. It teaches of true happiness and not just temporal happiness. It's reminded me of basic truths that seem to get forgotten in the busy rush of life. I really feel like Heavenly Father found the perfect way to help me or "speak" to me and that is through books. I am so thankful that He knows each and every one of us well enough to deliver a message specific to me and what He knew I would understand best. Now it's just up to me to put what I've learned into action!