We love our ward

  Isaac and I love our ward (church organization) here. The ward is full of a ton of genuine, friendly people, and the lessons are wonderful. So far, we both agree that we've never felt so welcomed. Each Sunday we've had at least 2 or 3 people come and say "hi" just because they are super excited we're there. There's a lot of leadership in the ward, so it's not like the really "need" us, but even all of the leadership goes out of their way to say hi to us. I feel like every ward should be like that.

  Anyway, so seeing as today is Sunday, Isaac and I went to church. We both enjoyed all of our lessons. Isaac is loving his Elder's Quorum. He says that they actually talk and participate in the discussion, which he's never experienced before. I guess today was about home teaching and things got pretty animated. Isaac, during a particularly tense part of the lesson raised his hand and said, "One of the blessings I received through home teaching is my wife!" I guess everyone gave a chuckle at that.

  My relief society lessons are always good as well. I feel like they are somewhat the "typical" relief society, so I have to let myself give into it a little. But I've found that as I let my guard down and stop judging so much, these Relief Society ladies have a lot to offer. Today, our lesson was about gratitude. It was accompanied by homemade refrigerator magnets complete with the phrase "Gather here with grateful hearts"

Yes, there was also a floral center piece, the doily table cloth underneath them all. I was somewhat disappointed because 2 weeks ago, we got treats as well. I guess because it's Fast Sunday, they didn't want to mess with those.
   So, though the Relief Society is really as stereotypical as is can get (I'm hoping for an ice sculpture centerpiece next week!), it's also pretty great. Today, I was just chilling by myself (I'm not the most naturally outgoing person. Why force it, you know?) and a lady who was already sitting somewhere else just came over, sat next to me, and starting talking to me. She was completely genuine, and it was nice.
   So that's our ward. We're really excited to be here. Also, we went to choir practice for 2 hours tonight for this annual presentation. It looks like it's kinda a major thing. We're singing the Halleluiah Chorus and stuff. It should be pretty boss, and Isaac and I are very excited to participate. 
   Anyway, so that's all for now. Just a wonderful Sabbath Day full of a bunch of wonderful people.

Symposium Video

Here's my symposium presentation. I felt like it went pretty well. I think I said "um" a little too much and needed a bit more enthusiasm. Also, half way through the guy at the back held up my time, so I got distracted. Other than that, I felt like I got my point across. :)

Fall Fun and Regular Life

So life has started to calm down, which is nice. Last week, Isaac and I drove all the way to Utah and back so that I could present at this symposium.

This banner was tied up in downtown Provo. It made me feel pretty special to see a banner for something that I'm presenting in. It was a really neat experience. We heard many different speeches from lots of different people, all about Strengthening the Family. It felt neat to be apart of such a great cause that is so needed in today's world.


We made it back (with no car problems!!) late Sunday, and on Monday we went to a Stake trunk or treat. It was a bunch of fun. Isaac and I went with a Wizard of Oz theme, and both of our costumes cost less than $10. :D

I think the best part of Halloween is seeing all of the little kids dressed up in their various costumes. At the trunk or treat all of the trunks were decked out in different decorations. We even came upon and "Occupier." Haha this family had set up a tent, instead of a trunk, and had signs saying things like, "Occupy Trunk or Treat." and "Everyone deserves free candy!" It was pretty awesome, and I'm kicking myself right now for not taking a picture of it.

Beyond that, our lives have finally fallen into a nice routine. I'm looking for a job still, and Isaac's job is going well. I'm also finding that homemaking is like the best thing ever. It kinda makes me sad that I have to find a job, because staying at home and making it pretty every day is lots of fun. Just recently I bought a shelf with some left over wedding gift cards that looks like this:

I'm very excited to put it up. I decided that in the 4 little picture things I wanted to do the word "love" in the alphabet photo letters like these:

  But as I scanned through the internet to see if I could find any to copy and print out, all of them were the wrong size or had watermark copyright on them. So I got an idea! What if I just took random shapes around our apartment, and made my own letters. I did that, with Isaac looking at me like I was crazy (he didn't know why I was taking pictures), and I was very excited about the outcome:

The "L" is my least favorite letter, but in general, I think it's gonna look cool!

Anyway, so back to regular life for Isaac and I. I'll try to post a video of my presentation at the symposium on here soon. :)

First post!

So I've decided to start a blog.

Yes, I know I've started many before, but this one is different! I figure a married couple's blog is a lot more exciting to read than just my single person's blog.

Plus, it seems like a very wife-y thing to do, you know? Now I just need to write all about how that one casserole just didn't turn out like I wanted it to, or Mr. Olive has had some rough days at the office, but he sure loves coming home to a home-cooked meal every night. And things like that. haha

Yeah, that's not happening.

But I will be updating stuff about our lives. :) And for anyone who cares to read, hopefully I'll be better about this whole blogging thing than with previous blogs.

Anyway, I need to work on the layout a bit and make it more eye-pleasing. But beyond that, I hope you enjoy Isaac and I's blog as we begin this new chapter of our lives.

:)