Guardian Angel

You always come, my Nauvoo friend
before the next big
                                      step -

that transition ahead.

How it is you know, well I can only assume

Inspiration.

Because it seems you took it upon yourself to be a guardian angel of mine.

So you always call
and then come many miles
to give guidance.

Always.

Every time saying exactly what needs to be said

so that I can not only hear, but hopefully

                 
                               
                                                         listen.


And feel what He would have me feel for this next chapter of life.

We must have known each other in the life before this,
dear missionary,
handmaiden,
and instrument.

One of the many tender mercies in my life:

Ode to Sister Breit

My New Favorite Hobby

Who would have thought. Really. I never loved to cook in college. More like I never actually did cook in college. Maybe in some ways, I was kind of intimidated of it; or just afraid to stray away from my basic foods: salads, wraps, cottage cheese, crackers, certain cereals. I know, super boring right? I have never been afraid to taste strange or new foods, but I guess I never truly had the ambition to cook.

I. love. cooking. lately.

It makes me think of President Uchtdorf's talk about the satisfaction and richness that comes out of creating anything: art, gardens, space, food. I certainly don't sew. I wish I could paint. And I have never experienced my own garden yet. But I cook. And the husband is purring over it all.

This was a delightful dish. Chicken satay with a creamy peanut sauce. And Jon and I both want to remember it. Oh he is so cute, he was freaking out the entire time. Bet you didn't know that humans could PURR did you? So to the blog it goes I suppose.

He loved it so much that when I started cleaning up he pulled me away from the kitchen and insisted I DESERVE a break. He wouldn't have me on my feet any longer. Now I KNOW that this is one of his favorites. He doesn't generally clean up alone. ;-) 

But for the first time in my life, I would like to publicly thank the man I once nannied for from August 2009 to January 2010. He is the catalyst of what I never thought would come: a true love for creating tasty meals. Sheesh that man was one tough critic! But now, my kitchen is becoming my outlet for my creations. And my husband is happier than ever. 

It's just kind of hilarious how marriage has changed me. I used to be a bit stubborn about the whole cooking thing...

SKY COASTER

Just wanted to document that old man who was cackling at me.

The final video of our freefall wouldn't post for some reason. Guess FB will have to do, because I must have this footage. 

Standstills of April

My nieces and nephews certainly do a little number on my heart. This little Eli, I wish I could keep him forever. But alas, to Alaska he must return with my brother and sister-in-law. I guess this void in my heart will remain until we have our own.

Overalls are a must. 

And by the way, taking little tikes bowling is about one of the cutest things in our universe. 

Sheesh this little beauty is growing!

I loved their baby-size shoes.

The great thing is, it only takes one pin to be knocked down and...complete joy. 

I am completely wrapped around Harvey's finger too. 

 Elias Dee. Such a wonder. 

Loved having time to spend with Anthony, Sarah, and their precious kids. This really was the first time Jon and my brother got to know each other!

And on a completely unrelated note, Jon has mastered what we now call the "Gourmet Grilled Cheese"

And it rocks.

Yep, eating a delicious sandwich counts as a Standstill Moment. Even that can qualify.

Oh Ohio.

Well Hello Friends.

The Ohio State University is where we are currently making plans to move to for the next four years. Considering I have never lived outside of Utah my entire life, minus those memorable Performing Arts Company tours back in the glory days, this should be quite an experience indeed. I have never been away from home for longer than a month or so. I am dad's little princess and a mama's girl, often running away to my home in South Jordan for sanctuary. Sounds like it's time for me to have an adventure such as this. Hopefully I can deal with the homesickness by immersing myself into a new life in Ohio.

Jon and I feel so at peace about this; and it is really neat to make life-altering decisions together now, rather than apart as we did for so many years. But we definitely feel guided by someone above, things are just falling into place and pointing us back east.

Meanwhile, my Mary Tschaggeny Angelos sends me weekly texts with the top reasons why the Dittos should move to Ohio. Here are just a few:

1) Rach, you will actually experience the four full seasons! (I think I will explain it in my own words: spring will decide to be spring instead of having an identity crisis, and fall in Columbus has a reputation of being breathtaking.)
2) We will see you much more often. (Mare's in-laws live in Columbus and they take that 6-hour drive from D.C. to Ohio multiple times a year.)
3) Columbus has an H&M for your shopping pleasure! (SMILEY)
4) Your workouts will be much more enjoyable. Because of the humidity, you'll sweat even more and therefore lose more weight! (However, I will never have straight hair again for the next four years.)
5) Reason #5: Ritas. By far the best frozen dessert place located east of the Mississippi River.
6) Reason #6: You and Jill (Gillespie) Mangum will have a lot of fun. I am super jealous. I would LOVE to raise my kids in Columbus! They have the cutest neighborhoods that I have ever seen there.

And finally, I saved Mare's best reason of all for last. You have to know Mary and how hilarious that girl is. But regardless, this makes anyone laugh.

7) D&C 38:32 Tell Jon he is breaking the commandments if he doesn't go there now.

Ha ha. Well Mare, here are a few more reasons we are moving to your in-laws choice of residency:

- If I find a full-time job by mid-September, Jonathan and I will have Ohio State residency, only having to pay in-state tuition rather than out-of-state tuition! Think of how much debt that full-time job will be saving us, regardless of the hourly pay.
- If I am fortunate enough to find that full-time job on campus, we'll have even more of a tuition cut. BLESSINGS!
- Columbus, Ohio seems to be in the heart of everything back east. Weekend road trips can take us to D.C., Nauvoo, Manhattan, Kirtland, Notre Dame, or Palmyra.
- Ohio State University takes good care of their students. There are awesome student discounts for broadway plays and other entertainment throughout the area.
- Buckeye sports. Yep, I said it. They may be a bit conceited (at least the hubby thinks so), but they are also very talented and I look forward to becoming a fan.
- Green. I love green scenery over brown.
- Living in the mission field.
- Immersing ourselves into a new culture.
- Becoming our own family unit. (It will hurt to say goodbye, but Jon and I will grow closer than ever before.)

And above all, because God is saying "Go." I guess that one is the trump card. Maybe Mary's reason was applicable afterall.
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