The Last Week: Part 2... Dooms day(s)

Okay The Last Week: Part 2. 

Man was the last few days rough but I'll go int more detail about them later. Lets start with the week end. 

October 16th-18th 2014

Well the 16th was a Thursday, We went to dinner with his family at Iggy's sports grill and watched a bit of the Giants Vs. Cardinal game.

 I had my first taste of Calamari. It was good. Than we went and watched Box Trolls. It was a really good movie. Super Cute! After the movie we walked around the university village area, Ran into my Grandma, and DANCED! I love dancing with him. It was a romantic Evening. 

Friday, the 17th I didn't see him. My parents and family were out of town for fall break. I stayed home because this would be my last weekend with him for 2 years. So Friday, like I said I didn't see him. But I did get to finish his "Open When..." Letters that was great! I also Hiked the Y while it was lite and that was way cool. Something I wanted to do on my "List". 

Saturday: The 18th, Our 9 Month anniversary. We rode the train up to Salt Lake City. Went to the Planetarium. Walked around Temple Square. Walked around City Creek. I forgot I had his promise ring in my finger and he saw it on the was home. He Loved it! I was so happy! I was even more happy that it fit! woo, I was worried. I gave him a CTR ring so he can remember to put the Lord and His work first. Than engraved on the inside I put <3 Ladybug. Ladybug if you didn't know was the NickName he gave me one day at school. We than  Came home, I took him to his favorite restaurant. Yamatos. He loves that place! I gave him his open when letters. He had made me open when letters too! I get to open my first one tomorrow. I can't wait to read them and write him and all of that Sappy stuff hahaha( but don't worry I wont take away from the Lord) We went to chuck -e- cheeses so he could play a game he has been wanting to play for awhile he said goodbye to Dante and Alissa (both good friends of ours) we  Watched a movie. Cuddled. and just enjoyed each others company. One of the greatest days of my life. 

 Sunday came and we talked on the phone that night. It was so good to hear him. I'm going to miss that the most I think. Just hearing his voice.

 Then Came....

October 20th-21st 2014

 I said goodbye to the love of my life and best friend yesterday. That was HELL. I felt like a part of me died inside. A part of me was torn out and taken away. My heart is with him and always will be. It was just SO HARD to go through that. He brought over a HUGE box of clothes, jackets, T-Shirts, the tank top I hate haha and His AXE. I love it. I wore his captain America Shirt today. Then we started our walk down memory lane.  We went to the place where we had our first date. The Scera Shell Park. We weren't dating at the time but that was the first date we ever went on. Anyways we went there and talked. Then we went to the temple where he gave me my ring. So we went to the first and "last" (not really) date places.  

Then we said our good byes. I was in hysterics. I have never ever cried that hard in front of someone I loved (other than my parents). I felt so bad. I didn't want to make it any hard for him. Once he left and I went in side. I ran to my dad and mom and lost it once again. I felt like I wanted to rip my heart out and just die. I did not want to feel that pain. 

We had our last phone call last night too, where we just cried and talked together. That helped so much, just hearing him for the last time and knowing he loves me. He sent me a voice recording so when ever I need to hear his voice I can listen to that and let me tell you, I will be listening to it often. 

So that was Day 0. (forever known as dooms day in my heart)

Today is Day 1. Today was easier, I could actually talk about him with out crying. I could think about him with out crying. I got so excited to email him today. I already have so much to tell him. I'm going to the post office or BYU bookstore to buy stamps so I could send him so many letters. I am just so excited to see what this new adventure has to offer! Yes I know it will be hard. But I know I can do it!  With the help of my heavenly father. :)

 I'm Just a girl in love with her best friend, A girl who can't wait to hear from her missionary, A girl who is excited to serve the lord in 6 months, A girl who can't wait to see what happens next.

The Last week: Part 1

Well it's here, The Last Week: Part 1.( Part two will be after he is gone) I have with the love of my life for two years. It's so crazy to think that he leaves in 9 days. I never thought this day would come. But here it is. One week. I a so excited and proud of him. He is such a great example to me. I know he will be a great missionary. I want to make this week speacial for him. But he also has time with his family so Saturday is my day with him. I can't wait! I want to just give my full attention to him and no one or anything else. 

      So.... I'm going to go a little tangent and tell you a story, Now about a month ago him and I were helping out a friend of ours ( Alissa Lopez). She was doing a scavenger hunt for her missionary Elder Johnson. Let me just say it was super cute. She has balloons and a note at each place. Chance and I were stationed at the Provo Temple. Super romantic :) We got there and sat down on a bench with the balloons and note for Elder Johnson. As soon as we sat down Chance said " I just got really nervouse." I was confused... "why?" I asked. He got off the bench, down on one knee and pulled out my promise ring he had made. That's right HE MADE MY PROMISE RING! " Gabby will you marry me?" "YES!" now, I know what you are thinking " well he asked you to marry him so you guys are engaged." Yes and no, we are promised to each other which is like an engagement, but we are not engaged. Just promised to each other. I'm not planning a wedding, although Pinterest might say other wise haha but Chance and I are giving our selves to the lord for two years,  than to each other for eternity. 

    Now the big question "did you get him a promise ring?" Yes, I got him a promise ring too, a CTR ring. To make it more personal I engraved the inside of it with my nickname he gave me :) Ladybug. I was having a really hard time deciding if I should get him a CTR ring or just a band, But I decided His mission is about the lord not me I want to lord to be his first Priority, I want him to know that I will always support him and think of him. I will always love him. I can't wait for him to go on this adventure. To bring people and himself closer to Christ. This week is going to be hard, knowing that everyday I get closer to saying good bye. Every moment I spend with him will be precious. They will be savored. I love him so much. I am so excited to hear from him, receive letters and send letters to him. It really is going to be a great two years!

Preparing to serve

     So as you know I am planning on serving a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. (if you didn't know that read the post called "my call to serve") It hasn't really hit me until this past month that my time is getting closer! I am so excited. As you know too, I have a Boyfriend who will be serving in the Germany Frankfurt mission (if you know anyone in that mission now let me know!) I can't be more proud of him and excited for him. But back to this month, on October 7th I woke up feeling like the day was going to be different, but I didn't know why until I looked at the date. October 7th 2014, 7 months until my availability date! I am so happy, I get to start my mission papers next month!  I have gotten a lot of questions or doubts as to why I "really" want to serve a mission. 

" It's just because your boyfriend is leaving and you think it will make that time go faster." 

"Why do you want to serve a mission? it just seems like a huge sacrifice to go out and not really know if you are going to convert anyone." 

"You want to be a teacher! if you go on a mission you have to put 18months of school on hold." 

I will confess I have had all of these questions or doubts in my mind at one point or another. Going on a mission will make the time Chance and I are apart go faster. It is a HUGE sacrifice to go out, and it's true I don't know if I will convert anyone. I do have to put 18months of my life on hold. But to be honest, I don't care. I am going on a mission to share Christs love. I want to remind people what life is really about. I want to share with families that their family can be together forever. I don't know if I am going to "convert" anyone, but I do know that I will change the lives of many. Sharing the great message of the gospel to so many people, no matter if they reject it or not, will have an impact on their life. I know My heavenly father is preparing people. I am so excited to find those who are prepared and share with them my testimony. I know God loves everyone. He wants all who have fallen from him to return to him. I want to bring his children back to him. 

  May 7th is a short time away. I don't know where I am going to be called or when I will leave, but I am so ready to serve the lord!

A Blast From The Past :)

I recently got a new job doing what I love to do. Teaching and Tutoring Kids. And guess what! I get to work at Cherry Hill! My Elementary School! HOW COOL IS THAT! YES I AM SO EXCITED IF YOU CAN'T TELL!

I get to work with some of my old teachers! so cool. :) The school recently was remodel so it doesn't look the same as it did when I went there. The funny thing is, when I went there they added on the "new" part of the school. We call it the six grade hall. Now the "new" part is the "old" part haha.  It's so weird going back through the halls, the halls I used to walk through aren't there, but it's still my school.

I have so many memories when I walk in those doors, Playing on the play ground, Art class, Music Class, Computer class, The Gingerbread man hunt, The Renaissance fair, Guys and Dolls Jr. hahaha Oh man, all the boys I used to have a crush on! I was teased for liking a new boy every week! But that's Elementary :).

  

I have never been so excited to have a job! I was so nervous to get this job, I REALLY REALLY REALLY wanted it and when I was offered the job on the spot I almost yelled my yes hahaha! I started on September 2nd and it was so much fun! I have had a great experience working with all the students and my old teachers. Everyday I get even more excited to become a teacher. 
I will admit it's weird calling my old teachers by their first names now, I am so used to calling them Mr. or Mrs. But now that I work basicily beside them, Its just a bit weird.

It's going to be throw back Thursday EVERYDAY!! HAHAHA 

I SURVIVED!

I SURVIVED MY FIRST DAY OF COLLEGE!

Wow, was today an amazing day! I started my day with my mission prep class. I have a great teacher and a great class! I was surprised by how many students didn't really have mission plans but were still taking the class, IT'S GREAT! This class is so much fun, after today, I am even more excited to serve a mission. 

I than had a great work out getting to my next class. I have institute on one side of campus than my math class on the other side of campus. A 15 minute walk I have to make in 5..... boy.... I better look good after this semester ;) I'll be honest I was late to my math class but my professor is awesome!  She is so understanding and so funny. I know I will have fun in her class. 

BREAK TIME! My 2nd class ends at 10:50 and I don't have a class until 1:00 so I have about 2 hours of free time. I am so glad I have that free time because I can use that time to study and work on my online class. I can also eat and just rest. IT'S GREAT! 

Than, English. My professor looks like Sybill Trelawney (for all you harry potter fans out there).

I KID YOU NOT! She even kinda acts like her too. It's awesome. English is the one class I actually need a text book in. That's great! Less money to spend on text books.  

So, I love college. I couldn't have survived today if it weren't for my Heavenly Father, My Family and My Friends. I woke up this morning to a cute little note from my brother Sam. My mom told me he was worried about me, that he was crying because he was going to miss me while I am in my mission.  SO CUTE!  It made me cry. Again I'll be honest with you I was so scared about starting college last night.To the point I couldn't sleep well, I was shaking, crying and everything else. I was a mess! But after all my moms encouragement, My dad's blessing, Sam's note, a Young Womens' leader posting on my FB wall, and finally the faith I had in my Father in Heaven, I SURVIVED!

My Next Chapter

Here it goes. I start my first semester of college TOMORROW! So many emotions are running through me. I am scared, excited, nervous, anxious, stressed, crazy, calm, blessed, peaceful, EVERY EMOTION you can think of I have going on! I can't even express what I am feeling because there are so many things to express. But the underling emotion I am feeling is stress. I have so much going on, so much change, I don't even know where to start. I am scared. I don't know how I can deal with all of these change, but I have too. 

     Today though, was a much needed day of reminders. I had the opportunity to go to a close friends Mission Farewell. He talked about the power of the atonement. How Christ not only suffered for our sins but also for the hard times we would go through. How the atonement changed him and how it can change all of us. We shouldn't just think about the atonement one day a week, we should think about His great sacrifice everyday. Christ knows each of us personally, He bled and died for ME. for YOU. He has felt every feeling I have felt and understands me COMPLETELY.  I am so grateful for my friend Elder Johnson, and his great reminder of the atonement. 

 I also had a great lesson in Relief Society, based on the talk Bear Up Their Burdens with Ease by Elder David A. Bednar. It talks about the burdens we carry, and the load we have to bear. there's a qoute saying 

" Each of us also carries a load. Our individual load is comprised of demands and opportunities, obligations and privileges, afflictions and blessings, and options and constraints."

 I was thinking a lot about my load to carry, My demands, opportunities, obligations, privileges, afflictions, blessings, options, and constraints. We mad a list of each of those. Than we were asked the questions " Is the load I am carrying producing the spiritual traction that will enable me to press forward with faith in Christ on the strait and narrow path and avoid getting stuck?, is the load I am carrying creating sufficient spiritual traction so I ultimately can return home to Heavenly Father?"

 I reviewed everything on my list and realized that not everything is helping me obtain my Spiritual goals. I am not doing everything I can to get closer to my Father in Heaven. I spend to much time on my phone, FaceBook, Instagram, Pinterest. ETC. I need more time growing closer to my Father in heaven. After reviewing my list more I realized all the things that I am stressing about are things that I can lay at the lords feet. He can help me with my load. My favorite quote from this talk is 

" There is no physical pain, no spiritual wound, no anguish of soul or heartache, no infirmity or weakness you or I ever confront in mortality that the Savior did not experience first. In a moment of weakness we may cry out, “No one knows what it is like. No one understands.” But the Son of God perfectly knows and understands, for He has felt and borne our individual burdens. And because of His infinite and eternal sacrifice (see Alma 34:14), He has perfect empathy and can extend to us His arm of mercy. He can reach out, touch, succor, heal, and strengthen us to be more than we could ever be and help us to do that which we could never do relying only upon our own power. Indeed, His yoke is easy and His burden is light."

He understands me, my yoke is made easy by him. I am so grateful for all those people who have made my burden light. who have loved me for everything. I am mostly grateful for my Savior and His sacrifice for ME. His love for Me. and for helping me carry my yoke. I am ready to start this new chapter, with Christ on my side.  I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

"Life isn't Measured in how many breaths we take, but Measured in moments that take our breath away...." :)

     Through out my life I have found my self counting the seconds, minutes, and hours to something. Whether it be to go somewhere, to leave something, to finish something, or to start something. 

I forget about the now. 

     Only in the NOW are we able to experience the moments that take our breath away. 

I can't help but think about a few experiences that have taken my breath away and I hope it's okay that I share a few. 

The one that came to mind is my Senior Trip to Bear Lake. I had so much fun! I was with my best friend Alissa, My love Chance and our friend Josh. With my grandma as a chaperone. :) I think it's safe to say for all of us we had a blast! 

We had a cave tour, 

Went to the lake

Went to a Play House,

Rode a four person Bike,

 

Went on a walk on a Board Walk,

 Shopped,

  and just relaxed...

 Every moment spent with them were adventures, a moment that took my breath away I gained such great memories that week I will never forget. 

     Look at the moments in your life and remember what took your breath away. Don't count down the minutes to when you can leave or stop doing something. Look at the Now. Cherish each moment you have, You aren't going to have that moments again.