A Sunday Thought

“Patience is not passive resignation, nor is it failing to act because of our fears. Patience means active waiting and enduring. It means staying with something and doing all that we can—working, hoping, and exercising faith; bearing hardship with fortitude, even when the desires of our hearts are delayed. Patience is not simply enduring; it is enduring well!”

- Dieter F. Uchtdorf

The Dunes.

Earlier this month we went to the sand dunes on the Oregon Coast with the whole Comcast crew.  We had a blast camping, riding the 4-wheelers, playing games, eating smores, and bbqing. 

Beautiful sunset

We all slept in this trailer.  Marty snored all night and Eric stole my covers. 

They are probably still picking the sand out of their teeth after this ride.

I was so cold.... I stuck by the fire most of the time.

Moments before Jason hurt his foot on our homemade zip line. 

Tim is the BBQ master

On our way home we stopped at the Tillamook cheese factory.  We tasted cheese and ate yummy ice cream. 

It was a great way to end our summer up in Portland. And even though there were a whole lot of boys up there, I had a great time this summer and I loved Portland.  I would go back anytime (but probably not as the wife of a summer salesman). 

Best. Decision. Ever.

We celebrated our one year anniversary on Saturday the 14th in Hermosa Beach.  It was a crazy but perfect day.  Eric took me to dinner at the Chart House where we ate the most delicious meal either of us have had in a long time. I am so glad that I made the decision to marry Eric.  He is the most wonderful, caring, trustworthy, hardworking, and perfect-for-me husband.  I love you Eric and I'm so excited to see what life has in store for us. 

My camera is broken, so I didn't get any pictures of our anniversary celebration, but here are some wedding day memories.  All photos taken by our amazing sister Collen - check out her website at colleenbell.com!

And we're living happily ever after....

California

This last weekend we went to Cali for a whirlwind weekend of apartment shopping, weddings, and family time.  We flew in Thursday night and spent the night with Eric's brother John and his family.  It was so fun to see our little niece and nephews who we never get to see, but all that will change when we move down to San Diego!!  We spent Friday in San Diego shopping for apartments.... what a nightmare!!  By the end of the day, I was so stressed and confused about what to do.  Everything down there is so expensive!  I may have had a slight breakdown at one point, but Eric reminded me that, somehow, everything will work out.  If we have faith and trust the Lord, he will always provide. Eric can always calm my fears... thats one of the many reasons I knew he was the one for me.  We have so many friends in similar situations, and although I know it will be tough, I also know it will be worth it in the end.

Here is the only picture I took all weekend.... us in front of the LA Temple.

Saturday was a beaufitul day.... it started off with the sealing of Nick and Teal in the Los Angeles Temple.  It was a beautiful ceremony and we were so happy to see our good friend Nick so happy.  He married a beautiful bride named Teal (his new favorite color) and couldn't stop saying the word "wife" all day haha.  We spend that afternoon with the Ashby's in Hermosa and got some much anticipated family time in. Our little nephew Jered is getting so big and is so cute, we hate being so far away from everyone. It was so good to spend some time with the family and the weekend definately went by way too fast.  I felt like we were rushing from place to place the whole time.  It will be so nice when we are there for good and we can have all the family time we want.

Here is a cute pic of Jered from Uncle Eric...