... so many blessings...

Lately, Jason and I have been reminded over and over how incredibly blessed we really are. As I am sure you all already know we belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and we believe in a kind, just, and loving Heavenly Father. Honestly, it doesn't really matter what your faith is, if you believe in God or Karma, I think we can all agree that what you put out in to the universe is what you get back. You choose to have a negative attitude then you will most likely continue to have a negative attitude, even during good times. Choose to have a positive attitude and you will most likely continue to have a positive attitude, even during hard times.

Jason and I had the amazing opportunity to speak in church two Sundays ago. I was asked to pick a Christlike attribute to speak of. I chose Faith. Seriously you guys. Heavenly Father has a plan for us. He knows what he is doing.  In the beginning of writing my talk I hoped that I would be inspired to say something that would help even just one person and touch their heart. That person ended up being myself. All of the scriptures, talks, and articles I read in order to prepare for my talk were meant specifically for me. It literally had everything to do with the things I have been questioning and struggling with.

It's funny how you make one connection and suddenly so many things make sense and feel like they start to fall in to place. That's how life began to feel after that talk. I felt like I was beginning to understand and receive the answers I had been looking for. Literally two days after that talk I found out that Utah had passed a law that cut down the required cosmetology hours needed to get your license from 2000 hours to 1600 hours. It allows anyone who started school after January 1st to graduate sooner. Not only was that exciting news because I now don't have to be in school as long, but it was exciting because Jason and I have been trying to make some important decisions that were being made difficult because of the time I would end up graduating with the original hours. 

I felt overwhelming peace and joy when I heard the news. Things started to make sense. I also remembered back in October when I decided I was going to go to Paul Mitchell. I wanted so badly to just start in November so I could get going, but for some reason things kept getting in the way of me signing up. I was frustrated that I had to wait once I missed the enrollment deadline, but now I know why I did. If I would have started in November I would still need to complete my 2000 hours (which makes me feel so bad for the girls who started in the November class because I will actually graduate before them...ouch...but hey, there's a plan for them too!). 

I am so grateful for my husband. I am so grateful to be a wife. I am so grateful for my family and my friends. I am grateful for my schooling and for Jason's as well. I am grateful for Jason's job that supports us. We may not have many "things" but we definitely don't feel like we are missing out because it's made up for in happiness and blessings. I am so dang excited for this year. There is so much in store for us that I can't even begin to express how elated I am about all of it!! 

People, don't give up. Even when you're feeling discouraged, angry, lost, or hopeless, don't give up. Heavenly Father has a plan for you. You may not get what you want, when you want it, how you want it, etc. but that is because Heavenly Father has a better plan in store for you. It will be on His timing, but he will bless you none the less, and you will be so grateful He did. I know I am.

... highlights and predictions ...

Time has been flying by! Almost a month has already passed us by this 2013 year! We have been really enjoying this new year so far. We have both begun school. Jason has started his last couple classes before he applies to the nursing program in May, and I have started at Paul Mitchell. We are both having a lot of fun and are really loving the direction our life together is heading.

Now, it is a little late but we wanted to share some of our favorite memories and moments from 2012 as well as share our predictions for the rest of 2013!

*Some of Jason's 2012 highlights :

I have always loved spending time with family. Therefore I love the holidays. One of my favorite memories from last year would be the thanksgiving holiday. We were able to see lots of family on both sides and share time together. We also went shooting with Britt's family the day after. It was fun to do something that I had not done in years. They put me up first with the rest of the family just watching. I had not shot a gun since I was 12 and had very little confidence that I would be able to hit a clay pigeon. Britt's grandpa tossed one out after I told him I was "ready as I'll ever be I guess" and I nailed it! The rest of the day was so fun as well and I enjoyed getting to know her family a little better.

Another favorite memory of mine was our anniversary. We were able to get a cabin up in Scofield that belongs to Val's family (Britt's aunt). It was a huge place and felt great to get away from the world and stress. Well for the most part we did. One night I managed to get us locked out of the cabin at night (we were looking at stars). I guess the story is on here already but that was one of my favorite stories from 2012.

Lastly, I would have to say a tie between the 24th of July and seeing Britt perform in her singing competition at the Scera. The 24th was a fun relaxing day full of activities with our friends Blake and Sheila. It was fun to do so many different things with them. We rode dune buggies and horses, went to bridal veil falls for a picnic,  went bowling, and tried a new restaurant called Sammy's in downtown PG. We also made homemade fireworks.

The reason I loved seeing Britt perform was because I love her and am proud to see her use and develop her talents. She did really well and moved to the semi-finals. I was proud of her and can't believe how daring she is because I could never sing like that and even if I could I would not have the guts to get in front of so many people. Go Britt!

*Some of Brittanie's 2012 highlights:

There was a night that I had been gone at work until about 9 PM and was just ready to come home and hang out with my husband. I got home and on the door was a note welcoming me home. I came in and there were notes leading me throughout the apartment. Finally I was led to the ipod and instructed to press play. I did and "My Best Friend" by Tim McGraw started to play. This was the song that played for our first dance at our wedding reception. We just slow danced there in the apartment together for the first time in a long time! I was reminded of how sweet and thoughtful my husband is and how grateful I am to have him!

My next highlight is more than just a one night thing. We have the greatest friends in the world! Blake and Sheila have always been so good to us and have always had our back. We have been through good and bad times together and they have never left our side or turned away from us for any reason. We had so many great memories together throughout the year. From riding horses, to riding dune buggies, to making homemade bombs/fireworks, to billions of different movie nights (at the theater and at home), and much much more. All of the times we shared have been fun and special to us. I definitely feel like they bring out a better side of us. I am so glad to have them!!

I have SO many fond memories from 2012 but as I look back on the past year the thing that sticks out to me the most is how wonderful my husband was to me. I went through long periods of physical sickness which took it's toll on me. I experienced losing a job and stressing about finances because of my health as well. It was a hard year physically but my husband never let me down. He took care of me even when the world seemed to be weighing on his shoulders. He is such a trooper! I love him so much for all he has done and still does for me. He is my rock. I love you Jason!!

*Some of Brittanie's predictions for 2013:

I seriously have so many predictions for 2013. I just see so much for us this coming year! I have to hold back on revealing ALL my top secret plans but you're more than welcome to ask me later :). This year I definitely see my husband getting in to the nursing program! He has worked so hard to get the grades he needs to be a qualified candidate. I am so proud of him for his hard work and really hope he gets what he deserves.. a spot on that acceptance list!

This coming summer I predict... Disneyland!! I get a week break from school in July and I am totally planning to start a trip fund in order to get us there. If it doesn't happen in July, then sorry family! I am going to have to do it over a holiday break! I LOVE Disneyland and am dying to finally go with the hubs. What can be better than good ol' Disney with the love of your life??

The last prediction I will list on here is a lot more adventures. I see a lot of "firsts" coming for us. We have had a lot of "firsts" but we still have so many more to experience! I hope to make this year a unique one. We are big on making everything really special! From birthdays, to anniversaries, to first / last days of school, to getting good grades, and so on. I see us becoming closer in our partnership and becoming stronger than ever. I love my husband and am so excited to go through another year together!

*Some of Jason's predictions for 2013:

I am going to say 3 things that I want us to accomplish this year. One of my goals is to get into the nursing program as Britt mentioned. 

Another goal or prediction is to read and finish the Book of Mormon this year as a couple. I want us to have good spiritual habits and am excited to learn and grow. 

My last goal for us this year is to save up for a good vacation. Britt is going through hair school and will be done early next year. It would be awesome to be able to go on a nice trip to celebrate her accomplishment and would be really nice to maybe go out of the country.

...changes...

Reflecting on our first year of marriage together I can't help but smile. We made everything big. Our first Christmas was insane..we spent a lot of money and went a little crazy on gifts for each other. We loved it though! It was the perfect first Christmas together. That is kind of how our first year as a whole was. We went out to movies all the time, ate out regularly, spent money on fun things, had frequent treat runs, and pretty much did what we wanted. It was such a fun year. We have been so blessed and are so grateful for the life we have been given. It's a new year for us though and a new year is sure to bring plenty of changes ( both good and bad ), stresses, happiness, and above all, it is sure to continue to bring us closer together.

It's funny how quickly things change. It's interesting to look back on the goals we had, the things we wanted, the attitudes we had, and the points of view we had before as we create new goals, wants, attitudes, and points of view. We have had many discussions on our plans for the next year lately. Trying to figure out school plans, work, living situations, etc. It has been a little hectic here in the Cooper home! It started to feel really overwhelming for both of us, so we began praying a lot about things. We realized there is no way we are going to figure out what to do and how to do it all on our own.

Yesterday ( Saturday ) we decided to go to the Provo temple to do some temple work and pray for some answers there. The entire time we were there I had the primary song "A Child's Prayer" stuck in my head...

"Heavenly Father, are you really there? And do you hear and answer every child's prayer? Some say that Heaven is far away, but I feel it close around me as I pray. Pray, he is there. Speak, he is listening. You are his child. His love now surrounds you. He hears your prayers. He loves the children. Of such is the kingdom, the kingdom of Heaven."

I felt the spirit so strongly in the temple. Jason and I both felt answers through inspirations power. It was so incredible. I actually started crying in the car when we were leaving as I told Jason the things I felt. I felt overwhelmed with happiness, love, and gratitude. I knew I was in the right place at the right time and we now know everything is going to work out the way it should. It's amazing to know you are never alone when you seek out the spirit. It's like the story of the footprints in the sand...the footprints you see are not yours but rather Christ's. He is carrying you through it all.

As Thanksgiving quickly approaches we are reminded that we have so much to be thankful for. We really do! We are glad for what we have now and for the many things yet to come. It is a little nerve wracking but I would be lying if I said I wasn't thrilled. We definitely plan to update on changes as they come.

...happy 1 year anniversary...

At 11 AM, October 15th 2011, one year ago, Jason and I entered in to our sealing ceremony, and about 15 to 20 minutes later we were husband and wife. I can't believe it has already been a year! I am so proud of us. It has been a year like no other, with its share of good times as well as bad, but ultimately it has made us stronger as a couple and has brought us closer together than we ever thought possible.

To celebrate our anniversary we went and stayed at a cabin that my aunts family owns located in Scofield. We arrived at the cabin in the early afternoon on Friday, October 12th. The cabin was three stories with a lot of space, especially for just two people! When we first got there we just relaxed and hung out for an hour or two. We then decided to go on a hike just to explore the area and see what the view was like. It was foggy and cold our first day but it was so beautiful. While we were on our hike we found a couple walking sticks ( Jason wanted to save for later to use to whittle souvenirs ) and also found a tree in which we began to carve our initials in to. When we got home we relaxed, played games, watched a couple movies, and talked for the rest of the night. 

On our second day we woke up and the first thing we see is an adorable baby deer right outside the door! I love that about spending time in nature. The scenery, fresh air, and experiences you are able to have are like none other!

 After seeing the deer and then getting ready for the day we decided to go on a drive through the canyon to see what we could find. At first we stopped in the tiny town of Scofield to take a look around. We stopped by the one and only gas station they have and looked around inside the little store there, not finding anything much. So, we proceeded to drive on toward Fairview. We drove for about an hour, enjoying the beauty of the canyon along the way, until we finally arrived. There really wasn't a whole lot in Fairview either, so we stopped at a gas station to get a few snacks and headed back!

When we got back we worked on whittling away at the walking sticks we found to make our own souvenirs to remember our trip by. I am still working on mine, as it turns out I am not very good at whittling. Jason continued to ask me as we worked on them " Are you being safe? ". Haha! Apparently it didn't look like I was being very smart with the knife.

(Jason's work)

On our third day at the cabin ( Sunday ) it was a lot warmer and the skies were clear and blue. We went on another hike so that we could finish carving our initials in the tree and explore a little more. We had so much fun! When we got back to the cabin later in the afternoon we watched a movie then started working on our special Sunday dinner. We made peppers and crescents stuffed with a sausage and cream cheese filling, shrimp, and lobster tails. It was so good! We just sat and talked while we ate, enjoying each others company and soaking in the time we had left on our trip.

After the sun went down we went out on to the deck on the second story to star gaze. We got outside and right after Jason shut the door he says "Oh shoot.". We had both forgotten that the lock on the doorknob was in effect, so when you shut the door you can only open it again from the inside. Great! Neither of us had shoes on and there were no stairs to get down from the deck. Luckily, Jason had some secret rock climbing skills and climbed down the side of the wall ( which was stone ) and was able to get down and look for the spare key. It was such a relief to here him call out " I found it! ". I thought we would be stuck out there forever! When Jason came back upstairs and joined me on the deck we sat down and just watched the sky. It was amazing! There were countless stars and we even got to see quite a few shooting stars! We sat out there forever enjoyed the amazing view. 

We headed home Monday morning. It was bittersweet to leave, we were having the time of our lives at the cabin, but we also missed home. I mostly missed it because at night I would scare myself thinking the crazy mountain man would come break in or something. 

When we got home, we just crashed. We unpacked a little, but then just laid around. It felt so good! We ordered to-go from Goodwood and had a late lunch in our living room. It was really nice to be able to come home from a trip and not have to go straight to work or school. We could unwind and slowly get back in to the groove of things. 

At about 5:30 PM we left to go to Salt Lake City to go see Circa Survive's concert. Circa Survive is one of Jason's favorite bands and I wanted to do something really special for him, so I bought tickets to take him to see them. Now, the only concert I have ever been to was the Jonas Brothers when I was 16, which Jason doesn't consider a real concert, so I guess it doesn't count, haha! So, this was my first " real " concert. It was at this place called The Venue, which was pretty small, but that meant we got to see the band pretty close. We actually spotted him a few yards away from us at the sound board watching one of the opening bands play. I wanted to make this night awesome for Jason so I went over there and waved him over, asking him to take a picture with us. I explained that it was our anniversary to which he replied " That's awesome! What year is it? " I let him know it was our first and he congratulated us then took a picture with us.

We were so beat after the concert. We got home a little after 11 and whipped out our wedding cake ( which had been thawing out in our fridge ). We ate a slice and drank apple - cranberry sparkling cider in our cups from our honeymoon. It was the perfect ending to the perfect anniversary.

All in all, this anniversary was more than I could ask for. As corny as it sounds, I really feel like the past few days have brought us so much closer together and made us really realize how much we matter to one another. We made " New Year " resolutions during our anniversary and I am so excited to spend the next year working on them. I can't wait to see what this next year will bring for us and to have new experiences and make new memories. Cheers to one year!!