What Matters Most

    Looking back on this new year of 2012 so far, it is so hard to believe that it is already February! Brian and I have been so busy with our last semester of school and trying to stay on top of all the homework! Brian is working hard with his on-campus jobs and helping to keep me sane.  For my major it requires a practicum which is kind of like an internship. I am doing it at a place in Logan called CAPSA (Community Abuse Prevention Service Agency). CAPSA works with victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and providing education about preventing violence in the community.
    I really love working here. I am here every day and I just love feeling like I am making a difference in someone's life. I've been telling Brian lately that since I got married before I could go on a mission, the Lord sent me to CAPSA. I feel like this is my mission and that I'm making a big difference to some of these people here. I got Brian to volunteer with me too and so we've been going through the 40 hour training which is every night from about 5:30-9:30. It's a long time to be there, but the information we are learning is just spectacular.
    Through all our busyness we've been able to fit in some fun too!

Bowling with our friends from the ward...

Skiing at Snowbasin and celebrating Raquel's 24th Birthday! WOOT!

Enjoying the times when we can just sit and relax and enjoy each other's company...

Spending time with our Best Buddy Denise...

    January with the month of birthdays for both our families. We had Brian's older sister Sarah's on the 8th (and we had a DELICIOUS dinner) with Brian's older brother Mike on the 19th, and his daugher sweet Esther on the 25th.. and then Raquel's on the 28th! Our brother-in-law Ben's birthday started out the month of February with a surprise party this last weekend which was a blast! So happy birthdays all around!

 

    We also said goodbye for 2 years to my cousin Jason who is on his way to Brazil in the same mission that my other cousin Nick served in. Woot! We love you Jason! 

    My cousin Tiffany had her little girl on January 12 and boy does she look like a little angel. This is the second daughter of my cousin Jared Johansen who passed away on November 30, 2011 about two months ago. Above is a picture my sister Camille took of the cute little family now. Jared is very missed, but he was definitely present in spirit with Tiffany during the birth and will be throughout their lives.

    It's been amazing to me that since Jared has passed away how often I've been able to bring him up in normal conversations and share my testimony about this wonderful man and his sweet family with their strength and examples. They are a light to the world and many people have been touched by the family and their great examples of faith and strength in this time of sorrow. I was able to talk to my cousins Nick and Nate (Jared's two little brothers) at Ben's surprise party. It was incredible to have them bear their testimonies to me about how Jared's death has opened up so many doors for sharing the gospel and bringing the light into people's lives. They are so strong and amaze me with how close they are to their Savior. I could just feel it as I spoke to them and couldn't help to get choked up and have to fight back the tears. Thank you Nick and Nate for your wonderful and sweet spirits!

"We have great reason to rejoice. If life and its rushed pace and many stresses have made it difficult for you to feel like rejoicing, then perhaps now is a good time to refocus on what matters most." 

                                                                                                        -President Uchtdorf

    Even though we've been so busy, it is important to find time for what really matters. May we all be able to do just that in the midst of the pace of modern life. Happy February!