Joy in the Journey

I'm off on a new adventure. "I" has become "we."

So, we are happy to link you to our blog:

Tikla+Austin

Dedicated to the most amazing man I know. With love.

(cue: head turns to look to see who might be behind him.) Yes Austin, I'm refering to you. (cue: points at self with a mock look of disbelief)

Our motorcycle ride up the canyon where he asked me to be his girlfriend and I got my very first kiss.

"it tastes like vanilla"

"yeah it does!"

Laughter: the shortest distance between two people

All fancy...

...us

probably the best picture ever taken

Austin Fife, I LOVE YOU!

Draper Temple Open House!

I love to see the temple, I went inside today! There was something absolutely thrilling about walking past that front desk into the unknown territory. Some day I'll get to learn more about the specifics of that place, but for now it was wonderful to walk through that building, un-dedicated, and yet so full of the spirit. When I walked into the celestial room I felt like I was in Heavenly Father's living room, and I didn't want to leave. An enormous chandelier hung from the vaulted ceiling. In sealing room I marveled at the power of the priesthood and of ordinances. I was grateful that my family is forever. Someday I will be sealed for time and all eternity. What a glorious time to be alive!

I love life! It amazes me how many good people there are in the world. The news is always screaming at the top of it's lungs how everything is a mess and the world is coming to an end, and yet, I remember the toddlers in nursery sharing their cookies, the mothers sacrificing for their children, service projects, the simple goodnight kiss of a sibling, and then I realize that everything will be just fine. The world can destroy it's self, but nothing can kill the childlike innocence of good people who are in the world, but not of the world.

What is success?
To laugh often and much;
To win the respect of intelligent people
and the affection of children;
To earn the appreciation of honest critics
and endure the betrayal of false friends;
To appreciate beauty;
To find the best in others;
To leave the world a bit better,
whether by a healthy child,
a garden patch
or a redeemed social condition;
To know even one life has breathed
easier because you have lived;
This is to have succeeded.

-Ralph Waldo Emerson

I know for a long time I thought of the standards of the church as my limit. My boundary line, but as I grew older and saw more of the world I realize that I didn’t even want to get close! I didn’t even want to get close to my own boundary lines. It's not just about refraining from doing certain things; it's about not even looking like someone who could possibly want to do those things. Why do we imitate things we don't want to be like? We can't follow the Savior while trying not to offend satan! When I really think about it, it's hard to understand why people would ever choose to do the wrong thing. Sure I mess up all the time, but why? We all know what is right; even those who aren't members of the church know that smoking is bad for you, being an alcoholic isn't a compliment, and no one honors an unchaste woman. So why does the world idolize evil? The answer is of course because they choose to. It sure is sad. I wish I could give them all a shake and say "hey! Look at what you are doing! Don't you remember who you are?" I feel so blessed to know who I am. I don't know what I did to deserve to be born into a family who loves the Lord and teaches correct principles, and then to be put in a beautiful place where I can serve and be served. There is a plan. I know that. How else would I be here? We chose to come to this earth, during this time of conflict between good and evil, because we know who we were and we trust our Father. Isn't that an amazing thought? Heavenly Father has seen and heard me do things that I can't remember. He has so much for me to accomplish. I feel so inadequate, and you know what, I AM completely inadequate, but with imperfect people the Lord can bring about his purposes perfectly.

Favorite Time of Day

The best and favorite things are found when ever they are looked for. I love waking up super early just to watch the sun come up. While the rest of the world is still asleep; to sit down in the grass wet from last nights dew and listen to the world wake up. The birds start singing, first just a solo and then the chorus joins in. Then if you look down at a tiny patch of grass you can watch the little blades twitch as little guys wake up and start wiggling around. Then the sun peaks up, stretches and yawns. It makes me want to jump up, twirl around, and welcome the new day! Then on days when sunrise is just waaay to early to be up. I love waking up because the sun is bright enough to peek through the curtains and make my eyes flutter open. I love tying back the curtains in the mornings and letting the sunshine spill in. Then of course breakfast time the best meal of the day! I love the middle of the day because that is when things really start getting exciting. The world is wide awake and everyone is busy with something. You walk outside and can't help but wonder where all those cars are going! As afternoon rolls around there are plans to be made, and things to do. Evening right before the sun goes down half the world is winding down and the other half is getting excited. Then the sun sets....wonderful. Then stars come out...that's a favorite. then there is that time of night that if I wasn't smart and hit the hay early I suddenly get wide awake again! That's a fun time. And then who doesn't getting snuggly in your blankys at the end of a long day, stretch out and wiggle your toes, sigh and slip off to sleep.

Silent Night!

On Cloud Nine!