All My Life

So I am on my blog listening to the song Jamie and I danced to our first dance on our wedding day, All My Life by KC-JOJO. And It made me think back to the reason I chose this song.

Several weeks before Jamie and I met, I was going through A really difficult time in my life. I remember being at an all time low, and one night I couldn't take it anymore. I was literally laying on the floor of my bedroom crying and unable to move. I felt more alone in those moments, than I have ever in my life, and my roommates were just in the other room! I remember crying out in my state to my heavenly father. I knew he was always there, but I was really struggling to accept his love, but in that moment I cried out for heavenly father to send me someone who could help feel his love, and get me through this struggle I was having. (As a side note, I actually had some kind of girl friend in mind, I was not praying for a boyfriend in any means). I continued to plead with my heavenly father to send me someone, because I could no longer carry this burden on my own. I remember having this feeling of peace, that was just enough that I could get myself together, stop crying, and continue on the next several weeks.

It wasn't long after that, that Jamie and I began talking. Now it wasn't like the moment I saw him I had thought "An answer to me prayers!" But more as time passed, as we got to know one another. As we spoke of our personal trials and successes, not only did my faith grow, but so did my love for this man. From day one he has been there for me to strengthen me physical, emotional, and spiritually.

It was the days before our wedding when I really "heard" this song. As I listened to the words, it was then that I realized that my prayers had been answered that my loving heavenly father had been listening. The words hit my heart so strong and clearly, that as I sit here listening again, those exact feelings enter my heart once more

"All my life, I prayed for someone like you. And I thank god, that I finally found you!"

"I praise the lord above, for sending me your love."

"You turned my life around, you picked me up when I was down."

Jamie James, you are my life, my world, my everything! Thank You for all that you do, and have done. I know you are always there for me no matter the ailment! And I thank my heavenly father everyday for answering my prayers and bringing you into my life! Love you babe!

Happy Birthday Jamie James

Yesterday was Jamie's 27th Birthday! We had a lot of fun. First we went to Red lobster for dinner. Both Jamie and I have never been to Red Lobster, and Jamie heard there was an unlimited shrimp dinner. So Jamie was very excited to go there. I am not a big fish fan so I had chicken. It was actually really good, even if 90 % of the menu was fish! Earlier in the day I had worked very hard to make a key lime pie for Jamie, all from scratch. It was the first big thing I have tried to bake, and I was really worried. We had some friends over for pie, and I have to say, that the pie turned out great! I was very proud of myself, and was glad I could make something that my hubby enjoys!

This is the first stage of the pie! I made the crust. It isn't very pretty, but it sure taste good! It is a gram cracker crust. Behind the crust you can see the Key limes! I couldn't find Key Lime Juice, and I was told that there is a big difference between key lime juice and regular lime juice. I wanted nothing but the best for my hubby, so what did I do? I hand squeezed about 10 or 15 key limes by hand to get 2/3 cup of lime juice! All for love and the best husband ever!



This is the pie with the filling! right before I bake it in the oven.



Here is the final product, topped with home made whipping cream and white chocolate shavings.



Besides the pie, I got Jamie and new watch that he wanted, and he was also in need of a new belt. That day Jamie also got a gift from my parents as well as a sweet card from my grandparents! Thanks everyone for your many calls, gifts and love, for both of our birthdays! For my birthday Jamie got me beautiful flowers and a new hair dryer! My current blow dryer was broken in the back and every time I would use it it would suck up my hair! So I was glad when he got me a new one. :)

Labor Day and more!

Well I would like to start this post by wishing myself a very Happy Birthday! LOL Sorry I couldn't resist! Today I am at school, but luckily it is my short day. We dont have any huge plans, especially since Jamies birthday is Friday, so we will celebrate a bit more then. But of course I cant have a birthday without my traditional birthday dinner of bbq hamburgers and french fries. I am sure I have mentioned this before but I will say it again, I have always had hamburgers and french fries as my dinner, I am not completly sure why, maybe because I liked when dad grilled things, but they aren't may favorite food or anything. Yesterday Jamie asked me, "If it's not your favorite food and you really dont know why you have them, why continue having them?" I thought about it for a moment and just said "It's tradition!" I have always been really big on traditions and what not and I guess I could change what we eat, but the more I think about it, then more feel that the day wouldn't be the same without it! So hamburgers and french fries is is. Except this year I am making homemade french fries that are baked, while Jamie grills me some burgers!

Labor Day was a lot of fun. First off Jamie and I didnt have work so we got to sleep in, which is always a much needed plus. I really wanted to do something active that day because it was such a nice day. Our friends the Colvins invited us to go hike up Bridal Veil Falls. Bridal Veil Falls is this great waterfall that you can climb up to in provo canyon! It was a pretty steep hike, but I really enjoyed it. Plus once we got to the top you could cool down from the refreshing waterfall! All pictures are curtosy of Kristen Colvin! I forgot my camera! Thanks Kristin for taking pictures for us!







These were all pictures of the waterfall from the highest point that you could climb up it was really beautiful!



This is jamie looking at the waterfall!





Jame and I at the end of our hike!



Here you get an idea of how high we actually were.



This is at the base of the waterfall. In this picture you cant tell but it was a pretty decent and steep climb to the top! Somepeople would take off their shoes and actually climb up the waterfall.

Personal Finance 101

Well I just read the sweet note by my husband, and it made my day! Thanks babe! This last week definitely was a busy one, with school starting again it is hard to get back in a steady routine.

One of my favorite classes this semester really has nothing to do with my major, but is exciting to say the least. This semester I am taking personal finance. It has only been a week, but I felt like I have learned so much! Some days I leave the class a bit overwhelmed and feeling like Jamie and I will never have everything in order, but most days I leave quite inspired and hopeful. My professor is a very up beat exciting guy who has taught all over the country as well as huge seminars for large companies. His knowledge and advice was is so valued, that at the peak of his traveling career, companies would pay him a couple thousand dollars to speak for an hour or so! He really makes you feel hopeful and empowered to make right choices regarding finances, and puts it in the simplest form for all to understand. I want to share some tips or interesting facts that I learned this week. Some may already know this, but I thought it could be helpful to many

1. 6 things you should look for in when searching for employment!
1. The company should have a good 401 (k) plan, as well as a healthy
match to that plan
2. Health insurance, look for the best plan possible
3. does the company pay a living wage?
4. Education benefits, does the company offer continued education?
5. Upward mobility. Is there room to grow in the company
6. Career paths. Could the empoyment lead you to bigger, better, or just
different career paths

2. A great tool and website that helps with all kids of debt, and makes a chart for you and will save you thousands in the process is www.powerpay.com. This website is amazing! I have not entered our personal stuff yet, but I had to do homework using the tool with fake peoples debt and it is amazing how easy and quickly they get you out of debt, saving you hundreds of thousands of dollars.

3. Did you know that term life insurance is the way to go? I didn't, but term life insurance saves you the most money for the same amount of coverage. Also the best website to learn and find term life insurance is www. term4sale.com. This website was voted the most reliable out of all options produced by a search engine by a consumer agency

I will stop there for know, but in the future I might post some other things that we learn!

Labor Day Weekend

So this Labor Day weekend will go in record books. BYU beat Oklahoma, I (jamie) had sinus problems and soon after a tooth infection. You have to love that. But, all the while my wonderful wife Stephanie was by my side and even stayed up with me all night when I couldn't sleep in terrible pain. She's a saint! I know I am super lucky to be married to such a wonderful woman. I have been truly blessed. Well, back to work and school for me.

Note to God

One of my new favorite songs is by a little 14 year old girl known as Charice. She first appeared on Oprah I think about a year ago, and ever since then her career has taken off! She is an amazing singer with a life story that brings you to tears. She started singing at competitions in her home village in order to earn money for her family. Her debut single and my new favorite song is entitled "Note to God" I absolutely love the words and the music. Some of my favorite lines read

"If I wrote a note to God
I'd say please help us find our way
End all the bitterness, put some tenderness in our hearts
And I'd say, I'd say, I'd say

Give us the strength to make it through
Help us find love cause love is over due
And it looks like we haven't got a clue
Need some help from you
Grant us the faith to carry on
Give us hope when it seems all hope is gone
Cause it seems like so much is goin wrong
On this road we're on"

If you have the chance look it up on youtube because the music with the lyrics are amazing if you ask me.