If wish you had been stalking us- here's your chance to catch up... creeper.

We've been married since September, and I've decided that everyone who reads my blog should know what our life is like her in Colorado

We took a road trip from California to Colorado for our honeymoon, stopping in Vegas just in time for Labor Day weekend. (It's a good thing we don't have anxiety issues when it comes to large groups of people, right?) My parents got us tickets to see the Cirque Du Soleil show LOVE, which was amazing (not to mention I got to sing along the whole time). We stayed in Vegas one night before we finsihed the drive the next day. If you want some advice about driving to Colorado from California- take more than 2 days to do it. It's a 17 hour drive total.

Does anyone else feel like writing blogs brings back the same feelings as writing an essay? Where the entire story needs to flow, and don't leave any loose ends or incorrect punctuation. So at this point I would like to thank my many English teachers- I would like you to know that I still use the skills I learned in school. But I digress...

We got to Colorado and started to work. Andrew immediately showed what an amazing husband he would be, by cleaning and putting all of our new things together. One of the many things that keeps him going is Mountain Dew- which is a wonderful thing to purchase at Costco. We lived in our little studio apartment for two months until our lease was up and then moved to a great 2 bedroom apartment in November 

 Andrew could be a model for Mountain Dew
Our dream couch- "L" shaped, corduroy, and lots of pillows Our new place is WONDERFUL! It has a washer and dryer in the unit, a fireplace, and tons of natural lighting (even though its a basement apartment.) There are windows in the front and back so we can have a nice cross breeze and a great view of Pikes Peak out of the 2 bedroom windows.
Christmas came and we finally had enough room to where I could decorate. I made a wreath for our front door, and Andrew and I had SO much fun shopping for Christmas decorations. We both agree that it is a MUST to have a fresh tree. Man, just writing about it now, makes me miss the Christmas season. We had the traditional Power family Christmas Eve Party where there was tons of food and of course; the dice game.

Andrew and some friends joined a bowling league that played on every Thursday night. it was a great way to meet people outside of church and get more acquainted with Colorado Springs.
Tuesday nights were taken up by Cub Scouts. Andrew was asked to be the Bear leader- which  really paid off for me, because  I learned the official way to play marbles, how to tie numerous knots, and was able to brush up on my chess skills (Andrew is pretty pro). Because I loved going to scouts with Andrew, the scout master asked me if I would come to the Pinewood Derby and make up special awards for each of the cars. It was great- and I got to use my "unique" creativity skills.
Since moving to Colorado, I've also had my first junk yard trip. Andrew found his cars' twin in one of the junk yards recently, and so one Saturday Andrew, Jorge, and I went out and took everything in good condition off that Volvo. Okay, so I really only helped the first hour with getting the front seats out, and then the next hour I sat and watched or played with other junk cars. There was one right behind the Volvo that we were working on, that had a couple of broken windows. I had always wondered how much it took to actually break a car window, so I "borrowed" a screwdriver from the boys and "ice picked" at it until it broke. Unfortunately, some of my hand met the broken window, and when Andrew heard about it, he told me I couldn't experiment anymore. But at least I got to break one window.
I was working at a T-shirt shop, until recently- when my mental health was in jeopardy (from the bosses treatment of employees), so i put my 2 weeks notice in just before Memorial Day, when the busy summer season would officially start. Since then, I have been working on several different projects. The biggest one is "The Ear Warmer Project". I found a video online that shows how to crochet ear warmers, and started making my own. I then learned how to crochet (very simple) flowers, and added those for an accent. Its really difficult to learn to crochet from a video when the person is right handed and you are left handed, in addition to not really knowing anything other than a simple crochet stitch- but each ear warmer is getting easier. I plan on selling them soon (let me know if you want one- they are way better than beanies because you can wear your hair up or down with them- sorry, I'm getting off my soap box) I'm sure all people can think about what a great idea having an ear warmer would be when its between 80 and 95 every day, but I'm thinking ahead.
We are planning on having a great summer and are looking froward to the GREATER things fall will bring us. I'll keep you posted.

MIM: You'll Be In My Heart

I’m not going to attempt to tell you even a tenth of the things that I experienced while I served my mission. This is more of a travel log- where I was, and who I was with, a few of my thoughts on the subject, but most of all- a tribute to all the amazing people I served with (whether I mention you by name or not- you are always in my heart).

In August 2009, I was called to serve in the Missouri Independence Mission. Immediately, when I read where I was to go, I felt it was right. Friends and family (and myself) tried to predict where I would go, but no one was able to guess that. The semester before, I had taken a church history class, and learned all about the LDS church’s past in the Missouri area- I absolutely loved the class, and now I couldn’t wait to serve in such a special place in our church’s history.

I reported to the MTC (missionary training center) in October 2009 (leaving behind someone very special). After only three weeks of training, they shipped me out to Missouri. I was assigned to my first area- the Independence Visitors’ Center and Independence 2^nd ward. http://www.lds.org/church/places-to-visit/independence-visitors-center?lang=eng#d  Although I was not called to serve in the Visitor’s Center, the Lord knew was He was doing. I now, had the opportunity to teach all those who came in the history of the Saints in Missouri. I was blessed to serve in the Visitors’ Center for 4 ½ months, with 2 companions- Sister Michelle Moody (Campbell) and Sister Margo Scott.

In March 2010, I was transferred out to Kansas. I worked in the southern Wichita area of Haysville, Derby, and Rose Hill. Things were very different there, compared to what I had done at the Independence Visitors’ Center. Instead of having a car, we had bikes; instead of spending half of our time giving tours in the VC, we worked all day in our area; instead of living in a little apartment with just my companion and I, we lived with members- the Kinkeads, and their English Bull Mastiff- Nephi. I learned how to ride a bike in a skirt, talk and teach like sweat wasn't dripping down my face, and eat as many (or few) meals we were offered. I first served with Sister Cami Clark, who taught me more than she will ever know- the experiences we had together are too special to share in a blog.

 I was next asked to “become a mommy” and train Sister Mackenzie Love (yes, they put Sister Power and Sister Love together- we eventually just stopped introducing ourselves by name- as it was more of a distraction) But “the Power of Love” (as we came to call ourselves) conquered the Haysville, Derby and Rose Hill area. We shared a friendship and energy that got us through the most difficult times.

 My third companion was Sister Cathryn Powell (Morgan) -our names were just as confusing for people. Of all the amazing things I could say about Sister Powell, I will choose to brag about her amazing skill to not only ride a bike in a skirt, but to ride a bike in a skirt with NO HANDS! This is one of her many skills that I still envy. After 4 ½ months of southern Kansas, the Lord was ready to transfer me.

In August, I made my way to Manhattan Kansas- the “Little Apple” and home of K- State. I was asked to serve in the university branch, which I did with a new excitement. I had wanted to serve in a singles branch since I had been in Independence.  To be able to teach my peers and form friendships with them based on service and love was a dream come true for me. I served in Manhattan for only 3 months, with Sister Kimberly Frandsen. Her optimism and happiness was contagious, and I knew that it had to be the two of us there to accomplish the great work that we did. After 3 months, several thunder storms, and only 1 tornado warning, it was time to move on. I was transferred to Historic Liberty Jail

Even writing about it right now, I am still overjoyed to have served in such an amazing place. I was told on my mission that I should make every area- my BEST area, but Liberty Missouri truly was the most incredible place. http://www.lds.org/church/places-to-visit/liberty-jail-historic-site#d The Lord had plans to make sure I finished my mission strong- with only a few months left, he placed in my path people that I needed. My first was my companion in Liberty was Sister Roo Adamson (Wight). A long lost “bosom friend” from my Independence days, she related to me, encouraged me, laughed with me, adventured with me, and served with a happiness in her heart that I hope to have one day. After our transfer together, her 18 months was up, and I sent her home.

 My next companion was Sister Bethany Maddox, who could only be defined as a kindred spirit. In a matter of a few hours of being together, I knew I had found a best friend, another blessing of my service. The fact that the majority of our clothes matched each other showed how alike we were. She brought a unique spirit to Liberty Jail- as she was a descendant of Hyrum Smith, one of the prisoners kept in the jail with the prophet, Joseph Smith. Her time was short in Liberty and only served there for 6 weeks. Sister Heidi Juergens was assigned to be my next companion. 

Sister Juergens was trained by Sister Love, making her my “granddaughter” in mission terms. Our transfer was full of grandma-granddaughter bonding time, she taught me more than I taught her, and our companionship was bonded by “Love.” She prepared me to go home, as I only had about a month left.

 My final companion came from right across our bedroom (all 6 sisters serving in Liberty Jail live in the same house) Sister Whitney Holbrook. She and Sister Jeurgens just switched beds and closets. Sister Holbrook helped me go out with a BANG by finding opportunities to serve and help others and best of all- dancing in the rain. My last night in Liberty, a thunderstorm came in, and after our nightly planning, we went out and danced in the rain- a perfect way to end the evening (and a mission).

I returned home May 13, 2011 to my family, friends, and future husband, who were all as excited as I was.

Service as a missionary taught me that the Lord knows me personally. He knows what I need and what will help me best to grow. He loves me, and always will. I learned to put my trust in Him. Whatever “wilderness” I may be going through, He has never forgotten about me, but instead is right there, comforting me through His Spirit. He guides and directs my life and I will serve Him with all my heart forever.

Argyle is not ugly, but it worked for us

So, I figured I should start from the beginning, for those of you readers who may not have known us back then (and for those that did, you could probably just skip this post- or if you're in a sappy mood- keep reading)

It all began back in 2008, when I was home from school for Christmas vacation. I was told that there was a young single adult Christmas party- an ugly sweater party, and my parents encouraged me to go. My mom specifically said I should wear my cute argyle sweater, instead of the grotesque ones that she had provided for me from her 80's wardrobe left-overs. ( It's always a little scary going some place where you hardly know anyone, and on top of that, to be in an ugly sweater) My parents would be at the party too, and since they knew more young single adults in the area than I did, I would plan to hang around them and get to know their friends. (I know, hanging out with your parents isn't really a cool thing, but if you know my parents, then you know that's not true.) So I show up to the party in my great looking argyle, and find my parents are helping serve drinks and snacks. I place/ hide myself behind the drink table, and meet my dad's buddy- Andrew Pastor. He was also serving drinks, and happened to be wearing a matching argyle sweater. He was a funny guy that seemed to know everyone, and i didn't have any problem standing next to him all night, talking and laughing, and making sure everyone kept hydrated.

I had decided a month earlier that I was going to serve a mission, and know I needed to start the paperwork in a few months. I went back up to BYU-Idaho, finished my junior year, and came home ready to turn in the paperwork and serve whenever and where ever the Lord wanted me. Of course, I went home to the friends that I had made during that previous break, Andrew was quickly becoming one of my favorite people to spend time with. He knew I was preparing to serve a mission, and so he held back his feelings. In the beginning of August, I  received my mission call: the Missouri Independence Mission, and I was to report October 21. Andrew's time was running out fast, but he finally asked me out: our first date was September 11, 2009.

 We dated for the next month and ten days, and then it was time for me to leave. We knew we loved each other, but I had also made a promise and commitment to serve the Lord, which I needed to keep. Andrew drove up to Utah with us to drop me off, and his was the hardest goodbye I ever had to say.

             

One Mission Later

After faithfully writing to each other for almost 19 months, we were reunited. When we saw each other we knew the only one thing that had changed between us: how much our love had grown for one another. We were engaged 4 days after I got home from my mission, and were married less than 4 months later, and I have never been happier.
And it was all because of the non-ugly argyle sweaters.