Curran's Blessing.

Here's another update from June!

Curran was blessed on Father's Day last month, making for one special holiday for Joey. Being the first father in either of our families to be able to bless his own child, it meant a lot to both of us that he could give Curran his baby blessing. My mom and sister, Amy, were visiting that week and we were so glad they could be there for it as well. 

Curran's bow tie is made of lace from my wedding gown. When I was picking out my dress (three years ago next month--wow!) I knew I would want to incorporate it somehow in the blessing outfits for our future children. Luckily I had enough extra lace from the alterations that I didn't have to cut up the actual dress!

Curran was also wrapped in the Shetland Shawl we received from my grandma for our wedding. Shetland Shawls are also known as wedding ring shawls because they're knit so finely that they can be pulled through a wedding ring, and the tradition is to wear it at your wedding and then wrap your future babies in it for their christening (or in our case, blessing).

I remember when we received it I was so excited to get to use it later for our babies. In fact, whenever we left our home for vacations or extended periods of time, it was one of the few keepsakes that I made sure there was room for in our fireproof safe. Finally getting to pull it out and wrap Curran in it was such a happy moment for me. 

The little guy used to have a thing about latching on to noses if you put him near your face. He would also try to do it to Joey's cheek (but never mine) when he would burp him. In this instance, it kept him calm just long enough to take a few photos together. 

We love you, Curran Joseph!

Surprising Sister Aldridge.

Not gonna lie, one of the reasons I wanted to go to the temple while we were visiting DC was that I knew one of my best friends and college roommate was serving her mission in DC and had been at the temple visitors center for quite some time, and I was really hoping to see her there. We hadn't seen each other since Joey and I got married over a year ago, so my fingers were definitely crossed.

We got to the temple sometime around 10am and checked at the visitors center for Jenna, only to find that she wasn't there. I tried not to be, but I was disappointed. Luckily, another sweet sister wanted to help us out so she checked the schedule and told us Jenna would be at the visitors center later that afternoon! So we spent some time in the temple, went out and had lunch, did some shopping, picked up cupcakes at Georgetown Cupcakes (including a belated birthday cupcake for Jenna) and made our way back to the temple.

We explained again that we were looking for Sister Aldridge and another missionary went to find her. Apparently she was watching one of the movies at the visitors center when we arrived, and she wondered who on earth was interrupting her movie. Boy, was she surprised when she turned the corner and saw us standing there! 

It was so great seeing her again! It was like having a little piece of what life used to be like in Virginia. We sat down and talked for about an hour---she told us about how much she loves serving a mission and teaching the gospel in Spanish, and we talked to her about whats been going on in our lives the last couple months, and she had some very sweet words of hope and encouragement for us. We talked about how after her mission, she, Mallory, and I are going to have Skype dates so we can watch Nacho Libre and The Office together again---if you haven't watched comedies with Jenna and hear her laugh, you just haven't lived. Its so clear how happy she is right now and how much she loves sharing the gospel. And she sure did love that chocolate peanut butter cupcake we brought her---a long-time shared favorite of ours. Getting to see Jenna was hands down one of the highlights of the week!

We love you, Sister Aldridge, and can't wait to see you again!

Our Temple.

Before actually getting to Connecticut we decided to take our time and spend a few days visiting favorite cities and friends. First stop: Washington DC! Boy, it felt so good to be back in a familiar place. And of course a trip to the temple we got married in was number one on our list of things to do while we were there---followed by an absolutely mandatory lunch at Cava and a peanut butter chocolate cupcake from Georgetown Cupcakes, naturally. 

Recipe: Berry Sweet Rolls

A week and a half ago, Joey and I got cozy for the weekend to watch General Conference, one of our favorite events of the year. And, like many of our LDS friends, I made sweet rolls and cinnamon rolls to munch on all weekend! The first batch I made were a cinnamon orange roll (ten times better than the fake stuff in the pop can!), but the berry sweet rolls were hands down our favorite. 

Sweet but not deathly sweet, they were a nice change from the standard cinnamon. And despite the fact that my yeast ended up being a dud and therefore the dough didn't rise as much as hoped for, the rolls still turned out soft, spongy, and fluffy. One of my favorite parts was the pie-like filling---that ooey gooeyness was too undeniably tempting, as evidenced by our uncontrollable indulgence in these sweet rolls. I'm too embarrassed to even say how many were consumed between the two of us...

So after a little encouragement from some envious friends, here is the recipe I used, with a couple of my changes.

Berry Sweet Rolls
Adapted from Food & Wine

DOUGH

• 1 cup milk
• 2/3 cup sugar
• 1 1/2 tablespoons active dry yeast
• 1 stick unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 4 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting

FILLING

• 10-ounces frozen berries (still frozen). I used a mixed berry combo and pulsed them in the food processor for a few seconds to break down the strawberries and blackberries
• 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch

GLAZE

• 1 cup confectioners' sugar
• 3 tablespoons milk/cream/half & half
• * this glaze is from Sally's Baking Addiction

MAKE IT

• Heat the milk in a saucepan or the microwave until its lukewarm (about 95-100 degrees). Pour the warm milk into the bowl of a standing mixer and stir in the sugar and yeast. Let this mixture sit until it starts to bubble, about 5 minutes. Add the softened butter, eggs, and salt. Mix until combined as much as possible---It might not be a totally smooth mixture so it will look weird.

• Switch the attachment on the mixer to the dough hook. Slowly add the flour in increments and beat at medium speed until a soft dough forms, about 3 minutes. Continue to beat the dough at medium-high speed for about 10 minutes more, until its soft and stretchy. 

• Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead it with your hands 2 or 3 times. Form the dough into a ball and transfer it to a lightly greased bowl. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and let stand in a warm place until doubled in bulk, 1 to 2 hours. I usually place dough in a warm oven, safe from drafts and cold air.

• Line the bottom of a 9-by-13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing the paper to extend up the short sides. Butter the paper and sides of the pan. You don't have to use parchment, it just makes clean up easier. If you don't, still make sure to grease your pan. Again, return the dough to a floured surface and roll into an 10x24 inch rectangle, trying to maintain an even thickness.

• In another bowl, toss the frozen berries with the sugar and cornstarch. Spread the berry filling evenly over the dough. Tightly roll up the dough to form a 24-inch-long roll. Cut the roll into roughly 1.5 inch slices, creating about 16 rolls. Place in the baking dish cut side up. Cover the rolls and let them rise in a warm place until they are puffy and have filled the baking pan, about 1-2 hours. The berries will start to ooze and gorgeous pink juice will start to fill the bottom the pan--this is ok!

• Preheat the oven to 400°. Cover the rolls with tin foil and bake for about 20 minutes. Remove foil and, depending on how golden they are, bake another 5 minutes or so uncovered, until they are golden and the berries are bubbling. Transfer the pan to a rack to cool.

• In a small bowl, whisk the confectioners' sugar with the milk until the glaze is thick and spreadable. Drizzle or spread over the sweet rolls. Serve warm or at room temperature.

**I actually prepared these the night before---after slicing the rolls and placing them in the pan, I covered the dish and placed it in the fridge. The next morning, I simply removed the pan of sweet rolls from the fridge, allowed them to sit on the counter at room temperature for about an hour (maybe an hour and a half), and then baked and finished with the glaze as normal. With the rolls being made the night before, we were able to enjoy a relaxing morning, and all we had to do was pop them in the oven---making for virtually instant gratification!

Things Are Moving Along.

Hello!

The past few days I've been having a bit of a hard time drafting posts and thinking of things to write about, so please forgive me if this isn't the most well put together post, but I thought I'd share a little update and some thoughts.

Last night I took my ninth and final shot for this cycle. In total there were eight Follistim shots, and the ninth was the "trigger" Ovidrel. 

Doing the injections wasn't too bad overall (except a lot of bloating, a lot of cramps, and a lot of tiredness), but some days it was hard. At 6:45 every night I'd sit down on the bed and start preparing the pen and getting things ready for Joey to help me, and I'd kind of lose my breath, I guess still shocked that this is all actually happening still. I'd lay down and hug a pillow tightly while Joey gave me the injection. Sometimes the shots hurt and would sting for fifteen or so minutes afterwards. Sometimes I'd cry. Sometimes I'd think about those to whom pregnancy came so quickly or easily, while I laid there on the bed as my husband injected chemicals into my body for just the smallest hope of increasing my chances from 4% to 10%--still half that of the average woman. How different this experience of creating our family could've been. 

Joey and I have been marking the injection sites in order to keep track and make sure that we alternate sides and locations. As I stared at the nine little black dots this morning in the mirror, I thought about how I've had so much emphasis on my stomach, and yet for completely different reasons. I checked it daily to watch for any signs of infection at the injection site. I kept track as the number of little black dots grew. I turned to the side and could see how unbelievably bloated the medications made me, but remembered there's nothing in there. 

I still have more medications to take over the next couple weeks while we essentially wait to see if anything worked, but at least I'm done with the shots and I'm done with going to the fertility clinic twice a week for ultrasounds and blood tests, thank goodness. 

I don't mean to weird anyone out, and forgive me for my horribly untoned midsection. But this is part of my experience and I want to document it as much as everything else, so if/when the day comes when this is all over, I'll remember just what I did and what we did to have our dream family. 

---------------------

I've spend the last several minutes trying to write about a moment from the weekend that I just loved, but I just can't quite seem to get it out. And I think that might be because its something I just need to keep special for me. But, I guess what I will say is that I'm so grateful for the gospel and the opportunity to have a completely uplifting weekend and hear just what I need to hear. In general, I feel like I can do this. Sure, its hard sometimes, but I know I can do this. And what's more, I know that I have a Heavenly Father who knows what is happening right now and is taking care of me. I don't know what's going to happen or why, but I know He's helping me. 

iPhonography: Life Lately

Busch Gardens with Alex and Joey's dad || Pho 78 || Georgetown Cupcake disaster (our fault) || Marley is getting so big! || our new fave: Cava Mezze Grill (twice!) || Raspberries and frozen yogurt at Pinkberry - the one that started it all || trip to the DC LDS Temple || beautiful sunset || trying new recipes || wildflowers for the kitchen || we're in love

Super Week: The Wedding

WE GOT HITCHED!

On 17 May 2012, Joey and I were sealed in the Washington DC LDS Temple. We waited a long time for this day, and it couldn't have been more wonderful. The ceremony was beautiful and it meant so much to us to be with our close friends and family. But nothing is as incredible as being married to your best friend forever.

The reception went so well, and Erin, Steven, Laura, Burke & Nicole, Rachelle (of Northwest Fresh Catering), and everyone else who helped did such a wonderful job and we really appreciate all that they did! The weather couldn't have been more perfect, the venue looked beautiful, and it was so nice to just relax and be with friends and family. Its true--everything does fly by so fast! Joey and I even realized that we never had any of our own wedding cake except for the bites we fed each other. Luckily, Erin and Steven saved as a big piece, and we decided to eat it on our one week anniversary (I'm wary of year old, freezer burned cake). So Erin and Steven--It was delish!!

We had some great photos taken by Seth and Dave of The Wedding Format, and can't wait to share some of those with you when they're ready. But for now, here are a few Instagrams from the best day of our lives!

PS: see that fabulous dress?! Yup, that is the same dress that started out like this. Thanks so much to my mom for helping me do some of the major alterations and Jessica for helping me solve the last minute crisis. Personally redesigning, reconstructing, and hand sewing my wedding dress makes it even more special to me!

My Two Cents

So, I know that this is a sensitive topic, and might not fit in with what we normally blog about, but I feel its very important to address it and deal with it in an open minded, loving way, while still acknowledging the principles and beliefs that we hold dear.

Not sure how many have heard about this, but on Wednesday, BYU held a meeting at which BYU students were invited to listen to and ask questions of 4 gay and lesbian BYU students. The meeting was not recorded, but here is an article about the event. From my understanding, the event was focused on increasing understanding of and kindness towards those who experience same gender attraction on one of the campuses ranked highest for intolerance of LGBT persons. You are free to read the article and interpret it how you choose. Personally, I think this was a great initiative, and in fact, made me like BYU a lot more (as I have not thought its all some people chalk it up to be). I was pleased to see that even my idea of the cold, judgmental, close minded Mormon doesn't apply to everyone out there.

This morning, I found a youtube video sponsored by Understanding Same-Gender Attraction (USGA), "an unofficial group of Brigham Young University students, faculty, and friends who wish to strengthen families and the BYU community by providing a place for open, respectful discussions on the topic of same-gender attraction". Take a look at this video in which several gay and lesbian BYU students, as well as straight allies are interviewed about their experiences and faith.

I also enjoyed this video and the openness with which the students discussed their struggles, feelings, and hope. My heart breaks for those who, like some of these individuals, have feared the hatred of others so much that they have contemplated suicide. That alone is something that needs to be addressed.Going back to the article about the BYU event, the author mentioned a group called the Standard of Liberty. According to their website, "Standard of Liberty is a Christ-based foundation which exists to raise awareness of cultural and institutional licentiousness overrunning America and to provide motivation to restore God's essential sexual boundaries thereby protecting the young, preserving true marriage and family, ensuring religious freedom, and preserving civilized society". They even note that they see all people as children of God and love all people. 

However, after reading their article about the BYU event on their homepage, I'm not so sure they know what that means. Again, this is all my opinion, but I found their website and specifically the article, to be extremely biased and unfair to views that oppose theirs. They used cheap logic in an attempt to cut down in particular Charlie Morgan, the BYU professor who helped hold the meeting. Their remarks about those who are gay and still uphold the Honor Code at BYU were hurtful and judgmental, and not at all what I would consider as valuing "all people as precious children of God". They also argue that we should basically be supporting therapeutic attempts to get rid of one's homosexual feelings and those who are helping people cope with their feelings are only promoting immorality and social degradation. However they have not done their research, or they would know that attempts to "switch" one's sexuality in such a way (aka: conversion therapy) are ineffective and even hurtful to the individual, and only contributes to the suicidal thoughts that affect many Christians with homosexual feelings. Again, I will let you read it for yourself and draw your own conclusions. 

So after spending quite a bit of time researching all of this (which consequently, meant not doing my homework once again), there are just a couple things I want to say. In general, I am not a very extremist person, and I "pride myself" in my ability to think open-mindedly and consider various opinions (something I learned from my mom). I also work to make sure that things I believe are in harmony with the principles and commandments of my faith that I hold dear--and if there is some discrepancy, I try to reconcile those things and seek to know what is right. That being said, I've thought about some things that are important to remember in all of this:

1. God loves his children--all of them. He does not use homosexuality as a punishment for that person, their parents, etc.
2. God's church is ordered. Nothing will change--specifically doctrine on homosexuality and marriage--without divine revelation to those appointed to oversee the church and its members. 
3. God still speaks to His prophets. If, for reasons we can't comprehend, God in His wisdom decides to change something, He will do so through his prophets. That being said, their are fundamental, unchangeable truths that church standards are based, and those will not change. People don't need to worry that because of "these gays", the church will institute gay temple marriage. 
4. When we go to sunday school or listen to church leaders, we must remember that we must teach correct principles, but be compassionate towards everyone. We don't know where people have been or where they are going, but can only see people for who they are now. But in order to continue to have the fullness of the Lord's church on earth, correct principles must be taught.
5. Groups like the Standard of Liberty are not the voice for the church, and people would be wise to remember that. Likewise, all members are entitled to their own opinion, but it does not reflect the ultimate views of the Church (and please remember this applies to this blog too!). To know exactly what the church believes, one should go straight to the source.
6. Those who express their views in the forum and the the video are not going against church doctrine. Further, I don't believe they are calling for a change to church doctrine. They simply want to be understood and to help others who are like them to lead happy lives as strong, faithful members of the Church.
7. As explained by Dallin H. Oaks (link at the end), a way in which we can understand the struggle of homosexual thoughts is that it is a trial that a person has. Just like my trial is anxiety and depression, and another person's might be alcohol, some people must fight homosexual thoughts and feelings. We cannot know yet why people have some trials that they have, and we certainly cannot assign punishment or assume they are a bad person. We are not like God and do not know all.
8. Since we don't know everything, our only choice is to love those around us. We can indeed support and love those with homosexual thoughts without condoning homosexual behavior. In fact, the distinction must be clear that thoughts and behavior are not the same. God's standard is the same for everyone, straight or not. Acting on sexual feelings outside of marriage is inappropriate for anyone. But if a person has homosexual feelings toward someone, but doesn't act on them, they have not sinned. In the Handbook of Instruction for Church Leaders (link at the end), it is clear in the differentiation between thoughts and behavior. 
9. Being supportive of someone with homosexual feelings doesn't mean that they will try to "turn you gay" or push their lifestyle on you. It does not mean you are a bad church member or have sinned yourself. On the contrary, our judgment of others, rather than our love and support, will condemn us (Dieter F. Uchtdorf, April 2012)
10. One who identifies as homosexual is in no way less of a human being, less of a church member, or less of a child of God. If they follow the commandments (that again, are asked of straight people too), then they can serve in the Church and also receive temple ordinances. 

If you are still reading, kudos to you! I know this was a lot. But this is a topic I feel strongly about. I am a straight woman with a testimony of the church--which includes knowing that God loves his children! The hatred and judgment I have seen from some other church members towards homosexuals is heart breaking to me. I struggled with this in high school because I went to school with some homosexuals who were more Christlike in their behavior (as kind, loyal, charitable, nonjudgmental people) than kids I went to seminary with. In my mind, that happens when there is not a clear understanding of the church's stance and other aspects of the church's doctrine, like God's love, the order of the kingdom, and the process of revelation. I can see some people being horribly offended by my calling a homosexual Christlike in their behavior. But I truly believe that this is possible (remember points 8 and 10?). 

I hope that for even one person, this has helped clarify some things, or perhaps soften their hearts to their brothers and sisters. This is a difficult topic, but I do believe it is possible to make some sense of it all, if we focus on loving others as God does, and holding to the doctrine and counsel with which we have been blessed.

Links

I referred to "the Church" -- what is that?

The Handbook of Instruction (instruction on Homosexuality and same-sex marriage can be found on pages 195-196)

What is the Church's position on homosexuality? Is it OK to be friends with people who have homosexual feelings? (Liahona, 2012)

God Loveth His Children (A booklet released in 2007 for helping members who face same sex attraction)

Helping Those Who Struggle with Same Gender Attraction (Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, 2007)

Articles on Homosexuality (from LDS Family Services, with links to other talks)

Same Gender Attraction (A Q&A with Elder Dallin H. Oaks and Elder Lance B Wickman)

General Conference

The 181st Semiannual General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is what I'll be watching this weekend! I am so ready for the uplifting weekend that is General Conference.

Some links to share the love:

Learn who we are

The official LDS website

Watch General Conference on your computer

Read previous conference talks

General Conference has something for everyone, by Jeffrey R. Holland

Enjoy!

181st Semi-Annual General Conference

Watch & Enjoy.

My General Conference Weekend

General Conference was this weekend, and boy was I excited. Its even better going to an LDS school because professors give us a break from homework, and everybody gets together and has potlucks and other fun activities in between sessions. General Conference weekend is the greatest!

....until this year.

saturday afternoon my housemates and I had a mexican dinner with lots of friends. it was so yummy and i was feeling so satisfied and ready to watch the second saturday session.

and then it began.

i was walking out the door and noticed my stomach was starting to hurt. by the time i got to the chapel i felt so sick! i went to the bathroom thinking i was going to throw up, but after 20 minutes of waiting over the toilet, i only felt even sicker. i went back to the chapel and tried to listen, but i only got halfway through one talk when i decided i needed to go home. mallory walked me home and luckily we have byu tv in our apartment so i could watch the rest, but i was too busy throwing up that i didn't really get to watch any of it.

the rest of the night i stayed curled up in a ball on the couch, just begging for the pain to go away and to stop getting sick! Man was it terrible. i hate throwing up! i seriously cry every time. and i threw up like 15 times! needless to say, many tears were shed.

thank goodness i was able to fall asleep and didn't get sick the rest of the night. i woke up sunday morning feeling tired and empty, but the pain had gone away, so i was so grateful! after taking it slow and munching on some crackers and sipping apple juice, i was able to eat an actual meal at dinner, and i think whatever was in my system is finally out. thank goodness!

BUT, my whole point in telling this story, is to share this:

The Best 'Feel Better' Gift Ever.

my best friend Mallory made me a video to make me feel better, and it is quite possibly one of my favorite things ever. Your are the best, Mal!!