On This Day

The On This Day app for Facebook has become something I look forward to reading every morning when I wake up. Seeing where I've been and where I am now gives me the motivation to thank God every morning for my life now and everything that led me to this point. 

I've been through heartache that didn't make sense. But looking back, it prepared me to truly appreciate a husband who treats me better than I deserve. Without the rocky relationships, I don't know if I'd realize how completely special, loving, and amazing Kyle is. I'm now seeing those past relationships from the perspective my family and friends had at the time, thinking, "Why?!" But I don't regret any of it, because it's made me a better wife to the best man I've ever known.

I've been through stresses with school (mostly induced by procrastination). But this made me a better teacher by having to learn how to think and do quickly. My procrastination problems have been greatly reduced, but the ability to "wing it" comes in handy when the technology I've planned to use for a lesson suddenly stops working, when I'm getting the "deer in the headlights" look and need to rewind on a concept, and when a student raises their hand and asks me a question I totally wasn't expecting. The worries I had in college over classes, schedules, and graduating have become some of my strengths now. 

I have been through a lot with my faith. The ups and downs over the past years have changed and molded my relationship with God. My biggest issue has always been the trusting in Him. As a control freak and worry wart, the thought of "let go and let God" seemed virtually impossible for me. But looking back on everything, I've seen how He was with me at every moment of my life, and how he has transformed everything that has happened into something good. When I'm having trouble with trusting now, I repeat the mantra, "I have no reason not to trust God." I know that life is not always going to be smooth sailing, but I know that my God, my Savior, and my Spirit have got my back 100%. 

I'm sure that many of you have enjoyed reflecting on your past through the app, but maybe it's hard for some of you, seeing better days behind you. I hope that if that's the case, you will remember that someday soon, you'll be able to look back on these days and see how they've shaped you into being better somehow. 

Peace, love, and joy. Xo <3

A Whole Year

A year ago today, Kyle Watterud asked me to be his wife and changed me forever. Though this year has included many changes and milestones, having Kyle by my side has been the best constant I could ask for.

One change that occurred is that I no longer have the ring he proposed to me with. A series of loose stones, chipping metal, and a cracked center diamond lead to us choosing a ring that I wouldn't have to get fixed every month. I was bummed when I handed it over, but I will never forget how I felt when the best man I know got down on one knee, opened the box to reveal the ring, and asked me to marry him! One of the most joyous moments I've experienced.

Another change for the both of us is that we became home owners. Not only that, but this was the first time either of us lived with someone other than family and friends. We grew as a couple through long days and nights of painting, discovering, in depth, each other's quirks, and learning how best to respond to each other in an argument. Buying a house, living together, and everything else that comes with owning a home, has been an adventure. But there is no one I'd rather adventure with than my handsome best friend!

A year ago I was a student teacher counting the days until graduation. Now I'm a first year teacher, finally living in the moment of each day because what I've been looking forward to for so long is here! Having Kyle by my side through the transition of college student to aide to teacher has been a blessing. He was patient when listening to me ramble about education, supportive when I needed someone to celebrate with me, and reflective when I needed someone to bounce ideas off. And what a great delight to be called Mrs. Watterud every day!

Finally, the greatest change that has occurred over the past year is that Kyle and I have gone from dating to engaged to MARRIED. We definitely felt the shift after we got engaged, with beginning the process of buying a house shortly after and then moving into that house together and making it our home. But the shift from engaged to married wasn't as obvious. Of course, our wedding day was absolutely perfect and beautiful, and our honeymoon in Jamaica was a dream. But once we got back to real life, it took some time for the husband/wife thing to hit us. Over time, I have noticed subtle changes. They way we handle disagreements is more constructive. They way we go out of our way to make each other feel loved is more prominent. And introducing each other to people has gotten so much more fun! :)

The bottom line is: this year has been a whirlwind from the moment my sweet husband asked me to marry him. I fall more in love with you every day, Kyle, and I can't wait to see what this next year brings us!