I have been so content lately. I really feel like life is full of so many blessings. Even with stressors abounding I have been able to put things in perspective and remain calm. I feel like I have learned so much over the last few years. I have learned I do not need to apologize–I am doing good things. My degree may *only* be a general studies major but I am loving it! I am learning to deal with anxiety and stress. When things start to pile up I can decide what is most important and not be disappointed when I can only do so much the way I would like. Perfection to me is really transforming its meaning in my head to being complete not flawless. I am learning I am capable of really great things but that those things need not define my worth. I am learning to appreciate what people think of me but not to put too much stock in their opinions. Hopefully all this peace and contentment will not be too easily swept away by the life changing events we have coming up!

We are trying so hard to teach Eden about good coping mechanisms. We have to keep learning them even as adults.

So much of the happiness I have now seems to be a direct result of the things I am learning about life and about being me… Those areas of growth really seem to be correlated with Chad being with me. I went back and read our wedding website. When I talked about Chad it says, “Just being around him elevates me.” I had no idea how true that was and would be. I am not a big believer in soul mates or only one perfect match for romantic relationships, but I can honestly say that having Chad as my husband makes it obvious that Heavenly Father knows exactly what I need in a spouse.