Timing is EVERYTHING.

On November 16th, 2011 a big white envelope from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints was in my mailbox. I couldn't believe that little old me had been called to serve a mission. I carried it around with me all day as I waited for friends and family to be there as I opened it. South Korea, February 22, 2012. WHAT? I was so humbled to have such an amazing call and I immediately began preparations. Or so I thought.

People always say that timing is EVERYTHING. Well, I truly believe that now. A few weeks had passed and I started to get anxious. The pressure began to be more than I could bear. I struggled, and I caved. The second week of January I was told that because of some things that had happened, I would have to stay home a few extra weeks. I was devastated. I was so determined to get out on my mission. I worked harder than I ever have before, and things just weren't feeling right. I started to question if I was really supposed to go, or if the Lord needed me here. I was so confused. Why would I have this call to serve, and then be needed elsewhere? I got really sick and had to find a new job that would better fit my needs.

That's when I started my job at Great Harvest. After about a month of working at Great Harvest, I had a good friend, Alyssa, who needed a job. She came into the bakery for a 'working interview' and spent the day as my shadow. 5 hours into our shift, a cute boy came walking in that Alyssa knew. She immediately introduced us and I felt as if all of the blood left my body. I hadn't been that nervous in a LONG time. Alyssa continued to say that this was the boy she had been trying to set me up with for over a year. I was flattered. He was so handsome, polite, and so kind. The rest of the day, I couldn't stop thinking of him. He didn't even leave with my number!

Our first date was set up for that following Saturday. Everyone thought I was crazy. "You have a mission to go on Alissa!" But something felt different. I prayed my guts out the next few days and had never felt so right about something. I mean, it was ONE date, right? Wrong.

A few days after our first date, I postponed my mission for 6-8 weeks. They held my call for me, but gave me some more time to make the right decision. The hardest decision I have ever had to make. I felt as though I was letting my family and friends down. But I couldn't ignore what I knew was right, and even though I battled it, it didn't change.

As my time was up and I needed to have a decision made, I received an offer from ILP to be a head teacher in China for 4 months. Of course I accepted. I needed this. My first experience in China was so incredible, I knew that another opportunity could not be ignored. I needed more time to make sure that my decision, Jordan, was the right one. Jordan was not too happy about my China adventure, but knew that I needed some time to deal with ME. He proposed 3 weeks before I left and was so incredibly supportive the whole time I was gone.

I returned home and knew without a doubt in my heart that I had made the right choice. The Lord has a funny way of teaching you things, and everything that I had been through up to this point was shaping me into who I needed to be. Not only for me, but for Jordan too. Alyssa had tried so many times to set us up before, and it just wasn't right. I wasn't ready for it. I hadn't experienced what I needed to in order to help Jordan and to let him help me. It all had become so clear. I was EXACTLY where I needed to be. And now, a year later, I am still EXACTLY where I need to be. Timing is everything.

A couple of months ago, I jokingly thought to myself that because I just got married and inherited two AMAZING kids, I should start a blog. Well, here I sit, writing my first blog post. I can honestly say that I have no idea what I am doing. I love writing, but not usually for other people to read. Throughout high school and my time in China I wrote in my journal almost every day, sometimes, twice a day. Now I’m married, a mom, a new homeowner, and I work at the crack of dawn. I’m lucky if I have time to brush my teeth. But, telling people about my adorable family is one of my favorite things. And this year, I am making it a goal to do more of my ‘favorite things’.  Here we go!

We are definitely not your typical family. Our situation is very unique, but we do our best and have fun while doing it! Jaxon and Kenadee stay at our home for 7 days at a time. (Friday to Friday) The week that they are here goes way too fast. Jaxon always tells me, “Time flies when you’re having fun.”  I have been so blessed with the relationship I have with the two littles. I know of people who have married into a similar situation as me that really struggle with the step-kids and in turn have problems with the spouse.  I am so lucky. They have blessed my life and taught me more than I will ever be able to account for. They are truly my best friends and they take good care of me.  They are my main reason for starting this blog. Their stories must be shared! You have to know how amazing/funny/tenderhearted/loving/adorable they are.

I like to think they are that way because of their dad, Jordan. That man. He is, and will always be, my hero. He has been through some remarkable trials and has come out on top. I admire his strength and optimism. 

 Jordan is probably one of the quietest and polite people I have EVER met. Our marriage confuses a lot of people. We are a prime example of the saying, ‘opposites attract’. I remember on our first date thinking he HATED me because he barely said anything. I do remember him saying, ‘yes ma’am’, and not letting me get out of the car until he could swing around and open my door.  He is the most self-less and caring person I have ever known, next to my own mother and grand-mother. Jaxon, Kenadee and I have an amazing example before us, and we are lucky to have him in our lives.  

Don’t be deceived, we have our days. Ok, maybe I should say that I have my days. Sometimes I get overwhelmed and I let things get to me. But my Heavenly Father steps in and humbles me. He reminds me of how grateful I am for all of these amazing things, my ‘favorite things’. And a good nap always helps J

My family is, well, awesome. We may be crazy and do things a little different from you, but we are happy, blessed, healthy, and loving our life. What more can we ask for? (Jordan knows this is a rhetorical question, but would really like a unicorn. a real one)