Stewart Falls

After 3 additional x-rays, an MRI, a DEXA scan, and even more visits to the doctor, my doctor finally decided that I experienced a stress reaction in my foot.  Treatment for a stress reaction is 4-6 weeks of wearing the walking boot.  May 14th was my 4-week mark.

Our ward had this hike to Stewart Falls planned for Saturday, the 25th.

Needless to say, I had a goal.  I had to be ready to do this easy hike by then.  Last week was my first week not in the boot at work.  It was WONDERFUL to be "boot" free.  I started slowly adding time back on the eliptical.  

Saturday was the first real test.  It was one of the most beautiful days we have had yet this season and the company was wonderful too!  The hike was amazing and... my foot held up great!! 

It was miraculous to think that just a few short weeks ago (It felt like forever though...) I couldn't even put pressure on my foot, let alone have it bear the weight of my body.  Now it is healed and working again.  Our bodies are incredible!  I am so thankful for a body that can heal.  

After that hike, I am itching to be back outside all day every day and enjoying all that Utah has to offer this time of year!  I love the outdoors, but who couldn't love it when it is filled with gems like Stewart falls?!

 

One Year Ago Today

One year ago today...

 I spent all day fretting over the blind date that was going to take place that night.

I taught a lifeguarding class that afternoon

and

didn't even do my sopping wet hair.

I was SO nervous to start dating again.  

I had never felt so nervous for a date in my entire life.

I begged my mom to tell him I was sick or something.

I cried when the doorbell rang - pathetic, I know, but it's true.

I heard my mom welcome him in.  

My brother, J, the matchmaker, sat and talked with him.

My mom came down and said,
"He looks nice.  I don't think he'll bite... now GET UP THERE!"

I pleaded in a last second prayer for courage.

I walked out and saw him for the first time.  He was facing away from me.  I could barely see his profile.  He was handsome, tall, and had an amazing smile.

Little did I know then, that he was the man I would marry!

I am so thankful to my brother, J, and his sister, E for 

setting us up on that blind date.

I am so thankful for my mom who didn't give me a way out.

I am so thankful that God allowed us to meet.

I am so glad he asked me to marry him.

It has been one amazing year!

Tulips!

Jared had a few days off in between semesters last week so I took one of my vacation days.

We slept in (so nice since we still get up before the sun nearly every day)

We ate breakfast on our patio

We went grocery shopping

Then...

We went to the Tulip Festival!

I have been wanting to go to this since I heard about it (shortly after we moved up in August). 

Jared was less excited to go, but still so good to come and enjoy it with me.

I knew nothing about the place other than they grow nearly a quarter of a million tulips each spring.

Boy, was I in for a treat!

It was 

INCREDIBLE!

See for yourself...

The Tulip Festival is held at Thanksgiving Point Gardens

which is made of many connected gardens. 

The one pictured below is the

Italian Garden

(I see the word Italy and I think of my brother on his mission)

These blossoms on this tree below are everywhere right now and although they smell nothing like Orange Blossoms, they are SO beautiful!

Yeah, don't worry, although it's technically spring, it still snows every couple weeks...

including yesterday.

Sheesh!

On this day though, the weather could not have been more perfect!  

It was sunny and warm! 

They have the biggest manmade waterfall in the western hemisphere.  I had no idea! 

Below is a picture of a sculpture (bigger than life-size) of Christ walking on water.

This garden is called the 

Light of the World.

It was so inspiring!

And scriptures were scattered throughout the gardens. 

This one below sums it all up.