Two Years

We've been married for two years. TWO YEARS! I didn't know the "honeymoon stage" could last this long ;)

McKay and I got to celebrate our second anniversary on Caraguatatuba Beach in Brazil! We didn't go out and eat a fancy dinner or exchange gifts or any of that because we considered our three week vacation as a holiday/anniversary celebration all packed into one!

I could sit here and drone on and on about how much I love life with McKay, but I think everyone already knows that. I just want to say one thing: McKay is my perfectly imperfect husband. And I'm his perfectly imperfect wife. And I don't think it gets any better than that, people. Eternity with him is going to be an absolute blast <3

A few months ago we had a friend take some pictures for us. We never got any nice wedding photos of just the two of us taken, so we figured now was probably a good time since we still look the same!

Enjoy our ooey-gooey love.

Photos were all taken by Taryn Schroedter. You can check out more pictures on her blog. Actually, that's not an option. Go look at her photos because they're gorgeous. Do it. Now.

{ Birthday Season }

I'm gonna take a moment to embarrass my husband and sit here and gush about my birthday. It was a pretty usual day: work, school, homework, etc.

That is until my husband picked me up in a dress shirt and slacks. I immediately got anxious! Where was he taking me? What in the world was he doing?? Not only did he bring me a nice dress and heels to change into, but he also made me sit in the back of the car because he wanted to be my chauffeur.

So embarrassing.

But I kinda loved it.

I spent a good 5 minutes in sheer panic mode because I thought he was taking me somewhere nice to eat. And a fancy restaurant mixed with Kayla the klutz is NOT a good combo. I breathed a sign of relief when he pulled into our driveway and I caught sight of a pretty little set up on our front lawn. He had it all--white table, Christmas lights strung up, sparkling cider, and my personal favorite: Panda Express. It was the simplest romantic dinner we've ever had together and I absolutely loved it. I do regret not taking more pictures though! I was so flustered and caught off guard that it didn't even cross my mind.

He spoils me :)









But, it's ok that he spoils me because I totally spoil him too!

For McKay's birthday I planned a surprise paintball trip. And it was AWESOME. 11 people we able to come and we had a blast shooting each other. Few people know of McKay's "curious" side. And by "curious" side I really mean "super annoying why do you do that" side. (love you, hot stuff) It's the side where if you drop a hint about anything ever and he doesn't understand he will pry and research and do anything it takes to figure out what you eluded to. Which makes surprising him incredibly difficult. Well, I'm happy to say that I managed to catch him totally off guard! Coordinating a surprise party that isn't happening at your house sure is hard, I'll tell you that. People started showing up and he was getting so giddy and excited, it was so funny!





After the paintball we celebrated with some brigadeiro cake!



For the days leading up to McKay's birthday I did "12 days of birthdays" where I gave him a little gift each day. Some days it was a piece of candy or food, and on others a little note. It was fun! Really, McKay totally loves surprises and presents, his reaction whenever I surprise him with something is totally priceless, which is why I LOVE to surprise him all the time!





[caption id="attachment_699" align="aligncenter" width="224"] I gave him the game Chronology, he LOVES that game[/caption]

I gave him a 3D puzzle, and he had so much fun putting it together, looks like it's something I'll be getting him every year!





 

Hooray for birthday season!

 

{ JOY }

My thoughts on marriage.

A few months ago while she was in town, one of my mother's good friends took the time to pull me aside and tell me how proud she was of McKay and I. She told me she was impressed with how we were making ends meet--despite being full-time students with part-time jobs. She said everyone doubted we would succeed, but we proved everyone wrong.

Then, a month later while talking on the phone, my mom said they (her and my dad) were proud of us. For a few minutes she talked about how she doesn't worry much about McKay and I, because we have made good decisions. In a not so direct way, she told me that we had surpassed her expectations.

Not many people know what our wedding was really like. Yes, there was family and friends, a beautiful temple, a dress, and presents. But I'll tell you what there wasn't: approval. People looked at our ages and judged us. McKay was 23 and I was 19. We'd met earlier that year hiking in Moab, Utah with mutual friends and 7 months later we were engaged.

The most difficult thing about getting married young was everyone else's reactions:

"You barely know him!"

"But you're only 19, that's WAY too young."

"Once you're married you pay everything yourself, you'll have no money."  ->It's called a budget.

"You should date more before making such a big decision."

"You'll regret not living up your single years."  ->Really? Are you sure? Cause now I have a built in best friend and EVERYTHING I do with him is fun.

I received a lot of negative comments from people--even on the day of the wedding. Especially on the day of the wedding. I tried to rush through that whole day--I just wanted it to be over so people would stop berating my choices. *I want to make it clear that I am absolutely fine today*, but during our engagement I cried everyday. Getting married when the people closest to me did not support my decision was the most difficult thing I have ever done. I knew McKay was the man I was going to spend eternity with. I knew it was him. But all my life my parents had made decisions for me; and their approval had been a way to confirm what I felt through the Spirit. I never imagined I'd be in the position I was. But I took all the hurtful words and pushed them aside, because I knew I was doing what the Lord wanted me to do. Despite all the pain and tears, I went through with it. And you know what? I have yet to make a better decision than that one.

Now, I didn't conduct myself all that well during our engagement, either. I was nervous and really struggling with confidence in myself at the time, and I certainly didn't treat others as well as I should've. My communication to those I loved was poor, and I regret not expressing myself honestly. I understand now that everyone who opposed our marriage had their separate reasons, and my stand off-ish attitude at the time only helped perpetuate their feelings. I certainly wasn't exempt from the judging, I found myself judging others because they had judged me, and I quickly learned that was a mistake. I didn't go about getting married in the easiest or most convenient way. I apologize to any of whom I treated poorly during that time in my life, the experience truly helped me grow and mature in a way I didn't even know I needed.

It doesn't matter that I was "too young", or that I didn't "date around enough", or that I "won't be able to live up my early twenties" (which is a ridiculous argument, by the way.) I've come to realize that my age in no way reflects my ability to receive personal revelation from my Heavenly Father. I was fully aware of the choice I was making, while others saw to it to tell me that I wasn't.

McKay and I have learned that used furniture is a bargain, and second hand clothing is where it's at. We've learned that if all else fails, 7-layer dip for dinner is a viable option. I know he'll kill all the bugs, he know's that I'll do the grocery shopping. I've learned that I'm really bad at closing the microwave after heating something up and McKay's learned that if you rub one foot you've got to rub the other.

Whoever said getting married young would mean I was "missing out" was wrong.

Our marriage rocks.

Our relationship rocks.

My life rocks.

I mean, seriously, look at my life, it's fantastic:

We've been on lots of dates:

[caption id="attachment_570" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Free Fro-Yo[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_571" align="aligncenter" width="225"] Ice Skating[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_572" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Stewart Falls[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_574" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Silly string attack[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_575" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Halloween[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_582" align="aligncenter" width="224"] Romantic Birthday Dinner[/caption]

 

We've been to lots of places:

(With a trip to Brazil planned for this Christmas!)

[caption id="attachment_585" align="aligncenter" width="300"] California Beach[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_584" align="aligncenter" width="300"] San Francisco[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_586" align="aligncenter" width="224"] Disney World![/caption]

[caption id="attachment_581" align="aligncenter" width="200"] Hiking the Narrows[/caption]

And we've tried plenty of new things:

[caption id="attachment_583" align="aligncenter" width="300"] McKays first time snowboarding[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_579" align="aligncenter" width="300"] SKYDIVING[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_578" align="aligncenter" width="225"] My first time shooting[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_576" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Planting our first garden![/caption]

[caption id="attachment_217" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Donating Plasma[/caption] 

[caption id="attachment_577" align="aligncenter" width="300"] We've joined water polo, softball, kickball, and football teams[/caption]

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QxBLKSoeV7s&feature=youtu.be[/embed]

To all you getting-married-young naysayers, I want to say: You don't want others to rebuke your choices, so don't rebuke mine. (actually what I really want to say is: SUCKS FOR YOU cause my life is awesome. But, I'm a lady.) I've grown into who I am with my husband by my side. And I will continue to grow into the woman the Lord wants me to be--with my husband by my side.

#MarriedYoungIsMoreFun

Oh, so that's what I've missed out on....

I came across this article: 23 Things to do Instead of Getting Engaged when you're 23, and could not believe what I was reading.

I laughed! Out loud. And scoffed and rolled my eyes and snorted from disbelief.

And because I'm feeling especially snarky today and particularly proud of my marriage, I must add my commentary to this article.

 

23 Things to do Instead of Getting Engaged when you're 23

1. Get a passport. Wait. Can a married person not get a passport anymore?! I just renewed my passport. Did I just do something illegal?? I'll probably go to prison now, great. Looks like we won't be going to Brazil this December like we planned, darn you marriage! Now I can't travel internationally, grrrr.

2. Find your "thing." Really. Can you only "find your 'thing'" once you're 23? I didn't know it was a coming of age sort of deal. Does that mean gymnastics and coaching are no longer "my thing"? What about the "thing's" I've found while married? Like gardening and hiking and sex? I enjoy all those "things".

4. Adopt a pet. But what if my complex doesn't allow pets? So now I have to move. Also, what if I'm allergic? No, a naked mole rat or hairless cat are NOT an option.

5. Start a band. You don't want to hear me sing. I promise. But I can play the piano so maybe we wouldn't be too shabby...

6. Make a cake. If only I had baked a cake while single... now I'll never get to since I'm married. Woe is me.

7. Get a tattoo. It's more permanent than a marriage. My marriage is eternal, so sorry to bust your bubble but it's totally more permanent that your tattoos. Besides, I'm more of a temporary tattoo kind of girl.

8. Explore a new religion. There's always more to learn in my religion, so I'd rather continue to explore mine. Studying other religions is very fascinating and enlightening though, so I'll give you that.

9. Start a small business. My future consists of personal training and possibly massage, so owning my own business is right up my alley.

10. Cut your hair. Oh no I got married so now I can't cut my hair anymore! I better find a friend who can replicate that Rapunzel braid, cause I'm gonna need it.

11. Date two people at once and see how long it takes to blow up in your face. Why are you encouraging people to emotionally damage others? I'm sure if you found out your boyfriend was chea-- ahem. I mean "Dating two people at once" you wouldn't pat him on the back and say, "oh I understand! I'm glad you saw my list on how to live it up when you're 23 instead of getting married."

12. Build something with your hands. Luckily my siblings and I were very involved with Home Depot's Free Kid's Workshops. I've made all sorts of things!

13. Accomplish a Pinterest project. Been there, done that. And I've done dozens more since I got married, thank you.

14. Join the Peace Corps. Those who do are held in great respect, but why not double the fun and have you AND your spouse join? Then you're BOTH admirable.

15. Disappoint your parents. That what your teenage years are for.

16. Watch Girls, over and over again. Not my kind of entertainment. I'm more of a Bones, NCIS, Doctor Who kind of girl.

17. Eat a jar of Nutella in one sitting. The Personal Trainer side of me is cringing, but only because I am not only capable of doing so, but willing to as well.

18. Make strangers feel uncomfortable in public places. I do that naturally, it's called my "personality".

19. Sign up for CrossFit. ABSOLUTELY NOT. CrossFit is one of the worst ways to get in shape, and one of the best ways to injure yourself. Check out what Erin Simmons, who has a Masters and is currently working on her PhD, has to say about CrossFit.

20. Hangout naked in front of a window. This was a normal thing for me, in fact, running around outside completely naked was a regular activity...when I was 2. Not anymore, sorry.

21. Write your feelings down in a blog. That is exactly what I am doing right now. One step ahead of ya, sister.

22. Be selfish. Oh look! You just so happened to list the reason people a) Don't get married and b) Marriages fail.

23. Come with me to the Philippines for Chinese New Year. One question, can I bring my husband along??

Resolutions

I've always written these down in my journal, but I also always forget.

So, I'm going to blog my resolutions, for 2 reasons:
1. I will see them more often here than I will my journals.
2. Other people will see them, therefore, I will do them.

Alright, here we go:

1. Get an internship for coaching gymnastics.

2.  Experience more. i.e. get out and DO things. Experience where I'm at as best I can, try new things, explore, discover.

3. Hike to at least 2 mountain peaks with McKay.

4. Meal plan. This is something I've tried again and again but I never keep it up. Well, this year I want to make it a habit!

5. Play a Piano/Violin duet with McKay (if he'll agree to it) 

6. Call one of my close friends or family members a week.

7. Start another garden!


Bring it on, 2014.

That One Time We Got Married ...A YEAR AGO

Hey.

On December 29th, 2012, we got married.

That means McKay and I have been married for just over ONE WHOLE YEAR.

I can hardly believe it's been one year since I married the love of my life. I also can't believe how happy I thought I'd be, compared to how happy I actually am. Which, by the way, is a MILLION times happier than I ever expected!

Here we are, a year ago:

And here we are now:

Aaaaaand yup, we look the same! No surprise there. haha.

Our first year together went a little bit like this:

School. School. Work. School. Play. Study. Test. Work. School. Play. School. Test. School.

We've both got three semesters left, then grad school for McKay and coaching to my heart's content for me!

Grad School

McKay decided on his next step! He want to be a PA (Physicians assistant)! I was pretty excited when he told me, it was totally out of the blue! We just got together to eat our lunches and he started the conversation with "So I want to go to PA school". I was totally caught off guard! But he had already researched some Grad School options, requirements for applications, and brainstormed on how to start gaining experience and volunteer work. He also called one of his brothers, who is a PA, to get some tips and insights for grad school. Is he a stud or what? Recently he contacted some Physicians in the area about shadowing, so things are moving along perfectly.

Marriage

Remember how I said that I am so much happier than I thought? Well, marriage is celebrated as a beautiful, wonderful, and sacred thing. But just as often, marriage is said to be difficult, a growing experience, and something you need to work hard at. Well, marriage is both, obviously. But no matter how much of either description I was exposed to, apparently all I absorbed when I was younger was "Marriage is hard", "Marriage is all compromise", "Never give up", etc. And I'll be darned, our marriage is actually the opposite. 90% joy, happiness, and beauty, and maybe, MAYBE, 10% hard work. That's how easy McKay is to get along with. Alright, alright, throw a couple of kids, grad school loans, and maybe temporary unemployment into our (currently) peaceful home of two, and maybe things won't be so easily harmonious after all. And I bet that's true, but I will proudly enjoy our simple life as long as I've got it! 

This first year of marriage has been a blessing and it's been a journey, not necessarily a hard one, but certainly a rewarding one. I can't tell you how many times a day something will happen that makes me think, "Wow, I married the perfect man for me." Here is to an eternity of laughter and joy with the love of my life: I love you McKay!

The Last of Summer, The First of Fall

It's official, Summer is over and the new school semester has started. McKay has a second job as a security guard and WOW, does that man look good in uniform. ;) Not only has McKay gotten himself a second job, he is also volunteering in a lab on campus for around 10 hours a week. Can I take a moment and mention how hard working and amazing my husband is? He's working two jobs, half of his security shifts are dead in the night, he's volunteering during the day to get experience, ALL while going to school full time.  Despite all his sacrifice, he still finds time to do things for me, he doesn't ever let me forget just how much he loves me. Before all the crazy changes in our lives, we did still have some fun summer adventures I want to mention!

Beach, Beach, Let's go to the Beach -Katelyn & Vanessa

The beach! We got to spent a few days on a small beach in California called Dillon Beach. There wasn't any cell reception, and the town is tiny, perfect for a relaxing vacation. We spent a day in San Francisco, ran around the beach, poked weird sea creatures, had a bon fire, ate our weight in fruit snacks, played some halo, and browsed some outlets. here, have a look:

Mmmm... Salt.... 

Here we are, up exploring the San Fran hills by the Golden Gate Bridge!

The Golden Gate Bridge, corn dogs we were WAY to excited about, and these crazy water massage machine things ...Which were more like 10 minutes of tickle torture devices. Apparently you could hear my screams/laughs (scrafs? Leams?) from outside the store.

Look at those hills!! Plus we thoroughly enjoyed a street performance by 3 people who are in acrobatic school, the unicycle man took the cake.

Can you see Alcatraz back there?? Also Vanessa was upset she couldn't go to the bathroom in the porta-potty on the bridge.

Yes, that's me feeding bacon to Andy and McKay while they're playing halo. I will gladly accept my wife of the year award now, thank you. We played lots of games and enjoyed beautiful sunsets!

While at the beach, we were planning to go to the Redwoods at one point, but turns out that contrary to popular belief (or at least those of us that have seen Planet of the Apes) The redwood forest is NOT near San Francisco. Not even remotely, they're actually 5 hours away. So we cancelled those plans and just had a lovely relaxing day doing whatever we wanted. Basically, our brief trip to California was wonderful. I especially love being around my family, plus I don't have to cook dinner, BONUS. Honestly, one thing I love most about being with my family is the Portuguese! I never realized how much I love speaking with my mom especially. My Portuguese has slipped a little since I moved out, and now speaking with my family feels refreshing. McKay is learning, and just to be clear I am NOT the best teacher. But I love his willingness to learn. His Spanish helps a lot, and he even remembers to speak Portuguese more often than I do. When he was asked to say a prayer once when we were with my family, he prayed in Portuguese, and boy were they surprised!


IDAHO
After being home for 2 days, we hit the road again and spent our last precious weekend before school started up in Rexburg  for some Coffey family time. Di is such a trooper! 9 hour trip to get up and down and she's driving like a charm. It was like a half-Coffey family reunion of sorts. McKay's parents brought Kristi out for school and Melissa and Katie's family are already there in Rexburg. Here's some pictures of the fun weekend!

This cow bell game was so funny, it's a spinning see-saw and you have to try and whack the bell. McKay won with 5 rings!

Go karts! We rode these at least 12 times, and I'll never forget how fast the red and green go karts were. Also Chris is rocking the white Glitzn' cart haha.

And of course, we couldn't leave without trying to *nicely beat each other up. Wayne was the winner there.

I married an amazing man, you know. And I know he's amazing because of his parents and his family. I absolutely LOVE the family I have become a part of and I couldn't be more grateful for their love and kindness. Whenever we go up to Idaho we have such a great time. I loved being there hearing family stories, watching McKay's dad give father's blessings, and playing with all the kids. It's no wonder McKay is so wonderful to me, I can definitely see where he gets his loving and supportive nature.

This semester is a busy one, but so far I've been enjoying myself. My Exercise Physiology class is fascinating, it's the first class where I've actually enjoyed the textbook reading. Plus the lab portion of that class is a blast! Just last week we took heart rate and blood pressure measurements at different levels of exercise. It was a workout! Plus taking someone's blood pressure makes you feel all professional. My Kinesiology class is a bit rough, Physics has never been my strong point, so I'm pretty sure sure I'm going to get to know the TA for that class rather well haha. Lastly I want to mention my New Testament class, which I adore! In most religion classes you can just talk about your feelings and you're pretty much set, and I've always used that to my advantage, but this class is totally different. It's basically a history class, and my first thought was oh no not history! But just to add another first to my list of firsts this semester I'm actually really enjoying all the history! My professor is an archaeologist, and a rather happy one too. He get SO excited teaching about the world at and around Christ's life. And I've found everything so fascinating! I understand SO much more about Matthew and his gospel than I ever thought I could, and it's only been three weeks. This semester's going to be a great one.