10 Reasons Getting Married Young is Worth It.

So many people thought my husband and I were nuts when we got married. I was barely 19, still in school, and planning to move across the country with the love of my life. We smiled through the nervous/concerned family members and friends offering kind advice, and we determined that we would make it work.

And through it all, I know it was the greatest decision of my life. Here are 10 reasons why getting married young is worth it:

1. You motivate each other. Some mornings, my husband is the sole reason I get up and go to class/work, even when I just want 2 more hours of sleep, but I know it will all be worth it when we reach our goals.
2. You officially get out of the dating pool. It is glorious to step out of the awkward phase of dating. Sure, it can be a lot of fun to meet all kinds of new people, but there comes a point where we all get fed up with the dating games.
3. You have a built-in best friend. Nothing is greater than spending all of your evenings next to your best friend watching Netflix and eating your favorite snack, or going out (I prefer Netflix myself).
4. You're only half as poor! It's true, when you get married you have another person to worry about. You have future plans and goals. So you pool your finances and make sure not to just go blow all of your money on a shopping spree (even if you wish you could sometimes).
5. You're happier. Never in my life have I been so happy. My husband is always striving to fulfill my needs and wants, and I do the same for him. We fill each other up more and more each day, and when I go to bed at night, I know I've never felt so loved, so cared about, and so happy with my life.
6. You can relax. I like to think that I was always pretty comfortable in my own skin, but sharing every single weird piece of my personality with someone else is so much fun.
7. Your future seems that much closer. Getting married at a young age wasn't really in my plans, but it sure did make me realize that the future and all the things I have worked for are just around the corner.
8. You learn more about yourself. I never had to analyze my living style before I got married, even when I lived with a roommate. But as soon as you get married, you realize that maybe the little things you thought were normal are really annoying and weird. And then you get better at being less annoying.
9. You develop new talents. Never in my life have I been so talented as I am now. I started sewing, painting furniture, and reupholstering old chairs; and I became a chef, baker, multi-tasker, electronic genius, and (unofficial) intramural soccer cheerleader/coach.
and,
10. You get to share your life with the person you love. I cannot imagine sharing my life with anybody else next to me. Just the simple fact that he knows me and understands who I am as a person makes me feel complete.

There you have it, being a young wife doesn't mean your life is over or that you can't have fun anymore. The journey of life has only been better since I decided share it with my favorite boy. Growing old next to him is the greatest blessing I have, and I wouldn't change a single moment of the last 9 months of being married to my best friend.

To my favorite boy: Thanks for all the laughs over the last 9 months. You are the best. I love you!

Friday.

I promise one day soon I will be a better blogger.

Today, though, it's a busy day for me.

Until next time.

September.

The semester is in full swing!

How can I tell?

Well, two papers, three tests, tons of homework, forgetting to blog, etc.

Only a couple more semesters! Happy Wednesday.

Marital Equality.

Some quotes about marriage to sum up my day:

1. "Sometimes you can't give 100%. You just can't."
2. "Give it all you've got because you're dedicated to the success of your family."
3. "The Lord doesn't always take away these moments because we need to grow from them."

And my personal favorite...

4. "If we accept each other's best, we will realize that 'equal' is a lot easier to find."

Marriages are meant to be equal partnerships. We are to love each other and to accept the triumphs and challenges of each other. Know that you don't have to be perfect and that if you give it your all, that is good enough. Husbands and wives, don't be critical of each other. Learn daily and be understanding. Let the Spirit have influence in your home, and you will be happy.

Friday.

Sorry I missed blogging yesterday.

Today, I only have one thing to share, and I really hope you read it and absorb what it means.

WE, THE FIRST PRESIDENCY and the Council of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, solemnly proclaim that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and that the family is central to the Creator’s plan for the eternal destiny of His children.

ALL HUMAN BEINGS—male and female—are created in the image of God. Each is a beloved spirit son or daughter of heavenly parents, and, as such, each has a divine nature and destiny. Gender is an essential characteristic of individual premortal, mortal, and eternal identity and purpose.

IN THE PREMORTAL REALM, spirit sons and daughters knew and worshipped God as their Eternal Father and accepted His plan by which His children could obtain a physical body and gain earthly experience to progress toward perfection and ultimately realize their divine destiny as heirs of eternal life. The divine plan of happiness enables family relationships to be perpetuated beyond the grave. Sacred ordinances and covenants available in holy temples make it possible for individuals to return to the presence of God and for families to be united eternally.

THE FIRST COMMANDMENT that God gave to Adam and Eve pertained to their potential for parenthood as husband and wife. We declare that God’s commandment for His children to multiply and replenish the earth remains in force. We further declare that God has commanded that the sacred powers of procreation are to be employed only between man and woman, lawfully wedded as husband and wife.

WE DECLARE the means by which mortal life is created to be divinely appointed. We affirm the sanctity of life and of its importance in God’s eternal plan.

HUSBAND AND WIFE have a solemn responsibility to love and care for each other and for their children. “Children are an heritage of the Lord” (Psalm 127:3). Parents have a sacred duty to rear their children in love and righteousness, to provide for their physical and spiritual needs, and to teach them to love and serve one another, observe the commandments of God, and be law-abiding citizens wherever they live. Husbands and wives—mothers and fathers—will be held accountable before God for the discharge of these obligations.

THE FAMILY is ordained of God. Marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal plan. Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and a mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity. Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities. By divine design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families. Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children. In these sacred responsibilities, fathers and mothers are obligated to help one another as equal partners. Disability, death, or other circumstances may necessitate individual adaptation. Extended families should lend support when needed.

WE WARN that individuals who violate covenants of chastity, who abuse spouse or offspring, or who fail to fulfill family responsibilities will one day stand accountable before God. Further, we warn that the disintegration of the family will bring upon individuals, communities, and nations the calamities foretold by ancient and modern prophets.

WE CALL UPON responsible citizens and officers of government everywhere to promote those measures designed to maintain and strengthen the family as the fundamental unit of society.

Stand.

My heart has been aching lately, and I don't know if I can write it all. But I sure am going to try my hardest, because it needs to be said.

The Savior of the world died for you.

He knew that not everybody would accept the gospel. Yet He did it anyway. He endured the pain regardless because He knew there would be some who would accept His message to the world.

I am humbled when I think of His perfect love for me. Every part of who I am, He loves completely. How can I not live every second of my life the way He would have me live? He gave the ultimate sacrifice, for me.

If He loves me, how can I not love myself?

And since He loves others too, how can I not love them?

I wish I could fully express what's in my heart, but I just can't. All I know is that the Savior of the world loves you and He loves me.

More later.

Also, one of my new favorite songs.

Birthday Boy.

My baby brother is 17. Where has the time gone?

Wish I could be there with you today, kiddo.

Tuesdays & Sun Chips.

Today, I was able to get so much done. I am motivated for my future and so darn excited about where my life can go with my major.

Also, I have Garden Salsa Sun Chips from the vending machine. That's how you know it's a good day.

I am one happy girl! Happy Tuesday.

Busy.

I didn't realize how much work 17 credit hours is!

I am one busy girl. But only a couple more semesters to go.

Weekend.

Wedding reception tonight.

Cabela's.

Hanging with my hubs and Sarah.

Pictures to come. Happy Friday.

9/11.

I still remember September 11, 2001 so clearly. Though I was only in second grade, I did live on a Marine Corps Base, and I saw the changes that happened from that day.

I remember leaving school early, and lots of traffic on the way home. I remember my mom sitting by the TV and looking really sad. I remember getting in a big circle with all of our neighbors and saying prayers together while holding hands. 

I remember my dad leaving for Iraq a few years later, and I remember when he got home too.

Today is a day that I'll never forget. 

Thank you to all of the heroes who have served our country so faithfully. We are so appreciative of the things that you do for us.

Dad, thank you for your service. You are my hero.

Do What You Love.

How many times have I said it?

Do what you love to do.

It really is that simple. I love what I do. I love this blog. I love my major. I love my life. And it's all because I just do what I love.

Be passionate. Be happy.

Birthdays.

Considering that it's "birthday season" (September) in my family, I figured I'd take a minute to publicly appreciate my family.

We will start with my favorite furry friends, Buttercup and Zoe. I love these little girls so much. They have brought so much joy into my life over the past few years, and I love their sweet little spirits.

Next, we'll just go down the line of birthdays (plus a couple of other people that I love so much)!

Momma: You are amazing. You have taught me everything about how to be a strong, fiercely loyal woman, and I am so grateful for your example. You truly love those around you and strive to be the best you every day. You have been there for me every step of my journey so far, and I can't tell you how much that means to me.

Grandma: You showed me everything about how to be cool. When I could go to school and tell my friends that my grandma rides motorcycles, they were all jealous. ;) I am so grateful for your love over the years.

Pops: You are the hardest working man I know. I am so grateful that you showed me how to just enjoy life. You have given me the greatest example of a father who never gives up on his children. You loved us, even in some of our roughest moments. Thank you for always accepting me and loving me regardless of my flaws.

Bubba: You're not so much my "little" brother anymore, since you have long outgrown me. But I love you more than words can say. Watching you grow up has been the biggest privilege in my life, and I am so glad I could be there for most of the years. Thanks for always wrestling me, but never actually hurting me even though you could've. Thank you for understanding me always.

Sammi: Oh man, I am so glad you're my sister. You always make me laugh and help me to never take life too seriously. Thanks for always bringing a smile to my face and helping me to learn to laugh at myself. You da best. Ew.

Aunt Kim: You are the funniest person I know. Thanks for always being the one to make us laugh. And thank you for understanding my middle child syndrome. ;)

Elise: You're just a little one, but you sure are special. Thank you for being the beginning of the next generation of our family. You've already brought lots of joy to us, and I'm sure there's plenty more to come.

Jeani: Thank you for being my mother-in-law and taking me in as your daughter. You truly have changed my life and I am so grateful for your example and love. You are such a strong woman, and I am so grateful for you in my life.

Happy birthday to all of my family! I love you all.

And now, for the others who don't have birthdays, but I just have to share my love anyway.

Bena (Bri): I love you so much. Thank you for being the one I could always talk to. Thank you for loving me (and occasionally "hating" me, but eventually getting over it). You always make me laugh and I am so glad someone else understands my weirdness. (Insert our rendition of Lion King)

Gpa: You are my hero. Thank you for always, always, always supporting me and loving me unconditionally. You are the kindest, most generous person. Thank you for all the memories of going to movies, looking at Christmas lights, spending time at the park, getting ice cream, etc. You never fail to make me happy.

Johnny boy: You're (one of) my favorite brothers-in-law. You and Sam never fail to make me laugh, and I am so glad you guys are close enough to spend a lot of time together. Thanks for being the other in-law who always understands.

Joey: You're (one of) my favorite brothers-in-law. You are so fun to be around, and I am so grateful to have had the last 5 years to get to know you. Thanks for always smiling, and all those rides to high school back when I was too young to drive. ;)

Mat: You're (one of) my favorite brothers-in-law. Thanks for connecting the family even when we are all so far apart. It really is so great to feel so close to everyone.

Sarah: You're so sweet! Thanks for spending so much time with us and always making us laugh. Thanks for making us eat healthier (at least on Sundays) when we have to eat gluten-free. Thanks for getting all of my jokes, and for being the newest member of the Marsee family so I don't have to be anymore. ;) ew.

Jess: Thanks for always checking up on me periodically and making sure I'm doing great. Thanks for all your love and all the laughs we had over the past 2 years. You are one in a million, and we will always be friends even if we are thousands of miles apart.

And finally, my hubby Ian: I love you more than words can express. Thank you for being you. Everything about you just makes me happy. Thanks for those times that you held my hair while I puked, thanks for all the back and foot rubs, thanks for the hilarious jokes, and thank you for teaching me how to be humble and truly love others. You never take life too seriously, and I am so grateful for that because I always take it a little too seriously. You are my best friend in the whole world, and I don't know where I'd be without you.

There are so many others I wish I could write about all day long. My family and friends mean the world to me. Thank you all for being supportive and loving me through the years. I truly am so blessed.

As for "birthday season," I am so grateful for this time of year when we can celebrate the lives of so many who are dear to me. I wish I could fully express my feelings for each of you, but here's just a small bit of how I feel.

Happy Tuesday, friends!

Faith As A Little Child.

Having faith "as a little child" is hard. What does that even really mean?

Well, honestly, I can't give you a clear-cut answer. But I know what I truly believe it is. Child-like faith is not simply blind obedience. We can ask questions, we can seek to know the truth individually. But child-like faith is much more than that. 

Think of what children (in the purest sense) are like.

Children ask questions sincerely; they do not try to confuse or "trap" others.

Children are honest (with themselves and others). 

Children are teachable.

Children are always seeking new knowledge.

Children are not prideful, and do not try to seem better than others.

Children admire those that are wiser.

Children take new information from trusted sources as truth.

All of these qualities should be what we seek for. Today, though, I'd like to focus on the last one. 

If your child asked you how the lights work, you might answer, "When you flick the switch upward, the lights come on, and downward turns them off." Many children would be quite pleased with this answer. Some might probe a little further and ask, "How does the light get there?" To which you might respond, "Well, we pay the electric company and we have wires in our house that make the lights go on and off." At this point, most children would be impressed and move on.

As children grow older, however, they start to ask more and more questions. They have to know exactly how it all works.

But we don't always need to know exactly how everything works. Our Heavenly Father loves us and blesses us with knowledge, but it is unnecessary to venture beyond what He offers to us, just as it is unnecessary (and often un-thought of) for children to know beyond what parents have to offer.

This is not to say that Heavenly Father has a limited knowledge-base as parents often do, because we know that He knows everything. But, in knowing everything, He also knows what we don't need to know. He knows what we need to just take on faith.

Asking questions is a good thing, and can bring about wonderful things (*cough* Joseph Smith). But there is a point where we need to just have faith that things will work out and that He will live up to His promises.

If you find yourself constantly asking questions and feeling like the answers are limited, or even non-existent, maybe consider the idea that you don't need to know the answer now. 

I know it sounds harsh and even a little weird to consider that there is knowledge out there that the world doesn't possess, but I know that Heavenly Father is full of infinite wisdom and understanding, and sometimes we just need to take information on faith, as a little child would.

He loves us. He knows us. He even knows the answers to our questions. Trust Him and know that He has your best interest in mind and that He will give you answers as you need them.

Partially related to this post is this great video. The song has a great message, and the missionaries lip-syncing it makes it that much better to watch. Enjoy!

Happy Monday.

Today.

Sorry in advance for my scatter-brained thoughts.

Today has been one for the books. I've said it before, but I love my major. Seriously, find something you're passionate about and do it. You will feel so fulfilled just learning about what you love.

I can't entirely explain why I am feeling this way, but I will say that I read this (among many other profound things) in my textbook today, and it just spoke to me.

"Consider the example of a young couple in the beginning of their relationship, when they are experiencing a Garden of Eden-like existence. In a metaphorical sense, the grass is green, the water is clear, and the sky is blue--everything in their relationship appears to be idyllic. At some point in their relationship, however, they (like Adam and Eve) are destined to experience opposition. It is a part of the Lord's plan for them to experience the Fall as opposition and adversity comes and affliction follows. Their challenge and opportunity then becomes, as individuals and as a couple, to actively seek reconciliation and healing through the Atonement of Jesus Christ."

How true is it that elements of the gospel are in every aspect of our lives? I love this analogy so much, and it makes me recognize the power of the Atonement, not only for my eternal future, but also in my everyday life.

Lots of other things happened in that class, but I honestly cannot remember them all! If you want to see a little bit of what I'm talking about, you should watch this series. You can get advice from scholars in Family Life, as well as come to an understanding, individually, of how these principles can change your life.

And then... I went to my next class. Boy, was it a heart-breaker. We talked about the consequences of underdevelopment in children. We watched a video about the orphanage system in Romania in the late 80's- early 90's, and it was horrendous (but has since improved). I saw images of neglected children living in inhumane conditions. At one point, the documentary mentioned that the orphanage did not have heat, and that 1 in 4 children froze to death that winter.

Wow. 

I have absolutely no words for the way that I felt, so here's a list of what went on in my mind:

1. This is the saddest thing I have ever seen.

2. I am so, so, so fortunate.

3. How can these film crews not be bawling their eyes out as they see this in real life?

4. What can I do?

Of those thoughts/feelings, only one is valuable to me.

What can I do?

Regardless of your talents, passions, etc. each of us possesses the power to change the world for good. We each have our own trajectories, and our influences in the world can be seen in many capacities. If we all just commit to helping the world become a better place, through our talents and interests, we can change the world.

I still am unsure of my role in the big scheme of things, but one thing I do know is that I can change the world, and I am willing to take the steps necessary to make it a better place.

Happy Friday, all!

Words to Share.

Ever read something and just know that you have to share it? Well, today's one of those days for me.

From "For Peace at Home" by Richard G. Scott.

"Recognize the good in others, not their stains. At times a stain needs appropriate attention to be cleansed, but always build on his or her virtues.

"When you feel that there is only a thin thread of hope, it is not really a thread but a massive connecting link, like a life preserver to strengthen and lift you. It will provide comfort so you can cease to fear. Strive to live worthily and place your trust in the Lord.

"We need not worry if we can't simultaneously do all of the things that the Lord has counseled us to do. He has spoken of a time and a season for all things. In response to our sincere prayers for guidance, He will direct us in what should be emphasized at each phase of our lives. We can learn, grow, and become like Him one consistent step at a time."

I love those words. They can bring comfort and happiness into our lives.

Encouragement.

Ever feel like you're hanging on by a thread?

Whether it's stress, depression, grief, or fear... you can do it.

Keep going and don't give up. Stay positive. Know that you are cared for and loved. Get help from others if necessary. Persist.

Happy Wednesday, friends!

Life Is Not A Race.

The title says it all.

Life is not a race.

Don't compare your own life to...
the world.
the biological time clock.
your friends.
your family members.
your classmates.
your co-workers.
etc. etc. etc.

I (and I'm sure there are plenty of others) compare myself with others all too often, but in the end I know it is all in God's timing. He already has a plan for you and things will work out as you seek to figure out the steps that are best for your life.

Whew, glad I got that off my chest.

And for your enjoyment, here is a funny video courtesy of my mother-in-law Jeani.

Updates.

So glad to be home from our awesome mini vacation to Las Vegas. We had a ton of fun! Sorry for not taking any pictures, but sometimes you just have to live in the moment, you know?

Anyway, so we got home from Vegas and made an impromptu trip up to Logan to see Sammi and John and we took our newest family member, Sarah (Mat's future wife) with us. It was a ton of fun (and I did take a couple pictures there)!

Guess who got Instagram? Yep, it's me.

And we got this gem of a video.

And we saw this beautiful sight in Provo. We love living near the temple (and those gorgeous mountains)!

And today is the first day of school! Our last year of undergrad is officially underway.

Excuse my wet hair... Anyway, things are going great in the Marsee family. Happy Tuesday!