Life & Never-Ending Happiness

The past four months have been wonderful! Everything's happened from Matthew starting school, me getting a job, and us getting our own place to call home. With those, came a mountain of unexpected blessings and moments of testimony building. What a wonderful life we have!

I wish I could say life has been perfect with nothing ever going wrong, but I cannot. I wouldn't change those moments though. Not if it leaves me without slowly becoming a better person. I've seen a change in both of us as we've flourished and grown as we've kept faithful to our covenants and stayed close to the Lord. We've become better. It's nice to know that neither of us is stuck in limbo and not progressing. That's a goal we've made for ourselves. The adversary certainly tries to get in the way of who we have in mind of becoming, but he will never win. Not with the love and devotion we have to one another.

Matthew started school at the end of September. It's normal school. Somedays you like it, some days you don't. He is doing well! He has a year left until he receives his associates. Three years total and college will be complete for a while. He did do cross country and did well! He doesn't think so, but I do. Taking two years off to serve the Lord then coming back, becoming captain, and getting a new PR? That sounds pretty dang good to me! I have to say I was so proud of him. He's tired after practices of course, but it's what he loves. NWAACs were at the beginning of this month so XC is done for a year. Now it's the start of the track season. He is so pumped!

I did get a job. I had several interviews, acquired a job at a daycare, quit because of some unfortunate circumstances, then finally landed a nanny job. It was hard wait until October, but I had faith the Lord knew what He was doing. I watch two families and they are wonderful! One has four and one year old girls. The other has a five (maybe six?) year old girl and a one year old boy. How much I learn from these ladies! I cherish the friendship we have established. And it's nice to talk with some women(:

And the best news of all: we finally got our own apartment! We moved in just over a week ago. After a lot of searching we finally found one complex that was relativly safe and was in our price range. Although it's a two bedroom, we are grateful to be able to start out on our own. It's still a work in progress, but it's slowly getting touches of Matthew and Brianna in it! It's the best feeling being able to cook our own dinner and bake whenever I feel like it. Also to clean and not feel like I'm in the way. We did change wards. That was the only bummer part, but so far we like our new ward. It's small, but it's home.

That's our life in a nutshell. I'm sure we have many more adventures awaiting us and we cannot wait! There should be another post after Christmas!

Happy birthday, Matthew!

We've been married for over a month now. Wow! I still cannot believe it. Everything from that day is still crystal clear, but it almost feels like a dream. There are still some mornings I wake up and think that maybe I'm still in Arizona. I'll hear my little brother quietly trying to get this toy or that out of the closet. The tv will be on and the familiar sound of cereal being poured into bowls will be heard. Perhaps I'll hear the cows mooing or hear the dog barking at whatever happens to walk by. Then I roll over. A smile always spreads to my face as I look at the handsome man fast asleep next to me. He's usually kicked the sheet and comforter off. He's wrapped up in his blanket he's had since he was a child. And he's all mine. Nothing can describe the joy I feel when I realize once again he's mine for eternity.

I stil don't have a job. I have prayed and applied to so many places. I know things will start to open up once the schools start again, but it's still hard. I really want to go to work again. I love it. For now I've got to be patient. Things will open up so I still have to pray and trust that the Lord will help me get something.

Lately Matthew and I have been house hunting. I love it! It's another reason why I need a job. The housing market is good for the buyer right now. We've really just had distinct impressions that we need to move out. So once again it's faith in the Lord. We both know he'll lead us to the right one.

Yesterday was Matthew's birthday. The big 22! I tried to surprise him with mariners tickets a couple weeks before, but I had to tell him about it because I needed to use his debit card to purchase them. I love baseball games and even though we lost (to the Yankees) it was so nice just spending the time I could with him. He's amazing(: I think we'll make this a family tradition from now on!

Life is perfect and I know the love between us is just getting stronger. Couple's scripture study, prayer, church and temple attendance, and service has definitely brought us closer together. We're being guided by our Father in Heaven and I'm amazed at the impressions we've received and the blessings that have been acquired by our obedience to Him. I do miss my family, but I know I'm sealed to them for eternity as well as mine and Matthew's little family. With that knowledge alone life is good. Trials can be overcome and we can become more perfected through obedience. I'm so excited to see what blessings await!

And so it begins(:

To start out I have to say to all those who told me married life was the best you were right! I loved it! There is nothing better than being able to see Matthew each and every day knowing that he's coming home to me and I never have to leave again. That is the best feeling!

I went and received my endowments the night before our wedding. It was beautiful and I was in awe of all the blessings I'm able to receive if I remain worthy. It was a lot to take in at once, but I'm grateful I enjoyed it and was able to have my mom and Matthew with me. My dad was able to get off work to come, but had to work a lot the next week. He's the best and I know he wouldn't have missed it for a second! Family and friends came to support as well. I love that peace that is only found in the temple. I have never found it anywhere else. It was hard to leave, but I had the most important day of my life ahead of me!

The wedding day was perfect! I don't think I could've asked for anything better. Except one thing....the wind NOT to be blowing as we got our pictures. But it could've been worse. At least there was no rain! The pictures were a blast and the sealing was beautiful! That moment walking hand in hand out of the temple towards awaiting family was the most incredible experience. I looked up at that strikingly handsome young man next to me and thought, "Oh my goodness! We did it! He's mine!" It felt like I was on a cloud nine the rest of the day. I was married to my best friend. There was no more distance. I got to see him EVERY DAY. No, not on skype. In person. Prayers were heard and answered.

We had a family luncheon provided by my wonderful grandma's and aunt. That evening was the reception. The family I had nannied for came and I cannot explain the joy I felt at seeing those girls. They still mean the world to me. Sofie hung out with Matthew and I almost the whole time. Little Madison ran back and forth, but still remembered "Nana." That sweet voice still brought a smile to my face. The reception was beautiful and I was so grateful to see family who I hadn't seen in a while and say goodbyes to the ones I wouldn't see for some time. It was hard, but I knew I had a family of my own now and I would follow my husband wherever he went.

We were fortunate enough to have both places for our honeymoon paid for. We are forever grateful! We stayed two nights in a cabin in Greer. It's so beautiful up there! I don't think I have ever felt more relaxed. I don't think either of us wanted to leave! We drove 10 hours to Salt Lake City and stayed at the Anniversary Inn. They have themed rooms so we were able to pick two. We visited families from Matthew's mission and my love for him just grew hearing about how dedicated he was to the Lord and His work. We went to temple square, ate dinner with my cousins, and went to the new mall across the street (everyone should go by. It's so awesome!). After two nights there it was a 12 hour drive up to Washington. Around 11pm Wednesday night we were home.

Thursday evening my parents flew out and Stephanie (a cousin and our photographer) came out from Rexburg. Friday we all went to Seattle and up to the Space Needle. The view was incredible! We went to the mall and we able to just to enjoy time with one another. Friday we went back to Seattle to Pike's Market. There is so much to do there! I loved seeing all the different ethnicities. I don't see too much of that back home. My Uncle and Aunt, Dirk and Laura, and their kids Hayden and Ginny met us there too. They live in Oregon. The last time we were able to see them was probably three or so years ago. It was so fun to meet little Ginny and listen to her sweet laugh. Hayden is so funny and has gotten so big! It's nice to know that I have family close to visit.

Saturday was the reception. It was bitter sweet. I was excited to meet all these new people and see Matthew's friends, but the whole time I knew this would be the last time I would see my parents for a while. That's a hard thing to realize, but I enjoyed my time. The reception was perfect even though it had to be moved from outdoor to indoor. I felt right at home. I knew this is where I needed to be. After we opened presents at the house my Uncle, Aunt, and their kids left. Then it was my parents. I hugged my mom goodbye and she wouldn't let go. "I'm not letting go of you, Brianna. I'm not letting go." I will never forget that. In that moment I realized all the things we had gone through good and bad made our relationship what it was. I think almost everyone takes their mom for granted until you have to leave her and you realize that there is no one in the world that loves you more than her. I've thought about that and cannot even fathom how much I will love my own children. I pray it's a bond that strong. I know it was hard for both of them. My dad got a little catch in his throat and I knew he was on the verge of tears. Everytime dad cries, I cry. Thank goodness he didn't. I love both of them so much and I cannot wait until I get to see them and my siblings again.

For now we're loving life. Matthew's working about 34 hours this week which is great, but I miss him. I'm job searching. We're getting college things together, switching all my stuff over, getting a legal last name change. You know, married stuff(: I've been fighting a kidney infection which gave me a 103+ temp Sunday-Tuesday, but thankfully the antibiotics are kicking that dang thing right out! Overall, I love my life. I love getting started and seeing how we are together. We're not perfect, but we try. Couple's scripture study and prayer have been a huge blessing already and we hope to make it to the temple next week. That's it for now. My next update will probably be in few weeks after Matthew's birthday on the 25th!(:

Counting down the minutes, hours, seconds to eternity(:

I haven't written anything in a month and I figured it was time to update. Next week will get super busy and I don't know when I'll be able to do it next!

Wedding, wedding, church, wedding, work, Skype, wedding, wedding. That's what I feel like the past month has been for both of us. It's a good thing though! It makes time fly by which is such a blessing! Now we're nearing the home stretch of all the time we've put in to making it the greatest day of our lives! I couldn't be more excited!

It's my last week as a nanny. I thought it would be emotional, but it's just been peaceful. I'm making the most out of this busy week with them and I've reflected a lot on the past year I've had with them. When I started Sofie was 3 and Madison was just crawling. Sofie is now 4 and Madison is 3 months shy of being 2. How much these girls have grown before my eyes! It's been such an incredible experience being there for some of Madison's firsts. I've tried to capture these magic moments on camera to give to their parents. I don't want them to ever feel like they're missing out anything! Chris and Elizabeth are the best. I have been so blessed to be able to get this job. I have such a love for them and for the special moments we've shared. I don't know if I would consider them a father/mother type figure, but not a brother/sister either. More of an uncle/aunt. I really will miss them, but I look forward to the phone calls and emails that will definitely occur.

Matthew has been working so hard. As much as it stinks to not be able to talk to him as much during the week, I wouldn't trade it. I see such a sense of fulfillment and pride as he gets that paycheck or calls me after a shift. It's been good for him. School is out on Wednesday and he is so excited! Haha I don't enjoy it much myself, but I know how important it is as does he. It will be such a great thing for our family once it is completed.

So now we have 11 days. That's it. It all hit me. That's just over a week and a half. Not long at all. I get to see Matthew in 9 days. Tears well up and threaten to spill over every time I think of seeing my best friend again. I just imagine this perfect movie scene. I wait anxiously and stare at all the people coming into the airport. It feels like forever, but finally there he is! I run to him, not caring at all who is staring or what people are thinking, and jump into his arms as he picks me up and we share that perfect kiss. I wish I was that gutsy. Haha a kiss will definitely be there, but maybe not so dramatic(:

It's been a very long and tough 11, almost 12, weeks. There have been moments of weakness where all I can do is hit my knees, cry, and pray that time will go faster. That he will be safe. That I can have peace. I know we're where we're suppose to be and doing those things that will point us to the temple where we will be sealed for time AND all eternity.

I feel like I'm on top of the world right now. As time gets closer I get more and more excited yet emotional. A new life. A new state. A new family. A new everything. But I will have my husband who I know will be my companion and my rock. That is enough to keep me going every single day.

Faith && A Little Miracle

Lately, Matt and I have been making a budget for our future together and it's been going great! The only stumbling block has been my tuition for school. Matt's is already covered so all we lack is mine, but tuition+books & supplies+out of state fees=$$$$. How in the world could I ever afford this? I turned in a scholarship application to the college with a huge feeling of peace that we would be okay, but that ever persistent little nag keeps coming back. What if it all doesn't come through like you're expecting? Well, I have an answer to that. It's called prayer.

Many prayers have been given that I might receive some form of financial aid for school. And if I don't receive enough, what is the answer then? Do I need to work more and go to school less? Do a monthly plan through the school? What does He want me to do? After a couple weeks of not feeling or receiving any distinct impression, I hit my knees once again. I needed peace. I needed answers. But this prayer was different. Instead of asking if I could get some form of assistance I turned it on me. I promised that no matter how hard it was I was willing to do it if I had His help to accomplish it. My answer came four days later.

Matt called me after his track meet and said his coach had talked to him. She said that if I would run cross country for her next fall she would give me a scholarship. Now, I was super ecstatic and said yes. I mean, it was my answer and I knew that! But then the excitement slowly wore off. Cross country? Are you serious? I've never ran that in my life. I tell people how grateful I am for a husband who takes care of himself, but also how crazy I think he is for running as much as he does. Is this some sort of karma? After a few minutes of panic that familiar feeling came back and the words "peace be unto Thy soul".

So now training has started. It's definitely not as easy as I thought it would be, but it's definitely a plus I was in shape before I started this. After only three days of running my time is going down. It's all a mental game. Your mind says, "No. No more. We're done. We can't go any farther." Your body is quite the opposite. I can run way farther and longer than I ever thought I could. It'll be a slow process, but I'm hoping by June I can be up to three miles (:

I am just so grateful I have my life in order and I'm living in a way that I know my Father in Heaven wants me to. If I wasn't doing the things I'm suppose to be doing, I don't think I would have had this tiny miracle I have. Because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ and the ennabling power it brings to each of us is why I'm able to do this. I know I can do this! I am so excited for this challenge and for something to do every day with my wonderful husband to be (:

Weddings, sealing, && our crazy lives!

What's going on the life of Henderson and Link? SOOOO many things! But it's a blessing (: It keeps us busy & time go much faster (thank goodness!).

I realized today I have been home from Washington for over a month! It feels like just yesterday I walked down those stairs & made a surprise visit to my hubby to be. That means we have roughly 50 days, 1,200 hours, 72,000 minutes, & 4,320,000 seconds left until we're married. But hey, who's counting? (;

Matthew-
I love this busy boy! Full-time school, track practice & meets, job, wedding plans, & being the ward mission leader. He definitely has a full day & handles it extremely well! He works at The Rock in Federal Way as a cook and seems to be liking it. I'm just grateful he has a job. I've already seen the blessings that can & are coming our way. He's been doing fantastic in track. His times aren't what he wants them to be at yet, but they'll continually getting better. He'll be in tiptop shape come cross country season (I am sooo excited to watch him compete!). Wedding plans are coming along. The reception place has changed, but overall it seems to all be going well. Now being the ward mission leader. I have to say this: When I was visiting in March we went over to recent converts house to teach him another lesson. Watching Matt teach & use the Spirit was one of the most attractive things I have ever seen in my life. It made me love him even more in that moment. He is so powerful when he teaches. The Spirit testified that 1. What he taught was true 2. He was a fantastic missionary & the Lord was able to use him how He needed him & 3. I get to marry this man! Life will be good (:

Brianna-
Life is equally as busy for me. I don't have school, but Matt gave me his math class CD from last semester so I've been reviewing & testing to get good placement at Green River. Workouts, my super strict diet, job, wedding, and being unofficially in the nursery again. Right now it's getting ready for the bridal shower, dress fittings, helping with flowers, shopping for centerpieces, getting ready for a yard sale, & shipping my belongings up to Washington. It's busy, but I love it! Nursery is great! A whole new set of little ones, but I love this age! Only 6 more weeks of work ): I will miss these girls so much. I had said after this job I was going to quit childcare, but all that's changed. It's where my heart is. So I'm crossing my fingers & hoping for a daycare job in Auburn. Food allergies are getting better & workouts are my new addiction. So overall, great life! (:

Our temple sealer is finally set. President Baldwin signed up to specifically seal Matt & I. It's who I wanted and I'm so grateful our family is friends with the temple president. We'll be in good hands (:

That's really it for now. I hope to update this at least once a month, but we'll see how crazy our lives get! As for now, ofa atu Matthew! Only a few more weeks! (:

I don't want to miss a thing....

Tonight my heart is heavy and full. The past week has been one of the greatest of my life. From the look of disbelief from Matt when I walked in the door, to our crazy experiences registering for gifts, to sitting in general conference, looking at him, and having it fully hit me that I am so in love with this man. Tonight I miss him with everything that I have. Half of me is gone. As he drives back to WA from SLC it's almost a tangible thing. I can feel him getting farther and farther away with each mile he hits and my heart is breaking. I knew I needed to come back to AZ (I only have 12 weeks left), but right now I wish I had gone with my decision in the airport. I stood there while they were boarding with tears in my eyes and finally forced my legs to walk onto that plane. It seems like such a small thing, but to me it was one of the hardest decisions I have ever made.

Auburn is beautiful. And my home. If my family could move there it would be perfect, but I know I must leave them. Matt is my everything. My world revolves around him. I feel like I was spoiled to be with him all week and I took as much as I could get. Maybe I was a little greedy. Okay, I was a lot greedy (: I fell in love with it there. I understand why Matt loves WA.

I flew in on Saturday and surprised him. He thought I was flying out on Monday, but I wanted those extra days with him (see, greedy!). When I walked downstairs the look on his face was priceless. It was complete disbelief. I was kind of hoping for a super happy expression, but that's definitely not what I got. Haha he just stared. At first I was worried he was upset that I hadn't told him I was coming, but that quickly diminished once I sat down next to him and he wrapped his arms around me. At that moment, I knew I was home.

He took me around Auburn those first couple days. I went to his home ward and met some really awesome people. We registered, watched Dru (his 15 month old nephew) twice, went on two date nights, registered for gifts, and tried to spend as much time together as possible. His family is awesome and I'm so glad I got along with them so well! Just in that week I felt us grow as a couple. We learned together and made commitments that would bring us closer together and to our Savior. The love that was between us was almost tangible.

In this one trip I have travelled more than I have ever travelled in my whole life! I went to Washington (and whatever other states I flew over), Oregon, Idaho, and Utah where my trip ended. 13 hours in the car is a long time, but I'm grateful for the time I had with him. We went to his mission reunion Friday night and I met several of his mission companions. I have never met so many young men with such strong testimonies and visible light. That was an experience I will never forget. President Sonne (his first mission president) gave one of the best talks I have ever heard. I learned so much! That night we stayed at President Winn's (his second mission president). He lives across the street from President Monson! The next morning was conference. So unbelievable! We originally didn't have tickets, but thankfully Matt is well liked and got some from some of the Elders. (: That was a memorable experience.

Afterwards we went to the house, got my stuff, and drove to the airport. Once they dropped me off and I walked inside, I almost felt like I was in a movie. Things moved in slow motion as I walked inside. That was the first moment I wanted to run out and back into Matt's awaiting arms. After I got through all of the checkpoints and was waiting by my gate, that moment hit me again. I swore I could hear that still small voice saying, "Go back to him. He'll be there waiting. He loves you. His arms are waiting." I knew it was in my head and sat there quietly staring at the floor. When the boarding started was the hardest one. It seemed like forever I stood there. My brain wanted to get on that plane. I had responsibilities to go to! But my heart was pulling me back. After almost everyone had boarded I took a deep breath and got on myself.

Now I wait 12 weeks to see him again. We both have things to do and I pray time will go quickly. If it doesn't, I may have to go back to Washington for a while. For now, oh how I love you Matthew! Stay safe and busy!

p.s. Please find my CTR ring (:

In your absence my heart grows stronger. In your presence I fall in love all over again...

Here's mine and Matt's blog!

So far in our lives here's the big events in the past 4 months!

-December 21: Matt returns home from serving a full time mission in Salt Lake City!

-January 10: We meet on ldsplanet.com!

-January 16: We're dating!

-February 2: Matt flies out to AZ and we meet for the first time in person.

-February 3: Matt and I are engaged!

Next on the list I'm flying out to visit him in Washington then we're driving out to Utah for his mission reunion and general conference. I'm so excited!

So for now, the distance is hard and it seems time is crawling until the wedding but I know it'll be here sooner than either of us think. I'm so grateful that we both kept the Lord in our lives and He helped us find one another. As I sit back and ponder on all the circumstances and moments that worked out almost too prefectly I am in awe. There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that we're suppose to be together. I never thought my husband would be all the way in Washington! Or that I would ever move there! But I'm grateful for the new and exciting changes in our lives that will soon happen. As we do it together, we can tackled anything life throws at us. Only 93 days until we're together forever!