#1 Fan

I am Santa Barbara's #1 fan.  It is my favorite place to be.  The weather is perfect, I grew up there and my parents still live there, and it's where Kurt and I met.  It's definitely a magical place.  So you could only imagine my excitement when this past weekend came, because Kurt and I had the chance to go to Santa Barbara.  It was a very short trip, but well worth it.  The purpose of our little vacation was to go for the Santa Barbara International Marathon, sponsored by The Select Family of Staffing Companies.  My ridiculously athletic husband, along with Ryan, Amy, and his dad (who are all incredibly athletic as well) ran in the relay division of the marathon.  For any of you who don't know what that even means, let me enlighten you.  A marathon is 26.2 miles, and this relay was split into 4 legs.  I don't know the exact length of each leg, but it was split (approximately) into a 9 mile, 5 mile, 4 mile, and 8 mile leg (in that order.  I can barely even run 2 miles (seriously, that isn't a joke), so I'm already impressed with my sister-in-law, Amy, for running the 3rd leg.  Kurt ran the first, my father-in-law Glen ran the 2nd, and Ryan ran the 4th leg.  It was an incredible race to watch.  Let me give you my [very summarized] play-by-play.

We started off at Dos Pueblos High School in Goleta.  Kurt started the race, and ended his leg very well.  He handed off to Glen, who ran all the way to Foothill Elementary School (right next to my house) and then passed off to my sister-in-law, Amy.  My father-in-law ran so well!  Amy was flying during her entire leg, and ended her leg on the bike path at Puente, where she passed off to my brother-in-law, Ryan.  Ryan completed the hilliest leg of the race, and crossed the finish line at Santa Barbara City College at 2:47:54 [That's 2 hours, 47 minutes, and 54 seconds people!] For those of you who do not run, or do not know what a good time is for a marathon, or even if you do know all of those things, let me tell you...that is a GREAT time.  So great that The Pickers (that was their team name) got the fastest relay time and finished in 1st place!!!

What did I do, you may ask?  I was the Team Mom pretty much.  I drove the mini van, had gatorade and snacks in the car (courtesy of my mom), took a bunch of pictures and cheered for my favorite team.  I was their #1 fan, no doubt.  But I do give my mom some credit; she was the one ringing the cow bell :)

Since November is a month centered around being thankful, here is a list of things I am more thankful and grateful for since our weekend in Santa Barbara.

- A healthy body (and a healthy husband)

- The athletic abilities that my husband, his family, and I have been blessed with.

- Cars that get us to our destinations safely.

- My family and all they have done for Kurt and me.

- Kurt's family and all they have done for us.

- The fact that my husband and I meet all of our needs and many of our wants.

- Church leaders and teachers who taught me when I lived in Santa Barbara.

- The fact that my husband has a full-time job.

- Gatorade

- Running shoes

- Sunglasses (especially the one's Jenny gave everyone on the relay team)

- Cameras, so I can document important events in our lives

- Food

- Friends, especially those in Santa Barbara who still send their love to us

- Trader Joe's

- Movies, especially Remember the Titans

- Mini vans (including my mom's Pontiac Montana)

- Driving safely, especially when driving through the night

- Heaters

- Homemade meals

There are many more things that I could list, and it would be impossible to list them all.  I am so grateful for the chance that I had this weekend to spend time with family and friends and celebrate with them for their success.  I am so blessed to have a family that loves me, and a husband who loves me everyday and provides for our needs.  I have an incredible husband, family, and friends.  We look forward to the next opportunity we have to go back to Santa Barbara and create more memories together.

Here are some pictures from the past weekend! Go Pickers!

Finishing up the first leg

Amy passing off to Ryan

Ryan coming in for the finish!

Finish line in sight! 2:47:54

Left to Right: Amy Witt, Kurt Witt, Ryan Witt, Glen Witt

On the podium! First place!

My awesome husband and me.  I'm so proud of him.

#1 Fan

I am Santa Barbara's #1 fan.  It is my favorite place to be.  The weather is perfect, I grew up there and my parents still live there, and it's where Kurt and I met.  It's definitely a magical place.  So you could only imagine my excitement when this past weekend came, because Kurt and I had the chance to go to Santa Barbara.  It was a very short trip, but well worth it.  The purpose of our little vacation was to go for the Santa Barbara International Marathon, sponsored by The Select Family of Staffing Companies.  My ridiculously athletic husband, along with Ryan, Amy, and his dad (who are all incredibly athletic as well) ran in the relay division of the marathon.  For any of you who don't know what that even means, let me enlighten you.  A marathon is 26.2 miles, and this relay was split into 4 legs.  I don't know the exact length of each leg, but it was split (approximately) into a 9 mile, 5 mile, 4 mile, and 8 mile leg (in that order.  I can barely even run 2 miles (seriously, that isn't a joke), so I'm already impressed with my sister-in-law, Amy, for running the 3rd leg.  Kurt ran the first, my father-in-law Glen ran the 2nd, and Ryan ran the 4th leg.  It was an incredible race to watch.  Let me give you my [very summarized] play-by-play.

We started off at Dos Pueblos High School in Goleta.  Kurt started the race, and ended his leg very well.  He handed off to Glen, who ran all the way to Foothill Elementary School (right next to my house) and then passed off to my sister-in-law, Amy.  My father-in-law ran so well!  Amy was flying during her entire leg, and ended her leg on the bike path at Puente, where she passed off to my brother-in-law, Ryan.  Ryan completed the hilliest leg of the race, and crossed the finish line at Santa Barbara City College at 2:47:54 [That's 2 hours, 47 minutes, and 54 seconds people!] For those of you who do not run, or do not know what a good time is for a marathon, or even if you do know all of those things, let me tell you...that is a GREAT time.  So great that The Pickers (that was their team name) got the fastest relay time and finished in 1st place!!!

What did I do, you may ask?  I was the Team Mom pretty much.  I drove the mini van, had gatorade and snacks in the car (courtesy of my mom), took a bunch of pictures and cheered for my favorite team.  I was their #1 fan, no doubt.  But I do give my mom some credit; she was the one ringing the cow bell :)

Since November is a month centered around being thankful, here is a list of things I am more thankful and grateful for since our weekend in Santa Barbara.

- A healthy body (and a healthy husband)

- The athletic abilities that my husband, his family, and I have been blessed with.

- Cars that get us to our destinations safely.

- My family and all they have done for Kurt and me.

- Kurt's family and all they have done for us.

- The fact that my husband and I meet all of our needs and many of our wants.

- Church leaders and teachers who taught me when I lived in Santa Barbara.

- The fact that my husband has a full-time job.

- Gatorade

- Running shoes

- Sunglasses (especially the one's Jenny gave everyone on the relay team)

- Cameras, so I can document important events in our lives

- Food

- Friends, especially those in Santa Barbara who still send their love to us

- Trader Joe's

- Movies, especially Remember the Titans

- Mini vans (including my mom's Pontiac Montana)

- Driving safely, especially when driving through the night

- Heaters

- Homemade meals

There are many more things that I could list, and it would be impossible to list them all.  I am so grateful for the chance that I had this weekend to spend time with family and friends and celebrate with them for their success.  I am so blessed to have a family that loves me, and a husband who loves me everyday and provides for our needs.  I have an incredible husband, family, and friends.  We look forward to the next opportunity we have to go back to Santa Barbara and create more memories together.

Here are some pictures from the past weekend! Go Pickers!

Finishing up the first leg

Amy passing off to Ryan

Ryan coming in for the finish!

Finish line in sight! 2:47:54

Left to Right: Amy Witt, Kurt Witt, Ryan Witt, Glen Witt

On the podium! First place!

My awesome husband and me.  I'm so proud of him.

Time Flies When You're Having Fun!

Kurt and I have had a very fun and eventful October.  We have had many fun experiences, changes, and surprises during the past month, and we have welcomed those things with open arms.  I can't write about everything, and so much has gone on, so here's a list of some of the things we've done (in chronological order, of course)!

October 5th- We were able to attend the Saturday Afternoon Session of General Conference, and Kurt was able to go to the Priesthood session as well.  We went with Kurt's family and had a wonderful time.  They were in town for a week, and my parents happened to be in town that same weekend of conference, so they were able to attend the same session I was able to attend as well.  I am so grateful that Kurt and I were blessed with loving families who take care of us when they come and visit.  The dinners, the breakfasts, and the fun times will definitely be remembered!

October 11th- Kurt and I went to Ogden, UT to visit Ryan, Kaylynn, & Dallin (Kurt's brother, sister-in-law, and nephew).  They just bought a house, so it was so much fun helping them get a little more settled.  Okay...let's be honest, Kurt and Ryan did the settling in part and Kaylynn, Shannon (Kaylynn's sister) and I all played with Dallin because that is much more entertaining.  Kurt and I have the cutest nephew!

October 12th- Kurt went to Lowe's with Ryan, Dallin, Will (Kurt's brother-in-law), Alex & Brett (nephews) and participated in a little Father-Son activity.  Even though Kurt isn't a father, he is the BEST uncle!  While they did that, us girls drove down and Kaylynn and I went to Shelly & Will's house to help prepare for Alex's 4th birthday party!  It was so much fun seeing how happy and excited he was to blow out candles and open presents.  Kurt and I gave him a Dinosaur piggy bank, and he absolutely loved it! Since we were not able to give Brett his birthday present in August, we gave him a Monkey piggy bank, and I have never seen Brett smile so big :)  It makes Kurt and I feel so good when we know that we make our nephews happy.

October 15th- HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHERIE! Cherie was one of my roommates when I lived at the Elms, and she is such a fun and amazing person.  I'm so glad that I was able to see her on her birthday.  A bunch of us got together and went and got sushi.  I LOVE sushi, and Kurt can't stand it.  So, unfortunately, I was on my own representing the two of us at this birthday dinner for Cherie.  But I absolutely loved seeing my friends and had a great time celebrating with them :)

October 18th- We have made friends with an awesome couple in our ward, Mike & Alexa.  We went on a double date with them and went to Indian Palace on Center St. in Provo and went and saw The Wolverine.  Let me just say: incredible food, incredible movie, and even more incredible company!  We always have fun with them and are glad that we have made friends in our ward. 

October 19th- Kurt and I were able to attend my school's halloween party.  We went as 80's prom dates.  Kurt looked so handsome in his light blue suit :) We had so much fun plaing games, eating treats, and socializing.  Okay, I had fun doing that, but Kurt held his own and had fun as well.

October 22nd- I had the very wonderful experience of attending a Young Women Leadership Training that was lead by the General Young Women Presidency.  It was such an amazing and uplifting night and I am so glad that I had the opportunity to go!  Why did I go?  Check out October 27th!

October 24th- As many of you know, Kurt and I love going to the temple, and that is what we did on the 24th.  We love reflecting on the covenants that we made. This day actually marked 6 months since I went through the temple for myself, and I am so grateful that I did!  I have been so blessed since that day, and have seen my life change for the better as Kurt helps me honor the covenants I made.

October 26th- As we have said before, we love our nephews.  But now we have a niece, Rachel, who I absolutely love and adore! Kurt and I were able to babysit Alex, Brett, & Rachel this past Saturday.  I love Alex, and I love Brett...but I absolutely LOVE having a niece.  She is the most precious little bundle of cuteness you will ever see.  She has had some medical complications when she was born 9 weeks ago, but she is continuing to improve and grow by leaps and bounds, and I am so happy that I get to witness that.

October 27th- Kurt and I were released as Activities Specialists in our ward.  It was a hard calling, but we will definitely miss it.  It really helped us get to know the ward and make friends with other members.  Kurt is now the Ward Mission Leader, and has already dove in head first into the work.  He loves his new calling already.  Although there are many meetings and many responsibilities, Kurt knows that he is the perfect person for the calling.  I am so grateful that I am married to a man who gives 100% to the things the Lord calls him to do.  I am a lucky wife! I am also Primary Chorister, and I'll be honest, I was a little relieved and grateful that I was released because I would only have one calling, and I would be able to focus on helping the primary children learn music.  Well, that was completely false.  I am now the First Counselor in the Young Women Presidency.  I am extremely grateful for the opportunity I have been given to serve the Young Women of the ward.  Within the past 5 months of being in the ward, this is my 3rd calling.  I have worked with the adults, I have worked with the children, but I have not worked with the youth of my ward, and I know the Lord has given me this calling for a reason, that I am meant to learn something more, and that I am meant to help others learn and grow in the gospel.  During the past 2 days, I have come to know that the Lord qualifies who He calls.  I have not only seen that in my husband and his calling, but in my calling as well.  I'm not saying that I suddenly know everything and am a master at my calling, but I know that I have been given the chance to develop new talents and skills that will benefit me in the future.

October 27th also marks 6 months since Kurt and I were married and sealed in the Los Angeles Temple.  My goodness, how time has flown!  We can't believe it has already been 6 months (HALF A YEAR PEOPLE!) since we tied the knot.  We were able to celebrate this exciting time by going to dinner tonight (Oct. 28th).  We went to La Jolla Groves in Provo, UT.  It was delicious! So, I actually asked Kurt on a date to celebrate our 6th month anniversary.  He ended up figuring out where we were going, and ended up paying too!  I know that probably sounds weird, but since I asked him on a date, I was going to pay.  But I married such a great man who would never let that happen, so he paid for my little surprise for him.  Isn't he sweet?!

October has brought us so many blessings, and it makes us feel so loved.  The Lord has been watching over us this month, and has given us opportunities to learn and grow in our individual lives, in our marriage, and in our callings as well.  We are so grateful for the love and support that we have received during this past 6 months of our marriage, and are so thankful for those who continue to be there for us.  We look forward to the changes that are coming our way, and will keep you updated on the busy lives of the Witt Family! :)

Here are some pictures that summarize more of the events that have taken place this month.

I have learned to give injections at school! We practice
numbing each other and we learn a new injection every week.
It's actually quite fun! Don't worry, I haven't hurt anyone :)

We took class pictures the other day at school, so here is a picture
of a bunch of the girls I go to school with.  I am so lucky to have
them as my friends!

What a good looking family!

A couple girls in my class and I were involved in a presentation
teaching Young Women about dental hygiene this past month.  I made
sugar cookies that looked like dental floss.  It was my first time baking
and decorating something this detailed without my mom.

Kurt and I at my school Halloween party.  We love the 80s!

This is our nephew, Dallin.  Somehow, he picked up the word

"Buster".  Uncle Kurt is now "Buster Kurt".

Time Flies When You're Having Fun!

Kurt and I have had a very fun and eventful October.  We have had many fun experiences, changes, and surprises during the past month, and we have welcomed those things with open arms.  I can't write about everything, and so much has gone on, so here's a list of some of the things we've done (in chronological order, of course)!

October 5th- We were able to attend the Saturday Afternoon Session of General Conference, and Kurt was able to go to the Priesthood session as well.  We went with Kurt's family and had a wonderful time.  They were in town for a week, and my parents happened to be in town that same weekend of conference, so they were able to attend the same session I was able to attend as well.  I am so grateful that Kurt and I were blessed with loving families who take care of us when they come and visit.  The dinners, the breakfasts, and the fun times will definitely be remembered!

October 11th- Kurt and I went to Ogden, UT to visit Ryan, Kaylynn, & Dallin (Kurt's brother, sister-in-law, and nephew).  They just bought a house, so it was so much fun helping them get a little more settled.  Okay...let's be honest, Kurt and Ryan did the settling in part and Kaylynn, Shannon (Kaylynn's sister) and I all played with Dallin because that is much more entertaining.  Kurt and I have the cutest nephew!

October 12th- Kurt went to Lowe's with Ryan, Dallin, Will (Kurt's brother-in-law), Alex & Brett (nephews) and participated in a little Father-Son activity.  Even though Kurt isn't a father, he is the BEST uncle!  While they did that, us girls drove down and Kaylynn and I went to Shelly & Will's house to help prepare for Alex's 4th birthday party!  It was so much fun seeing how happy and excited he was to blow out candles and open presents.  Kurt and I gave him a Dinosaur piggy bank, and he absolutely loved it! Since we were not able to give Brett his birthday present in August, we gave him a Monkey piggy bank, and I have never seen Brett smile so big :)  It makes Kurt and I feel so good when we know that we make our nephews happy.

October 15th- HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHERIE! Cherie was one of my roommates when I lived at the Elms, and she is such a fun and amazing person.  I'm so glad that I was able to see her on her birthday.  A bunch of us got together and went and got sushi.  I LOVE sushi, and Kurt can't stand it.  So, unfortunately, I was on my own representing the two of us at this birthday dinner for Cherie.  But I absolutely loved seeing my friends and had a great time celebrating with them :)

October 18th- We have made friends with an awesome couple in our ward, Mike & Alexa.  We went on a double date with them and went to Indian Palace on Center St. in Provo and went and saw The Wolverine.  Let me just say: incredible food, incredible movie, and even more incredible company!  We always have fun with them and are glad that we have made friends in our ward. 

October 19th- Kurt and I were able to attend my school's halloween party.  We went as 80's prom dates.  Kurt looked so handsome in his light blue suit :) We had so much fun plaing games, eating treats, and socializing.  Okay, I had fun doing that, but Kurt held his own and had fun as well.

October 22nd- I had the very wonderful experience of attending a Young Women Leadership Training that was lead by the General Young Women Presidency.  It was such an amazing and uplifting night and I am so glad that I had the opportunity to go!  Why did I go?  Check out October 27th!

October 24th- As many of you know, Kurt and I love going to the temple, and that is what we did on the 24th.  We love reflecting on the covenants that we made. This day actually marked 6 months since I went through the temple for myself, and I am so grateful that I did!  I have been so blessed since that day, and have seen my life change for the better as Kurt helps me honor the covenants I made.

October 26th- As we have said before, we love our nephews.  But now we have a niece, Rachel, who I absolutely love and adore! Kurt and I were able to babysit Alex, Brett, & Rachel this past Saturday.  I love Alex, and I love Brett...but I absolutely LOVE having a niece.  She is the most precious little bundle of cuteness you will ever see.  She has had some medical complications when she was born 9 weeks ago, but she is continuing to improve and grow by leaps and bounds, and I am so happy that I get to witness that.

October 27th- Kurt and I were released as Activities Specialists in our ward.  It was a hard calling, but we will definitely miss it.  It really helped us get to know the ward and make friends with other members.  Kurt is now the Ward Mission Leader, and has already dove in head first into the work.  He loves his new calling already.  Although there are many meetings and many responsibilities, Kurt knows that he is the perfect person for the calling.  I am so grateful that I am married to a man who gives 100% to the things the Lord calls him to do.  I am a lucky wife! I am also Primary Chorister, and I'll be honest, I was a little relieved and grateful that I was released because I would only have one calling, and I would be able to focus on helping the primary children learn music.  Well, that was completely false.  I am now the First Counselor in the Young Women Presidency.  I am extremely grateful for the opportunity I have been given to serve the Young Women of the ward.  Within the past 5 months of being in the ward, this is my 3rd calling.  I have worked with the adults, I have worked with the children, but I have not worked with the youth of my ward, and I know the Lord has given me this calling for a reason, that I am meant to learn something more, and that I am meant to help others learn and grow in the gospel.  During the past 2 days, I have come to know that the Lord qualifies who He calls.  I have not only seen that in my husband and his calling, but in my calling as well.  I'm not saying that I suddenly know everything and am a master at my calling, but I know that I have been given the chance to develop new talents and skills that will benefit me in the future.

October 27th also marks 6 months since Kurt and I were married and sealed in the Los Angeles Temple.  My goodness, how time has flown!  We can't believe it has already been 6 months (HALF A YEAR PEOPLE!) since we tied the knot.  We were able to celebrate this exciting time by going to dinner tonight (Oct. 28th).  We went to La Jolla Groves in Provo, UT.  It was delicious! So, I actually asked Kurt on a date to celebrate our 6th month anniversary.  He ended up figuring out where we were going, and ended up paying too!  I know that probably sounds weird, but since I asked him on a date, I was going to pay.  But I married such a great man who would never let that happen, so he paid for my little surprise for him.  Isn't he sweet?!

October has brought us so many blessings, and it makes us feel so loved.  The Lord has been watching over us this month, and has given us opportunities to learn and grow in our individual lives, in our marriage, and in our callings as well.  We are so grateful for the love and support that we have received during this past 6 months of our marriage, and are so thankful for those who continue to be there for us.  We look forward to the changes that are coming our way, and will keep you updated on the busy lives of the Witt Family! :)

Here are some pictures that summarize more of the events that have taken place this month.

I have learned to give injections at school! We practice
numbing each other and we learn a new injection every week.
It's actually quite fun! Don't worry, I haven't hurt anyone :)

We took class pictures the other day at school, so here is a picture
of a bunch of the girls I go to school with.  I am so lucky to have
them as my friends!

What a good looking family!

A couple girls in my class and I were involved in a presentation
teaching Young Women about dental hygiene this past month.  I made
sugar cookies that looked like dental floss.  It was my first time baking
and decorating something this detailed without my mom.

Kurt and I at my school Halloween party.  We love the 80s!

This is our nephew, Dallin.  Somehow, he picked up the word

"Buster".  Uncle Kurt is now "Buster Kurt".

So Many Things To Celebrate

Kurt and I have had the best couple of weeks.  The biggest news for the both of us is that we both passed our big tests! Kurt passed the first section of the CPA Exam, and I passed my End of Year Exam at UCDH.  I've probably complained to most of you about this test, but for those of you who don't know about it, it's a comprehensive exam on most of my classes from 1st and 2nd semester, and for every section, if you get below a 75% (15/20 question), you have to pay to retake the class in a crash-course version after school. Not fun at all, right? Well, I'm okay with it not being fun, because I don't have to retake ANY of my classes. I am SO grateful for such a supportive husband and family.  I was studying all during my 2 week break, even when I was in SB with my family.  Kurt has worked so hard to study for the CPA exam, plus keep up with his full-time job, his calling, and being a husband.  I am so unbelievably proud of him, and I look forward to the upcoming things we can accomplish together.
So, last Wednesday was my 21st birthday.  It's weird. I'm way to young to be 21.  But then again, I am married and we are (for the most part) independent from any sort of monetary support or anything of the sort from our immediate families.  I feel like a young person living an old(er) person's life.  It's odd.  But yes, I am 21.  This birthday was accompanied with going to Sushi Ya with Christine on Sept. 18th (our actual birthday) and making a pizookie at mine and Kurt's place with Christine, Payton, and Alex.  Then Thursday consisted of going to Tucano's Brazilian Grill with Kurt, Christine, and Payton; it was so much fun to go on a double date with my twin...we haven't done that in a while, so I'm glad we were able to do it.  Friday consisted of dinner at Nicoitalia's (a pizza place in Provo with NY style pizza), Nickel City (it's a nickel arcade where you pay with nickels instead of quarters), and a movie night with a couple in our ward.  We watched World War Z. Let's just say I totally thought I was going to have nightmares haha.  But we loved the movie.  Saturday was one of my favorite days of my Birthday Week (yes...I believe in Birthday Weeks.  I'm still trying to get Kurt on board with that).  We went to the Oquirrh Mountain Temple in South Jordan, Utah.  It was absolutely beautiful.  Going to the temple was one of the main things I wanted to do for my birthday.  I love going to the temple, because my little family of two receives so many blessings because of it.  Kurt and I have maintained our goal of going to the temple at least once a month, and trying to go to a different temple every so often.  So far, we have been to the temple 9 times in the past 5 months.  Here's a list of the Temples we have been to:

Los Angeles California Temple - Los Angeles, California

San Diego California Temple - San Diego, California

Salt Lake City Utah Temple - Salt Lake City, Utah

Provo Utah Temple - Provo, Utah

Mount Timponogas Temple - American Fork, Utah

Draper Utah Temple - Draper, Utah

Logan Utah Temple - Logan, Utah

Oquirrh Mountain Utah Temple - South Jordan, Utah

I love the temple, and I love the opportunities I have been given to attend the temple and feel the Spirit.  I am incredibly blessed to have been married in a temple for not just time on Earth, but for all eternity.

Kurt and I were able to spend a lot of time with family on Sunday.  About once a month, all the Witt cousins who live in Utah get together and have dinner.  I love going to Cousins dinner and getting to know more members of Kurt's family.  His family is BIG. He has 11 aunts and uncles on the Witt side, so I have a loooooong way to go before I meet them all :)  But we have fun with the ones that are in Utah, and I've had a blast getting to know my new family.

After Cousins dinner, my dearest friend and former college roommate of 2 years, Miss McKenzie, invited me to mine and Christine's very own birthday party! Kurt and I had so much fun catching up with a bunch of our friends.  I was able to reconnect with many friends I hung out with before I married Kurt, so it was fun seeing what everyone has been doing with their lives.  McKenzie deserves a bit of a shout out here: You are seriously the sweetest and kindest person I have ever met.  We have had so many fun times together, and you made my experience at BYU better than I ever could've imagined!  So, THANK YOU MCKENZIE FOR MAKING MY LIFE SPECTACULAR!

Kurt and I have a lot to be grateful for.  We've been married for almost 5 months and we have grown so much in this short amount of time. We are a very blessed family of two :)

So Many Things To Celebrate

Kurt and I have had the best couple of weeks.  The biggest news for the both of us is that we both passed our big tests! Kurt passed the first section of the CPA Exam, and I passed my End of Year Exam at UCDH.  I've probably complained to most of you about this test, but for those of you who don't know about it, it's a comprehensive exam on most of my classes from 1st and 2nd semester, and for every section, if you get below a 75% (15/20 question), you have to pay to retake the class in a crash-course version after school. Not fun at all, right? Well, I'm okay with it not being fun, because I don't have to retake ANY of my classes. I am SO grateful for such a supportive husband and family.  I was studying all during my 2 week break, even when I was in SB with my family.  Kurt has worked so hard to study for the CPA exam, plus keep up with his full-time job, his calling, and being a husband.  I am so unbelievably proud of him, and I look forward to the upcoming things we can accomplish together.
So, last Wednesday was my 21st birthday.  It's weird. I'm way to young to be 21.  But then again, I am married and we are (for the most part) independent from any sort of monetary support or anything of the sort from our immediate families.  I feel like a young person living an old(er) person's life.  It's odd.  But yes, I am 21.  This birthday was accompanied with going to Sushi Ya with Christine on Sept. 18th (our actual birthday) and making a pizookie at mine and Kurt's place with Christine, Payton, and Alex.  Then Thursday consisted of going to Tucano's Brazilian Grill with Kurt, Christine, and Payton; it was so much fun to go on a double date with my twin...we haven't done that in a while, so I'm glad we were able to do it.  Friday consisted of dinner at Nicoitalia's (a pizza place in Provo with NY style pizza), Nickel City (it's a nickel arcade where you pay with nickels instead of quarters), and a movie night with a couple in our ward.  We watched World War Z. Let's just say I totally thought I was going to have nightmares haha.  But we loved the movie.  Saturday was one of my favorite days of my Birthday Week (yes...I believe in Birthday Weeks.  I'm still trying to get Kurt on board with that).  We went to the Oquirrh Mountain Temple in South Jordan, Utah.  It was absolutely beautiful.  Going to the temple was one of the main things I wanted to do for my birthday.  I love going to the temple, because my little family of two receives so many blessings because of it.  Kurt and I have maintained our goal of going to the temple at least once a month, and trying to go to a different temple every so often.  So far, we have been to the temple 9 times in the past 5 months.  Here's a list of the Temples we have been to:

Los Angeles California Temple - Los Angeles, California

San Diego California Temple - San Diego, California

Salt Lake City Utah Temple - Salt Lake City, Utah

Provo Utah Temple - Provo, Utah

Mount Timponogas Temple - American Fork, Utah

Draper Utah Temple - Draper, Utah

Logan Utah Temple - Logan, Utah

Oquirrh Mountain Utah Temple - South Jordan, Utah

I love the temple, and I love the opportunities I have been given to attend the temple and feel the Spirit.  I am incredibly blessed to have been married in a temple for not just time on Earth, but for all eternity.

Kurt and I were able to spend a lot of time with family on Sunday.  About once a month, all the Witt cousins who live in Utah get together and have dinner.  I love going to Cousins dinner and getting to know more members of Kurt's family.  His family is BIG. He has 11 aunts and uncles on the Witt side, so I have a loooooong way to go before I meet them all :)  But we have fun with the ones that are in Utah, and I've had a blast getting to know my new family.

After Cousins dinner, my dearest friend and former college roommate of 2 years, Miss McKenzie, invited me to mine and Christine's very own birthday party! Kurt and I had so much fun catching up with a bunch of our friends.  I was able to reconnect with many friends I hung out with before I married Kurt, so it was fun seeing what everyone has been doing with their lives.  McKenzie deserves a bit of a shout out here: You are seriously the sweetest and kindest person I have ever met.  We have had so many fun times together, and you made my experience at BYU better than I ever could've imagined!  So, THANK YOU MCKENZIE FOR MAKING MY LIFE SPECTACULAR!

Kurt and I have a lot to be grateful for.  We've been married for almost 5 months and we have grown so much in this short amount of time. We are a very blessed family of two :)

Taking A Break From A Thing Called School

These past two weeks have been incredible! Why?  Because I had 2 weeks off of school!!! I had Finals Week from August 12th-14th, so after that, I could do whatever I wanted for 18 days.  Although Kurt still had to work, we both were able to enjoy being together more.  Kurt works at home full time, so I got a little taste of what it's like.  I loved being at home.  The cleaning, cooking, grocery shopping, and other "stay at home mom" type of tasks took a lot more work than I thought, but it was a good taste of what life is like being home full time.
During Week 1 of my break, I was able to be an Anesthesia Boards patient for a friend of mine.  It was an incredible experience, because I got to see what I would be going through next August.  It only took about 10 minutes, and my friend PASSED! I was really glad I was able to help her out, but even more glad that I got exposure to what I will be doing when I go to take my Anesthesia Boards.  Later that week, Kurt and I were able to go to a FUN. concert!  We had so much fun! (haha get it??)  But seriously, we had such a good time.  The concert was at The Great Saltair, so it was outside.  It rained a little, but it wasn't too bad.  We chose to sit in the very back on top of the hill, so we could see over everyone and sit during the entire concert.  It was much more enjoyable that way, rather than standing the entire time.  We had to quickly get home and go to bed and get a good night's rest, because that next morning, we drove to Santa Barbara!  We had such a wonderful time there.  Since I'm from there I was able to visit family and friends, and since Kurt's work is based there he was able to go to the office everyday for work.  After Kurt got off work, we were able to spend time together with my family.  We went to ANOTHER concert (2nd concert in 5 days), and we had tons of fun!  Ever heard of the band Heart?  They were a rock band that was popular starting in the 70's, but are still quite popular now.  Well, we went and saw them and Jason Bonham's Led Zeppelin Experience at the Santa Barbara Bowl, and it was INCREDIBLE.  We went with my parents, Christine, and Payton.  I'm so glad we were able to go and spend time together as a family as well.  Plus, it was an amazing concert :)
During that week, we were also able to go to the beach, go shopping, go out to dinner, play games, and much more.  My wonderful mom also decided to have a mini celebration for Christine and mine's 21st birthday.  Our birthday isn't until Sept. 18th, but celebrating on August 30th was the way my mom wanted to do it.
Kurt and I had a wonderful time being with my family and vacationing together in Santa Barbara.  We will be going back there in November and December, so it wasn't too difficult to leave, but it's always hard leaving behind people and places you love.
Now, school has started, and I am officially a SENIOR at the Utah College of Dental Hygiene.  I feel so blessed to be able to receive such an incredible education, and that I have a husband and family who supports me in my academic goals and endeavors.
Kurt and I will have a very busy rest of the year.  I am still in school and have accepted another calling at church, and Kurt is working full time, studying full time, and working hard to carry out his calling at church as well.  Kurt and I are the Activities Specialists in our ward, so we are always busy planning the next big activity to bring our ward closer together.  We are planning a Picnic in the Park this Friday, and are very excited for it!  I have been called as Primary Chorister, so I will be working with children ages 3-11, teaching them songs and helping with the Primary Program.  I'm quite nervous, but I'm ready for the new adventure ahead!

FUN. concert at The Great Saltair

Sunday in Santa Barbara, CA

Heart concert with Christine & Payton

Heart