Perspective

Sad news everyone. I did not get into the graduate program at University of Washington. Everyone has been saying really kind things to me so thank you. I just wanted to share one of God's tender mercies.

I volunteer at the Seattle Temple once a week and so I listen to church music as I drive there. One morning not too long ago I was listening to "I'm trying to be like Jesus." I've heard this song probably hundreds of times but this line sounded really important to me: 'be gentle and loving in deed and in thought.' Gentle in thought? What does that even mean?

I've been pondering that for a few weeks when I got the dreaded rejection email. My first instinct was to be mad and upset. "This is lame!" my spirit wanted to shout, "This is terrible!" But then I remembered what my loving Heavenly Father taught two weeks before. Be gentle in thought. So I thought gentle thoughts and counted my blessings.

My life is completely wonderful. I just got a job a I enjoy. My husband is amazing and my marriage is better than ever. We always have enough food to eat and a warm, comfortable home to live in. Our financial situation rocks. I have two families that love me and are always cheering me on, Castillos and Boushleys you're so great. I have everything I could want.

Who needs to grad school anyways?

Mini!

My super awesome sister Alicia got me these cute mini baking pans for Christmas and I had to try them out.

What's in them is this yummy recipe for coconut bread from this website

Thanks again sis!

New jobs!

You may not have heard but I got a job. I'm working as a swim instructor at the Pro Sports Club in Bellevue, WA. It is the world's largest fitness club. Usually I am skeptical about claims like this but really it is HUGE. It has a entire spa,  4 pools, 3 fitness rooms that are way over 1000 sq ft,  4 full size tennis courts, two full size basketball courts, about 8 raquete ball courts, about 5 squash courts and the locker rooms have a sauna, steam room and whirl pools. Not to mention all of the studios for various work out stuff, the doctors' offices and restaurants (yes plural). What the crazy?!? I know. I get lost when I try to venture outside of the pool areas. It's a really fun job and I really missed teaching so I'm happy. I work about 10 hours a week, which is perfect for me.

If you're wondering about Aaron's new job you'll have to wait until March 26th.

How cool my mom is

Remember how my mom took a ceramics class one time and became really amazing at it? No? Well I do and just in case you don't believe me look at this chip/dip bowl she made us for Christmas. We eat a lot of chips and salsa :)

Valentine's Day

I think this was the first Valentine's Day when I actually did something fun for Aaron besides just a homemade card. I cooked a ham! (Well it was pre-cooked but still)

And this is the pretty table set up

Aaron bought me a really beautiful pearl necklace but I don't have a picture of it. I hope your Valentine's Day was as good as ours!