Wednesday, March 14, 2012

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?

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

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!

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

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!