Lisa's Birthday Celebratin' and Update

Well...so much changes so fast. As usual :) but the last couple of months have brought some great changes and accomplishments.  Over the last 2 months, Jordan left on his mission, spent his 6 weeks in the MTC in Provo and then is now in Hermosillo mission, and doing wonderfully. It's been so fun for Jake and I to think about Jordan there, and can't help but think about how it was for us in our first transfers of the mission....Definitely was the hardest - but was a foundation for both of us and our missions.

I also switched jobs, and went from hating both of my jobs to returning to work Heritage Makers working remotely, from home! It was a very unexpected surprise to get the offer to start work again with Heritage Makers, who I've worked for in Provo for the last few years since before my mission. But it was a much needed change. They have been so gracious in welcoming me back and making it possible for me to work again as a Customer Support representative.  I love working with such wonderful and friendly people that I have truly grown to love over the years.  Working at home definitely has its new benefits - of being able to wake up 5 minutes before I have to clock in, and just walk over to my computer. I'm sure Jake loves my new look :) but he truly is very supportive of my work and we have both been happier with the change.

Jake has worked extremely hard and done SO very well with his schooling! He just finished the class portion of the Paramedic Program at Sac State.  And then went to Alabama last week for TERT training, part of his program - a week a part was tough for both of us - but he has done such a good job - he passed all of his training there, and passed his hard final - and now is on to the clinicals part of his program! He'll started his Clinicals this week at Sutter Memorial Hospital here in Sacramento, where he'll be doing 12 hr shifts there for the next 6 weeks or so. He is an expert at IV's! :) I'm so proud of him. He also recently has received his National EMT certification and also has been applying and preparing to apply for the San Jose Fire Dept as well. He's such a hard worker - and I'm so grateful for the dedication he puts into his work for our family. He's been raised right, that's for sure :)

Big news for us - we have decided, and are so grateful for the opportunity, to be able to move in with my parents in Livermore starting May of this year.  We have LOVED our time in Sacramento, and hope to return here soon - (hoping for Jake to be hired in the Sac Fire Dept). But until then...we have fasted and prayed about our situation - and the opportunity for us to live with my parents will be a blessing for us in so many ways.  Jake will be almost done with his clinicals and can do his internship in the bay area over the summer.  I can work from home, so work is portable and I can work anywhere! So...it's a great and wonderful summer. We are so excited!

We are also happy to have the fun news that Colby (Jake's brother) and Shauna are pregnant!!! We are so excited to have a baby in the Evans family.  She is due in October. So excited for them! I think it's a girl....Jake is convinced its a boy. :) We'll see how's right!

This week - I turned 27! I'm sort of in denial lol but grateful I still have 3 full years in my 20s :) It was a great week of celebrating - we were So excited to have my mom and dad come see our place in Sacramento this last weekend and we celebrated my birthday with some delicious food and fun and talks.  We had a blast at Jack's Urban Eats and then dessert that night at Farrell's.  We hadn't laughed that hard for so long haha Dad and Mom decided to try to re-inact the old fashioned photo on the table. too funny....wish everyone could have been there. Dad was crying he was laughing so hard. :) Gotta love those moments.

On my birthday, I received many gifts, comments, and love - Jake spoiled me with breakfast - blueberry muffins and orange julius! ( i had no idea my hubby could make orange julius! it was delicious!!!) After work, we went to a Sushi place right by our house that we've seen for months, but never been to - the Bento Box.  It was soooo good! Loved having Sushi again- it had been so long. Great find and fun occasion since we don't go out much.  And then Jake even made me a Red Velvet cake - my favorite right now! and we watched Survivor, and opened my gift from him.  he was so sweet and went through the crazy adventured task of buying me Mary Kay mascara, my favorite :) What a sweet surprise.

It was a perfect birthday, even with the colds we have been fighting all week.  Hard to believe that my birthday was here again - but it was fun to celebrate this year.  So grateful for all of the love that I receive from so many...

This weekend, we are so excited to watch General Conference! And to start out April - it will be a great month - filled with LOTS to do. But we're excited for the big changes ahead of us.  We'll miss our friends, home, and callings here, but know and feel that we are needed elsewhere right now....We are excited for the Evans to come visit us here before we leave in about a week as well. We love to see family and show them our little life here.

The Lord has been so good to us.  We have so much to be thankful for. Although things have not been exactly as expected, as usual in life...we continue to see the tender mercies of Him in our lives.  We look forward to to all that is ahead of us this year. and let's hope I'm better at little updates on here as well.

One Year Friendship

This February is a fun mile-marker for Jake and I...It's officially been 1 year since we started hanging out as friends. Groundhog's Day of last year, February 2nd, 2013...We had a Ward Shooting Activity up Provo Canyon.  I went with my roommates, Megs and Vuna.  We had a blast and had a great time shooting - I had never shot a gun before! It was pretty exciting.  I remember seeing Jake and his friends across the way from us, and I wanted to go hang out with them...but it was one of those things, that didn't know how to just show up next to them without it being too awkward. So...We didn't hang out then. But that night, after an afternoon of girls shopping, we got a group together to go to Laser Assault, for laser tag.  Jake's apartment got invited too, as they were our next door neighbors.  We all had a blast, running around and shooting the other team. I teamed up with Jake and Joe at some point...and Jake and I were able to just flirt and have fun.  After laser tag, we went to Sonic for milkshakes and some good car battles of rock-out music.  It was the start of an epic friendship between our two apartments. And it's pretty fun to think that it was the start of time spent with my future husband! 

 Me and Megs at the Shooting Activity - such a fun day!

Kind of a fun picture...I was taking a shot of Meg's hot stance with her shot gun, and in the background, you can actually see Jake and his buddies...Fun how things work out. 

February 6th marks the anniversary of the death of my sweet Grandma Phelps, which brought Jake and I closer together.  He was there for me, not sure why he was so inclined to be there for me...well, maybe I am now...but at the time, he was just a great guy that was there for me in a time of need and comfort.  Come Valentines Day...we went to a movie together, he held my hand...and then the 15th, the amazing day in history when my sweet nephew, Samuel J, was born on the birthday of Dad and Grandma...and that night, Jake and I were up all night talking...and we had our first kiss...It was such a crazy month...a very unexpected month last year...And how fun it is now to think that it's now been one year of Jake and I being together...

2013 was filled with so many huge family events for the Phelps family...and the Evans family as well, but I love to call it 'The Year of Jake'.  I will never forget how amazing it was to have the man of my dreams enter my life and sweep me off my feet. I was never truly in love until he came into my life. and now it's fun to say...that soon I will be celebrating a whole year of being in love with him.  Yay for fun mile-markers in life! 

I have a goal for myself to do all I can to stay positive and remember what life is all about...as Chelle reminded me today, its figuring out how to be the best we can be, through stressful situations...because..life is stressful! But...life has a greater purpose than just being stressful and freaking out about that. It's learning to trust in Heavenly Father and His plan for each of us...and finding the silver linings each and every day. I have allowed my body to take over my control, causing me to worry and stress about the cares of life..and I don't want that to overcome my life anymore. I have been so blessed...and I want to live in a way that shows my Heavenly Father and those around me that, although life has its challenges, that my faith is stronger than my fears and that the good always overcomes the bad. 

Here's to a great February, full of love and celebration! I love you Jake - with all my heart. And to my dear family, I love you so much as well! 

San Fran with Jordan

Jake and I had the blessing to be able to head down to the bay area for Jordan's last weekend in California before heading to Utah for his mission. We celebrated Jordan's upcoming journey by going in to the City on Saturday. We had  blast! Our itinerary was quite full for the day, but I'm pleased to announce that we actually did almost everything we had planned and wanted to do! Go us! The day was full of laughter with Jordan's wit. Oh how I am going to miss him for that...and for the happy spirit he transmits.  He always puts me in a better mood.  It was a perfect day in the city, weather wise and company wise. It was so fun to be with my parents and Jordan. Jake and I are blessed to have been able to spend the weekend with them, as well as go back Tuesday night for Jordan's setting apart as a missionary. Jake was even able to join in the set apart. It was a special night. Jordan's going to do amazing things.  I'm so proud of him and excited for him and all that lies ahead. 

Below are a few of our pics of our San Fran day...Mom and Jordan have the other pics on their phones :) But for now..enjoy these! 

 Jake and Jordan on the cable car - it was Jake's first time!

 Jordan relaxing at one of our favorite bathroom stops (The Argonaut Hotel) near Ghiradelli Square. :)

 Near the little light house on the edge of the penninsula of San Fran/Golden Gate Bridge

 Random blind shot of Jordan at the lighthouse

 Proud parents!

 Such a stud!!!

 Such a hottie!! :)

 I love this man sooo much. Love this pic too! Jake and I's first San Fran trip together.

 Walking the Golden Gate Bridge!

 Beautiful!!! I love that I got this shot. Gorgeous!

 Waiting for our ice cream at Ghiradelli Square - after having dinner at Empress of China in Chinatown

 Love me my chocolate

 Such a fun day!!!

The view driving across the newly designed Bay Bridge! Beautiful!You can see the old one to the left...

Starting out the New Year...one smile at a time!

It's hard to believe that the first month of 2014 is coming to a close. It feels like forever since Christmas..but it's still hard to believe that February will be here before we know it.  I look forward to February - its a big milestone for Jake and I.  Starting Feb. 2nd, we start our milestones - from becoming friends that hang out to first hugs, kisses, and dates :) February was a big month last year, and its fun to think that Jacob Evans has been in my life for almost an entire year. So...I look forward to our celebrating - I always love reminiscing with Jake about the start of our lives together, and I'm sure we'll have more fun talking about it as the anniversaries begin.

I swear, each day, and week, and month that goes by, we hit reality harder and harder...the frustrations of starting out...minimum wage- paying jobs, student loans, not receiving government help...the list goes on...but...I am learning SO much. It's a very humbling process, and despite it all - I get the constant reminder of how much the Lord cares...I am the first to admit that I don't give enough time to Him as I should...I get caught up in the day to day tasks...and always seem to find 'stuff' to do, before getting on my knees or opening my scriptures...and yet the Lord reminds me every day of how much....He loves me...in so many ways...from the roof over my head, to messages and phone calls from my family...jokes or pictures that make me laugh...a good tv show...or even just a decent meal...but the one thing that surpasses them all...Is having the companionship of my eternal sweetheart.

Jake is more than I could have ever imagined, or asked for.  It has hit me hard a few times this month, of how perfect the Lord's plan for my life was to prepare me to wait and meet Jake.  Years and years of preparation. If I hadn't moved into the Riviera with Kristen my sophomore year of BYU, we wouldn't have met Shani. Shani connected Kris and I with jobs at BYU Independent Study, and later, myself with Heritage Makers. I had to get that job at Heritage Makers to meet Megs.  Megs had to work there so that we could become friends before my mission.  My mission was a gift - and helped me become more of who I am...and see what I can become. Collette and Megs still had to work at Heritage Makers, and Shani had to have connections there still as well, to allow the doors to be opened to working there again after the mission.  Megs had to move apartments and have an open room for me to move in with her. I had to go with my gut and make that decision on a whim...and it was a decision that changed my life forever. Jake would move in next door just a few months later, and enter into my life..finally! not to mention all that the Lord had to do to get Jake to that point....I am so...in awe....by how perfect it all is...and how He cares enough about me to put the stepping stones in order to lead me to my eternal companion.

Not only has he become my best friend, but he is truly a part of me...and I of him...He carries me through the hard days, he lifts me up when I am down...he laughs along side me when I laugh...his smiles are sincere, his heart is so giving and always there for me...He forgives, he learns, he loves...he is...my everything.  I love being in love.  He is the only man I have truly been in love with.  The only man to tell me that he loved me.  And I cherish that I got to hear those words for the first time, from my husband.  Love means so much to me now, more than I ever knew.

I love what marriage stands for. I love those that cherish it as well. I love that he and I waited for each other...I love that we have so much ahead of us. I am so grateful for the reminder that he is to me...that the Lord has cared for me...and still cares for me.  And that I am enough....I need to remember that a lot more often.

Life is good. And I want to focus on that more this year.  Remember the good, and pushing through the bad, and serving those around me. How grateful I am to have a testimony that God lives, that His son, Jesus Christ, is our Redeemer. And that through Him, we can all be happy forever. How simple it all is. How grateful I am for the power and peace that gives me. <3 about...let="" all="" forget="" is="" it="" nbsp="" not="" ove="" p="" s="" that.="" what="">
Ps. I LOVE to see that there are people in the world that stand up for what they feel is right.  Former Bachelor, Sean and his fiance Catherine, are getting married this weekend on ABC...and I love how they have waited to have sexual relations, or live together, til after they are married. It shocks the 'world', but I was truly uplifted by hearing it. It makes me so happy to know that people follow what they feel is right, an eternal principle...Love it!...and I can't wait to watch the wedding :)

The Bachelor: A Guilty Pleasure

So...Jake and I have a guilty pleasure - we LOVE to watch the Bachelor and Bachelorette.  I was so excited to hear that Jake actually doesn't mind watching the show, and that he actually enjoys it! When Jake and I were dating and engaged, the Bachelorette was on.  It was a surprise when Jake said he was excited for the season too! Thanks to some amazing girls in his past, they eased him into the show...big thanks to them, so that I can now watch it happily with my husband!

We love that this season is featuring Juan Pablo! He was so fun to watch on the Bachelorette this summer. So...we're cheering for our favorites this season...There is even a girl on the show from Sacramento! and my co-worker went to high school with her! Small world.

Kind of a pointless post..but for those of you that watch the Bachelor too, we can collaborate :) Jake and I's other favorite shows right now :
-Bachelor/Bachelorette
-Biggest Loser
-24 - netflix! finishing getting Jake prepared for season 8 this summer :)
-Melissa and Joey
-Survivor
-Amazing Race
-Nashville - just me...

The Evans's Biggest Loser Competition

FYI. Kind of a fun New Years celebration - The Evans Family is conducting a Biggest Loser competition. Now...if you know the Evans, they are all very competitive and serious when it comes to any opportunity to win, which makes this even more entertaining and fun.  Over Thanksgiving, my amazing mother-in-law, Lori, said that it was time for us to get serious about getting healthy.  We all agreed, but she had a bigger vision than we all did.  :) She proposed a Biggest Loser competition from January through June, with a $500 price to the winner! We all gasped with excitement. It was on!

 So... The first weigh in was January 1st.  Jake will be competing on behalf of our little family...Shauna, Colby's wife, and I are the supporters and weight verification supervisors :) Although, I'll be eating healthier, and also, I have the goal to get back into shape. I have officially gotten weak, which is pretty sad to say. So I'm getting back to the gym and toning up and getting swim suit ready.

Jake has a goal to win, and I'll be right by his side the whole time.  Here's to a year of workouts and healthier eating habits! We're both excited to just get healthier and to try to normalize our sweet-tooth habits.  The final weigh in is on June 28th - the first day of Jake's Grandma and Grandad's 50th wedding anniversary celebration in So. Cal. It makes us even more excited to think that we'll be able to celebrate with family and the sun at the end of it all.  We'll keep ya posted on here occasionally on Jake's progress!

Go team Evans: Sacramento!

Happy New Years! Here's to 2014!

Happy New Year!!! As I said in my last post, we were in Livermore for both Christmas and New Years. It was so fun to finally celebrate the holidays with my family.  Jake and I loved to have Aunt and Uncle time with Livi, lil' Will, and sweet Sam.  My sisters have done well at having adorably cute kids :) And I get to see more and more of how amazing they are as mothers. I had no doubt they would be...but its sure fun to see them and their beautiful kids. I hope I can become a mother like them, and take after my mom someday.

Kristen was an amazing photographer throughout the week, and even set up a family photo session.  She did a great job at taking everyone's pictures....so all the credit for the photos goes to my sister, Kris.  But I'm sure she won't mind me sharing a few to show everyone a little about our holiday celebrations.

Sadly, our time together came to a close pretty fast :( Chelle, Josh, and Sam left New Years Eve.  The rest of us went to see Saving Mr. Banks that night, and then ran home to celebrate with noise makers in the front yard and toast with some Martinelli's.  Our noise making was one of the funnest I've ever had, due to Jake and Jordan's unique New Year's noisemakers.  Jake's sounded like a dying Elk...it was hilarious! And Jordan was an extreme expert at rapid spinning of his tin noise maker. He even ran around crazy with it on the front lawn. HILARIOUS...wish I had it all on tape.  But we had a blast. Enough of a great time, that some guys walked by the house and asked, "Is this the party?" hahaha. we laughed pretty hard. That's when you know people were jealous of our fun times...

It was a New Years I'll never forget.  Especially the fact that I got my first new years kiss, and how fun it was to have it be with my eternal sweetheart. Here's to an AMAZING NEW YEAR! Bring it on!

 Baby Sam, Michelle's sweet boy - left.  Lil' Baby Will, Kristen's adorable boy - right.

  Livi loves Jake, can you tell?! haha

      Thanks Mom and Dad for welcoming all of us back home and giving us so much! We love you! And thanks for all of the gifts and love from the Evans as well. We love our family for sure!