OHANA means Family

10/29/2015

One thing that has been a really big topic on my mind and heart has been the concept of FAMILY.
Many of you may or may not all ready know that I come from a family who is very close. Some may say that it is a little unhealthy, I say that we are just practicing for eternity... because you gotta love those who you are going to spend eternity with now before you get there right? :)

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is well known for their Temples and their "obsession" with the family unit. I believe that the family unit is the most important thing on Earth, besides the gospel and all other principles. I love and appreciate my family so much, and I am so excited to be starting my own with Dillon. When Dillon and I were married in April of 2014 we went to the temple, where we were sealed for eternity. What that means is as long as we keep the covenants and promises we make to God in this life, not only will we be happy and probably have a great life (including all those amazing trials we are blessed with) we will have the opportunity to continue that happiness into the next life. There is no " 'til death do us part" and I am so grateful for that. Now that we are expecting our very first child (May of 2016), that baby and every baby we bring to this earth we will be able to love and hold and have in the next life.

We just sent my brother Tyler off to New York for two years. You may be thinking WOW! That's a LONG time!! (Believe me I know!! 2 weeks down 102 to go!) But while he is in New York, he will be teaching families, and reminding families of these wonderful blessings of the gospel, the blessings of the temple. Ultimately teaching those families about how they can be and eternal family.
If sacrificing my brother for 2 years to the people of New York, give other people this opportunity for love and peace. I will do it. (I have done it, I am just now accepting it publicly).

"Missionary: (n) A person who leaves their family for a short time to teach other families how they can be eternal."

I am SO proud of my brother, for setting an example to Josh and Zach, for being the first in our family to make that commitment and promise to God to serve and teach others of this gospel.

If you read my blog last year you may know that choosing not to serve a mission was probably one of the hardest things that I had ever done... but oh how grateful I am now for choosing this path. This is where I am meant to be and where God needs me to be.

Ohana means family. Family means nobody gets left behind or forgotten. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints has given this statement an extra meaning to me. We will be together for ETERNITY. NO ONE will be left behind or forgotten, whether its my grandparents, brothers, my own children, it is an eternal chain of forever forward, forever backwards. I am so grateful for this, because I love my family, especially my own family unit that is just starting to grow... :)

Blink... or Don't

This year has just gone by... I recommend not blinking because before you know life will pass you by!! Looking back at the last year Dillon and I had a lot of great moments and some sad... but I could not imagine going through any of this without him!
But to recap this year since it is nearly half over just kills me!!
2015:
Dillon started and completed an EMT course, he was certified and has been waiting to schedule his licensing test. He has since, started another semester of school all while working for Sparkle Window Cleaning.
At the end of March we moved into our FIRST apartment! It is so cute, it relocated us to a different stake, and ward but of course the Church is true no matter where you live! The ward is so nice and really welcoming!

In April I finished my 5th semester of school and will start that all again in September; I also started a new job. I  am currently working for Pacific Bay Mortgage as their Loan Coordinator, and I am really enjoying it! :)

As for other news, we bought a Russian Tortoise, his name is Franklin! and our puppy had puppies! SEVEN to be exact... seven puppies, so if any of you are wanting a dog I really recommend Terrier mixes, they are smaller (indoor/outdoor), smart, playful, and very cuddly!! The dad is a Terrier, and Zoey is a Terrier/ Retriever. Pictures to come in the next few weeks, check back here OR Facebook! :)

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The Spiritual high of these last few weeks has been incredible I can't help but share!

As many of you know, I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I have made it a goal of mine, to make Christ the center of my day, life, marriage, etc... I have seen many blessings in my life as well as those I love because of this goal of mine. (You all know Dillon's conversion story BLESSING!!) Another blessing is one captured in the picture above. This is my best friend Sydney. We have been best friends for 14 years, we met when we were 6 and ever since we always had to be a part of each other's life. Well, she was one of the many people in my life who could use the blessings of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Sydney is an incredible person, daughter, sister, friend, she is always so generous and kind putting people before herself! For the last decade and a half, I have invited her to church, youth activities, dances, hoping that she can feel the spirit of the Lord. Well, if you have read my previous post "For it is He who works in Mysterious ways.." we all know that God has perfect timing, and it is important that we keep that in mind. 

Believe me I did! I never fought Syd to come to church and MAKE her feel the Power of the Spirit, in fact I did the exact opposite, 6 weeks ago Sydney was feeling the need for a pick me up (and not the Mello Yellow kind). She turned to God. Spoiler alert she was baptized on the BEST DAY EVER!!! (04.25.2015) and last night we had the opportunity in going to the temple.  "To finally get to share what i hold most dear to my heart with my best friend is truly a special thing"

Missionary work has a huge spot in my heart, in Dillon's as well. We have made it a goal to ours to be the best examples that we can be, and to share the gospel with everyone who is willing to hear it! So when his best friend Mark (in picture above) asked us "What is the better book to read if I want to learn more about Mormonism? Bible or Book of Mormon, I know you read both" We jump at the opportunity. The past few weeks Mark has been making some life changes and when he realized that he wanted more, he came to Dillon in hope to understand my he always seems so happy, and how he finds his guidance. Spoiler alert!! Mark is getting baptized Saturday 05/09/2015!

All in all, I want you to know that I am a first-hand wittness of the blessings that are received when you have Christ as the center of your life. I am so grateful for my Savior, and for his gospel. I love the Book of Mormon, and I love to see the happiness that it brings to people's lives, because it has brought so much in my life... If you don't believe me look at the faces of Sydney and Mark, they jut look truly happy...(I mean it! Mark looks like he belongs on the cover or the Ensign or Liahona! Doesn't he??) If any of you are having questions, or doubts, or needing a pick me up, turn to the Lord, He will guide you to where you need to be. I promise you that. :) 

"And they lived happily ever after -Part 407"

With each day comes a brand new "once upon a time" and with each sunset a "happily ever after"

"how's married life?" "how's being married?" Etc...
Let me just tell you... It's the BEST thing ever!!! And let me give you an example!
"marriage is like having a sleep over with your best friend every night" (:
And honestly that is one of the most truthful statements!!
Since it has been a while since I've posted let me bring you up to speed on the latest activities of the Simons family!

In the last 86 days of being married we have traveled to Cancun Mexico 

(insert cute picture here) they are all on Dillon's phone so I'll have to post one later ;)

We camped in Santa Cruz with my family!!

We were able to go and see Disneyland (Dillon's first time)

With us in the picture from left to right: Jessie (Dillon's twin brother) Kevin (my father in law) Caton and Sydney (my best friend and her boyfriend) it was a magical weekend with amazing company!

We built a fort in the living room and watched a movie .. and yes we did sleep in it (:

We are both working and we are getting Dillon transferred to a local school because... (drum roll please) ... we are staying! We are not moving back to Idaho, Dillon is transferring and I am staying with online studies. 

I am currently looking for new work, and we are praying constantly for new opportunities and new experiences, and I am applying everywhere I'm just not getting any phone calls back.. but everything is going to work out!

Throughout our relationship Dillon and I have learned to rely on the Lord always. And as soon as we did things fell into place.. and when I mean things.. I mean EVERYTHING!! From school to where we are going to live, to then getting engaged and making wedding decisions, my great-grandparents FLEW from Oregon to Sacramento for my great-grandfather to seal us in the temple! {Talk about every prayer being answered!} Then after being married everything we set our minds to and hearts and have asked for specifically in prayer Heavenly Father just knows when we need it and how we need to receive it!

We are so grateful to be married, we are so grateful to be together! We want no more than for the happiness of each other... We are constantly striving for new goals and we are just having so much fun! 

I love my husband so much, I am grateful for his strength, for his testimony, and for him always honoring his priesthood. I could not have asked for more from him or Heavenly Father, Dillon is perfect for me, and perfect for the family we want to have. I could go on and on for days about Dillon , but I'll spare you (this time). 

The Simons Family, living their happily ever after everyday. 

Est. 86 days ago and counting

For it is He who works in mysterious ways...

I know that God exists. and I KNOW that He loves me, I KNOW this because of how perfect my life is according to His plan for me.

Since I have been home, I have been taking 14 credits of online classes, 2 jobs, planning a wedding, spending time with my family, and still having time to sleep and eat.  I am NOT saying my life is easy, I am not saying that I DON'T break down and cry because I am just emotionally and physically exhausted, but I am saying that this is what God wants of me right now!

Lately I have been so blessed to have families seek out for help and other jobs that they need done. and i am so grateful, because one of the families is going out of town for a week and with the help of all of you who are thinking about me, and praying for me, i feel it (: and i am able to have money to save!

I am so grateful for my Heavenly Father, and I am so grateful for my family (birth-family, ward family, friend-family) I appreciate the love and the thoughts, and the help that you are all lending to me (:

If I could leave anything with you today that leaves an impression and leaves you feeling better than when you started reading this blog post it would be this:

God loves all of His children, He is always wanting to bless us and give us things to look forward to in life. If you are going through something hard, or confusing or frustrating, turn to Him, He wants you to ask for help.   In Doctrine and Covenants chapter 4 verse 7 it reads "Ask, and ye shall receive; knock and it shall be open unto you. Amen"  this verse is saying that if we ask God for things that we need, we will receive it. and like i said earlier, my life is not easy, and things don't happen the way i think they will sometimes, but, He always provides for me, He helps me to get the things I need right when I need them!

I have a testimony of God and His ways, though they are mysterious, and not the way we might like, they are HIS and they are PERFECT. Amen.

The PERFECT fit!!!

October 5th, 2013

Mom took me on a girl’s night with her friends because all the men were at the Priesthood session for the LDS General Conference. My Aunt Anna and her kids came too because they were here in California for a Dr. Appointment. We all went to Dos Coyotes and I was really enjoying myself!

After Dinner we headed out, and standing outside was a man and a limo. He held a black sign with white writing "COURTNEY" I was so confused! He said "I was sent here to pick you up" (at this point I had so many emotions flowing through my body). WITH the encouragement of my family and friends, I got in the limo, and there on the shelf was a bouquet of soft pink Gerber daisies! Then I thought for a brief moment "DILLON!!... Could he be proposing? ... nahh"  then as the guy started driving I was able to process my thoughts a little better and was still so anxious to know where we were going and what was going on! He stops in front of Dillon's drive way and begins his 3-point turn. :) We drive down the drive was and I see cars everywhere! So I texted him "Are you having a party??" and no response... i thought "did he really rent a limo to take me to a party at his house?!" haha As we get closer i see nothing but people holding candles, at this point i knew what was going on... the limo stops and a beautiful picture is before me...

***PICTURE THIS***

people forming the perfect aisle with candle light, then a flicker of light and BAM... hanging above their heads are streams of cafe lights, and at their feet Christmas lights form the perfect 'U' shape and at the end is the most handsome man dressed in a black Slim Fit suit and tie

*****

No... that was not me dreaming trust me... that was REAL LIFE!!!

my mom comes to open the limo door and I realized I had been bawling this whole time... so I quickly wipe my face trying not to smear my make up... and the door was open... and I hear "A Thousand Years part 2" playing in the background!

after I saw everything, and heard our song and locked eyes with Dillon I had realized this was real, my mom began to escort me down the aisle but I couldn't take it I asked "do I have to walk?!" haha BTW I did not mean to THROW your arm mom...I am sorry! I just wanted to hurry!!

so I ran down the aisle and threw my arms around Dillon Simons... I began to happy cry again (NOT REALIZING a videographer was capturing the whole moment! and family and friends were around me..) but anyways!

In the embrace Dillon said to me "This is where it all began Courtney, with our first kiss... when I asked you to be my girlfriend...and now, to be my wife... (gets down on one knee)... Courtney will you marry me?"

*I CANT BREATHE! I CANT BREATHE!! WHY IS HE SO PERFECT!!* WAIT!!!*

"YES! YES! YES!!!" and I kissed him! and he takes the ring and puts it on my finger! (one of the greatest feelings IN the world bytheway!)

He turns to the crowd "IT FITS!"

and I realized so many people were there! hahaha

Here is a picture of the ring :)

Its a perfect fit!  Not just the ring but him! the timing! everything!
just a few months ago i was preparing to go serve a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, but something felt strange about it and after sincere prayer and a big decision i decided not to go and continue school. Little did i know that that was because the Lord wanted me to get married, to go to the temple and partake of those blessings with Dillon Simons!

SO! before you all start freaking out on me YES! we are finishing school! (: Classes start January and we start taking them online, and after we are married in April the plan is to go back to Idaho and finish out school! Education is way to important to throw away just because we are getting married, we just wanted to get married and do it together rather than apart (:  don't worry people we have thought it all through!

Cause like i said... (: the PERFECT fit!

Inspiration, Revelation, Creation.

• "I bear witness that this is our Heavenly Father’s work and that He has a profound personal interest in it. I testify that as you act upon the direction that will be given here today, you will also come to know how intimately He is involved in this effort."

  —Jeffrey R. Holland, "Welcome and Opening Remarks"
  Heavenly Father loves to put you in situations that you can learn from. He leads and guides us through the inspiration and revelation we can receive on our own. What I have relearned the past few weeks is that you need to put yourself in situations where you CAN receive the message that God has for you. He wants us to be happy, He wants us to do the things we love and enjoy doing, He loves to watch us be successful, and most importantly He loves hearing us tell Him how happy we are, and how much we LOVE the blessings that He brings into our lives.
  As you all maybe wondering "Whats going on?" "Are you OKAY?" "Why are you coming home?" to make a long story short, Heavenly Father has more to offer me at home. I am off track so no I am not missing school. I am just saving money, staying up here I would have to worry about rent, and a 30 mile commute to work, and at home I don't have to worry about rent and I can get a job that is so much closer. 
  Heavenly Father put me in a situation where I was inspired with many different outcomes. 1. stay, continue to work a job I know that I will continue to have 2. stay, find work IN Rexburg, 3. go home, and find work. ALL of which are GOOD things but it was up to me to take it to my Heavenly Father and figure out my BEST interest/outcome. It took me 3 weeks to figure out what was happening. And even just 10 days ago I was still not so sure what would happen. But I called one of my very favorite people, my grandmother. I knew that she would be able to tell me what I needed to hear. Quite frankly I thought that Heavenly Father was going to give her the answer I needed to hear, but you know what she was prompted to say?
  "These are all good options, these are all things that are good that will continue to bring you to success and greatness. He gave you a brain, so He has given you the opportunity to think, so chose. make a decision in your mind and go to the Lord about it, and He will let you know. But since these are all equal in greatness maybe you just need to make a decision for yourself"
  WOW!! Grandma, you are so wise.
  So I did, I made the decision that I was going to stay in Rexburg and work IN town, a week later I had received no phone calls about new work, so I decided to put my contract on the board to sell it. It sold with in 5 minutes. I instantly prayed and told Him what had happened and I felt for myself that this is what I need to do. I said "I'll go where you want me to go dear Lord". The very next day I put a notice in at work, and prepped everything I needed to go home.
  Heavenly Father put me in a position where I was inspired with ideas, through revelation I found what He wants for me to do, and with this decision that I have made I am able to create something of myself to do what I can to meet the potential that my Father in Heaven has for me to meet. 
  
  
  I want to bear MY testimony of those three words, "Inspiration, Revelation and Creation" and how they go hand in hand when you are keeping yourself on the right track with what Heavenly Father has for you. I know that through this experience I have grown closer to Him and found a piece of myself, and was able to learn and grow. I know that our Lord and Savior has us, to fulfill His work, and its up to us to be the best we can be, in the way that He wants in order to fulfill every detail that he wants completed. 
  
  
  I am so grateful for the support system that I have, my parents, my grandparents, and Dillon. They are always praying for me and guiding and teaching me so that I can do what I can to meet my potential. Without them it would be so much harder for me to make the decisions I need to learn and grow in the way God wants me to. 
  I write these these in hopes to provide inspiration or maybe even revelation to some of you.
  In the name of Jesus Christ amen.

Lord of The Rings and the New Testament

So, great things happen if you keep a light and yet serious “relationship” with your teachers… I had an AWESOME Spanish professor this semester. It was an online class, and we meet virtually twice a week to ask questions and listen to lectures. On the final week we had quite the interesting conversation. It started with his dog whose name is “Frodo” and I commented on how “Epic” I thought it was.. Then we talked about how we are all (Me, Dillon, and his roommates) in love with the Lord of the Rings series. Then he mentioned that Tolkien was a Catholic and wrote the Lord of the Rings as somewhat of a parallel to the New Testament. Here was a crappy copy of our conversation.

He (Sr. Swenson asked me about each character and who I thought it was in the New Testament)

Gandalf the white; we believe to be a representation of the resurrected Christ

hobbits are pride and Frodo is charity

hobbits are us trying to overcome everything this life

Samwise the Holy Ghost a close companion but who will leave you when you lose your way but will come back when you are ready for him

Legolas James    Gimbly- John

The white city  the temple?

What about Lord Elrond?

Gollum is regret, or consequence

Elrond writings of the prophets or the law of moses

Éowyn then she might just have to be a doctrine she could be diligence

i love the prophesies from the bible, Book of Mormon and the latter days... the way God comes about doing things is just so incredible

and he IS God so He will choose great ways to come about it but (: still

I have a testimony of My Heavenly Father, and that He works in mysterious ways. I know the prophesies of our Father will happen on His own time and in ways He wants... Many of His prophesies have happened already. and THESE are the LAST days. i know that He is pleased with me and i am ready to be His hands in this world, to be the one to further His message.

 i love you guys and hope you can all feel what i feel in my heart right now!

Courtney