conclusion: 14 days of being a better wife

I woke up the morning after day 14 and made the bed. SAY WHAAAA?? I made it because I thought, "A better wife would make the bed even if she didn't want to." Mr. Jolley noticed and said thank you.

I spent the rest of the day reflecting on the way I had spent the past 14 days and how my perspective of being a better wife had changed.

A few things I learned...

1. Being a better wife DOES NOT MEAN you will be a perfect wife. I still let my mouth run, or was lazy, or forgot to flirt with my husband, etc. But I was definitely being a little better.

2. When you have a specific goal in mind, it is easier to attain. On days that I planned to make dinner, I made dinner. On days I planned to work out a little harder, I worked out a little harder. Set specific, measurable goals to reach.

3. You can't change your husband, but he might reciprocate. This challenge was about me changing for him, not the other way around. But almost every time I left him an index card love note, he wrote on the back of it. Cute right? <3

4. We see what we are looking for. If you are expecting him to be bratty or selfish, that's what you'll see. If you're watching for romantic, nice gestures, you'll find them.

5. Prayer changes things. Prayer changes my marriage every day. Let it change yours.

This definitely won't be the last time I take this challenge.

getting past bad hair days

Anyone who has ever had a bad hair day raise your hand. Okay, I'm glad I'm not alone. 

I seriously can let bad hair days get to me. They KILL my confidence. Pure confidence killer. Like, bad hair days literally make me grumpy, and it's hard to control! And suddenly I'm on my 64th ounce of Coca Cola and I'm watching some sappy chick flick and wishing I could just be Jennifer Aniston. 

I wish I knew who to credit this piece of wisdom to, but awhile ago I heard someone speak and she said this... 

"Every morning you should do everything you can to make yourself look lovely and beautiful. And then the minute you walk out the door of your house, FORGET ABOUT YOU and focus on others." 

There are much bigger problems in this world than my bad hair day. Does it still suck? You bet it does. But I find that even on bad hair days, if I focus on improving someone else's life, whether through my words or actions, I feel better about myself. 

Does God care about my bad hair day? I promise you that he does. And believe me, I pray to him about bad hair days pretty frequently. I ask him to help me turn my focus elsewhere, and to use me to change someone's life.

 So are bad hair days all that bad? I guess if they are leading me to "live higher" (Isaiah 59:9) then maybe they aren't so bad after all. 

 

love story part three: waiting for the first date

It was Thursday. I messaged him back.

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Me: Oh for sure! I'd absolutely love that  we can message on here or you can text me, either way works! You choose!

Him: If you trust texting a stranger I'm all for that  because I don't always have access to the internet. Here's my number...

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You guys, he legitly didn't ask for my number. He gave me HIS. He's lucky I texted him. 

The crazy thing was we immediately hit it off. OVER TEXTING. I was sneaking peeks at my phone during my practicum at the elementary school. He was texting during his work training. I couldn't get enough.

Within 24 hours of texting we talked about him taking me out. We planned Monday. He asked if he could take me out Monday AND Tuesday. I told him he could ask me out again Monday night if he was still interested, that way it wouldn't be awkward if one date was enough. After all he was going to be making a 2 hour drive just to take me out. No reason to do that two nights in a row if he didn't want to. We still hadn't talked on the phone. I justified that because it was a blind it didn't matter. In fact, I'm pretty awkward on the phone, so I was glad he didn't call to ask me out.

Monday couldn't come fast enough. From the day we first started talking to our first date seemed like a month. And then when it did finally come I started freaking out. Which is SO unlike me. I NEVER get nervous for dates. I was so upset at myself. Why on earth was I freaking out? I suppose I knew this date was either going to be wonderfully amazing or suuuuuuper awkward. 

I had class until 7 pm that night. He would be off work at 5:30 and would make it to Logan a little after I got done. 

Brielle asked me what I was wearing. So I sent her this from my Educational Psychology class. I was rockin a polka dot top, black leggings and brown boots. Ya know, breaking all sorts of fashion rules.

I lived on the third floor and I knew I'd be able to see him walking in so I watched from the window. About 7:15 I spotted him. Flowers in his hand. I swooned. My girlfriends screamed. And then came the knock at the door....

(to be continued)

day 14 of being a better wife

The final day. 

This morning I woke up to the misters alarm. He had to get up for work but since Monday is my day off I just kinda laid in bed while he got ready. 

I wrapped a blanket around me and walked him to the front door. I asked him if he needed anything to be done since I had the day off and basically all he left me with was a shopping list. 

Once he had left I wrote a note and stuck it on the bathroom mirror. "Thank you for being my best friend! Love, B" After I moved from my college town, most of my friends moved on with their lives. On one hand I am glad they did, but it also has left me pretty lonely some days. My husband has stepped in and filled that role. And I wanted him to know I was grateful that he had done that. If there is something I've learned these past 14 days it's that being specific in my gratitude and love is the most important thing I can do to love my husband. 

I had planned on crockpot chicken for dinner, but when my mom asked if I wanted to meet her for lunch I of course said yes and in doing so ran out of time. So I threw some chicken in the over and made easy mashed potatoes on the stove. They were all ready right at 5:10, 5 minutes before my husband usually gets home. Then he texted me... "Hey sweetie. I'm going to be late. I'm so sorry." 

In that moment I decided it didn't make any sense for me to be frustrated. If he was going to be late it meant that he had important work to be done. So I told him to not worry about it and let me know when he was headed home so I could have dinner ready. And when he walked in the door with dinner on the table, he apologized profusely for his tardiness. I told him I totally understood and I was just glad he was home now. :) because it was the 23rd I blessed the meal. (I always bless the food on odd days and he blesses the food on even days) In the prayer I expressed sincere gratitude for Mr.Jolleys job and for his willingness to work hard. It makes it easier to see the things I have when I am grateful for them. 

For FHE we finished up our thank you cards from our wedding and watched an episode of the district, and instead of rolling my eyes when he quoted it, I laughed and smiled at appropriate times. 

He Facebook messaged a friend he hadn't talked to in awhile, and instead of demanding his attention I decided to take a bath and do my own thing. As soon as he was done he let me know and then we got ready for bed. 

He said our nightly prayer and thanked The Lord for our relationship and asked Him to help us know how to further strengthen our marriage. That Mr.Jolley, he's a keeper. 

day 13 of being a better wife

Sunday. My favorite day of the week. I really always forget how nice they are. 

I had thought about continuing to sleep in when my alarm went off, but I decided that a better wife would get up and get ready so she could look her very best for her husband. 

Mr. Jolley gave me his cold so we went to some of church and then we came home to rest. We seriously spent the whole day cuddling and watching movies. Between sleeping and movies the day went by so fast! But it was much needed. We both talked about how grateful we were that we bth have Sundays off so we can spend that quality time together that our relationship so desperately needs. It made me grateful that I turned down that job that wanted me to work Sundays. 

We made cookies while watching a movie. And Mr.Jolley wanted us to try and use spray butter instead of regular so it would be less fattening. Guys, let it be written. THAT DOESNT WORK. They were disgusting. But instead of either of us getting frustrated with the other, we laughed. It was hilarious. 

Sometimes being a better wife just means giving your full attention for a full day to your husband, and relishing in the moments that you have been so blessed to receive. 

Tomorrow is the last day! I am beyond excited and plan to go out with a bang!

Faith Value Experience #1

The other day I realized I had "made it." I have gone through the temple & I am married for time and all eternity. Everything I ever did in Young Women's prepared me for those 2 events. And now what?

I realized I feel like I have gotten complacent. I'm doing the right things, going to church, reading my scriptures and praying with my spouse, but I'm not growing. I'm just standing still. So I prayed about what I could do to fix that. I realized that my testimony received the most strength and growth when I was working on my Personal Progress. So I picked up a Young Women's Personal Progress book and decided it was time to start again.

This past week I started working on Personal Progress Book for the last 15 minutes before I leave for school in the morning. It gives me something interesting to think about, and gives me all day to ponder on the things I learn.

For this value experience, we get to read different scriptures about faith. My favorite scripture section from this experience was Ether 12:6-22. It gives SO many examples from the scriptures of REAL people who's faith changed everything. So I challenge YOU to go read those 16 verses and ponder on them.

It also asks you to read two general conference talks on faith. I went to LDS.org and googled faith. Here are two talks I found that I loved!

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The Transforming Power of Faith And Character
"Because of the conflicts and challenges we face in today’s world, I wish to suggest a single choice—a choice of peace and protection and a choice that is appropriate for all. That choice is faith. Be aware that faith is not a free gift given without thought, desire, or effort. It does not come as the dew falls from heaven. The Savior said, “Come unto me” (Matthew 11:28) and “Knock, and it shall be [given] you” (Matthew 7:7). These are action verbs—come, knock. They are choices. So I say, choose faith. Choosefaith over doubt, choose faith over fear, choose faith over the unknown and the unseen, and choose faith over pessimism."

Faith-The Choice is Yours
"I have personally verified that concepts like faith, prayer, love, and humility hold no great significance and produce no miracles until they become a living part of us through our own experience, aided by the sweet prompting of the Holy Spirit. In early life I found that I could learn gospel teachings intellectually and, through the power of reason and analysis, recognize that they were of significant value. But their enormous power and ability to stretch me beyond the limits of my imagination and capacity did not become reality until patient, consistent practice allowed the Holy Spirit to distill and expand their meaning in my heart. I found that while I was sincerely serving others, God forged my personal character. He engendered a growing capacity to recognize the direction of the Spirit. The genius of the gospel plan is that by doing those things the Lord counsels us to do, we are given every understanding and every capacity necessary to provide peace and rich fulfillment in this life. Likewise, we gain the preparation necessary for eternal happiness in the presence of the Lord."

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Both of the talks spoke of how faith brings peace into our lives. And who doesn't need that right?? In a world of such uncertainty, who doesn't need the peace and comfort that comes from true and complete faith in our Savior, Jesus Christ.

The rest of the experience is to "exercise your own faith by establishing a habit of prayer in your life." So every morning before my personal study, I say a quick but sincere prayer. And every evening, I pray with my sweet husband. And for now, that's enough.

I've learned that prayer changes things. And sometimes it doesn't change outside influences, but it does change me. When I am sad or scared, I pray. Prayer gives me a chance to express gratitude and helps me see all of the many blessings I have. Praying personally gives me private time with my Father, time where our relationship is strengthened. There have been many times in my life, when I have told my Heavenly Father, "I just can't do it, I need you to hold me." And he always does. He ALWAYS does. <3

day 12 of being a better wife

Today was a Saturday. And because I'm a cosmetology student, I definitely have school every Saturday. It was weird to leave Mr.Jolley this morning because usually is anyone is leaving someone it's him leaving me. But today was his day off. And he didn't even sleep in much. He got up to see me out the door, and I made a mental note to do the same. 

I forgot my lunch today. The first time since I started school. And when I told him he offered to pick me up on my lunch and take me out to way somewhere. So around 12:15 I met him in the parking lot of my school and guess where he takes us? IHOP. That man sure know the way to my heart. I let him have some bites of my food because I knew he didn't like his as much as he had hoped. And he loved mine. So I let him have my last few bites of my double blueberry pancakes. 

He dropped me off at school again and I spent the next few hours enjoying my education but wanting to be home with my husband. So when I got home and he was watching Americas Got Talent, I curled up next to him on the couch. And he said "I love having you cuddled up next to me." 

I got up to get ice cream when I realized a note on the table, "BECAUSE I LOVE MY WIFE." 

There was Carmex, markers, a fireproof safe like I had asked him for forever ago and a "Brooklyn's Coke Fund" that was overflowing with quarters. How can I ever match such a sweet and considerate man? I gave him plenty of smooches and covered him with thanks. Or vice versa.

Tonight was the BYU vs Utah game  even though I'm not a huge sports fan, we went to Mr.Jolley's friend's house to watch it. It was a blast and I absolutely love being with those people. Last time I watched the game I cheered on BYU, but since I don't care much who wins in sports, I cheered for Mr.Jolley's team, Utah. Towards the end of the game Mr. Jolley got so sleepy. So when we got home we did our nightly routine and went to bed. 

Only 2 more days of this challenge and I want it to be the best 2 days ever. 

day 11 of being a better wife

This past week I set a new goal. Before I got married I was really good at reading my scriptures personally. Once we got married we started reading as a couple before bed instead and so I decided to call that good for awhile. But this week I decided that a better wife would make that extra effort to study her scriptures to be more guided by light. So every morning I'd get ready and then the last 15 minutes before I had to leave I'd read them and take that time to ponder for myself on how I could be a better wife. 

We got to carpool again today. And when I made it to his work to pick him up after our days I realized I was super early. So I went up to the 6th floor to wait. He stayed almost an extra 20 minutes while I just sat on the floor of his cubicle. I wanted to complain and tell him that I was ready to head home and he needed to hurry up, but a better wife would be patient, after all he was just trying to wrap things up for the weekend. And as we left he apologized for taking so long and thanked me for being patient. That Mr. Jolley notices those kind of things.

We had a low key Friday night, luckily I didn't marry a partier. He's been sick and I had school in the morning. So we decided to crash around 10:30. After our nightly routine of reading scriptures and then praying, I climbed into bed and cuddled him. And we both drifted off to sleep. 

day 10 of being a better wife

I can't believe I'm getting so close to this experiment being over! The good news is I have a few other awesome ideas for this blog after this 14 days to being a better wife is over. And I'm excited to share them all with you!

But right now, I'm still putting lots of focus on being a better wife. So today I got to carpool to work/school this morning with Mr.Jolley. It was so fun! And that poor man is so congested. Bless his heart. He went to work even though he is so sick. See what a hard worker I married? 

I made it a point to remind him that if he needed anything than he should let me know because I get 1 hour breaks at school right now. And when I dropped him off I gave him a big smooch on the cheek and sent him off with an "I love you!"

I want him to know how grateful I am that he is working so hard and providing for us so I can be a full time cosmetology student. So I try to make sure I tell him all of the really cool positive things I'm learning. I even practiced a head massage on him! 

And since tonight was supposed to be date night and I had picked to go out to dinner, I told him id rather just get fast food and go relax so his body could rest. After eating Wendy's, we went home and finished Shrek. Then I told him I wanted him to pick the movie while I practiced braiding. We sat on the couch next to each other and he expressed gratitude for me being understanding about date night. 

Today I learned that putting your spouse above you can bring so much joy. I love that man and he works so hard and does so much for me. And even though I can't do much when heh is sick, I can be understanding. And I can make the bed, even if I hate to.

 

day 10 of being a better wife

Today was Mr.Jolley's late day at work. But like the amazing man is, he got up with me and made me a smoothie for breakfast. And then proceeded to do all the household chores during my first few hours of school.

I really was impressed and tried to make sure my gratitude was recepted well and that he would know I was being sincere. 

He got off work at 8. Sometime along the way home he started feeling sick. So I offered to make a run to the store for some cold medicine. Although he declined numerous times, once I offered to have him come with me he said yes and we left almost immediately. I gave myself props for reading him well, I knew he wanted to go even if he kept declining.

Since he was tired I tried to be patient with his lack of energy. We turned on Shrek and decided it was cuddle time. And even though he was sick, I made an extra effort to cuddle him lots during the night. Sometimes he will make comments about how "I seemed more cuddly last night than usual." Always with a big smile on his face. That Mr.Jolley, he's a cuddle bug.

I told him if he needed ANYTHING at work the next day, he better let me know. And he expressed gratitude. Sometimes trying to be a better wife isn't a huge deal, sometimes it just means being patient and extra giving when the one you love isn't feeling so well. Because that's what marriage is about. True love and concern for the other. In sickness and in health.

day 8 & 9 of being a better wife

Yesterday was day 8. Also a Monday. And luckily it was my last day as a stay at home wife. So I tried to keep everything extra clean. 

I purposely made a crockpot chicken recipe because I knew it could sit in the crock pot while I went to the gym to work out with my husband. (It seems like we work out a ton doesn't it?) It was a semi healthy meal, because chicken is mostly lean, and that's conducive to our trying to get healthier. So I considered that a win. 

We also held FHE at our apartment with 3 other couples from our ward. I wanted to help with the lesson, but ya know how sometimes it's just easier to let people do their own thing than try and help? That's what I was banking on. And Mr.Jolley gave a great lesson l, I picked up the donuts for the treats per his request that I buy something from the store.

I turned my phone on silent and we spent the rest of evening quietly and blissfully together. 

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I started school today. It was wonderful and it made me feel way more productive. I set a personal goal to be more outgoing. My husband is SO good with people, he needs a wife who can carry on conversation well. So I vowed to be better, and I think I did pretty dang good today because I started so many conversations I can't even count them all! Cheers to that right?!

I sent him a text message that called him a mega hottie when asking about our work out. And when he kept asking me questions about how school was going, I'd answer and then turn right around and ask him how work was. I want to be a wife who is concerned about my husband's happiness and success. And I want to express that through my actions. 

Then I had a meeting with the bishop tonight and he went and did some grocery shopping at Walmart. He picked up EXACTLY what I asked for. And plenty of it. I tried to be extremely grateful. I was impressed!!

And now we are about to start watching inspirational sports movie as we wind down for the evening, a movie genre we both love. <3

happy 1 month & day 7 of being a better wife

Happy 1 month to the best decision I ever made! 

 

 

 

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Today was Sunday. My favorite day of the week. Mr.Jolley got home really late last night but I waited up for him! And then when we got there we made sure to say prayers and read scriptures together, a goal we set when we got married and one month later we have still yet to miss a night! Cheers to that! 

The next morning I ignored the first few alarms. Then finally got up and got ready for my sisters farewell. Mr.Jolley takes some pills that have caffeine in them, he was a little crazy all morning. I tried my best to be patient because I really do love his fun, silly side! But I think it started to become clear I was losing patience. I felt bad and vowed to be better. 

I laughed with him at the house. When he was running around crazy and cracking silly jokes. I LOVE laughing with my husband. 

We took turns playing plants vs. zombies all day and we watched a bit of Shark Tank with my family when the farewell activities came to a close. 

My family then went outside for a ladder ball tournament. And even though I'm not competitive at all, I made it a point to cheer on my husband even when he was on the other team. And I decided that one of the best things I can do for my husband, is be his personal cheerleader. 

I'm excited and ready to start the second week of this experiment. I'm still struggling some days, and I think I always will. But I know that I get points for trying.  And can feel God working in me and making me a better wife than I ever thought I could be. 

day 5 & 6 of being a better wife

Day five is a day I don't want to write much about. I really feel like I was giving it my all, but I fell very very short of where I wanted to be. 

I tried to surprise my husband by getting our Internet up and running by the time he got home from work. (Good intention right?) And ended up in a horrid attitude, with a broken Internet, dishes piled in the sink, and a messy apartment on the first night we have ever had guests over. We went and saw a scary movie almost as soon as Mr.Jolley got home from work.

I hate scary movies. And I made sure he knew about it. 

While the Taco Soup I made for dinner was a hit with my husband and our guests, I still went to sleep with regret. But I am trying to be patient with myself, and recognize that not every day will be a good day for me. But I vowed to work even harder to make up for lost ground.

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So day six I was determined to be a little bit better. Unfortunately Mr. Jolley had to go to Richfield to work on the restaurant he owns with his brother, and we had decided it would be best if I spent the day with my family since tomorrow is my little sisters farewell for her LDS mission. 

He said goodbye early this morning. Way early. So I was mostly sleeping, but I did thank him for keeping me safe last night. And told him I loved him. And gave him a few extra kisses. Then I slept in. I was a sleepy woman this morning! 

I vowed to be positive but not clingy in our texting conversations. Because we did long distance for our entire dating (5 months is a long time okay?) we are good texters. But since he'd be working I didn't want to be a bother, I just wanted him to feel my support.

So I made it a point to tell him I missed him. And that I was grateful for him. And I warned him when I was going shopping with my mom ;) 

Now I'm in bed waiting for him to get here. I can guarantee that man is going to be so cuddled tonight, he won't even know what to do. <3

3 things you must do on your disneyland honeymoon

When my husband and I got married, it was no surprise when we decided on a Disneyland honeymoon. He hadn’t been since he was six years old, and I have been at least once a year since birth. I was ready to take my new husband on the ultimate tour of Disneyland for honeymooners. And now, I’d like to share some honeymoon tips for your Disneyland getaway!

     1. Stop by Guest Services and Get “Just Married” Pins.

I can’t stress this one enough. To the left of the Disneyland entrance turnstiles is a little place called Guest Services. Go over there, wait in the line, and tell them you want pins that say you were “Just Married.” Within an hour of getting the pins we went to lunch at River Belle Terrace and the kind cast member gave us our drinks free as a ‘wedding gift!’ Then we were consistently being told “Congratulations” by Cast Members and Guests alike. My husband has raved to all his friends about the special treatment we got for being newlyweds in Disneyland.

2. Can’t Afford a Romantic Meal? Split One!

Being college-going newlyweds, we didn’t have a ton of money. But we knew we wanted to eat at the Blue Bayou. So we split a meal. Our waitress didn’t even give us a hard time about it! She was so kind and it made our meal totally affordable. Plus, after we splurged on churros. ;)
Another yummy restaurant if you are looking for a romantic atmosphere would be the new Carthay Circle Theatre Restaurant. Mmm, Mmm, my mouth is watering now.

     3. Pick One Day to Open the Park, and Pick One Day to Close the Park

By the time we made the 12 hour drive from our home to Disneyland, we were exhausted. We were already exhausted from the wedding! So we vowed that it would be okay if we wanted to take things easy. So we picked one day to get to the park right as it opened and ride some of the busier rides, and then we picked one day to stay late and watch World of Color while cuddled in each other’s arms, you know, typical newlywed stuff. That decision alone took away so much stress we had about getting everything done. Just enjoy what you CAN do, and don’t worry about the rest.

What tips do you have for Disneyland Honeymooners?

day four of being a better wife

Yesterday was fairly uneventful. I spent the morning lounging about being totally unproductive reading blogs and what not, and then I spent 3 hours on a lunch date with a blogger turned real life friend Brielle. (She's also the one who set me up on a blind date with my now husband!)

After that I did everything I could to make sure the apartment was clean. I did the dishes, took out the trash, pick up things I had haphazardly left lying around and began to write some thank you cards. Getting married inevitably leads to a never ending search for addresses to mail thank you cards to. But since Mr.Jolley works all day, I decided it could be my job to do that part of the newlywed life. He was so grateful when he found out I was writing thank you's to people from "his side." 

We worked out for 45 minutes at the gym at my husband's work as soon as he was off. Then we hustled home, changed and met up with his brother and some friends at the Oquirrh Mountain temple. Being in the temple ALWAYS makes me love my husband more. And I decided since I hadn't done too much intentional loving today, I would pray for him. 

I started out praying for myself. That I would be shown where I can improve, and learn to be even more grateful for all he does. I wanted God to help me recognize my roles in this season of my life. And then I prayed for Mr.Jolley. Feverently. For success in his work, for safety when we are away, that his eyes could recognize all the good that I see in him. Etc, etc, etc. and by the time I saw him again, I couldn't resist stealing a smooch. A little PDA outside the temple was never a crime right? 

We went to In n Out Burger after. We decided to split a cheeseburger meal. I went to town on the burger and ate all but one bite... So much for my commitment to put him first always. Oh well. Tomorrow is another day right? ;)

day three of being a better wife

Day three started with some cuddling in bed. It was Mr. Jolley's late day at work, which meant he didn't have to leave for work until 10 instead of 8:30. He offered to make waffles, and then when he got distracted just cuddling me. I decided I didn't want to complain about how my tummy wanted the waffles he offered. I just enjoyed the fact that my husband got to sleep in with me and we got to do nothing but cuddle for a good solid half hour. 

I had a SlimFast shake for breakfast. He did too. I teased him because the SlimFast shakes are mine. I'm not sure how well received it was. I need to watch that sarcasm of mine. 

After I kissed my husband goodbye I took a shower and got ready. I threw the sheets in the washer (how often should sheets be washed?) and did some blog reading. Then I got a phone call. And was offered the part-time job I had applied for. The job I had decided to decline. I told her yes. I told her I was okay working some Sunday's and that I didn't need more than a few nights a week. Then I told my husband she offered it to me. We texted back and forth for awhile about it. I knew the answer was no, I needed to say no to the job. So I called her back and told her I needed a job that didn't work me Sunday's, and she deserved an employee who was willing to work Sundays. I hope she took it well. Either way, with the weight off my shoulders, I remembered something I did last night. Instead of complaining about not having a job, I wrote a note on the mirror, thanking Mr. Jolley for providing so I can attend full-time cosmetology school. What a blessing he is to me. Just writing that note made me feel like a rock-star wife. I can be grateful, even when grumpy. 

Even though my husband and I are trying to lose weight, I took a Dr. Pepper for his last hour and a half of work. I know that if there's anything that almost always sounds good to him, it's some DP. He was surprised to see me. I couldn't really read his reaction, I think I was the last thing he was expecting to see towards the end of his work day. But once I left he texted me... 

"Thank you again honey :) you are so sweet! I love you so much!"

date night: homemade pizzas

For part of Mr. Jolley's birthday present, I created a date night book with TONS of date night ideas so we wouldn't get burnt out of trying to pick what to do. Some of them cost money and some are free. Some require us to go out, and some of them we can do in our own apartment. 

This past Tuesday I let him pick the date night and he picked Make Homemade Pizza Together. 

I found this recipe online and it looks heavenly. I didn't do this recipe though because 18 hours to rise?!? Ain't nobody got time for that! 

I ended up being at the grocery store looking for yeast and found something called "Pizza Dough Yeast." And it even had a recipe on the packet, with NO RISE TIME. So that's what we went with.

20 minutes later we had the most delicious pizzas ever. 

Do you know of any delicious homemade pizza recipes? I can definitely tell you we will be making these again soon. Maybe once we are done losing weight though ;) 

Happy dating!

day two of being a better wife

I started out with an epic fail this morning. Mr. Jolley was packing his work out clothes and I said "We aren't working out today. I have my Paul Mitchell welcome night tonight remember?" Fail people. I don't even think I said it very kindly, but who knows, because I was still half asleep. 

So once I got up and got ready I made a game play for the day. A week from today I start cosmetology at Paul Mitchell, but for now, I'm still being a housewife. So I made a list of things that we've been needing to get done. 

Make a K Mart Return 

Grocery Shopping

Laundry

Dishes

Etc.

I wanted to do something above and beyond what Mr. Jolley expected of me. So I thought about it for a minute and remembered how many times he's mentioned getting my car washed. It still had residue from "Just Married" and who knows what else being written on it. We've almost been married a month. Oops. So when I got groceries, I got $5 cash back in quarters and hauled my booty over to the car wash. I hand washed that puppy with all I have. Now we wait to see if Mr. Jolley says anything. Even if he doesn't, it's okay. I wanted to do it anyway, but I'll admit, I'm kind of excited about it!

I had a job interview the other day, I'm not really sure the outcome yet, but I'm not sure I would say yes even if it was offered to me. Why? It would require working Sunday's. And where Mr. Jolley's full time job provides for us, he wants me to not work as long as possible. My school schedule is almost exactly the same as his work schedule. And we want to be together in the evenings and on Sunday's. So me getting a job is selfish. I hate not having my own money. It's a pride thing. A better wife would accept that her husband doesn't need her to work if she's being a full time student. And that's exactly what I'm planning on doing. I need to accept that my husband wants to provide for me so I can finish my schooling. What do I honestly have to complain about? 

I think a better wife would think of ways to serve beyond what is expected. She'd respect her husbands wishes about how she spends her time. And that's exactly what I'm trying to do. 

day one of being a better wife

14 Day Journey to Being a Better Wife...

Today was Day One of my so-called experiment.

Husband is over on the other couch playing Plants vs. Zombies on the iPad and so I decided to take a minute to record my thoughts about today.

Mr. Jolley and I work out 3 times a week after he gets off work. I meet him at his office, we put in our separate headphones and do our thing for 30 min-1 hour. It just kinda depends on the day. I don't LOVE working out. But we both gained weight while dating, and he's determined to lose it. The least I could do is be a support system and maybe possibly lose my extra weight too.

Wouldn't a better wife want to look her very best for her husband? I think she would. So today on my elliptical, I went 15 minutes longer than I usually do, at a higher resistance than usual. And even though I still stopped a little before he was done, I felt a lot better about the wife I am, simply because I wanted to go a little longer, for HIM.

To be a better wife, I can focus on myself more physically. When he passes on cupcakes because he's watching his weight, sometimes I can do the same. I don't have to become a marathon runner, but I can do an extra 15 minutes on the elliptical while he sweats up a storm running a treadmill 5K a few machines down. And sometimes I can say no to Godiva chocolate, and yes to fruit. (Sometimes being the key word here) It's not about being perfect physically, it's about giving just a little extra effort, because I want to always be the wife that gives a little extra. <3

my 14 day journey to being a better wife

Awhile ago in my daily personal prayer, I told God that I wanted to be a better wife. He told me that people don't just become better because they want to be. He or she must set goals to aim for to become better. And he told me that becoming a better wife was a great way to spend my time and energy. So that's how this 14 day journey got started, with a prayer. With a prayer and then a plan.

Some of you may be skeptically reading this, wondering what I possibly have to say about you being a better wife after only being married less than a month. And honestly? I have nothing. Nothing to say to you that has any scientific proof that it actually works. This is a 14 day journey for ME. For MY marriage. This journey is to improve MYSELF for my husband. To help me become the kind of godly wife he deserves. 

For convenience purposes I am making this the home page for all 14 days. I'm honored you want to follow along. Thanks for your encouragement & prayers. <3 

DAY 1

DAY 2

DAY 3

DAY 4

DAY 5

DAY 6

DAY 7

DAY 8

DAY 9

DAY 10

DAY 11 

DAY 12

DAY 13

DAY 14

CONCLUSION

Linking up HERE! Go check out this blog, it rocks!

abish: an example of faith

For those of you who have never heard my voice... here's your chance! 

I'm hoping to make this a weekly event, I'll try and post it every Monday. That way if you need something to get you through doing the dishes or something to do while folding laundry or while doing your math homework, you have something you can listen to. 

This first one is about my favorite character from The Book of Mormon. I think you're gonna love this girl. 

If you have any topics you'd like me to address, just leave a comment or send an email to brooklynburton@hotmail.com

Thanks for listening and have a fabulous Monday!

date night: pineapple froot loop cupcakes

Mr. Jolley had Friday off this week, and even though that meant he had to work Saturday, we were determined to make the most of an unexpected week day off. Our day culminated with the creation of some of the most delicious cupcakes EVER!

For my birthday last week, Mr. Jolley bought me a cookbook that is full of cupcakes. So we took a recipe, tweaked it just a little, and then baked our hearts out together. Both of us are a little bit controlling, so baking is a good exercise for us to get used to sharing responsibility with each other. Who knew right? ;)

Here is the simplified recipe. Let me know if you have any questions!

Pineapple Froot Loop Cupcakes

Ingredients
1 box white cake mix
3 eggs (We used egg yolk from a carton to save on fat!)
1/2 cup oil
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup crushed pineapple drained
1/4 cup pineapple juice (We used the juice from the can of crushed pineapple!)
1/3 cup red/orange cereal pieces
1/3 cup blue/green cereal pieces
1/3 cup purple cereal pieces
1 1/2 cup butter softened
5ish cups of powdered sugar
extra cereal pieces for garnish

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Farenheit
2. In a large bowl, combine eggs, oil, milk, pineapple and pineapple juice. Then add cake mix.
3. Fill cupcake liners and bake for 15ish minutes based on your oven. (Ours is a little sketch, so just keep a close eye on them!) They are ready when a knife inserted near the center comes out clean.
4. To make frosting, crush each of the cereal piece color groups seperately then put in three separate bowls.(We used our magic bullet, but you could even use your hands or a food processor). Mix butter with a stand mixer. Slowly add powdered sugar until frosting reaches a good consistency.
5. Separate frosting into the three bowls with the different cereal piece color groups. Mix in cereal pieces with a fork. (The great thing is the cereal adds color, no food coloring necessary!)
6. Be creative! You can spread the frosting on with a knife, or pipe it onto the cooled cupcakes with a plastic bag and a corner cut off. (Mr. Jolley did the frosting in the above picture. Hidden talents folks.)
7. Enjoy and share! They aren't good for your body, but they are good for the soul. So #spreadthejolley and share the calories  cupcakes with neighbors and friends!

how i survived the social security office & the dmv all in one day

Yesterday I went to the Social Security office and DMV to get my name change rollin. I waited over an hour at my first stop. I knew it was going to be a long wait. So instead of dreading it, I planned ahead and took a book I've been so excited to read!

Fighting for Your Marriage

I was glad I had sticky notes and a pen to start making notes in my book. It's AMAZING guys. And I've already come up with some ideas for new goals once I get the hang of the ones I'm already working on ;) 

I love how honest this book is. They take a realistic approach to strengthening marriages, but they do consider themselves marriage optimists. Something I also consider myself. 

I love this quote...

"It's not enough to simply be optimistic; optimism needs to be paired with specific plans and action, or it's just a good feeling."

Optimism requires action! Love requires action! True love is INTENTIONAL!

Have you read any good books about relationships recently?