Its been an interesting past few weeks. Garrett made the soccer team in the middle of September, and the season is already over. And most people didn't know (including the coach) that Garrett was struggling with a torn abdomen that he got right before tryouts. The doctor told him at the beginning of the season to stay off of it for 6 weeks. Well, the season didn't even last 6 weeks. But Garrett pushed through it. He'd heat his groin before practice and ice it after. He had the occasional rub down from the trainer, which I'm sure was a little awkward. Anyway, the last month he's been going about 80% with his injury.

The team was separated into 2 teams. The starting 20 who dressed for each game. And the bottom 12 which was comprised of mostly freshmen, RMs and walk-ons (Garrett). Each practice they'd have 4 scrimmages among the 2 teams. Each player was to report to the coach at the end of practice how many games they won. The players with the most wins on the bottom 12 will have the chance to move up. And the players who aren't performing on the top 20, will be moved down. Garrett was consistently at the top of the 12. With 2 games left, Garrett was able to move up and dress for the last games. He always said, "just put me on the team, and I'll work my way up." Which he did. I'm sure when the season starts next Spring, he'll do even better... and tear it up playing at 100% health.

Regretfully, this last week Garrett got strep, or the flu, or phnemonia, or something... It probably started with a cold and becuase of course Garrett doesn't let his body heal, it got worse. A few days this week Garrett was up most of the night with a hacking cough. :( But he had worked so hard to move up and play for this weekend's game!

Yesterday, Garrett shows up to the game as sick as a dog for his game against BYU-I. When he walked in Garrett got the #7 jersey. NOT A COINCIDENCE!!! The coach also mentioned before the game that whoever scores the first goal, would get amazing tickets to that night's Reale Salt Lake game. Garrett boasted "Hey Coach... just so you know I'm going to get those tickets!" Typical Garrett. Garrett was pretty upset when he didn't start (I'm sure it was because he was sick all week) so when he finally got in at the start of the second half, he brought his A-Game. The score was 0-0.

He was playing pretty aggressive and knocking guys over. He really brought the intensity. But, about 10 mins of playing time Garrett got a nice easy pass to him right in front of the goal and he tapped it right in. GOALLLLLLLL! The smile on his face was priceless. I was going crazy on the sidelines. He ran over to the sidelines and motioned for the RSL tickets to the coach! He was so happy but I knew he was dying on the inside and couldn't breath.

Good ending to the season. The final score was 2-1. The other guy who scored was the only other walk-on.

Good thing the season is over. Garrett needs to focus on school. Which will be hard as he goes to L.A. and New York City in the next month for Design Conferences. Garrett kindly shared his illness with me. I'm here dying on a Sunday missing church. :( Oh well... we'll both be healthy soon.

Garrett and I had the opportunity to see Arkadi Lantuk at the MTC this weekend. Arkadi is a young man that was found and taught by Elders Wes Thompson and Jake Madsen. Garrett gave Arkadi his baptismal interview and had the opportunity to baptize Arkadi.

Arkadi is an amazingly humble and passionate young man. He has such an incredible love for Heavenly Father and everyone around him. I had the opportunity to serve in his area for 6 weeks. He was always willing and excited to help Sister Allison Shiffler and I on lessons.

Arkadi had no clue we would be there and was so shocked to see me at the MTC and turn around to see Garrett. It is such a tender mercy to see someone who we saw come into the church be a missionary. We saw both him and Nastya Samsonovich in the MTC and they are/were killer missionaries. He will in incredible in the Russia, Moscow West Mission.

I'm listening to the 180th General Conference. The Prophet is talking about gratitude. I realize that all of our blessings come from a Heavenly Father who loves us and wants us to be happy.

Here are a few things I'm grateful for over the last month:

1. I'm grateful for General Conference. I'm grateful for the Restoration of the Gospel and the Priesthood. I'm grateful for the knowledge of the Gospel that bring true happiness. I had the opportunity to join my friend Monica at last week's General Relief Society Broadcast. We were able to go through the tunnel where the Prophet comes out. I sat 5 rows back from the Prophet. I swear President Uchdorf and Eyring were looking right at me. My testimony was solidified that President Monson is a true Prophet today. I am grateful for him and the leadership that he brings to the church.

2. I'm grateful for our talents and abilities. I'm grateful for the opportunity that Garrett has to be on the team this year. I'm grateful for our health. I'm grateful for a husband who looks really hot playing soccer on that field.

3. I'm grateful for my job. I know it is a great blessing to be employed, especially in my field. When I was a freshmen a girl in my home ward gave me the advice to start getting internships and jobs that were relevant to my major early on. Because of that, I have be lucky enough to have jobs and internships that have given me the experience that I needed to get a great job once I graduated. I'm grateful for the people I work with and everything that I learn from them each day. Oh, and I'm grateful for my new red shoes.

4. Family. My mom had surgery last month. I'm so happy that A) she is not pregnant and B) she quickly recovered from a very invasive surgery.

I'm SUPER grateful for my older brother Jim. I'm grateful for the example that he has set for me. I'm grateful for the gift of repentance. And I'm grateful that families can be together. I'm proud of Jim and all he has done in the last 2 years.

I'm grateful for the trials that my family has gone through in the past few years. I'm thankful that through them, my family has become even more unified. I am thankful for the gift of family and the support that those relationships can bring.

5. I'm grateful for Garrett. And his long hair.... And that he is going to be cutting it this month. :)

One of the first things I ever knew about Garrett (or Elder Gee) was that he was a health freak. Our mission president's wife challenged each of us to eat 9 servings of veggies a day. Elder Gee doesn't know that "there is moderation in all things" and he only ate fruits and veggies for the rest of his mission. Here are some of his recent health antics...

CHIA SEEDS. Looks less than appetizing. First off, its in a carrot juice bottle... yuck. The orange liquid is actually Chia seeds in a protein drink. Chia seeds (Yes, as in Chia Pets) supposedly can hold great amounts of water. They help athletes run longer because they stay hydrated longer. Garrett still has yet to see if they actually work, because no matter what, he's really tired after soccer.

Next... CEREAL. Garrett eats on average 3/4 of a box of cereal per day. He can go through about 6 boxes of cereal and 2 gallons of cereal in a week. He'd be perfectly fine not eathing anything else besides cereal. Any other guy would appreciate the fact that I love to cook... not Garrett. He'd actually prefer to only eat cereal. Luckily, WinCo sells Kashi for cheap.

Although he is very health concious... he will go-big everyonce in a while. Thanks Cheesecake Factory for the HUGE burrito.