A Beautiful Disaster

Now some of you might be wondering why I titled this post a "Beautiful Disaster." The whole reasoning behind  my motive is because what I'm going through right now might come across as a disaster. Something only some women can do. My whole perspective on my situation is you can always make something that is disastrous beautiful, it just comes down to a positive outlook on your life and knowing that each day brings something better to the table.

As you all know February is a month based around love. Well this month I have experienced so much love from family, friends and complete strangers. You must be thinking I am crazy that I write complete strangers, right? But before you think I am out of my mind hold your thoughts and let me explain. Both Garrett and I received letters from a church leader in the seventy, expressing his gratitude for Garrett's service and my support while he is away. We were greatly touched and felt the love of the brethren as they expressed their love for us and the sacrifice we are doing for our country.

Another wonderful act of love that was cherished this Valentine season was sent from up north from Garrett's family. The Gabbitas family all got together to make Valentines day cards for Chase (Garrett's little brother), Garrett and myself. As I opened the huge envelope addressed to me from all of my in-laws tears flooded my eyes as I saw several homemade cards and pictures. My heart was touched deeply and  I was very grateful for the sweet act of service that the Gabbitas family did for me. I will never forget the love I felt at that moment!

Thank you Gabbitas family, it made my day :)

Because my husband is away at this time I still had to do a little something to let him know that he is my Valentine. I really couldn't make him a package of goodies or anything because I wasn't sure if it would make it. So I decided to just send him a card. Yes I know, so boring, but the card I found was perfect and I am sure he loved it! My sweet husband of course didn't forget about me and somehow he timed it perfectly that I got 3 handwritten letters from him on Valentines day. It was a great surprise and a valentines day I will never forget. I must confess that even though we were not together to celebrate, we managed and instead of flowers like most girls got, I have letters that will never die and something I can cherish forever!

Now let's get to the good stuff!

Garrett is doing very well and exceeding in all tasks and challenges. Even though he has been gone a month, I am doing well and staying busy. I am learning to sew, training for a 5k that benefits supporting a solider, and crafting and having lots of fun along the way. Life is good. Life is fun and there is nothing better than a surprise around the corner. And that is what I got, I just got word that I am able to see him in March. Oh, I can't wait! Plans are being made and the official count down is on! Graduation, here I come. And then in May, everything is over and hopefully we will be able to move together somewhere cool. I'm very excited for our new adventures together. Stay tuned for new updates and a fun roller coaster ride along the way!

Let the letters begin

I was so excited when I finally received two letters in the mail addressed to me from Garrett.

In his letter he mentioned that he was able to ordained two solders into the Melchizedek Priesthood. He was really excited about that opportunity, and mentioned that one of his favorite things was going to church, because it allowed him to escape the prison he was currently living in. He says that basic is really hard, harder than the mission, but he is loving it. Yes, he has already been yelled at by the drill Sargent's, he says it's impossible not to get yelled at because everyone makes mistakes. He mentioned that in a few weeks there going to experience some really hard stuff, but that he is really excited to do it! So stay tuned to hear all about it.

The count down is on!!

Garrett was able to make one more phone call before he shipped off to basic. Of course I didn't know that and my phone went off at 4:30 AM. I would normally be upset and wondering who is calling at that hour, but since it was Garrett I was happy to hear from him. The only real communication we will have from now on will be through letters. I am sad that I won't be able to hear his voice, but letters are fun too. Our conversation was short, brief and to the point. I could hear the drill sargents yelling in the background and knew we didn't have much time. We were able to exchange I love you's and then the phone clicked off.

I know most of you are thinking how could someone do this? How is Tami handling this? Well I must tell you, I am doing well. In fact, I am amazing. Yes, it is hard that my husband isn't around, but we chose our situation, now we must live with. And the only way to live through this is to be happy, positive, and grateful. My wonderful husband made me promise him that no matter what, I would stay positive, and that I will keep. The situation is what it is, and the best way to keep going each day for me is keeping a positive attitude.

I must add how much the lord is teaching me through all of this. I feel and abundance of peace and comfort surronding me constanly, and I feel the prayers that are in our behalf. Speaking of prayers, I feel a closer relationship with my heavenly father these past few days, I'm grateful for his love for me and the hardships he is helping me overcome. Without his help, I would not be able to get through this.

Well that is all for now. 17 weeks here we come!!!

Swearing in and off he goes!

How come it is so easy to say hello, but so hard to say goodbye?
-Unknown








Here are some pictures of Garrett swearing in. Afterwards, it wasn't goodbye right then. He stayed an additional night in a hotel and left the next morning. Our final goodbye was later that night at the hotel he was staying at. Since then he has had a few phone privelages. It's been great to talk to him. He is not yet at basic, but he has made it to Kentucky. He loves how cold it is there and how beautiful it is too. He mentioned that he can attend church on Sunday, and a few guys asked him what church they should attend if they are christian. His response was the mormon one. His exact words were that he feels like a missionary again, bringing converts to church. Well more news to come as he enters boot camp in the next few days! I will keep you updated ;)

Quick trip up to Utah

Five days before Garrett's ship day, we decided to take one last trip up to Utah to see his brother get married and spend quality time together. The trip was wonderful!

One Year and more to come!!

Here are some pictures of our anniversary, we celebrated it one month early due to Garrett leaving. We had so much fun. We went to dinner at a restaurant called Trio in Salt lake City, and then spent the night at a hotel. We also were able to eat the top of our wedding cake. The cake was so yummy, and I couldn't beleive how pretty it still looked after being in my fridge forever, but it looked just as good as the day it was made. One year almost down, many more to go!!!

Our first Christmas together

Because our apartment was so little, there was no reason for us to buy a normal size tree. The tree was perfect, and fit right in the corner on a side table. We had lots of fun decorating it together. It just goes to show that the Christmas doesn't have to be a big event and such a stress. It can be simple small and something you will never forget!



This was all our Christmas gifts. Garrett had lots of fun shopping for me, and spoiled me tons. I on the other hand, didn't go do that much because he would be leaving for basic soon. For Christmas, I made him a Basic Training kit. The kit included, a gym bag, envelopes, pens, and other stuff that he would need for his fun adventure. I also bought him some yummy cologne that I love!!!