Garrett Diaries: *Free Bird*

Good News: I am on Spring Break! (Major fist pump.)

I feel like a free bird. I feel like I have lost 50 lbs. I have carried so much stress and worry for so long (read blog below). And now, I get a week to rejuvenate. It feels good. It feels really, really good. I actually slept in, read what I wanted to read, ate meals with Cars between his classes, cleaned, went on a run to one of my favorite spots in Provo [in the beautiful sunshine], and made homemade bread w/ my sweet friend. Get this...I even went on Pinterest and started creating projects that I wanted to do. I went to the craft store--> made it happen. (I can't wait to put them up on our book shelves/walls in the new place in 3 weeks.)

Today, I reflected on how my life has changed over the past 5 few years that I have been in Provo. I am grateful. I am grateful Carson is my husband. I am grateful for TWO loving, supportive families in my life. I am grateful for sunshine and nature. I am grateful for a college degree and a job I feel fulfillment and purpose. I am grateful for the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Over the weekend, we went home to spend time with our families and to listen to General Conference. It was beyond perfect. I soaked it up like a dried-up sponge. I felt I was going to explode of happiness--it was just what I needed, the basics that I had been longing for.

Painting nails, eating yummy smoked salmon, visiting grandparents, going out to dinner, watching conference, "ooed and awed" at my sister and sister-in-laws' prom dresses, movies....There was one moment, when I was squished on the couch downstairs with my sisters and my mom. All of us. Together. Tears were streaming down our faces-->we were laughing so hard. I thought my heart might burst. I am grateful.

"The spirit of gratitude brings true joy and great happiness." -Dieter F Uchtdorf