A Thankful Heart #4 (round 2)

Saturday, November 30, 2013
Has it really already been another week?
Is December 1st really tomorrow?
Does Elder Moore honestly come home in 33 days??
(had to slip that one in there somehow)
I can't believe how fast time flies.
I've been dreading this week since July.
Okay not the whole week... just Friday.
Black Friday
The mall is opened on Thanksgiving at 8 pm and they are calling it grey Thursday.
Are you kidding me?
My mom said that pretty soon they are gonna have off white Wednesday too.
Hahaha love that woman.
My 4 am shift truly wasn't that bad though.
Being awake for 22 hours... that wasn't that bad either.
And then being with my best friend in the House of The Lord, made for a pretty great Friday. 
And now onto those thankful things:


1) Service
(Whether I'm serving someone or being served, I am so grateful for service all together. After church 2 weeks ago I told my friend's boyfriend about some car issues I was having. He got up right away and went to go check things out in his nice white shirt. He rolled his sleeves up and immediately found the problem. He did everything he could to fix things up enough for me to get around for the rest of the day. Then I was able to get more help later on in the week to get my car all fixed up. I'm so grateful for the wonderful people who were able to help me. Doing service is an amazing thing and blesses so many people. There are always people in need and it is a wonderful thing when you make time to help others. We become more like the Savior when we help others. I wish I would have caught on to how important service is earlier on in life.)

2) Letters and Emails
(What would I have done these past 23 months without letters and emails? Seriously, as you can tell from my last post they really do make my world go round. I fall deeper in love my sweet Hunter every single time I open a letter or an email. There is something so special about communicating only through letters and emails. Our true feelings come out and we are able to demonstrate our love through our words. Although I am absolutely counting down the days until we can actually speak in person, I will cherish those letters and emails for the rest of my life. Thank you for knowing just how to make my day Elder Moore. I sure do love you and appreciate all your letters and emails)

3) The Temple
(Goodness I love the temple. I am so grateful that I live so close to such a wonderful place. And let's be honest, the San Diego Temple is absolutely the most beautiful temple of all time :) I love when people ask me if I've been to "The pretty white castle on the 15." Why yes, I have! And my prince charming is going to take us to our castle so that we can be sealed for time and all eternity. The work that goes on in The House of The Lord is amazing. The spirit that comes over me as I walk through those doors is beyond compare. I'm so grateful that I know I am able to participate in something so important. Partaking in the Lord's work leaves me with an everlasting feeling of pure love and joy. If you have never been to temple grounds, I encourage you to go and take a look at the amazing beauty of the temple. If you have questions, feel free to ask me! Oh, and here's a little video I made a while back on the temple. Oh how I love to see the temple!)

And that is all for now.
Sorry I'm so late.
I guess there really aren't any rules on this though.
I'll be writing the last one soon!
Here's to December!

All my love,
Aleigh Joy




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Letter Days are Better Days.

Tuesday, November 26, 2013



Love letters make the world go round. Well my world that is. They appear in my mailbox once every two weeks straight from Ohio with words that make my heart skip two beats. This whole wait would have been much, much longer without the love letters Elder Hunter Miles Moore and I have been sending back and forth. Every time I see a white envelope waiting for me I get butterflies and I scream a little inside. An instant smile appears. The routine is the same every time: 
Tear letter open, snuggle in my bed, read, smile, read, cry, read some more, smile and cry some more, fall in love even more than the day before, put letter down, day dream, come back to reality, repeat. 
I have two binders worth of letters and emails that I will cherish for the rest of my life.
Though my hand cramps up, and my handwriting is pretty close to that of a first graders... It is so so worth it. 
Those love letters make any day a better day.

All my love,
Aleigh Joy
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A Thankful Heart #3 (round 2)

Tuesday, November 19, 2013
Look at me actually finding time to blog about the things I am thankful for!
Ohhhh priorities.
In my defense my mind has been elsewhere lately.
Outer space to be exact.
That is if outer space means in dreamland thinking about that cute elder in Ohio...
Yeah, he's almost home.
Can ya tell?
Anyways, my heart feels so so very happy.
When I sat down to think about all the things I'm thankful for I felt overwhelmed with all the happy in my life :)
I complain, we all do. But gosh, this life is quite enjoyable when you let it be.
Okay, onward...


1) Music
(Particularly church music, Christmas music, and anything remotely romantic at this moment. I'm pretty darn sure that the only time I'm not listening to music during my normal day is when I'm sleeping. I listen to it on the way to work, at work, on the way home from work, when I'm exercising, when I shower, when I cook, in my room... everywhere I swear! Music always sets my mood. It can brighten any day or help me reminisce on a forgotten memory. Christmas music has really lifted my spirits this past week. Not to mention my little decorations as well. Church music helps me remember my purpose, it helps me get through those not so pleasant days with a more positive outlook. It helped me through even the toughest of times when I was investigating the church and serves the same purpose to this day. Oh and those romantic tunes? Yeah, that playlist has been visited quite frequently as of late. Any song that remotely consumes my mind in all things Hunter is a winner. I have pretty much turned into a crazy person. Is there an end to the madness when they come home? Anyhow, I just love music. I may not play an instrument, I may not sing the best, and I may not be able to read music... but I still appreciate it and I am so grateful I can access it throughout my days.)

2) Blogging
(Yes this really made it on here. I really really really enjoy blogging. In my spare free time I blog stalk like crazy. I love looking at other people's lives, checking out their recipes, seeing pictures of cute babies, and especially reading others perspectives. Although I don't enjoy the arguments that come with opinions, I really really enjoy hearing others opinions. It helps open my mind a little bit and helps me gain other perspectives. I love reading blog posts from people I have never met about subjects I have never thought about. I loved psychology in high school because I love learning about the way the human brain works as far as others having different mentalities goes. It is fascinating to me, and for that reason I feel like I'm able to respect others opinions and value their perspectives. I have always liked journaling but hated actually sitting down with a pen and paper. My hand cramps and I become unmotivated when I become more focused on why my handwriting is so terrible rather than what I'm actually writing. Therefore... blogging! Sure there are some deep dark secrets in my journal meant for only my eyes to read, but blogging has saved my life as far as preserving memories goes. I can't wait to reminisce on the posts about Hunter being gone, and all the memories I have made in the past few years. Blogging is a lovely invention. I think I'll stick to it for quite some time.)

3) Sundays
(I love Sundays! Like, SO much! I look forward to Sundays every single other day of the week. When we get halfway through the week I just think "I can't wait til Sunday" and when it is Sunday I think "I never want it to end, Is it Sunday again yet?" Yes I love it because it is the only day I get off from work, or because I don't hate myself for not exercising, or because it's an excuse to eat more food than I otherwise would... but really I enjoy Sunday's because I feel spiritually fed. Sometimes getting myself to church on time is a struggle. We've all been there... and if you haven't then you win you're perfect whatever... but seriously when I sit down I can finally take a sec to breathe and relax and feel the spirit. As much as I loved being a sunbeam teacher I am seriously enjoying actually going to Sunday School and Relief Society. I gain a new perspective and  everything just begins to click that much more when I let the spirit whisper gospel truths to me. This last Sunday I left church happier than ever. I had such a spiritual high. I swear my testimony just continues to grow with every passing week. Sundays are more than just a day of rest to me. They are my absolute favorite day, they are the one day a week I am able to forget whatever trouble is awaiting me and feel spiritually fed. I love the gospel of Jesus Christ. I really just love being Mormon :)

And there ya have it!
Week three has been posted :)

All my love,
Aleigh Joy
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Moore "Lasts"

The absolute best part about the second year of this wait is being able to say:
"The Last"
before just about everything.
The last birthday package, the last of the teens, the last Thanksgiving apart, the list goes on and on...
but it is also an emotional roller coaster.
Being "the girl back home" has become such a big part of my life.
After all, it has been my entire life these past twenty two and a half months.
Though I absolutely know having him home (even if it is only for a few days) will be the most amazing feeling, I can't help but feel all sentimental when I hit another one of these "lasts."

The other day I put the first sticker on the last letter of the called to serve countdown that I swore would never fill up.
Each night for the past 22 months I have put a little black dot on before bed.
After putting the dot on I would stand there and look at it thinking to myself "I wonder what it will feel like when I get to the last letter?"
And now, here I am :)






One day, I might actually be able to find a word strong enough to explain how I feel about him.
One day, I might actually be able to adequately explain how incredible he really is, how much he respects me, and how he is everything I have ever prayed for.
One day, I might actually be able to hold it together when I think of the love we share...
but until then, I will just have you know that this man means everything to me and I will love him with all that I have forever and always.

It's a crazy thing going two years without seeing each other.
It's even crazier to put your relationship on hold for those two years so that The Lord's work can be done through his missionaries without distractions. 
But, it's even crazier that I have only fallen that much Moore in love with him in this time apart.
When you love someone this much, nothing can tear you apart.
It's a promise that even 730 days apart can't break.

All my love,
Aleigh Joy

Ps 44 days :)




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Extra Extra Read All About It: 22 Months

Monday, November 11, 2013

I don't know about you, but I'm totally feeling 22!
Twenty Two months down, and only 2 to go!
Actually less than that :)
I can hardly believe it!
I'm so excited/nervous/happy I can hardly contain it.
I can't seem to stop talking and thinking about him.
 I'm apologize to those of you that have to put up with it haha.
But, I am just SO excited!
I promise that it really doesn't feel like twenty two whole months have passed by since I have last seen him or touched him.
I have definitely hit those rocky patches where it seems like he is never coming home, but looking back on it it really does feel like he just left.

It's a weird thing being apart for so long and only growing deeper in love.
I really don't know how it is possible, but I promise it's real. 
We have tried our hardest not to talk too much about the future and to stay away from distracting topics but the closer he is to coming home, the more personal our letters and emails seem to be.
He is the one that I want, forever.
I have no doubt in my mind. 
For those of you that are thinking... "You're too young to know what love is" "How are you supposed to know what is going to happen when he gets home?" "Really after being apart for 2 years you think everything is just going to work out?"
Here is my response: 
"You don't look at (insert name here) the way I look at Hunter. You don't touch or laugh. You don't play. You don't know anything about love." 
-Allie from the notebook
Haha I'm kidding, but really...
I love him, and he has assured me that he loves me.
I have never felt something so strong, and the excitement I have to be reunited in less than 2 months cannot be measured.

"You have been so strong and faithful these past 22 months. I trust you and I owe you all my love. You are the one for me"
-Elder Hunter Miles Moore











I'm really trying to figure out how to finish up the story of us in only one more post after this.
Did I just say that? Only one more countdown post!
Did you miss the last post?
No worries!
I left off right here!
Here goes nothing :)

It was now my junior year, and his senior year. I was thrilled. He was the starting quarterback again and a captain. I was also a Varsity cheer captain. It's kinda one of those typical high school stories.. ya know the whole quarterback of the football team and the cheerleader are dating and blah blah blah except wait, it wasn't typical even in the slightest bit. We still "technically" weren't dating. We could care less about those titles, it was more about leading our teams and doing the best we could to make the year memorable. Oh and we didn't go to any parties and we remained pure. How's that for a "typical" high school story for ya? ;) So anyhow, we went about our lives and became more and Moore comfortable around each other. It felt so perfect having him by my side walking through the halls. I loved knowing that I would see his smiling face every day that we went to school. He truly became my best friend, my other half. The days that either of us were absent were miserable. I imagine it being comparable to being a lost puppy. Although I knew the real reason I was at school, he became my motivation to go. It felt like we both lived at that school. I was in cheer and ASB and football took over his life. It gave us a lot of time to spend together, which was exactly what I had hoped when I realized this would be our last year attending high school together. Hunter had the most amazing football season. I cheered him on every single game and could not have been more proud of him. I noticed that year that I became incredibly protective over him. Something would just snap inside myself when I saw coaches yell at him or if he got tackled. It hurt and I had to look away. Both of us also discovered what jealousy really felt like. No matter who it was, if one of us was talking to someone of the other sex the sinking jealous feeling would just take over. We had to learn a lot about trust this year and how to control those feelings. I was so excited for homecoming to come. It was Vegas themed and I began planning our outfits the second I found out. Of course, I was also waiting to be asked ;) Hunter is sweet, but he also grew up with five brothers and didn't really understand "cute." Thank goodness for his sister in law Michelle who helped him figure out how to ask me. Although, he almost spilled the beans a thousand times and one day literally asked me if I wanted to know how he was going to ask... ohhh Hunt :) Every Friday the cheerleaders would decorate the locker room but it is a ton of work so one away game we decided not to do it. When I told Hunter he freaked out. He told me that I absolutely HAD to decorate his locker. I didn't realize that it meant that much to him... but I agreed to decorating his locker even though nobody else's would be ha. I walked into the boy's locker room and opened his. Inside was the sweetest poster asking me to homecoming! (Nice work Shell) I was on top of the world! The other girls that were with me screamed with me and we were just so excited :) He had team lunch so I didn't get to see him until the bell rang but that was the best 6 minutes ever as I told him my answer was absolutely yes! For homecoming spirit week we had matching Superman shirts and loved dressing up together. The day of the dance came and I was so excited as I listened to Taylor Swift while getting ready. I put my sequin dress on and went on over to take pictures at his parents house. He had a matching sequin vest that he thought was made out of tin foil because he really didn't know what a sequin was... The entire night people were asking to take our picture because they loved how well we matched. It was the perfect start to the year. The remainder of the semester only got better as there were newspaper articles about him every Saturday morning after a game, we made it to the CIF playoffs, and we fell head over heels for each other. I loved having Hunter around to snuggle and hold my hand when it was cold. I loved how deeply in love we fell and how every conversation somehow ended up in talking about marriage. The first semester came and went and before we knew it we only had one more semester until he was off to college. It was now basketball season and I cherished every game as this sinking feeling began to take over when I realized I would be all alone the next year. I couldn't imagine high school without my best friend, and I really didn't want to. I just wanted it all to slow down. I would wait by his car after games until he came out. We would sit there laughing and talking for as long as we could. He told me stories from his childhood, we talked about the gospel, and it always resulted in talking about the future. I would sit there trying to be strong as we talked about spending 2 years apart but looked away every time a tear made it's way down my cheek. I remember one night him telling me a story that made my heart melt all over the car. He had told me that he knew his athletic abilities are all from God and that he owes all glory to him. He spoke so humbly and expressed so much gratitude for all he had been given. I remember hugging him and telling him how I was desperately in love with him. Basketball season seemed to fly by and I couldn't believe it was already time to start thinking about prom. Hunter was deciding on a third sport to play and chose track. I swear that man can do anything. I was stubborn and told him that I didn't like him doing track because I knew he would take his shirt off at practice and I didn't want other girls checking him out. I also hated the tight spandex he wore at meets. But, he was really good and I got over the stubbornness. One day in April I was running really late to school. I always parked next to him and I was shocked to see him still in his car. I went up to the window and said something like "come on crazy, let's go run to class!" And he responded by saying "wait I have something for you!" I went to the passengers side and found the most darling Easter basket waiting for me. I oohed and I awed and told him I would stick it in my car. He hesitantly said okay and we walked away. As we were halfway through the parking lot he says "Soo I guess you can just tell me your answer later..." I looked at him confused and said "Wait what, did you just ask me to prom?" He responded by saying "well you were supposed to open the eggs..." Hahaha I died laughing because it was a realllyy good idea but the execution was a total fail. I sure love him. That weekend we opened the eggs up together and put all the pieces of paper together that in fact said "will you go to prom with me?" I hugged him, said absolutely yes, and was equally as excited as I would have been if it all worked out the first time. Prom that year was at Sea World and I had so much fun with him. I also got my braces off literally 2 days before. He wouldn't stop telling me that I looked beautiful the entire night. I was on top of the world. Somehow that last months of school flew by and the next thing I knew I found myself sitting there at his graduation. When I saw him walk by the tears couldn't be controlled. I put my sunglasses on and cried the entire time. Afterwards, he told me he saw me and knew I was crying and couldn't help but get choked up. As exciting as it was, I was crushed. I really really really didn't want him to leave for college. That Summer was full of making memories and spending every moment we possibly could together. Every day was one day closer to saying goodbye and I tried to savor every second together. Yet somehow, that summer just sped right by and our love was only intensified. 
And that is where I'll stop.
See I told you that year was much better haha.
I can't believe the next post will be the last of these countdown posts! 
I'm dying to see my love again :)

All my love,
Aleigh Joy
23

A Thankful Heart #2 (round 2)

I usually try to post these on either a Saturday or a Sunday because that really feels like the end the week to me.
I know Sunday officially gets the title of being "the first day of the week" but Monday really feels like the first.
So, I'm a bit behind because Sunday was extra busy for me.
In all good ways! 
This week felt long, yet it totally flew by.
Each day was long, each night was short, and then it was the weekend.
I don't mind at all...
We're at 52 days and counting until that cute missionary comes home :)
Anyhow, let's get on with it:

1) Those in the armed forces.
(I actually think I did this one last year as well. But, with it being Veteran's Day and all... I decided this one seemed fitting. Lately I have seen more and more friends of mine make the decision to join the armed forces. Whether is be the army, the navy, being a police man, or the marines I have seen numerous young men and women make the decision to serve our country. I just want to say, THANK YOU! Seriously, thank you to each and every one of you. I can't imagine what it would be like to go into war, but I do imagine it being terrifying. I truly look up to your bravery. I am so grateful that I am safe here at home because each of you are out protecting our country. It's amazing, and I just thought you deserved a little bit more recognition.)

2) Candles
(Yep, I'm getting real deep now. I'm totally serious though. I loveeee candles! They make everything feel more comfy and snuggly. This time of year calls for a candle to be burning no matter what hour of the day it is. I had a rough day on Friday. It just kept getting worse and all I wanted to do was take a nap. But, I had sweet brother's football game to go to. So, I dimmed the lights, played Christmas music, and lit a candle. I sat there for a few minutes and everything just felt better. My heart felt warm and my room smelled amazing. When it was time to leave I had to force myself out of my room. I felt so peaceful and happy. I'm that girl that will go out of my way at Target just to smell the candles. I'm the one that will light every candle in the house before it is dark. They are just, cozy and I really really love them)

3) Missionary Work
I LOVE missionaries! Maybe it's because I'm a convert and I had THE most amazing missionaries teach me the lessons, or maybe it's because they are always so happy and nice, but it's probably because I have a realllyy cute missionary in Ohio right now and every time I see a missionary here I think of him there :) Either way, I love missionary work so so very much. I love getting letters and emails from Elder Moore telling us all about his success and the people he is teaching. He has developed such a love for those people and wants the best for each of them. Because all of my amazing friends were so willing to share the gospel and be amazing missionaries, I am a member of Christ's church today. This church has the biggest missionary program of any other church, we clearly put a very strong emphasis on sharing the gospel. We want everyone to feel the happiness we feel. There is nothing secret about the Mormon church, in fact we knock on your doors to tell you all about it! I am pretty much best friends with the sisters in my new ward. I seriously love them and I am so sad that one of them is going home in December! I have had the opportunity to go teach with them a few times and each time my heart is filled with so much joy. The work they are doing is amazing. I love seeing everyone's faces light up as we testify of gospel truths. It changes lives and I am witnessing it right before my own eyes. I witnessed it in myself, and now I am able to see it in others. I really love this gospel and I would love to share more about it with anyone who would like to know more. You can email me with any questions at ajoy94@gmail.com or simply request to speak with a missionary right here. It never hurts to ask! Anyhow, I am so grateful for missionary work all around the world. I really really love being Mormon)

Well ta ta for now!
I'll be back soon :)

All my love,
Aleigh Joy
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As Of Late: November Edition

Friday, November 8, 2013
The past 3 days have been over 80 degrees outdoors.
I'm convinced that California doesn't believe in Fall, at all.
Though I am jealous of the blanket of snow that has arrived in Utah...
I will sacrifice to have warmer weather by the end of February.

I have been piling granola on just about anything and everything I can think of these past few weeks.
I can't get enough of the stuff.
Then I got a letter from the sweet boy...
Apparently he's on a granola kick as well.
Did I forget to mention we're telepathic? ;)

I ran over 3 miles the other day.
So I thought I could do it again the next day.
I was wrong. 
Ouch. 
I love the holidays.
I crave them all year long
But for work related reasons, I'm just trying to get through them this year.
I hate that mentality!
Ugh, somebody please bring me some of Little Elf Judy's special hot cocoa.
Not too hot, extra chocolate, shaken, not stirred.

Another reason for this awful mentality could possibly be that it's looking like that cute missionary of mine won't be home until right after the holidays :(
At least he is coming home.
Finally.
Trust in The Lord's timing and all will be well.
One day I'll listen to my own advice. 

Speaking of the lover...
I can't get enough of him.
Is it January yet?
Thank goodness for email and the postal service.
"I miss you a lot, but look how far we've come! 22 months in the books and only 2 to go, let's finish strong."
Sounds good to me lovebug :)

I LOVE testifying of gospel truths.
Teaching with my favorite sista missionaries is the best. 
I will stand firm in the faith forever. 
I'm totally a Mormon, I absolutely know it, I completely live it, and I really love it.

And one last thing...
Candles.
Oh, how I love candles.
Yankee has my vote.
Cookies for Santa in first
Apple and pumpkin picking in second.
Nuff said. 


All my love,
Aleigh Joy


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A Thankful Heart: #1 (round 2)

Sunday, November 3, 2013
Last year I decided to do a series of posts during the month of November about all the simple joys in life that I am so very thankful for. 
Each week I would post a few things that made my heart feel that much more full.
It could be something as small as the meal I ate the night before or as big as my faith.
Either way, it reminded me of the many blessings I have been given and somehow my days felt brighter and my heart felt happier.
There are far, far too many things that I take for granted and it's about time they get some recognition.
Although I fully realize that I should be giving each of these things recognition no matter what time of year it is, November just seemed fitting :)
So once a week from now on, you will be hearing bits and pieces about the things that are giving me "A Thankful Heart"

**Leave me a little comment if you decide to do this as well! I would absolutely love to see everyone else's reasons to be thankful :)

1) A Home
(I'm in this weird phase of life where I don't have "my own" home and I could pick up and move just about any moment of any day because who knows where tomorrow will take me. However, I have loving parents who are gracious enough to let me live with them. Every single night before I lay my head down I thank my Father in Heaven for giving me a wonderful home to live in. My heart hurts when I see those without homes on the sides of the streets. I can't imagine what it would be like to not have a home to "go home" to. This is something that has just been given to me since day one. Shelter is a necessity, but it is not a given. I am beyond grateful for the house I get to call a home, for the candles that burn within it, for the laughter that takes place inside those walls, and especially for the family that dwells inside.)

2) My Job
(There will always be those customers that forgot their manners in their car, those coworkers that don't quite understand the importance of hard work, and those days where an end doesn't seem to be in sight... but nonetheless I have a pretty darn good job. Yesterday morning just about everything that could have gone wrong... did. I was just waiting for another problem to occur as I took a second to just breathe. But somehow, like always, it just worked itself out. And in the meantime, the guy I was working with danced to "Say my name" and I laughed like I hadn't laughed in a while. An old man walked past us and with a smile shining on his face he said "you two are having far too much fun at work!" I couldn't agree more. The people I work with always bring a smile to my face no matter what happens during the day. The holidays are quickly approaching. Working in a mall during the holidays is seriously stressful, but I couldn't be happier with the job that I have.)

3) Fasting/ Fast Sunday
(Today was fast Sunday. A day in which members of the LDS church skip two meals and give the money that would be used for those 2 meals in an offering. We also fast for something or someone that might need special attention in our life. It is a way to draw closer to our Lord and Savior as we rely on being spiritually fed since our bodies aren't being fed by food. We are nourished by the spirit we feel as we are fasting with a purpose. We also dedicate sacrament meeting to listening to members of the congregation bear their testimonies of gospel truths. It is so uplifting to hear others rejoice in the happiness they have received from the gospel of Jesus Christ. This week I had the opportunity to fast for a specific individual. I remembered all of the people who fasted for me when I needed them most. I felt so much love and I felt my Savior pick me up when I was down. It is my turn to return the favor and I felt so much happiness today as I knew I was fasting with a purpose. I am so SO grateful for the opportunity I have to fast once a month or more if needed. And, I am so grateful for a church that puts a strong emphasis on the importance of it.)



Well that concludes the first week three days of November!
I can't wait to share more of the things that I am feeling thankful for!

All my love,
Aleigh Joy
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