♡ Horses, invites & puppy school!

Well another week has flown by!  It's crazy to think that we only have about one month left.  And we get a special visitor in just a little over a week- my mom!!  I can't wait.  This last week was a good one.  Josh reached all his goals & we were able to have some fun.  Friday Skamp had his third week of puppy school.  The first week we were there three puppies were in the class including Skamp.  A mother & her daughter both had a puppy but for the last two weeks they haven't come.  We found out this last week that once you miss two times you have to start the class over so now Skamp gets a personal lesson every single week!  SO crazy!  We are sure getting our money's worth & Skamp is loving it.  Part of the class was suppose to be a little socialization but I suppose he will just have to get that somewhere else!

How cute is he?!  At the class we practiced with a felt rope & Skamp just loved it so luck for us there was a Joann's next door so I bought some fabric & made my own.  Only spent 3 bucks and could probably make 4 or 5 more with the rest of the scraps.  Much better deal than the one they are selling for 8$ at the pet store.  I was very proud of myself!  It's his favorite toy now & I'm not just saying that because I made it, he always picks it (:

The best part was going to the temple bright & early before Josh sold on Saturday.  The temple was really crowded which was fun to see.  Dallas temple is beautiful!  We feel so blessed to have a temple nearby.

After the temple Josh had his best saturday yet - sold 8!  Really impressive for a short Saturday I was so proud of him.  To top it off he spoiled his wife by letting her go get her nails done with some other girls on the team it was a blast!  I rarely get my nails done!

Saturday night we went out to dinner at Rosa's tortilla factory & oh my goodness it was amazing!  We have finally found a well priced delicious Mexican restaurant.  It is cheaper because it is set up Cafe Rio Style [I reallllly miss cafe rio] but with more authentic Mexican food.  So fun!

They are known for their homemade tortillas - & for good reason!

 After Rosa's we headed to the Fort Worth Stockyards.  Yes we seem to end up here all the time!  We love it it's a lot of fun, live bull riding, rodeos, horses, country dancing & BBQ.  It's a MUST when you visit Dallas.  We spent our night visiting the rodeo horses & at Billy Bob's [the world's largest honky tonk] listening to Gary Allen in concert & dancing.  It was a blast & I'm normally not a dancer!

horses are magnificent creatures ♡

We taught primary for the first time today.  Well my first time, Josh taught with a friend last week while I taught relief society.  It was a blast!  Primary kids give the funniest answers I don't think I have ever laughed so much at church before [reverently of course].  They are so sweet we taught them about saying thank you & then went and "heart-attacked" the bishop's door with thank you cards.  They were so excited for the field trip and talking about how happy inside it made them feel.  I love being around their sweet innocent spirits it sure is a blessing.

Not much new here other than our weekends -sorry if the blog gets boring sometimes.  Josh works from sun up to sun down so the only thing we have time for is dinner, playing with Skamp and a TV show before it's off to bed & then to start it all over again.  I have been working more on my designs in my free time here are a few wedding ones for everyone to see:

Wedding thank you hearts

Wedding Thank you 

Pink front

Pink back 

Navy wedding back

Navy wedding front

Well that's all for us!  If you haven't seen my July visiting teaching printables check out the post before this one & feel free to give them to your sisters!  Thanks for all your love & support! ♡

July Visiting Teaching ♡

I read a talk a few days ago from the 2005 general relief society meeting called "Sweet Moments" (https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2005/10/sweet-moments?lang=eng) in it sister Parkin talks about being an instrument in God's hands.  It is a wonderful talk & it has inspired me.  She gave several simple ways we as women can be a tool in the Lord's hands one of which was to "become the kind of visiting teacher you have always wanted."  I loved this & found it so inspirational.  Visiting teaching is a wonderful tool the church uses to help us bond as sisters.  Yet I know it can be easy to complain about it.  It truly isn't always easy.  Sometimes you have sisters who won't call you back or even a partner who won't or you just feel awkward or etc etc.  The list could go on and on but what if we stop, take a step back, pray for our sisters and then be the visiting teacher for them that we have always wanted (keeping in mind the sisters needs/comforts/inspiration you receive of course)?  The old adage remains true: "Treat others how you would like to be treated" or in this case, 'visit teach how you would like to be visit taught.  Give it a shot & I truly believe it will make a difference.  So my new goal is to create a visiting teaching free printable each month for all my blog visitors.  I hope you like them.  Feel free to use them for your own personal use only & don't forget to check out the Hadley Design page for other design options!  Thanks (:

Blonde moment!  Fixed my title, this is for
JULY not June (:

Understanding our Savior Jesus Christ will help us to grow our faith & bless others in our lives.  This month's message is about Christ being our Advocate to the father.  Here is a copy of the message from LDS.org

Jesus Christ is our Advocate with the Father. The word advocate has Latin roots meaning “one who pleads for another.”¹ The Savior pleads for us, using understanding, justice, and mercy. Knowing this can fill us with love and gratitude for His Atonement.

“Listen to [Jesus Christ] who is the advocate with the Father, who is pleading your cause before him—

“Saying: Father, behold the sufferings and death of him who did no sin, in whom thou wast well pleased; behold the blood of thy Son which was shed, the blood of him whom thou gavest that thyself might be glorified;

“Wherefore, Father, spare these my brethren that believe on my name, that they may come unto me and have everlasting life” (D&C 45:3–5).

Of Christ as our Advocate, Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles said: “It is of great significance to me, that I may at any moment and in any circumstance approach through prayer the throne of grace, that my Heavenly Father will hear my petition, that my Advocate, him who did no sin, whose blood was shed, will plead my cause.”²

Additional Scriptures

Mosiah 15:8–9; Moroni 7:28; Doctrine and Covenants 29:5; 110:4

From the Scriptures

Throughout the history of the Lord’s Church, female disciples of Jesus Christ have followed His example. Esther was faithful and courageous. Her cousin Mordecai sent her a copy of the king’s decree that the Jews should be destroyed, and he charged her “to make request before [the king] for her people.” He added: “And who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:8, 14.)

Despite the danger, Esther agreed: “So will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish” (Esther 4:16).

Esther then spoke humbly to the king and “fell down at his feet, and besought him with tears … to reverse the letters … to destroy the Jews.” She added, “How can I endure to see the destruction of my kindred?” (seeEsther 8:3, 5–6). The king’s heart was softened, and he granted her petition.³

Consider This

How can the advocacy of Jesus Christ inspire us to extend mercy andforgiveness to others?

Happy Independence Day ♡

Well the 4th of July is the last holiday of summer sales.  Now we are in the final home stretch, crazy! Independence day weekend was a lot of fun!  Here in Texas the celebration began on Thursday and continued throughout the week.  On thursday night a few ladies from the ward invited me to the Coppell fourth of July celebration so Skamp & I went and checked it out.  There was a huge carnival with games, food tents, and of course fireworks.  It was a blast and I have to say that everything really is bigger in Texas - including the firework shows!

Friday came and we woke up at the crack of dawn to go & cook the Alterra technicians breakfast before Josh started his long day selling.  But to celebrate that night we went out to fireworks and another carnival in Trophy Club the area we really hope to buy a house in.  It's such a beautiful area I wish the pictures did it justice.  & Skamp was quite the popular dog, we had people coming over to our blanket all night long!

every now & then he'll get cuddly.  Cutest thing
in the world!

It was fun having both Friday & Saturday be a short day for Josh.  On Saturday I went to the Fort Worth Zoo with some friends.  It is an incredible place!! Once again, everything is bigger (and better) in Texas!  The zoo was so much fun.  Their exhibits are really well put together and it seems like the animal enclosures give them a lot of room and comfort.  We saw everything from sharks to zebras to hippos.  Definitely should be on your to do list if you ever come to Dallas!

Saturday night since the team won the competition they were in we got to go out to dinner at Buffalo Wild Wings.  Afterwards Josh and I took Skamp on a walk and played at the pool.  We love the weekend!  Sunday was wonderful as well.  We went out to church in Trophy Club and then to our friends house at their for dinner.  We are so grateful for all the friends and kind people we have met here!

On Sunday we also gave Skamp his second spa day- haircut, nails & bath.  Isn't he just adorable!

sometimes he'll fall asleep in our arms.. (:

baby Skamp!

new hairs!

It was a fun weekend.  Always flies by! I have been able to get a lot more of my designs up and running and have even created a Facebook page for them.  Click here to check them out: https://www.facebook.com/hadleydesigns?ref_type=bookmark if you haven't "liked" the page already please do!  On there you can check out all the different designs, order a digital file, order prints or request a custom design!  Thanks for all of your support, spread the word (:

Bridal Shower!

A birthday announcement I was able to make for
my friend & fellow summer sales wife Mary Anne.

Custom Mission Announcement

Baby shower

Save the Date! 

Baby Shower

Hadley Designs & a firework weekend (:

I love when July rolls around (or is about to roll around) and it's time for BBQs & fireworks.  That is when it really feels like summer!  This past Saturday night we sure had some fun Josh spoiled me.  First he took me out to dinner at a Coppell favorite, "Hard Eight BBQ" it had the perfect Texas atmosphere & of course delicious food to go along with it.

Highly recommend the brisket! 

Yes in case you were wondering the corn was heavenly.

Every week I count down to date night with my best friend (:

That guy is standing in a warmer full of meat!

 It was a blast.  If you're ever in Texas you have to stop by and check it out but be prepared to wait in line!  It's a pretty popular place.  After dinner we came home for a movie before heading out for snow cones and a firework show in Allen.  Turned out to be one of the best we've ever seen and it was fun to be able to take Skamp with us!

4th if July flowers from my sweetheart!  Works a 12 hour
day and still stops at the store to surprise his wife (:

Josh had a great week selling.  He has experienced several tender mercies and kind people.  He met a korean family who even shared some food with him - so sweet (:

My two guys (: Skamp loves his dad!

Delicious!

We have had a wonderful Sunday.  My reliefsociety lesson went well and so did our first day in primary - Josh is a great teacher!  It is so fun to be with the little kids.  They really say the darndest things.  Josh is so sweet and took me and Skamp on a little river walk Sunday stroll after church.

We've been having a lot of fun out here in Dallas and can't believe the summer is already half way over!  Time flies that's for sure.  A lot of people have been asking me what I do with my time while I am here and it's time to finally reveal some things I have been working on.  I have started my own little design business - H A D L E Y Designs (:  Right now my focus is on invitations (custom ones as well), along with business cards and any other design requested.  Here are a few examples below.  I am in the process of setting up my Etsy Store and Facebook page so stay tuned but feel free to contact me if you are interested & please spread the word!  I have decided to follow my passion and am excited to see where it takes me.  Message me or call if you are interested in affordable custom invites for any occasion (:

Baby Shower Invitation 

Fall Baby Shower Invitation

Birthday Invitation

Family Christmas Card

Baptism (customizable picture of course -sorry I don't know any
8 year olds so it's a photo of Josh& I!)

Christmas.

Anyway those are just a few.  I will have several other styles available on my site as well as the option to completely customize your own.  I have a print site I work with or I send the digital file for you to print on your own wherever you desire.  I'd love to be of service so please spread the word to your friends and feel free to contact me (:

Date Nights & Sheri Dew

Another week has flown by!  Josh had a wonderful week selling there were a few times where he led the company nationwide in sales.  He's amazing.  I don't think I have ever met someone as good with people & driven as him.  He's something special.  And yet he still takes time after his 12 hour + days to take care of me!  This past saturday we headed to a little "Korea town" for dinner & shopping.  We went to a restaurant called "Kimchi Kitchen."

I'm pretty sure it only exists in Dallas but if you make it up here we totally recommend it!  The food was amazing! Korean food is so much better than I first thought.  And look how pretty they make it! Wow!

This was Josh's - yes in a bowl the shape of a canoe.  As if that
weren't worth it alone it was incredible.  He got what is called "bibimbap" 

This was mine- the "bulgogi"

Right next door was a Korean market.  Perfect!  So of course we had to go explore it & buy all of Josh's favorite snacks (once again I was impressed).  We mostly just got snacks & noodles this time but we have plans in a few weeks to go get Korean meat & spices and Josh is going to cook for us (which he has promised me for years now!) I am very very very excited (:

Right now it is the perfect weather in Dallas.  Overcast & rainy.  So after exploring Korea town for a while we took Skamp with us and window house shopped again, took Skamp on a walk & came home for our favorite TV show marathon - White Collar.  It's on Netflix & if you have not seen it I highly recommend it.  Wonderful night Saturdays with my favorite guy always go by way too quick!

Josh and I are offcially CTR 4 teachers!  Our first week is next Sunday.  Well Josh's first week teaching while I will be teaching relief society after that we will always teach together.  We are excited should be fun!  That's about all that is new here on our end.

My favorite thing to do lately is go back to the old Relief Society talks from the 90s because I was not old enough to attend so they are like brand new material for me & I eat them up they are so wonderful!  I have to share one of my favorites I came upon:

 "Are You the Woman I Think You Are?"

-Sheri Dew Oct. 1997

Link to it on www.lds.org https://www.lds.org/general-conference/1997/10/are-you-the-woman-i-think-you-are?lang=eng 

The focus of this talk is asking yourself "Am I the woman I want to be?  And more importantly "Am I the woman the Savior wants me to be?"  Sheri Dew is such a wonderful speaker.  As I go through the old sessions I always listen to hers first.  

Sister Dew brings up the point that once you have a testimony of Jesus Christ, your life can never be the same again.  The more I thought about this the more I agreed.  The more I learn about our Savior and the plan of happiness the more I feel I could never intentionally do anything besides what is asked.  Not just from guilt (although I would feel extremely guilty) but it just wouldn't feel right and I couldn't go on being happy.  Sister Dew says: "There is a direct relationship between how we feel about Jesus Christ and how we see ourselves.  We cannot increase our devotion to the savior without also obtaining a greater sense of purpose, identity, and conviction."  What a wonderful blessing! 

How close we draw ourselves unto the savior is up to us.  We are the ones who determine whether or not we will come unto Him & how truly we do.  Sister Dew gives us 3 ways to do this:

1. Temple Worship

2. Recommit to meaningful prayer

3. Immerse yourself in the scriptures.  

The more we do these things the better we will know our Savior.  

“Draw near unto me and I will draw near unto you; seek me diligently and ye shall find me; ask, and ye shall receive; knock, and it shall be opened unto you” (D&C 88:63).

When we draw nearer unto Him, He draws nearer unto us.  Elder Benson taught: "When you choose to follow Christ, you choose to be changed."  I have felt this in my life. The more I choose the follow Christ the more it seems to become my desire  as opposed to an item on a to-do list.  The past few weeks have been interesting to me.  I have really been praying & thinking about who I am (what I like, what I want to do - turns out when you graduate college sometimes you still don't know!) & who I want to be.  That is a big part of what the gospel is about, using this time on earth to become who we are meant to be while becoming more like Christ at the same time.  When I do these things I am becoming more of the person I want to be and I know the Savior helps me to see which direction to go.  It's easy to get overwhelmed or want to quit as I have tried to do what I know I would like to in the future.  I love a quote I found the other day "Anything worth doing is worth doing poorly at first."  No matter what it is, changing a bad habit, developing a new skill, teaching primary, anything, the more I try and the more I pray I know the Savior is helping me become who He wants me to be and who I want to be & I know He will for you as well. 

My favorite part of this talk is when Sister Dew talks about Nauvoo.  As I got older I really wanted to go to Nauvoo.  I remember hearing a talk once where a bishop spoke about his experience there. He talked about how he hoped for a big spiritual experience while he was there that would without a doubt confirm the truth of the gospel to him but once he was there he that did not happen and he realized that wasn't what it is all about. 

I know this is true but at the same time I will never forget my feelings while I was in Nauvoo with Josh.  I didn't have huge spiritual experience or anything but in my heart I did feel the truth and the importance of everything that happened there which I am do grateful for.  As I stood at the end of Parley's Street where the saints started their journey west I, as Sheri Dew says in her talk asked myself "Would I have loaded my wagon?  Would my testimony have been strong enough that I would have given up everything and gone anywhere?" As Lehi and his family, "Would I have followed my testimony into the wilderness?"  We may not ever have to face these kind of decisions (I sure as heck hope not!) but as Sister Dew says: "Each day we stand at the end of our own Parley's street.  We need to be the women the savior needs us to be.  He needs us to stand for truth & become who we are meant to be.  In other one of Sheri Dew's talks from Oct. 2001 (yes she is kind of my new hero) she says: "Every one of us has an overarching obligation to model righteous womanhood because our youth may not see it anywhere else..How will our young women learn to live as women of God unless they see what women of God look like, meaning what we wear, watch and read; how we fill our time & minds; how we face temptation and uncertainty; where we find true joy; and why modesty & femininity are hallmarks of righteous women?"  Though some of these things may be simple they are still choices we make to follow our own Parley's Street.  The best way to teach others is by example & that is what we do by becoming women the Savior needs us to be.  I know the Savior will help us.  

The end of Parley's street where the saints crossed the Mississippi

the beautiful Nauvoo temple. 

I hope all of us can become the Women we want to be & Who our Savior need us to be.  I know I am so grateful for my other half here who is so supportive of me following my dreams and who gives me the strength and courage to never give up.  I really feel like I married the best guy around (:  Thanks for reading - if you even make it this far I know I'm good at rambling!  Check back soon!