Year Four of Tying the Knot

How is it already mid August!! More than half the year has just slipped away... Gone, gone, gone. Time is such a scary thing. But, I do think we've made some accomplishments throughout the year. Please send a round of applause to David. Husband dearest is DONE with year THREE of medical school and took his second boards exams and just started his LAST YEAR as a medical student. Can you believe it? Wish us, especially him good luck this year as he will be interviewing across the nation for residency. Our unknown future scares me. I'm always the gal that sticks to what she's familiar with--same restaurant, same order, same man (jk), and etc. Change frightens me. But the uncertainty of it also excites me just so. Especially since it's with David.

We just celebrated our FOUR year anniversary. Four years seem short and long- hard to believe we've been married for that long.. But, I simply cannot imagine my life without David now. When I try and think of my past-- good and bad, it takes me awhile to think of one before him.

Marriage, it certainly isn't easy. There are times when I have to remind myself my husband has emotions too. He's such a rockstar. My apple to my pie, the straw to my berry. He truly is the happy to my ending. Here's to many many happy years ahead of us.

CelebratEng: the big THREE-OH!

Hello dirty flirty thirty! I've been thirty for two weeks-ish now. Ugh.

 Most people excitedly anticipate the arrival of their birthday. It is that one day your smart-mouth and sassiness will be tolerated.  I, however, awoke on May 27th, realized the day and pulled the covers over my head.  If I ignored the day, would that have prevented my time clock from ticking into its thirties?  Darlings, how is it when one numeral change--the flick of a change from 2 to 3, that minuscule change affects everything in your life? I mean everything?

It's as if my body welcomed me to the new era (of the thirties) by showing me what it's like to age.

The day of, a coworker of mine noticed a gray hair. I whipped around and instantly begged her to pluck it out. Twas not a good way to celebrate.. Shortly after, I noticed some extra wrinkles here and there on my face.  And, a few days later, my dentist kindly nudged me into scheduling an appointment with a periodontist due to "gum" issues.  I shrieked and yelled that I did turn thirty a few days ago and asked if maybe that's why.  He chuckled and said, "most people will have receding gums and it is very normal. (Very normal to those of age 30 and above I'm sure..) Sigh

To celebrate the big THREE-OH, sweet husband of mine really did out-do himself. 

A week before, husband dearest took me away on a short trip to the capitol city of Tejas, Austin.

Yeah, we didn't even try eating at the original Hop Doddy's.

 Food Recommendations:

• Lick's Icecream: so light and so creamy.  Their mint flavored ice cream literally tastes like mint leaves.  It's amazing.
• Kerby Lane Cafe: The 30-40 minute wait is well worth it.  Their chicken fried steak and lemon poppy seed pancakes, best I've ever had.  And holy moly the portions are HUGE!
• Ramen Tastsuya: The ambiance wasn't my favorite.  But, the broth, OMG. We sat for a good few minutes trying to come up with ideas to take the broth back home. That good. 
• Chilantro: I'm not big fan of Mexican food. But, this is a Tex-Mex-Korean fusion with lots of kimchi thrown in all the dishes. Definitely worth a try!
• And, last but not least, Shake Shack, which we visited one too many times.. 

  I wish we could say it was adventurous. But, we did what we do best---EAT. Sometimes life is too noisy and a tad bit complicated. Ours, just as anyone else’s was wearing us out and we felt the need to remove ourselves from it for a day or two. Kind of like a cleanse to rejuvenate and then step back into reality. Welcoming the age of thirty with him only made me a bit teary. At this age, it would be nice to have a little one trudging along beside us. But, I know God has His reasons for not giving us little Eng juniors just yet.  So, I am trying to shake off the sadness and cherish the moments we have--just the two of us--until our lovely littles join us one day.

The day of, I received several surprises! First, my sister sent me my favorite sugar cookies in the world all the way from Provo, UT. I wish I had snapped a picture to send and confirm that I received her gift. But as you can guess, it took me seconds to gobble all of them up! No one can do desserts like Utah. 

Then, David surprised me by sending me a bouquet of my absolute favorite flowers.  If you know David, he’s not a spender (which is good because it balances us out). To be honest, when I received the beautiful bouquet, I tried so hard to think if I had a secret admirer out there without my knowing.  If only.  Just kidding.  It was just my sweet ole’ good David that I’m lucky to call my husband.

After making it through work, a bunch of us went out to stuff ourselves with Korean BBQ per the birthday girl’s request. It was a lovely night. We polished off trays of meat, much laugher filled the room, and then we ended the night with some sugary sweets. The minute we got home,  I was surprised with a typewriter with a sweet note awaiting me. He is quite amazing, isn't he? After playing with my new toy for a bit, the clock struck 10pm. I crawled into bed and said goodbye to this special day of mine. I guess age is finally catching up... David soon followed and gently plopped a kiss on my cheek. There's nothing else that would've made this birthday more perfect with my dearest next to me. 

D&D TravelEng: Spring Break in UT

This post is very over-due. And, despite my love for the English language, it cannot describe the feelings you have when spending time with love your loved ones.

There is nothing in the entire world that can bring so much love and so much pain / hurt / craziness like family. But, I wouldn't trade it for the world. Vacations used to be picture perfect weather, mountains of food, and laziness. With age (yes, I did say age- the front number of my AGE did change) the meaning of "vacation," slowly changes to being with the ones you love. And so off we went to Utah. 

Let's be honest- I went to see this little bundle of chubbiness. Although, he is starting to stretch out and is losing his chubbiness (not cool wee one), he's still so adorable!!!  You're supposed to stay small, little boy!! Gracie dear, I need another niece or nephew soon!

 I may be a biased Auntie, but I really don't think any baby can be cuter than this one.

Saturday morning bliss- eating, chatting with the BFF and baby boy! 

 Bro and Rachie prepping for the big party! 

 Happy Birthday Harrison! Can't believe it's been a year (and more) since you joined our family. You bring so much happiness into our lives. Wish I was closer to spoil you.. I pray that you continue to grow strong, healthy, and become a faithful and worthy man that serves God.

 Walking around the grounds of our alma mater. Oh how this place brings a flood of memories of our days at BYU.

* Note: I found out that those that were born in 1996 are attending BYU. WHAT THE EFFF? I can still remember the day I received my acceptance letter like yesterday. Time, you are a scary vicious thing! 

 Skeptical Harrison at the Duck Pond - a.k.a the place all the Mormon families hang out after church. 

 All Choi siblings minus the youngest. Siblings--you can't live with them, can't live without them. 

 My beautiful mommy and my beautiful /conceited self.

 He literally discovered *SWEETS. Crazy mom of his deprives him. Don't worry baby boy, when it comes to sugar, Auntie has got you covered! 

Oh how I missed snow. Real snow- white, fluffy, and powdery S-N-O---W!!!

 Our friendship consists of food. And sometimes laughter. 

 New Provo Temple in downtown Provo.

Salt Lake City Template- Conference Weekend

My loves. 

 Friends and babies. Lots of babies--  Welcome to Utah. 

Sundance, Utah

David and I (especially I) often think about "our children." I am physically unable to bring children into this world but I do know my children are out there somewhere- maybe not yet born into this world but I do know they are there. And I pray that I am becoming the mother they deserve. 

There are times I strongly oppose having children because I am afraid of not only bringing them into this scary world of ours, but raising them into worthy children of God. So much responsibility and accountability I am not yet prepared to tackle. How can I be responsible for such a tiny human being that has such a precious and innocent soul? I think of our Father in Heaven-- He knew and knows what the world will throw at us and will continue to throw at us. He knows of the temptations we will face, the evil that lurks behind every corner of our lives. He knows that life will continuously challenge us... But because of his tremendous love for us,  He gifts us with a life on earth.

 Again, when I am in doubt, I think of my Lord, my Savior, my Redeemer, my Shepard, my King.. And suddenly I feel as if I can tackle anything. Lots to think about tonight. 

This crazy family of mine-- minus my daddy and baby brother.