Meeting The Millers

The following weekend I had the privileged of going to La Grande to meet Alex's family. I left after work so I got there kind of late.. His parents were so sweet to wait up and be able to meet me. We had a great conversation with his Mom and Dad. It was so great to get to know them and meet them for the first time. We then stayed up till four that morning "talking" haha just kidding we really did talk.. The next night Stephanie and Earl ( Alex's brother and sister in law) had all of us over for Mexican food. It was so yummy and nice to meet the rest of the family. We had fun with the kiddos. All of the little girls and I played with their baby dolls and barbies I of course was in Heaven. We played Janga and lots of other games.. Alex took me to ice cream afterward and we rented a movie. Then hung out the rest of the night with his little brother and sister. I was able to sleep in Cassidee's room with her and so we had a slumber party every night. We had so much fun!! On Sunday Alex had to give the lesson in Sunday school. He did such an incredible job and taught me so much. It was so fun to meet all of his friends and they all call him Nelden so every time they said it I was taken back.. On Sunday was Mothers day and I got a suprise phone call from Sister Toorea and Sister Stallings ( two missionaries that I trained) President Merkley gave them permission to call me for Mothers day because S. Toorea's family disowned her and I am her Mommy!! It was so great to hear both of their voices!! They both sang to me the songs that I would always sing to them and they gave me stars with a color.. It was so sweet and yet so hard to let them go. After church we had s'mores at Jennifer's and all hung out around the fire.. Cassidee also pulled the best prank on Alex called wet Louie we laughed forever over that one.. Alex and I were going to go for a drive afterwards and as we were walking back I noticed that my license plate had changed.. His dad had put a Goss Motors thing around it ( its where he works) I told him thank you really loud and that I loved it.. Everyone laughed and Stephanie said Welcome to the Family Julie. The next morning I had to leave:( its always hard to leave when you've had so much fun. It was so great to go to La Grande and feel so comfortable around his family.

So as Alex was saying.. We had a fabulous weekend with all of the family here for the three weeks that Bonnie and her family were up.. We had a blast going to Silver Creek Falls with everyone. We were able to ride down with Tom and Jess and Dulany.. We had a blast with them and good laughs and talks along the way. We ate at our favorite Olive Garden it was Alex's first time so it was fun to introduce him to that place.. We shared the chicken parmigiana it was really tasty!! The best part was the company all of my siblings all being together and the kiddos.. so fun! We then hiked around silver falls and had a blast.. The hill was a killer so Alex decided to carry me the rest of the way. He definitely is the best. He (now) knows that I am not really the hiker girl.. Our first date he took me hiking then we have gone hiking a few more times and I finally let him in on that little secret that really I dont love it.. On the way home we saw these incredible flowers and I made Tom stop to let us take pictures my sister in law is amazing at taking them and so she got amazing shots of us which I love. Then it was time for slurpees and the drive home. We went to the McMinnville baseball game that night and then Dinner with Bj and Shawn.. It was a wonderful Saturday. Another page of our beginnings. I love everyday that I get to spend with Alex. He really is amazing to be around and the great conversations that we are able to have. I love the way that he treats me each and every day like there is nothing else that he cares about. Even though he has a lot on his plate at times he makes me feel like no one else matters when he talks to me or when I am with him. I am so thankful for him in my life and the love that  we share.

Silver Falls....

It all really is starting to run together all of the things that we have done together. There might have been another trip made in between this weekend or it could have been the week that we thought we were gonna die from not seeing each other or maybe that was just me. I know two whole weeks without seeing each other right? that is the longest we have gone without seeing each other since we have began our time together. It has been nothing but happy times, maybe a few times of difficulty have come our way or rather times of our love deepening and finding true roots in the deepest parts of our souls for each other. But those times are times we never dwell upon it's only upon the good we remember. We may think for a period or at least I have that things are too hard or the task at hand or task's are plain out daunting. In these times we begin to think of how we will do it but in all reality it is  more a time of sculpting by the master's hand in a little thing called life. Everything that we go though in life has a purpose, that is something that has been sunken deeper and deeper into my soul as my short time on earth has gone by. God works many mighty miracles around us each day whither we take notice or not. And those times when noticed are the sweetest tender mercies we will ever find. Now on to the real part.... So from what I recall our third weekend together was defiantly one to remember, we did things like go to Silver falls outside of Salem and went to eat at olive garden both firsts for me. I may have received a little bit of gruff for that but I probably had it coming. We also as custom ran around on Sunday trying to make it to every meeting on time and have a little bit of time to talk and go for our Sunday drive. The little things right? I am very thankful for every moment that we have together. It takes a lot of moments to fill a life time and with Julie and I every moment is one to remember. To be continued.......

Oregon Coast!!!

When me and Julie got together for the second time, we had a blast at one of our absolute favorite places with her whole family at the Oregon Coast. We I think got up there Friday night and started it off perfectly by of course going for a walk on the beach and doing what we do best just talk. On Saturday morning we all went for a walk on the beach and past the time taking pictures and just enjoying of each others company. That's the best part of life I feel, it really isn't important what we do alone but more of what we do together. I mean when do you remember something important in life that you did completely by your self? I bet it's a whole lot less. It was a perfect day not to mention on the beach with sunny weather for the most part. I know that never happens right? We topped the day off by going to Moe's a restaurant right on the beach. The coast really isn't the coast without a trip to Moe's. Then we came back and had a BON fire one of my absolute favorite things to do and Julie's also. I think we even managed to have some swim time with all of that.The we ended up going whale watching too, that was a way fun experience and from what I have heard it's usual for you to go out and not really get to see much at all but that wasn't the case for us. We got to see a few different whales and the coolest part was really the fact of just being out on the water having fun together. After all that fun in one weekend to out it all into a few words it was so very hard for me to head back home and each proceeding time it has gotten harder and harder for me to go and say see ya later to Julie. I am so very thankful for all that Julie and I have, she is the reason I will be the best person I could become. That's really what a relationship is always about. Achieving perfection together, cause I sure know I would have to have a lot of lives to even put a dent into become a close to perfect person. Not that we will ever achieve that but we can always try right? She draws me unto the Savior and my Heavenly Father, she is the reason I strive really hard to be a good guy and always do my best. I'm so excited to have her a mine forever and for the love that we already do share for each other. I feel that's what love doe's to you. It makes you reach for the sky and stretch for the horizon. Love can change so many things and it's that love that will always drive us to give our all for each other.Thought thick and thin. When you have a strong love for the Lord you have a stronger capacity to love others.And that's advise I have followed to find Julie. Love you Julie!!!

The Oregon Coast!!

And the Dating began....

When Alex was here in McMinnville for the first time, we had fun going to the cheesecake factory and sharing a piece of cheesecake.. We couldn't decide what kind we wanted so we (I) wrote them down on three pieces of little papers and the winner was... DRUM ROLL PLEASE..... Raspberry Chocolate Truffle.. mmmm it was divine!! After that we went shopping at the Washington Square Mall:)  A total way to win my heart haha...we also walked around the Portland temple, He had never been ( I think) he might have to correct that. We also went to the bookstore. I felt really bad, because I had so much going on that weekend that we were running around with our heads cut off.. I learned that he could keep up though so that was great.On Saturday morning for Dad's birthday we went to the casino with all of the family and then headed to the coast and did more shopping at the outlet mall. We had so much fun. Then we rushed back so that I could prepare for a baptism that night that I had to speak at. I felt so bad that weekend was so crazy but he was so supportive and encouraged me through everything. Then the next day in church we went to two wards that Sunday. I was asked to speak in my old home ward and then had to give a lesson in my own ward. It totally felt like being on a mission all over again. He said the sweetest things to me after each thing. I really appreciated that and loved looking out to him while sharing my heart on what the Gospel means to me. I am so thankful that this will how our life will continue to be by being willing to serve and help out wherever we can. I am so thankful that we will always be there supporting each other in all of our church callings and helping one another out by serving others. He kept grabbing all of my bags, my books, making sure to walk on the right side of me so I could hold my dress so it wouldn't fly open in the wind. Holding something over my head so that my hair wouldn't get ruined in the rain, and holding my hand giving me all the assurance that he knew I would do great. All of those little things that make the big moments that I will always remember and cherish matter. I know that in the moment I may not have shown complete appreciation or gave my thanks.. I just want my sweetheart to know that I APPRECIATE all the little things that you do for me.. They are what matter to me and make me so excited to marry my best FRIEND. I love you Alex!!!

First visit to see Julie! aka the visit that changed my life forever........

So after about a month of just us talking on the phone back and forth, I really couldn't wait any longer to go and see Julie. I had been falling in love with her little by little as we talked and became the best of friends. My feelings of that visit are pretty much the same as Julie's story of coming to La Grande. It was weird I had always thought it would be awesome to date Julie but never thought it would come true and to think it was coming true made me feel like a kid on Christmas eve.I knew all of the things I had felt before but I didn't really know what to think. I had a feeling that never before felt on my way down to see her. A little nervous even, but as soon as I got there and walked to the door and gave her a hug, I knew that my life was going to change forever. I felt at  home with my soul mate. All nervousness left and was replaced by the best feelings I had ever felt in my life. I remember walking in the door and meeting her family.(To tell the truth I don't really remember it all that well because I don't really feel like that ever happened.) Now it feels like I hadn't ever not known them. I felt completely at ease and at home from the get go. I remember she introduced me to her family and we began talking and getting to know each other. It definitely was not what I was expecting it to be like.As me and Julie got to do things together our friendship that we had forged only began to be stronger and deepen. It was the start of the best thing to ever happen to me. I am so very thankful for what God has given me in my life. Julie is everything that wanted, I can't believe to this day that I really am with Julie(Sister Roberts). It makes me feel so happy to think I get to spend the rest of my life with her. She is my motivation, my everything, the reason for me being the happiest man alive. If I couldn't have her forever I don't know where I would go or how I would go on in life. God has had a huge hand in us, more then I think either of us realize.I am reminded on a daily bases of that. Story of us to be continued...

How our story began...( Alex's Version)

In November of 2008 I got my mission call to the Oklahoma Tulsa Mission. What??? Oklahoma??? Ya that's what I thought too. But as my Grandma Miller continued to read on, it turned out that it was a mission made perfect. I was going Spanish speaking!!! Little did I know at the time but that my life would be changed forever in more ways then one. Even in ways I never would have expected. I entered the Missionary Training Center in February 2009. Timing really is everything..... My family had always joked with me that I would find my wife on my mission, and I was always the first to say "that's not happening, forget about it". (My dad meet my mom on his mission so that's where all the talk of me meeting my wife on my mission came from.)  I guess at times we really don't understand the BIG picture of things and I was no exception to the rule. I started my mission out in Springdale Ar, then to Bentonville Ar, Fort Smith Ar, Berryville Ar, Tulsa Ok. One little side note, something I don't even think I have ever shared with Julie. I was actually transferred to Fort Smith Ar after Springdale Ar but the night before President Merkley called and transferres were changed having me going to Bentonville Ar instead of  Fort Smith. I was in Bentonville Ar for 4 and a half months. So yep you got it I would have never even crossed paths with Sister Roberts (Julie) if it wasn't for that little change in course for me. Or most likely not have. I meet Sister Roberts (Julie) for the first time in Fort Smith Ar and I remember to this day how I felt and I am a little bit hesitant to say this but I had feelings for her from the first time I saw her but I always told myself I couldn't feel like that. I didn't get it I was on my mission and I was like what the CRAP why do I feel like that. I got excited to go to district meetings to be able to see her and of course be with all my missionary friends but more for her for some reason. I was transferred a month and a half later. That night stunk horribly because it hurt to leave the people but also to leave Julie behind and with the thought that I would never see her again. I actually can't remember why but I figured out a reason to call the Sisters and talk to her the night before I left.:) Shhhhhhh..... ha ha It was legit don't worry!!! So I left and thought the story was over but it wasn't. I every so often would have these feelings or reminders come to me of her and wonder where she was and how she was. I even would go look at the photos of the District, the Best district ever. I always couldn't believe I had those thoughts come to me.  But it gave me comfort that I was going to be able to go home with her so I didn't worry to much plus I was on a mission and trying to fulfill what I was suppose to be doing. I saw her a couple of other times and we talked like the best of friends ever time we saw each other. I always got so much crap for talking to her but oh well. It payed off I guess. Like Julie said we went to the mission home a week early because of all the horrible weather. Not going to lie I was ready to come home and see her and everyone again. Don't for one second think I thought I would actually even date her but I did have feels at times that told me I would marry her. I never told anyone but maybe one companion because I didn't know what to think about those thoughts. So we exchanged info in the mission home and went home. I came back and life was not that great at all. Dating was lame and not what I was wanting at all. I thought later about Julie and that I should get in touch with her, I think I may have already but I wanted to pursue it. She was always in the back of mind. But it all happened the way it did for a reason. We began to talk and became best friends as we talked about mission things and how home life stunk at times and helped each other look at the bright sides of all things. She really became the only one in the world I would tell anything and everything to. She came to La Grande after I begged her to. JK But we went on a lunch date and I really didn't ever have it planned out completely but it just all came together by the grace of God I feel now. God had his hand in it all. I really didn't want her to go when she left but I knew she had to. We talked her whole trip down to Utah and Idaho and after about a month of talking I finally couldn't last any longer without seeing her. Now the rest is History!!!!! She became my Everything!!! The Girl I had fallin love with so many months earlier without me even knowing.

First trip to La Grande

How our story began... (Julie's Version)

In March 2009 I got my mission call to the Tulsa Oklahoma Mission!! Woot Woot.. I didn't know then what that call all would entail... I was so excited to finally achieve that childhood dream of serving a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I entered the MTC on July 25, 2009. I served in Branson Mo, Fayetteville AR, Greenwood AR, and Rolla Mo. It was the best experience of my life. I met Elder Miller (Alex) for the first time in Fort Smith AR. While I was serving in the little town of Greenwood:) We served in the same district there for a transfer. The only thing I really remember was that he was from La Grande Oregon...( also known as my second home.) We always went camping growing up in Ukiah and we went to La Grande every trip for lunch and dinner and to hang out in a civil area haha. We always talked about the famous spots around that area.. Little did I know that there would be more to this. He got transferred to Berryville AR, and I stayed in Greenwood for the next six months. We also knew that we went home together from our mission.. Well then in February 2011 due to snow storms we got stuck in the mission home for almost a week. My parents then came to get me that Thursday and he flew to Boise Idaho to his family. We all exchanged information, and departed on our ways. I was having a hard time being home and making the adjustment of home life. I then was praying fervently for a best friend that would understand completely what I was going through. As soon as I offered that prayer the phone rang.. a number I didn't know as I answered it was ALEX.. We talked for a really long time about anything and everything. We then talked over a month and grew to be best friends.. I loved that I could be completely myself and tell him everything that I was feeling. We had good laughs about the dumb RM things that we would do or say. A month later I was headed to Utah to see friends and family. He asked me: are you stopping in La Grande? I then asked if I had reason too.. He then proceeded that we would go to lunch. So we planned it. I then packed up my stuff and was so excited for the road trip.. A few hours of being on the road, I got this feeling and was shocked at how I felt and questioned it. I called my dad freaking out!!! I said I am not ready for this feeling! why do I feel like this.. His words of wisdom was just don't get in the way of them.. I said I don't even understand them. Then I saw the sign that said LA GRANDE.. I of course pulled over to touch up what I then looked like:) Then called him and he met me. As soon as he pulled up all of my anxieties disappeared, we hugged and all my fears were gone. We went to lunch at a Chinese joint called Moys. When we got our food we both picked up our forks and twirled it in the rice and were looking around, he then said do you wanna say a prayer? Phew I thought yes!!! That would be great I remember saying:) What a great way to start our life together. I still remember the fortune that I got it said: The stranger you are with will change your life forever! He then asked me to read it.. I thought are you nuts you will think I am insane!! After I read it I took the biggest gulp of water and asked him to read his. His turned out to be worst then mine, he then grabbed the tab and said are you ready to go. Then went hiking around his property, and lost track of time. I casually mentioned union and how it was my favorite place, and then we took a drive out there.. he really just didn't want me to leave. Five hours later I was then on the road again.
The rest is pretty much history. We talked every night. He even made me miss my exit by an hour and a half in Utah and heard me freak out a little bit for being lost. A month after that he came here to McMinnville. I am so thankful for Alex being in my life, he truly has been the best thing that has ever been mine. I am so thankful for our life's journey so far. I truly look forward to living life side by side. I look forward to the trials that we will experience together hand in hand, for all the joys that will come our way and to have a family together. I am so thankful that he is a man of God. One who always follows the Prophet with exactness and who feasts upon the scriptures. He truly makes me want to be so much better than I am in all things. He is everything to me. It's been perfect ever since!