Finding The One

Finding the One

It has been a year since we were engaged. If you are single now, I prepared this for you. My decade of life before marriage had times of loneliness, and times when life was full. When I finally stopped worrying about marriage, life seemed to get better. I accepted the worst case scenario... never finding the one. Then decided if I never found the one, I would return to Mozambique, start an orphanage, and they could be my family. Accepting the worst case scenario and doing my part helped me to enjoy life more. These Nevers helped me to select my wife and who has made me very happy.

• Never Stop Preparing
• Never Give up 
• Never Settle 
• Never Quit Searching
• Never Let Others Decide  

Never Stop Preparing

Prepare by becoming and looking your best. As I gazed upon Mary our third date. She was sitting across from me on the bow of the boat in her swim suit. Once again the hormones raged, and for a split second I would give anything to be with this lovely girl. Hormones are powerful influencers, but intelligence is the best choice. I had felt this same hormonal drive before, and knew better than to act solely on it. Soon I relaxed and was satisfied that Mary passed my first need, attraction. Not only did she look good, but she was graduating a year early from high school against everyone's recommendations.

Remember the power of appearance and physical attraction. I am sure Mary would have not been interested in me if I had left my appearance sag with pounds, poor personal hygiene, or poor health choices. Make a plan now to look and feel your best. In fact, kill two birds with one stone, and plan your next date around some recreational activity. Our first summer together was filled with wake boarding, surfing, swimming, paddle-boarding, kayaking, biking, hiking, bridge jumping, roller blading, and dancing.

Harness the power of becoming. Mary left me curious near the start of our courtship. Nobody had encouraged her to graduate early. Instead, she had decided completely on her own. Similarly, Mary liked that I had finished graduate school. Acts, such as these, show a mind of determination. Think of all your interests and goals. Act now to become skilled, talented, and educated. Invest in yourself to become something. This will not only help you and your spouse, but it will help those around you who will follow in your footsteps. This is not limited to temporal things. If a person is religious, there love of God often reflects their ability to love. Do you have charity? Are you selfless? Do you love your neighbor? How good are you at forgiving others? Dedicate your life to some of these true principles, and you will become a better lover. Irregardless of what you think, you become something. Decide today to become the best potential companion.

Never Give Up

While single, I attended the wedding reception of sweet Ms. Chandler. She was one of my favorite teachers. She taught both my sunday school class and my high school Honors English class. While nearing retirement, she finally was married to the Mayor of Declo, Idaho (Mary's relative). To me, her celebration was unforgettably beautiful. She had been true to this man for all of her life without even knowing him. Her example helped me never lose hope.

Entertaining Ourselves through yawns

 One summer break, I said goodbye to a girl that I was dating and by the end of the summer she met and married another. They knew quickly, like turning a light switch on in a dark room that they were right for each other. This never happened for me. I dated girls almost weekly since 2004. I did not ever feel like I could marry anyone in three months. Even while dating Mary, we almost gave up on each other several times. It took 16 months of steady dating before I felt solid about us. Like the sunrise, the answer to marry Mary was slow. With the current high divorce rate, wait until the light is bright before getting married. Wait until you know in your heart and your mind that this is the person you want and should be with forever. 

Never Settle

I added this section with a precious moment during courtship, and my insights to true love. This moment was a light to my understanding. While we were sitting at my grandparents kitchen table in their old sears catalogue home preparing for lunch, it was quiet. After blessing the food, I thought of the thousands of lunches my grandparents had enjoyed together at that table. I looked at Mary and wondered if we could do the same. An impression came to me and I was speechless, but my heart was full. At that moment, I knew that Mary and I could be happy together. However, by the end of the day I had talked myself into believing the feeling came to help me know that I should marry a good woman. Impressions like this one will come if you are prepared. I needed several of these experiences because I was hung up for a time with our age difference, and frequently analyzed every aspect of each other and our relationship. As we continued Mary and I became more in love, and I honestly wanted to be with her.

Courting is a step into the dark. You don't really know that person, and people change. Like the sunrise, as you get to know each other better you will have experiences that will help you decide. While courting, I did not know that I should marry Mary. When I finally made this decision to marry, and we were engaged, I still did not know perfectly if this was the right thing. I was obsessed about making the best decision the right way. However, during our engagement most of the doubts left. An hour before we married, the light of the sun felt like it was over my head with my understanding. I knew that I was about to make the best decision that I would ever make in this life. I knew that the choice I had made was awesome. Of course, we will have trials, but I felt like I was supposed to marry Mary. This understanding came because I had prepared for it, never gave up, and never settled. It has already brought me more joy than any other decision I have ever made.

After almost a decade of searching, and a year and a half of dating Mary, we were married. Before then, there were a few experiences where I felt good enough to move forward with our relationship. My previous experiences in dating and friendships also helped me to find the right mate.

 Similar experiences will happen to you if you prepare. With the divorce rates higher than ever, we all should seriously seek. When anything is substituted for the actual divine sharing of the powers of procreation in marriage (i.e. cohabitation, pornography), one is selling themselves short. It is like buying milk for a thousand dollars a gallon, but the milk is fake. It won't satisfy the fundamental needs of life. When marriage is done right, it is the greatest thing that ever happens! Never settle for less.

Never Quit Searching

3 Years in a row

Before marriage, there are lots of opportunities to get to know potential friends and spouses. I always looked for girls with my standards. While studying at BYUI and BYU, there were hundreds of young ladies that fulfilled these basic standards. Hence, I found it a challenge to find the best match. Eventually, my goal was to help myself and those I dated to find their best match. Thinking in this fashion helped me ease the pain when someone close moved on. Until you and your significant other both know you have found your best match, continue developing positive relationships with those who could be the best match. Frequently, I returned to dating someone I had previously dated because my purpose was to help everyone find their best match, and I wasn't always quite sure. Keeping this goal in mind will help your relationships.

I made no hasty decisions while dating Mary. Last October, I felt Mary's heart pulling away. She told me that I would never marry her and said I was nothing but talk because we had been dating for so long. At that time, I was confident that Mary was my best match. Little did she know that I had been trying to fester the courage and understanding to propose. I had an engagement ring from the Grande Bazar in Istanbul since July, and had been carrying it in my pocket whenever she was near. Now I knew that I must do something if I really wanted Mary. I pulled the ring from my pocket and placed it on her finger. Her tears of sadness transferred  to tears of joy. A couple of weeks later I re-proposed in a more romantic setting at Riverside Park along the Snake River.

It is a miracle that any two people get married, share everything, and are as happy as I am now. Keep the goal to finding your best potential companion until you are married. Never give up, and Never Settle before then. After you are married, the goal changes to becoming the best possible companion.

Never Let Others Decide 

Pick your Own Path

When you understand the serious nature of marriage, and know of the many responsibilities of marriage then you understand that you are the one that is the most accountable for this decision. Your life will change drastically in marriage. It will make your life great or miserable depending on how well you decide. Some listen to what others say, others think it completely through and make their own decision, and others just let life run its course and react accordingly.... Except for the inspiration that I received from a loving Father in Heaven, this decision was my own.

The greatest decision of my life has been marriage. My world has shifted to our world. My family has changed to Mary. My focuses, goals, and priorities are all advancing with my wife. I still love my friends and family and occasionally miss them.  However, to finally have my wife has filled a part of my heart that was empty for a long time.

 You are fully accountable for this decision, so don't let others determine your destiny. Never Stop Preparing, Never Give Up, Never Settle, Never Quit Searching, and Never Let Other Decide. Hopefully this will help you become the person that you ought to become, and find the spouse that will fulfill all of your childhood dreams! Take Care, and Good Luck!

Handy Farming

Handy Farming

Have you ever wanted to be a farmer for a day? Well, I have. So this past weekend, Mary and I drove to the King Mountain Ranch and farmed for my Father-in-Law. I felt pretty legit because we woke up to cows mooing outside the window. I found humor in being  woken up by their hungry moos. Mary laughed at me in response. I suppose waking up to mooing cattle was a daily reality for her as a child. We spent Saturday in the tractor raking hay. The Webbs will get three cuttings this year which hopefully will put the Webb ahead for next year. 

When Mike and Carol Webb first moved up to Moore after purchasing these ranches, they were a little upset to find fields full of pebbles when the snow melted. Nonetheless, the nice folks in Moore have helped them learn how to work this new ground. Surprisingly, the hay that he grew is higher in nutrients than most. I think it is because of the rocks, but I was only a farmer for a day, so what do I know. It just seems that with every obstacle comes some good. 

Mary is back in school working her little brain as hard as she can. I am proud of her, but I miss her being mine... instead of the books. She has enough credits to graduate soon. However, she has been thinking about graduate school. Thus she may be studying here in Rexburg for a few more semesters. 

I am loving my job at the hospital still, and have learned a lot about Public Relations, Online Marketing, Web Design, Information Technology, and all of the Social Media channels. I get to work with some of the most generous people in this community. Our Brake For Breakfast Breast Cancer Event was sweet, the Idaho Legislators visit was outstanding, and my online efforts have brought in a lot of quality traffic.

To The End of The World

Mary and I were the tallest couple in Idaho for a few minutes, as we gazed off Borah Peak. Second time is a charm, last time we chickened out at Chicken Out Ridge. The weather was perfect, and we enjoyed the company of Nolan Bybee, who had run it once in 3.5 hours, and Jonathan Bybee. Zack and Ashley Webb also joined our hiking crew. It took us 8 hours, and we loved it! The following week, we hiked Table Rock in the Grande Tetons. It was just over a 15 mile hike, but not as steep as Borah. After I made it to Table Rock, I walked another 200 yards to the edge of the world. The clouds had settled in around me, and I through a rock off the edge of the cliff. I couldn't hear it land, nor see anything below. So I propose that the world is flat. During the hike we ran into some friends, Grayson then Hannah. Hannah was my dance partner over a decade ago on the BYUI folk dancers, and was looking very healthy... must be all that dancing over the years.

Mary and I have also have become a little obsessive compulsive about genealogy. While talking with an older lady a couple days agon that I work with at Madison Memorial Hospital, Shareen Parkinson. She reminded me that she was from Burley. As we talked, we found that we were related through Julina Smith. She figured she is Grandpa Ken's 2nd cousin. However, Julina had 12 kids, which makes a lot of cousins, and Julina is Ken's grandpa, which would make them either cousins or first cousins once removed. I would have never known that we were related at all, unless I had been studying that line the day before. We have found dozens of indexed records with birth certificates, marriage licenses, census results, and drafts to wars that we have tagged our ancestors to. We have also been trying to get electronic versions of any family history books with stories, photos, and etc. So if you have any, upload them today!

Mary and I will have been together for nine months this week. It is an exciting time! She started back to school today. It made me sad. She is more fun when she has less responsibility. -Lucas

School started again today! I have bittersweet feelings. This summer was my first summer break since the summer between 8th and 9th grade. I've really enjoyed the simple things: having the time to cook a nice dinner, make my bed in the mornings ,and doing few arts and crafts here and there, but I've been spending the bulk of my time studying for the GRE. Studying for the GRE is really dry and overwhelming. I finally took it and did not perform as well as I had hoped. Regardless, luck is in my favor. Lucas and I just broke a chicken wish bone and I won. I wished for straight A's this semester!

It is so much fun to have our entire ward living within 3 blocks in the small city of Rexburg! It seems our ward is taking us in like we're here to stay. I think they have a hard time letting their hearts go out to the young couples, because they usually move. I ran into a lady in our ward while returning from the store a couple of blocks from our home. She had mentioned an afterschool program before and she asked if I was still interested. She's the coordinator for the elementary school.

Thus I have been hired by Madison School District to work with the after school program. We do everything from homework, playing sports, providing crafts, and teaching life skills like cooking. It's K-4 and they're separated into groups for their activities and given a daily snack. At 5 pm, they're transported home. It's a pretty sweet program they have going on and I get paid to play with and teach kids! It's a lot of fun and I'm excited that they were willing to work with my schedule.

Our sunday school class consists of 4 really great kids. The boys and the girls interact and they're all friends and they're even comfortable to interact with us. The new youth program is difficult to teach because it forces the teachers and the youth to really understand the principles, which is priceless. I think I'll cry when they release us from this calling...Unless they put me in young women's. I have come to love the youth we teach so much.


 Lucas planted the garden and I've been harvesting it. I picked lots of radishes. Sadly enough, neither of us are big fans of radishes so one full grocery bags full of radishes dried out in our fridge...that's without the stalks on them. We gave the other bag away to someone who liked them more. I'm still confused why Lucas planted so many radishes. He planted the perfect amount of peas. I like peas best when they're fresh. I could do without cooked peas. We're loaded with beans too! Talking around, everyone's beans did awesome this year. I'm a green bean lover, so I'm definitely not complaining about picking and freezing them. They don't last very long in our house anyway. Our corn came up really late, so I think we might get one ear. Yes, only one ear is even developing at this point. Most of our squash died, but we have one plant that is looking healthy and starting to grow a couple squash. I think we would have squash if it didn't frost until December.

Our landlords are awesome. They come periodically to fix this or that and make it a priority to check up on us. I don't know why, but God has blessed us to be surrounded by so many kind and wonderful people.

Lucas loves his job! His job encompasses so much. He's involved in every event with making it go through and I often come to them to help set up and take down. He's also in charge of the website and all the social media. I study in the office at the hospital sometimes and Lucas is always in meetings or working with someone from one of the departments to get some more information for the website. It is no wonder he comes home and keeps thinking about work.

We usually go on a bike ride after work so Lucas can clear his mind, but his bike is now broken. On our last bike ride, Lucas and I were going really fast across the street and his bike seat broke underneath him. I turned around to see where he was and I saw him laying on the sidewalk with his bike at least 20 feet away from him. At first, I thought he had done something to his back. I came closer and saw that he was holding his foot. I asked him what had happened and he had brought his foot down really fast when his seat snapped to catch himself. Then claimed it hurt worse than hitting your funny bone really hard. Despite his pain, I laughed out of relief that it was not his back. A couple in our ward was on a walk through town and had seen the incident. They were really sweet to come over and see if he was ok. Luckily, we were close to home and we were able to elevate and ice Lucas' foot before bed. He still had a little limp the next morning and some swelling, but that was all gone by the following day. - Mary

Love's Not Time's Fool

Eight is Great! We've been married for 8 months today. I know you are thinking, "This silly girl celebrates her marriage every stinkin' month!" Can you blame me? I married the best man in the whole wide world. 

When we first met other couples in Rexburg who had been married 6 months or longer we thought,  "They must know each other so well." Now we've surpassed the 6 month mark, but we still feel like babies getting to know each other. Sometimes we may drive each other nuts and climb up high objects to get away from each other, but we love being together. Speaking of being crazy, Lucas is a little creative about providing. He made our permaculture garden, wants to go pick huckleberries, and he wants to provide all the meat this year from his hunting dreams. I'm trying to be a good sport. I told him I'd cook whatever he brought home.

A few weeks ago as I was getting ready for the day, I almost grabbed his deodorant. He had been using mine, but finally purchased his own. At home I like wearing his gym shorts. I love my husband's good morning kisses and I wait anxiously for him to return home from work. I LOVE BEING MARRIED! 

Mary surprised me today by finishing the quilt she planned to give me for Christmas in 2011. She fits right into the Handy Family, so many projects, so little time. This finished levi quilt with all of her old jeans as a teenager is a sweet 8th month present because now I can have both hands in her jean pockets while I sleep too. 

Many folks warn couples that the first year of marriage is difficult. For us, it has been bitter-sweet. The only thing bitter about my marriage was leaving my mom, I am a momma's boy. Sweet, because Mary is my best friend. She understands me, she tunes me up, and she cares about me. I know that she will make a great momma... but not yet. She is mine to enjoy for a while longer. 

Some say that we are a perfect couple. However, Mary expresses deep feelings of inadequacy as a spouse. I have also been troubled by the many things that I need to do and become as a better spouse and a father. However, we build each other up, and work together to overcome our weaknesses and doubts. I memorized a poem at BYUI in a college poetry class. The sweet message it delivers paints our marriage: 

SONNET 116

Let me not to the marriage of true minds

Admit impediments. Love is not love

Which alters when it alteration finds,

Or bends with the remover to remove:

O no! it is an ever-fixed mark 

That looks on tempests and is never shaken;

It is the star to every wandering bark,

Whose worth's unknown, although his height be taken.

Love's not Time's fool, though rosy lips and cheeks 

Within his bending sickle's compass come: 

Love alters not with his brief hours and weeks, 

But bears it out even to the edge of doom.

   If this be error and upon me proved,

   I never writ, nor no man ever loved.

-Shakespeare 

Lucas Handy

Love's Reminders

A young boy gave me a little silver bell, and told me, "Ring this whenever you are lonely, and remember that God loves you." The following years I served a mission in a city of 11 million people, Sao Paulo, Brazil. The bell rang more than once my first year there. In the shadows of the concrete jungle, we taught a young woman who had once believed and faithfully followed Christ's gospel. She had even served a mission like the one I was serving. As I looked into her eyes, I could see her loneliness. She had followed a path that had brought her no joy. I pulled out my small bell the boy had given me, and rang it as loud as it could chime. Then told her of the love that God had for her and gave her the bell with the same instructions the little boy had given.

Ten years later, technology has advanced. I received a pop up message from this woman. She was proud to tell me of the positive changes she had made in her life. She then reminded me of my little bell. She had been re-baptized, and had even served another mission to Belo Horizonte, Brazil. As she thanked me, I could not accept it because it was the love of God that she felt through the ring of a bell and her choices to follow the path of joy.

To share joy brings joy. So I wasn't surprised when she told me she had given this bell to another in Belo Horizonte. Her sweet message reminded me of the joy that comes with sharing.God's love.

Life's questions, and paths are filled with distraction. Some say north, while others go south. Our own paths cross thousands of others each day. We see other's journeys in relation to our own or our neighbors and judge one another. Above the distractions, the Creator molds you and I and the earth of the paths... a Father who hopes we return to Him, even a God of perfect love. He alone knows your best choices and paths.

Sometimes life's journey has clarity in directions each choice has a destiny. So it has been with me this year... a marriage, change in a career, and a new home. Mary is eleven years younger than I, and many laughed and doubted our love. As I listened to the distraction, I had decided twice against dating her. The truest advice was sent from above and filled my heart to help me know that I should marry Mary. Once again the sweet knowledge that the path I travelled was right.

I complained, and hoped for my career to get better to help me begin my life with Mary. Rexburg is not D.C. full of jobs I'd qualify for. Some told me to settle for whatever job I could get. I felt within a promise of something better. Six months have passed and I am earning, enjoying, and learning more than I ever could have with the other job offers and my previous position. Once again, the love from above spoke to my heart. Not logic, persuasion or another one's path. The Creator of all things blessed my life's journey.

Nobody is alone in life's paths and choices. I am proud to see my brother Clayton happy in Chico, California with his perfect job at Berberian Nuts. He left Logan, Utah less than a month ago as his heart and he chose to take his family to this new place. With no job arranged, enough money saved to cover a months rent, and the confidence that came from this heartfelt direction; he moved his wife and three kids to Chico. He has two bachelor degrees. One in business, and another in Forestry/Horticulture. Within the first couple days serendipity guided his path to meet the Director of HR and the General Director of a large orchard. Now he is employed with a house on the walnut orchard, a company vehicle, and a salary with benefits working as a professional! Congrats!

Life's journey can be full of His divine love. As we walk our paths may we ring our bell louder to help others along their paths. While examining another's journey, may we accept them with that same little chime. As we walk forward may we persistently seek for divine guidance along the way... He will guide us if we listen. When we review our live's journey, may we see His rich blessings and know that God loves us.


Prepared by Lucas Handy

Tallest Peaks Still Lie Ahead

I saw Mary cry uncontrollably. I tried to calm her down by giving her a hug, but she snapped back, "Don't Touch Me or I'll Fall." She froze on the cornice of Mount Borah, the tallest mountain of Idaho. It just happened to be the worst part of our climb. She froze next to the mountains edge which fell a couple thousand feet in a steep decline. She could not move and cried harder with each gust of wind. It was a little spooky. There was a thunder storm just north of the peak, and the cold wind hit us like waves which helped cause vertigo. All along I had planned to make it to the top. However, we passed a dozen hikers on their way down and most of them had not made it. After this incident, Mary forbid me of climbing alone, so maybe next time.

Mary's father also made the ascent with us, but turned around just before the cornice and ridge, often called chicken out ridge. His ranches and cabins, Antelope Creek Cabin and Pioneer Home are about 45 minutes from this hike. He is old enough to be retiring, but instead has invested in some ranches when he was bought out from the Webb Basin Dairy Farm. Mary has eight brothers, that I am sure will enjoy being on the ranch at some point in their lives. As for Mary and I, it is an awesome getaway!

Clayton and Jenna also climbed another peak. My brother Clayton, a recent biology graduate and tree specialist, worked with an arborist in Logan for a few months. Suddenly, his hands started hurting and became numb. The doctors said he had a bad case of tendinitis, and needed to take 6-8 weeks off from using his hands. In the meantime, Jenna had already been accepted to graduate school in Chico, California for Marriage and Family Counseling. After serious prayer and meditation, they decided to move to Chico. Within a week, they were hundreds of miles further from our love cottage in Rexburg, Idaho. We admire their bold move, but will miss them deeply. He already has a few job options, his favorite lead is a large orchard that the Church owns in Chico. We love you, and wish you luck on this next mountain. Dad taught us how to work, mom taught us how to look good. So you are set.   

Some people say that I am the gatekeeper of my destiny. This may be the healthiest way to encourage personal accountability and action. However, there are powers greater than any individual. Some people also believe that people generally stay the same. In my life, close friends have helped me grow in many ways. Many wonderful things have happened as a result of their influence or serendipity. My heart overflows with sweet memories engraved from these experiences. Many of them have changed my destiny through.

Yesterday while volunteering in the Rexburg temple. I ran into family of two old friends, and then received a linkedin request from an old friend’s mother. This left me thinking about those who have helped me become a better person. It was fun to think about how similar family members behave and interact with others.

Mr. Seely, Kate’s grandpa was volunteering with us. He was married at 28 after serving in World War 2, and serving a mission for the Church. His wife wanted to serve a mission, but the church leaders postponed for a few months… until he decided to propose. Shortly thereafter he was selected and agreed to serve as a bishop for 12 years. He is 92 now still volunteering and serving those around him. His example fits Kate because she is a stalwart, serving individual Then I had a brief discussion with Brad Carmack’s little sister, who will be graduating soon. Brad is a BYU friend from Meridian that we shared fun memories. Earlier, I received a Linkedin invite from Nadine Kloepfer, Kelsey’s mom. I actually ran into Kelsey a few months ago while servicing my car in Idaho Falls. We dated for a summer years ago. She is happily married now with her own little family.

The last ten years have been filled with friendships with some of the best people I know.  Each of you has shaped my life for the better. You have helped me learn more about myself, and you have helped to become the person that I have needed to become for this beautiful relationship of marriage, which now flourishes. Each of you is amazing, and you have good families and influences that have helped you become who you are. Wish my wife luck now because she is the one who will help me to become the person that I should. I know that each of you will become excellent spouses, and parents when you would like this to happen.

While looking back at the experiences that I have had with all of my friends, I love your jovial spirits. You have made this world a welcoming home for me. You are throughout the states, the Americas, Eurasia, and Africa. Even in the Pacific Islands, we share fond memories. You have made this world a small place. The world is now my home.

 Everything that we do will affect someone. Those that have planted the seeds before us have planted the seeds of our successes. Everything that we do touches those who around us, or those who will follow. I am glad to be a part of this home with you, and hope that today you and I choose to become friends with one another and influence each other to become better.  

Love, Lucas  

Prepared by Lucas Handy

Marriage Paradise

Do you know what it is like to be married for 6-months? If you don't, or forgot, let me remind you... It is wonderful! I feel like it has been the best 6-months of my life. Before I got married, I loved being single. I had visited every continent in the world except Antartica, had a few near death experiences by my own risky single behavior, and my social life was full. Still, I knew that a part of me was missing. Mary is that part, and together life is way better!

Application

The people you may be missing in your lives now is Mary and I. Rexburg is our hideaway, with our little love cottage. In my new marriage status and my new job, I am as content as a caterpillar in a cocoon. Nonetheless, our doors our always open to you. The principles that have helped our relationship are explained in this love triangle.  

Love Triangle: To increase your love potential, increase your love for our Father in Heaven.

Love is exemplified by Deity. Nobody has loved as much as our Father in Heaven during this life except His Son. The ability to love is increased when we follow Christ's example. He gave everything... His will, His Time, His Body, and walked the line of Hell to save our souls. He gave us agency to do what we want. As far as our marriage relationship, His example is the perfect to follow. Certainly, we fall short of His example; nonetheless, I am grateful for the small moments where I have been able to give more, and stretch my love a little further. This has made for a marvelous beginning and six months following our marriage.  

Dating
We have often been advised to continue to date even after marriage, especially after kids. Even though we get a lot of one-on-one time together, we still try to fit in formal dates. Here are some fun pictures of us on a date of dancing and ice ream and this weekend's adventure in Roberts, Idaho at a Cajun restaurant. Mary also made me a fruit basket with a potted flower for our anniversary and delivered it to me at work.

Work
Madison Memorial Hospital gave me an official proposal to hire me on full time, and I will plan on signing it tomorrow. Then become an integral part of their team. This hospital has an awesome work environment. In our wellness program, the author of Aura Personalities, came and determined our personalities. Since then I have read her book that describes 19 personalities, and was surprised to find that she was correct. It was a fun read along with Visions of Glory, a book that describes one man's visions of the future. Both of these books helped my imagination grow to understand life.
Lucas Handy

We Got Caught...By The Cops
On Mother's Day weekend we wanted to go home badly, but could not make it until late at night. We had forgotten to tell anyone that we were coming and did not make it to Burley until about 1 A.M. in the morning. With my bladder waiting to burst, I ran to the door and found it locked. It turned out all the doors were locked. Just my luck. I think I go to the bathroom outdoors more often than most girls, which is why we keep a roll of toilet paper in our car.
While I was doing my business, Lucas called all the men in the household, but they didn't answer because they were gone to a father-son camp out. Then his phone died, and he climbed on top of the roof and tapped on the window to wake someone up to open the door.  
I was standing below Lucas, instructing him how to best climb when the cop showed up. Lucas recognized him as a childhood friend, quickly climbed down the tree, and went to give him a hug, but he was clearly not in the mood for hugs. He had scared his mother, Kristine and sister-in-law, Jenna the only two adults home, and they had called 911. 

A Bunny Birthday
Our next favorite event was Hyrum's Birthday. Lucas and I were working in our garden when cute, wild cottontail hopped through our yard. We managed to chase it into our house... Watch the video to see the events that followed:

Small Packages

Research has shown that an opinion of a person based on a first impression is formed in one-tenth of a second. The first impression is made by facial features and expressions. In a tenth of a second, a person can only have time to observe physical attributes. Therefore, physical features determine much of a person’s concept of one’s personality.

The most common response I receive when I tell someone I'm an exercise physiology major is, "No wonder you're so skinny." Because of my major and my interests, I tend to engage myself in activities and hobbies that require physical agility, but I've always been small and petite. Often people will jump to the conclusion that if a person works out regularly, they must think of themselves as fat. That assumption is not consistently true. For some, it may be the case that they perceive their physical bodies in a negative fashion and turn to exercise. Others, such as myself, engage in exercise because it boosts self-esteem, promotes good health, and develops self-discipline. 

Lucas and I have been called to teach the 14/15 year olds in Sunday school. So far, we've really enjoyed preparing lessons, becoming acquainted with, and praying about these wonderful youth we serve. Lucas and I take turns preparing the lesson to facilitate the learning of the youth. 

I was a little bit nervous my first time teaching, but I have taught enough relief society lessons and given enough class presentations to disregard my feelings of nervousness. We had been informed that it was ward conference week, but our bishopric was not sure if they would have a stake leader teach our class or not, so I prepared the lesson. I was writing on the board when two stake brethren came in. I asked them if they had a lesson prepared, but they seemed excited that I had a lesson prepared. They said, "This is great. We'll just go off what you have."

Shortly afterward, Lucas walked into the classroom and I placed my hand on his leg and said, "Sweetheart, why don't you select someone to give the prayer." After the prayer ended, one of the brethren had a red face and said, "I'm sorry, we thought you were one of the youth and we were so excited that you had something prepared to share with us since it is encouraged with the new Come Follow Me program."

Lucas and I chuckled about it for days and our families thought it was especially funny. Standing 5 foot and weighing under 100 pounds, I can see how they would make the mistake. On top of that, I have a naturally young face which may have gotten into both my sisters' and my genes. Just last month, my super tough sister did a 5k mud run and her new girlfriends thought she wasn't drinking the free beer because she wasn't old enough. She's pretty proud to say that at 31 with 5 kids, she still looks under 21. I can't wait until people stop asking me if I'm graduated from high school (happened today) and I too can be proud of my young looks. :)

Family History

Dear Family, 

Recently, Lucas and I went to the Family History Center. I'd done this several times before, and was irritated because the software was slow. Three weeks ago, new software was released to help with our family tree. It is easier to use than facebook, and is just as beautiful. The best feature is that we can now upload stories, journals, and pictures of our ancestors. Then collaborate with relatives anywhere in the world to add to and share this information online. Anyone within the family line, non-LDS and LDS alike will have access to their ancestor's photos and stories. Now we can upload the digital copy of the Webb Family History book, John Harry Darrington book and the Tennant book, or any others! The site will store unlimited amounts of information for free to preserve our ancestors archives of history for generations to come. 

Our guide for the program shared a study... children that know the trials of their ancestors, funny experiences, and inspiring stories have a stronger sense of self-identity. They find confidence in knowing that they are part of that heritage. This has inspired me to continue my understanding of my family identity.

At the Darrington family reunion we did a family tree puzzle on a poster board to get a prize. I was still a kid, but my mom knew them by heart, so I would glance her direction every time I was about to put a name in a place. Her smile meant that I had the right spot; a little incentive to learn my ancestors. We also gathered around the campfire and heard stories of ancestors that would bring tears or infectious laughter. Even when I read the Webb Family ancestor book, similar experiences happened to me.

 My experiences with family history have helped me be a part of something larger than myself. I feel the love from a family who crossed thousands of miles in cold and heat, over land and sea in the midst of religious persecution for their family. All of this was done in hopes of finding a happier life and most importantly, being together for eternity.  

I love you all so much!

p.s. If you have anything relating to your ancestors, please upload it now to be preserved forever by creating an account and learning how to do it! : http://www.lds.org/topics/family-history?cid=HP000034

Life is a Dance

The other day while biking through campus, I passed the Eliza Roxy Snow Performing Arts Center. Then called my sister and asked if they had planned that their newest daughter was named Liza Snow, and their other daughter is named Roxy. Like the Handys, the Ramsey's will be excellent performers. They are also beautiful kids. I'll have to say that I have the most beautiful nephews and nieces ever. Ten from the Webbs, and Ten from the Handys. 

Mary and I also went to my Sao Paulo, Brazil East mission reunion in North Ogden, Ut. It was very exciting to see the Caldwell family again, including their little boy who shares my name, Lucas. He is a fun boy, in a good family, and so I am sure he will become a great man. 

Following the reunion, we drove up to Burley. Like normal, it was loud & crazy in the Handy home with Grandma watching almost all of the grandkids. Mary & I needed to escape. Clayton & Jenna joined us for a peaceful hike in the canyon around Lake Vineyard. The same place where a dozen of my friends and I had gotten lost during High School. Since then, I have been back a hundred of times to enjoy this beautiful, remote, desert oasis. 

Unfortunately, the Handy party was short lived because Mary caught the stomach flu the next day. I am so glad she is better. 

Finals Week has come and gone, including the week break between semesters. Phelipe & Lauren came up for a short visit because Lauren graduated with her associates online. The men, Phelipe, Lauren's Dad, and I, ditched the girls to get some gifts to surprise her with. When Lauren called us and asked why we didn't go with them to visit the gardens, I told her that gardens were for girls. Lauren's graduation was fun & a special memory for us. We know she will accomplish many other fantastic things with her life.

Thursday of this week, Clint and Keila (Mary's brother and sister-in-law) officially picked up their roots in Raft River and came to join us in Rexburg. Mary was so excited to have them here that she made a casserole for them and went to go help with the move. 

Later that day, we stopped by the genealogy center. I am so excited because familysearch.org built warehouses of data storage, genealogy storage, the cloud, for anyone to upload unlimited amount of pictures and stories of ancestors. Now anyone, anywhere in the world can login to this network and work on family history and accomplish what others have done in their family for their ancestors. One of the workers said that 1.7 million names are added to this database daily. I hope anyone who reads this takes the time to try out these tools, and at least share a story or two that they have of their heritage in these online annals. 

Following that, we partied at the Madison County Centennial Dance and must have done well, because the local newspaper put this picture of Mary and I in yesterday's edition. I love being here with Mary. It has taken me a while to adjust, but overall, it has been a very positive experience. The hospital that I currently work at is a nonprofit, county run hospital called Madison Memorial Hospital. I work with the director of Public Relations, Doug McBride, who captured the video below, and have found this fellow BYU MPA graduate colleague to be one of the most verbally supportive and positive individuals that I have ever worked with.  

   

Keila has offered Mary and I dinners for a few evenings a week and I am super excited to have real Brazilian food again. Keila is an angel for cooking for us.  Clint & Keila just started their semester in Rexburg. Between them, Hyrum, Kat & Eric, the Reis kids, and the Hepworths, we feel like we have family nearby, and feel like this place is home. In fact, Mary & I are starting our first garden. Wish us luck as we embark on yet another semester filled with new experiences at work and at play. If by chance you'd like to pay us a visit, our love cottage is open to whomever would like to stay.  

Love, 

The Handy Family