Married life.

It's time to update this thing. Kasey has been a great husband and has motivated me to start back up again.

Wait, husband? I know. I can't believe I have a h.u.s.b.a.n.d. It's just as weird for me as anyone else, I'm sure. Well, I thought I should update my friends and family on what we're up to, because I've been the worst and haven't talked to anyone yet. I'm really sorry. Don't take it personally!

Let's go back to June 19, 2015.

While it truly was one of the greatest days of my life, the best day of my life keeps happening time and time again with this guy. Butttttt, it was an undescribable day, that's for sure! It was everything I was expecting and even more. It's like your birthday, and ten Christmases rolled into one day. The presents that you are promised in the temple are INSANE! Marriage really is ordained of God, and it's obvious that Heavenly Father has plenty of rewards to help you think so. 

Well, that day was great. I could post more pictures of that day, but that wouldn't leave room for other pictures to be posted, plus I put about a thousand of them on Facebook. Now, onto our first adventure as a married couple...

ROAD TRIP!

Rapid City, South Dakota was our first destination. Yes, we drove that whole day the next day. But it was so great--we were able to talk about our day, share our feelings, (Okay, let's be honest...I talked to Kasey most of the day while he listened. But he LOVES listening!) So, once we rolled up into town, all of the hotels were booked because there were two simultaneous softball and gymnastics tournaments. Of course. There was no room in the inn for the newlyweds. We called all around, and the only place we found was the handicap room at the Holiday Inn. All of the doors were extra wide and the bathroom was almost bigger than our own room, with lots of little gadgets. It was actually quite fun!

The next morning we woke up and rented our own Harley and took it out for the day!

Man, that thing is fun. We zipped around to a few different cities, and finally ended up at Mount Rushmore. South Dakota is the Wild, Wild West! It was perfect weather and just holding onto my husband while driving a motorcycle...every girl's dream.

Next to...

Nashville! This was my part of the trip, because we got to do everything "music." Seriously, if you're a country music fan, you have to go there. At night walking down lower broadway where all of the HonkyTonk happens, they have some of the BEST amateur vocalists I've ever seen. I mean these people could easily get recording deals...and some of them do! It was a blast.

Well, we rounded up the trip and finally got to our home sweet home in San Antonio. Both of our parents were there to help us unload our car and get as many things ready as possible. It was so nice of them. We went the next day out on the boat and gave my parents a view of Clearwater Beach in St. Pete. My husband was loving that trip.

Starting normal life was really fun, but also really hard. Getting back into the groove of things is very difficult, when you're used to spending all of your time getting ready for the wedding. 

So....we weren't ready to get back into the groove yet...so we went to the Florida Keys! (I had to get SCUBA certified, okay?)

What a great trip. It is picture perfect down there. And only an afternoon's trip from our house! 

I have quickly learned that marriage is not a one-time event, it is a daily occurrence. I mean, we've only been married 6 weeks. Of course this "marriage" thing would come easily to us. But right now, we are building the blocks that will help us get through the hard times. 

But from what I hear from everyone. It's totally worth it. 

College grad.

How in the world did I get here? I thought this day would never come. Well, that's it. I'm done. Just like that. I feel like I've been running a marathon for the past six years, and now, I never have to run the rest of my life! Wouldn't that be great. 

It just feels really good to be done. Now, the only thing I have to do is perform in Nauvoo, get married and move across the country! Okay. 

...and, I still have the cutest fiance in the history of fiances.

We keep snapchat in business at all hours of the day.

I guarantee no one is more in love with anyone than I am with him.

The Proposal.

18,046 miles traveled. 

Two road trips across six states and 16 boarding passes later, 

I somehow snagged myself a fiancé!

I’ve never been engaged before (thankfully) so I didn’t really know how this all worked. Every girl imagines it in her head, but somehow you still just have no idea what to think or where to start. I’ve had my phone blow up with people asking for details, so I decided just to write it up and put it on here! Plus I forgot my journal (LAME) so this counts for that.

The story starts Christmas day. We had such a wonderful morning, with me and Jordan going to wake up Kasey like little kids on, well...Christmas morning...and then we all surrounded the tree to open presents and be together in our PJs. 

Christmas morning at the Hess Home

Well, the usual Christmas happened, and it was so peaceful. But the story you really want to hear starts Christmas night. Kasey’s brother and sister-in-law had just left and I went into the kitchen to get something to eat. He followed me into the kitchen, wrapped himself up in me, and started heckling the heck out of me about my feelings of possibly being an engaged woman. Since heckling is his best talent, I really didn’t think anything of it…for the first half hour at least. He said stuff like, “Mon, I bet you really wish I would propose to you on Christmas. I’m sorry, there’s only an hour and a half left, so just don’t think anything okay? You wouldn’t want to marry me anyway.” Of course there was (play) slapping and hitting and me trying to drop the subject…but he kept saying, “MONICA what do you want for Christmas?” I kept on saying, “Kasey how many times do I have to say this. You are all I want!” And since I already was dating him, I was content and everything was great. I knew it wasn’t going to happen because it was just way too obvious.

The half hour went by and by this time I was thinking that he wouldn’t be doing this for just anything. After laughing and heckling, it did cross my mind a time or two that tonight might be the night, but then he grabbed my shoulders and said, “In all seriousness, I’m just tight on money. Can’t do it right now. I’m sorry, babe.” I smiled, kissed him, said that was okay, and went back to eating whatever I was eating, fully knowing that in order for him to succeed I had to be at least a little bit ticked. So, of course he wasn’t happy with my content answer, so of course…more heckling. “Mon, don’t you want to go for a walk? I don’t have anything, but don’t you just want to go? Just me and you?” I said, no, it’s okay…but he kept asking and so I just let him succeed. He mostly loved that he had to make me ask if we were going anywhere. He pulled out this white box, shook it, and said, “let’s go for a walk.” Of course I went.

We started on this walk around the neighborhood with this white box obviously in the front pocket of his sweatshirt. Kasey did not let me even anywhere near it, so I just decided to let it go and just enjoy the walk. About every five steps he kissed me, and kept squeezing my hand. Not that normal, but okay! (The only reason I didn’t catch on to this obvious hint is because this guy is smarter than smart, and he knows exactly what I would read into and what I wouldn’t. I honestly didn’t think anything was going to happen…I thought he was just going to trick me by going for a walk with this box in his pocket and not mention it once the whole time.) We kept walking around and as we got to a little open spot with just one street lamp he stopped and grabbed both hands. He looked at me and told me seriously that he knew what I was thinking, and he felt bad it just wasn’t going to be at this time. Money really was tight (he just bought new “socks and shoes” for his truck) and he probably would propose over my birthday when he could afford a ring that I wanted. Kasey did tell me he wanted to get me something, that it wasn’t much and not very big, but it was an expression of his love. He slowly pulled out the white box from his front pocket, put it in my hands, and asked me to open it. Remember, there was just one street lamp and so I couldn’t really see anything anyway. I opened it while looking at him skeptically and out of the corner my eye saw something really shiny. I opened it quicker and inside revealed…

A Hershey kiss.

Monica: “KASEY I’M GOING TO KILL YOU!”

Kasey: “WHAT, IT’S A KISS! Don’t you love me?! You can have a real one if you want!!”

I was laughing so hard. He played dumb, asked why I was laughing and said, “What, you weren’t expecting anything else were you?” He looked so confused that I was laughing and was “offended” that I didn’t want that piece of chocolate. We walked a few more steps when he grabbed both of my hands and again said, “Ok, Mon. In ALL seriousness. I’m just not going to give you what you really wanted. And I know what you wanted. You wanted me to propose to you on Christmas night because it’s all cute.” After me saying, “are you being serious right now?” about fifty times, and me still laughing, he whispered into my ear that he wanted to be with me forever. Then he just kept talking gibberish knowing full well that I would say after the forever comment, “WAIT. Wait…what did you say? Did you just say you wanted to be with me forever?” Well, of course I said exactly that.

Right after I did, I hear a big, “OUCH! Agh! Ouch!” He bent down to check out the problem. “There are ants in my boot!” (Legit though…there are crazy stinging ants in Florida. Hurts for weeks.) But he wasn’t taking his foot out of his boot! I was still laughing uncontrollably and as I threw my head back, he took my hand and slowly put one knee on the pavement. He said some cute stuff like he wanted me to be his wife, and again that he wanted to be with me forever…and I STILL didn’t believe him! He took the other hand to open another box, one that I hadn’t seen before.

Like I said, there was only one street lamp. Everything else was pitch black. When that box opened, I swear to you that box was glowing. It was only out of the corner of my eye, because again, I did not want that to be a figment of my imagination. I stopped laughing, and so did he. The next thing I heard were the words I was hoping for. And so sweet out of his mouth was,

“Will you marry me?”

“Wait, baby, are you still kidding?” At this point, I could see the seriousness in his face, and I just lost it. I didn’t even dare look at the ring because I was scared it was going to disappear and this moment would go away. I kept looking straight into his eyes, said yes, and just cried. (Oh yeah, and we kissed a lot. Of course.) It was longer than usual before he asked me if I wanted to even see the ring! I looked at it and definitely gasped…I couldn’t have designed it better myself. I still didn’t believe it was mine, so I asked through my tears, “Is this for me??” He laughed at me while I asked him if he would put it on my finger. I was still in shock walking back to the house to tell everyone…and slapping his arm on the way back because he tricked me so bad! I’m so glad he proposed the way he did because I wanted it to be just me and him, and the fact that it was so simple just down the street was that much more romantic. This is a perfect example of something I really like about our relationship; we are able to be best friends playing around one second and then immediately pull out the romance card.

Kasey also knows how much I like pictures, so he pulled out his phone and took one right after we were made official. 10:50 p.m., Christmas night.

After we went back to tell the family and of course the whole Facebook/Instagram thing, we just sat on the couch staring at the ring, yes, but mostly each other. I can’t believe I’m engaged to such a hard working, family wanting, God loving man that will always live up to his priesthood duties. I’ve always wanted to know what my husband will look like, and now all I have to do is look at my screensaver to see who that is!

Well, as Kasey could tell you, he is all I asked for. And I got exactly what I want. Forever.

-The future Mrs. Hess

Light at the end of the tunnel.

In two weeks from right now, I will be done with my second to last semester of college, and cuddling up on a couch in Florida. Let's just say it's going to have to take major brain power to get through these two weeks.

Young Ambassadors is wrapped up for the year (see above picture...favorite moment of our Christmas party) and I'm full swing into homework and actually really doing a good job at it. Usually I have a bazillion other things to do at this time of year, but for some reason, it's extremely manageable. Actually, wait...I know why. It's because my mission helped me get rid of my horrible procrastination habit, and I'm pretty on top of things! I shoulda done this mission thing sooner.

The past few weeks have been fantastic, just finishing up projects, finishing CoogTube and ElevenNews, and giving me time to s.l.e.e.p! I've gotten lots of sleep, and lots of homework in, which is much needed come January when we have a performance or two (or three) every weekend. Um...I'm not kidding.

Here is our CoogTube crew. I was the executive producer along with Sydney...we had such a great time. Our 325ers are just so excited they survived!

Last but not least, I was just so excited I got to hang out with my family so much and do pretty much nothing. We went to the lights on Temple Square with some friends and had a great time. Nothing says bring on Christmas like those lights!

Speaking of Christmas...too bad it will be the first time I'll for sure not get a white one. Say hello to beaches, 70 degree weather and swimsuits! Oh yeah, and we can't forget this guy:

No mom, I will not be riding a motorcycle...

Two Weeks Notice.

So I've decided to stay! I really am loving every second of my internship here in Washington. I have learned more about politics in the last two weeks than I ever did in the last 20 years, so thankfully there is at least one success from all this. Being busy again is one of my favorite feelings.

I've also been teaching with the missionaries in my ward, and they are doing such an awesome job. It really is nice being able to teach, then go out and play instead of knocking on doors until 9 p.m.. :) It's a great little set up I have going on here. Here's some picture updates since I don't have too much time:

Senator Lee on live TV--it is really fun helping out on the communications team.

Spent my Saturday with the Smiths...what a great, beautiful family!

Wizards/Bulls game with the crew. 

FaceTime with my BFF Alison...how I miss everyone in Utah. 
At least don't have to write letters anymore...

Arlington Cemetary. I live within walking distance. :)

My first tour as a Capitol Hill intern. I took a group of kids from Karl G. Mauser Prep. 
They were a great group of future senators!

Temporary local.

This will be a travel log-slash-what it's been before. The District of Columbia is way too neat of a place to not share.

Yesterday, Instead of being a "kind of local," I was most definitely a tourist. After figuring out how I need to get from door to door starting tomorrow morning, I took myself around DC. Since it was close, I went straight to the Capitol building:

And since it was Saturday, it was closed, so no tours. But because I will be the ones giving the tours shortly, it didn't really matter. Then, I had to go see the Constitution and Declaration of Independence since they are fading fast. So I walked down the street to the National Archives:

With the security guard thinking he was Eddie Murphy, it made the long line not as lonely by myself. But once I got in, it was so worth it. I wish I could have taken pictures in the Rotunda where those documents are held, because it was absolutely incredible. I thought about what Nephi recorded about the coming forth of a free nation. Read 2 Nephi 10. Then, it was off to the American History Museum:

My favorite thing there (out of the thirty minutes I had) was to look at the wardrobes of the First Ladies. I wish I would have gotten pictures--oh well. Let's be honest, I wish I could have tried them all on!

I am so excited to get a personal relationship with this place. It's good to be back in the East. And talk about missionary experiences...He will give them to you if you ask--that's for sure!

Pristine slate.

via: Pinterest

"Distill a whole year down into a day, act like we all start over with a pristine slate.
But to get yourself a new life you've got to give the other one away.

And I'm starting to believe in the power of a Name...cause it can't be a mistake if I just call it change." 

-December, Sara Bareilles

So I'll live this new year just as Brendan James puts it, with my "heart in my hand...like a loaded gun." 

(Genius lyrics, if you ask me. The imagery of that is just fantastic.) 

Happy New Year!

Good things to come.

"But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands..." -Hebrews 9:11

I had a really great personal study this morning. Out of all the wording that Paul could have been inspired with, He described Christ as being this Prince that could always swear by the promises He has made (which are tailored to us that we can learn by regular temple attendance.) Paul goes onto describe that hope is an "anchor to the soul." Just think for a moment what an anchor does, and the relationship it has to the boat and water, etc. 

via: vineetkaur.tumblr.com

Then, a chapter later (in my opinion) is one of the greatest written passages of all-time:

"It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

But call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye were illuminated, ye endured a great fight of afflictions;

Partly, whilst ye were made a gazingstock both by reproaches and afflictions; and partly, whilst ye became companions of them that were so used.

For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance.

Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward.

For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.

For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry.

Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.

But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul."

-Hebrews 10:31-39

There are good things to come in the next five minutes, there are good things to come within the next week, and there are even good things to come in 2014. You'll never go back to 2013, so there is no point in worrying about something that will never happen again. Hope is completely embracing the promises that He has handed to us; it's wrapping your entire body around the iron rod and holding onto it for dear life. 

There are good things to come. And the best part? He always keeps it a surprise.

Farewell.

I have the best friends and family in the world.

See you all next fall!

Milestones.

I've been working and schooling so much...I haven't even noticed my 5 lb. weight loss the last month. Great, right? I literally have not had any time to eat, but I do find time to go to the gym. So, it balances out. Kinda. Anyway, life has been full of milestones for me and especially my friends. It's great to be in that stage where mission calls are coming, people are getting proposed to, getting grown up jobs...it's really exciting. 


This is the video I made of Reb when she got her mission call. I'm so PROUD. She's going to take The Philippines by the hand and lead them down to spiritual goodness. And she'll sound super legit speaking Tagalog.

Spring Scrimmage. So sad I won't be here to see these boys play in the Fall, but at least I get a little taste! I'm going to miss them!

Longest softball game(s) ever. But it was so fun. I can't believe I'm having this much fun at WORK.

  

So after the double header...we went to the Nnah reception at the Grand America. Cutest reception ever, both of us were practically in tears at how cute it was. A.k.a that's what happens when you get two girls together in their twenties.

Also...this was too funny not to share. And way too true. Ladies and gentleman, this is why I'm a republican.

I get my other two wisdom teeth out tomorrow morning, and have to be on TV on Thursday. Let's just say all I'm praying for is no chipmunk cheeks. Any suggestions?