Jethro: Welcome everybody to a decade never to be forgotten This is with Savannah and we are uh in year two which is 2026 Now Savannah welcome back How are things going
Savannah: Are going pretty well.
A lot has changed since last time we talked, so it's been a very exciting year for sure.
Jethro: a lot A lot definitely has changed So uh let's start with the biggest thing which is that I went to your uh wedding reception uh last uh when was that December is that right Yeah There we go So uh
you got married and you weren't even dating When we talked at this time last year but that was one of your goals was to get married eventually but you just just set a goal and you made it happen So tell
Savannah: Yeah,
Jethro: that and
Savannah: fly on this year.
Um, so yeah, I mean, last year at this time I'd been home for my mission for about two-ish months, maybe three, maybe a little bit longer.
I don't know.
Um, but yeah, basically.
Over the summertime, I started dating, um, the guy that I dated in high school and we dated like on and off for a lot, for a really long time, um, previously, but we broke up before our missions.
We like kind of kept in contact, but not really, so it was just kind of crazy how it all went down.
We were both home for the summer and then.
We started dating and things got pretty serious pretty quickly, and we knew we wanted to get married, so we did it really fast, but, but yeah, it's been great
Jethro: because I know I know you and your family and him and his family and And it's great And you guys dated before the mission but before your missions
did you did you think that you were gonna get married back then Did you was it on your mind or were you just high school dating or or what was that
Savannah: I think we like kind of, I wouldn't say like we knew we were gonna marry each other, but, um, let's see.
Like in high, our senior of high school, we dated pretty seriously and we kind of like joked about it or we talked about it a few times, like the possibility of getting married.
But we knew that we had college and a mission and like a lot ahead of us to go through.
So we like knew it wasn't, I don't know, we knew it wasn't like a hundred percent sure gonna happen and then like on our missions, we barely talked.
Like we've always stayed really good friends and our families are good friends.
But I definitely like didn't think.
If we were gonna get married while I was on my mission, but that's kind of crazy how.
Jethro: Yeah And the other thing is you uh started dating again in the summer and then by December uh you guys got married and and that was that was intentional on
your part And tell me about that cause you guys mentioned this at the wedding reception which is why I'm asking about it cause I thought that it was really insightful
Savannah: Yeah, it was actually kind of funny.
So, um, let's see.
In July I came back and we went on a couple dates and pretty soon we started dating and we've like kind of dated on and off for like eight years.
So like, we, like, I think our first kiss was like eight years ago, so like we've always like kind of liked each other, but high school dating is kinda like.
You date for a little bit.
You break up date other people.
So it was just kind of on and off for a long time.
But we always kind of had each other in the back of our minds.
So when we started dating again over the summer, we talked really seriously.
We're like, okay, this isn't just for fun.
Like we're gonna see if this is actually gonna work out.
So.
Yeah, we started dating in about two weeks after, or no, I don't even think it was two weeks after.
I think it was like a few days after we started dating in the summer.
All of my extended family came into town for a family reunion.
And I invited Alec, that's his name to my family reunion.
So he was with my entire family and all my sudden family for almost a week straight.
And I feel like by the end of that I was like, all right, he fits in great with the family and he is doing great.
So.
Um, it was pretty soon after that that we started saying like, okay, like I think, I think we can get married, but we wanted to wait until springtime.
'cause at this point it was July.
So we're like, oh, like let's just plan on like maybe like.
April, may, June wedding.
And then, um, when we came down to Provo to go to school after about a week, we're like, all right, we do not wanna wait.
Like we've known each other for so long and we know we wanna do it, so let's just do it in December.
Jethro: That's awesome And and and what a cool thing that you're like we know this is the right thing this is something that people really struggle with And sometimes you know people will say that it's
just hormones or you're in love and so everything looks beautiful and like let's do it you and Alec are both spiritual people so it wasn't like you just were like okay let's do it And you didn't take any
time to Pray about it or get a spiritual insight into it So what what can you share that's appropriate that you wanna share about that spiritual understanding and knowing that is different than you know
this is a smart idea because we love each other and we get along with each other's family Like talk about the spiritual aspect of how you knew that it was the right thing to do to marry him so quickly
Savannah: So I think a lot of people, or I've heard from a lot of people that like, okay, like you'll know.
Like, you'll have this really big spiritual moment and like, that's how you'll know you'll supposed, you're supposed to marry this person.
Um, but I feel like I never really had like a huge spiritual moment where I was like, this is exactly what I'm supposed to be doing.
Um, but I, I don't know.
I just feel like God answers my prayers more in like a subtle way.
So.
I mean, like I, things felt really good and I feel like once things were feeling good and once we talked about getting married, I was like a little bit nervous, like, all right, is this the right thing?
So I prayed about it and.
I honestly like didn't get a huge answer, but I just like felt peace and I felt good about it.
So I kind of took that as like, all right, if I don't feel bad about it, like if I feel peace, like that means that I can make my own decision.
So I just like moved forward with it and we got to know each other even better.
And the more, um, the more we got to know each other as well and like got to know each other on more of a spiritual level too.
I felt more of that confirmation, like, okay, this is the right thing.
Jethro: Yeah and and the thing what I love about that is that did get a spiritual impression and it was peace which is one of the fruits of the spirit So that is totally appropriate and it doesn't have to be this big like angels
are showing up saying this is the right thing It can be simple Something as simple as I felt peace and and for as big a decision as getting married is it it can be that simple which I think is just amazing But the other part of
that is that you've learned how to listen to the spirit especially on your mission but at other times in your life And so you know when the spirit's telling you this is the right thing to do Anything else you want to add about that
Savannah: Yeah, I just kinda along the lines of what you're saying, like I feel like we don't always need a super big, huge answer or confirmation to do something as long as we like.
I feel like if God is not telling us like, no, do not do it, it means that he's letting us use our agency and, and make a decision, and he trusts us to make decisions and he'll make our decisions right in the end.
Jethro: Yeah for sure I love that And that that's such a such a great answer for me When I got married it was it was something very similar where it wasn't like angels saying Stacey's the right person but it was just like this is the right thing and
found that with so many decisions in my life that it just feels like it's the next right thing And you don't have to overthink it You don't have to make it some big thing that it's not you just that it's the next right thing in it And that's a great a
great thing Um so let's talk about some other things that we had mentioned before Uh one of them is that uh you you wanted to keep the good habits from your mission So what does what does that look like now cause things are quite a bit different than
they were a year ago You've got a different kind of roommate than you had before and so so what does that look like Keeping the good habits and how are you doing with that and and where are you struggling What's good what's not Like let's talk about that
Savannah: Okay.
So yeah, I feel like the good habits for me are just kind of like the basic fundamentals that you do every, or that you do on a regular basis.
So like, um, praying, reading your scriptures.
Um, going to church, like going to the temple, having a calling, just kind of those types of things.
So I feel like this year has been very interesting for me 'cause I got home over a year ago and then from my mission and then obviously like.
Uh, you are not, like when you're a missionary, you're just 24 7.
You're like reading your scriptures, praying, like preaching the gospel.
You're just always doing that stuff, so you're just kind of always on that spiritual high.
But the real world like isn't always like that.
There's so many other things going on in school work, like there's just a million other things.
So for me it's been pretty interesting like trying to navigate that and trying to like maintain my spirituality.
Grow closer to God, but also like not having as much time to do that.
Um, but yeah, I feel like what's really helped me has just been like reading the scriptures and.
I remember after my mission, I was like, oh, I can't wait to go home just so I can like, have even more time to study the scriptures.
Like not have more than an hour to
Jethro: Yeah
Savannah: study, but honestly, like, I just like don't quite have time for that.
So, um, I think just having habits is really important.
Um, like obviously I'm not reading my scriptures for an hour every day, but.
Even if it's like a really busy day, I just try and like do it at the same time every day.
Um, and yeah, I feel like even if you only have a couple minutes, like the act of doing it is just, I don't know, it just shows God that you're making an effort.
And then I'd say also like going to the temple has helped me a lot too.
Um, I, I try and go every week, but I probably end up going two or three times a month.
But I feel like that's.
Really helped me go and like, um, do initiat or do a set an endowment session or even like go do ceilings and listen to the ceiling
Jethro: Yeah
Savannah: ordinance and everything.
It's been super helpful.
Jethro: yeah That's good How does going to the temple regularly help you Because you brought that up last year also that you uh you you didn't mention it at first but then
you talked about how it became central for you and that weekly temple visits were your goal Um so what uh Tell me more about the temple and why that matters so much to you
Savannah: Um, yeah, I mean, I just feel like.
It's, I like, this is like the most basic answer ever, but I honestly just like feel a lot of peace there.
And I feel like when I have a lot going on, um, with school or just other parts of life and I go to the temple, I just like don't have to think about the other things.
And I feel like I am strengthened, I guess it sounds like so cheesy and like super cliche when I say out loud.
Um, but honestly I do, um, feel that piece.
And the other cool thing about the temple is I feel like every time that you go, you can learn something new.
And I feel like sometimes when I do an endowment session, it's like super long and sometimes it's really hard to like focus or like I'll admit, like there are so many times where I like fall asleep or I just don't get very much out of it.
But I've been trying to just like pick out at least one thing from the temple every time I go.
So I feel like it's been cool to like.
Go and intentionally try and find something new.
Just kind of like make it a game.
Um, and then Alec and I have also gone back to do ceilings a couple times because on your wedding day, like you, I don't know, I feel like there's so many other things going on that you don't really pay attention to it.
So it's been cool to like listen to those promises as well.
Jethro: For sure that that is definitely something that is that is very real And every time you do it you grow closer to your spouse also and sharing that time together and that worship time together is really valuable So that's good Um what are what
are some of the it's only been a couple months or a month and a half so not very long but what are some of the biggest adjustments you feel you've had to make Uh getting married and like how are you managing that and what is that looking like for you
Savannah: I think the biggest adjustment has probably been like making food, like cooking.
I am not used to really doing that, but it's like, it's been super fun and I'm starting to enjoy it a lot, so.
Yeah, I feel like it's very different, like cooking for two people.
Um, that's just like kind of a funny thing.
Um, but other than that, I mean, I just feel like we knew each other super well and we've known each other for so long, so it hasn't been like.
I feel like there haven't been any like crazy surprises that I wasn't expecting.
I feel like it's just been really fun to like be married and everything and be in this stage of life right now.
It's a lot better than being engaged, so.
Jethro: Yeah That's great That's good Um what I I appreciate you saying that because this time period is called the honeymoon phase for a reason There are going to be trials and challenges and struggles and that's a
lot of what we talk about on this is what are those things going to be and how can we be spiritually prepared so that they don't destroy us but that they refine us which is the whole point of the trials and struggles
that we go through So there there is going to be trials and struggles in your marriage for sure I promise you're gonna have kids and you're gonna have trials and struggles with them There's just no way to get around
that So as you are in this early honeymoon phase this building phase what are the things that you are trying to do to build the foundation so that when the trials do come feel confident that you can work through them
Savannah: That's a really good question.
Um, I mean, I've only been married for like a month, so I feel like I don't have a ton of ground to stand on to like give advice or really say, because I don't have very much experience at all.
But I feel like it all just.
It always just circles back to like doing the small and simple things every day, like, um, reading your scriptures and like, I mean, everyone is telling us like, all right, read your scriptures together, pray together.
Like do those things that strengthen you, like go to the temple together.
So, um, I just think like the simple things are, are really good.
Um.
Having good open communication, but I feel like beyond that, like I don't have a ton of experience.
But yeah, I think really just making sure that like God is the center as well of your marriage.
Jethro: well you definitely don't have experience and that's part of what makes this fun is saying here's what I think will work And then you look back later and you're like oh my gosh I was so dumb
Savannah: I know.
Jethro: That's
Savannah: Yeah.
Jethro: So all right so let me let me ask you like this uh I am sure people gave you advice on How to have a good marriage uh around your wedding and after your wedding and during the wedding and
all that kind of stuff are some of the things that people said where you're like oh I definitely want to do that and I want that to be like for sure something that we do And you may have already
mentioned some of em like going to the temple together for example but what other things have people said that that has just been great advice that you're like I wanna remember that forever
Savannah: That is a good question.
Um,
let's see.
I.
Yeah, I mean, I feel like I just kind of got the same basic advice over and over, just kind of like I said, pray together.
I'm trying to remember if there was something like out of the ordinary that someone said, but um,
yeah, I don't know.
I'm sorry.
I feel like I don't quite have an answer for that.
A lot of people were just kinda like.
Do the basics and yeah.
Jethro: well uh there is value in doing the basics that's for sure Um so let me ask this a different way Is there any advice that you got that you were like oh no we're definitely not doing that or anything like that
Savannah: Um.
I feel like,
I'm trying to think.
I don't know.
I'm sorry.
Jethro: Okay We can we can definitely move on from this topic All right let's let's go on One of the things that you talked about before was you are You were undecided on
your major last time we we talked Have you chosen a major at this point and what are you thinking for your own future on that And did getting married change any of that
Savannah: Okay.
Good question.
So actually a lot has happened.
I think since last we talked.
I don't know what I was thinking of doing.
I think I was just like undecided and trying to explore.
Jethro: Yep And
Savannah: Okay.
Jethro: you were kind of leaning maybe towards nursing
Savannah: Okay.
So yeah, nursing, I, no, definitely not doing that.
Jethro: Definitely
Savannah: also.
I also thought about doing like early childhood education.
I also ruled that one out.
I just decided to like just explore and like talk to a ton of people.
So for a second I thought about like, oh, what if I did like accounting or something in like the business world?
I went and like met with some people and I decided like I didn't wanna do that either.
And then.
It's very, very random.
But I randomly met some speech language pathologist, so some like speech therapist, and I was like, oh, that sounds kind of interesting.
And then I just kept meeting more people and then one of my friends said she was majoring in that.
And then I met another girl that was like studying that as well.
So I just kind of kept meeting more people that were doing it and the more I learned about it.
Um, the more I was interested.
So I went and I, um, reached out to some in the community and I job shouted some of 'em and I talked to some of 'em and I learned more about it.
And it's actually a very, um, diverse major and there's a lot of different things that you can do with it.
And it seems.
Super interesting.
So I went ahead and I like took all the pre-reqs and then I applied to the major and I got in.
So I just started it this semester.
So I'm studying, it's called communication disorders and then I'm minoring in Spanish as well.
So
Jethro: Oh nice Good Very good And so uh that'll be really interesting to to see how that plays out with your life and what's gonna happen And so part of this is you know We're gonna be chatting
for the next nine years still and lots of things are gonna change including you finishing that degree or changing your idea and doing something different uh and probably having kids and all that
kind of stuff So thinking long-term over the next nine years uh why does that feel like the right thing to do And what makes it appealing to you Knowing what you think your future is going to be
Savannah: I think it mainly interests me just because, um, you're interacting with people every single day.
So I think it's like super fulfilling to interact with people and to be able to help people.
And before I got into the major, I. Always just thought that the only job was, um, like a school speech therapist that like helps kids that can't pronounce their arcs or like certain things like that.
But I learned that there are actually like a ton of different branches of it and, um.
Yeah, you can also work in a hospital or you can become like an audiologist or you can like have your own private practice or help people recover from strokes and aphasia and like, there's just like a ton of different branches.
So I feel like I kind of, 'cause before I wanted to either do like be a teacher or do nursing.
So either like medical or just interacting with people.
But I feel like it's like in a way, kind of like a mix of both of those together.
Um.
And it seems just like pretty flexible in everything.
Um, you do have to get a master's to become an SLP, which I mean is cool I guess.
So I'll plan on doing that as well.
But yeah, I feel like it just seems like really good job and I've met a ton of people that do it, and everyone just talks about how much they love it and how much they get to interact with people.
Um.
And then I've also wanted to use Spanish towards something, so it seems like kind of the perfect major to like minor in Spanish as well, so, so anyways, I feel like it just kind of makes a lot of sense.
Jethro: Yeah That's cool I like that So uh where do you see your own spiritual gifts playing into that career choice or not
Savannah: Um,
let's see.
I think one of my spiritual gifts is just like loving other people.
Like, yeah, like I can't really think of a person that I don't like.
I can't think of anyone that I hate.
Obviously, like you, like some people more than you, like other people.
So I feel like I just like genuinely enjoy, um, spending time with people and being around them.
Um, and I like helping people so.
It seems like super fulfilling to just be able to like help people learn to uh, or like recover from a stroke or something like that.
Yeah, it just seems like a fulfilling career.
Jethro: That's great And and from my experiences with you I have seen you be a loving person towards people um especially people who have struggles and you haven't like uh you haven't shunned them or thought that they
weren't uh worth spending time with or whatever And so I think that's really valuable as well that sometimes if somebody has a speech impediment or Or something or some communication disorder to use the official term
of the major uh that people might might not want to be around them or interact with them And you've shown that that's not who you are that you still love them even though some people may not And I think that's pretty
cool So that's a good gift Um Alright Uh so do you feel like you are drawn towards the uh helping stroke victims or helping kids working in a school Which one feels most appropriate to you where you're at right now
Savannah: I mean, I've only been in the classes for about three weeks, so I feel like I, um, still don't have like a super.
I'm not super sure what I want to do, but it interests me.
I mean, I love working with kids, so that interests me.
But also it seems cool to like help adults.
'cause I feel like adults are definitely more, um, like teachable and cooperative.
So that interests me, but the answer will probably change.
Jethro: Yes it will That is part of the fun of
Savannah: Yeah.
Jethro: um which makes it a lot of fun and You're at such a great age because there's so much of the future that you just don't know You know like at my stage I know that over the next 10 years I'm gonna be dealing with
kids graduating from high school and possibly college going on missions things like that And that's going to be my life And you on the other hand you could go in so many different ways I mean you could you could get
pregnant or you could struggle with infertility or you could uh drop outta college to work to put Alec through school or he could drop outta school to work to put you through school or whatever All these things could
happen and your pathways are so numerous right now that it's just really to know what the future holds and that's true for everybody But after a while you kind of are like this is my life path and I get it You know once
you finish with this degree you're probably gonna go work in that field Although that may not happen also but you know you just don't know what the future holds one of the things that we talked about last time was you
Being uh afraid of not getting married and boom that is done You did Yes So yeah solve that one So what is something that you are afraid of right now and what is something that you are nervous or anxious about in the future
Savannah: I mean, just kind of how you were saying like there's a lot of unknowns.
Like I just honestly don't know how my life will turn out.
But I think that's kind of part of the fun of it, like making those decisions and everything.
Um, I mean maybe if fear would be, not babying not being able to have kids, but, um, but I'm not, I'm not really sure.
I haven't thought a ton about my, my fears.
Jethro: That's okay That's all right too No worries Um so thinking about the next year So this program that you're in you're you're gonna have to go through a master's so you'll finish a bachelor's and then start working on a master's Is that kind of the plan
Savannah: Yeah.
Yeah, that's the plan.
So we'll see
Jethro: Okay
Savannah: how that goes.
Jethro: So um oh one other thing that I forgot to ask about is you ran a marathon last year
Savannah: Oh, I did do that.
Yeah.
Jethro: Yeah So tell me about that cause that's not easy
Savannah: Okay.
So let's see.
I do not like running at all, like I hate running, but when I got home from my mission, I signed up to do a half marathon with my friend in January.
And I had never run more than like three miles in my life.
So, and we, like, I didn't really train for the half, but we just did it.
And like, I was like, oh, I kind of enjoyed that.
Like, that's cool.
Um, so I was like, you know what, we might as well just sign up for a real marathon.
I more did it just like kind of check it off the bucket list type of thing.
So I signed up for the marathon in, in June.
It was the Utah Valley Marathon.
And I honestly was just like very, very lazy with training, but I was also very determined to do it.
Like I knew, I was like, okay, I know I wanna do this, but I don't know, I just, I got a ton of blisters on my feet while I was training, so I just kind of like decided to wing it and then, I don't know, I don't really know how to explain it.
It's kinda all over the place.
But yeah, basically I did it.
Um, I ran a marathon in June and it was actually so cool, like it's probably the second time I've enjoyed running, like in my entire life.
Like I usually hate running, but it was super cool and like I've never felt runners high, but I just like felt a ton of adrenaline the whole time.
And I knew that if I stopped running, like I would not be able to start running again.
So I ran it with a couple friends, so we were just like running and like.
Eating gels and like eating oranges.
And I bought a cute outfit before I did it, so I was like super excited and I just ran.
I just ran it and I was so tired when I was done, when I was done and I like, I think I lost like four toenails, like my feet were so destroyed after.
Jethro: Oh
Savannah: it was just really cool to like be able to accomplish that.
'cause I am not a runner at all and I never would've thought I could do something like that.
Jethro: That's awesome So I checked it off the bucket list What how long did it take you
Savannah: Um, I think it took me four hours,
Jethro: That's
Savannah: so I was running like a 10 minute pace or however long that is not, not fast at all, but I, I didn't stop.
That was my goal not to walk.
So.
Jethro: Yep Well that's that's pretty impressive Going 26 miles without walking is good Good for you Um so what is what is something
what's your next marathon Not an actual running marathon but what's an a thing that you want to do to market off the bucket list
Savannah: That's a good question.
Um,
what is another thing I wanna borrow off the.
Hmm.
Let's see.
I, this is also like very random.
I made my first quilt over the summer and it was super fun.
So I'm thinking I wanna like get into quilting or sewing a little bit.
So I think like making, I don't know, just getting more creative in that aspect.
So maybe.
Yeah, working on that hobby a little bit.
Um, I'm trying to think of something else that I wanna do.
Yeah.
I feel like I really liked the marathon 'cause it was cool, but it was definitely more of like check off the bucket list.
And I like didn't train a ton, so I feel like I didn't put much into it.
Oh,
can you hear me?
Jethro: Yes I can Your video's kind of messing up but I can
Savannah: Okay.
Your video went away, so that's why I was checking.
Jethro: Oh all right Well it looks like it's still working so hopefully it
Savannah: Okay.
Jethro: way
Savannah: Now I.
Jethro: so good so I The what are some of the things that you see yourself accomplishing in the next year before we talk again
Savannah: Um, I'll definitely get a year more into my program.
Um, I don't know, I just, I feel like my life is just kind of.
Like it's a, not boring, but I feel like I don't have like a ton going on.
It's like I'm married and I am like going to school and I'm just chipping away at that and I'm working.
So I feel like there's nothing super big, just kind of like working on getting school done and um, working and saving money.
So nothing like super crazy.
Jethro: And where are you working at now
Savannah: I just work on campus.
Jethro: Nice
Savannah: Is a research assistant, so it's like a super basic job, but
Jethro: That's
Savannah: it's pretty good.
Jethro: Yeah You gotta you gotta do whatever jobs you can when you're in college cause uh you don't have a lot of skills usually So
Savannah: Yep.
Jethro: sometimes those on-campus jobs are are the best you can get so All
Savannah: Yeah.
Jethro: Um Anything anything else that you want to talk about before we sign off
Savannah: Um, not really that I can think of.
Just it's been a good year and it worked out way different than I thought it would,
Jethro: Yeah
Savannah: is all I have to say.
Jethro: I think that's probably how it's gonna happen for the next nine years is that it's gonna out way different than we plan So that's part of the joy of this whole journey
So uh thank you Savannah This was awesome and I look forward to chatting with you again and In about 12 months about what you're doing how your life has changed and what amazing
things are gonna pop up that you didn't even know were gonna happen because they did this last year and they're going to this year So all right Thank you Savannah Appreciate it all
Savannah: Thanks.
Good to see you.
