Twenty Four

Fifty divided by two, minus one equals how old I turned on November 29th.

I'm now 24 and after what felt like a month of birthday celebrating I'm so happy to say that I had the best birthday I've ever had. And not just was my birthday absolutely amazing but my entire 23rd year was such a blast!

Shout out to those who made it so very special:

My husband loves me and spoils me rotten. And not with just presents, massages and waiting on my hand and foot, but emotionally, spiritually and mentally. He is my companion in every way and takes care of me in ways I couldn't even take care of myself. He inspires me. He uplifts me. He encourages me to push myself. He makes me feel worth while and important. We make each other laugh. We're constantly playing and having fun with each other. His smile makes my heart skip. His kisses make me melt. And we are each others eternal companions.

My in laws also love me and spoil me rotten. When I have something on my mind or need someone to talk to, Karen (my mother in law) is just a phone call away. Some of our most fun and enjoyable dates are double dates with Matt's Dad and Karen. They are honest. They are hard working. They are generous and giving. They're kind and friendly to everyone. They have an ability to make anyone feel like a million bucks and share their love and testimony with everyone. They are people I have really come to admire and respect and hope to some day be like them.

So here's to 24!! Bring it on :)

thanksgiving in utah

A Thanksgiving at the parentals looks like...

Early morning long drives

Traffic

A sleepy pup

Snow

Sawyer relieved to be out of the car

Waking up to the smell of breakfast cooking

Big doggies

Grocery shopping

Nephews

Traditions

Moments away from the craziness

Adorable faces

Visits to Jesse's memorial

Self timing pictures of the whole gang

Yogurt La Kufta, "...that's what she said." jokes and lots of laughing.

Decorating the tree

Experiencing altitude sickness after going up and down the stairs, and any other every day task.

Goofy good-bye pictures (Like, Chad trying to push us all over)

Beautiful views of the valley

Another early morning and long day on the road

Pictures to shorten the drive

Lots of driving

And waiting

And more waiting

And even more waiting

Which all equal a very memorable trip to Utah. I'm not saying it wasn't wonderful to see friends and family, but I don't think we'll be making that drive again for a while. It's brutal.

Goodbye Utah, we missed you once.

Thank you SB, for being warm and sunny!

Thanksgiving

I've been reflecting upon this last year and all that's happened. And after having the most amazing birthday today (post to come) my heart is full with gratitude and appreciation again for all the wonderful blessings I have.

I think this must be how happy God always wants us to be.

thanksgiving is coming!!

Thanksgiving is just around the corner and to say I'm getting exciting would be the biggest understatement of the century. Ok, maybe not the century, but I can't wait. Matt and I decided to spend Thanksgiving with my parents this year and Christmas here at home in SB. So in exactly 1 week we'll be driving up the I-15 to freezing cold Utah! I can't wait to be in the kitchen helping my mom cook and prepare Thanksgiving dinner. I can't wait to go Christmas tree hunting and cut down a tree, like old times. I love my parents house during the holidays. It will be strange to have a Christmas not at my parents, but it will be so fun to wake up Christmas morning here in our own home and then go over to Matt's family. This will be the first year in a long time that all of Matt's siblings will be together for Christmas. We're glad we get to be apart of it.

On an unrelated note, my camera is broken. Sad story. During Trunk or Treating my camera fell and I accidentally stepped on it, in my heels, and then dragged it a good foot or two and stepped on it again =/ I got a few more pictures out of it before it died forever.

So enjoy. You were good to me little point and shoot.

be still my soul

Sometimes you have to junk punch all the annoying things in life in the crotch and remember at the end of the day...it's not worth your time.