My valentines

I'm currently on hiatus from Facebook. But I wanted to do an update on our lives. Adam is currently on his second semester of PA school. So far it's been tougher than the last and he has had many tests but I have been so amazed at how he balances his life. Through it all he still finds time for us. He bought him and I dance lessons for Christmas. It was a dream come true. 

Thayne is getting ready for kindergarten later this year. We are doing a homeschool preschool and I work as a sub for a preschool and the kids get to come with me. He is such a sweet boy. He is so helpful and loves to cook with me. Here he is presenting his Valentine flower to me. He got the flower, water, glass all by himself. 

I recently discovered I love decorating cookies. I also love eating them. Soooo... I may or may not have already gained 3 lbs in a month from this new hobby. 

Miss Joslyn let me curl her hair today for the first time. She is getting ready to turn three and is already a bit sassy but mostly sweet. She loves to snuggle and has the biggest smile. 

We are loving Arizona and have felt so welcomed and loved. 

Happy Valentine's Day! I think I enjoy it more than the kids. It's been a special day filled with family time. Which has been my favorite way to do Valentine's Day since these two cuties have come. We did get to go on a long boarding date on Saturday which was long over due. 

we survived June!

What a crazy fun month. Full of ups and downs. Tears and pure joy! 

I say survive because our routine is totally off (remember how much I need routine), Adam works nights and every other weekend (kills social life which I also need), and of course we have our first world trials. 

But we made it! I learned so much about myself his past month and have been dying to share what I have been learning but I have to wait. My mind is still healing. I have felt therapy will help me with my anxiety and depression. More on that as it progresses. Thayne celebrated his 4th birthday. We are so grateful to have him apart of the family. I had a very real depressive episode (floor day longest one so far) the day before. Translating that no birthday party things were done. However I have a great husband who understands parenting is a two way deal and he totally helped me get this party together. Totally spaced the forks but it turned out into a super fun way to eat the cake. And we did pizza instead of a complicated lunch I had planned. Smiles were shared all around. Thank goodness kids don't care about all that stuff. 

I've had a few people tell me that they can't even believe I get depressed, to be honest I have a hard time understanding that I get depressed. It sounds weird to explain my thoughts that I think in those very dark moments outloud. But they do happen and so do very good moments. The happiest of happy moments also happen and I am learning to hang onto those. 

These pictures capture just a few of those happiest of happy moments that happened last month. Here's to july and Adam about to start school next month! 

"Life ain't always beautiful but its a beautiful life"

"Mama I'm the prince dancing with the princess Elsa"

Our castle has been readjusting the past couple of weeks.

Adam has been working nights and I've been in a dark place in my soul.

Adam has been holding everything together and I've just been present. 

It's not something I choose or wanted it just happened.

As Josie Thompson calls it.. I had a 'floor day' or two or three...

 floor day= not being being able to get up off the floor

It's not that my life isn't wonderful and its not that I don't know that. 

In fact part of my depressive moments are knowing my life is so good so why am I sad?

With my routine completely off I broke down. 

While my loving husband works, does dishes, gets food ready for everyone and my children ask "Is mama feeling better?" 

My sweet babies worry about me. 

I couldn't have asked for a better family or life. 

During one of my 'floor days' I managed to get on the computer and buy a gym membership.

Exercise literally has saved my life. 

It keeps me sane and keeps me going. 

But I wouldn't have even thought to buy one if I hadn't felt a feeling in my soul that it would solve 

many of my problems. 

My husband also wouldn't be the way he is without help.

Somehow even in my darkest moments my most horrible thoughts 

God is still there. 

He has reminded me time and time again to notice His tender mercies. 

The above picture is one of those tender mercies. 

When I am doing my part (reading my scriptures, praying, serving, etc.)

my kids have moments like this. They play together, they giggle, and they have fun.

You can call it random or whatever you will but I know its very real.

Of course they fight everyday, but somehow its lesser. The fighting, crying, screaming, hitting, throwing doesn't last as long. 

It may not seem like a miracle but to this tired mother this is 

a great miracle. 

Another tender mercy is that

my children who normally take 1/2 an hour to get ready to go anywhere 

are ready in minutes to head to the gym. 

And they LOVE being there. 

It's so much nicer than trying to workout at home.

Our routine is still evolving but what we have going on right now is wonderful. 

I'm glad I have these tender mercies even with my trials. 

What are we up to? Let me tell ya!

Its a common enough question for this mom and I'm sure many of you. Sometimes it might even seem I'm on Facebook all day, or just hanging out. But here is what we have been up to... 

Adam- has applied to 11 PA schools he has now heard back from 3 of them :) he has an interview in Arizona next month. He also is taking an online class and working as a CNA. Everyone at the assisted living center where he works loves him. They all go on and on about Adam. Good thing they are old ladies otherwise I might be in trouble ;) 

Thayne- has started joy school and loves it. He is learning so much and still loves being outside. Hopefully we have some good winter gear for him because he is going to need it. 

(Here he is at joy school) 

Joslyn- is starting to talk (what?!??) she is my girlie girl that knows what she wants to wear (or no clothes). Actually Thayne is quite the fashionista too. 

Me- well ya know... Just hiking with Adam. Teaching joy school, being a nursery leader, vt coordinator, and... I'm starting my own business!!!! I'm going to hopefully start cleaning apartments. Which is something I've do as since I was 16. Hopefully we will make enough money to cover extra travel expenses as Adam does interview and the time off he will have to take. 

Yup that's our lives right now. I have so much to blog about but for now this is a great update. 

Me in 2007 on Timpagonous, 2014 Adam in the same spot. This was an important picture because my cousin said I couldn't date a guy until he took a picture in that spot... Well obviously 5 years of marriage later we got around to it! 

Adams eventful birthday

I wanted to make Adams 27th birthday really special. Because he thought it was just another birthday. I'm grateful everyday that he was born so I could be with him. I know I'm selfish. I wanted to make sure this was a birthday he wouldn't forget maybe it will be maybe it won't but I don't think I'm what made it unforgettable...

So first off we ran a 1/2 marathon for his birthday.  Adam got 1st in his age group. Got a personal record and won a belt buckle. 2 goals he set to do. 

Garett won the whole darn race!!! And didn't even train all summer. 

Then he wanted a nice cream cake... Bam! Didn't even have to make it. This is a face he has made ever since he was little. It cracks me up. Thayne makes the same face. 

Then I had a gift surprise for him to try to help him get excited about his birthday all day. I set up 7 gifts (I didn't want to do 27) that he would start opening and 11:07 and open one up every hour on the 7th minute until all the gifts were open. I didn't get a picture of it though. Look it up on Pinterest you'll find it... Here is the reason I didn't get as many pictures as I wanted, exhibit a: boating. 

This isn't our first time boating and surely not our last but Adam does have a bad shoulder and although this picture is sweet he knew he shouldn't have done that last jump... But he did and ended up, 

In the ER with a dislocated shoulder. Not the first time dislocating it but first time it took two doctors to put it back in. He sent me this selfie by the way. The babies fell asleep on our way to the emergency room. So I sat in the car with them while I trusted my handsome man to the hospital staff in Ogden. Once the kids woke up we went in and took Adam one of his gifts. We tried to stick to the hour thing. You can imagine why I didn't get pictures. It was hectic! Oh and this crazy guy didn't want to be stuck at the hospital all day so all he had was Advil. He never sends me selfies so I thought for sure he was drugged up. Nope. He just manages pain like a champ. The last gift I gave him was this...

A giant picture of our family done for $30.00 I looked up on Pinterest about Engineering prints and had one printed out and then took it to hobby lobby and had them put a foam backing. It looks amazing. And for that price you can't beat it! I can't stop staring at it. Adam couldn't wait to get it up on the wall. 

Being married to Adam is the best thing I've ever done in my life. This man of mine is incredible. He works so hard in fact he went to work the next day of his birthday. He does everything without complaint. Even when I ask him to hand me something and I'm closer to it. He makes life so fun and enjoyable. He is close to God. He is an amazing father and husband. I don't know how I got so lucky to have him but I'm grateful to be the one he choose to spend his eternity with. I love you babe!! 

Oh and big PA school news, Adam finished his application we should start hearing about interview this fall :) 

Why this California girl loves Utah

Yup thats right. I love Utah. 

Go ahead and judge. 

I grew up in California as a child. I thought maybe someday I would return again.

Adam and I visited and as I went back to my hometown I realized 

something was missing. 

Home

It wasn't there at all. People thought my parents were crazy because we lived in

San Diego (actually in San Diego not on the outskirts) 

some people say they are from there but they aren't... 

anyway isn't that where people want to stay forever? 

Mild weather, the beach, laid back people, the beach, THE BEACH!!!

The funny thing about living in San Diego is that I got bored of the beach. 

My mom was so shocked when I was ok to move to Idaho as a sophomore in high school. 

From Idaho it was only a matter of time before I moved to Utah.

I feel like Utah gets a bad rep from a lot of people. Yes there are definitely some extreme LDS people (Mormons) out here and some judgey people (aren't there everywhere?)

But there are a lot of good people here. Even ones that aren't Mormon. 

I love the mountains, 

I love the snow, 

I love that people want to help each other,

I love the summers, 

I love the springs, 

I love feeling safe, 

I love that people migrate here, 

I love that I can hike and only travel 30 minutes, 

I love my new home.

I didn't get to mention we were able to be apart of a Marshall Island wedding, right here in Utah. 

It was a wonderful experience. These Marshallize (hopefully spelled that right) people have also come to love Utah as well. I love other cultures and learning from them. 

I thought I was doing good at minimizing until I met them, but thats another story for another day.

I don't know if we will call Utah home forever. In fact our lives are going to change in a year. 

Adam is applying to PA school this month. 

He is applying to 2 schools in Utah, 2 in Arizona, at least 5 out east, maybe 1 in Oregon, and maybe even a few more. 

I know our Father in Heaven guided us here to Logan, Utah.

I'm still learning the why we are here. 

We have met incredible people who have helped us learn and grow. 

I am guessing this must be why. 

I also know we will be guided to our next home. 

 I'm happy to have grown up in California, I'm also happy to be here right now. 

Miracles are happening in our lives everyday. 

All I can do is try to remember them all when I get frustrated. 

Heres to the future whatever it may hold. I may look back and smile at the past. But my heart lives for what is ahead. Even though it is completely unknown. 

Havasupai trip. 5 year anniversary!

Back in 2008 I went on this awesome backpacking trip that I kept telling Adam about as soon as I met him. Finally I was able to take him for our 5 year anniversary.

Or he was able to take me really. 

Most people would probably go to a hotel or on a cruise. 

Nope not us. Backpacking is our kind of adventure. 

This post is kinda crazy because I actually started it while 

we were down at Havasupai. I hope it makes sense. 

Friday night we had to stop in at rei to get a few last minute things and we had to exchange an air mattress they shipped us that had a hole. Good thing Adam checked. Saturday we spent the day road tripping it up. We do have a few pieces of advice for anyone who is doing this trip... Whatever bloggers said peach springs has everything you need... Apparently has no idea what needs are. Stop in Kingman for food and gas. We drove to peach springs only to find out all they have is a hotel and restaurant. There is a tiny store but it closed at 3:00pm. So we didn't get to check it out. We did get to back track a bit but luckily we got some extra water. Which we desperately needed. Even if we had to pay extra. Made for an adventure. Another tip is to buy lots and lots of water at a grocery store. We stopped at the speedway exit at Vegas and got a huge jug of water. I wish we would have bought more water there. Or just had it already that probably would have been best. 

Expensive gas station water. We left a few bottles in the car for when we made it out. 

We slept in our car at the trail head. Here I am saying good bye to the babies for a few days.

Oh and sorry for the quality of the pictures. We took our nice camera but forgot to charge it... oops.

About to hike 10 miles with our backpacks on.

We made it down in record time. I wore my byu shorts. Aren't the cutest but definitely comfy. They came in handy while looking for a spot to camp. A lady stopped us and said that further down camp there were some heavy party people. "I don't know what they are smoking but wow. I noticed your byu shorts and thought you would like to know". 

I love that we had wrist bands obviously people were trying to stay without paying. That was a cool surprise. haha

We also got to go to church. We had a misunderstanding about the time change and thought we had a 1/2 hour to get there but really we had a hour and a half. We ran probably a mile (after already hiking 10 miles) and were so tired and luckily we asked a local for the time. We laughed as we hear 9:45 and not 10:45. Which was the time we thought it was. We got to spend an hour talking to a lovely couple from michigan. They told us of their love of backpacking and the adventures they had been on. I hope we meet up again with them tomorrow. The church meeting was packed! I was disappointed in the dress of some of the hikers. Some only wore swimsuits. I myself was not in Sunday best nor a skirt for that matter. But both of us tried to look presentable as we went. We met Lynda and Annamae. They were so sweet to us and told us to come back again to Supai. Lynda told us about a fresh spring that we could drink from. I won't tell you where it is. You have to get to know people. The speakers who spoke in church had to be helicoptered in. How cool is that? I wonder how many other wards that happens. 

After church we found this sweet spot to swim. I called it the natural swimming pool. This is actually Navajo Falls

Swimming at the famous Havasupai Falls. The picture to the right is going to Mooney falls.

Today we did the hike down to beaver falls. Getting to mooney falls is quite intense. And to be honest I almost chickened out. Adam was so sweet and patient with me. He didn't even complain when I said I didn't want to go. A youth group passed us on my way in and I told Adam that if everyone from the youth group did I to would go. They did it so we went. Thank goodness it was absolutely beautiful. A few pointers is that there is more than one way to beaver falls once you get to mooney. If you hang to the left of the river (as you face down the canyon) then you are probably on the right path. We choose a 5 mile way. And on the way back were shown the 2.5 mile way. Oops. Either way it was great. 

I did make a crazy fashion statement while I was there. A one piece swim suit. Yup. I wish you could have seen The looks I got. All the bikini babes looked at me like I was crazy. Boys gave me confused looks. (Do young girls even own those anymore?) I even caught one rolling her eyes. I don't have anything against different swimsuits in fact my main suit back home is a tankini. I just wanted to see what people would think of a one piece and it was lighter. I did hiking in it and I had zero problems. In fact held the girls down a heck of a lot better than most the other swimsuits I saw there. No one said anything but I wish I could have read minds. It was an interesting social experiment. 

beaver falls. (google pictures of all these beautiful places to get a better idea of what they look like)

This guy loved hanging around our camp site I had to get a picture of him.

We also moved camp after some bombarding campers tried to move in the area. And succeded. Here is our new camp which we are secluded and have an awesome view of the river

lots of crosswords to keep us busy.

4:30am Tuesday packed up camp and headed out. We ended up meeting up with our friends from Michigan and got to hike out with them. Adam had a goal to make it out at less time than 4 hours and 7 minutes. We made it in 4 hours and 2 minutes. Haha. That included our breaks.i had imagine dragons "I'm on top of the world" stuck in my head so I started singing it the last 1/2 mile. It felt amazing to accomplish backpacking our stuff in and out. No helicopters or mules. Just us and our stuff. 

At the trail head happy to be done!

We got to hike out with our friends Eric and Lynn from Michigan. Thanks for the good times!

Ah spring!

Is it really march?!?? Time is passing by so quickly. I'm writing this at 3:00 in the morning because my babies don't want to sleep so if this doesn't make sense I'm sure I'll edit it sometime tomorrow. 

First off I had a makeover for my rocking chair... 

And here is the after. ..

There is a awesome lady close by who has a house and paints! Someday I'll have a house an be able to paint! But for the mean time I did not mind paying her to paint my chair. I got the cushions from target :)

Adam spent his "spring break" working on his CNA. He is going to be completely done with all the certifications this weekend. We feel so much better about PA school than we ever did about vet school. It's crazy how we were led to this path. 

This past weekend we also got to celebrate our March babies in the family! It was the only time we could all be together this month. It's amazing how everyone becoming adults does that. 

Happy birthday mom! 

And Garett! 

And Joslyn! 

During spring break we got to go to the park a lot. Although in bountiful it was pretty lonely Thayne liked to take pictures. He loves selfies. 

I am still decluttering and feel like someday the house will be just right to show off. I have come such a long way it's amazing. I love getting rid of things. 

So that's what we have been up to and hopefully I'll get to go to bed soon...

Bye bye 2013

2013 was a crazy year.

We managed to be in Logan the whole year and plan on being in our same apartment for at least another 6 months. (That's when our lease is up). I'm hoping to not have to move for a little while. 

Somehow we survive every month with Adam working a good job for a student. Adam has a vet school interview on the 21st of this month. Although he is now thinking he would like to go to PA school. (He would make a lot more money and have less school debt and be done with school faster. ) He is so smart and hard working I know he can do whatever he sets his mind to. 

Thayne is 2 1/2 and is a riot. He is pretty well behaved but definitely can get into some mischief. He loves trains, boats, tractors, cars. If you think it's because we programmed him that way you are dead wrong. He has grown up around dolls and stuffed animals and even had a thing for tangled for awhile but that ship has sailed. His fav movie right now is excuse me 2 (despicable me 2). He is excellent at singing and dancing. He knows almost the whole alphabet and could careless about his bed. (He likes to sleep on the floor next to me right now)

Joslyn is the toughest little gal I know. She loves anything Thayne is into and is a crawling machine. She likes to stand but not taking steps (which I don't mind). She loves smiling and laughing. She is 9 months old but already her little personality is shining through. 

As for me I'm pretty boring. I still love the same stuff. I am in a yw presidency at the moment and enjoy my girls so much. Adam and I made a goal to ski at least once a month in the winter and so far so good. We have been twice. Although we might even get to go twice this month. We want to take thayne at least once too. I'm thinking about getting my personal trainer certificate in April  so I can work a little too. 

I think that's about it for us! Here's to 2014. Come see us in Logan!