HAPPY 25th Anniversary!

July 21st marked 25 years 

since Jd and I said I DO!

The last 25 years have been a crazy exciting ride. 

I am thankful I get to share the good and 

the bad with this wonderful man!

We seriously make each other insane on a daily basis and yet no matter how upset we are, 

we know that no matter what, we have each other's back.  

We can be arguing about something one minute, and call to ask each other to lunch, or what the others' opinion is the next. We both have strong opinions, and even stronger personalities.  At the end of the day we both know that we love one another unconditionally. Eternally, we are headed in the same direction, and somehow that makes all the difference. Together is our favorite place to be no matter what mood we find ourselves in.  We find a way to get over whatever "IT" was and move on quickly. I love that about our relationship. We have learned that in each other, 

we have a safe and prefered place to be. 

For our anniversary we contemplated a million different ideas of how and where to celebrate. I did not want to fly anywhere because of COVID. I didn't want to ask someone to help with the kids and felt unsure about the idea of leaving them alone. One day I would feel confident in their ability to handle things without me, and then they would fight over the smallest incident and I was sure it was a bad idea to leave. I finally made a firm decision that we should celebrate at a different time of the year. Anyone who knows me knows that I RARELY make firm decisions--I am still considering the decision I made, while I am in the process of carrying it out. 

JD made plans to work and at first I thought I was okay with the plan. As our anniversary day drew closer, I knew I was going to be very upset when he left me for work on our 25th anniversary. 

JD was scheduled to work in Billings and Great Falls, Montana. As our anniversary grew closer, JD and I could feel ourselves wishing we would have made plans. JD sent me a text that I should come with him:). We have the greatest children and as I was expressing my thoughts on why I didn't feel I should go to Alyssa and Britton they assured me that going was a perfect solution and that they would make sure the house didn't blow up while we were away. I was still somewhat unconvinced due to the fact that JD would be working and I would be alone much of the time. The kids assured me that this would be a good thing as well, and that I could use some free time. Seriously, they are the best kids!!!  We got up Tuesday morning and headed to Billings, Montana. It was a beautiful drive. We loved having time to discuss all the happy, crazy moments we have experienced over the last 25 years and the new ones we want to experience in the next 25. 

While we were in Billings we took time to walk around the temple grounds and can I just say, it is beautiful. I love the temple and the spirit that is there. I am thankful for the covenants we made 25 years ago and the strength they have given us throughout our marriage during the good and hard times. 

Wednesday morning, JD headed off to work and I hung 

out in the hotel and finished up this book. I loved and hated 

it at the same time.  Man, the strength people had to have during WW2.

 I can't even fathom what it would be like to make the choices 

that they were faced with, and for that I am thankful.

When JD returned, we went to visit some old Indian caves. 

It was fun and freaking HOT! Britton called the evening of the first day and for the most part things at home were going well, except for the fact that he was home babysitting while his friends were having a good time. Ashlynn, had this to say about Britton that day, that he drove her around for over 2 hours trying to find her the perfect package of sidewalk chalk. He made her a delicious dinner of roasted potatoes and shrimp kabobs. I was impressed by that. Later that evening, they popped popcorn and watched a movie. The following day Alyssa agreed to take Ashlynn so that Britton could hang out with friends.

 

Krispy Kreme, Chick fil A, McDonalds,

 Pretzel Maker, Color Me Mine(paint and glaze) 

are just a few of the fun adventures 

Alyssa spoiled Ashlynn with while she was with her.

It was a huge blessing to me and made 

being gone much easier knowing Ashlynn was being taken such good care of. 

When the kids were all little and Alyssa could see that I needed her help, she never needed to be asked, she simply took over and did what needed to be done.  Seriously, God sent me an angel when He sent her to me.  Her willingness to help us and Britton with Ashlynn while we were away made it possible for me to go and enjoy the week with JD. 

Thursday we headed to Great Falls. JD had 

to stop at Shiloh Rifle and check it out.  

Once we arrived in Great Falls, JD had to leave and go to work.

I was able to get in some more alone/shopping time in.

Friday morning, JD went in early to finish up work 

before we headed the direction of home. 

We decided to take the scenic route home and go

 through Yellowstone. We also stopped at a few hikes we came 

to along the side of the road in Montana. They were beautiful. 

We stopped at this little restaurant to eat called the Iron Cafe and it was adorable. It reminded me of those places you see in a Hallmark movie where everyone knows each other and they are all visiting and having a good time at the local cafe. The jam was delicious homemade freezer jam. 

The next stop was yellowstone. I was in this part of Yellowstone when I was a nanny, but I do not remember it. I have been to Old Faithful and the Paint Pots numerous times. The views on this side of Yellowstone are completely different. We LOVED it. Riley and Madeline went to Yellowstone a few weeks ago and that is what gave us the idea to come home this direction. 

I have always LOVED Yellowstone. I have great memories of it growing up with my family. I am thankful for the memories I have of it with extended family and my children (when they were little) as well. I have to say it is a totally different experience when it is just you and your spouse. You can explore all the long walks you want. No one is saying it is too hot and they don't want to go, and you can take as long as you want to read all the signs. 

I can't say enough about how much I loved being in the park.

Man, the beauty is breathtaking!

We stopped, walked, and took in 

the scenery at every opportunity.

JD was very impressed by all the huge elk.

We had a fabulous day exploring and in the process forgot to

 consider the fact that we were in a national park and

 things close down at night time and places to sleep are hard to come by. 

We had no idea how difficult it would be to find a place to sleep. 

We called every hotel imaginable from the park until we reached Brigham City and they were ALL full.  We were sure Idaho Falls or Rexburg would have a place available, they did not.  We drove into Blackfoot thinking there is no way they will be full. Wrong, they were all full. Malad and Montpelier were even full and I am not even sure I would have wanted to stay there if they weren't. We pulled into Brigham city at 3:15 am. They had two rooms left at the Holiday Inn and I wanted to cry I was so happy!!! SERIOUSLY, we were both hitting slap-happy mode and would not have made it much further. We considered staying at a rest stop and we could have driven the short distance further and made it home, but then we would have needed to be responsible and wake up early and start taking care of people again. We weren't quite sure we were ready for that yet, LOL:). 

I love you JD, and I'm thankful each 

and every day that I get to be your wife!

I love the beautiful life we have built together. 

Houston and Kierstan Tie the Knot!

 CHEERS

 to Love, Laughter

and 

Happily Ever After!

On June 6th, Houston and Kierstan were married. 

As elated as they were to be getting married, a sadness lingered in the air due to the fact that they had to contact loved ones everywhere and uninvite them to their special day.  Close relatives had come into contact with the coronavirus, and the last thing they wanted to do was spread it to others. Everyone was disheartened that they were not going to get to be part of this exciting event with this "match made in heaven" couple.  

The family was beyond excited to receive word that on July 18th, Houston and Kierstan would be having a wedding reception and a renewal of their vows. As I have witnessed countless couples tie the knot during this coronavirus season, I have wondered if they were aware of the joyful part of the puzzle they were missing when family was not part of the event.  Receptions are a beautiful blessing where we are able to witness loved ones all around, showing their love and support for each other. 

 As someone once wisely said, 

"Family is one of God's masterpieces."

I love the smiles and happiness that exist in wedding pictures. 

Something about a wedding causes 

smiles to be bigger, hearts to feel happier, 

and the world to feel

 more joyful. 

I LOVE this picture. 

It is always fun to observe the 

dancing that takes place at weddings.

The food at the reception was stupendous. 

I ate way too many street tacos. 

Houston has a zest for life that many of us could only dream of having. Fear is not in him, and he achieves whatever he sets out to do. I do not know Kierstan very well, but one of the things I loved about her from day one is she lets Houston be himself. You know you have found yourself a good woman when that is the case.  Last fall, Houston was in an accident and he broke his back.  This could have set many of us back for a very long time. Houston is as tough as nails and was quickly back to living life to the fullest, like the conqueror he is. 

True love is life's 
greatest adventure!

 It is a blessing to live near family and be able to attend all of these timeless events. 

I love that the coronavirus did not stop us from being able to come together and
celebrate this new couple. 

 Congratulations Houston and Kierstan. 

Here's to a bright and happy future.

Spiral Jetty, Golden Spike, Aggies Ice Cream, Football Scrimmage . . . Life is good

This weekend was full of wonderful moments. Saturday we attended a beautiful wedding reception for my nephew, Houston and his new bride, Kierstan.  That event is a post all of it's own. We also met up with Parkinson's at Aggie Ice Cream. They are our good friends from Iowa and it was fun to visit with them and their cute family again. Parkinsons bought a new van. I got a kick out of all the boys admiring the 400 horsepower engine. 

Britton had his first football scrimmage of the season. 

As much as I enjoy going to Britton's games,

I have never been a huge football fan. After seasons of

social distancing, I have to admit I felt giddy to go to his scrimmage.  

I am gathering by the visiting that was going on and 

how close everyone was sitting in the stands, that

everyone else was feeling the exact same way. 

I finished listening to the book Borrowing Life. 

I cannot say enough good about this book! As I listened to it 

I was brought to tears numerous times. I am humbled 

at how far technology has come in the last 60 years. 

I feel blessed by those who were sent to this earth with the 

passion and brains to make the medical world we live in today possible. 

I do have to say the epilogue of this book saddened me. 

These doctors lived their lives in a pursuit to better the lives of mankind. They spent their lives making and believing the impossible, was possible. How difficult it had to be to then wake up one day and find themselves elderly, and incapable of reversing the results of what old age brought with it. I can imagine it would be a difficult and somewhat devastating challenge. 

Daxon bought my brother Jeremy's Dodge Caravan.  

I never pegged Daxon for a mini-van kinda guy. 

He could not be more excited!! His road bike fits in between the captains chairs perfectly, as 

do the toys he and his friends took with them this weekend to St. George. 

Daxon bought a motorbike and 

car from Jeremy and Lacey, 

and they gave us bunnies they were selling. 

Today I woke up and wanted to go out to see the Spiral Jetty. 

It is located near the Golden Spike National Monument, so we 

decided to toss that into the field trip adventure as well. 

Ashlynn was the only child we could convince to come with us. 

On the way, we passed this sign and due to the fact that 

it had the word Iowa in it, we had to stop and take a picture. 

Once you arrive at the spiral, you can walk out into the 

Great Salt lake for what seems like forever.  I suggest wearing good shoes,

 my flip flops made it feel as if I were walking of shards of glass in the beginning. 

 It is a desolate, yet beautiful view.

I loved it, bumpy road and all. 

It was indeed worth the drive.

We also enjoyed visiting the Golden Spike Monument, and 

due to the Coronavirus it is free admission for the time being. 

If you look closely you can see a different color beam where Ashlynn is standing. This is where the last spike was placed connecting the Central and Pacific railroads.

Engraven on the spike are these words,

"May God continue the unity of our country, as this railroad unites the two great oceans of the world."

It was a great day!

GIRLS CAMP . . . NOT Even COVID Can Stop Us and Other Summer Fun!

This year our ward had a one-day girls camp.
It went from 7 AM to 10 PM.

The girls were fed all three meals and snacks, they had a service activity, went boating, and ended the evening with testimony meeting.  Ashlynn has been excited for years to be old enough to go to girls camp. She was extremely upset to learn, that like everything else in her life this year, it had been cancelled.  The outstanding leaders and people who took the time to make this day happen blessed her heart and mine in an enormous way! With so many moments being cancelled this year, I love that this day was organized to put some feeling of normalcy and togetherness into these girls' lives.  

JD turned 47 years old on July 5th!  

He is a wonderful father, husband, son, brother,

 friend, and overall person.

I am thankful for the blessing he is in all of our lives. 

We would truly all be LOST without him!

Ashlynn loves having friends over to hang out in the pool.
The only bad part about her friends being
here is she insists that I get out:(.

The other day we went to two different State 

Parks and they were insanely packed. 

We decided to wait in line at East Canyon until a spot in the park opened up for us to go in. 

We only waited about 20 minutes. With so many people, there was a severe lack of social distancing LOL!!!

I looked over at Ashlynn to notice her putting sunscreen 

on for what seemed like the one-millionth time. I think she wants to make 

sure that her skin does not get brown blotchy spots like mine when she gets older :). 

We all had a great day at the lake!

Recently I took the enneagram test, the top one was my score.

When JD took it and answered what he felt my answers should be, 

the bottom one was my score. 

It is interesting how we see ourselves differently than how others see us. 

I agree more with the answers mine had to give. But once 

again, it is interesting how we see ourselves 

differently than even those who are closest to us. 

Daxon took the test and his answer was spot on.

Surprisingly,  when JD took the test and I took it for him 

we also scored differently. 

However many of his primary numbers are the same. Except 

when he took it he has almost zero 4 and when I took it for him it is his primary number. 

It is obvious that Sunday afternoons keep us really busy around here.

.

HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY!

Ashlynn decided that her bunnies needed bows for the holiday this year.
I was impressed that she came up with this adorable idea, and put these bows together.
They are pretty cute on her bunnies!

Grandpa Terry, Jana's and Trisha's families came to enjoy the day with us. We had a

fun filled day involving, swimming, badminton, visiting, food, corn hole, and fun. 

One of my favorite things about the Fourth of July has always been the patriotic attire . 

All the kiddos, young and younger, looked so stinking cute sporting the colors!

Seriously, even with all the chaos going on right now, we are beyond 

blessed to live in

THE GREATEST COUNTRY IN THE WORLD!!🇺🇸

Other than my children who are fighting in the pool:),

everyone enjoyed visiting and being together.  

Trisha's kids were like little water dogs. They loved the water. 

They are so freaking adorable!!!

It is clear that cute kiddos run in the family:).

With so many firework shows being cancelled this year, I was unsure what the evening would entail. It was one of the most magical and amazing night skies I have ever witnessed. The sky was seriously lit up non-stop as far as the eye could see for over an hour. It made you want to put your hand over your heart and burst out singing, 

I'm Proud To Be An AMERICAN!

Trisha's kids were adorable as they took turns with the older boys lighting off fireworks. 

It was a fabulous day and I am once again thankful for the gift of family and the blessing they are to me in my life!

Warm Lake Lodge

On the 28th of June we headed up to Warm Lake Lodge for a family reunion.

At the time the reunion was planned I was beyond excited due to the fact that it is one of JD's favorite places in the world to go. As the date grew closer, we all became a little unsure if we wanted to go. The forecast for the days we were going to be there were rainy, cold, and overall unpleasant.  The weather stayed true to it's prediction, but we all had an excellent time.  No matter the weather, it is impossible not to have an enjoyable time at Warm Lake Lodge. 

Daxon never sat still for one minute. He was either on the side-by-side, fishing, biking, or doing whatever Daxon does. 

I love the fact that this lake is a no wake lake during certain hours of the day.  First thing in the morning, or in the late evening hours the lake it is like pure glass; perfect for some relaxing paddle- boarding or kayaking.   

When the lake is like this, it is perfect for, 

BRINGING IN THE CHI!

 Daxon loved that he was able to get 

Granny on the side-by-side.

 Good times were had by all whether it was fishing, 

cooking s'mores, or hanging out on the lake. 

Typically during family reunions it is tough to keep track of everyone.  I feel that the unpredictable weather helped everyone bond a little more.  Groups could be found in the lodge playing games, putting puzzles together, playing poker, visiting, and simply enjoying each others' company in dry spaces everywhere, and in the great outdoors.  

 The lodge had a continual fire going which made 

S'mores and visiting an evening tradition!

The cabins at this lodge are beyond impressive. Ours had a full size 

kitchen, shower and easily could have fit 10 people comfortably. I loved the views out everyone of my windows. That style of camping is definitely my prefered method. 

I am thankful for the effort family members put into making this reunion happen. One of the greatest things about family is that with it comes drama, but that drama teaches us how to be better versions of ourselves. We are blessed to have cousins and loved ones who bless our lives and fill it with happiness and connection. In numerous ways I am thankful each and every day for the gift of family.