The Truth

I am always being told that I need to update my blog. My response is always that I've been too busy, which is partly true. The truth is, it's been too hard. I have been waiting one month at a time to post that amazing post. The post that announces to my world that I am finally going to be a mother. That I am going to make my husband a father. That I am going to have a child. As I am sure you have guessed, each month it just keeps not happening. Each month I think of blogging anyway, but I didn't want to face the fact that I'm not pregnant. So I here I am, writing this for me more than anyone else.

My life is great. I am more in love with my husband than I have ever been. I mean that with every part of me. I love my life with him. Preston takes care of me better than he takes care of himself. His life is centered around me and my comfort. He has built me a beautiful, warm, safe home. We both would rather be here together than anywhere else. I love my little dog that happened into my life a year ago. When I'm sentenced to the couch all day because of unbelievable cramps for a week, he is there with me. He lays by me, kisses me, and makes me laugh. He has kept me happy during the long hours Preston's at work, and I'm stuck.

My family means everything to me. We are all so busy and a little crazy, but you won't find parents and siblings that love each other more than ours. My friends are among my greatest gifts in life. They give me a reason to get through each week, because I know we will be doing something fun and crazy at the end of the week. They have been there through everything. I love them.

This is such an exciting time in our lives. I am so thrilled for all of my friends, close and distant. Graduations, grad schol, marriages, babies, second and even third babies, new jobs, promotions, new homes, new cars... it's all magical in a way. Life is happening so fast, and I am grateful for every day.

My dream of having my own child has been something I've been holding on to since I was old enough to hold a baby by myself. Ever since I was 16 years old, anytime I saw or held a baby, my heart ached a little bit. Now, it doesn't ache. It breaks. It's hard to explain, because I just wrote about my incredible life. I'm living a blissful life with a broken heart. Not something I saw coming. I thought the whole process would be easy. It's not been a problem with my family. They just think about getting pregnant and nine months later there's a new addition. My trials are trivial compared to others, but this is what I've been given. So, I'm learning from it the best I can and becoming closer to my Father in Heaven through each tear. I know there's a plan for me, and I will wait for my turn. Until then, I will be an incredibly over-protective mother to a furry little stinker, because he's my baby! I will enjoy each quiet night with the love of my life... and I will try to blog more. :)

Manda Panda

I just wanted to let my only big sister how much I love her. Mandi is truly an inspiration to all of our family. She suffers from Rheumatoid Arthritis. As a result, she is constantly in pain, and her immune system is so weak that she can't fight off regular sicknesses like the rest of us. Even though she is sick a lot of the time, and she hurts most the time, her spirits are almost always high. Mandi is optimistic and so so kind. She literally couldn't hurt a fly. I am a demanding and outspoken girl. My big sister is complete opposite. She is easy going and happy to just be a part of everything.
Growing up, Mandi was a great example to me. She was always obedient; I mean she never did anything against my parent's will. She took such good care of Derek, Lexsie, and me. When our parents got divorced, Mandi did such a good job of being there for the three of us when we needed a big sister.
She always had the most beautiful long brown hair that I was so jealous of! Her eyes are so blue, and when she is sick, they go even bluer!! She ran cross-country and was on the Seminary Council. She had flawless grades even in her AP classes.
Mandi loves to help people. She is always a shoulder to cry on or someone to vent to. You can always count on her to go to a midnight showing of a new movie or have a night of "death by carbs" if the occasion calls for it.
I love Josh, Trystan, and Gavin. They are such a perfect addition to our family. Josh is an incredible husband and father, and I am so grateful Mandi found him before anyone else did, although we all know he wouldn't be happy with anyone other than Amanda. The little boys are the most loved sons and grandsons ever. I know our parents are so happy Mandi could give them two beautiful grandbabies.
I hope that I can be half of the mom and wife Mandi is. I hope that I can learn to have her patience and show her compassion and kindness. I hope that I can be a good big sister like she has been and continues to be. I love you Mandi. Thank you for being my sister and friend.

Happy Birthday Preston!

Happy Happy Birthday To Presty-Poo! On June 5, he turned 26 years old. Holy cow, we are growing up... physically, but not really mentally! I made this cake completely from scratch. It is so funny looking. I didn't allow myself enough time to let the cake cool completely, so it is all sorts of misshapen. I went to check on the cake in the oven and it was boiling over!!!! I had a molten volcano of chocolate dripping all over my clean oven. AHHHH!!!! All I could do was laugh. It may have been a slight disaster, but you should try the cake. Oh my... it is seriously delicious. Anything for the love of my life. Happy Birthday Babe!

There Is Beauty All Around...

I was looking around my house today, and I was all of the sudden so grateful for my little piece of Heaven on Earth. I love my home. It is nothing special, but it is Preston's and mine... and a little bit Chewy's too. I hope it doesn't seem vain, but I wanted to post some of my favorite things in my home.

Chewy was too tired to even wake up for the camera, but I love having him as a part of our little family.

This is my happiness wall. These pictures may all look the same, but each was taken at a different place. There is a rodeo picture, Mexican Riviera cruise pictures, a Disneyland picture, and a picture taken in front of a beautiful castle in Germany. I love this wall, because it always reminds me of my best friend and the places we've been.

I recently got this picture of the Bountiful Temple, the temple we were married in, from my best friends. For graduation they got me a gift certificate to one of my favorite stores, Quilted Bear, and this is what I picked out. It is my most favorite new addition to my home.

This little lady was also given to me by my best friends for graduation. I love her, because she represents friendship, and I am so glad I have amazing friends who consider me a friend. :)

This mirror was quite possibly the best find ever. We were out to Smith's getting ice cream one night with Clint and Rachel and we saw these mirrors. They were only $40!!!!! It is huge too. It is 3 feet by 2.5 feet. It takes up the space on the wall above my piano perfectly. It looks big and expensive, but it's really light weight and was so inexpensive!!!! Wahoo!

Guns and Fire

We had fun shooting guns and roasting stuff on the fire in the valley. I love non snowy weather!

GRADUATION!!!!!

It finally happened. I have been going to school since kindergarten!! I went through elementary, jr. high, high school, beauty school, and college without stopping. For the first time in my whole life, since I was five, I have no homework!!!! Never Again! Can you tell I am excited? I had the best day on May 1. The ceremonies were boring, but my family was all there and they cheered very loud for me when I walked. Afterward, I had all the family and friends over to our house, and Preston grilled while my uncle Glen served his delicious smoked brisket. Oh My! Wonderful food from everyone and excellent company. I couldn't have enjoyed the day more. Thanks everyone! And thanks Presty for getting me through school emotionally and financially. You're the best husband ever!

Mountain Biking!!!

I love to mountain bike. Since a herniated disc in my lower back stopped my running fun, I have found a wonderfully delightful sport to keep me busy. Mountain biking has become my most favorite way to exercise. I love to get on my bike, pick a route on the mountains above my house, and take off for an hour or two. I have the best friends who have taken me on as the third and fifth wheel for three years now, and I couldn't be happier about it.

This bike was my first bike, and she and I learned together. She was there through all of the hard rides, though falls, and good times. I recently sold my first love to my sister, Mandi, because she wanted to get started. I have advanced enough that it is time for a new love affair. Good bye bike. I hope you love your new home!

My Two Boys!

Favorite picture ever...

I Heart This Little Guy!

So, as most of you know... I have wanted a dog forever. Preston never agreed to getting a puppy, because he knows how crazy our lives get, and he worried that we wouldn't be able to adequately train a puppy. I was giving up on ever getting a dog, when this little creature pranced his way in to my life! Here's how it happened. So, as most of you know... I have wanted a dog forever. Preston never agreed to getting a puppy, because he knows how crazy our lives get, and he worried that we wouldn't be able to adequately train a puppy. I was giving up on ever getting a dog, when this little creature pranced his way in to my life! Here's how it happened.

Lexsie recently married Steve... and I couldn't be happier with her decision to do so. Steve had Chewy. Lexsie is allergic to Chewy. Steve and Lexsie needed a babysitter for Chewy while they tried to find a home for him. Cassie agreed to babysit, but not for longer than a couple of weeks. After three days... it was over. Cassie fell in love, and so did Chewy. It was like they were meant to be. Fortunately, Lexsie and Steve were relieved to hear the news that Chewy and Cassie plan to spend the rest of their lives together... so they are currently living happily ever after.

I am so grateful that I have this little buddy. We snuggle, we talk, we go for brisk walks together. It is a wonderful friendship. It's been a little hard for Preston to get used to him, but he has been very supportive and helpful. Chewy loves Preston and is constantly showing affection for him. However, we do occasionally have alpha-male issues at our home. Don't worry though, it's nothing that the two of them can't work out. Chewy growls, Preston growls, and it's over.

Best Website!

My little sister recently stumbled on to a most wonderful website. It is called www.designmom.com. I officially feel like being superwoman after looking at this incredible blog. The author of the blog is a mother of five, and they live in Westchester, NY. She is LDS, so her blog shows ideas for modest clothing, cute and easy craft ideas, and interesting information. I totally love it! Check it out.

REFINANCE!

I'm totally and completely excited. Preston and I have a wonderful Mortgage Agent from Bank of Utah. He helped us get our first loan and he recently helped us refinance. I cut his hair every three weeks, so I am able to keep in touch with him. He watched and watched for the opportunity for us to refinance and it came! We originally locked in at 7%. That's pretty high. However, the market hadn't crashed yet, and we didn't have a credit score because we hadn't ever had any debt. Unfortunatley, no credit is almost worst than bad credit. We had to lock in at a higher rate, plus we had to have mortgage insurance. Money has been tight, so we were ready for a break somewhere. Then, our prayers were answered! We are locked in at a 4.87% rate now, and I couldn't be happier! I am so grateful for Mike Medsker at the Bank of Utah and all of his help! Now we will save $200 each month! That's a lot of money for us! Wahoo! I would reccomend Mike to anyone who is looking to buy a house or to refinance!