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!