Just in case you needed proof...

Proof that Val and Becca do exist. :)

South Jordan Middle School.
circa 1994 {ish}

Yup. That's Barney displayed in mine and Becca's locker.
We thought it was funny.
I especially love the overalls, the sweatshirt around the waist, and the scrunchies on the wrists. Classic mid-nineties fashion.

Friends

I don't think I have a single memory from middle school or high school that doesn't involve Val and Becca. We have been friends forever and it makes me so happy that we still are.
Anyway, we got together on Saturday for some pie and games, but we ended up just talking (and eating) all night. It was just what I needed. I loved it. Good friends like these are amazing.



Scarlett and Sarah. These girls are six months apart and weigh the same. Guess who the chunk is... my girl. :)




Holland (Val's), Eli (Becca's), Scarlett (Val's), Sarah, Jake, and Avery (Val's)... And we can't wait for Eli's little brother come this June!

Sorry for the camera phone pictures.

One word: Awesome.

Check this out. It's totally worth it.
(I love that it's framed.)

The Great Escape

There is something so nice about going to a real movie theater (after the sun has gone down) with your girlfriend (Thanks, Tammy!) and your own Diet Coke. I love being a mommy, but I also love sitting right behind the handicap row so I can put my feet up on the bar without a care in the world. *sigh*

Round Two

We loved our weekend away with the Walkers and the Richardsons in St. George.
It was the perfect getaway and all of us tried way too hard to achieve "the perfect Christmas card picture".

The winner.

It's Official

It's Thanksgiving night.

The turkey is still digesting.
I'm curled up with Blaine watching White Christmas.
(Thanks to his legal and lawful vow to always watch said movie with me on Thanksgiving.)

The Christmas season is here.
Officially.

Thankful List Four

Testimony
I am so thankful for my testimony of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I have been incredibly blessed to have a personal testimony that I know it is true. It has brought me immeasurable joy and happiness.

Temple
I love the Temple.
I went through on my own when I was 23 and I can honestly say it is the best decision I have ever made. It led to other wonderful decisions that I am really very proud of.

Target
Target is a magical place.
I'm not exactly sure why I love it so much, but I do.

Disneyland
Happiest place on earth.
For real. It totally is.

The Ocean
There is something so beautiful about the ocean to me.
I have a vivid memory of seeing the ocean for the first time (well, not the first time but the first time that I was old enough for it to impact me)... and I have never been the same. The Oregon coast is some of the most beautiful country I have ever seen, and California's beaches are one of a kind. Mexico's white sandy waters are incredible too... here's hoping I get to see more someday.

A No-Sports Zone
Everyday I say a "thank you" for having a non-sports-fan hubby.

Cousins
I am so, so happy that my kiddos have little cousins they love and will grow up with.

Rum And Almond Extracts
Thank you, extracts for making people think I can actually bake.

Family
In all seriousness... family is probably my biggest blessing. Nuff said.

Thankful List Three

Jake
Although he is very good at being two sometimes, I love this little boy more than I know how to say. He is so smart, active, sensitive, and adorable. He's already a great big brother and his little singing voice melts my heart.

Sarah
My girl is so sweet. I don't know what I did to deserve it, but she is the best baby ever. She lights up our home and is getting too old too fast. She loves to sit, eat, smile, and laugh at her brother. Nobody can make her laugh like Jake can, and I love that... I wouldn't have it any other way.

J.O.B.
Man-oh-man.
I am so thankful Blaine has a good job that he LOVES.

Music
I've always loved music... for as long as I can remember.
Music was a big part of our home growing up, and I think it instilled a great appreciation of all kinds of music. (Thanks, Mom!) From The Beatles to Vivaldi... music feeds my soul.

Apples
I know this sounds weird, but I love apples. They are the best fruit bar-none. You can take them anywhere and they are so easy to eat. Nothing beats a Honeycrisp or a Pink Lady. Yum.

Girlfriends
I am lucky to have a long list of girlfriends.
Girlfriends that I can call on for anything anytime.
Now THAT'S a blessing.

Little Toy Cars
These are Jake's favorite toys.
He will seriously play with them forever and they are so easy to take on vacation.

My Parents And Their Example To Me
(Yes, this means Steve and Chris too)
My folks are amazing. They have an incredible relationship that is an example to many.
Thank you for blessing me with an acute appreciation of what it means to be loved. It's because of my parents that I was able to recognize true love and respect in Blaine.

Melody Makers
Even if some of the songs are so silly they seem made up, Jake and Sarah love them and I love it.

Pixar
Bless you, Pixar. Thanks to you, my kid has a plethora of non-princess options to watch.
And I don't want to stab out my eyes while watching them too.

Tech Geek
This one's kind-of all-encompassing...
First of all, I am grateful to be married to such a tech geek. He has made our house much more sophisticated and impossible for me to understand. And I love him for it.
I also am grateful for my favorite tech things: my phone, my laptop, and my camera.

Windex
Oh, Windex. You are the greatest all-purpose cleaner ever.

Sarah Girl @ Six Months

I know everyone says this,
but I can't believe my girl is already six months.
(Actually, she's been six months for almost two weeks now.)

And, I know everyone says this also,
but my girl is the cutest, sweetest baby in the whole world.

But don't take my word for it.
See for yourself...

Spitting has become her favorite thing to do.
It's adorable.
Unless she is is eating.
Then... not so cute.

She'll take her feet any way she can... even with pink, chunky boots.

She's drooling rivers in this one, but I just love her big Blaine eyes.

And she's still sportin' her adorable cleft chin.

Thankful List Two

Amazing In-Laws
Seriously... I couldn't have it better when it comes to the husband's family. I truly feel loved and appreciated. How lucky am I?

Diet Coke
My biggest vice and my one true love (not really, but you know what I mean.) I love my Diet Coke.

Permanent Retainers
I know it sounds silly, but I just got back from the dentist and I am so thankful that my teeth are still straight and I don't have to have braces again.

Twinkle Lights
There is something about twinkle lights that makes me so happy. It doesn't have to be Christmas either. Twinkle lights are happy year-round.

Diapers
Bless disposable diapers!

Brothers
I already talked about sisters... but there's something about brothers that is just plain awesome. I know that my brothers (in-laws too) always have my back no matter what.
Plus, (all) my brothers are seriously hilarious. I love hanging out with them and laughing until my face hurts.

My House
As much as I'd love to eventually move, this house has been perfect for us. I love it... everything about it (as long as I don't have to be on the HOA board).