Happy 6th anniversary!

I can't believe it's been 6 years! In some ways, I think to myself, "I can't believe I've survived 6 years!" (for those of you who know the family dynamics, you'll know why I say that)...but in other ways, I can't imagine my life being any different. I have never felt more joy or love in my life than I've felt over the past 6 years...and some of that is because I've never felt the anguish or sorrow I've felt. My marriage is the most sacred thing to me...but marriage (and family life) is not easy. It is a commitment of two hearts totally and completely loyal to each other and dedicated to spending eternity together. That is the greatest blessing I can achieve in this life...and I'm supposed to work for it. Jeff is my eternal companion. I truly feel like we've known each other longer than these past 6+ years. He is my best friend. He knows me most and loves me best. I can't imagine being with anyone else on this journey. We have had our arguments. We have had moments of doubt and despair, but never once have either of us ever wanted "out". We have never contemplated "giving up". The greatest gift I think we can give our children is showing them how to love and how to work for it. I know we're not perfect, but we are perfectly imperfect for each other. I have never met someone who has pushed me to be better and supported me when I feel I fall short. I wish I could have words to adequately describe how I feel because "I love you" never seems to be enough. I am just so grateful for the past 6 years and look forward to the next 60+!

Since we'd spent last weekend on a pre-anniversary getaway, today wasn't too exciting. Jeff got me flowers and a sweet card. I got him a card with some iron pills and an iron letter opener. (Iron is the traditional 6th anniversary gift. Who came up with those?!)

We spent the morning watching Dallin play basketball then went on a triple date that night to Top Golf. (I do have to mention that we went to see Mary Poppins Returns last night. Nothing says love more than my husband sacrificing a night at the movie to see Mary Poppins with me. Haha!) After playing a few very embarrassing games at Top Golf, Jeff and I were lucky enough to still have time to go out to dinner by ourselves. We went to Archibald's at Gardner Village. Even though there wasn't anything spectacular, it was still a great day because I got to spend it with Jeff. Any day I get to spend with him...no matter what we're doing...is a great day.

Snowmobiling in Yellowstone

For Christmas, Jeff got me a weekend getaway with him to go snowmobiling in Yellowstone! A weekend away with Jeff is literally the best gift he could have gotten me...what's even more fun is to try something new with him. We packed all our warmest gear and headed north. It worked out that the same weekend he booked our trip was also the weekend Stan was ordaining three of his boys to a different quorum in the priesthood on that Sunday. Because of that, we dropped Danny, Dallin, Laurin (who decided to come up to help with Jonas) and Jonas off at Stan's house on our way through Idaho Falls. The kids had a blast hanging out with their cousins. They played a new virtual reality game, went ice skating, and just hung out. Jonas kept up with the kids and loved all the attention he got from them! I loved that we were all able to enjoy our weekend. After dropping the kids off, Jeff and I headed to West Yellowstone. We got there in the late afternoon. We checked into our hotel then went to sign all the necessary waivers in preparation for our snowmobiling adventure the next day. After all that was done, we decided to wander a few quaint shops in the downtown area before dinner. We found little gifts for all the kids then enjoyed a delicious prime rib dinner. After dinner, we headed to the IMAX theater to watch a short movie about Yellowstone. The theater was HUGE! I had never been to an IMAX theater before. I literally felt like I was in the movie because of the way the screen and sound enveloped me. I loved all the beautiful images and learning about the history/discovery of Yellowstone. It was a nice way to end our day...and start our Yellowstone adventure.

The next day, we spent basically the entire day exploring Yellowstone on a snowmobile. Our guide was great! He was knowledgeable about the area and took us to all the beautiful spots along the way to and from Old Faithful. I have to admit I got pretty cold on the way to Old Faithful. My fingers and toes were FREEZING! I was a little discouraged because I felt we had worked hard to outfit us well, but I still got cold. (Jeff said he was warm the whole time...next time, I will plan a little differently and start out with hand warmers in my gloves and boots.) Luckily, we had an hour or more at Old Faithful to have lunch and warm up inside the lodge. The last half of the trip was wonderful! I wasn't cold and was able to enjoy the scenery. I was even brave enough to drive the snowmobile for the last leg of our journey. I loved how pristine everything looked. I was in awe watching the massive bison forage for a little something to eat. They are majestic beasts...only to be admired from a safe distance. I was amazed by all the steam the hot water springs and geysers produced. In fact, you really couldn't see much of the geysers or springs with all the steam. Still, watching Old Faithful erupt was still breathtaking, just like the other sites we visited. I felt so blessed to live in a world that my Father in Heaven created for me. I feel humbled at the beauty of His creations. I loved sharing it all with Jeff. I am so grateful for who he is and how much he loves me.

That evening, we again ventured out for dinner before retiring to bed. The next day, we got up, packed up, had breakfast, then headed back to Stan's house to attend church and the ordinations. Afterward, we enjoyed lunch with everyone before driving home. It was a quick weekend, but a memorable one!

Happy New Year!

Hello 2019!! Can you believe that another year has passed?! I am grateful for the passage of time. It is often bittersweet though. I love rotating through seasons and holidays, but with each rotation of the year, it means we're a little older...and with age comes change. Change isn't bad...it's just not super easy for me. I tend to get comfortable with how things are and don't adapt well. However, I am also excited to see the growth and the changes in our family. 2019 is going to be a big year for change. We have two graduations, a mission farewell, and a wedding on our schedules. I think I just need to always find joy in the changes and excitement in the journey. I also need to find balance. That is my word for 2019 - BALANCE! I want to find a good balance in my life between all the roles I play and the responsibilities I have. It is going to be an awesome year! I always start the year with a little anxiety of what is to come, but with a lot of anticipation too.

For New Years, we all found ourselves in different places doing different things. Jeff, Jonas and I flew to AZ to spend the New Year with my family. Amber had to work and the boys wanted to ski/snowboard so they decided to stay home. Laurin was also working in Ogden. Each of the older kids spent New Years doing their own thing. Amber went to a party at UVU. Dallin had friends over here. Danny spent it watching a Marvel movie marathon and eating junk food. Jeff, Jonas and I spent the evening playing games and hanging out with my family. I guess that's what happens as we evolve as a family. I wish I could keep all the kids close and spend every holiday with them, but it's not possible. They are growing up. They each have different interests and likes. Life is simply changing. However, Jeff and I get a few years to enjoy holidays with Jonas before he decides he's too cool to hang out with us. We had a blast in AZ! We flew in on Saturday (December 29) morning. We spent the morning/afternoon hanging out at Nichole's house (where we stayed along with Krystle and her family). The little boys rode bikes, played at the park, set off smoke bombs, threw poppers, and so much more. I think Jonas loved the fact that he could go outside without it being cold!

That evening, Nichole, Kate, Krystle and her family, plus Jeff, Jonas and I went to McCormick RR Park in Scottsdale, AZ. We picked up some burgers and shakes on the way to have a little picnic dinner. I remember going to this park every holiday season with my family and my aunt Laynette. We would ride the train to see the fun light display. I was excited to be able to share this with my own child. It was actually a little surreal to be the parent and not the child in this year's experience. Jonas loved seeing the lights and playing with his cousins.

The next day (Sunday Dec. 30) was a pretty chill day. We went to church with Nichole then spent the rest of the day at my parents' house. We picked oranges, walked to the park, and enjoyed being with family. (Oh and we had a YUMMY traditional tamale dinner. I miss having Mexican food for New Year.)

Monday (Dec. 31) was the big day! In the morning, I helped Nichole prep for our party then all the sisters and Mom went out to lunch. (Michael's girlfriend, Miah, also joined us.)

While we were having lunch, the boys rented those motorized scooters to have a little fun. Recently, a few companies have placed motorized scooters in various cities. These scooters are everywhere throughout the city. There's an app you can download to locate then "rent" them. The boys found some near Nichole's house then rode them back to her house and decided to have a little fun. They got a ratchet strap and hooked it to the waists of two of them while towing another person sitting on a little wiggle bike. I love my crazy husband, brothers, and nephew/niece! I was actually feeling adventurous enough to give it a try when we got back. (Jonas rode for a little with Jeff but then decided he'd rather just ride his little bike.)

That evening, we started the festivities with a delicious dinner then the party began! Nichole planned little games to play every hour on the hour to help pass the time (especially for the younger kids). Nichole, Krystle and I helped with all these games while the other adults mainly played their own games or watched football games. The little boys and Kate loved it! We had a donut eating contest, tortilla throwing, "snowball" fight, marshmallow shooters, little fireworks, and so much more. I was surprised Jonas lasted until about 10:00! Around that time, he finally sat down on the couch and just fell asleep...sitting up. He was exhausted! Jeff and I made it to midnight. It was the first time we've done that it several years. We were able to set off little confetti shooters, light sparklers, and toast the New Year. Bring on 2019!

Because this is most likely how our year will turn out!

The ladies of the family.

Gotta love my sisters!!

Nolan, Kate, Lincoln, Tyler, and Jonas (Camden didn't want to be in the picture.)

We used to do this to Mikey all the time when he was younger. It's a little different now! Haha!

Every hour, Nichole had bags with clues of what games we would play. The kids took turns finding and unloading the bags.

Marshmallow shooters

Snowball fight

Tortilla toss

Cheeto toss

We did our fireworks at 9:00 because there was a break in the rain. Good thing we did because Camden and Jonas fell asleep at 10:00.

My New Years kiss with my little man.

The adults playing games.

We kept the party going for Nola and Kate with a balloon tennis....

root beer chug...

and clock game. 

Finally it midnight rolled around!

(We flew home early on January 2nd. On the 1st, we spent the day with my parents again. We helped them get a few things done around their house to start the new year. I am so grateful for them and all the sacrifices they've made for me over the years. I'm even more grateful for a generous husband who wants to help me help them. It was the perfect way to start the New Year...oh and they rewarded us with Joe's BBQ for dinner. I would say it was a win-win!)