Ocean view

Well, it has been a loooong time since my fingertips have touched the keyboard. I decided to dust off the old blog and write a little bit about our family vacation. I love that I can always come back to this space, even if it's been a year. I'm currently reading the book called "Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear" and I'm eating it up. I have been pushing my creative limits more than ever right now and it's been so refreshing! This trip was good for me, not only because I was able to escape the tundra of Utah, but because I was able to step back and gain a new perspective. I made a list of 2017 goals, more like wishes, because I'm a perfectionist and don't want to feel like a failure. After contemplating my list, I decided that my overall goal is to do more things that make me truly happy. Walking down the beach one day, I chalked up a list in my head and thought long and hard about what brings me genuine joy. I also thought a lot about social media, the arch nemesis in my life, that robs me of so much time. So much time I could be using for things that make me happy. Don't get me wrong, I love social media.. in fact, I think it can be a home for the creativity I mentioned earlier. I'm talking about the mindless scrolling, hot celebrity gossip, and controversial arguments that I get sucked into. That is what I'm shedding myself of this year, so here's the list of things that I want to spend my time doing in 2017. Wish me luck! 

- Reading. I have a huge book list that I'm eager to tackle. 

- Yoga. This has been such a game changer for my anxiety, I'm hoping to do yoga 2-3 times a week. 

- Meditating/praying. My days are vastly different when I make time for this. 

- Being creative. I have a fun project up my sleeve! 

- Keeping my house more ogranized. This one's a biggie. 

- Spending quality time with Kevin and Mabel. Sadly, this is what gets ignored when I'm sucked into the social media vortex. 

- Serving others. 

If you can relate to any of this please tell me what has worked for you! I need all the help I can get. Now onto a plethora of warm pictures as I sit bundled up in my slippers and blanket.

Worth 2,000 miles

Our friends Nick and Katherine live in Philadelphia, so we decided to pay them a visit! They are a little over an hour from New York City, so we took a day trip up there. My favorite part about our friendship is that no matter how many months/years go by, we always pick up right where we left off... as if nothing has changed. There is just something really great about having deep, lasting friendships.

I am still in denial about the fact that my baby brother will be gone for the next two years. This was  our last family getaway before he left, and I may or may not have cried multiple times while making this video. I'm going to miss his annoying dance moves and quirky humor, that kid knows how to make me laugh. Although he will be missed, I know he's going to be a great missionary and change people's lives for the better. My family, man ... they just mean the world to me. 

One year

I have so many mixed emotions about my baby girl turing one, but mostly feelings of gratitude.

I'm grateful that we've grown close as a family of three,

I'm grateful that we've had a healthy year,

and I'm grateful to be her mommy. 

I love you Mabel Rose.

Please stop growing up.

four years

Marriage. Marriage is a funny thing. It's also a beautiful thing. At least it can be beautiful. It's still bizarre for me to say we have been married for four years, and although four years doesn't exactly qualify me as "seasoned," I've learned a few things. 

Kev and I have been best friends since the day we met. We've always had a great marriage . . . but once life gets busy, or you have a child, it is so easy to fall into the mundane routine of work, kids, dinner, school, bedtime. It's just an ongoing cycle. Don't get me wrong, there are sparks of fun and spontaneity here and there, but they can become rare. 

I loved Elder Utchdorf's talk from the priesthood session this last conference. He talked about fighting for our marriages and families. He mentioned how our generation gets bored and wants to move on to the next thing. As much as I'm shocked when I hear of someone having an affair, I can see how it can happen. And sadly enough, it's a common occurrence these days. 

The other day, I had a strong impression to talk to Kev. I could feel us slipping into that mundane routine. Nothing extreme, but just kind of putting our marriage on the back burner. I remembered Elder Utchdorf's talk and I said to myself, "no matter what happens, I'm going to fight for my marriage." I have witnessed failed marriages and it's heartbreaking. 

So we've made it a goal. To date more. To communicate better. To share our feelings. To overcome trials together. To really, really take care of our marriage. I can't believe it's been four years for us, but I can truly say that I'm excited for what the future will bring us. 

I have always loved this quote:

"If you want something to last forever, you treat it differently. You shield it and protect it. You never abuse it. You don’t expose it to the elements. You don’t make it common or ordinary. If it ever becomes tarnished, you lovingly polish it until it gleams like new. It becomes special because you have made it so, and it grows more beautiful and precious as time goes by." - F. Burton Howard. 

I love you Kevin Mark, happy four years to us!