Why I love this girl......

Me dear friend Elise was married a few weeks back and I was honored to be apart of it. Where do I even begin in expressing how much love and respect I have for this girl, my girl Elise. We met a few years back and have been close, I mean really close, I adore everything about her! She has stood beside me through good and bad, sad and happy. I owe so much to her, she has enriched and blessed my life in so many ways, too many to possibly list. To Elise, thank you for being so incredible, loving and compassionate. My life would not be that same without you! Here is to many more years, may they be as great as the past few, I LOVE YOU!

Lilly and so much more!

I just realized it has been a month since my last post. I apologize to those who visit my blog and have been looking for a new post, new stories, new pictures to see. Life is constantly changing. Heartache, rejoicing, new experiences and learning who and what I am.

I have a recent addition to my family, meet Lilly. She is a purebred female, Boxer and she is the love of my life. I rescued her from a rough home and now she is a part of my life. I am not used to cleaning up after someone else. She is teaching me LOTS of patience. It is like raising a kid, having to take her out to go potty almost every 15 min while she is a puppy. I adore her sweet little face, her energetic personality and her spunk! To my little Lilly, I sure do love ya!

With the exiting of old friends, time welcomes in new ones. Friends that you find and swear you have known them from somewhere else, another place in time. Here is to Derek and Tim, my two amazing friends, who I love dearly. We relate in so many ways, we laugh, we cry, we share experiences that have brought us close together. I am so thankful for the true friends in my life!

Happy Birthday Mom!

It has been a few days since my Mother's birthday, but I wanted to offer a tribute to her. She is a wonderful and incredible person, sister, mother, friend. Her laughter and sense of humor light up the room and people flock to where she is. I would say that I get my loudness and fun personality from her. She is amazing in every sense of the word. Her faith is unwavering, unshakable, fearless.

I remember a time on my mission, I had been out about a month and I called home. I was ready to come home. I was frustrated with a sick companion, being locked-up in our apartment and with the work. I know I was not supposed to call home, but I did, just to hear my mother's voice. She re-assured me I would be okay, that I would be able to work miracles and to forget myself and serve others.

Her willingness to serve others astounds me. She is a woman of great pride, and will NEVER turn down an opportunity to help another in need. She is a true leader in every aspect of the word. She has a huge heart. These are just some of the many reasons I LOVE my mother!

Old Photos hidden, friends remembered!

Most of you know, I bought a new house over a year ago. I am still sorting through old boxes and hidden treasures. I came across this picture cd two of my best friends had given me back on 2005 for my birthday. I am so glad I found it. Here are some of the memories I uncovered. I was amazed at how young I look! Trina, Melanie, Michelle and Brian I sure do love you guys. Thanks again for all of the great memories we have had. It is funny, looking at these pictures and I can remember what my life was like then, where I was working, what my social life was like. A picture does really speak a thousand words!

My 3 little angels

Life has been rough, and I mean very rough at times. Lots of crying, worrying, confusion, you name it, just down right tough. It is amazing how just one person can come into your life and change all of that crap and loneliness felt. That one person makes life worth living, brings you happiness, makes the sting of fear depart. I have three of these people in my life, my adorable nephews, Keaton, Andrew and Owen. I am eternally grateful for these little faces, these incredible Spirits I live among. They have gotten me through a lot of ugliness in my life, they make me laugh, they make me want to be better.

I am content just being with them and nobody else. They are judge-free, easy to love and quick to love in return. Perhaps it is the care-free lives they are currently living, or maybe they really are my guardian angels sent just for me. This is what I believe and will continue to feel. They are for me, to help me get back on track. Each of them has such a unique perspective. Keaton leads, Andrew for now follows and Owen is just beginning to find his place among these two giant brothers. To these three, I LOVE YOU. One day you will know just how much you have saved me.

Ava turns 3!

Back on March 13th, Ava turned 3! She is getting so big, and I just love her to death! She wanted "Bolt," the dog as her birthday theme, but perhaps the biggest hit was the cake my sister had made, it was a Hamster! I have never seen so many presents for one kid, she is spoiled, yet so worth it! It was a joy seeing her open presents and play with her friends. We love you Ava and thank you for being a unique part of our family!

Cade & Courtney's Wedding

Saturday was a very busy day for me. At 10:30 am, I went to the Boise Temple and waited for two of my best friends to get married. Followed my their luncheon at Johnny Carinos and the reception that night. After the reception we went downtown to eat at Old Chicago. What a great day, spent with amazing people.