Happy Birthday Kate!

Tomorrow Katie turns 26!
(That means you are only 4 years from 30!!!)
She is one of the most amazing girls I have ever met,
and lucky enough for me she's my sister
and one of the best friends a girl could ask for.

There is no one in the world like her.
She has been such a great example in so many ways.
No one can make you laugh the way she does.
She has always been my protector,
(just ask Mr. Erickson!)
I have always looked up to her,
hoped that one day I can be just like her.

She is so smart, and can do anything at first try.
She works harder than anyone I have ever met,
and she stands her ground, and doesn't take crap from pretty much anyone.

Kate has so much going for her.
She is one day going to make a lucky guy very happy,
bless the lives of some adorable brown eyed babies.
And realize for herself that she really is as great as we have always known she is.

SDLY Sleeza!
Happy Birthday!

Mommy & Me Time

My mom came to spend the weekend with me. We had a GREAT time. She insisted I take some picture to show everyone where I am living. This is what I call
home.

Can't complain much about my life in LA!

We went shopping, enjoyed listening to street performers at 3rd street promenade, and taking naps on the beach.

Check out this little princess celebrating her 1st birthday celebrity style
cruising down the boardwalk in her remote control convertible!

ADORABLE!

She picked a wonderful weekend to come out 80 degree weather with ocean breeze.
It was BEAUTIFUL!

I loved having her hear,
hated saying goodbye when she left,
and can't wait for her to come back soon!

SDLY Mudda!

Happily Ever After... FOR REAL!

One Year Down...ETERNITY To Go!

There are so many reasons why these 2 are 2 of my favorite people.
It’s not just because they are family.
They are just 2 great people

Who have taught me a lot about what it is to love someone.

They bring out the best in each other.
They want the best for each other.
They know how to laugh together.
They know how to work together.
And they know how to drive each other crazy.

They know what it takes to make a marriage work,
and they are both dedicated in making it work.
He has made her happier than I have ever known her to be.

Brandon loves her perfectly, just the way she deserves to be loved.

I am so grateful that they found each other when they did.
I couldn't have picked anyone more perfect for my sister.
I know that someone up there definitely had a hand in this one.
The 23rd marks their ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY!

And I couldn’t be more excited to see what year #2 has in store for them!

(i'm hoping for a niece or nephew...wink wink!)

SDLY Jules, and you too Brother Husband!

I am OK

Julie wrote this for one of her classes and I had to repost it. I have a brilliant sister, and yes we are OK. Love Ya Sleezas!

I am not a survivor of the selfish
because I pined to be.
I didn't crave the whispers
of the small town mind
as I walked among the dead.

I am not living drained, mindless, and empty
because of the holes left in his head.
I've grown only to be the daughter
of a man who was a prisoner
to his own mind.

I am not a mess, case study, disaster,
unstable, or numb drunk.
I am not anything expected.
I am ok, not because I am amazing or unscathed or unscarred.
I learned to keep my eyes open.
I am ok because
that is all I know how to be.

You're STILL You

March is a complicated month.
It brings a lot of sadness, with a lot of happiness for my family.
This week I am missing my dad. He would have turned 52 on Sunday, and
Thursday marks the 4th year that he has been gone.

On one of my field trips to capital reef.

Although he is not here physically, I know he is with us every day .
I feel him around me all the time.

Not a day goes by that I don't think of him and the MANY great memories we have.
He was a great dad, and I know his 3 girls were the highlight of his life.

One of possibly a BILLION photos of him, like this with a baby in his arms.
(this one is me)

One of my favorite places to fall asleep.


He was often found with "loads" of children.
Whether in the trailer on the 4-wheeler, on tubes behind the truck, or inside the hovercraft,
They were always there.

Him and his favorite "little brown buddy"

Always up for an adventure

He was definately a dork

Definately was...

But we love him

And we will always miss him!

Love you Dad!

My first tag...

10 years ago: I was 12, in 6th grade. Moving into our new home.

5 things to do on my list: laundry, grocery shopping, watch American Idol, write letters, go to gym.

5 snacks I enjoy: any fruit, starburst, the easter reeces pieces eggs, fruit leather, ice.

3 bad habits: nail biting, being indecisive, being too sarcastic sometimes...

Places I've lived: Richfield, Alpine, Highland, Orem, American Fork, LA

What I would do if I suddenly became a Billionare: pay off school loans, buy a house, travel, go on humanitarian trips and do some good for some people, etc.



Jobs I've had: Car-hop (sonic), hostess at Alpine Art Center, intervener for USDB, nanny, makeup artist, administrator



5 things you don't know about me: I don't like chocolate, I only have 26 teeth, I really don't care for Will Ferrel, I miss Richfield, I hate dealing with loans.


I tag Julie, JaLee and Kylene.

Memories

I have had a lot on my mind lately, mostly involving my family.
I hate being away from them. I received a box of stuff from home and
inside was a bunch of pictures of my dad and I came across these photos of me and Grandpa Bill.
I miss that cute, gentle, patient man.
I see all these little old men on the bus everyday, who in many ways resemble him.
He has been on my mind a lot lately.


I am grateful for the grandparents I have been blessed with.
I am grateful for the time I have been able to spend with my grandparents.
Many people do not know their grandparents well, and I am lucky enough to have lived very close to all of mine for most of my life.
I am grateful my parents taught me how to love my grandparents.
I can't wait to see them all again.