7 Year Bliss and Other things

Mark and I celebrated our 7 year wedding anniversary on Sunday.

Seven really does not feel that long when you've accomplished so much with someone. It may seem cheesy, but I feel I've known Mark my whole life. Hard to remember what life was like before him. We had a good discussion during our anniversary dinner at Fogo de Chao (we love that place), I asked him what he remembers from our first date. We laughed about the double date we were on, the funny stuff that happened there, my off color jokes that I was shocked he found funny and the good-bye fist pump he gave at the end of the night. But he mentioned how comfortable he felt with me. Like he was reunited with an old friend. I felt the same way that night as well! I was shocked with how calm I felt on that date, I could be myself and I felt like he wouldn't think I was a weirdo. And not to mention he was hilarious too. I even liked the weird fist bump he gave me saying goodbye, though he admits he thought he was just making me want him even more, I felt relieved he did not want a hug...I have a bubble as well. I still find it funny that I ended up falling for Mark, considering I told him I'd feel sorry for whomever he married cause he tried to come off as a jerk most of the time. But once I had him, he became the best version of a spouse/partner I could ever imagine.
Many say marriage is hard, I'd have to disagree in our case. Life is hard, Marriage is what helps me get through it. I've been fortunate to have such a supportive, patient, sensitive and loving husband. People think they know him? They have no idea. He's awesome. They call seven year anniversary the seven year itch, but I call it the seven year bliss :)


Other stuff that happened this month:

Lily is writing and spelling like a smarty pants. She is doing so well! Though, I'd have to say her strong point is math. Maybe she's not smarter then most 4 yr olds, but I sure like to think so.

Lily has been busy with friends. We have a playgroup we get together with every week, friends from mommy gym and little gym, but her favorite friend of all? Liam. This is their trip to the aquarium last week, they had so much fun together. Liam is from Little gym. What is funny about their friendship is they initially got in trouble in class for fighting with each other. The following class, they were best friends. Lily even stated she wanted to marry Liam someday. LOL I love seeing my girl make memories with friends. Though she does need to cool it with all the hugging and trying to kiss boys, it's gotten her into trouble a few times with her teachers. Her friend William runs from her when she tries to hug him, and gets really stiff armed when she finally catches him. Poor boys! We are trying to teach her 'hands to ourselves' but this girl has a lot of love to give I guess. oye!

U of A football has started! Mark and I went to the first game against BYU, unfortunately we lost, but we had fun. Lily got to go to a game with Mark, she had a blast. We love football season (it's taken me some time to love it)

My little man is growing so big! He's 58th percentile for weight and 86th for height, so he's a tall boy. He's now 15 months, running everywhere, gets into every drawer in the house, loves to give kisses and cuddles, loves his sister lily, is a pro at hide and go seek and is saying a few words like 'mmmmoore'. He is such a little monster, keeps me busy all day. But boy do I love this boy! He is a mamas boy all the way!

He runs a muck in our primary class, but the kids love it.

looking good in their sunday best



My handsome boy!

This girl had her first ever primary program. I was in the program as well, sitting in front of her class so I could not see her. From what I hear, she was adorable. Her part was to say 'I love that the temple is by my house' she memorized it and said it clearly, I was very proud of her! Love my little lily SOSOSOSOSO much!

Update on physical fitness, I deadlifted 215lbs Monday, coming from 125lbs in April. I'd say I'm making progress :) I'm getting stronger, reaching goals, now working on lowing body fat, but loving that I'm making progress. I took my first Zumba class, it was comical. I think I was the most uncoordinated person there, BUT I'm going to make an effort to go each Tuesday morning. I need to get my Latina groove back.  

SKOL VIKINGS! Mark Turns 30!

Mark turned the big 3-0 on Thursday the 15th. We had a fun day of Breakfast, Golf and a dinner at Fogo de Chao. It was a great day celebrating my love.


BUT...the main event was going to Minnesota on Friday thru Monday for the Vikings Inaugural game at their new stadium against the Green Bay Packers.
We had such an amazing time! This was a big deal. We can say we were their to christen the stadium. We were the first to sit in those seats and cheer on our favorite team. IT WAS A DREAM COME TRUE...for Mark ;) I'm glad I got to be with him to fulfill this dream.
We had talked about how cool it would be there two years ago when it was announced they'd get a new stadium, but we never thought we'd actually be able to go. It felt like trying to go to the superbowl. Marks father wanted to be there, we had hoped he'd live long enough to be there with Tina, but unfortunately his body had other plans, Mark got to be there in his fathers name. I could sense Mark missed his father and hoped he was there in spirit, which I'm sure he was.
It was hard to be away from the kids for so long and in another state, but so worth the memories created and time spent with Mark. He is my best friend, and I cherish every moment I get with him.
We had a blast, and the Vikings WON!

The beginning of the game was awesome, they did the Viking shout at the beginning (hold up your hands, clap at the drum and yell 'SKOL') and then the players come out. The half time show was really cool too, the Minnesota Orchestra and a tribute to Prince. Being at the game was so thrilling when you have all Vikings fans cheering with you.

We got to go on the Sunday Night Football game day bus. It was really cool being able to hold the VP game ball before the player got to keep it. We had a good time playing games around the stadium and winning swag. We thought getting there three hours before the game was excessive, but there was so much to do!

Our adventures in Minnesota. Mall of America and an awesome polish restaurant downtown that starts with a 'K' but I can't remember the name...oops.

Boda de Anadine y Ricardo 9.10.16

My mommy finally decided to marry Ricardo, 9/10/16.
Six years ago, my parents got divorced. It was sad, but something that was necessary for both sanity and happiness. It was a hard decision, as they had been married for 38 yrs. I will not go into any details about their marriage, as that was their marriage, not mine, therefore no ones' business but theirs. All I can say, it was a good thing for both of them.
One year later, my mom met Ricardo thru a mutual friend on Facebook. He is from Iquique Chile, they began to form a friendship, he was a kind person who gave comfort to my mom at a very hard time in her life. Three years ago he came to the USA to visit and stay with my mom, they were great friends, nothing more. He left promising to return if my mom wanted to marry him. Fast-Forward to this year, he did return. My mom struggled over the decision to marry him, not because she was unsure about him, but she still felt she needed to be loyal to my father. Ricardo was supposed to leave September 18th back to Chile, my mom decided she could not imagine him not in her life (sounds familiar to me) and decided she needed to take a leap of Faith to find happiness and love. I could not be more happy for my mom. Ricardo is an awesome man, much like my mom in his willingness to serve others and a deep love for family and God. I know they will be happy together and my mom can finally have a partner who shares her same dreams.
The ceremony was simple and sweet, you could feel the love throughout the ceremony and reception. They danced at the reception, which was so sweet to watch. My brother david gave a beautiful toast, and really said everything us kids would have said about my mom and ricardo being together.  My mom was glowing the entire time. It made my heart so happy! I love her so much. She is honestly the most amazing woman I've ever known, and she deserves all the happiness this life can provide. I'm happy to have Ricardo as my Step Father and pray he will always make her happy.

Family friends of ours did the cake, it was so beautiful

Lily was SO excited to be Amma's flower girl.

They are the cutest little couple! I'm only 5'6, just to give some perspective.