10 years Together

We celebrated our 10 yr wedding anniversary September 25th, 2019. It is strange to think of how much time that actually is, and how fast/short it has felt.
In these 10 yrs, we have graduated colleges, started careers and ended careers, lost family to death/illness, had two pregnancy losses and two beautiful amazing children. We've traveled together, purchase home and cars, and have had medical surgeries.We've grown a lot together these 10yrs, changed for the better and encouraged a better version of ourselves every step of the way.
When I think back on our 10 yrs together, I am unapologetic in boasting about our marriage. I love Mark so much. I am truly fortunate to have found and chosen a life with not only a person I'm very attracted to, but to someone who is truly my best friend. I don't just love him, I really like him! When something good happens? I think to tell Mark. When something bad happens? I think to tell Mark. When something hilarious happens? I need to tell him right away! I did not grow up with an example of a strong marriage, so I was always pessimistic about how married life would be. However, we talk for hours and not run out of things to say to each other. That is not to say that the last 10 yrs have been perfect, cause we are not perfect people. But dang, he makes marriage feel easy.
We celebrated our anniversary by going out to dinner with our little family, just an ordinary day, but we had a good time.
Then last week he and I were able to go to L.A. for five days. We went to Universal Studios, Venice Beach and discovered a few food spots. We had a great time hanging out and going on rides. I love traveling and going away with Mark.


Here's hoping the next 10 yrs  will be even more amazing!

So, I don't geek out about a lot of things, but I definitely geek out over Harry Potter. No joke, I cried a little when I walked into Hogwarts. And butterbeer is the most amazing drink ever!

One on the top five things I've ever eaten? That burger right under Mark. Holy cow, the Patron Burger at La Tostadaria at Grand Central market was life!

Creepin' at Venice beach

Amazing Cerviche!

So we ate like piggies at Grand Central Market. One of the things I love about Mark, his sense of adventure with food and well, he likes to eat yummy food as much as I do.

I may or may not have cried when I realized how much Jacob would've love Universal Studios...moms can't do theme parks without their kids...it ruins the fun.

Voodoo donuts was at Universal Studios! Mark got to take a taste of Portland.

August to September 2019

Since the kids have gone back to school, we've had a few minor events. Most of our days are just gym, school, homework, activities, repeat. But it's been good.


Jacob started preschool, he loves it. Three days a week for a few hours, gives us all a nice break. He is learning lots and his teachers are really sweet.

We went to Prescott to visit my dad for his birthday. Lunch, Ice cream, and a walk around the town. It was good to finally visit Grandpa in his own territory.



I got a chance to go to L.A. with my mom and sister (plus Beckha), we spent most of our time at the beaches and we had a great time kid free.

I also got to go to SLC for a weekend to see my niece Sarah off on her mission to Argentina. It was great to spend time with extended family members.

Other random happenings, the kids are always entertaining. Jacob is obsessed with all things Halloween. He loves skeletons and wants me to tell him scary stories everyday...partly my fault since I like that stuff too. But when he is drawing pictures of the Grimm Reaper in school, there may be an issue. lol.

Lily is still doing crossfit kids and Piano. She is doing an excellent job on her art work and makes some pretty impressive sketches for a 7yr old kid. She is doing a great job in school and is still getting all A's and B's. She is a very bright kid, and we are so proud of her. 

A chalk drawing of lilys at the gym...I thought it was pretty cool.

I was unbuckling Jacob when he said 'mom, do I look like a skeleton?' Nailed it.

'Mommy, take a picture with me and my tracks'.

My friends and I chit chattin' I love the support system I have there. These are some strong women, inside and out.

CFST Kids getting strong

Lily's sweet friend Kendall was baptized. I think this is the cutest picture of these sweet girls.



Lily's new rap duo

this is what happens when you try to catch yourself falling on a rope climb...ouch!



This was actually taken on Friday the 13th. Which I had no idea it was the 13th till after the photo was taken. Jacob calls him 'the chainsaw man'. I have absolutely no idea where he found out about Jason...kind of freaks me out. I found him like this watching a show, and yes, that's a butter knife in his hand. Since then, we've had a talk about not playing with the butter knives. I'm afraid. lol.

Jacob eating breakfast with his friend Mr. Bones. He's been dying for me to take it out of the box. Weirdo.

Jacob is swimming now! Thanks to Grammy and her skills, my boy can dive into the pool now with his big sis and daddy.

Working on technique...need lots of work ;0

Super Choney man

Mark and I got to attend the U of A game for his birthday weekend.

Jacob loves Andy. Sweet old dog.

Daddy Celebrated his 33rd birthday! We sure do love him!

My bliss

Date night, not always captured.

Lily got some awesome grades this year and did great on her state tests, so she was able to pick lunch...she's a fan of Orange Chicken like her cousin Ben.

Mark got to go on a golf trip with his Uncle Kevin, so the kids and I had a Harry Potter Marathon. This was the first time lily has watched the movies and she loved it! We made dirt cakes, cause ya know, treats are important for the movie experience.