It's All About Timing

November 1st was my last day working for BackFit. I love that field, but it was a very stressful job and with possible plans of moving, I put my two weeks in and I am now the Nanny for my nephew Garrison! You better believe I am loving every minute of it too! 

I wanted to take some time to get away and relax for a while after quitting, so Saturday November 2nd I took another road trip to Utah. Sunday I went on my first cattle drive with my brother-in-law Dallas, his kids, and some of his friends and family… SO MUCH FUN! I would love to go with them every year. I loved watching my nephews and my niece handle their horses. So cute! They definitely know what they are doing!

 I got to play mom and helped Emilee run kids to and from school, dance practice and so on. I loved every minute of it. It still can't believe how old they are. I was Westyn's age when Dallas and Emilee got married!!! Blows my mind…

THEN! Charlie met me at Em's house that Wednesday! Treyson and Westyn were especially excited (mind you they had never met Charlie before) because Charlie brought his paintball gun with him so we could all go out and play! We ended up not having time that night because Charlie and I took MaKyndie to her dance practice (she's adorable!!!) and then went to dinner, and oh Treyson was not happy! He had to wait a couple more days, because the next day Emilee, Charlie and I went to St. George to meet up with the rest of my family. Time Out For Women was in town! I didn't go this year so I could spend time with Charlie, but would love to go again! 

We took a stroll around "our" temple… Love it!

Sunday, we packed up and went back to Emilee's house. Charlie got to meet Dallas that night. I don't think he has anyone else to meet… Dallas wanted to hear Charlie play they guitar, so they both got the guitars out and jammed for a bit. That was pretty fun to see. Dallas offered to take us out to ride horses the next day, so naturally I couldn't turn it down. Looooove it! I'm totally turning Charlie into a country bumpkin :D 

Then, we couldn't keep Treyson and Westyn waiting anymore… Charlie got his paintball gun ready and the boys got out their pellet guns! Ready for fun!

Charlie and Austyn had a little war…

We had some targets for us all to shoot at… Charlie and the kids took turns with the mask and became "moving targets" for the paintball gun. They all loved it and we had a blast! 

Tuesday we went separate ways once again. I'm so grateful for all the trips and time Charlie and I have had to spend time together. Maybe someday we won't be so far away anymore! January, if all goes well, I am thinking about making my move to Utah :) Big exciting changes ahead! 

MaKyndie's Baptism

Gosh I can't believe how time flies. My little niece MaKyndie isn't so little anymore. She turned 8 years old October 14th and was baptized October 26th. I'm so happy for her!

 Kyndie is my little mini-me. She is my shadow when we are together and always wants to hang out with me. I love it! We are best buds :) She is the sweetest little girl. I love her to pieces! 

She looked so beautiful in her white dress. I'm so glad I got to be there with her on her special day. I hope she always remembers the promises she made to our Heavenly Father and keeps the gospel close to her throughout her life. 

My testimony was strengthened a little more watching her being baptized. I'm so grateful for the sacrifices that were made for each of us, so we can repent and be forgiven and make our way back to our Savior! 

Arizona trip #2

Charlie liked Arizona so much, he decided to come back again, and stayed for about a week! He flew in Tuesday evening (October 8th) and we hit Cheesecake Factory for dinner. We are making that a tradition because we both love their food and cheesecake so much!  

The next day I had to work in the morning, so Charlie did homework while I was gone. Then, we loaded up as soon as I got home a headed out for SJ :) He got to see my little hometown for the first time! Not much to see, but it's home. 

That Thursday we met Brandis and Jake in Round Valley for dinner at Trailriders and then went up to their cabin by Alpine. I am definitely a country girl. The mountains are so pretty and so peaceful! 

We played games, drove up on the mountain, and had some junk food that night. We had a good time. And got some fun photos!

Just a couple of the many… 

Then we went back to SJ and stayed a couple of days with my parents. We got out the s'more stuff and roasted some mallows and some starbursts in the fire place! That was a lot of fun!

Then back to the big city… 

We got back Saturday afternoon in time to unload, relax for a second, freshen up and then left for Glendale to meet up with one of Charlie's good friend that he grew up with and his wife for dinner. It was fun to meet them! We had a fun double date and some awesome food!

I couldn't let Charlie leave Arizona without experiencing the Arizona State Fair! 

I was too chicken to go on any of the crazy rides, so he had to go on one himself :) No thanks!

Then he flew out that Sunday night. We had an awesome time together. Lots going on and we definitely stayed busy… More to come! 

ARIZONA!

Charlie has never been to Arizona before, and I was so excited to show him around for the first time. This trip was a short one because of my lovely work schedule... 

He flew in Friday night (Sept 20th) and we grabbed some pizza and hit the pool. He loves how hot it is here ;) Saturday we got up and spent more time at the pool and then spent some time at the Chandler mall! 

Then I took him to the Mesa temple and showed him around :) 

That night I got to show him how we "country bumpkins" have fun! I took him to ET motor park to see the sand drags and mud bogging with Brandis, Jake, Shaunae and Joe We had a blast! 

After all the hillbilly fun, Brandis, Jake, Charlie and I went to Jump Street and played around for a while. We even got us some mustaches :) Jake's was the best haha! We went to QT afterward and Charlie fell in LOVE! Next time he comes to Arizona, we must make a run to QT!

Sunday we went to church together for the first time :) 

I love seeing my man all dressed up for church! We got to spend a little time together after church and then he had to fly back to Utah... I think it gets harder every time we have to part ways :( He will be back again in October and I cannot wait! He gets to spend almost a whole week with me! We may go to St. Johns so I can show him around my hometown. We will see! I can't even express how big of a blessing he has been! He is the love of my life!  I love you Charlie!

To be continued...

Like A Movie Scene

On August 27th, I took my first flight in a jet! Say what?! I lived next to an airport my whole life and only flew in small airplanes, so this was a nerve racking, and exciting moment for me! I was on my way to Salt Lake to see Charlie. As soon as he picked me up from the airport, we headed straight to the Salt Lake Temple. I've been waiting for forever to see it in person and couldn't pass up the opportunity. Ready for a picture overload?

 I love this temple for so much! It just looks like a castle. It's amazing. However, it was a lot smaller in person than it looks in person... I was kind of shocked. But, it's still incredible. And I got to see it for the first time with this guy... 

Charlie and I walked around the temple grounds for a little while and then sat on the grass in front of the temple. We had a very special moment there, exchanging the first "I love you's." He's my one and only. I love him with my whole heart. When you know, you just know. It started to sprinkle a little, so we made a pit stop in the visitors center. As we were getting ready to walk out, we noticed it was POURING! So we waited for a couple of minutes and decided to just book it to the car. Suddenly, I feel him pulling on me to stop and as he grabbed my face, he asked me to be his girlfriend... then proceeded to kiss me in the rain... Just like the movies! :D My heart could not have been happier in that moment as we got drenched in the pouring rain. It could not have been any more perfect. I love my Mr. Romantic!

Then, because we are both cheesecake lovers, we went to dinner at Cheesecake Factory! Heavenly! Enough said.

Wednesday he took me to the gym and worked me over pretty good. He's an awesome personal trainer... I think I'll keep him around :) That night we played Ultimate Frisbee with a few of his friends. It was a blast! 

Thursday, we woke up pretty early, so we decided to go to breakfast at IHop. Love me some stuffed french toast :) Then after he got back from school we loaded up and left for La Verkin to meet up with my family. 

First road trip together!

Friday, the rest of my family showed up and got to meet Charlie. They all love him :) We got to go to Peach Days in Hurricane and ate some dang good food, complete with a funnel cake! The kids got to play and we walked around and looked at the booths. 

We had a nice little family reunion for Garrison's first birthday. Spoiled kid, I tell ya. I got the pleasure of making his own cake to dig into and he got TONS of presents. Lucky little guy. I can't believe he is already 1!!! Where has the time gone?! I'm so grateful I've been able to live close to him and see him grow! I love you little man!

We had a lake day with Jen and Tyler. Charlie was dying to do some wake boarding... So I made his dream come true!

And some tubing...

We all had a blast, but it was pretty short, because the weather started to get pretty nasty. None of us wanted to get struck by lightening, so we packed up and got out of there.

It was nice to be able to go out and enjoy time with him and my family. I'm so grateful he came into my life. Looking back on how it all unfolded just makes me even more grateful for the understanding I have of the gospel. He truly is the answer to my prayers. Now, it's all a matter of time until I can move to Utah!

To be continued...

Sometimes, the biggest blessings lie in unanswered prayers...

I'm sure everyone knows by now that Dustin and I are no longer an item. It ended unexpectedly, but it was all for the best. I think it was coming no matter what. (So I guess it was kind of expected?) Anyway, I'm grateful for all the things I learned in the four years we were together. I'm also so grateful that Heavenly Father places people in our lives to help us see the bigger and better plan he has in store for us. I've never felt more at peace with my life, as I do right now. I've set my goals, and have even been thinking about a change in scenery. Yep, that means moving myself back to Utah, where I've always felt at home. I have some big decisions up ahead, but I'm so glad to know I have someone up above leading me to something bigger and better than what I had planned for myself. 

It doesn't help that I have someone very special around now... :) Meet Charlie...  

After having a four year relationship end, I swore I wouldn't date for a loooong time. But this guy just came around and swept me off my feet. And I couldn't stop it. I really only have the best possible things to say about him and could go on for pages, but I'll just say he's amazing in every way possible!

Charlie is from California and was heading back to Utah for school, but stopped to visit his dad in Las Vegas for a couple of days... Long story short, he invited me to join him for the weekend :) So I packed up and headed to Vegas on August 9th.

 I got there late Thursday night, so we talked and watched some TV and then went to bed.

 Friday afternoon, Charlie's dad took us out to the best lunch I've ever had at this Brazilian restaurant... And I cannot remember the name of it! But it was fantastic! After that we went to explore the strip. We watched the water show (which I've always wanted to watch, but have only seen in passing) and then went to some of the shops they have around there. It was a good day!

And I got a picture with Bumblebee :)

Saturday morning, his dad made us some pretty freakin' amazing french toast! Then we had a fun time shopping together at a couple of the malls! And he serenaded me with some guitars in Guitar Center. He's so good at it :) Melt my heart <3

That night we had a date night at Outback Steakhouse, and saw "Despicable Me 2." Sooo good! Sunday, we drove down to Fremont and walked around... There's not much going on there on a Sunday during the day... So we made it a modeling moment ;)

Then we had to part ways. Back to Arizona for me and on to Utah for him :( We are planning to meet in St. George while I am up there for Garrison's 1st birthday party/family reunion. CANNOT WAIT! Stay tuned... More to come! 

My Parents

 

Well, first off, we got to celebrate two special days in one. Father's Day and my mom's birthday! And I have to apologize to them both... Your cards are still sitting on my kitchen counter! Bad daughter award goes to me... Anyway, this just gives me an excuse to brag about my parents. I really have the best parents in the entire world. They have always been my greatest examples. Their relationship and love for each other is undeniable. They never fought in front of us growing up, and always comforted each other when something was wrong. From my dad battling cancer, to my mom being sick or having a bad day at work, they are always there for each other through thick and thin.

 

 

I remember coming home from school to a sparkling clean house on many occasions. My dad would go home when it was slow at the airport and would scrub the entire house. My bed would be made, laundry done, dishes done... The ENTIRE house sparkled. What an amazing guy right? Yeah, that's my dad! We started a tradition when the fair came to town. We would hop in the car and go down to the fair grounds to see what rides they brought. Then, sometimes we'd just cruise the town listening to "Mr. Lonely." Or when a lightning storm would roll in, we'd sit on the porch and watch it together. Lightning storms make me so home sick to this day!! I'm so grateful for such a wonderful dad. He's been there when I needed to vent and always knows how to make me laugh when I'm upset. He's so kind and giving to anyone around, and always has the best attitude!!

My mom has always been one of my best friends. In high school my anxiety got really bad. She changed everything for me. She found new recipes, researched, asked around, and did anything else possible that she could think of that would help me. And she got the brunt of my anger a lot of the time, which breaks my heart, but I hope she knows I will never forget the sacrifices she made for me. She's always there when I need to talk and gives the best advice. She is so creative and talented in so many ways! She is caring and nurturing and would do just about anything for anyone. Her love for the gospel has always been so strong and has always led me right back to where I know I need to be. She is one of my hero's.

I don't know what I'd do without them and really cannot express enough how deeply grateful I am for them! I wish I could have celebrated their special day with them. I love them both with my entire heart! Thank you for everything you do and sacrifice for me! Happy Father's/Birth-Day! :)