Vacay

Our trip to Jamaica was incredible. I was definitely not ready to go home. This was our third time in Jamaica and I fell even more in love. I love the people, the culture and it's breathtaking beauty. I couldn't help feeling that I shouldn't be there, it was too beautiful, but I guess that's the preservationist in me.

I spent the majority of my time laying on the beach.

I ate all the jerk chicken and pork I could

We watched a wedding.

Island smile 

My sister and I helped out this bride.

Spurs game

Loving my kindle 

Taylor had the chef make the same cake we had at our wedding (ahhh)

We pulled ourselves away from the beach to climb the Dunn's River Falls in Ochos Rios

Taylor is in the white shirt climbing up the falls

I had to put in this picture of Taylor watching the Spurs game at the airport. I am so proud, he is becoming a bigger fan than me!

High School Grad

Today my little brother, Josh, graduates from high school! He is becoming quite the young man. I am so proud of him. He will be attending BYU Idaho in the fall and then going to London, on a study abroad, in the spring. I wish I could be there for his graduation. Congrats Josh!

Flashback: Josh graduating from kindergarten

9 lives

My cat just survived going through the washer. I was on my way out when I started the laundry and came home about an hour later. I heard Moby crying and I found him soaking wet in the washer.  I rushed him to the emergency vet and they checked him out and said he was a little hypothermic but just fine. It really took longer for them to calm me down then to attend to Moby. We are home now, he is curled up on the heating pad and I am listening to his breathing to make sure he didn't inhale any water. We have a front load washer that doesn't fill all the way up with water. Luckily, the washer had stopped itself after about 30 minutes before the spin cycle. The vet said he had never seen a cat go through the washer before, usually it is the dryer and I have never seen Moby in the washer before. I also have to mention that Bella was very upset. She was all puffed up because she knew from Moby's cries there was danger. I feel like an absolute, terrible human being. I do not deserve to be a cat mom. We rescued Moby off the street on Christmas Eve 2008 in San Antonio. I instantly fell in love. So much so that we flew him back to Utah with us and moved because our current apartment did not allow pets. Moby is my baby but right now I feel like he deserves so much better. He definitely lost at least one of his nine lives today.

This is from when was when we first got him

He loves his belly rubbed

The Girls

Anyone that knows both my sister, Sarah and I, will tell you we are complete opposites. We are yin and yang.  Growing up, we never got along and were always butting heads. It wasn't until I was in college that we really started to become friends and now my sister is one of my best friends. Whenever I am struggling or unsure about what to do, I call her and she always has wise advice for me.  Whenever I am having a really bad day, I will call her and she will cheer me up or come rescue me. We still are very different, but I think we have learned to embrace and love it. One thing we do have in common is reading. I recently read a book she gave me called The Girls by Lori Lansens. (all of the books I read are recommended by Sarah) The story is about two sisters who are conjoined twins. Sincerely, it was one of the best books I have ever read. I gave it five stars on goodreads, and I have to say out of the 67 books I have rated, I have only given eight books 5 stars.  Read it, especially if you have a sister. Sarah and I recently started taking pictures of quotes we love while reading and then sending it to each other.  While I was reading The Girls, I sent her the following quote:

"Before she closed her eyes tonight, Rose said she regretted that she has not done something heroic in her life. Well, it's not like she can suddenly climb a tree and save a cat, or go to medical school and begin some important cancer research. But rose has been my sister. I think that's heroic."

Sarah responded with a picture showing that she had highlighted the same quote when she read the book.

Sarah is truly a heroic sister. 

24

This past week I had a really wonderful birthday. All of my friends and family made it very special. Sometimes I forget how many people love and care about me. I am so grateful.

24 years ago

For my birthday dinner we went to one of my favorite restaurants. If you are ever in Dallas, you have to go to rise #1 for some souffles. They are to die for.

A big thank you to this guy for making my bday so great!

My sister is bringing me over to the dark side. I have been very anti-kindle for forever, but Sarah talked me into it. So far I love how convenient it is. A full review to come.

Getting acquainted with my new yoga mat.

Mother's Day

This year's Mother's Day was a blast. My sister and I both went to San Antonio (rarely happens) and my Uncle Guy came to visit too. It was a full house, filled with lots of laughter. Max recently turned 12, so he got ordained at church. We also celebrated my birthday since we were all together. I was actually born on Mother's Day, so it seemed appropriate. My mom reminds me every year that I was the best Mother's Day present she has ever recieved. (ok, maybe some years she had her doubts)

I really am so lucky to have such a wonderful mom. She is always there for me with great wisdom and advice. She is so supportive of me and I don't know what I would do without her. I really hope she knows how much I love and appreciate her. Happy Mother's Day Mom!

Mother's Day Breakfast

I was so happy to have captured this special moment

  

We love Unlce G!

The quickest way to my heart is with some chocolate covered strawberries.