Let's try this again

         So I failed epically trying to start this blog last year. I could blame it on being ridiculously crazy at work.. retail + holiday time = YIKES. But really I prefer writing with a pen on paper, something about the flow of the ink on the page is really calming and I like the tangibility of it all. Anyway we are gonna give this one more shot see if I'll keep up with it.
        Quick recap of the last 9ish months; We are having a baby girl! Shea and I couldnt be happier! She is due September 1st so we have just under a month left. We can't decide on a name we are gonna wait till we see her to make a final decision. We left Idaho (for good we thought) back in february for a job out in Arizona, well that job fell through and Shea and I went through some trials and hardships, as stressful as that was I am especially greatful for that period of time because it helped Shea and I grow as a couple as we leaned on each other and The Lord to help us through that hard time. We learned a lot about each other and ourselves and I am so extremely lucky to have such a hardworking husband who will go above and beyond to make sure our family is taken care of. So long story short we were blessed emensly and Shea got a job that will allow me to stay home with our baby :). Arizona is HOT HOT HOT! Holy hannah! We spent a lot of time at the pool which was fun. Checked out the Phoenix Zoo that was pretty neat and got to go visit Shea's family in SoCal a few times which was really nice to get to spend time with them more than once a year. As the months went on in Arizona we were nearing the end of our lease and needed to find another apartment, nothing we looked at felt right and after much prayer and temple visits we decided that Idaho was where we needed to be. Everything fell into place nicely Shea was able to transfer his job and off we went.

          Being back in Idaho is nice! It's nice to be close to my mom and brothers, although it sucks not only being 5 hours away from Shea's family. I know that for now this is where our family is supposed to be and we will grow, learn, love and laugh as much as we can while we move onto the next chapter of our lives. (shout out to kellietrejophotography.blogspot.com she does beautiful work!)

Day Five, Six,Seven and eight

I'm grateful for my Dad, Step Mom Adrene, brother Noah and sister Angelique! Unfortunately we are separated by a couple states but I love them with my whole heart! Im grateful for my Dad who even though we are far away from each other, still makes an effort to be as envolved as he can be with my life. He is always willing to help out with anything I ask and only wants the best for me. My Dad taught me that love knows no bounds and even if we don't see eye to eye on a lot of things we are still family no matter what! I'm grateful for Adrene, she embraced my brothers and me like her own kids and we can definitely be a handful! Always wanting to take us on our Fabulous disney vacations! Adrene is my shopping, book and movie guru! Adrene also only wants the best for my brother and me and has supported all of my decisions in life even if my dad didn't right off the bat.  I know a lot of people with step parents don't like them and Im so blessed that I snagged an awesome one!! Noah and Angelique... these freakin kids kill me! They are soo funny and witty! I was blessed to be able to live with them for a year and although right now they don't act like it, I know they will be best friends when they are older! They taught me a lot in the short time I lived with them and i continue to learn now. Its crazy that my youngest siblings are getting soo old! Noah is such a wildman with a sweet side he will wrestle one minute and then cuddle the next. He also has very strong political views for a 10 year old. I loved, seeing his face light up when i would pick him up from school and helping him with his homework assignments. Angelique, my sweet sister I love putting make up on her and curling her hair. She is turning into such a beautiful young lady! One of my favorite memories of her is when we were at disneyland and the rope dropped to open the park she evolved into a champion speed walker ( at disneyland after they drop the rope if they see you running they make you go back)  and got first in line! HAHAA she is too much! She has the quickest comebacks and they are always unexpected! I love my family and wish I could be with them more often!

Day Four

I'm thankful for my brother Cameron! He was a surprise addition to the family but Heavenly Father knew that our family wouldn't be complete without him! He has such a big heart and fun spirit! When he was young he did a spot on impersonation of Popeye the sailor man and finished it off with a big "TADAAA" If you're bored you can always count on Camburrito to wanna play a board game with you or go for a walk around the block. Cam tried multiple times to teach me how to 'rip stick' without any luck on my end. ( to this day i still have no idea how these kids ride that stupid thing.) As a sister I couldn't ask for a better brother he is always willing to help you out no matter how big or small the task! He is also the BEST brownie maker ever!! I don't know how he does it but those are the most delicious stinkin brownies I've ever had! Anyway, Cam always knows how to make me laugh whether it's his dancing( josh and he do a very convincing 'single ladies' number) or him making fun of me and Mom its always unexpected which makes it even funnier. The kid is just a BLAST to have around and lucky for my family and me we've got him for forever! Love you brother!!

Day three

I'm grateful for my brother Joshua.(aka "Best Friend") I remember the day well when we actually became friends instead of just brother and sister (aka mortal enemies). Since that day Josh never fails to crack me up! We are constantly laughing! I can always count on him to cheer me up if i've had a rough day! Not only that but long road trips(cross country to be exact) become an epic adventure when he is along for the ride. I'm thankful that we have the kind of relationship where we can talk to each other about anything and even if we don't see or talk to each other in a few days we pick right back up without skipping a beat! I'm also blessed that Josh welcomed Shea into the family so quickly!! its kind of ridiculous how close those two are! I love my brother soo much growing up with him was a blast. He took every texas bullrider like a champ! Obviously we had our good times and our bad times but at the end of the day I always knew I had a best friend for life! I'm thankful that Heavenly Father sent that lil nugget to our family!

Day two

I'm thankful for my Mom!! She is the weirdest, funniest, most caring person I know! She is so strong and such a faithful disciple of Christ and an amazing example to my brothers and me. Always putting her kids first and herself last. I loved going to the park as a youngster and she would play billy goats gruff and always be the scary troll under the bridge. Who knows how long or how many times my mom played that silly game with me but I loved each and every minute of it! Coming home after elementary school knowing I would have to clean my room and finding my mother had already cleaned it for me. Her many, many funny shows! I have the BEST childhood memories!! I am who I am because of my mother, she taught me how to laugh at myself, count my blessings, not care about what other people think, love life and to serve others. I hope I can be the kind of mother  to my kids that she is to me. I couldn't ask for a better mother!! My mom is my best friend and I love her this----------------------------------- much!!!

Day One

I'm thankful for my amazing husband! Being sealed for all time and eternity to him was the best day of my life! Shea keeps a smile on my face 24/7. Whether it is his random sandwich song, fantastic butt-popping, his bear face or a simple "I love you babe"he makes my day each and every day. We are silly and laugh together, and I love that we make such a strong team facing our trials and carrying our burdens together. I'm grateful that Shea is a worthy priesthood holder and our children will have him as a loving, caring father and example. He is my soul mate, best friend, comforter and protector. I love him with my entire being and am sooo excited for the rest of our forever!