This is the Story Of My Life

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday Dwayne!  Yes, I headed to South Carolina for Dwayne's Birthday in January.  We decided since we reconnected we would always try to celebrate the great things in our lives.  Birthdays being one of them.

I wish I would break out the camera more when I'm in South Carolina.  It's beautiful there.  In all honesty it has become a place to re-access my responsibilities and my priorities.  Sometimes I get overwhelmed with the things I have said yes to and the drama & sadness of the last year, not in a bad way at all...I have a great life...and I am so grateful...yet taking a vacation without the to do lists or the million things that run around in my mind is a treat.  Dwayne and I spend our time talking, listening to music, visiting with his family, playing with his kids, and talking some more.  It's relaxing.  I'm glad I went.  

For whatever reason I find that losing my Dad in the last year has felt like I've lost my way just a little.  I see how my family...brothers & sisters...will have to redefine our friendships and relationships.  Dad was our glue.  He kept us coming together and would often joke that he got sick on purpose just so he could see us all in one room together.  Joking aside, it rings true.  Frankly, that makes me so very sad.  I can't even describe how it hurts to know that the 6 of us live such separate lives that we won't have Dad's declining health to bring us together (don't get me wrong...I know Dad has been released from his ailing body and I know that is a relief to him and to all of us).  Yet, sometimes I can't sleep thinking about how much things have changed.  I have found that I can't always worry about my extended family liking me or wanting to be with me.  It's about love.  Unconditional love.  We will all need to find our way over the next few years.  I just hope that path leads to each other.  Why is this relevant to this post?  Because I think Dwayne reminds me of our lives together when we were kids.  He accepts me for who I am and wants nothing more from me than my company.  It's nice.  Because of all the hullabaloo over having him as a friend...repeat a friend...it won't be as regular of a trip as it has been this year.  It's sad, but I always choose the right...yes, I'm talking to you.  I would never do anything to jeopardize my life or my family.  (The fact that I've even had to say it makes me unhappy).  Unfortunately, this means my renewed friendship won't be as prominent in my life.  Sad again.  Loss is hard for me.  My circle is so small and it keeps getting smaller.  Sigh.  Time heals all things.  I'm counting on that.  It's what I HOPE for.

This South Carolina trip was such a nice get-a-way.  I spent the weekend having some much needed down time and doing pretty much nothing.  Being such a quick and short trip, I didn't head to Georgia to see Kristy.  Not the best planning on my part.  Sorry little sister. It was my mistake and I heart you a bunch in every way.   This trip reminded me that I love the south and all the beauty it has to offer.  I hope to one day take my kids and Vallen there soon!  Maybe this summer:)

Lazy W

Breck and his 4th grade class went on an overnight field trip to Lazy W.  They went to visit The Mission Viejo California Mission; then spent the day building an Adobe hut out of mud, went panning for gold, made homemade tortillas & candles (not at the same time), and learned about plantlife in California.

This was Breck's group.  His Dad took the time off to go with him and they both had a great time!!  If you come home from a trip in need of a good hot shower and an early night's sleep...it's a great time!!

This is the entire 4th Grade class!!   Great group of kids. 

Wedding

Vallen's niece, Krystal, was married in December.  I love weddings.

Vallen's Mom, Myrna with her hubby, Doyle.

Krystal and her Dad, Monte.

Vallen's Family!

Krystal & David.  My favorite part of the day...the dancing.  I love any excuse to dance.  It makes my day!!

Holiday Celebration

Breck's class had a fun Holiday Celebration.  The kids decided on a hot chocolate bar, yummy cinnamon roll twists for a treat, paper snowball fight, decorate your teacher like a snowman, and cards for those serving in the military.  One of the students cousins is serving in the military and came to accept the cards on behalf of his fellow soldiers.  

love this boy!!

family photos

When we were in Utah we took the time to have our family photos taken.  Ciria's Family did too.  Here are some of our favorites:

Our favorite:

Ciria's Family (We took so many and I can't seem to find just the perfect one.  I like them all)

Christmas Eve Dinner

For Christmas Eve Dinner we went to...wait for it...Chilis!  I didn't even make the connection until I started blogging that we tend to go there alot or at least when we do we capture it on film:)

It's also the end of another year, a time we realize we haven't taken very many pictures, so I always take a bunch.  This year was no exception.  We had fun chatting and laughing and eating.  My kids can be quite witty :)

I love my family.

Chili's...Our Place!

Whenever we get together as a family we like to eat!  Eating out is our thing.  When I was thinking back to the number one place we eat at, I think it's Chili's!  The history behind this particular Chili's is kinda cool.  Vallen and I have been eating at the Chili's in Orem, Utah for 18 years.  We moved there after attending Ricks to attend BYU and then UofU.  Vallen worked as a server there to earn the money we needed to pay for college.  Like I said...history!!

At Christmas we went yet again.  The best time to go is when we can fill up half of one side of the restaurant with family!!  It's just more fun that way:)  

Cabelas

A boy store!!  Yep.  Filled with hunting, fishing, camping, boating, shooting gear, and stuffed animals (the shot dead kind).  Breck was in heaven.  He went with Uncle George, Uncle Rick, and his Dad.  They spent three hours there.  When I asked Breck what he wanted to do most with all the fun things he had seen he said..."Go fishing with a gun."  Hmmm.  Not sure that's an actual sport or hobby?  Sounds interesting.

 

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Breck tried staring down this fish for over 5 minutes.  It seriously looked like they were having a staring contest.  It must be when he got the idea he wanted to shoot fish for sport:)

Salt Lake City Temple

Since we would be in Utah for Christmas we had to make a trip to the Salt Lake Temple to see the lights.  It didn't disappoint.  Beautiful.  Sometimes I can't believe we were married there.  It's such a breathtaking view.  To know that Families Can Be Together Forever is such a hopeful covenant.

 

Uncle Rick's Birthday

On December 27th it was Rick Mayo's birthday.  We had a party at the cabin for family and friends!  It was filled with laughter, yummy Cafe Rio food, nerf gun wars, picture taking, more laughter, smiles, and so much more.  This is a great guy with the biggest heart.  He is such a sweetheart with more friends than I can count.  He is a wonderful Dad and family man.  We heart you Rick.  Happy Birthday!

Russ & Becky Johnson.  Friends from High School.

Todd Simmons...very kissable friend from High School.

George, Vallen, and Raymond.  All great friends from High School.  This group of friends from Pleasant Grove High School class of 1987 are amazing people.  Their friendship has spanned two decades and when they get together it's as if they saw each other yesterday.  Such a blessing to know such fabulous people.  We love them dearly and appreciate their friendship.

George's girls...Kori & Cassie with Rick's Kids...Kaylie, RJ, and Amanda.  Our kids call them their cousins.  They are very adventurous group who like to laugh.

Vallen's family...Sheldon & his kids and Grandma Myrna.

Grandma Diana with Uncle Andrew & his girlfriend Kelli.  

This was one of my favorite days of our trip.  A house filled with people!  I was in heaven.  I loved having people in every corner, talking and laughing.  It was a gift to me.  I enjoyed washing each and every dish at the end of the night while people gathered around the island talking and remaining.  It was nirvana for me!!  

At the time we had announced that we were moving to Utah.  After much prayer we had decided to move near family.  Without a job, without a home we were going to move just so we could have more moments like this one on that night.  We spent our last Saturday looking at homes and actually found the one we wanted.  It was a very exciting and nervous time.  A new chapter!!  Stay tuned for the rest of the story:)