I like guns and I like cameras. Now if I had a vacuum too it would be pure happiness
30?!?!
Back in February I turned 30! How did that happen?!? Anyone who knows me knows I like any reason to throw a party, even if it is for my own birthday;) My sweet husband wanted to plan it but I was to much of a PP (party planner, Katie you know that) to allow it. We had a sequins and bow ties party with inspiration from this killer blog, mint love social club. I dream of hosting fab parties like this girl, for reals. My parents are amazing and drove out for my birthday and they brought with them a surprise visitor! It was such a fun night and so far 30 has turned out to be amaze.
When my baby brother surprised me in the desert!
Surprising Rob!
Decor for party
My Dad hanging lights for me
Rob dumpster diving for wood for the fire
Uncle B getting love from Bear boy
My parents got us some solar lights for our pathway up to our house
More Bear love
Food prep
I love these pictures(event he blurry one)because I have such fun memories cooking with my Mom
Living where we do we have access to AWESOME pinatas. They are a must at our parties
Birthday flowers.
Sad I don't have the best pictures but here is some party set-up
This is our woof-em bar. I'll have to post about that because people love them!
I love the lights. Anxious to get some permanent globe lights up in the backyard!
No visit with my parents in complete with DELICIOUS food. This was a seafood pasta my Dad whipped up!
Dealing with trials
I called it in early tonight. Decided 8 PM was an acceptable time to go to bed. As many of you know, we really want to have children and for whatever reason it is not happening just yet. This has been a trial for us and most days we handle it quite well. Tonight though...not one of my better moments;) I was flat out a baby and you know what, I'm ok with that! Struggling with infertility is tricky. I have seen and truly believe that everyone that deals with it handles it differently. It is also something that you really have to experience to "understand" it. We are pretty open about it with people and don't mind talking about it. I think it helps us when we discuss it with people and also gives them a little insight to the struggles of infertility. That word can be so scary! I also enjoy writing and talking about it because I want to be able to help other couples dealing with it as well. Back to my experience tonight. While trying to work on our adoption paperwork tonight I was so overwhelmed. More so tonight than with any of our other attempts to start our family ( iui's, the good ol' fashion way, and ivf cycles). The paperwork for adoption is never ending. At some point between reading, filling out, signing, reading, filling out, signing, and on and on and on, I had to just stop and cry. Why is this so hard? Why can't we get pregnant on our own? Why did we have a miscarriage? Why did we spend so much money for one disappointment after another? Why? Why? Why? Then it came. Why is this so hard? Because it is worth it. There is a plan for us. We will have our children when the time is right. I also realized that this is work and I'm up for it! We have so much to be grateful for and we live such a wonderful life BUT it is ok to be sad sometimes and get a good cry out. Thanks for letting me express my feelings here, I feel better already! If you or someone you know is dealing with infertility please share my information with them and tell them I would love to chat! I find it is a great resource for me to talk with others dealing with that scary word, infertility!
"The way we react to adversity can be a major factor in how happy and successful we can be in life."
Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin
Spokane visit
In February we hopped on plane to surprise our cutest nieces and their awesome parents in Spokane, WA! We had been planning the trip with Brandi, my sister-in-law, who was about a week and a half from having her baby! Brandi assured us she would be up for visitors so we continued with the plans. Rob didn't want his brother, John, to know we were coming so we didn't tell anyone else in the family we were going. It was so so so fun to see the excited looks on the girls' faces! John was excited to so that was fab too. We LOVED every second we got to spend with them and miss them terribly. It is hard being so far from family but it makes those time we are together that much sweeter.
The morning we first saw them! Seriously, how cute are they?!?!
John (Rob's brother) and Brandi, just love them!
I can't tell you how much Rob LOVES these sweeties. He has such a hard time being away from them
Cutest baby belly ever! Sweet Emilia, baby girl #4) is in there!
Miss these babies
The girls LOVE these scooter things, they could have played on them for days!
Seriously?!?!?! Is she a beauty or what?! Love my Kenzers
Rob and his biggest brother!
The girls were sweet enough to let us try...if only there was sound...
Made a stop at the famous "red wagon" as Belle call it. It was wet so Kate wanted to ride on my lap! I must love that girl!
Stopped at the mall and let the girls pick out some jewelry. I wish I could do that with all my nieces all the time:(
Stuffed after yummy pizza!
Spokane LDS Temple
We were so blessed to have sweet baby Emilia come early so we could be part of the special day!!!! We were so glad to share in that experience with John, Brandi, and the girls. I can't put it in words how precious it was. Brandi was a champ, of course! We got to love on sweet Millie all day and I soaked up every second of that sweet girl fresh from heaven!
Waiting for Emilia to join us in this world!!!
How adorable is this picture of the girls running to John when he came to tell us she was here?!
First meeting
My precious little thing!!!
Fresh tears in their eyes as they welcome their brand new love, sweetest ever
Rob is such a good uncle! He helped me with doing Kate and Kenzie's nails!
So long my crazy girls! Until next time...