I could really get used to all of the R&R, I am getting, while in Hawaii.
But I am REALLY missing this little girl!
I am so happy to know she is in good hands.
Can't wait to see what I am like, as a parent!
Wednesday, November 30
Monday, November 28
Heaven on Earth
Aloha! We just arrived in Maui!
Let me just say this place is a little slice of heaven. We are staying right by the ocean. It was so peaceful sleeping with our door open and listening to the waves, hit the shore.
This was a much needed vacation. I am just not sure I may ever come back.
Sunday, November 27
Thanksgiving
Oh how I look forward to Thanksgiving every year. I love everything about Thanksgiving Day from the football to the food. This year definitely did not disappoint. Our day started out with the boys in our ward playing flag football. GiGi and I went to support our favorite guy. Afterwards we went to our house and made ebelskivers. It was a nice way to kick the day off.
We enjoyed a delicious Thanksgiving feast at Tyson's parents house. Of course, my favorite part was indulging in pie.
After a fantastic meal Tyson and I headed home to set up Christmas. Around 9:40 pm I decided I would venture out and see what this Black Friday hype was all about. I went with Tyson's mom and sister to a few stores until one or so, went home and slept for a few hours, and then Tyson and I headed out on an adventure of our own. We got in line at JOANNS at 5:30 am, in order to get a steal of a deal on a pre-lit Christmas tree. We then spent the next five hours shopping till we dropped. Let's just say we experienced a shopping hangover afterwards. I am not sure I will ever do that again.
All in all Thanksgiving was wonderful. You just can't beat good food, shopping, and football all crammed into one day.
Tuesday, November 22
This Weekend
There are not many things I love more than weekends. The greatest thing about weekends, is having no agenda. Tyson and I get in the car and find ourselves across town. We are either walking through model homes or at Costco. Two of our favorite things to do together... I know we are not hard to please.
The weather was delightful this weekend. On our way to Trader Joe's we spotted this beautiful patch of leaves. I couldn't help but bust out the iPhone and snap a photo of the pup.
Those big brown eyes, get me every time.
We found the perfect park to let GiGi run around wild.
We also stepped onto our lot for the first time.
That is right, we are building a new house.
We can't wait!!!!
I am already counting down the hours until our Thanksgiving weekend!
Hip Hip Hooray for weekends.
Sunday, November 20
Gratitude
All over Facebook this month, I have been reading what everyone is grateful for. Tyson's cousin also gave a fantastic talk on gratitude, today. You know when you hear a talk and it hits home, or it is an answer to your prayers? Well this one did it for me.
Living in Fresno, as you may know, has been a challenge for me. I have shed many tears over the past year and a half in regards to missing EVERYTHING about Utah. I miss the clean air, the mountains, the snow, my favorite restaurants, my friends, and especially my family. The list could go on and on but I am not on here today to write about the things that I miss. I am taking the time to look at what wonderful things I am surrounded by, living here in California. Sometimes I focus so much on the negative and forget to look at how blessed I really am.
About a month ago Tyson and I discussed the option of moving back to Utah. Oh how my heart yearned to be in Utah. I wanted more than anything to back in a familiar place surrounded by those big beautiful mountains. We knew that if we were going to move, this would be the time. We took the opportunity to fast and pray about our decision. After doing so, together we knew, although I wanted to be in Utah, that Fresno was the place to call home.
There have been times in my life where I thought I knew what was best for me, but after much prayer and putting my trust in the Lord, I found that he had and has greater plans for me. I am grateful for an eternal perspective and a loving Father in Heaven who knows exactly what is best for me.
This past year has taught me a lot about myself. At times I realized how much work I really have to becoming more like Christ. Being in Utah it was easy for me to be happy, it was easy for me to be my bubbly self, it was easy to laugh and let everyone know the real me. Living here has not been so. I haven't liked who I was or who I was becoming. I found myself always complaining and wishing for things to be different or for others to reach out to me. I am learning that my happiness should not be contingent on where I live or who's personality is clashing with mine, but upon what I am doing for others and how I becoming closer to the spirit.
I am truly blessed. I have the most incredibly loving husband, who has stood by my side and wiped many tears from my eyes. He has listened to me wine and complain. He always makes me feel like gold. Tyson and I have beautiful little home, that protects us from the cold and heat. We have food for every meal of the day. We both have jobs that provide us with the good things of life. We have family who would do anything for us. We have an amazing ward. We have the opportunity of sharing the Gospel to so many. I have made some great friends, who I admire so much. I get to teach Zumba to the most awesome group of individuals. They come every week without fail. They even come to tell me they aren't coming. I am blessed to have the Fresno temple. Although, we may not have a Nordstrom in Fresno, I am grateful we have an Anthropologie. Most of all I am grateful to have the gospel no matter where I live.
There is a quote that I read often, that has helped me.
"Generally speaking, the most miserable people I know are those who are obsessed with themselves; the happiest people I know are those who lose themselves in the service of others... By and large, I have come to see that if we complain about life, it is because we are thinking only of ourselves."
~Gordon B. Hinckley~
I love this time of year because we can take that extra time and express our gratitude for everything we have. We also get to reflect on Christ's birth and his perfect example. I hope to learn the lessons that the Lord wants me to learn. I am grateful to be here in California. I know it is what he wants and with him and my husband by my side, there is nothing I cannot do.
Living in Fresno, as you may know, has been a challenge for me. I have shed many tears over the past year and a half in regards to missing EVERYTHING about Utah. I miss the clean air, the mountains, the snow, my favorite restaurants, my friends, and especially my family. The list could go on and on but I am not on here today to write about the things that I miss. I am taking the time to look at what wonderful things I am surrounded by, living here in California. Sometimes I focus so much on the negative and forget to look at how blessed I really am.
About a month ago Tyson and I discussed the option of moving back to Utah. Oh how my heart yearned to be in Utah. I wanted more than anything to back in a familiar place surrounded by those big beautiful mountains. We knew that if we were going to move, this would be the time. We took the opportunity to fast and pray about our decision. After doing so, together we knew, although I wanted to be in Utah, that Fresno was the place to call home.
There have been times in my life where I thought I knew what was best for me, but after much prayer and putting my trust in the Lord, I found that he had and has greater plans for me. I am grateful for an eternal perspective and a loving Father in Heaven who knows exactly what is best for me.
This past year has taught me a lot about myself. At times I realized how much work I really have to becoming more like Christ. Being in Utah it was easy for me to be happy, it was easy for me to be my bubbly self, it was easy to laugh and let everyone know the real me. Living here has not been so. I haven't liked who I was or who I was becoming. I found myself always complaining and wishing for things to be different or for others to reach out to me. I am learning that my happiness should not be contingent on where I live or who's personality is clashing with mine, but upon what I am doing for others and how I becoming closer to the spirit.
I am truly blessed. I have the most incredibly loving husband, who has stood by my side and wiped many tears from my eyes. He has listened to me wine and complain. He always makes me feel like gold. Tyson and I have beautiful little home, that protects us from the cold and heat. We have food for every meal of the day. We both have jobs that provide us with the good things of life. We have family who would do anything for us. We have an amazing ward. We have the opportunity of sharing the Gospel to so many. I have made some great friends, who I admire so much. I get to teach Zumba to the most awesome group of individuals. They come every week without fail. They even come to tell me they aren't coming. I am blessed to have the Fresno temple. Although, we may not have a Nordstrom in Fresno, I am grateful we have an Anthropologie. Most of all I am grateful to have the gospel no matter where I live.
There is a quote that I read often, that has helped me.
"Generally speaking, the most miserable people I know are those who are obsessed with themselves; the happiest people I know are those who lose themselves in the service of others... By and large, I have come to see that if we complain about life, it is because we are thinking only of ourselves."
~Gordon B. Hinckley~
I love this time of year because we can take that extra time and express our gratitude for everything we have. We also get to reflect on Christ's birth and his perfect example. I hope to learn the lessons that the Lord wants me to learn. I am grateful to be here in California. I know it is what he wants and with him and my husband by my side, there is nothing I cannot do.
Friday, November 18
My Guy
Seeing as it is the month of November, I wanted to take the time to share my gratitude for my husband.
He is my best friend as well as my better half.
His smile still makes me melt. I am telling you, that dimple is magic.
He always puts others before himself.
He wakes up every morning at 5:40 am to work out with his dad.
I have never heard him say the word no, when asked to help others. He is the first one there and the last one to leave.
Children run to him. His primary children adore him. I can't wait to see him as a dad.
Listening is one of his greatest qualities. I can't count how many times he listens to me ramble and ramble on.
Tyson never speaks negative of others. He always sees the good in them.
He cooks me dinner, does laundry, dishes, vacuum's, washes my car for me, goes to the craft store with me, comes to my Zumba classes even when he is exhausted, takes out the trash, goes to the movies I want, got me my puppy GiGi, he never ceases to surprise me with gifts when I least expect them, and loves me through all of my imperfections.
This guy is a one of a kind.
I love you Tyson Jon Parker!
Farewell
Don't worry I am sitting wrapped up in my blanket on the couch crying as America says goodbye to the one and only Regis Philbin!
Those are going to be some BIG shoes to fill.
Farewell, Adieux, Adios, you will be missed is this home!
Midnight Movie
It has been such a long time since I have been to a midnight movie, perhaps even stayed up past the hour, but Breaking Dawn was an exception. I still can't figure out how I feel about the movie. At times I felt super awkward and other times I enjoyed it.
I have to say the wedding was beautiful and Bella's dress was stunning!
I'm still a fan....
Can't wait for The Hunger Games!
Monday, November 14
It Is About Time
It is my most absolute favorite time of year right now. From October-January I am on a natural high. I love the weather, the smell, the fact that the holidays are just around the corner and being able to flip the switch on my thermostat from the a/c to HEAT.
I look forward to indulging in Williams-Sanoma Rich and Creamy Hot Chocolate
And Williams-Sanoma's heaven sent Handcrafted Mallows! You have GOT to try a cup of this. No other hot chocolate will do justice.
Layering my clothes has been greatly missed. Anthropologie has the best scarves!
I started wearing my boots in September. I just couldn't resist. Now that I live in California the weather doesn't get cooler until the end of November. But I couldn't wait that long. People may have given me a look or two as they were still wearing flip flops and shorts.
My favorite part, the MUSIC!
I think this is the first year I have listened to Christmas music before Dec. 1st. With Justin Bieber's new Christmas rendition, I broke from the mold.
Ahhh!!!! I could be totally fine staying home in my house all day every day. Listening to my new tunes, fire place lit, homemade bread baking in the oven, all while searching Pinterest getting new ideas to decorate the house.
Life is good! It's that time of year when all the magic happens.
What is your favorite thing about this time of year?
Halloween
Ladies and gentlemen drumroll please..........................
WE HAVE INTERNET!
It has only been a measly 360 + days since having it in our house, but who's counting.
Whether you like it or not, you are going to be hearing a lot more from me.
This post is a tad late, but I had to post some Halloween pics. No, not of Tyson and I but of our puppy GiGi. We were lame this year and didn't dress up. This was the first year we had trick-or-treaters. It was fun to hand out candy to all of the little ones. Anyone that stopped by our house hit the jackpot, seeing as we only had ten or so trick-or-treaters and we had two COSTCO bags of candy.
I love Halloween and look forward to it every year. My mom and I share this love. She sent me the picture of my niece and nephew on Halloween. I couldn't help but wish I was there to share in the festivities with them. (Side note my mom is a babe and on the market, if you know of any takers let me know).
Hope you had a HAPPY HALLOWEEN!
