Gone Fish'n

Tyson found out my little brother Tate was coming to California, for a large mouth bass fishing tournament.  Being the sweetheart he is, he booked us a hotel room and before I knew it we were on our way.  Since moving away from home, I really cherish every second I get to spend with my family.  

Tate is not any ordinary fisherman, he is legit, so when I found out he joined the UVU Bass Fishing Team, I was not surprised. 

I will never forget all those years growing up hearing Tate sing and talk about fishing.  He would get on his bike and ride all the way to Deer Creek to fish.  His idea of watching a good movie was watching a fishing show.

We went and got ice cream and then hung out in his hotel room while he and his teammates got their poles ready for the tournament.  Tyson and I had no idea what they were talking about when it came to their lures and rods.  Apparently fishing is like golf, you don't use the same pole the entire day. 

The next morning we woke up at 5:30 AM to watch the send off.  We were all disappointed once we got their because Tate wasn't able to compete.  I guess he was on the waiting list to compete and all of the other teams ended up showing up. It was a major bummer.

I was happy we were able to spend some extra time with him since he wasn't competing for the day.  We ended up going to breakfast with his coach and teammate.  We went to this fantastic breakfast spot.  They had the most delicious sweet cream pancakes I have ever had.  The servings were enormous.  

Tate's teammate bet him $5 to eat his entire plate, without any hesitation he devoured the plate.  The picture below is my half portion.  You can only imagine how much food he ate. 

 After breakfast we headed back home.  It was a short trip but well worth every minute.  I love my brother to pieces and am so grateful I have a thoughtful husband who orchestrated this weekend getaway.  

Poor Tyson was spent. As soon as we got home he crashed.  

Brothers

I tend to miss my family a lot, even more so on Sundays.  I started thinking just how lucky I was to be blessed with three amazing brothers.  I loved growing up with my crazy brothers.  They are three of the most talented, hard working, and handsome boys I know.

Nick

Growing up, I don't think my brother liked me much.  We are less than two years apart and went to the same schools at the same time.  I was always sad when that one year would come and we would be separated while he got to go to Junior High and then to High School, while I was left behind.  Nick always picked on me, but that's what big brothers are for.  I always thought I would get married before him or at least have kids before him.  To my surprise he was married years before me and has two beautiful kids with another on the way.  Nick has turned into an amazing man.  He is a wonderful husband and father.  His kids adore him.  I love watching the special bond he has with each child.  He shares with them all of his hobbies.  He takes them fishing, hunting, camping, and to rodeos.  I don't know if there is anything my brother is afraid of, whether it comes to riding a bull, or jumping off some crazy cliff.  He defiantly has a sweet side that he likes to disguise.  He has a love just like my dad did for motorcycles.  Nick would give his shirt off his back to anyone.  He picked up the art of taxidermy on his own.  His work is fantastic.  I truly love Nick and am grateful he is my big brother.  I know that he would do anything for me.

Tate

This kid is hilarious.  I don't know anyone who could make me laugh harder or bring tears to my eyes in an instance other than Tate.  I look forward to listening to the messages he leaves on my phone.  I save them all.  He has a million and one personalities that he can imitate.  He dances goofier than anyone I have ever seen.  I love that he calls to check on me.  He is smarter than he knows and never gives himself enough credit.  He is always the one to call when I have done something dumb to my car.  He can fix anything.  He is one mighty fine handyman.  Tate can sew.  Yes, this is true.  He has his own sweater company.  I see so much of my dad in him.  They laugh the same, talk the same, and even sneeze the same.  I admire the way he is such a hard worker.  Tate and I share the same love for Sizzler.  I love seeing the man he is turning into.  I love the times he has asked me for advice.  Tate and I can talk for hours and hours.  He is going places in life.  Some girl is going to be very lucky one day.  

Josh

My baby brother has a special place in my heart.  Josh has been my little buddy since he was born.  I would pretend that he was mine.  I didn't even mind changing his diaper.  He has hands just like my dad.  He lets me hold his hands anytime I miss my dad.  He has the sweetest personality and spirit.  He has already finished the Book of Mormon, which is huge in my eyes.  He has great hair.  This one has no fear either.  I remember watching him do a back flip on his bike.  I about passed out.  Josh rubs my feet whenever I ask him too.  This is truly the way to my heart.  Josh is the sweet one of the family.  I love how he takes care of my mom.  I still can't believe he is taller than me and is going to be a Senior next year.  I want him to stop growing.  He is always out with his friends building ramps for their bikes or snowboards.  I love watching him play football.  He is one determined boy.  I cannot wait to watch him play football this year.  He is going to grow into one fine young man.

I absolutely adore my brothers.  Each one of them are so different, but that is what makes it great.  They were all so protective of me when it came to dating.  I am so happy they love my husband and all get along with him so well.  

Leave it to them to brake though the barriers at Soldier Hollow every year.  We are lucky they let us come back.  What can I say, they are the Brown brothers.  

Another Week

Nothing especially big or important happened this week, yet I enjoyed it thoroughly.  I have finally started working out again, which could explain the extra energy.  It has felt so good to get back into a groove.  I have loved going to my spin class and teaching my Zumba class.  I even found myself on the treadmill this week.  Tyson and I have been living with his parents, which means delicious home cooked meals for us.  On nights when his parents aren't home we eat out, which is no problem for me.  This week included Pane Pronto, Yardhouse, Yosemite Ranch, Fullobull, and good old Taco Bell.  

It rained this week.  It rarely rains in Clovis.  I love when it rains because it clears out all the smog and leaves behind beautiful skies filled with fluffy clouds.  

Tyson brought me home four boxes of Girl Scout cookies.  I already devoured the entire box of Samoa's... can I still call them that?  I seriously look forward to this day all year long.

I took a trip to Trader Joe's to stock up on some of my favorite treats.  I am literally obsessed with everything this store has to offer.  This is one thing that California may have on Utah.  

I brushed and brushed our little girl.  She is one shaggy dog.  I made her a hair appointment finally.  

Our house is making tremendous progress.  It's crazy how quickly our house is coming together.  The cabinets, paint, tile, and carpet are going in this week.  We may or may not drive by our house every day.  We love it and cannot wait to move in.

While we did not end up going to LA this weekend, we enjoyed getting the little things done.  I finally cleaned out my car, straightened up my room and helped family paint their house. 

 I am looking forward to a new week and cannot wait to see the Hunger Games.  I will be at the midnight movie!  

Weekend Recap

I had been looking forward to this weekend all week long.  There was great anticipation for me to get my extensions.  This is something I have never experienced before.  After completely chopping my hair off six months ago, I was left with a horrible head of re-growth.  In not knowing what to do my sister-in-law Cara and I decided it was time to try extensions.  She ordered the hair and before we knew it, they had arrived.  After three hours or so, I have my old hair back.

BEFORE

DURING

(this is an example of why I will never grow my hair out)

PLUTO EARS  

BEFORE THE BLENDING

TA-DA

THE FINAL PRODUCT

I couldn't be happier the way they turned out.  Hats off to Cara.  She is a pro!

Tyson and I kicked of our weekend at our Ward Auction.  We were still hungry afterwards so we hit up Salsa's for some tacos.  

(I am loving Target's cardigans.  I may have bought one or two the other day)

Saturday morning we woke up bright and early to enjoy a day at the beach.  We drove with our friends Brooke and Shaun to Pismo, where they introduced us to the best cinnamon rolls.  They may have topped the Fresno Fair cinnamon rolls.  

We enjoyed walking around all the surf shops.  

We ate a delicious lunch at Firehouse.

I fell in love with this baby Pitbull.

It felt great to be outside for once. 

Tyson and I decided to do more of these little weekend getaways.  LA is next weekend!  I can hardly wait.

Change

This past month has been quite the whirlwind for us.  It has been a month of craziness mixed with change.  I have always seemed to be able to handle change/hard things with an eternal perspective, however this month I found myself on my knees a lot as my heart has been filled with questions and sometimes doubt.

Tyson and I were so excited to almost be announcing my pregnancy.  I would be around fourteen weeks today.  This all came to a halt a few weeks back when I went in for an ultrasound and we could no longer see the baby or hear the heartbeat.  My heart sunk as it was confirmed what I had been feeling all along, that something was just not right.  

My doctor told me that I would probably miscarry in two to three days, but if I did not that I would have to have a D and C.  That week was a very low week for me.  I kept praying that it would happen on its own, so that I wouldn't have to have surgery.  I did end up having to go in for a D and C, which was nerve wrecking and hard for me.  

I knew I had to change my attitude on the situation.  I knew that if I allowed myself, I would become angry or upset.  I had to remember that everything in my life has always worked out.  I had to remember all of the tender mercies that have been granted to me along the way, of missing my dad and the daily blessings that I receive.  I had to trust that this was in the Lord's hands and that when the timing is right, Tyson and I will be blessed with a baby.  

I came across a couples of scriptures that helped heal my heart in 2 Corinthians 12:9-10.

And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.  Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecution, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

I know God has a plan for me and that if I put my faith and trust in him all things will work together for my good.  I was reminded of the truthfulness of these things as Tyson and I said goodbye to our first house together.  Yes, I did shed a couple of tears.  What a blessing it was to be able to have that home.  Inside those walls rest great memories.  

We are all moved into Tyson's parents house now.  We returned back to were it all started.  This time with so much more stuff.  I really don't understand where it all came from.  We have some of our things in storage, some out in Tyson's dad's garage and some in our room.  I did however, enjoy dejunking.  One of my favorite things to do.

Our house has made a lot of progress in the past few days.  It has been fun to watch the change that is made overnight.  

It feels good to have all the packing and unpacking done for now.  I am back to teaching Zumba and back to my everyday cravings of sweets.  Tyson and I enjoyed the weekend by going to the Fresno Home Show.  This is one things I look forward to every year.  The cinnamon rolls are to die for.  

I always loved watching the dogs jump of the ramp into a huge pool.  Don't worry that I convinced Tyson to sign Gigi up for next year.  

I am looking forward to the new things to come, ready for whatever comes our way.  I know that no matter what change is a part of life, without it we wouldn't have the opportunity to grow and to become more like Christ.