It's called, a birthday week.

My birthday was Monday, October 14th, and it was the greatest yet. Really, nothing can try to top it. Tan has early class, and I slept in 20 minutes, which felt nice. I had to grab gas on my way to work, so naturally I went inside when I saw the Krispy Kreme sign, and when I saw the pumpkin spice... I just couldn't resist. 

When I got to work, my desk was decorated, I had a few yummy treats, and Google even personalized my page! I seriously was so confused and thought it was so cool. And thought it was EVEN cooler when I askd my co-worker what his was like, and it was normal. Literally, I didn't put two and two together..I thought it was Google's birthday or something. Hopefully 21 doesn't mean I get dumber.. geez.

When I got home, Tanner had some wrapped presents for me! I was going to save one for after dinner, but he was so excited he made me open it! And guess what it was? The most beautiful Kate Spade watch ever. I didn't even realize I told him a couple months ago I liked it..he's so sneaky!

We then went to Carrabba's with the fam, and Brim and Scott, and it was as delicious as ever!

Three cheers to this guy for making it the best day ever, and constantly calling me "his birthday girl".

Honestly it was so cold.

Madeline and Andrew came over after with cake and a cute "favorite things" present. I think that will start to be our tradition because when I did it for her, it was so fun.

And that cake? To DIE for. Literally! Chocolate Chip yummy bundt cake, with dulce de leche sauce and strawberries. This week has obviously been a fattening one!

I then was presented with yet ANOTHER surprise, but it has to be a secret for just a little bit longer.. and then it will be revealed. Don't you worry. 

It was totally the best day ever, and I have a feeling 21 is going to be a great year! It's SO much older than stupid, twenty. 

A Trip Home

This last week I learned to never wear your glasses when it's raining..

I also learned some valuable things in this "511 Things Only Women Understand" book found at my boss' house. These are just a few of my favorite...Especially the first one!

We were able to take a trip home to Mesa, thanks to my parents! Mia was getting baptized, and they had it in AZ so majority of the family would be there. And, I wasn't gonna miss it!

First stop of the Trip: Nielsen's by my request. It was my birthday weekend! :)

Saturday morning at 10, sweet Mia was baptized. We love that beautiful girl! Hopefully this isn't sacrilegious...it was too precious to resist.

After the baptism everyone came over for Subs and yummy desserts! Then, we hit the lake on Brooke and Rob's new boat! Luckily we were able to sneak into Canyons, stupid govt. shut down.

It sure was a beautiful day!

We got back around 8 Saturday night, just in time for a Rosa's run. Shrimp tacos mmmm. Then, Ryan suggested another Nielsen's run at 11pm, so, of course no one disagreed!

And, he left his in the freezer when they left to go back to CA, and it was a nice after church treat! :)

We then celebrated my birthday with a nice salmon dinner, and Crème brûlée to top it off!

Our flight got delayed another hour, so by the time we got home, it was past 12:30. That's late for some old married folk, I tell ya! And, when we got to my car that was parked at Brock and Sarah's house, my window had been open the whole weekend! I was scared someone broke in! Luckily no one did, but it was raining so my car smelled musty...yuck!

So, SO Thankful

These past couple weeks, my faith has been tested more than it ever has been my whole life.

Before I got married, I felt a lump in my left boobie. They have always been sore and tender, but I never thought much about it. Within the last couple months, I noticed it again, and realized how sore I was. Tanner's friends' mom passed away from Breast Cancer, and then he got concerned, and asked me to go see my doctor. I kept putting it off until I had a feeling I needed to go, and finally set up a consultation with my OB. My mom was in town, and it was nice to have her around while I was scared, although I was hoping it was just something caused from the hormones in my Birth Control, or something no big deal like that. 

After she consulted :) she told me I needed to get an ultrasound. That was sort of freaky, but I tried to blow it off. I was able to get an ultrasound at the actual office the next week, and that was a relief. So, I tried to get through conference weekend without worrying, and listening to the talks, hoping a certain talk would lift my spirits. On Sunday before my parents left, Tanner and my dad gave me a blessing, and that was when I really got nervous. I have never felt so scared, and alone. I immediately began to think "I have cancer". And, it doesn't help that this month is breast cancer awareness month. It was all over the radio, the tv, and news. I didn't know what to do. I had never personally gone through something like this. I've had friends and my father inlaw face cancer, but nothing in my immediate family, and I thought I would be the first.

I then went to get my ultrasound, and Tanner was supposed to be in a review, but he surprised me and stopped by the office. He was only able to stay for a couple minutes, but I felt so much more calm after that. I was so thankful he was with me. Then during the ultrasound, I was by myself. I seriously couldn't handle it. It took everything in me to hold back the tears as I saw her circle this big white oval thing in my chest. I kept asking her if she could tell if it was liquid or solid, and she said she couldn't say. I ran to the car balling my eyes out to Tanner over the phone. He met me at the duck pond on my way home, and comforted me. I love that boy. 

I was told I would hear in the next couple days, and they said it would be quick. I didn't hear on Tuesday, and by Wednesday at 3, I finally called them. All the nurse said to me, was, "Ya the Doctor looked at it, and said everything looks fine and normal!" I couldn't even be happy, I was more infuriated. Thats all she gave me. And, told me I could call the Utah Clinic when I asked why the radiologist didn't call me. NO ONE WAS HELPING ME! I finally called the nurse back and asked her to grab my file, and tell me everything that it said. I had waited two days, and I needed answers. "Fine" wasn't ok. I was able to find out that it was just excess tissue, and that I needed to watch it. 

After that novel, I'm here to say I'm cancer free, and fine! This was a reminder to me of how our lives could've changed so quickly. I thought about raising our kids with a shaved head, etc. That's not healthy to be that worried, but I would've been so close. Cancer is so scary, and sucks. I'm so thankful for all of the prayers from my family and close friends. I really felt them, and they comforted me to realize everything would be ok. This was an eye opener, and I'm thankful for the experience, because it has made me stronger, and realized to never take anything for granted. 

I saw this video by a few friends, who knows this woman. I can just tell she is so strong, and amazing. My heart and prayers go out to her, and her family.

The Future Belongs to the Brave

General Conference-October 2013

General Conference was this past weekend, and we were lucky enough to attend Saturday afternoon session, and Sunday morning. Thankfully since I've lived in Utah, and a little bit of my High School, our family has always been able to have tickets because of my dad's calling. I feel so lucky to be in the same room as our Prophet, and listen to the sweet testimonies.

I only got one picture from the weekend, but it was a good one. Who was the first person I ran into can you guess? Mindy, of course. I love that girl. She recently had to go back to AZ for some hernia surgery, but she's back, and goin strong! She wasn't in as much pain, but I could tell she was tired a little wiped out. We were talking and noticed SISTER DALTON! Oh how I love her. We actually thought it was Beck at first, because there's TOO MANY NAMES! But, thankfully I have a husband who loveeees (and I mean it's his favorite thing ever) to look things up on Safari, and figured out, that in fact, it wasn't Beck. We got to talk with her for a couple minutes and she complimented us on our modest clothing (she was wearing 2 J Crew necklaces that stylin lady!), our hair, everything that really nice people do in coversations. We automatically felt better about ourselves in five seconds! She seriously is the sweetest lady, and told my mom she knows how wonderful of a mother she is and she had just met her! She was laughing, because now that she is released, she can come outside and enjoy the people, and she felt like such a celeb! 

Her husband also talked to Tanner about their gold ties, and how gold stands for virtue, and Tanner didn't really know anything about the new Young Woman theme, because he was on his mission. So he told him to ask his wife and learn all about it! Ha! They are just such amazing people, and it was so special to spend 10 minutes with them, and feel like you were friends forever! 

During Priesthood session, My mom and I walked around City Creek and did some more early birthday shopping...who doesn't love when mom is in town!? :) We were able to visit with the Sandstrom's, see other friends, and missionaries we knew, see old companions of Tanner's, and it was so fun! I just LOVE conference. And LOVE October, so it's a win, win.

Some of my favorite quotes from this conference are:

Thanks to Pinterest for allowing me to print them off :)

Like President Monson said at the closing of Sunday morning, this was one of the best, and most spiritual conferences he's been to. I highly agree. Lots of tear were shed. 

Welcome, October

My favorite month is finally here, and I can't contain my excitement! I'm also blown away that it is ALREADY October. Seriously though, where did the time go?

My parents drove up to Utah so my dad could play golf in the annual Farnsworth tournament, and it's always during my mammasitas birthday! So, she came up this year too, and It's been so fun to have them up here. My dad flew home, and is now back in town for our fun SLC weekend for General Conference!

Nothing like Birthday Breakfast at Kneader's. We then spent the day pampering Kimer! Facials, a massage, and pedicures made the day fun! We then went to Outback for a yummy dinner! Grateful for my cute mom. She does so much for all of us!

My best friend's birthday just happens to be on the same day as my mom's! I love this picture from our Senior Trip, when we slept in the same bed in our cute little room, somehow I didn't catch strep from her, we were tan, My hands and feet got so burned, and we ate way too many donuts. Sure love that girl, and all of our memories together! I still can't believe she is marrying Tanner's best friend..it's going to be the absolute best thing!

Our cute sunbeams on Sunday. We made them crowns for our lesson

Came home to a clean house, every single piece of laundry clean and folded, bed made, etc. from my mom. We love when she is in town! :) Haha she's the best.

Today I was at yet ANOTHER golf tournament. It was up in Draper, and hello? It's October. It was 50 degrees, and the wind never stopped. I have 4 layers on, a beanie, with both hoods on, gloves, and a blankie. I'm glad that is our last one for the year! We usually do a lemonade stand, but we opted with donuts and hot chocolate today (which I had 2 1/2 of by the way..they were HUGE!)! 

I would say we were at a great hole!

Yes, we were freezing.

October is the best month by far. Light sweaters, boots, jackets, scarves... all that fun stuff comes out of your closet at this time. There are lots of birthdays, including MINE! And, we will be celebrating our first anniversary 5 days after that. It still absolutely blows my mind that we have almost been married a year. Where did the time go? It's just crazy that you think you can never love someone more than you can, and how just a couple months can change that. I'll save all that gushy stuff for a post in the future, but I'm just so happy it's October! The greatest time of year is here!!