birthday wishes

Happy Birthday to this wonderful woman I'm lucky enough to call my mother in law.

Not only is she sweeter than pie but she raised four incredible sons- she deserves an award for that! I love her so much... so much that I was a little skeptical about Bryan and Rachel getting married because I loved being the only girl with her and I'm not very good at sharing. (Sorry bout that Rach- but don't worry, I'm so happy you guys are married and that we have another girl in the fam, it just adds to the fun!) I love her so much I wanted to put her in my pocket and bring her to Florida on our way back from California... I hate living so far! She makes the yummiest food, has the most tender heart, and her smile is absolutely contagious!

Thanks so much for all you do, we love you and hope you have a fabulous birthday!

reunited.

Oh how I will miss him, when I heard the news of President Gordon B. Hinckley's passing my heart was saddened and I felt as if I had lost a dear friend. It's true, I did- he taught me so much and lead me through so many of lifes hardest moments. He taught me to have faith- that the sun will shine again and that there will be a rainbow at the end of the storm. He strengthened my love for the beauty of the temples and the blessings of the family. He filled my soul with peace and happiness and a desire to stand taller, be stronger, serve often, and live more fully. I am a better person because of the life he lead, and I know the world is a better place because of him.

My sadness was lightened when I thought of the welcoming he would recieve and that he would be reunited with his sweet wife. How happy they must be! For that I am full of joy and will always remember his humility, his smile and his love for the Savior. My heart will always be full of love and gratitude for this great man.

Bragging Rights

I am so lucky.... look at these adorable faces! And those outfits, how cute are they! I was copying some of my pictures on my computer to CDs, I came across these and just had to share... or brag, whatever you want to call it. I just can't get over how stinkin beautiful they are. I absolutely love these girls... love, love, love! They are the best little buddies anybody could ask for and they will make you laugh until you wanna pee your pants! They bring me pure joy, I am so lucky to be their aunt!

Yea for Today

Today... I'm going to focus on being happy. I'm a list person, I pretty much make lists about making lists. So I figured to achieve my goal today of focusing on the things that bring me happiness I would make a list to share with you. This list only touches the surface- really I could write an entire book of things which bring me happines. I'm glad that I can take the time to sit and think about every little thing though- it reminds me how truly blessed I am. So here's a little glimpse into 5 of the things that have brought me happiness today....

#1 that this hottie is my hubby!

#2 I have this cute guy following me around all day and being my best buddy and making me laugh when he does the Ziggie freak out. (if you have yet to see this it is a must in your lifetime.... it really is hilarious!)

#3 Ben & Jerry live in my freezer!!! (I am totally addicted yet can't decide on a favorite, too many choices of yumminess! Any favorites for any of you out there?)

#4 I found these talented ladies and they inspired me to get creative! http://www.thegoodiebox.blogspot.com/

#5 I stumbled upon this little beauty hiding in my front yard... no idea what it is, but it's cute and that's reason enough for a little happiness!

So with that being said I hope all of you are having a happy day... if not (or even if so) go find 5 things that put a smile on your face and share it... it's sure to make that smile just a little bigger!

Happy Happy Birthday

Happy birthday to the coolest new 18 year old around! I'm so lucky to have this awesome kid as a younger brother! He is not only the smartest guy around but he is the best artist I've ever met, he skates like a pro, he rocks at "guitar hero" and he loves to go shopping with me! So here's to you stinky Chad.... Happy Birthday!

p.s. your Florida room patiently awaits... well not so patiently, get out here already!!!

Cal-i-for-nia

What a great time we had in California... we miss it already! Elder Trevor is off in Brazil and loving every minute of it! Being with the family is always such a special treat for us....it's times like that where I seriously consider building a family compound. Perhaps Jeff's thoughts on this development might however only mirror mine if it were somewhere like Tahiti or Ireland - great surf both places. So we'll see about the family neighborhood, until then here are some pictures of our California adventure!

Elder Trevor Michael Martinez.... look at that glow!

Yea for Chad! He's going to BYU! We are so excited for him!

cute boys in front of the Oakland temple

You can never get these crazy people to actually just smile for a picture!

That just about wraps it up... it was a wonderful trip. A few spiritual "highs" (if you will) were created and some crazy memories were made that will never be forgotten!

Beautiful by Brandon

Up and Running

Well... I've been saying for a while now that this was going to happen and it hasn't. I really do have good intentions- unfortunately sometimes the delivery is a little behind. So here we are- our blog debut! It's amazing to me how the internet works... connecting us from all around the world. I know, I sound silly, but it's always been above my intelligence to understand how what I am typing at this moment will be available for you to read with the click of a button. I just dont understand... but then again, there are many things I don't understand and I think I'd rather not. The fact that it's possible is a great thing for me and I think I'd rather just be grateful that I can use it than have to understand it!


-Check back soon for pictures from our California adventure!