Families Are Forever

This week I just wanted express how grateful I am for eternal families. Our family has had two close friends pass away. Although it is very sad and hard, I feel its comforting to know that one day, we will meet again. There are many that don't believe this and I'm sure it's such a tragedy when a death happens. How sad would that be to not know this concept of life after death? 

Not too long ago, my cousin Justin died at the young age of 22. When I got the news, it hit me pretty dang hard. The hardest part about it all was he was so young. He also left behind a little baby boy Tytan. As I was sitting through the funeral services for Charlotte Nixon today, I couldn't help but have flashbacks of his funeral. It was one of the hardest times in my life when Justin passed. I always get so emotional at funerals because I can relate to the feeling of losing someone so special and close. Even though I know that we will be reunited again one day, its still hard to not be able to see them. There are days when I miss him uncontrollably and just sob, and there are days that I'm just fine. He is always in my thoughts. I don't think that will ever change and I don't want it to change. Just like any day, there are going to be bad days and good ones. It gets a little easier with time but that loss never fades. Instead of a sharp heartache, now its a dull heartache. 

Sometimes I question why we have to go through such hard trials. Then I thought back to a talk by Elder Neil Andersen, "These fiery trials are designed to make you stronger." I've been told this since I was a little girl that every trial has its own purpose. As I've gotten a little older, I'm starting to understand it better. Just remember when you are going through a trial, it will eventually get easier. The feeling of a loss never completely leaves, it just becomes more manageable as time passes. What I've learned most is to cherish your loved ones always. You never know when you are going to get another "curve-ball" thrown at you. Death comes at any time no matter how young or old. All we can do, is to try and make the best of it.  One day, we will be reunited, that's what helps me get through the hard days.

My heart goes out to the family of Charlotte Nixon and also to Blake Winward's family. I'm truly sorry for your loss. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.  

Thanksgiving Time

Well since Thanksgiving is coming up, I would like to list a few things that I'm thankful for:

-Dustin: This guy is such a hard worker. Honestly, I wish I had his drive and motivation. He goes out and works in this cold weather for 8+ hours a day and I don't know how he does it. It would be really hard for me to get up and do that to provide for us. He just keeps plugging along and I really do appreciate his hard work!

As you can tell, they are both exhausted!

Us at the corn maze. Enjoying some hot chocolate.

-Tuffy: He is our cute chorkie. There is nothing better than coming home to his adorable face. His tail is wagging and he is always so happy to see us after we get done with work or school. He keeps both of our spirits up and we love having him around. 

This is what Tuffy does ALL DAY LONG! Lucky dog.

-Family: Where do I begin? We have such great family surrounding us. Everyone is so nice to invite us over and cook dinner for us. I'm glad we have so many different families to split our time between. If it wasn't for family, I wouldn't be where I am today. It's great to have so many people that support us. I'm grateful for every single one of you. LOVE YOU ALL!!

All my cute sisters

Mom's Side

My Grandma Mary

My newest family minus Jarren- Wedding Day

Halloween Last Year with my siblings Brittany and Brady

Girls Weekend

Two Sisters- Bridal Shower

Last Christmas- Dad's Side

Halloween 2012- Mom's Side

Cutest Nieces

Tuffy's Best Friend- Giving Hugs

Corn Maze with Kayli and Brady

Mom's Birthday Last Year

Mom with her Favorite Grand-kids, minus Tuffy

My grandpa's 70th b-day

 -Great Friends: We have got some great friends. They are all very nice people. It's always a good time out with friends whether its going to the hot springs or going to watch a redbox at a friends. The company is always nice to have and thanks to all those who are close to us and have been by our sides for a long time. 

This girl has been my best friend for years! Love you Blair

My other best friend that has been close to me for the last couple years

These guys are always a blast to hang out with. Kinda goofy but we like them anyway!

-Education: I'm so thankful to be able to go to college everyday. At times, it seems a bit tedious, but I just keep plugging along and I'm set to graduate either this summer (if I want to go to summer school) or this Fall (if I decide I don't want to do summer school). That itch to be done is driving me crazy. In the end, it will be worth the hard work and effort.

Dustin already has his bachelors degree in entrepreneurship. He graduated last Spring. He is looking to start a job in that area. For the time being, we might either start flipping houses or invest in some duplexes. We are so glad he has a degree! In the future, he might go back and get his Masters.

Dustin at Graduation- Spring 2012

-Jobs: Dustin and I are so grateful that we have jobs. We have great jobs that we both enjoy. Several people don't have the opportunity of having a job and it's a really hard task to find one so for that we are grateful!


We hope you all have an awesome Thanksgiving!! :)