Happy Birthday Momma!

Dear Momma,

Today is your 51st Birthday! Happy Birthday (: just to catch you up on what you've been missing with all of us: 

Caleb is in Arkansas working for the summer. He works so hard to provide for his family, he is so brave and heroic. Mandy has been so strong and brave, being home alone with her babies. She is the best mother for Sawyer and Jack. You would be so proud. Sawyer Grace has a smile that lights up the room, she says and does the cutest and sweetest things. It is impossible to not love her. Jack is growing up so fast! He looks a lot like Caleb, and therefore, like you. He is so smart just like his daddy; it astounds me of how much he can do and at such a young age! Send Caleb protection while he is so far from home, and send Mandy comfort.

Andrew needs your help and guidance, now, more than ever. I wish that there was more that I could do for him. Perhaps only a guardian angel like you could help. Send him wisdom, guidance, courage, and strength so that he may be able to do what is required of him. His daughter’s Cali and Jersey don’t know you, but they need you too. Send them love and peace, like you always do.

Ivy has been in Wyoming with Tanner. He is working as an apprentice lineman. Tanner works so hard for her. Protect him, while he is working so far off the ground! Ivy has been really lonely out there—being so far from family and friends, but she is strong and grateful to be with her husband. Send her comfort and peace; not only for her loneliness but for the struggles she is having with the thought of having babies without your physical presence here, and without your advice. I feel her pain, as this is constantly in my thoughts as well. We both have so many questions about what is best for our babies. Send us wisdom and courage to do this without you.

Ben is growing up to be such a handsome young man! He will be a senior this year. He hasn’t changed much in the fact that he loves to show off his little body every chance he gets. Makes me laugh (: I worry about him and Georgie the most, because they had you far less than the rest of us… he needs your wisdom and advice to make it through the daily struggles of High School and girls. Give him an eternal perspective and wisdom, so that he can make good decisions. As always, send him your love.

Georgie makes me laugh. She is quite the fireball—full of attitude and energy! She is so beautiful and looks so much like you. My heart breaks for her. She had you for barely 12 years. I know we aren’t supposed to question God’s plan, but I cannot help but feel the injustice… Georgie has good friends and lots of people to keep an eye on her. I am so grateful for that. But Momma, can you please continue to shape her into the woman that she’s supposed to become? She is so sweet and innocent—she needs your help to stay that way.

As for me, I am doing just fine—most days. Aaron is what makes my world go ‘round, now that you aren’t here. He is amazing and makes me so happy! I have a hunch that you’d like him, do you like him? I do (: The future scares and excites me at the same time… it is hard to believe that I have survived 2 years without talking to you. I told you everything. The good and the bad in my life… you would always say the perfect things—never casting judgment. How did you do that? One of the things I miss most is just talking to you and hearing what you had to say. I remember that every day after school I would come home and you would usually be on your bed reading. I would go in and do a face plant next to you on your bed. You would put your book down and play with my hair or stroke my cheek and ask me about my day. I told you of my proud moments, and my humiliating experiences. You always knew what to say or do to make me feel better. You could always make me laugh, and oh how we laughed! I miss your voice more than anything; your sweet laugh, your stories, your wisdom… I don’t think you realize just how much you influenced and shaped me.

Thank you for being the best momma in the world! I wouldn’t be half the person I am today, if not for your influence. You radiated love and goodness your whole life. Thank you for all those times that you’ve talked me out of doing stupid things. Thank you for encouraging me to be the best that I could be—academically, spiritually, and physically. Thank you for comforting me over everything from scraped up knees, to mean girls, to the occasional broken heart. The thing I can’t understand is how can something ache and throb so badly for so long? Will I ever stop missing you? It has been two years and I still hurt like I did that day you slipped though my fingers. Sometimes I think that I can feel you… are you really there? Watching over all of us? I like to think so. I am getting by on a prayer, and the thought of seeing you again someday. Thanks for being my angel.

Love forever and always,

Your devoted daughter.

In Memory of Steven Torrey

The last few weeks have certainly been a trial… Aaron’s stepfather, Steven Torrey passed away suddenly on June 7^th. He had been diagnosed with liver cancer a mere two weeks before his passing and he spent five of those days in a coma… Aaron and I came down to Arizona (where his mother, Alice, resides) as soon as we could and were blessed to see him the night before he passed—truly a tender mercy from the Lord. We have been here ever since, trying to help Alice out however we can. (Although I’m not sure if we’ve been more help or burden in such a hard time). My heart aches for Alice and the rest of the family. I cannot help but be reminded of my own Mother’s death due to cancer, and experience all of those tender emotions and feelings as vividly as if it were yesterday that she passed. It is impossible to “understand” someone’s grief, pain and sorrow—as everyone experiences the loss of a loved one differently, but I sympathize their loss; especially after losing their natural father just 11 short months ago. I’ll admit it is hard to understand Heavenly Father’s plan for us sometimes, but we have faith that he is in control and everything has a purpose—even if only to refine us into the people we are supposed to become.

Steven will be greatly missed by all who knew him and called him dear. The influence he had on this family is immense. Although I have not known Steve as long as others, I could not help but notice the love he had for Alice, her children, and the gospel of Jesus Christ. He loved Alice’s children as his own, and was accepted into the family with open arms as a father-figure. The thing I remember most about Steve is that he had a story for everything! He mastered the art of storytelling, and never failed to entertain. He had a story for every situation, and it seemed as though he had lived several lifetimes for how many experiences he could recall.

It is my personal belief that guardian angels are our loved ones who have passed through the veil; I believe that my momma is my (and my family’s) guardian angel, and that Steven will continue to watch over and protect this family. Although this is just a personal belief and not doctrine, it brings me great comfort.

Even though we have been surrounded with all this sorrow, I cannot help but feel blessed for the opportunity I’ve had to get to know the Best family even better. I love this family! They are truly amazing!  What an example of love, hope and faith they have been to me and everyone in their community. Thank you to all who have offered prayers and condolences in this family’s behalf. And may the memory of Steven live on.

Stranded! Left to die!

Well something happened today that was definitely noteworthy... There is a little store about a block or so from our apartment. Aaron was just heading out the door for work and I asked if he could drop me off on his way. He pulls up to the store and out the car I go...a few seconds pass before I realize that my purse (with my cell and wallet) is still in the car! I quickly turn around to retrieve it, but to my dismay Aaron takes off! So what do I do? I start running after him! I chase him all the way down the parking lot waving and yelling like a crazy person. Does he see me? NO. He doesn't even look behind him. He left me! Stranded...no money and no cell phone... Left to die!! Arg. So I am then forced to walk home empty handed, feeling pretty idiotic. Oh and to top it all off a small crowd of Mexican men are in the parking lot just watching me. I felt pretty livid and retarded at the same time. Luckily though, I had our apartment key in my pocket--otherwise I would have been locked out for a few hours... Whew...  When Aaron finally comes home, I tell him what happens and all he does is laugh... Needless to say, he is sleeping in the shower tonight (:

The latest with Aaron!

     The last post was pretty much all about me, so this is for Aaron. Aaron is currently majoring in Finance at UVU, I’ve never seen him more excited about school or any other topic; he lives and breathes this stuff. So several weeks ago he was offered a job at Primerica (a type of financial firm) which is awesome because it is very similar to the career he hopes to have someday. The best thing about this job is that they are paying for all of his certifications! It's basically like a paid internship. This last week he got his Life Insurance Certification. I am so proud! 

It’s a lot of work learning how all this stuff works. Some of the concepts are so complicated that I can't wrap my head around them. I'm glad he enjoys learning about it. We’re both really excited because in just 2-3 years he will graduate with a bachelor’s degree in finance and be a Certified Financial Planner (or CFP), have several certifications, as well as 2-3 years of experience! Which makes for a pretty nice resume (: For all ya’ll who don’t know what a Financial Planner is or does, they can work with individuals, families, or companies. Some of the services he'll be able to provide are:

* helping people/families get out of debt, and teach them how money works

*selling health, life, and auto/home insurances

*helping people and companies to know where and how to invest their money to fit their needs, wants, and goals

*dealing with all types of retirement plans

*help refinance homes and whatnot.

I am probably missing a lot of other things that he can do… That is the general idea though. The thing I am most excited about is that he can handle all our finances and budgeting! YAY! (:

Just to catch up on some more fun stuff about Aaron... While preparing for his interview with Primerica, he asked if I would cut his hair for him… we got some awesome and hilarious pictures out of this, and he made quite the transformation!

Before Pictures: Notice the beard… Can you say mountain man? 

I couldn't help but have a little fun while buzzing his hair, so this is him humoring me... Pretty funny! Transformation from mountain man to bad boy:

And finally here is the final outcome, he was tired of pictures... and is usually not the most willing model. I still love him though (:

So just a few more pictures of our life lately, a couple weeks ago we decided to hike Bridal Veil Falls in Provo Canyon. It was really fun, we love being outside... and guess what? It was actually warm! WOO HOO (: here's some snapshots from that day:

Married life in Provo

Well, I have kinda been wanting to pull together a blog for awhile now, but didn't know what the heck I was doing. After seeing my sister make one I finally decided it was time.

Aaron and I are currently in Provo, in a teeny-tiny basement apartment. It is pretty ghetto, but super cheap which is what we wanted. Life has been really slow out here, I don't know very many people and the job search has proven to be a bit frustrating. So what's a girl to do while she waits? Go to the Library! Luckily we live a block away from the library and I have had so much fun there!

My latest project is this:

Calligraphy! I have always wanted to learn how to write beautifully and I have learned so much. Did you know that there are actually professional calligraphers? They make fonts for computers and do wedding announcements and cards, ect. Calligraphy is Greek and literally means beautiful writing. So I bought this marker/pen to practice with:

Eventually I will get the real ink calligraphy pens; you actually dip these special pens in ink! How fun is that? I can't wait. K, don't make fun, but it is actually really hard! You have to hold the pen at a certain angle and write with your arm (vs. your wrist like normal writing). Well, here comes the moment of truth... This is my first few attempts of calligraphy. The first one is one of my favorite poems entitled "Trees" by Joyce Kilmer:

Practicing our address so I can put it on our envelopes once I perfect it:

One of the other things that I have found pleasure in is painting my toes! I know that sound ridiculous, but it's been fun trying new designs on my toesies. Here's a few of the designs I've done:

Well that's just about it (: peace out blogging world.