The Big 2-3

I am officially 23. HOLY Crap. when did that happen?! Since I was on trek for my birthday Ammon and I celebrated early. Back in December we bought Tay Swift tickets knowing that it would be the most perfect birthday celebration.

Before heading to the concert we went to my most favorite restaurant in the world.. Settebello's in SLC.   [if you haven't been... GO!! and get the margarita pizza] Of course I got the typical Diet Coke and the famous Margarita pizza. SOOO YUMM. Honestly this is the closest thing I have found to real Italian pizza since I fell in love back in 2011 in Napoli. :) Gelato for dessert was a must.. and then it was off to the concert.

Even though we didn't have the most amazing seats, I had a blast! I LOVE Tay and I am not ashamed to admit it. Her vocals have gotten better over the years and her concerts have only gotten more crazy. We had a blast and it was the perfect Birthday Kick Off Celebration.

Ammon was a sweetheart and before we left for trek he surprised me with... a new NIXON watch. I am obsessed with Nixon anything and I have had my eye on this watch for what feels like forever. I was so shocked and absolutely ecstatic when he handed me that little white box. Next he handed me the first season of New Girl.... okay second best present ever! I love that show and seriously have been wanting it forever! I was also so spoiled by my parents and in-laws, grandparents, and extended family. I felt so loved and I was so grateful for the best birthday ever! :)

IN LOVE. [and the cutest bracelet from my mom]

Trek 2013

Despite being insecure and a little overwhelmed by our Trek calling, it was one of the most humbling and amazing experiences Ammon and I have shared together.

Fresh and clean to start the journey!

I will be the first to admit it was reallyyy awkward standing in front of all the youth reading off our family names. I had no idea what to say and I am not a 'hugger'.. so the awkward standing and waiting for the picture began. I gathered everyone together and the picture was taken. Then off we went to play 'Get to Know You' games (THE WORST.. get to know you games are just awkward and lame).. and pack up the cart. It was then that my kids mentioned they had no idea I was their 'Ma' and they thought they were doomed with the most annoying sister when I was herding them together for the picture. HA! We got a good laugh out of that one. We were blessed with 5 boys (one of which was a foreign exchange student from Ukraine, and not a member of the church) and 5 girls..  all of which ranged from 14-18 years old. The fam came up with the mottos "We like to party" (Really??? Umm okay we aren't naive, but we went with it anyway)... and our main motto was "We go Hard"... haha ammon and I laughed and the next thing we knew the motto was written on the flag!

The fam!

The first day was rough. Uphill for a good 7 miles with very little stopping. The boys refused to let the girls push the cart because "they have to save their energy for the woman's pull". I felt bad for our foreign exchange student the whole day.. just imagine having no connection to the pioneers, no connection to the LDS faith, and having to dress up in weird clothes and hike through the wilderness for 3 days straight. Yeah.. not fun. He complained in his cute little accent and looked miserable. He didn't really connect with any of the people in the family and I could tell he was just so unhappy! I felt so bad for him. That night we watched 17 Miracles on a projector screen in the middle of a huge field. It was one of the most emotional experiences I have had in my life. If you have not seen the movie.. you need to! It gave me even more respect for my amazingly faithful pioneer ancestors, and it seemed a lot more real after experiencing the things we had experienced earlier that day.

The Girls of the familly.
Madi. Calysta. Athena. Haley. Jainee. Jeanette.

That night I laid awake (freezing my A off might I add) listening to one of my sons, Clay have a chat with Andy (our non member foreign son) about life, religion, and standards. I will admit at points in the conversation I was nervous and felt like I should tell the boys to stop and go to bed, but decided to just let it go and went to sleep. The next day (my birthday) I awoke with anxiety and a bad attitude for the upcoming day. (Whoops Ma is not supposed to be like that!) We spent the morning playing pioneer games and running around in the fields. The boys in our family almost got bit by a rattlesnake.. it was the freakiest thing hearing that thing rattle and hiss! The family motto was in full force and the boys kept chanting "We go Hard!" .... I laugh every time I think about it.

The boys playing stick pull... Competing for the "Golden Child award".

The next morning was spent playing pioneer games. Our family motto was chanted loud and clear numerous times... "we go hard".. and every time I rolled my eyes and laughed. Our family wasn't too successful at the trek games and we always came in second (first loser).. except when it was a competition for the ma's and pa's. (*brag* am and I kicked butt). Our boys in the fam had a close call with a rattle snake and it was soo freaky hearing that creepy rattling noise and hiss from a far. Scared the crap outta me.

The trial Trail

The afternoon was a day filled with trials. Along the trail we had leaders stop us and read us an intimate story about different pioneer's stories. One included the story of a 7 year old boy who was responsible to carry his four year old brother across the plains. He ended up passing away from exhaustion and his brother safely made the rest of the journey. My kids were then asked to carry each other until the next trial came about. It was heartbreaking to see my kids struggle trying to carry each other.. until I saw Clay and Andy. Andy was on Clay's back.. and they were having a rap battle! haha! Hilarious. There were laughing together and Andy looked happy (partially because he didn't have to walk anymore). When it came time for them to switch, Andy complained, but I soon saw Clay (who was way bigger than Andy) jumping up onto Andy's back. It was so heartwarming to see Andy actually connecting and enjoying himself. The next trial came along and the leaders told a story about how some of the pioneer's had to walk without shoes. The next thing I knew.. I was walking down the trail barefoot. The sand was freaking hot, and I literally was running down the trail from shade spot to shade spot. I already had blisters on my feet and the burning hot sand did not help. I was pissed and swear words were flying through my head (mother of the year). I thought for sure Andy would not participate.. but as i looked up ahead.. I saw him and Clay sprinting down the trail together. Somehow Clay had talked him into doing the barefoot walk with him. I will admit I was the tearing up when I saw them together. The trial ended and we were soon at our camp.

The kids

There was absolutely no shade in sight, and I curled up in a ball and fell asleep for an hour or so. I woke up to a flower on my shoulder!..Ammon explained that one of the boys had ran over a mile to find me a desert flower for my birthday. Okay seriously how sweet! I tell you we had the sweetest kids in our family. That night Am and I square danced our little hearts out! Man! My husby has got moves. [he even admitted to enjoying dancing more than he expected *yes*]

Missing Boston!.
Ammon. Clay. Parker. Andy. Benjamin.

Later that night we had a great fhe with our family where each child shared Highs and Lows of the trip. We laughed and we cried.. and Ammon and I had the amazing confirmation that we were exactly where we needed to be. We had done just what we had hoped and our kids had had a fun and spiritual experience. I slept like a baby that night!

Benjamin and our baby Elizabeth with Pa Ammon.

The next morning we trekked into the city where we had family and stake members welcoming us with cheers and signs. I cried at the thought of "This is the place".. and felt so relieved our journey was over. I actually saw Andy smile (a smile that showed he had a good experience), and I forced him to give me a hug.

Trekking along.

I learned so much about myself during trek. When leaders of the church say "the youth of the church are amazing".. I know exactly what they mean. I realized that one person can impact a group of individuals and change experiences for all who are involved. I learned that I can do hard things. I learned that even though I was not called to trek across the country, I have battles of my own that I have been called to bare. My trials may not be physical trials, but I have trials that are equally as challenging. I know my ancestors are proud of who I am becoming, and I am soo grateful for their examples and strength. I am grateful for the sweet kids in our family and what they brought to my experience! I love them all so much (which is weird to say), and can't wait for our reunion!

Our first family picture. :) Love these kids.

Trek on!

So Ammon and I got asked to be ma and pa's at our stake trek this week. We have been excited and anxious for the past few months... and well here we are.. tomorrow we leave, and I am feeling slightly overwhelmed!

Am and I went to the meeting for trek back at the beginning of March. It was really basic, and not too detail oriented. OH! and did I mention that I got asked if I was one of the young women in the stake? ha! Now that was an awkward question to answer. Besides the other couple called from our ward, we were by far the youngest couple there.. I am talking like by at least 20 years. Intimidating to say the least! I am still trying to figure out how to draw the line between my teenage years and adult years.. how am I supposed to actually be in charge of these crazy kids when I still feel like I belong out there with them!?

Anyway, the house is a mess, our gunny sacks are [sort of] packed, and ammon has an all-nighter worth of homework ahead of him. I am anxious and worried that I am way under qualified for this calling, and overwhelmed by the sense of responsibility I feel to help my kids have an awesome experience. It will be interesting, but I am excited to get trekking! :)

Oh! And did i mention i will be celebrating my 23rd birthday somewhere in the middle of nowhere in my cutest pioneer clothes?! hahahaha! Just what I wanted to be doing on my birthday! ha! ;)

The Difference Between Males and Females...

Guys. I already realize I am the worst blogger on the planet. We both have a lot going on right now and by the time I get home I have ZERO motivation to blog. So for now, I leave you with this goodness.



Am and I watched this together last night and we were seriously laughing so hard! This is the epitome of our relationship... I love to talk about my problems, without actually hearing about how to fix them. Most of the time I just want sympathy and someone to listen to me unload. BUT in Ammon's mind, there is always a solution to my problems and if I would just fix it, I would feel better. It just doesn't work people.. I end up getting more frustrated because I feel like Ammon is just telling me why I am wrong, and Ammon ends up frustrated because the solution is so clear! hahah! It is quite hilarious and has taken some time for us to learn that we just think so differently that we both need to be more understanding towards one another.

Does anyone else struggle with this issue? I feel like it is a total male vs. female thing.. but I could be wrong. Tell me your thoughts.. I would love to hear them!

Aren't kids hilarious?

I am sure you have all seen the awesome AT&T commercials that have been airing that show the kids getting interviewed. Am and I LOVE those commercials and every week in our primary class we feel like we are the man hosting those interviews! Seriously our class cracks us up every week. Ammon came across this link the other and as soon as we looked at it we were dying laughing!

So if you need a quick pick me up... follow this link:

http://FunnyOrDie.com/m/7xzi

Mom and Dad's experience in Boston

If you follow me on social media, whether it be facebook, insta, or twitter.. it has been no secret that my sweet parents were in Boston this past week. Ever since my mom fell in love with running it has been her dream to qualify for Boston. Finally this past year she was able to qualify and entered into the pool of Boston runners. Up until a few weeks ago, being able to actually go to Boston wasn't in the financial plans, but thankfully some things changed and she and my dad were able to go!

We were all so excited for her and were anxious to hear how the race went. On Sunday night I tried to call my mom to wish her luck, but she denied my call! Of all the nerve! My dad immediately called me and told me that she was a ball of nerves and was an 'anxious wreck'. (This is pretty typical for my mom for any race she runs, so I could only imagine how bad it really must have been!) I told my dad to wish her well and to keep me posted the next morning.

The next morning I woke up to a few pictures of mom at the starting line etc.. and I was slightly confused why she had her phone. Mom NEVER runs with a phone. I shrugged it off and to work I went. We got a marathon update saying she had finished, but didn't hear anything official from either of my parents. Dad decided to go to the Red Sox game during the marathon, and figured he would head to the finish line around the time my mom typically finished (4:00). Well the time came, and while he was walking over to the finish line my mom called him and told him she had finished with an incredible time. They decided to meet up to take pics and such. As my dad was walking the thought came to him that the finish line area would be so crowded and that he should walk one block up from the finish line. As he approached the corner where he could turn towards the finish line he heard two big 'booms'. My dad is a very observant man and his first thought was to text us kids.... "you will hear about something that happened at the finish line of the marathon. talked to mom in texts before and she is okay. just trying to find her. more cops than I have ever seen. smell of smoke etc." Talk about a freaky text! I immediately googled what might be going on and only one small tweet came up.. tells you how quick my dad texted me! We texted back and forth for awhile and although we were freaked out, I was so happy to know that at least my mom had been okay. I was just worried something else was going to happen after the fact.

A few hours later I was able to talk to my mom and surprisingly she was very positive and upbeat. Although there had been such a terrible tragedy, she had a wonderful experience and was proud that she was able to finish the race with such a great time! She felt blessed that her running friends had been detained because of crowds while walking to the finish line to watch her finish. She felt blessed that she  PR'd and that she could be safe with my dad in the hotel room.

As we talked she told me that the night before she was a complete nervous wreck. She was so anxious and worried about how to get where she needed to go, what to wear, what to take etc, that she just felt physically sick. Finally she decided to go in the bathroom and say a prayer. She prayed that she would know what to do so that she felt prepared and at ease. The next morning, she was talking with my dad about whether or not she should take her phone. She wanted to take it so she could photograph the route etc, but realized how unpractical it was. For some reason she decided to put her phone in her running belt and off she went. It was such a blessing that she had her phone so that she could stay in communication with my dad. I can't imagine how panicked my dad would have been with out being able to talk to her! I could already tell through his texts that he was worried, but was comforted by the fact he had been able to talk to her. We were also glad that my dad decided to walk ONE block up, rather than fight his way toward the finish line on the route. Who knows what would have actually happened, but we can assume that it could have been a more grim outcome.

We are so grateful for the many blessings our Heavenly Father protected my parents with. I am also beyond grateful for the love and support of all my friends who expressed concern for my cute mom and dad. I realized just how great social media can be and was comforted by all your kind words! Thank you thank you thank you!

The typical catch up post

Well it's no secret that I have been M.I.A from the blogger world..and to be honest I don't really have an excuse other than I just haven't wanted to write. Sort of sad considering we have done so many fun things and SO much has happened.

So, here is a quick list of things to get you caught up on our lives :)

>Ammon started his MBA program.. I will admit that it is harder than I expected! (most selfish comment ever).  I so appreciate his hard work and time spent doing homework but it is a big adjustment spending time alone for hours on end. I really need to find some hobbies! It's a good thing Ammon is so dedicated and diligent... He never complains about working all day and then having to do homework for hours after work.

>A few weeks ago our good friends Jess, Evan, and Kilie came down and we drove to Vegas for the Carrie Underwood concert. To say Carrie has amazinggg talent doesn't do her justice. She is the most real talent I have ever witnessed.


>Our friend's the Vincent's had their sweet baby boy Nixon a few weeks ago. He is seriously an angel and we loved being able to spend time with them last weekend. Look at the pictures from the birth story here. If they don't give you the chills I don't know what will! Call me baby hungry.. it might be true.

>We are finally getting around to hanging things up on the walls. Just in time for me to want to paint! :)


>Easter meant a new Easter dress (or two) for me! I have this weird problem with LOVING to shop.

>I officially signed up for my first half marathon in July. To say I am excited is an overstatement.

>Mom and Dad safely escaped Boston after experiencing the Boston Marathon bombings. We felt so blessed and protected as a family that I will have to share those stories with you one day. Mom PR'd with a 3:50!


>Ammon's little brother Josh got home from his mission last week. He served in Thailand and we are so excited to hear his homecoming talk next week.


>Ammon and I still LOVE watching baseball.. it will forever be part of our lives!

Every time I start blogging again, I realize just how much I missed it. I am really going to work on updating this thing more often.

This is when you know

....that you need a new table.

1. Your computer is just as big as the computer.

2. Your clock is bigger than the table.

And 3. Just notice the awesome mousepad.

I love my life! [seriously]