Splurging for Family Memories

Sometimes it's worth it to pay for the expensive, not in a carton, ice cream so you can see your kids get it all over their faces. Because no matter how hard life with kids can be, it's certainly sweeter with them in it.

Five Years of Love

When couples post their sappy anniversary photos it usually includes the husband talking about how he married up. In 2011 I may have thought that Paul had gotten himself a pretty good catch, but five years into our marriage I see that it was me who married up.

Paul is the most selfless person I know. He wakes up at 5:30 am every day so he can come home from work by 4 pm to rescue me from the humans I call my children. Even with waking up at a ridiculous hour, he's still the one who checks on the crying kids at night because he knows how much I love my sleep. I do my best to make dinner but he never complains when he comes home from a long day at work to find that there's nothing on the table. Paul never says no when I ask for favor, whether it be building a fence or changing a newborn diaper. We don't fight because he is so loving and kind. He doesn't take offense and he is quick to forgive, even when he's in the right. When I grow up I want to be like him. He is my best friend and I can't imagine life without him.

I love you, Paul Martin. I am the luckiest lady alive and I can't wait to keep writing our love story together.

That one time we went on a date.

Historically, Paul and I are big fat failures when it comes to weekly date night. Like, instead of once we week we go like once a year. Whoops. We keep telling ourselves we'll get better and I keep hoping we actually mean it. Whether or not we come through, this date was a success.

We made our way to Millennium Park and rented a tandem kayak. I was pouting about Paul sitting in the back until my arms got tired and I quit. Then I was quite glad he was in the power seat! For the first half hour we were pretty speedy. For the rest of the time we just soaked up the sun, talked without being interrupted, took selfies like high school girls, and tried to sneak in a kiss or two without falling out of the boat. I love my dreamboat of a man.

Families Can Be Together Forever!

I believe that families can be together forever. Paul and I were married in the Salt Lake City Temple where we were sealed for eternity. No worrying about "until death do you part" because we get forever together. As a family, we've set a goal to attend the temple frequently to remember the promises we've made to our Father in Heaven and to give others the chance to make those covenants too. We were thrilled to have an opportunity to take our kids to see the newly constructed Temple in Indianapolis, IN. Most of all, I enjoyed being the celestial room together. I love my family and have been comforted in knowing we can always be together.

Learn more about Temples

The First Four Years

4 years

3 college degrees

2 kids and

1 house later...

I still couldn't ask for a better marriage.

Saying Goobye

Throughout high school my Spring Break was spent visiting family in Provo, going to General Conference in SLC, and wandering around BYU campus dreaming of my college days. In 2008, I graduated and began living the dreams I had been imagining since I was 13. Now days, thinking of my freshman year in Chipman Hall brings back a palpable nostalgia; the kind you can feel, and smell, and makes your brain feel funny because for a brief moment you're back in that time and place.

It's 2015 now. Nearly seven years since the Fall I ventured out to permanently live in Provo. Not just a week long visit, but a new life to explore and discover myself in a different setting. Flash forward and I have a nursing degree, a husband, two kids, and am on the verge of owning my first home. Those seven years are packed with countless memories and people who have touched my life. I've grown attached to the mountains and little slices of Provo that hold my dearest memories; falling in love, laughing with roommates until you can't breathe, acing a final, overcoming trials, getting engaged, becoming a mother... 

Paul and I had been itching to leave Provo after we graduated, but as we had children we realized that it's probably the best place in the world to have a young family. We were surrounded by good people, family, nature, attractions, Temples, and shopping galore.  As the job hunt continued we realized there weren't any viable options for us in Utah. It was saddening. My heart ached to think of leaving my sister, Ruth. Then to make things worse, Paul's parents moved to Provo too. Could it get any harder to leave?

We prayed. Both together and apart. And we both knew that moving to Grand Rapids was the right path for our family.

In preparation for our move, we spent all of our time (when we weren't packing & cleaning or working on a thesis) to say goodbye. At first the adieus felt nonchalant. I had been living there so long I couldn't seriously wrap my head around the fact that this was goodbye. My grieving process was further disrupted by the fact that I didn't have to pack all of my belongings. My surroundings weren't changing enough to help me process the fact that we were leaving.

Those last few days though... It started with saying goodbye to former roommates. First Marlee, then Ashley. And then Kaitlin Stead (Kunz). Kaitlin has been with me every step along the way. We only lived together for 1 of those 7 years, but our lives always seemed to be going in the same direction. We wed & had children on nearly the same timeline, our husbands were still going to school while we stayed home with the kids, we come from large families and can relate to one another. It felt so right when they moved into our apartment as we left.

Then came my sister. Ruth has been holding down the fort in Provo since before I started visiting for Spring Break. She has seen everyone in our family come and go. With over 10 years separating us, we finally hit a point in life where things were similar. Our kids could play together, we worked out at the gym night after night to get our pre-baby bodies back, we shared recipes, and got equally excited each time Mom announced she was going to visit. My farewell with her is when it truly, deeply sunk in. I was leaving. Tears were shed driving home from her house. (And I realize now that I hardly ever took pictures at her house. I feel like such a dummy.)

Lastly, Ron & Kathryn. Paul's parents have been so good to, and for, us. Their example helped us to loosen up and have more fun with Vincent. They introduced our boy to a whole new world of music, train rides, old phones, tree swings, buttermilk, marbles, and much more. Kate lit up each time she saw her Grandma & Grandpa (they also introduced her to the wonders of whipping cream). Our time in Provo with them will always be cherished.

We woke up bright and early to drive to the airport. The children were calm, the morning was still and I quietly cried as we drove away from what had become my home. Goodbye to Y mount, Helaman Halls, Utah Lake. I reminisced about how good Utah had been to me. Hiking at Arches National Park, camping beneath the desert stars, rafting down the Colorado river in Moab, tying the knot in the Salt Lake City Temple, working nights at the Harold B. Lee Library, building forts at the Brittany, late nights at Park Plaza, climbing up the side of a mountain because we couldn't find the trail head, zip lining in Provo Canyon, watching a Temple being built down the street, flying down water slides, watching fireworks from a rooftop. It's just all so good. Life is so good.

With six bags, two car seats and a few backpacks in tow, we hobbled our way through the terminal. We boarded a plane and flew away. To a new life. A life that doesn't start by being alone. One where I take my family with me and we grow and develop together. Because I already found myself. Provo gave that to me. Now, I help my children discover who they are and why they are so very important to me. Who knows how long we'll be in Grand Rapids, but whatever the length, we're going to make beautiful memories here too.

 

 

Free Date Night!

Friday date night was/still is a non-negotiable part of my parents' schedule. Without fail, they would take off and leave the seven of us at home to eat leftovers and watch a movie. I asked my mom when they started consistently going on dates. My jaw about hit the floor when she nonchalantly explained they had been going out since they joined the church in the 70's.

Paul and I have been married for over 3.5 years and have gone on a handful of dates since tying the knot. Of course we would have movie night at home or play board games, but getting a baby-sitter and hitting the town for the night is a rarity for us.

When I discovered the Y-Ball that BYU was holding for married or engaged couples I was interested. When I discovered the Ball was free, I was sold. Paul's parents were game for watching the kids, so we dressed up, dropped of the kiddos, met three other couples at the complimentary dinner, danced for half a song, and then ditched the scene. Instead, we grabbed some ice cream from the creamery and enjoyed this rare, kid-free time. Odd though, that most of the time apart from our kids was spent talking about them. I guess we just love them, or something.

Missing Ohio Today.

Paul was generous enough to give up myself and Vincent for a 10 day trip to Ohio in January. We missed Paul lots, but Vincent couldn't get enough of his grandparents, aunts, uncles... and let's not forget cousins! The weather was below freezing for a majority of our stay-- which meant school cancellations and LOTS of family time. Being from a family of seven is amazing, especially when a majority of them live in the same little city. It makes going home all the better.

 The past few (or more than few...) grand kids have been boys. Look at them all!

Simon's coat was a bit large and he would walk around squawking like a little penguin.

 Mr. Trevor playing with the toys.

One final family gathering before we flew back to Utah.

Vince with his grandparents.

Daddy's Little Boy.

Vincent loves his daddy like you wouldn't believe. When he watches Paul drive off in the car he melts into a puddle of tears. When Daddy comes home Vince stands in the window and watches until Paul makes it to the front stairs, then he takes off running to greet him with a "hi guys!" at the front door. And don't even get me started about play time. Those boys wrestle, laugh, build, catch, race, and tumble like it's their day job. I know I'm supposed to be productive while daddy is home to play, but I always end up staring at them with a goofy grin on my face. It's true love with those boys.

This Beautiful Life.

Fall is upon us. The leaves are changing colors, falling, and getting crunchy. We've pulled out sweaters, long socks and all of the blankets you could ever imagine. Vince has learned how to "get cozy" with me, go down the slide all by himself, pull down every single book from his shelf, take his clothes off during nap time, give bashful side glances, and point at every object that passes out our front window.

This life is beautiful. I am enjoying it more with every passing moment.

Push Pause.

This afternoon has been one of those perfect days. The kind of day where you want to push pause and forget the reality of the normal day-to-day hustle and bustle. Spending time together as a family is the highlight of each day, but this afternoon was something special. We trekked out to the backyard with dinner in hand, Paul spread out a thick blanket on the bright green lawn beneath the leafy walnut tree. We snacked, tickled, rolled, listened, laughed, cuddled and simply enjoyed. No worries or stress to bog us down.

It all abruptly ended with a large spit up from a little man. But still, it was perfect. And I never want to forget the peace and pure happiness I feel when I take the time to enjoy the little things with my family.

A Quick Anniversary Getaway.

We got married in 2011 during BYU's Spring term. Instead of going on an extravagant Honeymoon we nestled up in the snowy mountains of Park City [so I could get back to class]. We flirted with the idea of going to Europe for our first anniversary but instead we stayed at home [while I attended more Spring classes... Oh, and had a baby]. As our second anniversary neared Paul surprised me with another getaway to the lovely Park City. I was so excited to revisit the sights, shops and memories from our honeymoon. 

 Naturally, Paul had to defend my honor from the Frisky Franz

 I absolutely love shopping on Main Street but since we were there during "mud season" some shops were closed. It was a bummer, but we decided to go with the flow and happened upon a few shops we overlooked our first time in PC.

The atmosphere is vastly different than that of the Happy Valley, making it feel more like a true getaway that just a 45 minute drive up the Canyon. Looking at these pictures makes me want to scrounge up a couple million so I can pay cash for one of these bad boys.

If you're looking for the best hot chocolate on the planet, or even in the universe, then please let me introduce you to The Bridge. I swear, it must be made from heavy cream and happiness. Go and get it. Right now.

What started out as a modest honeymoon two years ago is possibly becoming a Hannibal Anniversary Tradition. 

[We'll be here for a while and I need an excuse to drink that hot chocolate at least once a year.]

I love you, babe.