Weekend with Ty & Sheena

 A few weekends ago my cousin Ty and his cute wife Sheena

came to visit from California as they were passing through town.

I love his wife! I've only met her a few times but 

she is the sweetest and we get along really well. 

Ty and Adam are long lost bff's. They are obsessed with each other

and after they met last year at my Grandpa's funeral 

they text each other often and when they saw each other

it was like no time had passed...

it's a real 'bromance'. . 

When they got into town on Friday night we all met up for pizza

at my parents house and just hunt out with them.

Saturday Adam had planned a golfing trip for the boys.

My dad, Adam, Ty and my Uncle Kelly went out to Sand Hollow for

some golfing. It was a really cold morning and they left around 7 a.m.

but the course (from the pictures I saw) was absolutely beautiful

especially in the morning sun. 

They all seemed to really enjoy themselves out there

besides the chilly wind. 

Us girls stayed back in town. I got dropped off at my parents house

around 7 a.m. and jumped into bed with my mom..

We were both planning on going back to sleep on that Saturday morning

but decided we were hungry and were craving Kneaders. 

We ran through their drivethru and grabbed their 

French Toast.. which I had never had before and fell in love.

After breakfast we got ready and decided to do a little shopping

at Ulta, Blue Linen and some outlet stores. 

Sheena is pregnant and expecting a baby boy on 

August 5th. . which also happens to be my Grandpa's birthday

so it's pretty special. 

We are really excited for them! She has the cutest baby bump

I've ever seen! 

We also took her to Swig and enjoyed a Sugar Cookie..

and I got a Diet DP with coconut.. Heaven.

Once the boys were done with their golfing experience we

met up at Apollo Burger for lunch and then headed back to my

parents for a little nap..

We wanted to go see a movie but the day kind of slipped away

and we ended up making plans for dinner at Sakura that night.

It was a lot of fun at dinner but St. George during the spring 

months is totally packed and we had like 1-2 hour wait to actually

eat our food.. it was crazy.

We enjoyed our time with them both though and my Grandma

who came into town with them! 

Sakura lighting is the worst for pictures..

 

After dinner we headed back to my parents to let Adam and Ty

spend a little more time together.. :) 

They had to leave back to San Francisco on Sunday morning really

early so we didn't stay out to long with them on Saturday night.

Not the best photos ever.. but this is typical of my family..

(photo bombing or just laughing)

I loved having my cousin here for the weekend! It was so fun to

hang out with them and see the cute baby bump! 

I hope I can see that cute baby when he comes in August!

NASCAR in Vegas

I've been a bit behind on my blogging these last few weeks..

 but now I can do quite a bit of catching up!

So a few weekends ago we went down to Vegas with my family

for the NASCAR races. 

Since this is an annual thing I always look forward to going

down to Vegas with everyone! 

Adam left earlier that day and headed down with my brother

and parents and I drove Linzi and I down later that night.

It was a lot of fun this year with my brother back and my sister and her

boyfriend came too so it was all 8 of us! 

That Saturday before the races we went and did this Pole Position racing

and it was a blast! Of course with my sister in law being like

a pro drag racer, she obviously won our 2 races that we did. 

She was intense and if you got in her way she just rammed you..

She's pretty much the coolest ever..

I'm proud to say that I came in like 4th and 6th so 

I wasn't ever last. . that went to Adam both times :) 

After our racing we just went around to some shops and went

and saw Safe Haven, which I really liked! 

Afterwards we went to Cheesecake Factory for dinner, which is

among our favorites. 

 Cute Newlyweds..

This would have been a cute picture if I could get it to rotate

but I still want it on here anyway! 

The next day was the race. We headed to the track

really early that morning to beat all the traffic 

and to walk around their trailers and stuff.

 I typically don't need to get myself a shirt

or get really into the actual race itself.. I'm more

there for the 'social' part, but it was really fun this year.

And Adam of course, had to get me a Kasey Kahne shirt..

which I'll wear because he's hot! 

 

It was a beautiful almost spring day! 

And who wouldn't want to get their first burn of the 

season in Las Vegas? ha! 

I really had fun watching the race this year since Kasey was in first 

place most of the time! 

it's always more enjoyable anyway when

all of the family gets involved!

Well until next year..

Grandpa Meserve and another Colorado Trip

My sweet Grandpa Meserve was called back to heaven

on January 18th 2013. 

As I had written previously my Grandpa Shifflet had

passed away just 3 months ago in October. 

It's been hard to loose both of my Grandpa's so close

together. 

I got a phone call Friday morning that my Grandpa Meserve

was in the hospital and wasn't doing very well. 

Within a few short hours my mom had called me back

and told me that he probably wasn't going to make

it very much longer and that my parents

were leaving and heading to Colorado. 

I had known that my Grandpa was declining in his health

since I had got to see him in November, but

it's still shocking and hard to hear they are getting

ready to leave this world. 

That night as my parents were traveling to Colorado

they received the phone call that Grandpa had passed.

They had asked my dad if he wanted to have the doctors keep 

my Grandpa on life support until my dad could get there

but my dad knew he had already gone and it wouldn't do any good.

Us kids then started making our arrangements to

get out to Pueblo again.. 

This time around we ended up flying out there.

We left for Vegas Monday morning around 2:30 am

and flew out around 6. We had to fly in to Denver which

was kind of pain since we had a 2 hour drive to my 

Grandma's. We were lucky though and got to spend

3 days there in Pueblo. 

Our first day we got to see my Grandma Shifflet

first and then we headed out to my Grandma Meserve's house

and got to spend some time with her. 

It was weird not seeing my Grandpa there with her.

These two were inseparable and rarely left each other's 

side so it was just different to not have him around. 

I did enjoy the time I spent there that day.

My two aunt's and uncle and cousins were there

and it was fun to see them. All 3 of my dad's siblings

live in Pueblo and their kids. 

We spent the afternoon visiting Grandma and 

rummaging through all of her old things.

She has the coolest stuff.. When I have more time I'll

have to post about it! She has a Book of Mormon from

1920 which was so awesome, an old record player,

a rifle gun which was my great-great grandpa's from

I believe it was the late 1800's.. and a lot

of really old but fun things. She is one of those

that has kept a lot of things and kept it in good

condition. I love history and I loved going through

so much old things that belonged to my family. 

Who knows when we will go through that fun stuff

again but it was great to all be together looking through it.

We also looked through my Grandpa's yard and all his old

vehicles. He held onto everything and we had fun 

hearing the stories of each vehicle or tool! 

Some old pictures I took that were at my Grandma's of

my Great Grandpa Meserve.

That night we went to dinner with my Uncle and his kids.

I really had fun hanging out with everyone. 

My oldest cousin is my age, and then his brother

is 2 years younger than me and then there

youngest is a year older than Taylor, so when we

are all together it's pretty fun! 

We went to the delicious Do Drop Inn pizza! 

The next day was Tuesday and we just were able to 

have a day to visit family. We really didn't do much this day! 

We went to Pass Key's for lunch with my Aunt & Uncle

and us girls helped my Grandma Shifflet pick out

a new dining room set and we then went back over to 

my Grandma Meserve's and spent more time with her.

I really liked vising with my Aunt Carolyn who has lived with my 

grandparents now for almost a year. 

I was debating about really sharing this story since

it's pretty personal and religious but I definitely

want it for my records and don't want to forget it. 

My Aunt told my sister and I that about a week

before my Grandpa passed he started to 'see things'..

not like creepy things or a bright light or anything.

They have a pretty big backyard and one day

my Grandma was out there working in the yard and 
my Grandpa goes to my Aunt and says 
'why are all those people working out there in the field?'
And my Aunt says, 'Dad I don't see anyone out there, I don't
think anyone is working.' 
He responds, 'Yes there is a bunch of them and they are all
in white, why are they all out there?'
At the time my Aunt didn't think much of but
he kept saying he would see people
and I thought it was really cool how he said 
they were in all white.. It makes me believe with no
doubt that there is a life after death. 

The next day which was Wednesday, was the day of the
funeral. I was surprised that my Dad's family had decided
not to have anyone speak but the bishop who was a
good friend of my Grandpa's. 
The funeral itself would be pretty short.
The viewing of course was the hardest part..
We were all in their together and that 
made it a little bit better, but it's still
hard to face the reality. 
I loved seeing my Grandpa in his temple clothes
and will try to keep that holy image in my mind.
Before the whole day started I wanted to snap
some pictures of my family..
seriously what would I do without pictures? 
I'm so glad of all the pictures I have taken :)

My Dad, his siblings and Grandma.

Boy cousins & my Adam

Aunts, Uncles & parents

Meserve Cousins

Meserve Family 

The funeral service was nice and short

just how my Grandpa would have wanted it! 

I do wish that we could have had some

more personal speakers or stories, but

all in all it was great.

After the funeral we headed to the cemetery. 

It was the same location as my other

Grandpa and he was only buried a little ways away.

The dedication of the resting site went well

and I was able to capture a few sweet

photos of the pall bearers and the 

beautiful flowers that were used.

Once the funeral was over we went back to my Grandma's

and spent time as a family and enjoyed a nice

luncheon! 

That night my cousins wanted us to come over to their

house and play some games.

It turned out to be so much fun. We played a few

different games and just enjoyed each other's company.

Growing up, I rarely saw these cousins and when we 

did see each other we had nothing in common and hardly

hung out together. 

But once you grow up it's a little different

and we realize we are in fact related and have more in common

than we thought. Not to mention, my husband

gets along with them all great and they

think he's the funniest guy on the planet..(not so sure why)

Needless to say, it was such a great time..

That next morning we had to get up early and start 

driving back to Denver for our flight home.

I wanted to snap a few pictures of my Grandparents

house, which is the house my Dad grew up in and 

is filled with great memories for many people! 

In the midst of the craziness that comes along
with funerals and family, I did get to spend some
time with my Grandma Betty. 
She's the cutest and so we had fun being
with her as well! 

I hope one of these next trips does not involve a 
funeral. 
I am missing both my wonderful Grandpa's now and 
I am so grateful for the Lord's tender mercies in getting me
and my family back to Colorado in November (for my Grandpa
Shifflet) that gave us the opportunity to spend
time with, see and take pictures with my Grandpa Meserve. 
I am cherishing those sweet, sweet memories that I was
able to make just three short months ago..

Miss you so much Grandpa!

Valentines & Baby Oakley

Another Valentines has come and gone already..

how time flies! 

This year was very low key for Adam and I.. like more

so than any other year I think.

We both worked through out the day and I was given

beautiful flowers at work.. Even though flowers

do die within a week I do love receiving them at work! 

He did good this year! 

My dad also surprised me this year and got me

chocolate covered strawberries, which were delicious! 

My mom dropped by my work that day and delivered them

and a nice big diet Pepsi.. so I definitely had a 

great Valentines Day.. 

After work Adam and I  just laid around our house and got Five Guys

to go and ate at home.. Like I said, very low key..

It's kind of the type of Valentines night you would probably

have if you had children, which we don't, we are just

that boring! :) 

Luckily, that weekend we went out and saw 

'Silver Linings Playbook' and had a nicer dinner.

I really liked that movie! Jennifer Lawrence won 

best actress for it! I love her! 

It was a great way to spend the day of love..

It's always amazing each year when I count how many

Valentines I've had now with Adam.. I think we are on like

7 or something.. I guess I should count better.

In other news.. I got to spend some more

time with my beautiful little 'niece' Oakley.. 

I am just completely in love.. It's totally

different I think when your really good friends have babies

and you spend more time with them. I haven't ever

felt so connected and so very much wanting a baby

as I did when I held her and saw Kris being

'mom'.. I think it'll be the same feelings once my

bff Chelsey gives birth to her girl.. I can't wait, her baby

is being a little more stubborn and won't come yet! 

But I am very much excited to meet and hold her too! 

Isn't she to die for? She's so beautiful and I am in love with

all her brown hair! She's just the sweetest! 

I can't wait to watch this little girl grow! 

Wedding of the Year..

My baby brother got married on February 8 this year! 

I could not have been more happy and proud of him! I'm so 

glad he found his sweet bride Linzi. . and that they

chose the beautiful temple to be married

for time and all eternity. 

I am so grateful that my husband and I could be

a part of their day and be in the temple with them.

I was so blessed that I got to see him get married..

and I won't forget his special day. 

They are the perfect couple and in fact in a way I am 

jealous of how well they mesh and compliment each other.

Even if my parents could have arranged his marriage

I don't think they could have chosen better. 

My brother got back from his mission last July and

him and Linzi were instantly inseparable. 

We all knew they would get married really soon

and wouldn't wait too long. 

They got engaged in October and started planning

for a February wedding.
The day was perfect! It was really cold outside, but

right as they came out of the temple that morning

it was sunny and they were able to get some 

gorgeous pictures. They looked so happy

and excited for their future! 

After the temple we had a really delicious luncheon

at the Opera House, put on by the same sweet

lady, Kelly, who catered my luncheon as well. 

Then we got ready for the reception since we had to be 

there early for pictures. 

They picked the Bell Tower for their reception and it 

turned out stunning! The decorations were so pretty

and the food was yummy! I don't have a lot of pictures

to put on here from the wedding day, since I was busy

mingling around, but when we do get their official pictures

back I'll post some of them! Here's just a few

that I tried to snap quickly! 

I loved our gray dresses we wore and my sister and I 

got these smoking hot high heels to wear that were

adorable, but were not 5+ hour shoes.. 

The groomsmen including my husband, Adam

helped decorate their car and did a really good

and nasty job! 

The bride and groom were sent off with awesome sparklers

and were on their way to paradise in Cancun. 

Happy Wedding Day! 

Best Friends & Baby Showers

I had the absolute pleasure of planning and attending

2 of my very best friend's baby showers these last few weeks.

Krystal is due with a baby girl on February 13th

and Chelsey is due with a baby girl on March 1st. 

I couldn't be happier for my two best friends! 

They are both going to make incredible mom's and

I'm so glad I got to be a part of their journey to motherhood!

I am hoping any day now that Kris is going to pop..

she is keeping me updated every so often and I have

a small feeling that baby girl isn't going to last until February 13th..

but we'll see :) 

Kris' shower was on Saturday, January 19th! 

I love LOVE planning showers/parties so I had told
Kris from the get go that I was going to plan her baby shower.

I was really happy to have one of her good friends, Kelsey

 be willing to help out as well.

I think it turned out great! She had a lot of good friends

there and I had planned a couple of fun games. 

Kelsey and her family did our delicious lunch 

and I took care of the decorations and games.

I was really sad I didn't get any pictures of the decorations

but I did pom poms hanging from the light fixture

and they were pink & zebra printed and then 

a fun little backdrop of balloons and streamers for the

present table. 

It was really fun to see Kris getting ready and excited for baby girl! 

I am really glad that she gave me the honor of

hosting her shower! I had so much fun! 

Here are a few pictures that were taken at the shower 

that day..

Kelsey's Mom is a hoot! 

About a week later I got to attend Chelsey's shower here

in St. George. Chelsey has been my life-long best friend..

and I wouldn't have missed her shower for anything.

Her mom and sister in laws hosted an awesome shower

in the morning with delicious crepes! 

Chelsey got a lot of great gifts and looked awesome pregnant..

of course!

 It was also wonderful to catch up with all of my girls.

I adore this group of gals and love our random get together's.

Yep, I'm the last one of the bunch to pop out a baby..and i'm

just going to soak up all the advice and encouragement I can

for now! 

She looks great pregnant right? 

Fun little fact about this picture: Once I put my hand on her cute

belly.. baby girl kicked me to say 'hello'! I was so happy she wanted

to say hi to her aunt amanda! 

  Me and the Belly's 

I can't wait to meet these two incredible baby girls! 

I unfortunately didn't get any pictures, 

but the same week as Kris' shower

was my soon-to-be sister in laws Bridal Shower, 

which me and Taylor through.

It was so much fun! I loved the decorations and games..they were

a blast and my mom did amazing with the food! 

We only played a few games, but everything turned out

pretty much how I wanted it too. I love

the details that go along with these parties

and I really enjoyed hosting them!