In December, Alex and I celebrated our 5 year anniversary! A truly magical day that I still get butterflies thinking about, but I don't completely recommend getting married on December 17th. It's not exactly the ideal time for celebrating with Christmas right around the corner, and it usually ends up being an afterthought. This year was no exception. We were on our long haul to the U.S., waiting in the Orlando airport for our next flight when I realized it. 

"OH my gosh! Happy anniversary!! 
...What should we do?!" 

In that moment we were trying to get Liam asleep by taking laps around the airport in his stroller. Alex looked at me and said, "Um. Hold hands?" I laughed pretty hard at that. 

5 years??! In some ways, it seems unbelievable how fast the time has flown. But yet, so much growth and change has happened since that day.

Being exclusively dating was slow, but once we hit that point it ironically went insanely fast. The decision to get married was quick. "Once you know, you know" they always say. I always rolled my eyes at that. Know WHAT? There are so many parts, layers, and quirks to a person- how can you ever take that leap of faith without knowing them for at least a few years? 

No, we didin't live together before we got married. We didn't even know each other for a whole year before we got married. And I was 20 YEARS OLD. How can you trust a 20 year old with arguably the most important decision of their life?? And what about all that I was going to miss out on? Believe me- I totally get how nuts it sounds! 

I always grew up believing that the decision of who and when to marry would be the most difficult, mind boggling one of all. I imagined months of weighing out the pro's and cons, going back and forth, breaking up and getting back together again.. the whole shebang.

However, when that decision came I was able to narrow down all those factors into 3 key points:
1. Is he my best friend?
2. Does he truly love God (as shown by his actions)?
3. Would I want my sons to be just like him?

Guess what, it was the easiest, biggest decision of my life. In a lot of ways I was inexperienced, didn't know what I wanted, naive... However I was also moldable, and best of all I got to learn and grow with Alex by my side. We studied for finals and edited each other's papers, graduated together, traveled, learned Portuguese and adjusted to life in Brazil together, heck- we even had a baby! The most trying, but absolutely the most joyous challenge of them all. We have learned and grown, and of course are still learning like crazy. Essentially, we are growing up and growing old together.  

Side note: But actually, attending BYU, getting married young isn't that outlandish. In fact, in that tiny bubble of the world over 1/4th of the student body is married, which probably makes it the most unique college atmosphere in the country. That may sound nuts, but honestly it is a little refreshing when it seems like the whole world is terrified of marriage.

I really wish marrying young wasn’t seen as such an irresponsible, and even weird thing. Clearly, it isn't the route for everyone. But it was mine, and I can honestly say that I wouldn't change a thing.

Great Grandma Roselle

Last week was my great grandma Roselle’s funeral. What a party it was! That may sound odd, but when you live to the age of 103 and live the life she did up until her final days- that calls for a huge celebration. For that reason, it was probably the best funeral I’ve ever been to!

The closing of the casket was somber and emotional, coming to terms with the fact that- no, she will not keep defying all laws of science and live forever. I won’t be able to stop by the next time I am in town for great conversation, food, and of course chocolate. I will really miss that homey, time warp of a house that always felt like home. 

I remember spending Christmas Eve nights there along with many other cousins, waking up to eggs on the golden rod and hot cocoa. I remember that I slept there on the night before my wedding, on the living room floor with my mom and little sisters. I remember when I was attending BYU and had a class in the Salt Lake Center once a week. After that dreadful 4 hour class, I would head straight to grandma's. They call it the time warp for good reason- it’s like time doesn’t pass while you are there. The decor is unchanged for who knows how long- the same pictures and newsclippings on the wall, the same movies stashed on an overcrowded shelf, racks of freshly made candy in the “small kitchen”, and of course an inhuman sized chunk of milk chocolate on the counter with a butcher knife laying next to it. The best of all, is that when you finally look at your watch you are amazed at how much time has passed- how was it possible?! I could go on and on. It is one of my favorite places on the planet.

We took these pictures on our last visit with grandma, just a few days before she passed. Of course she had us laughing and there were trays and trays of homemade caramel apples and candy sitting in the kitchen to be eaten by whoever wanted some.

The funeral was such a perfect tribute to the woman who embodied life and loved every second of it. She was witty, hilarious, patient, completely selfless, and absolutely one of a kind. We all left wanting to be just like her. We love you and already miss you so, so much Grandma Roselle!!

A few of my favorite things

Fall
Spontaneous dance parties (in the car, kitchen, etc)
Reading through a cookbook
Liam learning a new word
Long walks
Alex coming home for lunch
Homemade bread
Being at a football game
Planning a party
Costco and Trader Joe's
Feeling of accomplishment after a hard workout
Saturday
Country music
Laying Liam in his crib, immediately followed by a huge, sleepy grin

The last couple months have been wonderful, and full of everything on this list. Almost.

Can I complain for a minute? This will be the 4th year (in a row) that we have missed a good ol' American fall, and I am (a lot) sore about it. Instagram is obnoxiously (but yet wonderfully) full of red leaves, boots, football games, and layers. Torture I tell you. However. ...drum roll... My sister is getting married next month, so I get to experience a week or two of it! I could kiss her.

Anyway, here are some recent pictures from life lately.

Sista Sista

The past couple months have been a bit of a roller coaster. But first of all, a lot of highs- my sister Vanessa (aka the other V girl) finished her mission here in Brazil, and some of my family came out to pick her up. The best part was, I got to go back with them! We had a full week of all 7 sisters there- dance partying it up every chance we got, shopping in Bloomingdales NY for my little sister's prom dress, finally watching the new Cinderella, tea party birthday for my mom, nephew's soccer games, our favorite restaurants, and chick flicks by night.

Writing this out kinda makes me angry because WHY don't we take more pictures?! Oh well, it was superb. Much needed and prolonged sister time. Having 6 sisters isn't something many people can say and I am one lucky girl! Not sure how my mom handled all that drama and estrogen while we were growing up, but I am so SO thankful that she did. Turns out they are my 6 best friends. A saint indeed.

Driving me crazy

Dirty hands constantly tugging on my pant leg
Stretching out my shirt
Pulling out my hair. Will there be any left? For the first time in my a life a pixie cut actually sounds appealing..
And then there is the whining
Playing in the toilet
Mastitis thinks we are BFF's
Biting. Oh the biting! Holy OUCH
Blow outs and changing the sheets again
Ear splitting screeches
Smashed crackers into the couch and rug
Chucking my new blush at the wall- now hundreds of pieces
Newly folded laundry scattered about
When does preschool start??

And then in the middle of it they say, "Enjoy this. Because once he starts walking it's all over!" 

Are you KIDDING me? Say that again and I will throw this greenish-brownish diaper at you.

I'm inept! Too selfish! Not cut out for the mom thing! I love you baby, but I'm just not feeling it right now. How is it only Tuesday?

But then I take a breath, stop doing the dishes, or put down my phone. Say a silent prayer.





And I remember why I wouldn't trade being here for the world. Because instead of sticky hands that tug and pull-
I see 10 perfect fingers, and 10 tiny toes
6 teeth
2 yummy cheeks
1 mischievous grin
The excitement of discovering something new
Constant gibberish that I'm convinced sounds intelligent
Utter awe over your own reflection, also known as "that cutie in the mirror"
Reddish hair growing out, and white-blonde growing in
Peek-a-boo that keeps us both entertained forever
Giggles that are literally the best thing in the entire world

Don't grow up little one! My baby forever and always. I am only lucky girl.

  

Lovey dovey

Because I always do a Valentine's day post, let's get to it. I've been so lazy on here lately! But duh, I adore Valentine's day. As I have gushed about here and here.

It is funny looking back on how each year has brought something new. The first year, we were married. The year before that I didn't even know Alex, so the first Valentine's felt pretty cool, even though we were babysitting my cousins that week. The next year, I was working. The reception center that I worked hosted an annual 5 course Valentine's dinner, but we found a way to make it special. The next year we found ourselves in Brazil, and me being 8 months pregnant. And finally, this year we have a 10 month old rugrat which has definitely brought the biggest change of all.

We decided to make a weekend of it, and embrace the corniness whole heartedly. For the first time EVER (since probably elementary), I made a homemade card. To me it was witty and hilarious but perhaps inappropriate, so... whatever. I'm sharing the start of it anyway.

When Alex came home, I had the living room decked out in Christmas lights, music, a comfy cozy living room with blankets and pillows, and a bag with his favorite candy and card. Of course I snagged the opportunity to wear a red dress and lipstick because that's what Valentine's Day is all about.

Just kidding. Cleary it is about the food! A killer lasagna, homemade breadsticks, green salad, and our very favorite chocolate pudding cake.

Kidding again. Obviouslyyyy V-day is about the lovelovelove. We put Liam to bed, and had a long dinner eating and talking a lot. I even convinced Alex (probably the least sentimental person ever) to dance with me to our first song from the wedding. Butterflies.

WARNING: Here comes the lovey dovey part.. I can't resist! I try not to get too gushy on here, but the fact of the matter is- I am so in love with this man! Of course there have been bumps along the way, but it has only gotten better. I recently read a quote by James E. Faust that I have been thinking a lot about lately.

"In the enriching of marriage the big things are the little things. It is a constant appreciation for each other and a thoughtful demonstration of gratitude. It is the encouraging the helping of each other to grow. Marriage is a joint quest for the good, the beautiful, and the divine." 

If there is anything I have learned about love- not infatuation, but love that is REAL- that is it. Alex makes me feel so cherished by the little things he does everyday and I feel the luckiest to be with him every step of the way.

Cheers, love day!

It's Been A While

It's been a couple months, and I'm not really sure where to start?

We had such a great Christmas, and spent a lot of time with both of our families.  Liam and I even stayed an extra couple weeks. So after a month of basking in boot and coat weather in the U.S., we are back in Brazil. Green and beautiful Brazil. January and February are always a little dreary after the Christmas lights get taken down and your left with a whole lot of ice and snow, so I'm not really complaining these days;)

When in CT, I was driving with my little sister and as we were rounding a curve as a car slowly pulled out of their driveway. I slammed on the brakes, sounded my horn, and we were going again without a word. A minute or so later Hannah looked over at me completely baffled. "THAT was close. I'm shaking!!" I was a little confused at first, then realized it didn't phase me one bit. I have to say, that was a proud moment for me. A little bit of a pat on the back that even though my Portuguese still sucks and I just dropped my phone down the elevator shaft, at least I'm catching onto the pyscho driving thing. And I didn't even get a ticket during my stay in the U.S.! Ba boooom

Also, after a week of being back I decided to make a last minute trip to meet my family in Disneyworld for 3 days. Why not? It was fantastic and Liam and I are now pretty accustomed to traveling just the two of us. So I'm taking full advantage of that!

On another note, my little man is now crawling and climbing over everything. It boggles my mind how much he has changed in the last couple months! I absolutely love how curious he is. I also adore those front teeth that came in- by far the cutest front teeth I've seen. We have a pretty good time together and I feel so so blessed that I get to be home with him!