5 years

I can't believe another year has passed and it's time for another tribute. If you have a chance I recommend you go through my archives and read the tribute I did last year on May 31, 2008.

No matter how much I prepare myself for this day... it's never easy. I have real feelings and emotions when I think about 5 years ago. I still miss her and ache for her love and friendship as I know all my siblings do.

When we all get together we love to talk about how much she would enjoy being with us! Her children were her pride and joy and we knew it. She would adore Avaree and Weston. I can't even think about it. I wish my kids could know her in their earthly lives. She would be so good for them (and me)!

She was beautiful. Baylee has that same furniture in her room.

I really struggle with the fact that Baylee and Griffin aren't being raised by her. It just doesn't seem fair to me. They have totally different lives full of 2 crazy toddlers and a pregnant sister! They are amazing though. I really do think they understand their role in this life and are happy with who they are and who Jason and I are as their guardians. We are a far from perfect family but I can say that we do have an eternal perspective of what this life is about.

She was my best friend. I know I always say that but she really was. I have moments where I just want to talk to her because she is the one person who understands me. It is in these my moments that my relationship with my Savior has really grown. I've always been a prayerful person but I've had to rely on my Savior even more now. We sang this song at her funeral and never has a song struck me so hard...

"I Need Thee Every Hour"

I need thee every hour, Most gracious Lord.

No tender voice like thine can peace afford.

I need thee, oh, I need thee; Every hour I need thee!

Oh, bless me now, my Savior; I come to thee!

When these pictures were first taken I hated this picture. Who likes a picture of themself crying? I cherish it now.

How have I gotten through these past 5 years when I never thought I could?? I have had to rely on my Savior and my testimony. I know that we will be together again! I know that our time on earth is short and now is the time to prepare to meet our maker. I know how important families are. I have been blessed to have my Mom as my example of Motherhood. I know how important the souls of the children in my home are. I pray I can make my Heavenly Father and Mother proud. Again, I am far from perfect but I do consider myself lucky to have an eternal perspective and to have someone so close to me on the other side guiding me.

I found this quote in Baylee's room and I really like it. "Every experience you go through is essential for your salvation.." James E. Faust

California

Over Memorial Day weekend we went on one last adventure before we add another one to our family. We headed to our old stomping ground...

Aliso Viejo, CA

Shortly after arriving I had the privilege of dining out and catching up with some of my supermodel girlfriends.

Sara, Me, Summer, and Kristi

We all have kids the same ages. Summer and I are both expecting our 3rd. (I get to brag about you for a sec Sum) Summer is my famous friend. :) She is David Archuleta's stylist and looks great considering she was out until 3 am the night before at the American Idol finale! It was fun to catch up and compare bellies. She is tiny.

Friday

The hotel we stayed at was amazing. We had fun lounging by the pool and Baylee and Griffin hit up the indoor basketball courts as often as they could.

This boy needs a life jacket. He jumps but he can't swim.

The weather and landscaping was beautiful. We forgot how beautiful it really is. I miss the weather.

32 weeks

We got to shop at Sole Technology's warehouse. Thanks to my dear friend, Larissa. We miss the hook ups too!

That night we headed to Scott and Larissa's for a yummy BBQ. Baylee and Griff played some rock band.

Avaree was in heaven gathering rolly polys. She probably had 12 in that cup.

Good ole pals... Larissa's Dad, Greg (Scott's brother), Jeremy (we missed Jill), Scott, Jared, and Jason.

More supermodel friends... Lindsey, Larissa, and Larissa's Mom. Larissa's parents were in town from Vancouver and thankfully shared them with us for a night.

Jared and Lindsey, Scott and Larissa, Jason and I. Scott and Jason are old business partners... back in the day we were all inseperable. Oh how life has changed the past 5 years. We LOVE and MISS you guys! Thanks for your hospitality.

Saturday

We started our day with breakfast with the Decker's (Wade and Sara). Avaree took a liking to their boys. She is not a shy one...

Bennett and Avaree

Poor Grayson on bottom... We LOVE you guys too and are determined to get you to move to Utah one of these days!

After breakfast we headed to Irvine Cove... a PRIVATE beach!! Thanks to Jared, Lindsey and little Aven. It was the highlight of our trip. I am still dreaming about it.

Excited little Avaree.

The beach house was awesome.

Our friends the Collings (Chad and Kristi) met up with us too. Our kids had fun getting to know each other... Avaree and Cascia.

Bay and Griff aren't use to the cold, salty ocean water or how to tackle the waves.

This is the life.

The girls checking out the sea lions.

Aren't they cute? Avaree's been pretending to be one ever since.

Oh the life, again.

There were cool caves to explore in.

Baylee and Josephine (Jason's little sis who is our only family member left in Southern Cal).

I'm so glad they have each other.

I'm so glad I have her (and Griffin) too.

Kristi and I. (I know, what am I thinking standing next to her 8 mos pregnant in a swimsuit?)

The fam

Sorry for the picture overload... it's not everyday we are at a PRIVATE beach!

Love you Jason.

Later that night we had dinner with more good friends, Jason and Danielle Hall. After dinner it was time to pack up for a LONG trip home!

Homebound

Our main reason for the trip was to pick up a camper trailer that Jason traded some work for. It was parked in the desert in the middle of no where, not on they way home. We could only drive 55 mph which made for a very LONG drive with tired kids that wouldn't sleep, tired parents from screaming kids, LOTS of potty breaks, a speeding ticket (on the way to get the trailer... the only possible time Jason could speed), almost ran out gas, and did I mention VERY tired kids? I didn't think we were ever going to make it home...

We drove at least 160 miles without a service station in sight.

We stopped to stay the night in Vegas. Thanks to the Shumway's for letting us break into their house last second to crash... being Memorial Day weekend there wasn't a hotel room available and if there was it was priced crazy high.

We stopped at the Silverton Hotel to eat breakfast before hitting the road again. They had an awesome aquarium.





We also made a pit stop to hike around in Leeds (right by St. George). Jason fell in love with the area and scenery.

People supposedly come from all around to eat at this 4 star restaraunt... we'll have to try it sometime.

We also hit a few storms on the way home. The wind was scary with towing that big trailer which made for an even slower trip...

We made it!! Now what do we do with that huge thing?? Just kidding. It will make for fun camping trips and memories our kids will always remember. We learned our lesson though... we will NEVER drive that long again with an exhausted 4 year old and 2 year old, an impatient hubby, and a very pregnant me!

There is no place like home.