Our Mexico vacation

Our time in Mexico was really wonderful. We know how spoiled we are to have had the
experience, thanks to Jacob's company and their amazing generosity. And mostly, to spend
time with some truly tremendous people--all while enjoying these incredible views.

We stored up some really happy memories to be sure.

PS. Picture credit to the handsome Jacob Allen for photos number eight and thirteen.

Yesterday (but actually the next Thursday when he was available)

This amazing birthday guy

 

Happy Birthday my incredible boy! We are truly the luckiest because we get you in our family.

Five things I love about Matt right now:

1. He is completely comfortable being himself. He doesn't look for approval from others and feels secure in who he chooses to be. He doesn't over explain or feel the need to justify who he is, how he operates, how he feels--and it is beyond refreshing to be around.

2. He is absolutely brilliant. I don't say that lightly. His ability to comprehend and grasp new concepts is something else to watch. And he is just constantly learning new things, especially through reading articles about every subject imaginable. Just recently, he was having a conversation with my Dad about something pretty obscure (at least to me) and my Dad mentioned to me afterwards that he couldn't believe the deep knowledge Matt had on the subject. He noted that very few people in general, never mention Matt's age, would ever take the time to read and digest that topic like Matt had.

3. He is sincerely one of the funniest people I have ever known. Ever. I don't even know how to properly explain how hysterical his one-liners are or how he teases in good fun, more expertly than anyone I know. I just wish everyone could experience even a small part of Matt's humor because it makes life really, really happy.

4. He is one of the most grateful people I know. He always takes the time to thank Jacob and me (and many others) over anything we do for him--no matter how big or how small. It not only comes incredibly naturally to him, but also comes across as completely sincere and genuine. It's an amazing part of who he chooses to be.

5. He has one of the kindest, most attentive hearts imaginable. He is always looking out for the underdog or doing something for someone who may not have as many friends. I've lost count of the number of times others have quietly let me know about something he has done for them, their child, someone they know, etc. His heart is just so beautifully good.

We love you Matt Allen! So much it is a little ridiculous.

Happy Birthday Jacob Ethan!

Celebrating this handsome man’s birthday today with some of my favorite photos of him from this last
year. He’s just something else—happy, kind, funny, athletic, adventurous, brilliant, hard working, good
looking, faithful, protective, well spoken, optimistic, encouraging and just good to the core of his being.

I’m so honored to be married to him and so grateful to have the life he’s created for our family,
as it has truly exceeded every expectation even my personality could have dreamed up.

Happy Birthday Jacob Ethan! I admire you more than I could say and love you more than I could
ever put into words. Thanks for being born. And for being mine. I’m so wildly thankful for both.

Glasses for Gracie girl

 
A first official eye exam for this little sweetheart who recently failed the school
eye test (a tradition in our family that all but one of our kids has enjoyed being a
part of). She definitely needs glasses, which means she’ll soon be joining most
of our family in their need for eye accoutrements. It’s a fun club to be sure.
At least she thinks so for the time being, so no one tell her any differently eh?

These I love

I like to call this series of photos Before, After, Even Better After.

My word I love these seven fiercely and with my whole heart. And that beautiful
Kelsey is just the greatest, best, happiest {almost} addition to our family ever!

An exciting few days

This darling girl has had an exciting few days. In reverse order she…bought a new
(to her) car, spent some time with her Granddad (who is the cutest in all the land)
and got the most gorgeous hair cut and color (goodness she is a beauty).

Most excitingly though, she will be reporting her mission during our church meeting this coming
Sunday, February 26th at 1:00pm. We would love to have any who attend, come to our home
afterwards to visit with Annie and enjoy some delicious food. Feel free to message me for details.

Oh it’s good to have her home.

Two weekend soccer tournaments in five pictures

Ben played in the Rage tournament and his team took second in their age group. Pretty fantastic I’d say.

The celebration of that team at the end of their amazing game Saturday night. It was the best.

Nate’s team after a hard loss. They are an absolutely incredible team and have been winning
every game by a lot the last year, so decided to play a year up in the Icebreaker tournament.
Which resulted in a couple of loses that were both hard and good for them. Their amazing coach
always refocuses them and gets them to a good place after a game like that. It’s pretty tremendous.

Ben’s team over this past weekend.

Nate’s team over this past weekend.

(And I didn’t pose either group, they were just matching their team photos by accident.)

It was a good weekend full of excitement and growth and time together
to cheer these boys of ours and celebrate their goodness.

I’m really grateful.

Matchy-matchy

“Wait, Mom…Dad’s eyes match his shirt and your eyes match your coat. I need to take a picture.”

~Annie Allen of the newly returned missionary variety

Quick trip

A super fast trip down south with these five I love. Some warmer weather,
a little soccer and mostly, a whole lot of family time that feels a lot like the happiest.

Home

Five hundred fifty-one days ago, my girl left everything she knew and loved
to serve a mission as a disciple of Jesus Christ. Today, my Savior brought
her back to me. I’m so completely overcome with gratitude and joy.

Evening soccer and two of my very favorites

An evening drive to Provo to watch our boy play in a soccer game. Spending time with
these two lovebirds, alongside Jacob, made for a really wonderful night. Love them so.

Coming home

Earlier this week, this incredible missionary sent me a birthday email and the last line
of it said, “See you next week!” And I started to cry. My girl is coming home.

His house

There are very few things that mean more to me than my time in the temple each week. The Lord loves us
more than we could ever comprehend. And never is that more apparent to me than in His house. I’m so
grateful for how being there helps me to become more of the person I promised my Father I would become.