Friday Letters

Dear Binx, 

You are so funny. 

This morning I said, "I love you Honey Boo Boo". 

You weren't so thrilled at this idea and responded with, "I'm not your Honey Boo Boo, I'm your child." 

Sometimes I wish I could slow down time, but then I realize how proud of you I am as I see you progress each and every day. 

I think this is just a call for me to record and document more. 

Monday, Jamie and Dane had us over for breakfast for dinner (their April Fool's Tradition) and you were so cute with baby Noelle and Tyler. 

If it weren't for our sanity, you'd probably already have a dog.  

Maybe when you're twenty. (:

This week you've constantly been asking to ride your tricycle. 

We should have known that your love of the outdoors would just increase as you grew. 

I hope it stays that way throughout your life. 

We'll keep that you in mind as we look at potential medical schools. 

I love you. 

Love, your bestest buddy.

Dear Ryan, 

We need a vacation. 

From the crazieness of life... 

But then again, I guess we kind of like it that way. 

I'm so proud of your Red Cross involvement, especially this week.

You really are my hero. 

How you manage to do it all baffles me. 

May 1st is approaching quickly. I'm sorry if I make you anxious! 

I'm anxious worried and anxious excited all at the same time. 

Can't wait for what the next year has in store!

You are my sunshine. 

Love, your wifey.

Dear self, 

Great job this week. (Although that J-Dawgs probably didn't help...)

You deserve a vacation!

Don't worry, June and July will come sooner than you realize. Cherish each moment. 

They call it bootcamp for a reason. (At least you know it was worth it)

Work was nuts, but class presentations week were hilarious. 

Type Focus Candy, Red and White Blood Cell STAR Stories, Shaving faces! 

You have some great students. 

Gear up for some heavy, heavy grading with Personal Marketing Portfolios due Monday and Tuesday. It's going to be a long time to April 16th. 

Car shopping was fun. Can't wait to drive one off the lot! Think practically... and then have some fun.

Happy Spring!

Love, self. 

Friday Letters

Dear Binx, 

I love you so much. 

The sun came out this week and you loved it. (You ran straight to the park from the car before we even had a chance to grab you on multiple occasions.)

I think you would live at the park if we let you. 

Monday I took an impromptu day off, but before we left BYU you met my class.

You were shy, but friendly and even gave them your cheer "Blue and White, Fight, Fight, Fight" in  your BYU cheerleading outfit. Go cougars!

I had book club this week and you charmed all my friends. (I think that quality time is definitely your love language.) 

You are the best little buddy I could ever ask for. 

I love you. 

Love, your bestest buddy.

Dear Ryan, 

You are seriously the most wonderful guy ever. 

I couldn't have asked for a better husband and best friend. 

Thank you for being so loving in every aspect of our marriage! You really do put other men to shame when you cook, clean, take care of Adi, go to work, buy me flowers, paint the walls, study for tests, and other million and one things you do regularly. Thank you. 

You're on call for the Red Cross the next few days. I know you're just waiting to save the day. ;) Don't worry, we'll cheer for you. 

You started writing your second attempt at a personal statement for med school this week. You are going to make one amazing doctor. 

I love you so much. And I'm totally obsessed with you. 

Love, your wifey.

Dear self, 

What a busy week! What a great week!

Teaching is almost over for the semester (oh my goodness)! 

Book club was a success! 

We're almost to spring... almost. 

And you're going to Washington next week. 

Today you heard someone say something not so nice about a former student. You had defensive instincts and you stood up for him. Good for you. 

By the way, you are one lucky girl. Adi and Ryan are the best. 

Don't ever forget it. 

Have fun this weekend and enjoy the little things, especially that little girl. 

Go have fun "running" the Vineyard 5k with Adi. Who knows, you might surprise yourself 

Love, self. 

A week in the life of us...

1) Rootbeer floats
2) Excitement at the mall
3) Feeding the ducks on the Provo River Trail 
4) Snuggle time
5) Play date with Coral and Vinny 
6) The Provo Temple 
7) Grandpa and Adi sharing treats 
8) Nate, Austin, and Adi on the morning Kostia flew to California
9) Lunch at Station 22 with Shiloh 

Friday Letters + Pictures!

Dear Adrielle, 

You are so. Much. Fun. 

You wanted me to curl your hair this week and I loved it. You're such a girly-girl.

You met Miss Madison this past weekend. You loved her and almost cried when she went through security at the airport. Maybe someday she'll babysit you. 

You held a baby for the first time yesterday and said "I want a baby sis." So cute, but oi!

I can't get over your fascination with bugs, cars, flowers, ducks, and life around you. 

You are so darling, precocious, and perfect for our family. 

I love you!

Love, your bestest buddy.

Dear Ryan, 

Today you noticed the flat tire, seriously five minutes after I started putting stuff in the car! You got right to work changing the tire and of course I snapped a picture.

Shelly said today that "most men don't change tires in loafers" and it's true. 

You are my amazing, smart, stylish, and oh-so-hot hubby and I'm grateful for you. 

Thank you for working so hard at the Red Cross--I know your contribution makes a difference and you're setting such a good example for Adrielle and I. 

Plus, you're going to make one awesome, amazing doctor.  

I love you so much. 

Love, your wifey.

Dear self, 

What a great week. Seriously. You voted and exercised your Constitutional Rights! 

Don't forget what you learned today; changing a tire is seriously no. big. deal. 

Independence Day is this week! Yay! Don't forget to see the balloons, have breakfast, watch the parade, go to Seven Peaks or something fun, watch "Independence Day", and watch the fireworks. What a great way to celebrate our freedom. 

Also, keep running... only 62.5 more miles to run before August 5th. You can do it! 

Love, your I-need-to-actually-wake-up-to-my-alarm self.

A week in the life of us...

1) Adi showing off her "curl my hair mama" up-do
2) and 3) Adi smiling with her cute hair
4) Going down the "big" slide for the first time by herself
5) Exploring around the rocks at the pond
6) Going down the slide with Aunt Bri
7) More sliding 
8) Adi's obsession with garbage trucks
9) Adi holding a baby for the first tiem
10) When we spotting the Google Maps "Street View" car getting gas... what a job. 
11) A Costco treat for Ryan when he came home from working as Public Information Offficer (PIO) for the Red Cross during the wildfires 
12) Ryan changing our Friday Flat in loafers

Friday Letters

Dear Adi,

I brought you to work yesterday. Bad idea. You were so good, until you missed your nap. Everyone commented on how grown up you are, I guess it's true!

I couldn't believe yesterday when I stopped to listen to your speech. 

You're speaking in 5- and 6-word sentences, at least. 

(It makes me so happy when others too recognize that you are my little smarty pants!)

You went to Seven Peaks for the first time today with Chris.

He said you loved it. I can't wait to ask you about it! (Pictures to come.)

And, I can't wait to figure out when I can put you in swimming lessons again!

I LOVE you,

Your mom and best buddy!

Dear Ry,

I can't believe it's June!

We're applying to Med School!

I am so proud of you. You work so hard, I am so grateful for your sacrifice. 

Who knows where we'll be in a year!? 

Thank you again for the hydrangea that you gave me for our anniversary! I love how they brighten our kitchen. 

Thank you also for always listening and being supportive. You are amazing. 

Love

Your wife of more than four years!?! 

Dear self,

You read this week that Christ is the first step of individual happiness and success. 

Man you were wise at the age of 21, what happened? (: 

The house is coming along, keep up with the good work. The menu planner is going to turn out so well! I can't wait! 

Isn't Lie to Me great?! Remember to limit yourself and prioritize... whoever invented the option to watch seasons consecutively was secretly plotting to cause TV addiction. (:

Remember to be patient with yourself, others, and to humble yourself. 

Have fun this weekend! You're going to the Drive-In movies, how fun!!

Love,

Your happy-it's summer, wishing-I-were-at-the-pool self.

Friday Letters

Dear Adi,

This week, baby center said you (as a 2-year-old) only understand "parallel play."
...Yesterday, you proved that wrong. It was so cute seeing you dance at Heather's wedding reception!
I have officially discovered the perfect word to describe you: precocious. In all it's glory.
"Busy" is just a euphemism for "naughty", but normally you're pretty good.  

Daddy said you were confused last week with a new house and no mom, I'm sorry it's been a little crazy.

The good thing is we have a new house and your room is turning out so cute! 

BUT, an 11pm bedtime is not going to last long. Just so you know. 

Love,

Your mom and best buddy!

Dear Ry,

We are homeowners!

And it is so nice, fun, exciting!
I love how you keep looking at me with a giddy smile and say, "we have a house!"

We do, and I love it.
Happy four years to us! 

Thank you for making my life a little piece of heaven every day. 

I love you. 

Love

Your wife of almost four years! 

Dear self,

Man life is expensive, but look, you are blessed.
This week has been very productive, only a few more things to go!
Yay for new the new house and fun of organization and decorating!
Keep a smile on your face, and work hard at the things that are really important. 

Always remember, comparison is the thief of joy. 

Love,

Your home-owning self.

Adi at the park in our new subdivision 

With a pantry comes organization! Can't wait to label all of these!

My mom is amazing. Check out this basket she helped me put together! 

Heather and Nathan stole the show (naturally) with a beautiful Waltz to the mushy song from Tangled. (: 

And this little lady busted a groove by her lonesome and with a new friend. 

Friday Letters

Dear Adi,

You have done so well in your toddler bed, I'm so proud of you!

And with staying dry at night too! Great job! 

Shopping with you last night was so much fun; I'm so happy I'm your mom!

Your favorite phrase right now is, "Whass that?" You say it all the time. 

I love how inquisitive you are. 

Love,

Your mom and best buddy!

Dear Ry,

We will be homeowners in a few days!

When did this happen? How did this happen? 

We are officially getting old.

I'm so grateful to share this experience with you! 

And to decorate with you! (Even if you don't like yellow and green. :)

You have a job, and are working, and are applying to med schools. 

You are simply incredible. 

And, practically perfect in every way. 

I love you. 

Love

Your wife. 

Dear self,

You've got a knack for checklists. 

When you want to that is. Work on those you don't want to. (:

You're buying a house on Monday. Crazy. 

You can do hard things, especially when it comes to eating right and exercising. 

You are loved. 

Remember, comparison is the thief of joy. 

Love,

Your tired, traveling self.

Cute baby shopping with mom at Hobby Lobby! 

Cafe Rio...

Yum!

Friday Letters

Dear Adi,
I miss you already!
You were so cute this morning as I left!
I wish you could come with me to Washington!
I promise we'll have fun when I get back!
Have a fun time with dad, Chris, and Grandma!
Love,
Your mom!

Dear Ry,
I miss you too!
I'm so proud of you and your new job!
You are so hard working!
Med schools won't know what hit them when they see your applications!
We're buying a house in three weeks! Crazy!
I'm so glad you have great taste! Can't wait to paint and renovate!
Thanks for keeping me sane, I love you.
I'm so grateful you're my best friend!
I am one lucky girl!
Love you so much!
Kenz

Dear self,
Great week! Keep working hard!
Remember the energy and confidence when you eat well!
We had an inspection! So exciting!
One step closer...
The retreat was fun--it all works out.
Next time you travel to Washington,bring a jacket. :)
Love,
Your tired, traveling self.

Friday Letters

Dear Utah weather, 

Each year you have an identity crisis. 

And each year I hate it. 

I know springtime in the Rockies can be sporadic, but seriously? 

Sprinter is not a season. 

Not-so-lovingly, 

McKenzie

Winter or Spring? Please decide. 

Dear Littlest Binx,
You are officially potty trained! 
We even spent the entire day out!
I am so proud of you. 
You are getting so big!
I can't believe this is already your third Easter! 
Let's decorate eggs to celebrate!
Love you!
Your proud momma! 


Dear Ryan, 
What a great week for you!
You are the most amazing man. In. The. World. 
You took the MCAT yesterday and I know you rocked it!
And to top it off, you just got a job! 
And if that's not enough, we're buying a house in a month that we get to decorate!
I love you. So. Much.
Love, 
Your very proud and grateful wife.

Post-MCAT dinner at Macoroni Grille. 

Dear self, 
You can do hard things. 
Just remember that. And exercise. (:
And remember that you are blessed. 
Today was one of those pump-the-air kind of days. 
3.75% is locked in and fabulous. 
Is this really happening?
Love, 
Your I'm-so-grateful-it's Friday self. 

Friday Letters

Full disclosure, it's not Friday, it's Saturday night, but my world has been pushed, pulled, and flipped upside down the past week with the various time changes, so...

Dear Binx,
I missed you this week, but I loved talking to you on the phone.
I can't believe how much your speech has improved this week.
You look absolutely adorable in your new Hawaiian dress.
And, I'm not surprised you love chocolate-covered macadamian nuts.
I'm proud of your potty training progress, great job!
Love,
Your mommy.

Dear Ryan,
This was definitely one of those pump-the-air-with-your-fist kind of weeks!
We bought a house! (Or at least we're going to!)
I love you. So. Much. And I love that you knew the outcome the moment you answered the phone on Tuesday!
It was fun talking to you this week while walking along the beach, it brought back memories of 2007.
I'm happy to be home, trips away make for long weeks.
Love,
Your overjoyed wife.

Dear self,
What a momentus week! The time change didn't go over very well, but hey, you bought a house!
You bought a house? You. bought. a. house.
I love the sound of "under contract".
In not-so-happy-news, you made a bad decision.
Next time you specifically chose not to wear sunscreen for any reason, remember that you only have one set of skin and that you are responsible for what happens to it. Ouch.
Love,
Your tired self.

Dear body,
Thank you, thank you, thank you for sleeping five hours on the red eye.
It has made for a much easier transition.
I am sorry however for the neglect you've faced recently.
I promise tomorrow we'll turn another new leaf.
Here's to another few months of fabulousness.
Love,
Your sleep-deprived, over-worked body.

Ala Moana Beach - March 2012

Friday Letters

Dear Binx,
You were so stinkin' cute this morning.
I love how you call BYU "bayou".
I also love how you hold my cheeks and say "yook at me".
I'm lucky to be your mama!
I'm going to miss you so much next week.
Be good for Grandma and I hope to find you something fun. (:
Love,
Your mama.

Dear sweetheart,
What an amazing week we've had.
Can you believe it!?
It's nice that luck (or something else ;) is on our side.
Gonna miss you next week, but can't wait 'till our hot IMAX date tomorrow.
By the way, your the cutest guy I know.
Good luck with your hard tests this week, you'll ace 'em.
Love,
Your supportive wife.

Dear Self,
You can do hard things! See?
Keep working on the healthy baking, it's delicious.
This next week is going to be tough, especially with constant temptation.
But remember, you can do hard things!
A friendly warning, your legs are lilly-white, don't be alarmed.
Get some sun and keep sun screen close by.
This time next week you'll have an official vitae. How cool is that?!
Love,
A happy, lucky, and very excited self.

Friday Letters

A friend of mine from college writes weekly letters every Friday about things that have happened during the week. Little things that are important to her. I thought this was a perfect way to live in the moment and enjoy the here and now. So, I'm going to implement this on our blog and I'm excited about the simple joy it will bring to read and re-read these small memories for years to come. 

Dear Adi, 

You were sick last night, I'm sorry. 

I'm glad I was there to run my fingers through your hair. 

I love you.

You're getting so big--I'm constantly amazed at where my baby went. 
You've started picking out your own clothes to wear and asking for piggies.
You've got great style and your piggies look so cute. 

Love, 

Your mommy.

Dear Ry, 
I love you.

This week has been long. But we're doing it. 

Thank you so much for your help--you're such a strength.

You got up at 6, you're amazing. 

I have a surprise for our free day. I'm excited to give it to you!

You're taking the MCAT in less than three weeks!

I'm nervous excited for you! 

We're doing this, we're really doing this. 

Love, 

Your hungry, excited wife. 

Dear self, 

Life is good.
Although week three has been rough, you can hard things. 

Remember that you are your worst critic. 

Think about the small successes. 
Remember your Father in Heaven loves you and you have support. 
Your two best friends are your hubby and your little girl and they love you. 
You are the luckiest girl in the world. 
Love, 
A happy, grateful self.