weekend update + life update

Written January 6th. There's alot more to get caught up on, but let's start here.

As of three weeks ago,I was wrapping almost non-stop preparing for Christmas. A corner of my room was piled crazy high with gifts! I also got to visit with my mom and aunt v. We had Rubio's for lunch. Mmm! We laughed so much talking about my grandparents and about upcoming Christmas plans.  At least three days a week the past 2 weeks my room has been so messy with all wrapping materials out, shreds of Christmas wrap scrapped on the floor and price tags or tape adhered to my hands or clothes! I love it though.

Christmas was so great; I was so happy to spend it with my family.

I've been feeling a little better since a month ago (been sick since September for those who didn't know)...major respiratory problems. Had a picc line placed on October 9th to receive IV antibiotics. Went through two separate rounds for two different bacterias in lungs/trachea. I am still not feeling 100% better (phlegm still thick and green, gross, I know) and needing suction more than my normal, but I am thankful to have some energy back and actually do things outside of the house. It can get depressing being cooped up inside everyday all day. I now feel a cold a brewin'.

I went to my ward's Christmas at the beginning of December.We had a greek dinner, watched a short video on the birth and life of Christ, sang Christmas songs and socialized, socialized! Of course you know I took some photos with some of my favorite people! That was my first time doing something fun with many friends in three months!

I am still experiencing pain everyday. My back and arms especially have been the worst (the left leg has gotten some relief). I am still on pain medication. Met with a pain specialist a few weeks ago and he suggests I take a longer acting medicine and keep current pain med for breakthrough pain. It's been a mess and now just waiting for my primary dr (who is back on my team) to write the script for the new med...which might not be til January 30th.

I didn't send out cards this year (handmade or sending a bunch out). I narrowed my list from around 60 down to about 30. Extra special exceptions! :)

Talk soon!

Kim & Kanye Say I Do

I've realized that I haven't posted anything new in about a month. I think this is the longest stretch I've ever gone without blogging. Oh, how much I've missed it. I can't promise that I'll post weekly, but for now, let me start catching you up on my life and events that have happened since mid-June.

My cousin Brookie got married on Saturday, June 14th at a golf resort here in the valley of Phoenix. Brookie falls as the fourth oldest grand-daughter on our side of the family.

My friends & I got to the wedding about 30 minutes early, so it was nice to mingle with family, especially those who came from out of state. Of course, I snapped some shots with my siblings, stepmom and my cousin Nick and got my great uncle Artie flexing his muscles haha. Artie is my grandpa Henry's baby brother. 

My grandpa Henry passed away in March, so it's even more special for me to be able to see my grandpa's siblings for a special event as this wedding. I love that these types of celebrations bring people together, like I haven't really gotten to visit with my cousin Nick in a long time.

Brooke and her bridesmaids all looked gorgeous! My cousin had her hair curled, and down, with a lovely headband adorned on her head. Her groom, Randy, who I must say is such a down-to-earth, compassionate guy, wore olive green khakis slightly rolled up with suspenders as did his groomsmen. ( I loved that! and those guys all got dancin moves!) All the men, including my Uncle Albert (father of the bride), and Brookie's three brothers, all had crisp white button down shirts with a pretty mint little flower pinned to their shirt.

My aunt June (mother of the bride), walked down the aisle in beautiful gray/silver sparkly form fitting dress with a turqoise/mint beaded statement necklace. Besides everyone looking wonderful, the wedding ceremony itself was short & sweet. It took place outside, in the shade (thank God, cuz here in AZ it's hot as can be!), and actually wasn't that bad. I don't think I even sweated lol. The groom & bride poured two different colors of sand to symbolize their union and afterward, the pastor lead us all in prayer. It was beautiful. I have to tell you too that when the procession started, I started to tear up! :) Oh, and the simple, two or three piece band that played live music before the ceremony started was AMAZING! (I didn't get a pic of them though).

After the ceremony, the reception/dinner began. We had mexican food and the ballroom was decorated with hints of mint & silver/gray. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to stay too long, but I heard that the party went on til 1 in the morning (officially in the ballroom) but family & friends were up celebrating til early morning!

Now, THAT smile says it all.

 (her smile says it all too.)

I am so happy I got to witness their wedding and celebrate in the sweet love that her & her hubby have for each other.

Now, I say that Kanye and Kim got married which is totally funny, because I've referred to brookie as Kim Kardashian when describing her/talking about her with my friends and over a year later, right after the wedding, I discovered that my cousin Bridget (sister of bride) referred to Brookie as Kim and well, Randy is Kanye! hahaha. Seriously, my cousins (all sisters), Brookie, Bridget & Brie ARE LIKE Kim, Kourtney & Khloe Kardashian!

first dance!

MANY MANY cheerful wishes of love, health & happiness to YOU Brookie & Randy!! I am SO excited for you & your future together!

(uncle roy's shirt photo bombed!)

little brother graduates!

On May 21st, my youngest brother graduated from high school! and with honors in Spanish! I sometimes call him Slim Jim because he's tall and skinny. He's also a golfer. He was on the varsity team since he was a freshman AND he was the number play those four years of high school! Yeh, I just gotta brag! Proud big sister here! He is off to the community college for his basics and then he'll probably transfer to a university for golf management.

So then on Saturday May 31st, I traveled out the east valley (about an hour from my house) to go to Slim Jim's graduation party. Before I went to my dad's, me and my friend Bradley stopped by my mom's house. It was good to visit with her and my aunt and our dogs. Oh those babies are so cute!

When I first got into my mom's doorway, I felt one of them licking my toes. It was emme saying hello and giving a little love! She is our last Boston Terrier. We rescued her. The couple that had her moved out of state, and so we took her. We had four, but the older three have passed on, emme is the last of the original four. She is so gentle and calm. She's the "mama" to our two other dogs, both boys. They absolutely adore her and their bodies have to touch hers, like if they are all laying down on the floor or couch, so funny.

Around 6pm, we arrived at my dad's for the party. It was so nice to see some family and old friends of our family's as well as a couple of my good neighbors that I've known for about 16-19 years! One of them, Chris, is so sweet. My leg started flaring up and I still had over an hour before I could take my next round of meds. She went over to her house across the street and brought me her ice pack that I could put on my leg to help me! The ice did seem to help much more than when I use my heating pad. Her ice pack was cool because it was soft and flexible, unlike those blocks you put in your lunch bag! haha.

Also at the party, I got to see my step aunt Sharon who is hilarious! Her and her hubby D live in the Houston, Texas area and so I don't always get to see them very much, maybe a couple times a year.

My stepmom and sister made lots of yummy sub sandwiches, almost 100! plus pasta salad (my fave!), chips & dip, and fresh fruit cut up.

I got to meet a couple of Slim Jim's good friends. Since I don't see my younger siblings that much, it's neat to meet their friends who they spend alot of time with ya know, especially when they were in the high school setting.

Of course, there was time for selfies! We love selfies!

Overall, it was a great time and happy I got to see my family!

I initially was going to post this on Saturday (a few days ago) but blogger was acting up and my post was lost! Frankly, I was quite mad and was not in the mood to draft it again and I had no more time, so I am hoping blogger cooperates and posts today!

Easter weekend

Easter is truly one of my favorite times of the year. What Easter means to me goes beyond the bunnies and chicks and peeps and chocolate. Now, while I do enjoy most of those baby animals or candy, Easter is all about who makes life possible and that is Jesus Christ.

He was crucified and died for our sins. And then, He did what no one else has done or could do: He was resurrected!

Because He conquered, I know that the grave has no victory.

Some of you might have seen a movement called, #BecauseofHim floatin around the internet?
I saw the awesome short video that was simple yet so profound. It has made me think all week all the blessings that are in my life, because of Him.

Because of Him, I belong to a wonderful family. and someday, my family can be reunited again in Heaven. Because of Him, I gain strength through my weaknesses and challenges I face in this life. Because of Him, I have so much hope for the future and comfort knowing I am never alone.

I was blessed to have the company of my cousin Richard and a few friends stop by for a visit throughout Saturday. It was nice, because it was a good distraction for me to take my mind off the worries of the world. I love how positive and loving my friends and family are. They are always there for me and help me, without knowing they are helping me (and sometimes they really do, like run errands for me!) It's so great to have them in my life.

waldo, the funniest.

Then on Easter Sunday, I went to Sacrament meeting at Church and came home early to visit with my dad, stepmom, brother and sister. The Easter bunny did in fact visit me and gave me cute and yummy treats (but I didn't take a picture of it all) :( but I more importantly did some good photos with my family! Plus, my stepmom did my nails (she's an awesome nail tech)! so yay for pretty french tips! I always love spending time with any of my family or good friends! It was special because my dad gave me a nice, red journal that had belonged to my grandpa Henry. He didn't write anything in it, but I will always cherish it and will definitely fill it up with my life's adventures and thoughts.

I then ended my night watching the Hallmark movie, "In My Dreams." Did any of you catch that Sunday night? Or do you like Hallmark movies? I am a sucker for them and almost all of them made me cry, but not this one! haha.

sibling selfie!

Overall, it was a good Easter weekend. I hope all of you got to spend time with your loved ones and had fun, in however you may celebrate :)

My new reality: part two

I've been soooo out of the loop with blogging that I've started to miss it. to miss you guys. to miss sharing what I've been up to and what's been on my heart.

First, I just want to sincerely thank you all who sent love, prayers and condolences to me and my family in this time since my grandpa Henry has passed. It's so much appreciated. We had his funeral, Thursday, April 3rd and then, Friday, April 4th, we took his him to the Superstition Mountains in Apache Junction. That day was my favorite part of "laying him to rest". I had so many relatives come from Texas, California and New Mexico to honor his life. I have a huge family and I am not joking when I say that I didn't even get to say Hello or take a photo with everyone over the two days!

Grandpa loved the mariachis

Grandpa & Nana's Kids

One good thing about funerals is that it brings people together. I absolutely loved seeing family and family friends come together for my grandpa.

My family decided to wear bright, springy colors the day of the funeral. I thought that was perfect, because my grandpa was so cheery and he loved plants and flowers. He was a landscaper afterall. The teal skirt hanging in my closet would be perfect, but I needed a nice, coordinating top to go with it, so my friend and caregiver Lynda took me to the mall Wednesday evening (the day before the funeral) to find a shirt and I did! The funeral took place at a Catholic Church in the east valley, about an hour away from my home. This was the church that he and his girlfriend went to every Sunday for Mass. We held a rosary prayer thirty minutes before the service actually began. During the service, we sang a few hymns, including, "how great thou art" and that just struck at my heartstrings...lots of tears flowed from the congregation.

The view of the Superstition Mountains from the church

After the service, the priest invited anyone to go up and offer words about my grandpa. I wanted to go but there were steps and the microphone on the podium was too high, plus the podium itself would block people from seeing me, so I was very thankful that my cousin Roy and cousin Devin went up. Shortly after, we had a luncheon there at the church and my cousin Bridget put together a amazing video full of photos throughout the years of my grandpa's life set to about five different songs. Oh, watching that video made me tear up so much. But I love it.

Later, after relaxing for a couple hours, everyone gathered at my aunt June's house for food and company. I wanted to stay longer, but I started not feeling well so I left around 9:30 and got home around 10:30 that night and I left my house at 8:45 in the morning!

I love my grandpa so much. I am so grateful to my good friends Kim & Elisa who were able to attend the funeral festivities with me as well to my mom who held my hand as we went up for communion. I am thankful that my family has many wonderful, generous friends who have helped us with the funeral. My grandpa is so loved and the love that was created by all those who attended was as if you could grasp it within your hands.

Grandpa's brother, Les

I am so thankful that I got to learn more about him and my other family members, like my nana margaret who passed away in 1997. The stories. Oh, the many stories that still need to be recorded. I have alot of catching up to do, but I am not complaining. I am privileged to hear, to know and learn and be with my family.

my new reality: part 1

This past week has been an emotional one for sure.
My grandpa henry passed away somewhat suddenly last Wednesday, March 26th.

Let me tell you how much I saw God's hand in my life last week.

Last sunday, march 23-24th, I was having a discussion with a good friend about loss, death, family, eternal life and the things that really matter. Looking back, I feel like that talk with him prepared me for Wednesday. Tuesday night, my friend Carrie posted on our ward's facebook page if it was fast/testimony sunday (yesterday) and I thought, "yeh I am not going to go up for testimony since I just did a few weeks ago). This will come into play later. My mom happened to have vacation from work last week and we had planned for her to come visit me two weeks prior for the 26th. On wednesday, my mom and I went to Rubio's for lunch, one of our favorite places to eat. As we were waiting for dialride to pick us up to go there, my cousin steph called but I don't like talking on the phone when I am with other people, so I texted her and told her i'd call her back later that I was with my mom. Well, about 10 minutes later, my phone is vibrating and it's my dad calling, but I didn't answer because I was literally going down the lift on the dialaride bus and it was too loud for me to answer. My mom and I order food and get settled at a table and start eating when my dad calls again. I had to pick up. I knew something was going on to have him and my cousin be calling me at the same time. I answer, say, "hi dad." and my dad replies, "hi brittany. um, grandpa henry passed away this morning. yeh, my dad passed away." what felt like a minute, was probably just a couple seconds that it took to register in my brain that grandpa was dead. I immediately start crying, which quickly turned into sobbing. my mom is crying too and got up to stand and hug me to the side and picked up the phone because I couldn't even talk to my dad.

I cried and couldn't believe this happened (the shock factor.) Different thoughts crossed my mind including, "everyone in rubio's is probably wondering what happened to that girl." Then I didn't care, my grandpa just died. After I settled down a bit, in crying I asked my dad what happened. how did it happen? He said, "i don't know. all i know is that natalie (his girlfriend) found him and that we got to get his body to the mortuary right now."

After I got off the phone with my dad, I cried off and on more and just gushed out to my mom how thankful I was that she was with me that day. It's rare that my mom visits me during the week and just the fact that she was there with me was such a blessing. Later after we got home, I had a group of friends show up as we had a meeting planned for 4pm. I completely spaced it after talking with my dad. My elder missionaries and my friend J gave me a blessing which was so comforting and my girls (aka my teachers) gave me hugs and just let me know they were there for me. My friend stayed and talked with me for an hour and I cried more. Then, later that evening my friend Des stopped by unexpectedly and we talked and cried together for a little over an hour. It was such a Spirit filled conversation I just felt so strongly God's love for me that day.

Personally, I've had many condolences offered and prayers offered on behalf of me and my family. we truly appreciate it so much. I've had many texts and phone calls and facebook comments and messages left offering words of comfort as well as just communicating with family near and far. It was honestly overwhelming those first few days, not to say that I am not grateful. it's just that my grandpa was a popular, friendly, funny guy. I am so blessed to have so many who love me. Also, i think it was thursday evening that my friend carrie stopped by with flowers for me and was good to chat with her about other things too and then my friend rachel came by saturday and again, was so therapuetic to talk about my grandpa and just his life and the last two days of memories I have with him which I'll share in another post.

So about testimony/fast sunday? Yeh, after wednesday, that night, i just knew that I had to go up and share my testimony, the things I know and believe. I did and I went up for my grandpa. To share a bit about him and even though this is a time of saddness because we miss him, there is hope in Christ and the atonement.

In Mosiah 16:7-9,

  "And if Christ had not risen from the dead, or have broken the bands of death that the grave should have no victory, and that death should have no sting, there could have been no resurrection.

  But there is a resurrection , therefore the grave hath no victory, and the sting of death is swallowed up in Christ.

  He is the light and the life of the world; yea, a light that is endless, that can never be darkened; yea, and also a life which is endless, that there can be no more death. "

It comforts me to no end that death does NOT claim victory over us. Because of Christ and his sacrifice and resurrection, He overcame death and it's such a blessing to know that death will not conquer us either and that we can have eternal life and live in a perfect paradise with our creator, God. I know I'll see my grandpa again, someday.

It's monday now, and it still hasn't quite hit me that my life is completely changed with my grandpa gone. This is my new reality: that I must keep going forward and living my life wholeheartedly and passionately as he did. I do know that I've just gone through and am going through a major life defining moment. I know everything will be good because of my Heavenly Father and the promises he has made. My faith and trust lies in Him and my grandpa would want each of his family members and friends to not be sad so much, but rejoice  and honor  his life and that's what we will be doing later this week. Forever yours grandpa.

catching up: the gilbert lds temple + glendale chocolate affaire

It feels nice to be writing on my laptop again. The weather has been glorious and I sat outside on my way in from mailing off some valentine's yesterday morning. The sun's rays warm on my face, the birds chirping in the nearby tree and the silence of the morning brought me moments of peace. I thanked God for that day and for the ways He shows us his love. He created all things and so, the beauty and intricacies of nature and life, just made me smile so much.

I am happy because I sold about eight valentine cards in the last week. It makes me happy that people like my cards, but also that they buy them to give to their loved ones. I think about the sliver of cheer that person receives when they get handed a card I made.

Remember when I told you I was sick? Well, i feel SOO much better since then. I am not quite 100% but dang, I feel so much better. I am thankful for medicine that works! and seriously, for God who gives me strength. Thanks to you for sending me well wishes and prayers, they worked :)

Over one of the most awesomest weekends, I had so much fun and was nice to visit my hometown.

Friday, a few friends and I met up with my mom, aunt June, grandpa H. and his girlfriend Nat at the Gilbert Temple open house. We toured the temple and it was ah-mazing! The grounds are beautiful and some parts reminded me of a garden and then the inside is just as beautiful. really so. absolutely. gorgeous. For me, it was a spiritual experience, it's hard to describe. I can't wait to go back! If you're curious as to why the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints builds temples, check out this video.

pretty little clouds just for us

ah, so breathtaking

The Temple grounds. Pretty flowers and such. and the angel Moroni atop of the temple. That up close shot was especially for my grandpa.

After the tour, grandpa & nat took us out to lunch at Arriba's mexican grill and it was delicious!! I had to bring my food home, which I gladly ate the next day for lunch.

On Saturday, a group of us went to the Glendale Chocolate Affaire. It was pretty fun. The day was gorgeous with sunshine and a touch of warmness. It was my first time going to the event and I had been wanting to go since I've lived on the west side of town for nearly six years. Now, I can say that I've been. We all kept getting samples of different fudge lol, and just looking around at different vendors. I ended up getting a chocolate coconut shake (i thought it was iced) and well, I had already ordered and paid for it, so I drank a bit, and it just too much for me, too rich lol, so thankfully Mr. J finished it for me. We vow to never order that again! haha.

selfie!

scott & kjerstin in deep convo

:)

the brothers

 A bit later, Mr. J concocted special "fry sauce" that he insisted I try..so i did, and it was tasty! We all shared this huge plate of fries because they were yummy! I got a super cute pic of Amanda and her boyfrand Andrew at what I'll call the "lovers tree." This tree is obviously old and had felt hearts tied around the tree on a diagonal. Only amanda and I were brave enough to go check out the wolf dogs. They were huge!

just the girls, dont mind the photo bomb

 The next few pics were toward the end of the afternoon. the weather was just perfect!

 

The weekend was one of the best! I still have catching up to do on the blog, but this post will suffice as I need to get back to working on valentines. Happy Wednesday! TWO more days til St. Valentine's Day!!! I am so excited!