27

Happy Birthday (on the 21st), to this wonderful man...

I so love him.

Happy 27th birthday, best friend! So thankful for the birthdays we've shared together, here's to many, many more! 

Oh Mother,

Well, despite my doubts, I made it through last week alive and happy. I could not have made it through without the love and support of my amazing friends and family. Especially my mother (& Brandon, always Brandon).

On Thursday I went in for surgery and she was there bright and early to see me and help calm my nerves, which, given my fear of needles and hospitals is no small task. But her presence calmed me down, her positive attitude and quickness to laugh were just the medicine I needed. She stayed at the hospital through the whole operation and was there to calm my tears and answer my questions when I was wheeled into a hospital room I didn't recognize, confirming to me that what was supposed to be an outpatient visit had become inpatient. In the days that followed she was always there when I needed her, just a text or call away when I was feeling sick or blue and always came to visit me with a cheerful smile and a million goodies when I couldn't make up my mind about what food sounded good to eat. I could not have survived this weekend without my mother who is always so strong and amazing. Always living her life to comfort and serve those that she loves and always being a rock and example to those around her.

When things get hard I know she'll be there and for that I am eternally grateful for the gift of mothers. Of all the many things my mother gave me the strongest thing I gained from her is the desire to be a mother and to raise a family. Without the surgery this last week it would have been difficult for me to be a mother and without my mother there to hold my hand it would have been difficult to have the surgery. So interesting, the many aspects of motherhood this mother's day weekend encompassed for me. I am so thankful to be a woman and to know so many beautiful and amazing mothers that are perfect examples to me of everything I hope to one day be.

Instagram & Bangs...

It's what we've been up to lately!

My self titled, Instagrump. :)
Though honestly, he has been grumpy twice in the 5 years we've been together.

Love bendy straws

Well, I am back on the bang bandwagon. I'm not sure how/why I ever fell off that wagon.
Happy to be back. & happy to be on the Instagram wagon.

Maybe Instagram will help me get back on the blog bandwagon?
We'll see.

Wise words...

from a wise and wonderful man.

Happy Sunday!

Next week....

I work literally 24 floors above the new City Creek Center. I am beyond excited for the grand opening.
If you don't watch this show, you should. On Monday 'A' will be revealed!

It arrives! H&M, Forever 21 and Sephora all at one place? Perfect.

Obsessed. I've been waiting for this movie forever.

I still think House would have made the best Haymitch.

& it's spring break!

It's going to be a great week.

A few days late, but true nonetheless...

Phrases you will almost never hear....

I just barely learned how to post videos to my blog. Clearly, I am just a little giddy about it. This video is too funny and the guy in it completely reminds me of my cousin-in-law, Preston. Enjoy!

What's being quoted in the Free house lately?

When we're not quoting Kid History this is the YouTube video we're quoting this week...





Honestly this video terrifies me, as I have a wisdom tooth surgery coming my way in the near future. Brandon now fully plans on filming every glorious, post surgery moment. I doubt I'll be nearly as hilarious as this kid. But I am positive that I will share his same craving for a "Normal Diet Coke".

Happy Friday!

Fun > Fear = Happy

Um, Is it bad that we are 5 days into January and I am just now deciding my resolutions?
Oh well.
Better now then in February... or July.

I mean, Brandon and I nearly forgot we were supposed to kiss at midnight on New's Year Eve. Big thanks to Ryan Seacrest, for reminding us just in time*.
Clearly, we have not really been up on our 2010 New Year's game.

Now, what should my 2012 resolutions be? There's the typical, unattainable list:

-Work out more (& by more I mean at all)
-Blog daily (will never happen)
-Eat better (I literally just had a Big Mac for dinner)
-Start on that long overdue 2nd chapter of my novel
-Start making better use of my mornings/waking up earlier

To tell you the truth though, I am going to keep eating big macs while intermittently blogging after waking up late. & I am going to focus on one thing...

Being happy (aka: more fun, less fear) and stoked for all of the awesomeness that is in store this year (i.e. Hunger Games movie, the official opening of the City Creek Center, Disneyland, a presidential election, another end of the world prediction coming to pass). I'm pretty excited for this year and I am going to try to enjoy every moment. Whether it be completing what feels like my millionth hour in my typical work day or riding the mickey shaped coaster in California. More fun, less fear.

Along with being happy I'm also going to attempt to floss and work out...more. Just for good measure.



* (Fun fact: when you start typing Ryan Seacrest's name into google and that helpful little suggestion list pops up the second thing on that list is 'Ryan Seacrest mormon'. Cute. I'm sure Brandon Flowers is working on it).

Goodbye December...

Hello 2012.

So excited to see what's in store.

Love to all & a Happy New Year.

December so far...

Made a Free Family Edition Guess Who Game for Bryan & Kathleen's family (still kind of a work in progress). Thank you, Pinterest.

Watched the nativity story reenacted my my adorable nieces and nephews. A yearly tradition that I always look forward to.

Became a vegan.... for a week.

Had a wonderful time at the DKO (Dewsnup, King & Olsen) Christmas party. Delicious food, great company (love my boss and co-workers) and I walked away with a $50 American Express Card. Brandon got a digital picture frame and best of all we figured out exactly what to get Gary (Brandon's dad) for Christmas- which is no easy task.

Saw the Christmas Carol with the Free clan at Hale Center Theater.

Had a terrific time at the Roger's Christmas party, playing kazoo's and searching for almonds in rice pudding.

Gas prices dropped below $3.00. Always a reason to celebrate.

Bought a real Christmas tree.

Went downtown with my beautiful Young Women to see the Christmas lights.

Plus, games, dinners and fun with friends.

It's definitely been a very merry season so far.

Still to come?

The return of my brother from another mother! My cousin "Bud" returns home from his mission on Tuesday. So excited.

Cat sitting.
Even more Christmas partying.
Much needed paid time off.
& time with family.
Can't wait.

Happy Christmas!

The Pinterest Way...

The Kyra & Brandon Way...

This veggie turkey was a real crowd pleaser!

Hope your Thanksgiving was as wonderful as ours!

This year I am especially thankful for my family, Brandon, Pinterest, the gospel & soy milk.
Not necessarily in that order! :)