Happy birthday to me!

It's only 10:30 a.m. on my birthday and I've already been incredibly spoiled. I still have The Proposal and hopefully lunch with my husband to look forward to...

Since I share my birthday with my genius brother, we decided to drive down to Provo last night to celebrate. We couldn't do it tonight because Seth is performing in Joseph at Rodgers Memorial tonight and we wanted everyone to be there. So we went to Provo. We celebrated with Cafe Rio for dinner and marble cheesecake and fruit pizza for dessert. We always have two desserts: one for me and one for Stephen.

I was definitely showered with love: clothes, cake pans, and movies from my mom and dad; a book and binder of creative projects to avoid boredom from Stephen and Ashton; and running shoes and pants, a dress, and shoes from Jesse. The BEST gift, however, came from my poetic prodigy sister, Sarah.

That story starts with yesterday morning. Around six in the morning, Abby woke up crying. I crawled into her bed, which is at the foot of my bed, and cuddled up with her to help her fall back asleep. I was still there when Jesse got up to get ready for work. Around eight, Abby woke up and started knocking on the door for someone to let her out. I was still curled up in her bed when Jesse opened the door. He let Abby out then came over to kiss me good morning and said, "Look out the door." Abby's bed looks directly out the door. I peered out the door and struggled to adjust to the light when I saw someone crouched down and petting the dog. I heard Abby say, "Uncle Stephen!" So I was excited to think that's who it was. But wait... Stephen doesn't have long blonde hair... or wear awesome plaid pajama pants...
A high pitched "AAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!!!" projected from my lungs before I mentally registered I was screaming. I literally flew out of bed and ran at Sarah. Sarah says I screamed like a banshee when I realized who it was. Oh wait, back up. For those who don't know, Sarah doesn't live in Utah. Sarah lives in Chicago. She flew home and got home after midnight--like 30 mins after I went to bed. It was the BEST surprise and birthday present in the whole world. I LOVE my sister and I'm SO excited that she's here! Still confused as to why Abby called her Uncle Stephen, but don't worry, she knows she is Sarah. We're going to make this week amazing. Anyway. Good story.
Loves to all and thank you for the birthday wishes!

Kauai Part Two coming, but in the meantime....

This is without a doubt one of my favorite commercials. I crack up every time the baby starts singing. Oh, I love it.

Kauai Part One

We're running to a store fast, but I wanted to throw some of these on here for Jesse and others. I love you all!! More to come.

A scenic overlook on our way home from 'Anini Beach.

Abby walking in the sand at Tunnels Beach.

The resort pool.

Our resident resort seal.

A room with a view. Yes, this is our view from the balcony.

Okay, sorry this is short and lame and I have no good stories, but I'll add some soon. :)

Infertility

I haven't actually wanted to label this new problem as "infertility", but what else do I call it? The "can't get pregnant" syndrome? I don't know. Jesse and I have been trying to get pregnant for a few months now. I thought it would happen quickly because we got pregnant with Abigail so fast... but that hasn't been the case. I was confused with the first month of negative tests, slightly depressed the second round, numb the third round, in the depths of the despair the fourth month... and then it has cycled through since then. Actually, to be fair, we can throw in a miscarriage before the fourth month. That one almost gave me hope. I apologize to anyone who has announced to me that you're pregnant and I only gave you a half-smile, or if you've talked to me about it and I seem less than interested. I really am truly excited for you. It's just that my heart is breaking at the same time because I want so badly to be in your shoes. After crying for 1 1/2 days, I finally called a doctor today to schedule an appointment. Hoorah. When I was finished crying today, I looked upward and said, "Heavenly Father, I know my trials are nothing compared to what some of my friends are going through... but why did you have to make me such an emotional person that it FEELS like the worst thing in the world?" He just chuckled and said, "I made you that way. So that when you're happy, everyone really knows it. The downside is that when you're sad or upset, everyone knows it." I think He was trying to help me understand that I need to work harder on always being happy. Sorry to the world for seeing me when I'm upset. ;) And thank you to my two girlfriends that have unknowingly been amazing examples to me during this time. I'll tell you who you are later, if you don't already know. I love you dearly. I don't know why I felt the need to post this. I think it's just been going through my head for so long now that I just had to write it down somewhere.
Love to all.

Season for weddings!

We have SO many weddings this summer. But these pics were taken by my adorable sister Maryn at my friend, Nikki Dubois Gray's wedding yesterday afternoon. Just some fun pics to start off the summer! Love you !!

Kenzie, my love, I made this face just for you. I miss your guts! And I need to call you. We had a whole conversation/joke about "Beanogas.com" and "I peed a little" the other night. Oh, I miss you.

My goofy husband.

Oh my sweet girl. Could she be any cuter?