important things

I'm pretty much going to talk about marriage and family because what else is there? There's a lot of things actually... But those things can sometimes be so distracting! I'm sure everyone can relate to that but I think that Heavenly Father gives me hints that say, "Hey, your family is important. Don't forget that." 
Recently my tata (Spanish for grandpa) went to the hospital due to heart attack symptoms he was feeling and Tyler and I were all ready to go biking and running with friends. So we changed and drove over to the hospital and talked with my tata while he ate his hospital dinner. He was going to be fine but I could tell that he just enjoyed the company of being surrounded by family. There's nothing more comforting. It was raining like crazy and I was actually COLD. In May. I just kept thinking this is not Arizona! We went out to dinner for yummy Mexican food and it was a pretty happy Monday night.

A few days later I got a text from Tyler that he had gotten in a car accident. Like any concerned wife I felted scared at first relieved it was only a fender bender. Tyler was ok had just a little bit of soreness in his back and neck. Driving can be dangerous! The next day I thought of how grateful I was to have a husband who takes care of me and loves me like crazy so I thought I would treat him to some World Market favorites: German gummy peaches, Dutch caramel wafers, and Japanese soda. While it's nice to have a husband who gives you gifts and takes you out wives should do the same for their husbands don't you think? I'm no marriage expert but getting rid of comparisons, outside opinions, and "equal treatment" shouldn't exist. Focusing on simply loving and giving(forget about taking) is the best thing for a happy marriage.  

I also had the opportunity to go to the Gilbert Temple with my aunt recently and I came across a quote by Elder Jeffery R Holland that said, "What matters most is what lasts the longest." So simple yet so deep. As i participated in those covenants again I knew that they were forever. Everything that takes place in the temple is forever. I loved that little reminder of the importance of the decision I had made to personally be committed to God always. Families are also forever through the ordinances of the temple. Quite simply the most important things in my life are marriage and family and I love all the blessings they bring! 

summertime

First off THE SEMESTER IS OVER, SUMMER IS HERE and I could not be more relieved!!! I'd like to thank John Mayer, Jack Johnson and The Dave Matthews Band for getting me through finals week. You guys rock. I spent an entire week on my living room couch forcing myself to write papers and lesson plans. As monotonous as it all sounds I actually enjoyed all of it. I wanted to enjoy it! I feel so confident and proud of what I accomplished this semester. I surprised myself at how effective I could be and leaned valuable lessons on organization and time management. Being busy and working hard is such a good feeling especially when you have a good goal and a realistic plan. People often feel the need to complain about it or feel they are obligated to feel stressed (guilty). All I've learned is this makes things ten times more stressful and seemingly impossible. Just trying to be positive makes a world of difference! It also doesn't hurt to give yourself Bahama Buck's breaks.

Also, we of course had to watched the big Pacquiao vs. Mayweather fight. My family is actually super into boxing so we we weren't just watching to jump on the bandwagon because that's lame. But I have to admit the fight itself was pretty lame too. Big fights call for carne asada, family, and hanging by the pool so it wasn't a total let down. Thank goodness for good ole Mexican fiestas! 

I actually posted a selfie on insta.

We were all sad that Shalay is moving but obviously still happy because school's out! 

Since my time has freed up I've been wanting to focus on my lettering and painting. I want to turn it into a little business but quickly discovering I am not the greatest business person, however I love sharing my talents with others! I had a friend with the cutest, chubbiest baby just turn one and she asked for me to letter a board for her with all the things about him. I have NEVER done anything like this before but it turned out great and it was so cool to see her family and friends all compliment my work.

It was also Rebecca's birthday so I decide to paint a small Hawaii watercolor.  Now I want to do this with every state and country. Or may even the whole world! 

And how could I forget Mother's Day?! Mothers are amazing and incredibly underrated these days. Seriously I'm terrified and excited to become one but there is no doubt of humanitie's necessity for the gift of motherhood. I'm so grateful for the moms in my life but especially for my own. She had me when she was only 19, a newlywed, and facing so many struggles all at the same time. She helped my dad come back to the church before she was then converted(and baptized him) to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I remember walking into the sealing room of the Mesa Temple when I was little, all dressed in white with my little brother and sister so we could be sealed together as a family. I know that that is all because of her. She has served in too many callings that I can name, all of which people tell me she's the best. She was the leader of my Girl Scout group, always in the PTO, and team mom for all sports my siblings and I have played. She works as a partner with my dad in their construction business and is the ultimate boss lady. She also throws the best parties that must have all the party essentials: decorations, good food, and fun. She is the queen of crafts and anything creative. I'm so grateful for her kind, strong, brave, determined example and know I would not be the person I am without her. Love you mom! 

We were with lots of family Mother's Day. I couldn't help but buy my favorite moms some pretty tulips and also some for myself! I know that day can be hard for a lot of people who don't have mothers but  I think the important thing is to celebrate the amazing work they do and have done. We have so much to appreciate! My Nana used to make breakfast burritos, wrap them up, and stuff as many as she could in her purse. I have fond memories of her coming to my brother's football games and passing out burritos to everyone. In remembrance of her we got up early and made breakfast burritos for our picnic at the cemetery. I didn't take any pictures but that was probably my favorite part of mother's because of how simple and sweet that morning was. Plus breakfast burritos are the best! We went to church with my in-laws and had a cookout with all my cousins and aunts and uncles. Moms are not allowed to cook on Mother's Day. It's a rule! 

Lately I've been noticing how much fun I've been having not because I have time to actually watch Netflix and paint but I feel less stressed. It totally affect my attitude and I turn my marriage. Life isn't always easy but I feel like I shouldn't be happy only when it is. I'm going to enjoy this summer but I want to focus on how I feel now so that I can keep this positive vibe and spirit I feel in my home and with Tyler all the time. Even during the middle of the semester and I feel like I have no time to relax. We can choose to be happy no matter what! So in celebration of happy times here is the funniest video of Tyler and I that made us cry and almost pee our pants.

LOL

Recently I've been developing the skill to JUST LAUGH IT OFF. Kind of like Taylor Swift advice but better. 

 Tyler was outside exploring and came back with this little guy and I said, "Wait! Let me take a picture!" The a minute later Tyler said, "Oh. He jumps!" And he escaped somewhere in our laundry room. So hopeful I don't find a dead gecko in my clean clothes and he decides to eat all the bugs I don't like! 

We had some fresh grass put in and I'm so in love with the fact that I have a lawn. I'm also happy that there is a sprinkler system so that I don't have to water it! 

We have a little pond with fish and turtles and my sister and I relocated them to the front of my porch. If you ever have an aquatic animal and need a tank/pond decorator I'm your gal. 

Beautiful right? To celebrate warmer weather and our fresh grass. Tyler grilled up some burgers and we set up the cutest picnic dinner. I was about to take a bite out of my slider (then take a picture) when the sprinklers go off! We grabbed our burgers first and ran off the grass and laughed. I learned that I shoud have probably figured out what the timer was set to and that it was no big deal even though I really just wanted a romantic picnic dinner. Good thing I have all summer! 

Random side notes: 

I'm really digging forever21 right now.

I'm dying to have time to do more of this.