WE'RE ENGAGED!!

I know this really isn't news to anyone since we've been engaged for more than a month now...but because of the hectic nature of life and wedding plans, today is the first chunk of downtime I've had to document this glorious, life-changing event. 

Let's just jump right in.

So, on Friday Nick texted me, asking if I wanted to go to lunch. Unbeknownst to him, I had already taken my lunch for the day and told him that we could plan a Salt Lake date after work (**because we live in different cities, Salt Lake dates are not uncommon). Yet, he persisted to tell me that he would conveniently be in Salt Lake and would like to see me for a few minutes. 

I texted him back and said, "Let's just wait until five."

He responded, "It's TEN MINUTES!!"

Okay, okay. 

So he poked his head into my office and we drove down the street to split a Subway footlong. However, the traffic was terrible on Redwood Road, making this quick endeavor rather long. I started to get a little anxious, as I had already taken my time off from work and would not like to miss more hours. 

He kept reassuring me that everything would be fine. 

As he was driving to drop me off, he missed the turn to go to my office, taking us to the entrance of the freeway. I looked at him in bewilderment as he smiled and said, "It's okay, I'll just flip a u-turn." But when the light turned green he didn't quite complete the u-turn which put us straight on the freeway onramp.  

"NICK!!!!" I screamed.  He apologized, saying he thought that the onramp was actually a street that would loop around back to my work.  

I said, "okay", while trying to come up with a logical explanation to tell my co-workers as to why I insisted on taking a second lunch break.

When the next exit came...we passed it.

Again, I looked at him like, "ARE YOU CRAZY?"

He just smiled, grabbed my hand and said, "The good news is we get to spend five extra minutes together." 

He finally took the next exit, which goes to the airport. I now knew this "10 minute adventure" was turning into something much longer.

(And to make things clear, getting engaged, let alone getting on an airplane was completely off my radar at this moment. To me, heading to the airport only meant more time away from work.)

Now Nick, without even blinking turned into the Airport Parking Lot instead of the drop-off lane. He insisted it would be faster than waiting in that long line. 

Before I could really say anything, he zipped into the nearest parking slot, parked the car, and looked at me with a huge grin. 

Completely confused, I said, "What's going on?"

He just sat there, beaming uncontrollably. 

Until he said, "You really don't know what's going on?"

After the continual missed exits, I was about to ask him the same thing.

He told me to look in the trunk, where I found my little suitcase I had purchased while living in New York City. It was at this moment (crazy, I know) that the thought of going somewhere was even a consideration.

That's when the questions started coming. I seriously asked him 20 questions in the time we took to walk from the car to pick up our tickets. 

"How did you get this suitcase?"

"What's in it?"

"Do I even have my ID to get on a plane?"

"Does my mother know about this?"

"Did you talk to my boss?"

"Where are we going?"

"Is this real life?"

Rather than answering any of my questions, he just ushered me into the airport and told me to hurry so we wouldn't miss our flight.

I was walking around the airport thinking this can't be real. Things like this only happen in movies. Does anyone in this airport know that I'm being kidnapped from work and flown to who knows where on my lunch break? Why won't Nick answer my questions?

All the while, Nick was laughing and looking at me, enjoying every minute of my confusion.

**I need to (embarrassingly) note. The day before, Nick and I had a conversation that started with me saying how terrible he is at surprises. He just gets so excited that he blows his cover every time. Now that whole conversation came back slapping me in the face.

It wasn't until we got in line to wait for security that I started to actually enjoy this idea of being kidnapped and stopped asking questions. I had no idea where we were going or for how long...but I did know that I loved this boy who was with me and it didn't really matter where we were going.

We had a layover in Phoenix, before I found out we were going to Long Beach, California. I was so excited. I had been craving a day at the beach since January, and Nick knew that! 

During the few hours on the airplane, I was simply relishing the idea that it would be a weekend in California, just us two. (Nick and I don't get a whole lot of one-on-one time, so this was a really pleasant surprise.)

We landed. Got a rental car. And drove an hour to Oceanside, all the while singing our hearts out with the windows down, enjoying the warm, California air. 

It was perfect! 

We got to the harbor, ate a taco, and parked near a marina. We got out and walked along the doc alongside these nice, beautiful boats. When suddenly, out of nowhere, a middle aged man, dressed in a cute, patriotic sailing outfit, poked his head out from a beautiful, white sail boat and yelled, "NICK!"

Nick smiled and turned to me, "Have you ever been sailing?"

WHAT!?! This can't be happening.

I had never been sailing before this trip. I've always wanted to, but the opportunity never presented itself, until now!

This man welcomed us aboard his 40 ft. sailboat that he charters several times a week for extra cash. That's when Nick opened my suitcase revealing a swimsuit and few beach outfits my mother had so thoughtfully packed for me! I was so grateful that Nick included her into his engagement plans:)

So off we went, sailing into the blue, California ocean. We saw lots of flirtatious sea lions and fun family outings on other boats and water toys. 

It was perfect. 

Captain Steve, who was deeply proud of his boat, showcased every nook and cranny of his beautiful baby, making it a humorous, light adventure. Even better, he let us navigate most of our voyage. 

And just when I thought it couldn't get any better, the sun started setting, hitting the smooth, glassy water so perfectly. 

It was a dream.

We eventually made it back to the dock where we thanked Steve profusely and headed on our way.

This dream definitely had its reality checks, like when we got a flat tire on the way to the beach. Lucky for us, Nick and I have had quite a bit of experience changing flats together. You could say it's creating quite a bond between us. 

By the time we got to the beack front, it was 9 o'clock or so... the sun was down and the night was still. We walked along the beach talking about the craziness of the day and also about what we wanted for our future. I began to get a little nervous, as I thought this was either a proposal or a dang expensive 24-hour trip to California. It definitely was not the latter:)

After a long stretch of casual talk, my nerves set in, and I asked Nick if we could sit for a minute. (I know, leave it to me to kill the mood.) That's when Nick and I talked about marriage, fears, and doubts for a few minutes. 

*For those who don't know my Nicholas (and even those who do), though he is fun and crazy and light-hearted, he definitely has a sensitive and perceptive side when I'm in the picture. This I love.

We eventually stood up and began strolling down the beach again, admiring the tide and the sand creations from the day. 

He then stopped me. Turned me to look at him. Knelt down. And asked me in all seriousness and conviction to marry him. I couldn't stop the flow of tears as I gladly accepted. We hugged and kissed and talked. 

Although, I was quite nervous to take this next step, we took the next few minutes to regroup and have a rather sacred experience, that further confirms to me the amazement of this man I am dedicating my life to serve. 

So yes, this crazy, storybook proposal had moments of utter happiness, excitement and thrill, but it also had moments of fear and nervousness. And amidst the beautiful and elaborately planned weekend (thanks, Nick), my favorite part of the trip was enjoying the moments Nick and I had together on the beach before it became public. Nothing big or fancy. Just the two of us talking and choosing each other! 

So the excitement and party began the next day when we announced the big news to all of our friends! And I must say, THANK YOU for being nothing but excited and supportive of our decision! It means the world to us and has definitely come as a source of strength when moments get difficult and stressful.  

We sure love you lots.  

Thank you! And say hello to the newest Homer family!!!

We were told that all sailors must wear that captain hat! 

Isn't he handsome?

 Capt'n Steve and his white beauty^^

xoxo

A TRIBUTE TO MY MOTHER

"My mother...she is beautiful, softened at the edges and tempered 

with a spine of steel. I want to grow old and be like her." 

                                                 -- Jodi Picoult

I love my mother. As I have grown older, I have become more aware of my mother and the decisions she's made, the hardships she's dealt with, and the life she's led...and I must say, she has never been more beautiful to me than she is today.

So to pay tribute, I wanted to do something a little different. I stumbled upon this Mother's Day article, where people were told to express their love and gratitude for their mothers in five words or less. FIVE!?! I know, right? How can five words be sufficient enough to adequately express the love I have for my mother. 

However, as I read some of the responses, I started to see how sweet and sincere they were. I mean you have to be eloquent and selective when there are only five words to play with. 

So I decided to try it.

But knowing me...I wanted to elaborate on these five words with a story or some preface as to why these five words are so special to me.


(1) SHE TAUGHT ME TO LOVE.
I absolutely LOVED the news article that went viral of the nurturing mother who brought her baby back to life simply by cuddling and caressing the child. (If you haven't seen this, pause the read, and check it out. It's remarkable in every way.) Like this mother to her newborn babe, my mother has also given me the gift of life. Because of her, I grew up knowing what it feels like to be loved unconditionally. And it is THIS love that has enabled me to love others, serve the community, and strive to be a mother of my own one day. Mother's have a powerful and irreplaceable role in society, one in which I desperately hope will never be replaced. 

(2) SHE IS BRAVE.
Is every mother bestowed with a large dose of courage before she leaves the hospital with a new baby in arm? I sure hope so...because I cannot imagine being my mother 23 years ago. She left the hospital as a new resident of California, with no family or friends nearby, holding two tiny babies, one in each arm.  My father worked obscure hours to support this growing family of his, often leaving my mother alone with these two newborns...and no idea how to raise them. Although it was a hard time (full of lots of tears), she did it!

And similar to the way she raised us, my mother confronts every problem the same way: head on! Never have I seen my mother falter or waver when something hard needs to be done. She just gets up early and does it! Though Rach and I were the first, we were certainly not the last of times that called for bravery.

(3) SHE DOES KICKLINES WHILE COOKING 

One of my fondest memories as a child was watching my mother cook and dance simultaneously. Because she was a Mandonelles (drill team) in high school, she is notorious for her high kicks. I specifically recall as a little girl watching my mother sing along to Amy Grant's "Baby Baby" at the top of her lungs, making homemade pasta and jumping around the kitchen with her old school drill moves. For some reason, this will always be a fond memory I have when I think of my mother. 

(4) THE WIND BENEATH MY WINGS.
The first and only time I have watched a Bette Midler movie was with my mother. We watched Beaches. I remember sitting and crying during this terribly sad and inspiring movie. (It really is just heart wrenching.) And to this day, whenever I hear the song, "Wind Beneath My Wings," I think of my loving mother.

(5) SHE IS A DOER.
Whether it's a flat tire to be fixed, a company to help manage, or a family relationship to mend, my mother is the woman of many hats. She is a fighter. Her proactive approach to life is something I and many of her friends cherish about her. 

(6) SHE IS ADVENTUROUS AND UNINHIBITED 
My mother never ceases to amaze me with her eagerness for adventure. I'm talking about the time when Farmington Station hosted a weekend concert one summer night last year. My family and I got out of a movie to be welcomed by a large crowd of people enjoying a live band. Carson jokingly dared my mother to go join the mosh pit forming near the front of the stage. Without even blinking, she smiled and ran to the edge of the stage and began jumping, screaming, and dancing better than any teenager nearby. We stood there shocked, mouths gaped open (seriously!). None of us expected her to really do it, yet she was all over the place, bumping into strangers, singing to the crowd, and playing the "air guitar." 

Needless to say, we all had a good laugh and learned a little more about our mother that night. 

(7) SHE LOVES HER BODY.

My mother might quickly protest this idea; however, I need to make a point. My mother showed my sisters and I how to love our bodies. She never complained about the baby weight she put on over the years. She never uttered ill words of her appearance or the appearance of others. A scale was never included in our bathroom decor (not to say scales are bad, but numbers were never something of interest in our family). Food was always approached as fuel, never a threat. And those stretch marks on her tummy were never shameful, but rather reminders of her pride and joy -- her children. I owe much of my positive body image to my mother. In a world of confused body images, I'm deeply grateful to have been raised in a safe place, where the feminine body is appreciated and valued. I cannot thank you enough for this one, mother! 

Mother trying on her wedding dress. Hello 80's!!

(8) SHE LOVES GOD

Most importantly, she taught me how to pray and turn to Heavenly Father, often. Growing up in a home where I could feel the Spirit and learn more about Jesus Christ has shaped my entire existence. I owe much of my testimony and the lense in which I see the world to my spiritual mother. 



No Mother's Day post is sufficient without this quote:

"ALL THAT I AM, OR HOPE TO BE, I OWE TO MY ANGEL MOTHER."

No quote seems to sum it up like Abraham Lincoln's tribute to his mother. As I am preparing to become a wife in a few short months and mother in a few short years, I must say, I am grateful my biggest role model is always right beside me, cheering me on with every stage of life.

Thank you, mother, and all other mothers, for your irreplaceable presence and gift in lives of those you touch.

Happy Mother's Day!

Happy--Snowsheoing--Birthday!

The one thing my mother wanted to do for her birthday was to snowshoe!

My mother has taught me many things over the course of my life, one of the them being the beauty and therapeutic power of nature. She loves the mountains. She loves the sun. And she loves moving her feet. I think it's only appropriate that we went out on a nature walk to celebrate another year of her life.

The sun was shining and the snow looked like this^^

(potato chips as my dad referenced)

This picture encompasses a lot about my mother. 

Her motto: "I will live with grace and dignity!"

Her face says it all.

Don't you just love his curly beard?

           

When my mother is in her element^^

 It's harder to get a cute picture with Koda than it looks:)

the bun^

Living at home has been rather difficult at times, 

but with afternoons such as these, there's nowhere else I'd rather be. 

my dad is such a goof!

photo cred: Liza Jane! 

Change of seasons! 

Needless to say, he was a happy pup.

 Would you look at his puppy eyes! 

Happy Birthday Mother, I love you!! 

You are the most beautiful, loving angel in my life. 

Thank you for sharing a piece of you in all of us girls! I look at my sisters and believe they are the most loving, hardworking, dedicated, beautiful, bright individuals I know. It's you that is shining in them, in us, and I couldn't be more grateful! I love you! 

Here's to a better year ahead!  

Liza Jane

Liza Beth,

Happy 17th birthday, baby girl!

Sisters are one of the best blessings in life. As the chubbiest, most coddled baby of the family, you are blossoming into a beautiful woman before our very eyes. I cannot believe you're 17 years old today. Where has the time gone? Sometimes I wish we were our little baby selfs again, playing "jobs" in the basement and running around the backyard in nothing but our underwear. But alas, those times can no longer exist:) However, moving back home has definitely been one of the BIGGEST blessings in my life right now because it has brought me closer to you. I see the decisions you are making and the way you are living your life and I couldn't be more proud of you, proud to be your sister. You radiate goodness and courage and I can see what a great friend you are to others. Thank you for being so brave, even when it gets tough.

I love you, Liza Jane! Happy Birthday!

thank goodness

Happy Thanksgiving. This year, Thanksgiving was something special. It was a time to let go and be a kid again. I love my cousins. I love them so much. As you can see in the pictures, the place is beautiful, but really it's all about the people for me, and there was no where else I would've rather been than with these hooligans. 

the beach

morning walks on the beach

" Good morning, Gill."

I said, "Good morning, Gill" 

(obviously, we have only had our eyes open for no longer than 10 minutes:)

playing on the beach

We made up games, flew kites, played a little Turkey Bowl (until the injuries started to surface), surfed, skimboarded, built sandcastles and crushed them. It was such a wonderful week of nothing productive!! Just what I needed!

Jumping over the waves.

Cutest couple award goes to these two^^

Wally found this treasure on the beach (the body of a stingray!!) 

As you can see our family is treated with girls...lots of little girls.

Aren't they adorable?

The girls thought it would be a good idea to do Nick's hair...haha such flirts. 

Also would you look at Maggie's face.  Priceless.

but we can't forget the outnumbered, darling little boys...

{Ficher^^ asked me to take his picture and immediately faked he was asleep when I began snapping. Don't let this little act fool ya:)}

surfing

 all the day long...

Nick convinced me to get a wetsuit for Black Friday! BEST investment EVER! It was the warmest thing I have ever worn...definitely came in handy with the ice cold water. 

 into the night...

Abby, Hannah and Liza^^^

^^Hannah

my lovely parents

and of course, the sleepover

All the single cousins were shun to the basement of the beach house. By the end of the week we had 10 bodies in this room. Needless to say, this was one of the highlights of the week for me. We stayed up late in the night watching crazy hippo YouTube clips, laughing, crashing hard and waking up to Miranda Sings. I love my cousins more and more. They are pure and curious about life. Being one of the oldest in the basement, I couldn't help but look at this younger generation and think how lucky I am to be related to such smart, genuine people. Oh I love them!

This trip accentuated that love even more. 

 Ian's face says it all!!

 Speaking of kind, genuine people--I know where my cousins get it^^. My grandparents are the most loving couple alive, literally! I am so lucky to be included in such a powerhouse lineage. Thank you Grandma and Grandpa for such a wonderful Thanksgiving!! It was a great break from the real world and a chance to be a child again. 

I love you both!!