Frienassaince

 

 

That is seriously so true when it comes to my Kadee and I. I've blogged about her in the past, but we have been friends since the 4th grade. We've had our share of years that we were terrible at keeping in touch, and we had years that we were inseparable.

I am more than words can express grateful for where our friendship is today and has been the last several years.

She moved to California right after high school to attend some fancy schmancy college because she was cooler than me. Yep. Every teen in Utah talks about moving to Florida or California, some AMAZING tropical place where life is fast and luxurious and hot...as soon as they graduate. Well, Kadee actually did it. And she never came back...

 

Broke my heart.

 

But I can tell you that as you see below, 20 years of friendship, 14 of those years being 2 states apart, she is my BEST friend. The person I talk to EVERY day. Sometimes ALL day. In fact, if I didn't have unlimited text messaging I'm pretty sure I couldn't afford my bill. I am incredibly grateful for the closeness that we share.

 

I see something funny on the net-text Kadee. I don't know what to make for dinner-text Kadee. I am being lazy and can't believe how dirty my house is-text Kadee. Something on the news is an uproar-text Kadee and discuss our positions, beliefs, political opinions...you name it. Children are frustrating us and we want to hide and cry all day-text Kadee. Feeling constipated and don't know how to fix it-text Kadee. See the pattern?

 

 

I had the opportunity, for the first time since she has lived in Cali, to visit her. I am BEYOND grateful for the short time I got to be with her. We've been wanting to plan this for YEARS and we are often texting that we wish we could run over to each other's house at that very moment. It's hard. REALLY hard. But the 24 ish hours I got to be with my best friend during this unexpected trip meant so much to me.

 

 

I don't travel as much as I use to or WANT to, but I have a goal to see any LDS temple nearby when I'm away. Kadee was more than happy to drive me over to the Newport Temple that she regularly visits. Oh those beautiful palm trees!

 

How neat is FaceTime these days? I feel like every time I am away on vacation I am so lucky to be able to see my littles live. It makes all the difference in the world. It's not as great as snuggles and kisses and toddler cheek smells but it definitely curbs my cravings and gets me through. Sadly, as you can see below, Saydee was having a rough time without mama. Totally unexpected from my "tough girl". Broke my heart a bit.

Since it was such a short trip, we didn't have a whole lot planned other than lots of much needed gabbing and lounging. I forced Kadee to do my make up. I have been obsessed with her RIDICULOUS make up collection for years. For years she has been sending me make up of the day pics and tutorials. We are so weird like that. We make videos for each other all the time! Hair videos, make up videos, home tour videos, whats in my purse today videos...haha...we have so much fun.

But how ridiculous is just this SLIVER of her make up collection? Don't even get me started on her nail polishes. She is out of control. But in a fabulous way...I am beyond jealous!

 I am so grateful for your friendship Kadee. It's hard to even call it a friendship. That sounds so juvenile for what we have. You're a sister to me. Another half of me. I don't know what I would do without you. You inspire me, push me, motivate me, teach me, comfort me and entertain me. I can barely go a day without you in my life. No matter what I'm needing at the moment you are there for it. I can vent to you, tell you stupid stories, funny stories...my dreams and goals...my fears and weaknesses, my triumphs and my mistakes. I have been SO blessed by our Heavenly Father to be given you. Yes, you were GIVEN to ME. I am claiming you all to myself! Please don't ever underestimate your value in my life and everyone else you meet. You are truly an irreplaceable person. "Michelle & Debra" forever!!!

Lovers Getaway -Take 3

Every year for Valentine's Day, Erik and I choose to do something extraordinary to celebrate together instead of get eachother presents. Something better than a typical date. We usually go out of town for the weekend. A couple of years ago we stayed in a gorgeous and relaxing condo in Midway with some other couples and had some fun in Park City. We had such a blast that we decided to go back again this year! 

We FINALLY made it to The Melting Pot. We've been trying to go there for years! Hot dang that was some yummy food!!! And I love that it's more of an experience that just a meal.

We had a blast playing a bunch of different Minute To Win It games that Madi put together...

 Every time we go out of town, the guys always come up with some home made game they get addicted to all weekend. This time it was trying to get this ball to land and stay in the lamp. Men are easily entertained.

 I'm not gonna lie...one of my favorite things over the weekend was soaking in a nice jacuzzi bubble bath...mmm. Ok and the food, what can I say?

 We loved waking up to beautiful scenery every morning!

We love shopping at the outlet stores for all of our kids but I didn't take any pics of that. Such a great weekend with good friends and it's nice to get a mini break from the chaos at home. I love these little getaways and I'm so grateful we have the opportunity to enjoy them and have family willing to help with our kiddos!

Alone Time

I had the awesome opportunity to be flown to Florida to help throw a baby shower for my sister in law, thanks to my stepmom, Linda. I was so grateful for this opportunity. Not only did it allow me quality time with my loved ones that I rarely get to see, but it was a major mama recharge. I loved being able to sleep in every day and just do things as I please, when I please and how I please. It wasn't until this "vacation" that I truly realized how much my every move is ruled by my little ones haha! I missed them though. Thank goodness for modern technology-being able to "Facetime" with them every day made a world of difference.

 

I had so much fun planning this shower with my stepmom. We planned it around her nursery theme so that she could use items in the nursery. It turned out so fun! Of course it helps that they have the perfect party hosting home!

 

First of all, I got to eat out more than I'm use to. That was a treat in itself!

Here are some pics from the shower. Everything was themed to match the nursery and we even used some fabric from the nursery bedding that Linda made.

Diaper Wreath I made

We went shopping at the outlet stores (amazing by the way) and Linda and my dad surprised me by letting me pick out a Coach bag AND wallet. People, this was huge to me. My heart was literally pounding. I've NEVER owned anything expensive like this before and the purse and wallet I had with me were older than Kayson and had holes all over and even the cardboard was showing through the fabric. I was in heaven. Talk about feelin fancy.

My sweet SIL Kris, and my stepmom Linda

My pops

I took a moment to walk down the street to sit on the water for some peace while I could. Heaven

This is the damage we did for the kids at the outlet stores!! Gnarly, right?

And I had to share this little gem. Erik sent me a pic one day of his fabulous attempt at doing the triplets' hair. I was SOOOO proud of him. I showed it to EVERYONE! He's such a great daddy and even more amazing to have taken on the whole house by himself for 5 days!!! I was so grateful.

 

 It was a wonderful trip but I was just as excited to get back to my loves.

Our Annual Florida Trip!

This post is long overdue. But we had a wonderful vacation to visit our family in Florida again this year. It warms my heart to see our kids with their grandparents when miles separate us all year long. And I'm very close to my Aunt Lisa...being able to spend time with her in person means so much to me. I look up to her so much. I also got to FINALLY meet my new sister in law and I just adored her! I could spend hours on end with her! I'm so grateful for all of our family there and for every moment we get to spend with them!

 

Erik's parents were generous enough to schedule their cruise during a time where we could all fly to Florida together. The flight and trip was only possible because of their help with that! We are so lucky for the sacrifices they make for our family & it was fun having them along for some of our visit. We learned that we'll never do a Red-Eye flight again...but the flights home weren't bad at all. Everyone thought I was lucky because Hallie slept in my lap most of the way home, until they noticed that her diaper had leaked all down my pants and I couldn't do anything about it until we got home!! Gross! That's love for ya.

 

I was very nervous about flying with triplets! But I did the only thing I could...prepare, prepare, prepare. I ordered new toys. Planned out naps, snack times, meal times, diaper & clothing changing times...you name it. Kayson had his own special backpack as usual with fun new surprises. He could've played with his Aquadoodle for days. In the end all you can do is take a deep breath, pray and hope for the best. It wasn't too bad and I just kept telling myself no matter what happens, this will end!

 

Here's a pic of my Flight Snack Preparation:

 

I didn't take a picture of all the new toys I had prepared but it turns out we really didn't need them.

Unfortunately, only my mother in law has in-flight pictures so I'll have to snag those one day!

 

We had such a great time...sunny skies, endless waterplay, yummy meals, fun activities and unforgettable quality time with the people we love. They are the most hospitable people we know and always make it such an amazing experience. It breaks my heart that we might not be able to afford plane tickets every year anymore. But I look forward to the day we get to visit again or have them visit us. Until then, we miss you Florida!

 

 

Here's a little slide show I put together of my favorite pictures from the trip.