What a Ride!

Four years ago today, Kevin and I were sealed for eternity in the Redlands California Temple. It was the day after Thanksgiving, Black Friday, and the first day of my forever with my wonderful husband, Kevin. We've now lived all over the country, travelled abroad, graduated from undergrad and graduate school, and bought a house (we closed on Friday). Now all we have to do is pay for all of it!!

In every chapter of our marriage, I have learned to love you more and to value what a good man you are and the father you will be someday (to the reader, that is not an announcement!). You are generous, thoughtful, loving, and forgiving. You brighten my day and I love waking up to your warm arms every morning.

And just like this picture, you put up with me even when you think I'm crazy!

I couldn't be more proud of you. You surprise me all the time with your intelligence and your humor. You keep me laughing, and I love you for it. You are my best friend.

Happy anniversary, babe! I look forward to many more chapters in our marriage filled with laughter and love.

Cabin Time...Labor Day Weekend

I am now finally getting around to blogging about what we did the month that we spent in Cedar City. I promise that I haven't just been lazy (although that does play a part) but without reliable internet (the house ate all of our money!) I just haven't gotten to it! Thankfully, there are now many places that offer free internet (thank you Border's!) so here I am, starting at the beginning. These are from September 7th - Labor Day Weekend!

After our trip to Aruba, Kevin and I drove up to Cedar to spend Labor Day with all of his family at their cabin up Cedar canyon (this is also the cabin at which Kevin proposed...so it's a very special place for us!)

Kevin starting the traditional cabin fare - dutch oven chicken and potatoes! Yum!

Karen holding Miss Lydia

New mommy Lisa with Karen and Lydia

They had planned a birthday party for me and made me one of my favorite cakes - carrot cake with cream cheese - delish!

Kevin holding and burping baby Lydia

Trying not to let her "head fall off!"

Kanarra Falls

These pictures are from September 8th...yeah, two months ago!

Kanarra Falls are located just south of Cedar City in a slot canyon in Kanarraville, Utah. I am not much of a hiker, but this is a great hike if you are looking for a relatively short (5 miles round trip), beautiful hike! I just wish I were a better photographer so I could do the landscaping justice!

At the mouth of the very narrow canyon

The falls are very small, but the hike is well worth it just to experience the canyon!

Landscaping...check!

We are now just 2 weeks away from closing on the house! They have just finished the landscaping (minus a couple of trees which are still on order) and have installed the appliances in the kitchen...we are now just down to getting everything from our first walkthrough fixed and then we'll do our final punch list...everything looks great and we are convinced that we not only have the most amazing builder, but that he is the nicest person too!

Now, some shots of the inside :)

Looking into the master bath

Dining room

Great room

My closet!!! Well, actually Kevin and I will share it, but we all know who is going to take up the most room! My favorite part is the shoe shelves!

First floor guest bath

Heck Ya!!

That little piece of paper now means something because

KEVIN PASSED THE TEXAS BAR!!!

I don't think that I ever thought he wouldn't pass, but it is such an amazing feeling to know that it is official! Congrats, Kevin (or rather, Kevin Grady, ESQUIRE) - you never have to do it again!!

Law school is NOW officially done!

I am so proud of you!

MOST RECENT HOUSE PICS!!!

The countertops are in, backsplash is going on, walls are painted and cabinets are stained!

Happy Birthday, Kevin!

Dear Kevin:

As I know this will be read by many people and I don't want to thoroughly embarrass you by too much gooshy-love-talk, I will simply say that I love you and that I hope you have a great birthday! This has been a really big year for you and I am so proud of all of your accomplishments (hopefully on Nov 6th we can add passing the Bar to the list!). You are my best friend and the only one that can really make me laugh!

Thank you for everything you do, including, but not limited to the following:

1. Reminding me to grab my cell phone when I leave the house
2. Helping me take the cap off the chapstick when I have lotion on my hands
3. Keeping our Crystal Light supply full
4. Filling my gas tank
5. Not getting mad at me when I accidentaly turn your whites pink
6. Letting me cry on your shoulder ALL the time
7. Allowing me to eat part of whatever you are eating, even though I originally declined your offer to make me my own portion
8. Realizing that when I say I am mad about one thing, it probably means I am actually mad about something else
9. Buying me a house
10. Loving me
11. Making me laugh
12. Providing for me (soon!)
13. Reading scriptures with me
14. Agreeing to be with me FOREVER!!

Love you, Babe!

Happy 28th!