"Every Life is Beautiful"

We watched a movie recently called "October Baby." Overall it is a pretty good movie, but something about the movie stuck out to me, and I wanted to write a little about it. The movie is about a college age girl that learns that she was adopted from a mother that had tried to have an abortion. Though she was adopted into a great and caring family, she still experiences many emotional and physical trials. She sets off on a road trip with some of her friends to drive to the town where she was born. She faces challenges as she learns more about her past, feels insecure about her self worth, and tries to forgive those around her.

It's amazing to watch how her character grows throughout the movie, and how she learns to trust herself, others, and God.  The tagline for the movie is "Every Life is Beautiful" and I believe that phrase is true. I know this is one of those sensitive subjects, but the message of the movie is powerful. Everyone has a different opinion about pro-life and pro-choice and all that. I don't know enough about what is going on to debate it by any means... but I do believe that every baby/person deserves to be born and to live a beautiful life, which in some cases could mean that they get to belong to a loving family through adoption. This movie is inspiring, it points out that every life is beautiful and worth it- no matter what a person has experienced.  [I choose not to write extremely personal things via blog, but I appreciate the message of this movie, because I have my own share of trials and insecurities. My childhood wasn't perfect, but I am grateful that I can rely on the Lord no matter what I'm going through. He is my Strength and Light, and the gospel of Jesus Christ is what has kept me going.]  We all have different trials that make us stronger and a lifetime of experiences that make us who we are, each person is unique. Each person is needed. God loves every person perfectly, we can't even comprehend how much He loves us. Sooo... whoever you are that may be reading this (if anyone reads this haha) YOU are needed and your life is beautiful! 

As I've been thinking about that movie and the main phrase, I thought about how each person we know has a unique story and each is amazing in their own way. I wanted to write something about each person in our family... just a tiny example of their extreme amazingness. :] I'm not sure if y'all will see this, but we appreciate you! (Disclaimer: This post might turn out kind of lengthy.)

I'll start with something about my padre Rodre. (Rod)- My dad has had many life threatening experiences, he has been blessed to be healed many times through his faith and the faith of others. I know that God has protected him, and I'm grateful for that. Dad, you're a hard worker and you have taught me a lot about life, especially since you had to raise me alone. Thanks for being a supportive dad and always going to my dance concerts/events, listening to me, and teaching me to be tough when faced with difficulties. Happy Birthday this week, we love you Dad! Next is something about my step-mom Janet. She has been through a lot, and is one of the strongest women I know. Thanks for being our stepmom and thank you for being the wonderful person/companion that you are for my Dad. We're happy you two found each other. To my step siblings Corey&Vivi, Tj, and Bridgette- You all amaze me with how strong you are. You all have contagious smiles and laughs. I hope we can all become better friends as the years go.

My mom. (Tammy)- Unfortunately, I don't know as much about my mom as I'd like to... but I do know that she is the strongest, most beautiful, and hard-working person I know. She has been through so much, and she works as many jobs as she needs to to support herself in this tough economy. I'm grateful that my mom was patient enough to give birth to me and didn't give up, despite the pains and complications she faced. She is my hero. Love you tons Mom.

I'll try to keep the rest simple, even though I could write a whole page about everyone haha... 

My sisters (half) and their families:

Harmony, my oldest sister. She is strong, honest, talented, independent, and she managed to graduate high school while she was living on her own. Jasel is a hard working, educated, fashion savvy lady! Lacey is talented, strong, and has taught herself to cook and bake like a pro. Even though they have all been through more than one person should, they are great examples of resilience and endurance. Thanks Harmony, Jasel, and Lacey for being my big sisters and friends. Harmony's husband Shaun, and their cute kids Samantha, Jaedra, Trevor, and Kaeden... Jasel's significant other Jason, Lacey's husband Brian and their daughter Aspen, are all amazing and fun. I wish we could see you all more and get to know you better :) Love ya! 

Harmony

                                       Jasel

Lacey

                       We probably need an updated picture of the 4 of us hahah...

Skeltons!

(Some of the pics used are from the event's photographers)

 Pete & Aeme. I admire their strong marriage and fun personalities. They care deeply about those around them, especially their kids and grand-kids. I'm grateful for great parents-in-law. :) They have a million talents and strengths, and they know how to have a good time. You guys are great!

Aaron and Aarin. (& Whitney and Kody) You have the most fun and adorable family ever. We admire your strength and ability to work so hard and be the amazing people that you are despite the trials you've been through. We look up to you guys.  :) 

Travis and Myriam. (& Shadd) You guys are so fun and outgoing. Your family is sooo cute and we love when we get to spend time with you guys! We wish we could see you more though, maybe someday we will all live closer and can play all the days. P.S. Your home-making/repairing skills are way impressive!

Aubree and Karson! You two take the cake for the cutest couple. Seriously though, how did you two get so dang photogenic and gorgeouso. ;) We have tons of fun with you guys, especially all the videos made and the Chinese food we've all devoured together. Karson, you're way smart and you have cool hats. Aubree, you bake better than Martha and your eye for cute thriftiness is amazing. 

 Tyler. (Elder Skelton) You might not ever see this haha but oh well, you are hilarious! We appreciate your fun, sarcastic, unique personality. We have a lot of fun memories with you, and we're so proud of you for going on a mission and serving the Lord and the people in Mississippi. You're a tough and talented kid, and we know you'll do great things in life... just like you have with guitar and piano eh.

Jbz! (Jenelle) You are such a beautiful person! We don't get to hang out with you as often anymore and that makes us sad, but we're so proud of you for being the amazing young woman that you are. You're extremely witty, talented, and you have a contagious smile, so keep smiling and being who you are! Also, bull cuts. ;)

Hopefully I didn't miss anyone, if I did, tell me and I'll write an extra long paragraph about you hahh. To our extended family and friends that I didn't write something about, just know that we admire you for being the unique and wonderful people that you are! Also, my writing changed while I wrote those, from descriptions of the person to personal notes to them and etc and whatever... just go with it k haha.

But yeah... Every life is beautiful :) and we're blessed to be surrounded by great family and friends.
Love Us.

Happy New Year

Happy 2014! To catch up to now... 

We celebrated our 3 year anniversary on December 30th. It was a fun day, and it probably wasn't as cold as our actual wedding day... haha.

(Bridal/Groomal picture in 2010, thanks to my stepmom Janet for taking some pictures for us.)

Our happy & freezing wedding day :] I'm forever grateful to be married to Bryce.   

Recently, we got to go see "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty." It's a great movie, definitely inspiring and awesome. Some of our favorite quotes from the movie are: 

Cheryl: Life is about courage and going into the unknown.

Sean: I thought it would be cute.

Sean: They call the snow leopard the ghost cat. Never lets itself be seen.

Walter Mitty: Ghost cat.

Sean: Beautiful things don't ask for attention.

On New Year's Eve, we worked on a traditional family video that we watch at midnight. We Skyped with some of Bryce's family and we all made toasts with our apple cider and watched the movie. (We apologize if you couldn't hear the sound very good over Skype. It's on Googleplus if anyone wanted to watch it again.)

(A map of where the family is spread out to nowadays) (Bryce's immediate family)

Also... we went looking for good Christmas lights near the end of December and we discovered Draper. Holy moly... those people must have high electric bills, because their lights are crazy cool. Here are just a few places that we got pictures/videos of. 

 (Their whole driveway was decked out.)

(This is one house...or castle.. seems pretty fancy...)

(This house had a creepy santa in the window on the right... he would move around and leave the window for a bit... and then he would peer out the window at us and eat his churro like a creep. Anyway... good times.)

(Good point... picture from the internet.)

Another school semester started, so that's fun...we're definitely keeping busy haha. Life is full of roller coasters and trials, but it's also full of adventure, fun, good movies, music, love, laughter, and learning. We're grateful for the New Year. :) 

                                                                                                                                 Love, Us