Three Years Ago Today

I entered the MTC and started my life as a missionary. I am overwhelmed with gratitude for my Heavenly Father's insistence that I serve! It was the best decision I had made (until that point that is) and was by far the best 18 months of my life (again, until that point! Meeting and marrying my love definitely takes the cake!) Don't judge the puffy-eyed MTC pictures, or the sweaty-head Taiwan pictures...you do what you can! I loved my mission, I love Taiwan and the Taiwanese people and I love this gospel. It was great to share it in Chinese and our family is still enjoying every opportunity we have to share it in English. Just a few pictures for you to enjoy!

Our Baby's Growing Up!

Just thought I'd update the blog with a few pictures of our absolute favorite little man. It's incredible how much Talmage has grown...and how cute he is! His smile literally melts my heart and I'm amazed each day with the new things he's learning to do. I hope you enjoy these pictures as much as I do.

Oh, by the way...

Yep, my first Mother's Day and it took me nearly a month to report. Oh bother, such is life! It was such a fabulous day of being spoiled. Talmage woke up screaming at 3 am and decided he was up for good...I told everyone he wanted me to feel extra needed on my special day! An amazing breakfast, goodies at church and the most amazing tri tip dinner EVER on the beautiful back patio! Being a mom is pretty sweet, huh?

Sacramento Zoo

What a super fun Memorial Day we had! We went to the Sacramento Zoo and it was a warm, beautiful, perfect day. Talmage was a good boy (mostly) for the expedition and I'm pretty sure he loved seeing all the animals (well, he loved standing under the rainforest-mister by the lions at least!) I definitely loved spending the whole day with my two beloved live-in gentleman as Mum calls them! 

Happy Birthday to Me!!!

24 is my favorite number, which only makes me slightly less bitter that it's my new age! I had a great birthday which started with yummy french toast and fresh strawberry's made by my Mamacita and Husband. 

Then James took me on a super fun date. My mom watched Talmage and we went to Gibson Ranch for a picnic lunch. He had everything planned (right down to the Golden Oreo's...thanks for the addiction Leah!) and we had such a great time. 

When we got home Jim let me take a nap--what a treat! We spent the rest of the day relaxing as a family...and of course enjoyed some cake for dessert.

Happy Birthday to me!

Jim's Graduation

James and I spent our one year anniversary with a VERY big celebration! (PS--Our Anniversary is April 24...so much for posting things on time!) James graduated from BYU with a BA in International Relations. Yeah!!! He was valedictorian and was given the opportunity to speak. He spoke on protecting the family and it was FABULOUS (except for the exceptionally large picture of yours truly he put on the projector screen!) We have loved our time in Provo and absolutely cherish the time we spent at BYU, but at the same time he couldn't have given me a better anniversary present, his diploma! We're excited to spend the summer with our family, and then move overseas for our next big adventure!

Talmage was SUCH a good boy during all the LONG ceremonies. He actually slept through most of them (I attribute it to being drunk on Mama's Milk...those back to back feedings work like a charm!) Below is a picture of Talmage with his grandfathers, Scott McKee and Scott Wigginton.

So many members of our family came out to Provo to help us celebrate. This is only half of them, but unfortunately I slacked in getting a picture with EVERYONE. They were so great! It wasn't long after Jim walked across the stage that they were all back at our apartment helping us pack up. It was quite the job and we definitely could not have done it without their help. Thanks fam!