A big day: part one

April 23 was a Big Day…

Why a big day you might ask? Let me tell you why.

#1-April 23 was our 8th month anniversary! Yes, we still celebrate each month by trying to do at least something little. I made banana muffins for breakfast since Brandon LOVES muffins. When I went out to my car to leave for work, Brandon had put heart post-its all over the inside with a letter on each one spelling out-HAPPY ANNIVERSARY BABE! I kind of felt like I had just gotten married as people did a double take as I drove by. It made me smile!

#2-Brandon graduated! YEAH! I felt a sense of nostalgia as I watched all the graduates walking in as Pomp and Circumstance played on the organ thinking that a YEAR ago, this was me! Wow, it feels like forever ago. So much has happened in a year. I felt a little sad thinking that this chapter of our lives is over, but we are looking forward to what the future will bring! I am so proud of Brandon for working hard to accomplish such a big thing.

Brandon and one of his best friends Dallin

Our good friend Diana also graduated. Her husband was Brandon's roommate and mission companion.

#3-My Mom passed away 8 years ago. I still remember that weekend so vividly, yet it seemed so surreal at the time. I often wonder if/how my life would be different if she were still here. She loved her family so much and always put our needs above her own. She found great joy in serving us and others, attending countless track meets and soccer games, spreading holiday cheer, being the life of the party, and bearing her strong testimony. I remember my sister telling me about a family friend who had wondered why Heavenly Father would take her away when her family was her life. And then she realized that her being in Heaven would allow her to be with all of us! I wouldn’t have recognized this 8 years ago, but after seeing how spread out our family has and will probably be, it is great to know we can all feel her spirit wherever we may be.

#4-Grandpa Sunday passed away early this morning. I never knew him, but I'm excited to meet him someday.