real-life love story

One of my favorite joys in life is standing on the sidelines and watching the real-life love stories unfold of my friends and those I love best.  

Over the past year, I got to watch one of my dearest friends and cousin’s love story. She and her forever have a story like no other. One that only the Almighty could orchestrate. But they both had to play their parts well and not give up when times got tough. And after the work, prayers, and faith even oceans couldn’t keep them apart. She and I have spent hours through the years talking about life, love, and the day when it would finally happen to us. We both surmised that no matter the timing, circumstances, place, age, or aligning of the stars that brought two people together who will love each other forever, it is nothing short of a miracle. Even the simplest story. Her story is without a doubt evidence of that. It was a good story to watch. Better than the best chick flick.

I am so grateful that I got to be there when this segment of the story wrapped up and when these two amazing people completely committed to love and take care of the other for the rest of eternity. The day was beautiful all around. And she was “the bride of my dreams.” (Do you know that reference? Hint: It’s from a movie and a book.)

The happily-ever-after is still in the making. But it will be a joy to continue watching.

*Picture courtesy of Jared Harlow.

sixty reasons why i love my dad

He’s the youngest 60 year old dad I know. He knows how to make good chocolate chip cookies. He didn’t kill me when I knocked both side mirrors off his car within a week when I was sixteen. He knows how to cut french toast just right. He likes to water ski on two. He likes to iron. He likes to watch movies while he irons. Patience, Patience, Patience. (Does that count as 3 or 1?) He has a great sense of humor. He texts.He makes great egg of the golden rod.  He looks great in a hat. He isn’t addicted to computer games. He doesn’t need the latest and greatest. He’s happy with his second hand canoe. He doesn’t take himself too seriously. He never missed a recital or concert. He’ll check my oil in my car even though I know how. He works hard to provide. He knows how to put up any type of tent. Always ready and willing to give a blessing upon request. He  likes to camp. He likes road trips.He’s not embarrassed to pipe in when his 5 daughters begin discussing things that aren’t exactly dinner conversation appropriate. He’s wise. He climbed to the top of the Mayan Temple in Belize with me. He waited for my mom to grow up to marry her. (ok not on purpose but it was a long wait.) I often catching him doing his personal scripture study. He’s a great grandpa. He appreciates and works toward a clean house. He lets me store my junk in his garage. He’s not obsessed with sports or cars.He has one good  joke. He can name any Mash episode. He’ll play games even though he doesn’t like them. He’s handy and knows how to fix things. He is willing to drive a clunker in order to avoid the debt of  newer car. He talks to the dog when he thinks no one can hear him. His handwriting looks just like Santa’s. =) He makes the best yams for Thanksgiving dinner. He is willing to do new things. He takes care of Grandma. He let me help him (or think I was helping) finish the basement. He makes the kids’ school lunch every morning. He’s happy. Where ever he goes people love him. He’s the best at math homework. He takes us all to Disneyland. He takes Dinah to ballet. He makes dinner for my mom when she teaching piano late. He lets my mom do the traveling for the both of them. He’s humble. He fulfills his church callings. He understands being single. He encourages me to have new  adventures and travel. He doesn’t play video games. He knows how to dance. (Ballroom)He gets excited for new adventures. No guy is good enough for his little girl. He’s my daddy!!!

Happy 60th Birthday Dad!!!

I LOVE YOU!!

dream

Nine months of planning, anticipating, saving, shopping, preparing, waiting, packing, and dreaming…are finally over and we are on our way. We’ll be living the dream for six days and six nights. And for me, this really will be a dream come true. Not the fancy ship, the pampering, the pools, the sunshine. (Although, they will be a fun and new experience.) But the opportunity to travel international, see ruins, scuba dive, see new places, experience new things with my family is one of my dreams.

I’ve traveled lots by myself and with friends, and I often get places and wish I could share it all with my family. I wish they could see, feel, and experience everything.Then when I come home and can’t stop talking about it they would know and really understand.

So, for six amazing days in Mexico, Honduras, and Belize…

I will be living my dream.

Hasta Luego. (Maybe)

Just forward my mail to:

1401 Carnival Dream

Somewhere, Caribbean

Atlantic Ocean

I might not be back!

Merry Disney Christmas

Christmas was magical.

Sarah-ism #516: Say the kissing part

If you are ever in Disneyland and Prince Charming, Eric, Phillip, or whoever, etc. asks you, “What is your favorite part of the movie?” Say the KISSING PART!!!!
Why do I say this, you may ask.
Five years ago we went to Disneyland for Christmas as a family. As we entered the park on our first day, we were excited to find Prince Phillip there waiting to welcome us. As he greets us, he bends down and asks Dinah (who is 5 at the time) “What is your favorite part of the movie?” Dinah answers, “The dancing part.” He says ok and picks her up and begins dancing with her. I immediately tell my sisters, “The next time a prince asks you, ‘What is your favorite part of the movie?’ Say the kissing part.” =)
Unfortunately, Dinah and I were unable to test to see if this same magic works here in Salt Lake when we went to Disney on Ice last month. But we still had a great time watching the Princesses skate with their Princes.

Just call me AUNTIE SARAH!

Since I was about 7 years old I have wanted to be something, something great, amazing, and cool. This something is an aunt. Since I am the oldest you can imagine the wait has been very long. This dream finally came true this week. Tuesday, November 4th Benjamin was born. And he is the cutest nephew in the world. It was a privilege to be there with Jacob and my mom and sisters to act like we were helping Cori through labor and delivery, though she really was doing all the work to get him here. And she worked hard. She is amazing.