remembering a friend

The past few days have been a time of reflection, grieving and gratitude. My best friend from childhood lost her dear husband this week after a 3 year battle with cancer.

During the last General Conference, Elder Uchtdorf gave the talk "Of Regrets and Resolutions". I remember listening to this talk and thinking of Kayla and Beav. This wasn't just another General Conference talk - but he was describing what they are experiencing at that moment.  

Uchtdorf spoke of a nurse who would often ask her patients who were close to death, "do you have any regrets?" 

Being so close to that final day of mortality often gives clarity to thought and provides insight and perspective. So when these people were asked about their regrets, they opened their hearts. They reflected about what they would change if only they could turn back the clock.

- I wish I had spent more time with the people I love

- I wish I had lived up to my potential

- I wish I had let myself be happier

I have had this talk in my heart and mind since October. 

Beav was an example of all of these things. I don't think he left this earth life with any regrets, other then he wished he had more time on earth with his family. He was a pure example of happiness, and living life to the fullest. He was also an amazing husband to Kayla and father to his two little girls. 

..........................................................................

Kayla got married 5 years before I did, so she and Beav met or heard about  the various guys I dated. I always got a very honest opinion from them and Beav was always quick to give the guy a nickname... I think my favorite was "Little Shirt, Little Shorts Dude" ( this guy did always wear clothes that should have been taken out of his closet 4 years prior haha too tall for most of the things he wore). 

But they were always good sports and looked out for my best interest.

Kayla and Beav didn't get a chance to meet Colton until we were already engaged. I had told Colton all about Beav and how awesome he was and how they HAVE to be "Bros"! Colton quickly corrected me and told me that I CANNOT decide who his "Bros" would be - "it either is or isn't". Well needless to say him and Beav clicked immediately. When Kayla and I would be on the phone, they would call each other and the same time, we could barely hear one another because they would be SO loud telling each other stories and laughing.

We are so glad they were able to come out last October and spend some quality time with us. We have watched their strength and courage through this trial of cancer, and have learned a lot from the both of them.

My heart goes out to Kayla and the girls at this time. But I know Beav is watching from up above and they will all be reunited again some day.

We will miss you Beav! 

surprise!

Colton is not a big birthday person, as you know from last years post. BUT I am, and it is his 30th this year!!!! I have been DYING inside because he has told me "No Presents, No Parties and No Surprises!". Boo.

Well it was hard for me to follow his request. Really hard. So I tried to think of way I could maaaybe just bend his birthday rule a little tiny bit without him getting mad.

After many different ideas I finally had a good one. His good friend Tom agreed to fly in over Veteran's Day weekend and surprise him after work.

I had it all planned out. Tom would fly in on the red-eye, I would pick him up at 10 am, he would come back to the house to sleep for a few hours and then Colton would be home.... and BAM! We would surprise him!!

So the day finally came, everything went as planned! Picked up Tom, he went back to the house to sleep, then I headed out to Costco to run a few errands before Colton came home.

THEN Colton texts me....

 "hey looks like I have to work this weekend... maybe even Monday too...."

I just stood there looking at my phone.( I am at Costco at this moment - and I think people around me thought I was about to break down and start crying.)

 This had to be a joke. Colton must have come home early seen Tom and they are playing a joke on me.

Not the case. I get home and Tom is sounds asleep and no sign of Colton. I was crying inside. Why does he have to work EVERY TIME someone comes into town?!!

Colton drives up at 4:15 as expected. I tell Tom to go hide in the bedroom. I feed Colton some story about how I picked up his birthday present today, but it is too large to wrap and he has to open it now!! He was resistant but followed me in the room.

( As I walk in the room, Tom is now under the covers of the blow-up bed and all that is showing are his cowboy boots out the end.... )

Colton walks in, see the boots.... Tom pops up and out of the bed! They both start yellling!

Colton: "AHHHHHH WHAT ARE YOU DOING???!"
Tom: "Came back to see my old place!!!"
Colton: "WHY DO YOU HAVE PANTS ON?!"
(random comment)

<They Hug>

 We did it, we surprised him!!

They ended up having a great weekend together...and Colton ended up telling work he couldn't come in.


Happy 30th C.

The End.

headed down south

It has been a rare occasion that Colton and I both have a Saturday off at the same time. But this Saturday (at the last minute) it happened!

We decided to head down to Richmond, VA - a day trip I have been wanting to do for awhile. I had heard from multiple people what a lovely city it is and so we decided to check it out for ourselves!

The two hour car ride went quickly as we sang our country all the way down. The highlight was when the Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood song "Remind Me" came on. Colton turned to me and said "you be Carrie and I will be Brad!"  

Our favorite find of the day was this architectural salvage warehouse called "Carabati's" right on the water in Downtown Richmond...

It was the most organized "salvage" place I have ever seen.... they had rad old doors, incredible vintage hardware and ....colored toilets!

 

 

You know I love a good salvage... remember my old doors? and  iron gate headboard?? (R.I.P.) 

My Second favorite find (by recommendation of a friend in Bethesda) was Williams and Sherrill. An incredible furniture store that started out with just wallcovering and fabrics, but over the years has expanded into a massive place. 

All of their gorgeous fabrics were priced around $25 / yard. I was blown away. A lot looked very similar to patterns I had used for clients years ago that easily went for $80 / yard wholesale.... I will be going back to that place!!

I walked out with this beauty...my new cotton fall wreath! 

Unfortunately, we didn't get to hang out in Richmond too much longer before we had to rush back to MD to chaperone a youth dance. But we do plan to go back soon!

oh sandy

On the day of the dreaded hurricane Sandy, Colton went into work that morning (without question) after my plea's for him to stay home...."just a rain storm!" he would say...."You need to callllmmmmm down"

Oh really?!! This is what the official Weather.com was telling me...

Luckily, he came home early around 1pm. We quickly headed over to Bethesda to check on his Mom who was home by herself (his Dad works with storm water management in Fairfax County - so he was  busy guy that day)

I put on my best "hurricane outfit" and we headed out... (really this hurricane gave me a potential reason to use all the Christmas gifts I have been given over the years, emergency radio, 72 hour kits, Rain boots, wind-up flashlight, etc...)

Our drive over.... wet. rainy. and very windy.

This tree is at the end of their cul-de-sac ... The last signs of fall before the violent winds 

would blow all the pretty leaves off...

Bonny and home were okay, besides a minor leak found in the attic. Colton quickly remedied it and then we headed back home and "hunkered down" (so tired of hearing those words).

We ate a quick dinner before we "lost power" and then Colton proceeded to download end of the world movies like "2012" and "Day after Tomorrow"(too bad everyone and their mom was on i-tunes downloading movies so we never got to watch it).

By 10:30 pm we were tired of waiting and fell asleep listening to the violent winds pound against the siding on our place. 

Much to our surprise, come morning - we woke to calm skies. Still very wet and overcast - but no more wind. 

We feel very blessed to have been safe and sound during the storm! Thank you for all the texts, emails and phone calls. Luckily we were okay and unharmed. 

It felt good to be prepared, but even better to not have to use any of it!

hunker down

First off, those who know me well KNOW I do not sit still very well. We don't own a TV and I am okay with that because I don't care to sit still long enough to watch any of those shows. I rarely watch movies at home and honestly can't stand sleeping in all morning. 

This weekend has magnified my need to be "doing" all the time. 

After work on Friday, I went to the grocery store to "stock up" on some delicious canned food options, water and other needs, assuming we will loose power for a few days when Hurricane Sandy hits later this evening. I didn't get home till 9-ish so we stayed in for the night and went to bed early.

Saturday I was planning on getting out and enjoying the beautiful fall weather but Colton ended up having a service activity with the Young Men / Scouts so I stayed at home and finished my fall project of making pillow covers!

I was so happy with how they turned out but was ready to climb the walls of our condo by the time it was all done! I only have the patience to sew soo many times a year. 

Well - now I am regretting I didn't wait to do that project. We have been told to stay home today. The metro is closed, Schools are closed, Federal Government is closed. Hurricane Sandy is supposed to hit the DC Metro Area by 5pm with wind gusts as strong as 80 mph. Everyone is saying "hunker down" "stay home" "don't do anything". Worst words ever. What am I supposed to do all day?!! 

Colton didn't listen. At 4:30 am he was off to work like usual. The man never stops working for ANYTHING. 

I am quickly trying to get the laundry done, and do anything else to prepare us for not having power for a few days. Can't wait to sit in the dark!

Only a few days ago I was out for a morning run enjoying the beautiful fall leaves...glad we were able to enjoy them for a few days before they are blown off the trees tonight!

I guess it is time for me to "bunker down" and learn how to relax / sit still. Should be an interesting next few days....

a baby shower for Destiny....

On of the many great things about being married....I inherited all of Colton's great friends! 

Colton and Destiny have known each other for years. I first met her when I was out here visiting Maryland for the first time while we were dating. She was newly engaged, to Bryson Bachman.... well time has obviously gone on, and now Destiny is expecting! 

Lucky for me, Rachel (another fabulous inherited friend) and I were able to throw her a shower...

 

Rachel scored all this fabric and trim at a local garage sale....

And had the genius idea to decorate Onesie's...

Prego friends...

 

Destiny is waiting to find out if it is a boy or a girl until the baby is born, so we made plenty of options for boy or girl...

 

Can't wait for baby Bachman!

the rest of september...

September turned out to be a busy month. 

My best friend Amy from the younger years came to visit from Korea! She has been out there for the past couple of years teaching English. I was soooo happy when she decided to come state side for a visit and stopped by DC to see me! (and meet Colton for the first time)

Being the vintage shopping lover that she is, we had to do some Virginia antique shopping...

...and I was her escort when she went through the temple for the first time.

September was also filled with apple picking in Maryland with my friend Shannon and some of my favorite little people out here...

We picked them right off the tree and took a bite... BEST FUGI APPLES I HAVE EVER HAD.

THEN... I headed back to Cali to help this girl and this guy....

...with their wedding! 

Spent some time with old roomies, and good friends.

 

After the temple ceremony they had and In-N-Out food truck. Best idea ever. 

After the luncheon, we quickly rushed over to the reception location to set up everything for the big night! ( I can't wait to see the professional shots, it looked incredible)

She has the vision, I just helped execute. 

While in Cali I also spent a lot of time walking Balboa Island, hanging out with Grandma, enjoying the fresh ocean breeze and catching up with old work friends at Butera. It felt good to be back.

Miss this place. 

Busy month, but a great end to summer.