I recently had to make an extremely difficult decision that I did not want to make at all, but it was one of those where you know you are going to be miserable for a while, but happier in the long run. No need to go on about the details, but thank the good heavens for my wonderful mother. Without her I would not be able to do this and stay hopeful for my future. She wrote me an encouraging email and I just want to share a small excerpt from it.

"You know I love you beyond words. You are blessed with a tender heart which loves more, and hurts more. But you are also very, very strong and can survive this. I truly believe that the end of the rainbow is in sight, you're just going to have to forge on.
All my love,
Mom"

I love this woman so much! Thank you mom for mourning with me when I mourn, and comforting me when I stand in need of comfort. You truly are one of the greatest blessings in my life.

Now if you'll excuse me, I am going to try my hardest to forge on. With my head up.

Black Hearted Friday

It sure has been a while since I have posted anything on here! I would like to say it is because I have been so busy and life has been so magnificently chaotic, but that's really not the case at all. However, with the holiday season now upon us, there is something that I am quite passionate about that I would like to share. Or better yet, there is something that I truly hate with a passion!

Black. Friday. 

Tis the season once again. Let us all join together and give thanks for the blessing of the harvest and of the preceding year. Let us gather around the dinner table with loved ones and enjoy one of the best heaping piles of food prepared all year long. Ready? Great! Now lets ruin this beautiful holiday and make thousands of Americans forgo their Thanksgiving so that we can shop for the "best deals" of the year that aren't even actually the best deals at all! woohoo! Okay I may not have the gift of words but I think you get my point here. And instead of ranting on about how absolutely absurd the day after Thanksgiving is (and now 6pm on Thanksgiving day thanks to the complaints of customers), I just want to give kudos to one of my already favorite stores. REI.

This wonderful outdoor gear retailer announced its decision to abandon Black Friday, encouraging shoppers to opt-out of shopping and spend time outside. On November 27th they will be closing its 143 stores in hopes to reiterate that "life outdoors is a life well lived”. How amazing is that!? I am in love with every thing about this!! Thank you REI for already being one of my favorite stores, and for taking a bold stance as a retail company on this godforsaken day. I couldn't be more impressed with the message they are sending to the world. I absolutely agree with them, and I too encourage anyone and everyone to spare yourselves from the black bullish*t bonanza and enjoy the beautiful day! To make it even better? Enjoy it outside!

PS.  If you do decide to brave the crowds anyway and join the crazy, try not to get trampled, pepper sprayed, or stabbed. Happy Thanksgiving!

Moab 2015

This year's Moab adventures were filled with surprise hail storms and new sights to see. It is nearly impossible to run out of places to hike in Moab, so we always try to explore a new area. Generally, though, we like to spend at least a day or two in Canyonlands, but this year we ventured to new horizons. 

We crossed rivers in Negro Bill Canyon to a beautiful arch, and took refuge under boulders after hiking to Jeep Arch during a surprise rain storm. 

Sitting in the middle of Jeep Arch

hiking through Negro Bill Canyon

Brinley relaxing by the pool

Jeep Trail (before the rainstorm)

taking refuge under a rock

My mother and I had a reservation to skydive on Tuesday morning, but due to high winds had to reschedule our jump to Thursday morning. This was my third jump, but my mom's first and I was so excited to share this experience with her. That woman isn't afraid of anything. Suiting up, the ascent to 14,500 ft... homegirl was ecstatic and eager as ever to take the plunge, no nerves whatsoever. I don't tend to get butterflies until my legs are out of the plane and I am ready to fly. I went first so I didn't get to see her jump, but she said leaping out was so nerve-racking and it even took her breath away. Finally! She's human! My instructor and I did a few flips out of the plane, and  it was so good to feel that rush of adrenaline again- it has been too long! After free falling for several seconds my instructor gave me the signal and this time I pulled the shoot myself, pretty cool. Taking the handles and spinning the shoot around is easily my next favorite part about skydiving, after the initial jump itself. With a smooth landing I then looked up and got to see my mom enjoying the last few moments of her own flight before she returned safely to the ground. Grinning ear to ear, she said she would definitely do it again. As would I. As will I. 

Brin wanted to skydive

Me and Mama Bear suited up, ready to skydive

I'm so grateful that I get to spend time with my family every year and in such a beautiful place. The only downside to the whole thing is how fast it goes by, I am never ready to leave that playground. Luckily I always have next year to look forward to. Until next time Moab.

MLK Day

Was spent snowboarding.

Pardon My French

As pessimistic and cynical as this is, it drives me bonkers when people make a big fuss over new years resolutions. I really think the reason for this is because in my eyes if you want to better yourself, then don't wait for the new year, do it as soon as you recognize the need for change or improvement! However, the pleasant side of me likes the positivity that new goal setting and soul seeking brings to people. I think it is a wonderful thing that people want to better their lives and push themselves to new heights. 

For me, I would like my 2015 to be filled with love, laughter, family, and adventure. Truthfully, the only goal I have for this year is to become stronger in the gospel. This comes with many small and even big improvements and sacrifices in my daily life that will lead to a more powerful relationship with my Heavenly Father. When I am living the gospel that is when I am truly happy and feel true joy in my life. Life really is simple, but it is also very easy to complicate. I know that by living my life every single day filled with the gospel that 2015 will be the best adventure yet.