it's your life.

List of 10 things that make me happy lately:

1.  nature. even if it just the yellow flowers on our kitchen table. 

(pics ^^ of hikes/adventures from the past year)

2. strangers smiling

3. sunshine peeking through our windows in the morning 

4. this song + this song. both are on repeat @ this house since their concert last week! 

if I am lucky, when I close my eyes--it feels like I am back at the concert, dancing under the blanket of stars. for a moment, all worries just...disappear. 

5. early morning runs with the xc team

6. being an aunt! 

Gavin: "Rwatchel, how come you and Cwars have to go home? Why can't you juss live wis us?"

7. reuniting with dear ones--rodeos, catching up over breakfast, card games, etc.

8. undeniably cheesy chick-flics. (thx sarah) 

9. homemade waffle love! (we made it 3x in the last week. nbd.)

10. dancing w/ C to one of our top 4 fav. songs. + I look over to see C closing his eyes while dancing + (inconspicuously) looking to see if I am watching. i laugh hard every time.

He is one of those people that heals my soul. he's "something I need."

"Be happy for this moment. 

This moment is your life."

xoxo -Rach

What makes you happy? I would love to hear!

*Free Bird*

Good News: I am on Spring Break! (Major fist pump.)

I feel like a free bird. I feel like I have lost 50 lbs. I have carried so much stress and worry for so long (read blog below). And now, I get a week to rejuvenate. It feels good. It feels really, really good. I actually slept in, read what I wanted to read, ate meals with Cars between his classes, cleaned, went on a run to one of my favorite spots in Provo [in the beautiful sunshine], and made homemade bread w/ my sweet friend. Get this...I even went on Pinterest and started creating projects that I wanted to do. I went to the craft store--> made it happen. (I can't wait to put them up on our book shelves/walls in the new place in 3 weeks.) 

Today, I reflected on how my life has changed over the past 5 few years that I have been in Provo.  I am grateful. I am grateful Carson is my husband. I am grateful for TWO loving, supportive families in my life. I am grateful for sunshine and nature. I am grateful for a college degree and a job I feel fulfillment and purpose. I am grateful for the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Over the weekend, we went home to spend time with our families and to listen to General Conference. It was beyond perfect. I soaked it up like a dried-up sponge. I felt I was going to explode of happiness--it was just what I needed, the basics that I had been longing for.

Painting nails, eating yummy smoked salmon, visiting grandparents, going out to dinner, watching conference, "ooed and awed" at my sister and sister-in-laws' prom dresses, movies....There was one moment, when I was squished on the couch downstairs with my sisters and my mom. All of us. Together. Tears were streaming down our faces-->we were laughing so hard. I thought my heart might burst. I am grateful.

"The spirit of gratitude brings true joy and great happiness." -Dieter F Uchtdorf

^^ Did I mention that we have been catching up on months of lost sleep? 

Makell was sneeky and snapped a pic from yesterday. 

What are you grateful for today? 

The Happiest of Times

California + 36 family members + beach house + Thanksgiving Break + Love=

Ping-pong matches galore. (Or hilariously competitive made-up games) 

Sandcastle-building. Sand-Volleyball spiking. Flying Kites. Walking/ Running along the beach.

Staying up late w/ crazy game nights, hilarious YouTube clips, stories, and more bonding in the beach house! I wouldn't have it any other way!

Walking right off the beach into the hot tub...packed that baby full--> COLD OCEAN!

Thanksgiving Turkey Bowl: Don't let the sand and age gaps fool you, there were some big plays that day! :) 

Actually had the time to get caught up on the books we were wanting to read! Hooray!!!

SkimBoarding and Surfing

my everything right there ^^

we were able to learn how to surf. It has been on both of our bucket lists! Check.

I loved learning with all of our family members. cheering each other on and laughing at all of the wipeouts!

The Tide Pools:

Abby found the smallest octopus ^^ (It's hiding on her ring)

What a success!

Thank you to my Grandparents and Parents for making it all possible! 

Without a doubt, one of the best vacations I have EVER had. 

My little cheeks were nearly sore from laughing and smiling so much by the end of the week.

We have so much to be grateful for this year.

Love all of our family and this beautiful world!

(wish I had more pics of everyone...we were too busy having fun to document everything!)

***

“In all of living, have much fun and laughter. Life is to be enjoyed, not just endured.” ― Gordon B. Hinckley

Rejuvenation

 

Last Saturday, we threw a few things into our bags, jumped into the car w/ mom, and headed South. we left...for an entire week.... a much needed break, for us all. We met up with Becky, our dear family friend, and did what we do best...H-I-K-E! 

(I am thankful for a mother who has instilled in me this love for life and nature)

And seriously, could those colors be any more brilliant?!

Between family + people I love, the fresh air, and a schedule that just screamed JOY...It was as if my mind, body, and soul took a big, deep breath. I felt myself slowly start to unwind from an insanely busy and emotionally taxing schedule. I felt at peace. It was heavenly. It was as if my heart would burst w/ love and gratitude for the beautiful people in my life and the inspiring world we live in. 

we hiked the glorious red-rock for hours, stayed with friends, and even wandered over to the Kayenta Desert Rose Labyrinth until the whole fam was able to meet us there. 

Then we were off...off to the sunny beaches of California. 

***

"Nature is too thin a screen; the glory of the omnipresent God bursts through everywhere."

-Ralph Waldo Emerson