God Bless the U.S.A.

Gotta love a man in uniform!!

My handsome brother Taylor joined the U.S. Army. My family and I could not possibly be more proud of him and his decision to serve our country! I cried like a baby when I found out what he was doing- then cried like a baby again the night I had to say goodbye- (it was just to S.C.! but what can I say? I really love this kid!) Taylor is on the path to become an army medic and has now made it through Basic Training in South Carolina and moved on to Texas for Advanced Individual Training. He has lightened his load by about 20 lbs, become a Push-up Master, running machine, yes sir, no sir ...you get the idea.

Here he is swearing in

In front of the Army Flag

Here is the family in our army shirts!!

Before Taylor went to Basic, we had a big family dinner (minus Shayla, Chase and Parker) to send him off... it was yet another delicious meal cooked by dad and adorable table set by my mother... she and I even found this sweet cake at Dippidee's in American Fork- by the way if you haven't been there please add it to your list of places to go... DELICIOUS!!

We all tried to write lots of letters and send every bit of positive energy his way to give him strength needed to get through each day of basic- and he did wonderfully! We got to see him this weekend, as he got a 7 day leave before AIT starts up- I was so relieved to see him in one piece with the same smile and the biggest change being bigger muscles! (I am a worrier- I just couldn't stand the idea that he was going to go somewhere that people were going to yell and curse and treat him like dirt!). It was so good to spend time with him!

Mom, Taylor and Dad looking so happy to be reunited on graduation day!

I miss Taylor like crazy and think about him every day... we all do! But man he looks good in that uniform! We are so proud of you Tay! Can't wait to see him at Christmas (lets hope!) !!

Love.

My cute sister Chelsea is getting married!! 09-09-09... just 6 short weeks away... I can't believe its almost here!

This is my cute dress (it will be modest of course on the big day)... I love it!! Don't you? It even has cute hidden pockets- for my tissues you know, in case I cry :) .

The colors are black, white and red and we have some big plans for the event.I will have to post a picture of their invitations-- gorgeous! And I am sure the big day will be gorgeous too... can't wait to celebrate!! Yay for love.

just a thought...

my birthday is coming up... 30 days to be exact... the big 25 ... There have been a few things lately that have caught my eye so I thought I would post them so that just in case my sweet husband happened to glance at the blog he would have some great gift ideas handed right to him (or anyone else who might feel inclined to help me celebrate a birthday) !

I am currently loving this painting at Pier 1... its gorgeous!

found here

I know it isn't sweater-wearing season yet but how cute is this?

found here

Basically JCrew makes me a happy girl... loving the tank top

found here

Again, a sweater, but I can just picture myself in this on a low-key day with my cowboy boots and a scarf... yup, when you can picture yourself in it, thats a good thing! And its on sale right now for $25.00!

found here

Another cute dress for a hot date is never a bad thing... on sale at Nordys

found here

The problem with these??? I couldn't pick just one... I'd want them all!

found here

These necklaces are on sale, and I am into inspirational things right now... I would go for both the Hope necklace and the Believe...

found here

I think my cute S-I-L has these... I want them too

found here

I am sure there will be other things within the next month that catch my eye... but a girl's allowed to dream big right?!