The Love of A Family is Life's Greatest Blessings

We were able to get some family pictures taken on the Gardner side before Sammi and her family moved to Washington. The last time we took family pictures is when Kenadee was the only child of Sammi and Wade. We definitely needed an update to involve Mylee, Taylee, and Jordan. It is so crazy how quick life changes... Now it's time for something else to happen. Isn't that how it works? You get family pictures taken and right after they are up on the wall someone gets pregnant or engaged? Sammi, I think those pictures were another sign that the little boy is waiting on the other side... I want to go ahead and share our family pictures.

I have the cutest nieces in the world



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Taylee Rae

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Kenadee Jae

                                         
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Mylee Kae

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Love Taylee's face here

And then there's.... Mylee's face

The best parents in the world

Best one of all... Shilo's bowel movement. Haha

 Gotta love your family. Don't know what I would do without them.

Freedom Is Nothing Else But A Chance To Be Better

"Freedom is nothing else but a chance to be better" - Albert Camus

There is just something about the fireworks on the 4th of July that really has a tender place in my heart. Whenever I sit and watch the fireworks I love to listen to the radio and all of the patriot music they play. When I listen to the music I don't necessarily think of freedom I think of gratitude. For the fireworks, Jordan and I had a BBQ at our house with his family and my mom, dad, brother, and cousin came up as well. It was so nice being surrounded by family and the ones I love. That night while I was watching the fireworks I really thought about how blessed I am. I have been blessed with the most amazing parents in the world and a brother and sister who would do anything for me. They have supported me through and through and will always continue to do as they have. I have also been blessed to marry such an amazing person. Jordan knew how to really turn my world around when I really wanted to just get out of town. He has also been such an amazing supporter to me. When I am hating work, which is about everyday, he always tells me how proud he is of me and to just keep working harder because people notice. He is always boosting my self-esteem and telling me how beautiful I am and how much he loves me. With Jordan being such a blessing I have also become part of his family and what a wonderful blessing they are to me. They have been my home away from home and cared for me as if I were their child even when Jordan and I weren't dating or should I say "official".

When the song, "Proud to Be an American" came on I couldn't help but think of my cousin Austin. That song was his absolute favorite besides "Smack That" by Akon. haha. Though he died at such a young age it also made me think about taking life and love for granted. It is unreal at how many people are dying at such a young age. Apparently, we are the choice generation and Heavenly Father needs us with him. Jordan and I were talking about it the other night and I can not believe how many times we kept telling each other how much we love each other after that night. We can not take things for granted and need to just be grateful for what we have and realize that there are plenty and I mean plenty of people who do not have things that we have. Go back to the top and read my quote again..... Freedom really is about being better. Think about that. What could you be better about? Family prayer? More affection to your spouse? Or more to any family member for that matter. Love who you love with all that you have. Life is over in a blink of an eye.

 

 

 

 






                           

Getting Away With Murder

Yesterday, the jury reached a verdict that they may never or always regret for the rest of their lives. Unfortunately, it is true that there really was no sufficient evidence linking Casey to be the killer of her 2-year-old daughter Caylee. HOWEVER, the majority of the population knows with out a doubt that she killed Caylee whether it was premeditated or not. More than likely Casey will walk free Thursday after her sentencing but her life is still over. She will have a hard time getting a job and no matter what the jury's verdict was she will hear what people think from every angle.


I believe this is what happened... Casey wanted to have some fun but is so prideful she did not want Caylee to be in the care of her parents. Casey chloroformed Caylee and put her in the trunk so she could have a good time for the night. When she went back to the trunk to get Caylee she was dead. Casey panicked and did not want to tell her parents or the police what she had done so she drove the car to her parent's while they were at work, borrowed a shovel from the neighbor to bury her in the backyard like her dogs had been buried. When that plan failed she got nervous and threw her in the woods just near her home.


She is a liar and will always be a liar. She will be set free, be taken to a secure location, change her name, die her hair and do whatever it takes to live a normal life. She wrote letters in jail saying how she plans on having more children or adopting. Poor kids that have to go through hell for the rest of their lives. It's sad that the jury knew without a doubt that Casey is guilty but had to go with the evidence shown to them which was not good enough. Jurors were sick to their stomach and crying when they made their decision. Does that not tell you that she is guilty? How could anyone get away will murdering their 2-year-old innocent daughter? The parent's will never be the same because Casey ruined their marriage, family relationship and any reputation they ever had. I hope someday they can be somewhat normal again which I don't think they ever were but they don't deserve to go through hell for the rest of their lives.


Justice was not done for Caylee and her killer will now live her "Beautiful Life" (Bella Vita). Casey will be punished when it matters most and it will be by the higher power which will be even better than anything here on earth. Just wait until that day comes and then we will have justice for Caylee. HE knows what really happened and who is at fault.


   

-Established March 21, 2011-

Two and a half months ago Jordan and I were married in the Salt Lake Temple. It was such a special day for us and we were able to share it with our dearest family and friends. The weather was not the best so we were able to go back to Salt Lake to finish getting our pictures taken at the end of April. It was a perfect day and I am so grateful that Micha was so willing to go back. She did such and amazing job and we couldn't be any happier. Thanks Micha!!

It's been great so far. Jordan and I have been working hard to get the yard done to make the house complete. The curbing was completed a little over a month ago and Jordan, family, friends and neighbors were able to lay the sod on Memorial weekend. Thank you to all those who helped. Just this last Saturday, Jordan got a few things planted inside the curbing and it looks great! Thanks babe! It's funny what things excite us now. We were so excited when we bought our lawn mower and I'm pretty excited to start mowing our lawn. Weird, I know.

 

 

Kenadee, my niece, and Traeton, Jord's nephew, got baptized on June 4th. What awesome experiences for both of them. It is so crazy that Kendaee is already eight-years-old. I remember being in high school and Kenadee being a baby. I am so happy for the decisions she has made and hope she can continue to be a good example for her sisters.

We also got our wedding pictures back so I will share a few with you.



 

 

 

 

 

 

Cheers to 2010

I can not believe how fast this year has flown. I swear it was just yesterday that I was watching Avatar, on December 26, 2009, with Jordan. That was the first time I had actually decided to hang out with him and it was the best decision I made in the year 2009. Because now WE ARE GETTING MARRIED!!!

I had the best Christmas weekend ever. I absolutely loved spending time with the family and especially with Jordan. His family was all at their in laws for Christmas so he was able to spend Christmas with my family. I couldn't have asked for anything more. I stayed in Pocatello Christmas Eve with Jordan and his friends to do their traditional stay up all night and go on a Denny's run at 4:00 in the morning. What a killer!! I even slept a lot of the time and I still took a four hour nap Christmas afternoon. Poor Jordan got sick Christmas night so I ended up crashing at his house so I could help him out and take Jaxee out in the middle of the night if she needed to go to the bathroom.

Sunday morning Jordan pointed out that it has been a year that we have been dating. Wow, it has been a year already? Like I said, this time has gone too fast. Jordan then stated how it was going to be a good day. I thought it was a little odd but for some reason it meant a lot for him to say that. After a night of being sick I wouldn't normally wake up thinking that it would be a good day. Earlier that week Jordan had called me one day saying how he had met Micha while he was working and wanted to have her take some pictures of us. I asked him if people would think they were too much like engagement picture and he said he did not care... What? Jordan not care? I did think that was a little odd, but again, I had no clue. I have been getting rude and impatient and I kept hearing that Jordan would not propose until February or March so I had being trying to get that in my head. Anyway, so after sacrament meeting Jordan and I met up with Micha in old town Pocatello to have her take some pictures. I was excited to see Micha's daughter Shayla with her. I taught her in Young Womens while I lived at home and absolutely loved it. After taking some pictures together we were at our last spot and Micha asked if I was ready... "Um, yeah my toes are freezing!!!" So Micha then proceeded to say how she wanted to take some "fun pictures". Then I looked to my right as Jordan is getting down on one knee. After he asked me to marry him I asked him if he was serious. I was not expecting this at all and I honestly had to ask him again if he was serious. After asking a couple times if he was serious he had to ask me if it was a yes... oh shoot yeah I forgot to say yes because I was too busy asking if he was serious. What an amazing overwhelming feeling I got. I can't believe how much love I have for Jordan and how excited I am to spend eternity with him. I am so grateful for Jordan's creativity and Micha's amazing photography skills to capture the moment for us. I could not have asked for a better proposal. It is one I will be able to see and cherish everyday. I'm sorry to everyone who did not get a text or a phone call from Jordan or I. Micha was excited to post our pictures and tag us to just let everyone figure it out. The pictures turned out amazing! I couldn't be happier.

Monday, Jordan's family came together for their celebration of Christmas. All the brothers and their families came together to open present and spend time together. Last night was a good night to start out our engagement. I went home so grateful that I will be joining such an awesome family. I will have the best: an amazing family and amazing in laws. I got some great gifts from Rick and Alene. They went out of their way to spoil me. They are amazing. I was excited for Jordan's gifts too because almost all of his presents were all for the house: new awesome vacuum, skillet, quesedilla maker, popcorn maker, etc. That will soon be ours, not just his. I love to cook and keep things clean so I was pumped. I actually came back to Jordan's after the party and got out his vacuum and vacuumed his living room and bedroom. It was nice to have a vacuum that actually works good now.


I can't wait to start the new year. I am excited to start spending time with family and growing closer to friends and Jordan as we plan for the wedding. At this time I am so grateful for my family. I do not know where I would be without them. Their love and support for me is unbelievable. I have been so blessed and I will never be able to express all of the gratitude for them. I am not going to lie, it is hard to believe that my daddy will be giving me away. I will always be my mom and dad's baby and that will never change for me. I am also grateful for Jordan and that we will be able to spend eternity together. There is no one else I would rather be with. He has been so patient and has put up with my mood swings and crappy attitude. I know these past few months have been a little hard because of my bad attitude and the fact that I have been getting impatient. I will apologize for that right now and admit that I have been a brat. I know that he is going to make an amazing husband and treat me like a queen. He already makes me feel like a million kazillion dollars. Lastly, I am so indeed grateful for my Savior Jesus Christ, especially at this time of year. We are able to celebrate the birth of Christ and realize how amazing this life is. I also don't know where I would be without my faith in the Lord and this wonderful gospel that we live in. It's seriously amazing. I love my friends and can't wait to share this experience with them as I have been able to be there for all of them who are now married. Thank you for all of the love and support that you have all shown to me this past year.


Here is to 2011! Make it what you want it to be!

                                               

 

Austin Troy

So today as I was in Blackfoot hanging with the family I was looking through some old files on Mom's lap top and found something pretty cool. I didn't think I had saved it and forgot about it so when I found it I was pretty excited. This was my last seminary devotional I gave in my high school career and it was I think the best anyone could give.


"Thirteen-year-old, Austin Call, was born with Neurofibromatosis, which is a genetic condition that affects the nervous system, muscles, bones and skin. With only a couple weeks before Christmas, Austin needed a surgery to fix the problem with his sunken eye. Not only being blind in his right eye, his left eye was continually sinking further and further in. A week before Austin’s surgery News channel 6 made his wish come true. His wish was to spend the day with the Idaho Falls Fire Department. The news anchor interviewed Austin and he told him what he did all day and then told him how nice the firemen were to him and how cool they were. After the interview the news anchor then told the viewers that if all went well he would be home in time for Christmas.




"On December 13th Austin headed in for brain surgery at Primary Children’s Hospital. The night before Austin went in for surgery he and his family went shopping and went out for pizza. That night he told his family that all the toys he gets for Christmas he wants them to go to the Make A Wish Foundation for all the needy children. That was just the type of person Austin was. Always giving to other people. If it wasn’t toys and gifts it was just his love and personality. Austin had been in pain his whole life but never had the time to realize his pain because he was too busy being happy and making people happy. Austin didn’t care how different he looked and all the different looks he got from people’s reactions. He did what he wanted and wasn’t afraid of anything. He has influenced so many people and has been the strongest person I have ever known. With all his struggles through his 13 years he has managed to make the best of them.


Austin’s surgery couldn’t have gone any better. All went very well but his condition got worse everyday. Six days later Austin had a stroke. Water kept putting more pressure on his brain to the point that he couldn’t take it any longer. The surgery had nothing to do with this pressure on his brain. That is what some cases of NeuroFibromatosis did. So even if Austin wouldn’t have had surgery this all would have happened eventually. On December 21, 2006, Austin was taken off life support to end his miserable yet happy life. I guess the newscaster was right . . . Austin gets to go home for Christmas."


My whole point to this was about "going home for Christmas". I talked about being able to be with our Heavenly Father again and how blessed Austin was to be able to go home to him.

I just thought this was cool and brought back some good memories. Miss you Austin! Thanks for being our angel!