Best Day With You Today

"And now I know why the all the trees change in the fall

I know you were on my side even when I was wrong

And I love you for giving me your eyes

For staying back and watching me shine

And I didn't know if you knew, so I'm takin' this chance to say

That I had the best day with you today"

Those lyrics are taken from one of my favorite Taylor Swift songs to feel what I feel every time I come home. It's times like today when time can just slow down or even freeze. 

I only come home four times a year. It's not the short road trip across Utah and not even a chance to do my laundry or grocery shop from my home kitchen. It's a full on vacation every time I leave the state and head up, because suitcases have weight limits and cars have limited space. I don't get to see my family for Easter egg hunts, Memorial Day campouts, Fourth of July BBQs or Halloween Trunk-Or-Treat. I don't get to see my siblings grow a year older, or hug my mom on Mother's day. There are a lot of opportunities that I have sacrificed in order to live in Utah and complete school at USU, but it's all worth it. It's all worth it for these little moments. 

Because I can't be there for the sunday dinners, little holidays or for long summer vacations, I have learned to appreciate and love the little moments... the little traditions, the short trips that remind me of how much I love this state, my house, this city and my AMAZING family.

.

My goal this time around is to spend individual time with each member in my family. 

I am figuring out what makes them happy and doing it with them.

It's all about the memories, and this week we are creating them.

.

Today I spent the day with my family laughing, shopping, eating, playing.

I woke up and went to Emmalee & Adam's school.

Frosted cupcakes with my momma and delivered them to the classrooms.

Went shopping with my momma to:

Ross, Marshalls, Famous Footwear, Kohls, Target, Sears, Forever 21, Wet Seal

And with much success stayed under budget in my birthday shopping.

My mother is gorgeous!!!

Went to my grandparents and saw my B-Bry!

I took Adam and Em to the dollar store on a date and Wendy's.

Modeled my purchases and cuddled BK awake from her nap til she wanted to kill me.

Realized dad was a big jerk.... SO funny.

"Photoshop fail. I will teach you next time"

Went shopping again.

And ended the day playing volleyball with my mommy.

I love my mom. She is one amazing woman. Normally I poop out after one place of shopping, but we went all day long and I had the best time. I get stressed so easy about spending money, so this was such a great birthday surprise that gave me that time with my mom and a new wardrobe to haul back.

SHOPPING SUCCESS:

Five shirts and a Roxy jacket!

Workout shirt & pants, Crochet skirt.

Heels, Running shoes, and cutey cutes.

Khaki's (finally), black pants and big ol' earrings.