a much needed break

Clint's little brother Trevor graduated from BYU this past weekend so we went up to support him in his huge accomplishment! He's still got a long road ahead, as he'll be going to Physical Therapy school next year, but we're so proud of his hard work to this point. Trevor is a great brother & friend. We just love being with him & his cutie wife Whitley, it's always a blast! We are so grateful we were able to travel up to be there with him as he celebrated this milestone in his life. And even more excited that they are moving back to Mesa this week!!!

After graduation we drove up to Midway to eat at a Mexican restaurant with some family. I have to say, that was the highlight of my trip. The food was great, but the drive...oh the drive! It as SOOOO beautiful driving up there. I think I could move there. I was instantly in love with the snow capped mountains, the water, farm land & lovely homes.

Since graduation fell on Easter Weekend, we decided to stay & enjoy the festivities with Clint's extended family in Salt Lake. We stayed with Grandma & Grandpa Miner, which is always a treat. The stories were endless (we even heard some new ones we've never heard before!) & the laughs continuous. We cherish any time we get to spend with our grandparents, as we know their days are numbered! (Just being honest, they're in their 80's!) We were also able to squeeze in some shopping, sight-seeing & a couple meals at some favorite restaurants we don't have here in Arizona. Including a new love, Beyond Glaze. A delicious donut shop where they taste scrumptious but look like little pieces of art.

We even got to attend the Miner family reunion & meet some really nice relatives on Clint's grandfathers side of the family. We hadn't heard about it until we were up in Utah & weren't sure if we'd make it, but we did!

We also got together with some of our dear friends & meet their little boy for the first time! I wish we lived closer so we could get together more often. Unfortunately we didn't have enough time to see a few of our other friends this trip, but they are on the list for next time!

The past few months have been really stressful for me & I've desperately needed a break to re-charge & re-focus. I've let other peoples actions affect me & took some situations pretty hard. Things haven't been all roses & I'm really trying to just look on the bright side of things & truly appreciate those people in my life that are by my side to help me. Those family members that check in on me, enjoy my company & give endless support... you know who you are! And for my friends that encourage & listen when I'm frustrated & are being to hard on myself. I have to say, it's been interesting to see those that are "friends" when it's convenient to them, but are no where to be found when I've needed them. It's given me some much needed perspective & I'm glad that I'm at a point where I can move forward with lessons learned & can stop letting the voices that critize & hurt me determine my worth & happiness.

As we were sitting in church with Clint's Aunt & Uncle on Sunday, I was thinking about my new perspective & I just felt over-whelming peace & comfort. I knew that the Lord was very much aware of my concerns & that I was headed in the right direction. I am blessed beyond measure!

I enjoyed the lessons in Relief Society & Sunday School, but I couldn't help but feel happy when I entered the chapel for Sacrament meeting (it's last in their ward). The chapel was flooded with natural, warm sunlight. It was pouring in from the old diamond shape stained glass floor to ceiling windows. I instantly thought back to our lesson in Sunday School about light in relation to the Savior.

A Savior that has done so much for me. One who has been with me in every sorrow & sickness. Every doubt. Every anxious moment. One who never stops believing in me, or cheering me on. One who gives me confidence & helps me see the beauty in all things. One who has laughed with me...and most likely at me when I'm a goofball! One who because of selflessness has given me the opportunity to know where TRUE NORTH is always, as He is my lighthouse. Anytime I feel lost or in the dark, I can ALWAYS find His light & be guided back to home. I am grateful that following Him, has come with ease & I am thankful for ALL that He has done for me.

I have always loved Easter. Obviously the traditions are super fun & exciting, but it's always been so much more to me. I've always said that Christmas & Easter are almost a tie for me in being my favorite. That is because they both revolve around the Savior! My Savior!

This trip was the much needed break that I needed. We had such a wonderful time not only with our family & friends but with each other. We've both been so busy recently & feel like we hardly see each other anymore! I've missed spending time with Clint & enjoyed every second we had on this trip! Even if he made me drive home through Vegas just so he could go on the big scary new bridge! (Which by the way is a non-event! You can't even tell you're on a bridge & it's really short compared to how long it looks)