I have been anxiously awaiting the arrival of my nephew since the day I found out Alexsis was pregnant. {Ironically enough, she found out she was pregnant right after her 21^st birthday. I kept telling her I wanted to take her out for a drink, and was a little bummed when she wasn't on board. Turns out, it’s because there was a baby on board!} My experience and relationships with children has been minimal to say the least, and I have been both nervous and excited to meet Hendryx and see how our relationship will work.

On Wednesday, May 21^st {just one day after his due date}, Alexsis told me they were at the hospital. I was so excited; I couldn't focus on anything at work. I purposely stayed late that night, lingering around my office hoping to get a phone call that it was time for me to go meet the little one. My impatience kicked in, and I finally went home. Around 9:45 p.m. JC sent me the very first picture of Baby Hendryx. As I first glanced at the picture of that tiny baby kicking and screaming, I instantly began to cry. I had a nephew, and I had fallen in love. 

The next day, I couldn't get to the hospital quick enough, and needless to say, I couldn't make myself leave. I sat in the room with JC and Alexsis, and swooned over their precious little baby for hours. His full head of hair and tiny little characteristics made him completely irresistible. I knew from the moment  that I met him that he would always have a hold of me like no one else does; as the first little boy who stole my heart.

Mommy and Hendryx

Baby's first bath!

Shannon loving on her newest little cousin.

I couldn't get enough of him.

Hendryx meeting Grandma and Grandpa Fillmore.

Poor Hendryx had to have tests run on his blood sugar all night. His little feet had marks all over them.

Grandpa and Hendryx

Daddy's little boy. I couldn't be happier for this little miracle that came to JC and Alexsis. We all love you so much already.

A Year in Review

When I first decided to follow through with my desire to start a blog, I thought it would be a really great place for me to keep a record of all of my creations. That was the original plan; to host a site where I could put up all of my crafts and projects and perhaps even get some advertising on the side. As I look back at the past year's worth of posts, I see that this blog did not live up to its original intention, but rather, it became so much more.

This blog became my virtual journal, my interactive scrapbook, my inner voice. This is where I run to when I have a story I am dying to tell, a memory I can’t risk forgetting or to release a weight off my chest. This blog has become a piece of me. I keep all of my most treasured memories within the bounds of this website, and more than that, I put it on display for all of the world to see. I hope that when people stumble across the entries of my life, they are uplifted, touched or at least have a better understanding of who I am and perhaps why I do the things I do.

Regardless of how or why people come across this blog, I am always pleasantly surprised when I log on and see the traffic of my most recent entries. To anyone reading, thank you for taking an interest in my little life. Live Accordingly has become an extension of who I am, and I am thankful for the listening ears that have joined me for the ride.

To commemorate one year of blogging under my belt, I wanted to re-post a few pictures that received the most love from this year’s past.

Take Me Back - I am so happy that this post received so much attention. Remembering young love is one of my sweetest memories.

Happy Holidays - My family posts are always long and filled with lots of pictures - because really it's the pictures that we want to see.

Thankful - Family time is the best time

Changes - Wyet killing it at the Spartan definitely grabbed everyone's attention!

A Day to Remember - Only my second post, and it received so many views. Miss Matye always did have a way of stealing the show!

First Comes Love - Surely enough, the most popular entry I ever wrote was my explanation as to why I am not marriage hungry! Thanks for loving us just as we are.

National Lampoon's Moab Vacation

The epigram can certainly prove true that anything that can go wrong, will go wrong. Luckily for us, it too can be played out in reverse; and anything that can go smoothly, will do so, too. During our trip to Moab, we experienced the best {and worst} of both worlds, and due to that, we have memories that will last a lifetime.

We set off for Moab on Thursday morning, and we were more than ready to forget life’s worries for a few days. As we pulled in to town, we did just that. We enjoyed a delicious Jack Daniels Burger paired with a local beer at the Moab Brewery and spoke of our plans for the next few days. Our trip was going to be flawless. Nothing could bring us down.

An absolute must visit if you are in Moab!

Which brings us to our next adventure, setting up camp. While both Wyet and I love being outdoors and crave the solitude that accompanies any great camping trip, Moab wasn't quite on par. There are thousands of people who visit Utah’s National Parks each year; needless to say, the campgrounds are always packed and privacy is a luxury not granted. While we knew the campground experience wouldn't be as serene as our usual private getaways, we were still a little taken back by how “not camping” it felt to be stationed at a campground. Our first night there, we were bothered by the high traffic of the campground and at how close our neighbors were. We went to bed early, feeling a bit let down.

However, Friday more than made up for our previous night. For on Friday, we were explorers, and oh did we explore.  We spent the entire day at Arches National Park, and to be truthful, the pictures do not give it justice. We hiked to arches that defied all natural laws and wondered "How was that still standing?" We felt so small against the magnitude of the natural world, and it was refreshing and remarkable. We hiked dozens of trails that Arches had to offer and really pushed ourselves to conquer these feats.

The first sight we happened upon at Arches was Balancing Rock. We could see this landmark from miles away and just kept wondering how it kept from toppling over. 

Wyet looking extra small against this huge arch!

The North and South Windows

On our way to see Delicate Arch. Approaching these sheer drop-offs was when the anxiety hit hard!

This is one of my favorite shots from the entire trip- viewing Delicate Arch through another arch on the trail.

The magnitude and beauty of this place is definitely not overrated. 

When we reached the top, I was feeling on top of the world. Then, a huge gust of wind nearly knocked me over! I instantly sat down, had a mild panic and started snapping photos like crazy. This picture shows just how windy it was!

The most challenging {and rewarding} hike was the Primitive Trial that took us past both Landscape Arch and the Double O

The Double O. It was such a relief to see these arches! We had been hiking for about 2 hours, and I was really beginning to think that we had gotten lost.

The Landscape Arch

The greatest thing about hiking in Moab was how unbelievably real it was. There were no gimmicks, just simple, raw beauty and the only person that could take you on that journey is yourself.

After the eventful day at Arches we knew we had to head back to our camp, and we were not looking forward to it. After a few futile attempts at trying to land a hotel room for the night, we knew we had to make the best of our situation. Naturally, this meant heading back to camp, grilling up some extraordinary steaks, and indulging in a few adult beverages. As we sat roasting marshmallows around the fire, we were able to simply enjoy being away with the person we were meant to be with. We talked and laughed {possibly harder than usual thanks to the spirits} and we eventually stumbled to bed. It had been an amazing day and a good night’s rest was in order.

Our plan for Saturday was to explore our next destination, Canyonlands. When we woke up, we were unpleasantly greeted with dark clouds and wisps of wind along with a flood warning. Although we were planning on staying one more night, we thought it best to pack up prior to the storm and head out of town before it hit. Regardless of the weather, we still enjoyed an eventful afternoon at Canyonlands. We drove through and checked out the immense craters at each lookout point. We were both completely shocked at how unrestricted the area was. At most lookout points, one could walk right up to the edge of the cliff and look off. As a girl afraid of heights, I managed to keep it together fairly well despite my anxiety.

Wyet made me so nervous! He kept inching closer and closer to the edge! 

Grand View Point

Our trip to Moab was so much more than just a visit to a National Park. It was a chance for Wyet and I to spend days together, uninterrupted by anyone else. It was a getaway that allowed us to hike, spend time outdoors and {kind of} camp. It was an adventure that hardly went according to plan, and it was outstanding. It was our great escape.

I was happy that a couple offered to take our photo together at Shafer Canyon Overlook {the only good picture we got together the entire weekend!}

Spring has Sprung

As each season shifts, a wave of change occurs. Not only with the temperature and the hours of sunlight in the day, but also, a significant change happens within us {at least within me}.  As the grass gets greener, my desire to be outside gets stronger. As I hear the birds beginning to chirp again, I begin getting more excited about the approaching opportunities that springtime offers.  Spring, for me, is a bit like a rebirth. My motivation to get up and do something grows, exponentially, from the sedentary self that winter turned me in to. Each spring is reminiscent of a new year. I revamp my goals {attune them to the approaching season} and make a list of all I hope to accomplish in the coming months.

Although spring made its grand entrance nearly two months ago, only recently has it felt like spring has finally sprung.  Over the past few weeks I have finally been able to embark on my usually springtime activities; hiking, spending evenings outside and even spring cleaning made their way back in to my life. Even as I type this, there is rumor that snow may fall this evening. Regardless, these ever constant changes in season make my love for living in Utah only stronger. You never quite know what to expect, and I suppose that's what makes the sunshine filled days even better.

Bear Canyon; Our first picnic of the year!

Hiking the Salt Creek trail to see the enormous avalanche that occurred. It was so bizarre to see the huge spill of snow right across the path while everything around it is trying to come back to life.

Last weekend we set up our badminton net and played a few games with Jerrod and Cameron. {Poor Cameron was stuck on a team with me. Naturally, we lost.}

Happy to spend a few hours with my fun little brothers making memories.

Happy Mother's Day

Mother's Day is intended to recognize the women who gave us life, love and unyielding compassion. However, the more I think about all of the astounding moms out there, I realize that this is something we need to recognize every day. Moms never take a break from loving their children unconditionally. It is a full time job that they keep up regardless of any obstacle that life throws their way. It only seems fitting that we should acknowledge and appreciate that love as equally as it is given. Thank you to all of you real life superheros that keep this world spinning. Without you, we'd all be lost.

While all mothers are incredible, I am undoubtedly biased towards my own. I can't say enough about the genuine character of my mom. She is hardworking, determined and a complete rock; nothing can bring her down. My mom has stood by my side regardless of any {bad} decision that I have ever made. She has let me live and learn, and then, she has helped me to pick up my broken pieces afterwards. She is the one person who has never given up on me, and for that, I pushed through. I love and appreciate everything she has done for me, and I can only hope that I even begin to compare when I, one day, am in her shoes.

My mom with all of her favorite boys {Bart included}

My mom and I enjoying the best vacation of our lives!

I will always remember this afternoon perfectly. We were walking around London when we happened upon this production of Wicked. I am grateful that my mom and I have so much in common and enjoy doing so many things together.

Deb in an environment that absolutely suits her; Tea Time at Harrods.

I can't talk about my love for mothers without mentioning my amazing mother-in-law {basically}. Since Wyet and I started dating, Patye has always treated me like one of her own, and that has made a huge impact on our relationship. To have Patye not only as a second mother but also as a friend is more than I ever could have hoped for. To say that I have been blessed is a drastic understatement.

I love this woman for welcoming me into her life and for raising the love of mine.