All great things in life start with a sturdy foundation. Everything has to be built from the bottom up. You aren't supposed to start at the top; you need to work your way there. This definitely proved to be true when Wyet and I decided we wanted to become homeowners.

We had looked at homes on the market for well over a year before we came to the decision that there wasn't one out there that felt right. When we finally found the courage {thanks to a few people encouraging us to take the risk} to look in to building a home, we realized that it wasn't as far-fetched of a dream as we might have thought. Before we knew it, we had handed over the small bit of savings that we had, and we had signed a contract to build our first home.

For me, this was single-handedly the biggest decision Wyet and I had ever made. Unlike getting married, this was something that I had reservations about. It was a huge decision both mentally and financially, and even though I wanted a new home so badly, I had a lot of anxiety about this commitment. As time went on and we began making decisions, my fears slowly began turning in to excitement. This home was going to be ours; from the color of the paint to fixtures on the ceiling, these were our decisions.

One of the greatest things I learned from building this house with Wyet is the necessity of compromise. Two people are never going to agree on absolutely everything {that is not only impractical, but it would make for the most boring of marriages}. As with everything in life, you must be willing to stand your ground when you feel strongly about something {a yellow door for me} and be willing to let others have their way when they have a passionate opinion {everything kitchen related for Wyet}. When Wyet and I would agree completely on certain decisions, it made me feel thankful that I share my life with someone who I have a great deal in common with. When we disagreed on simple things like a paint swatch or carpet choice, it felt good to be able to compromise. A disagreement doesn't always need to be a bad thing.

As we built this home, we really grew as a couple. It was fun to be so excited about the future together, and it was healthy to make big decisions as a team. We built our marriage from a strong friendship, and now we will build the rest of our life starting here. Here is to the next steps in life {and a 30 year payment plan in the process!}.

Never have I been so excited to see a hole in the ground!

Ready or not, here we go!

My favorite picture during our home building. I remember this day and trying to envision where walls would go and how we were going to decorate. This was by far the most exciting adventure Wyet and I have taken together.

We frequented our home practically every day during the building process. We are lucky to have such a supportive family that took such an interest in our new adventure. Our parents were there overseeing the process every step of the way.

Feeling so happy to finally see real walls go up!

So close!

Wyet taking in his new kitchen!

Finally, it is a real functioning home!

From the little's yellow house to the little yellow door.

Exhausted yet thrilled - we are homeowners!

Twenty Seven

As usual, I spent the entire month of June as an excuse to celebrate my birthday. I had some much needed girl time with my mom and girlfriends at the Parade of Homes, spent a quiet weekend up the canyon with my boys and ended the month with an artistic event with Patye. I am continually awed that so many people make such an effort on my behalf. To all my amazing family and friends, just know that your love and support doesn't go unnoticed. This life is amazing because of you.

As a reminder to my future self, here are 27 facts about life in this moment:

1. Reading is my favorite past time
2. But taking naps comes in an awfully close second
3. Sadly, I have been so busy lately, I haven't picked up a book in nearly three weeks (must change that immediately) 
4. Barnes and Noble is still my favorite store
5. Though most of my transactions take place at home improvement stores {Home Depot is frequented by me more than any other 27 year old girl I know}
6. Currently preferring white wine to all other beverages {Birdman Pinot Grigio}
7. & nachos as my snack of choice 
8. I binge watch TV series on Hulu and Netflix {The Mindy Project + Grace and Frankie are my current faves} 
9. But my all time favorites are still The Golden Girls and Frasier 
10. I am obsessed with my fur babies - I treat them like humans
11. I love taking them on walks around our new neighborhood
12. I am officially a home owner! We just built our very first home
13.  I find interior decorating extremely satisfying, and I feel like I have knack for it {thanks mom}
14. I think that my nephew is the most amusing child I have ever met {I may be biased}
15. Spending time with him can instantly make me happier
16. I like giving gifts better than receiving them
17. Even though I know people's intentions are good, I really don't like it when people ask me when I am going to start having kids.
18. Regardless, I do want babies. Just not today.
19.  I'm pleased to say I just got a promotion 
20. I owe my strong work ethic to my parents
21. I get annoyed when people don't use their blinkers
22. & outraged when they text and drive {you know who you are - stop it!}
23. Wyet and I spend Friday nights dancing in the kitchen
24. And Sunday mornings talking for hours over a pot of coffee
25.  I've learned that having a few true people in my life is better than having an army of fake ones.
26. I hope I never lose sight of how good life is right now
27. My five year plan is to be doing exactly what I'm doing right now and loving every second of it - but maybe with an extra sidekick in the picture.

Camping up Pole Canyon on my birthday weekend with all of my favorite boys.

Birthday presents from Wyet always come wrapped like this.

I love him dearly

A good life is spent in the great outdoors - accompanied by dogs, a good book and a pair of Chuck Taylor's.

Anything but Terrible

I can hardly believe that Hendryx is now a two year old! I remember the first day I met him; going to the hospital and seeing him swaddled and sleeping. He was so new, so pure. Seeing a newborn baby you begin to think that nothing could be more perfect, but there is. The best part about babies is watching them grow, watching them develop a personality and become their own person.

Over the past two years, I have been able to witness Hendryx change. He went from being a precious little baby to a little dude that has his own agenda. Right now, he is obsessed with bird watching, Mickey Mouse & Don Don {Donald Duck} and golfing like dad. He has become a little chatter box and can repeat practically anything you tell him. He has learned who everyone in our family is and can call you out by name when you enter a room.

As sweet as that silently sleeping baby was, there is nothing better than walking in to his house to bring him his very first Happy Meal, and having him greet me with a huge grin and a "Hi Aunt Hissa". Here is to the the little man that changed this family for the better. I hope you always think I am as fun and cool as you do right now. I can't wait to see how you grow over this next year.

This guy sure is loved. He had family travel all the way from Idaho to be with him on his birthday.

The uncles

He was bashful at the beginning of the party, but he warmed up to all of the attention soon enough.

All the boys!

The happy parents

The original crew & my first friends

I have never seen so much Fillmore in one picture. Aren't they spitting images of each other?

Happy Mama's Day

For Mother's Day this year, we celebrated our amazing mama's with a mid-morning brunch {because there is no better meal in my opinion}, and then we spent the day respectively with those incredible woman who raised us. Wyet and Pat spent the day watching movies, shopping for patio furnishings and relaxing; while Deb and I lounged at Barnes & Noble reading books and magazines, drinking coffee and visiting Hendryx.

Every mama does this whole parenting bit differently {and thank goodness for that}, but one thing is for sure - each of these mom's pictured below gives it her all. What would the world be without strong woman for each of us to look up to? They are definitely the foundations of our family, and we would be completely lost without them.

Wyet and Pat

Three generations ;]

The boys and mom

Little Hendryx in his Krispy Kreme hat!

A cute boy and his amazing mom!

Grandma and Hendryx

So grateful to be recognized as a puppy mom {yes, it's a thing}. These flowers are gorgeous!

Bock Bock Easter Bunny

Even though Easter was months ago {how did that happen?!}, I wanted to share these photos from our spring holiday. I always look forward to Easter weekend because it is full of delicious treats, an even better dinner and the hopefulness that winter is about to pass.

As with every Easter, we took full advantage of the opportunity to feel like kids again, and we spent an afternoon coloring eggs. It is during these moments at home with Wyet that I realize how lucky I am to be with someone who will indulge in these childhood activities with me. Because really, it's the little things, like coloring Easter Eggs on a Saturday afternoon, that really give us something to look forward to.

#dogmom

Easter eggs have come a long way! This kit we bought was for a marble effect. I love how they turned out!

Just a couple of big kids - faking it as adults.