oh man....happy new year!

Has it honestly been over 2 months since there has been a post on the blog?  I know my mom has missed me.......

And speaking of that cutie, she and my dad will be home in a little over a week now from the Philippines!  To say I'm excited to see them after a long 18 months is an understatement!  They have been serving a mission for our church and have helped so many people in the area they have lived.  One of the experiences they have enjoyed the most has been to work with the deaf and mute members of our church there.  I know these people have grown to love my parents so much.

They survived the typhoon, and my mom was hospitalized for 5 days with pneumonia over Christmas, but that was the worst of it, and we feel so lucky to be getting them back.  My family has been blessed beyond measure by their examples of faith and selfless service.  I know, more than anything, my parents will be forever changed because of the opportunities they had to give of their hearts all day, every day.  I just can't wait to wrap my arms around them!

Lots has gone on in the past two months. We celebrated so many holidays!

Included in all the celebrating was another anniversary with my Lover.  We spent a few days at a cozy cabin in the woods.  We had a super relaxing time, loving some lazy time before the busy holiday season.  We made meals together, sang, danced, napped, stayed up too late, slept in too long, watched a few movies, and went on a great hike.  It was so, so much fun!

I hosted Thanksgiving at my house again this year, and it was wonderful.  My dear friend, Jennie, came to spend the holiday with us, and we LOVED having her.  She helped me so, so much.  We prepped for two days solid and that girl (thankfully) knows her way around a kitchen.  She made all the pies (including the amazing {apple pie in a bag}), peeled 25 pounds of potatoes, washed dishes, set the table, and at least a million other things.

I invited her to come back every single year and help  celebrate with us. Even though I've only known her for a couple of years,  I absolutely love her!  She's just like family to us.

Thankfully, Mia and her family were here with us, and dear G and her family joined us, too!  Most of my family was able to make it, minus my parents, two of my brothers and their families, and Jaci, who was in North Carolina this year.  But everyone here had a great time, enjoyed awesome weather, and the food was flat out amazing.

And then it was December 1st.

And I had a birthday.

I didn't turn 30, and I didn't turn 50 either.  Somewhere in between......

Needless to say, it was cause for a big distraction, and let me tell you, my girls didn't disappoint!  Mia organized a trip to the {Miraval Spa} (voted number one spa in the WORLD!) for me and 6 of my closest friends.

It was two of the most glorious days I have ever had, and it made the birthday a lot less painful.  We went to meditation classes, yoga, had an amazing equine experience, got facials, ate the best food on the planet, slept in the dreamiest beds with luxurious linens, soaked in hot tubs, and lived in fluffy white robes the whole time there.  I can't even tell you what it meant to me.  It was an experience I will never, ever forget and these girls mean the world to me.

They are my closest confidants, my cheerleaders, and my best friends.  Some of them have been with me for almost 20 years, and some are relatively new friends, but I love each of them for who they are and how they bless my life so richly.   As we sat at dinner one night, one by one they each told me something they admired about me.  It was so touching and heartfelt, and even though I don't feel adequate in so many ways, they made me feel so special, appreciated and loved.  That experience will keep my cup full for a long, long time.  Thanks girls, I LOVE YOU!

And then...... what a busy Christmas season!  We went to so many fun parties and celebrations.  But the highlight for me, was that my very talented and capable husband was asked to be the vocalist at the Mesa LDS Temple on Christmas Eve.

He was given 30 minutes and put an outstanding program together.  So many of our friends, family and church members came in support.  There were around 1500 people there and Andrew did an amazing job.  My favorite number was "What Child Is This" that  Jaci sang with him while he played the guitar.  While I listened to them sing together, I couldn't help acknowledging and feeling so grateful for how truly blessed I am.

Andrew's parents came from Canada to hear him sing, and were able to stay with us for a few weeks and miss some of Ontario's ice storms.  They were so happy to bask in the 70+ degree weather and we had a great time with them.  They went on walks every day and enjoyed picking and eating the pink grapefruit off our tree.  We ate (lots), played games, sang songs, had long talks and really enjoyed having them here.  Canada is a long way from us, so we try to make the most of our time together when we get it! This is the only picture of us all together, taken after the little boys school Christmas concert.

I hope that each of you enjoyed a wonderful holiday season with the people you love most.  Here's to a spectacular 2014 and my wish that this new year brings to you all the success, happiness and joy you deserve!

Maybe I'll finish the basement bathroom this year? (It's soooo close!)

your girl,

jilly