Finding my village

Some very important parts of my village! 

Since having children, and maybe even before, I have ached for the village. The one I never had. But since realizing what exactly it was that I was aching for, I have tried to find it around me. (And group texts with my sisters across the country sure helps too! ;)

I see a glimpse of my village when I help a friend buckle her kids in their seats.
I see a glimpse of my village when I say yes when a friend asks if I need help.

I see it when a friend gently corrects my child.
I see it when a friend comfortably nurses in my home.

My sis Mandi and I nursing with our cousin/friend Megan at church :)

I feel it when friends stay long in our home.
I feel it when friends welcome my children into their home.

We have finally been in a place long enough that I feel like I have a village of friends that I know and trust. Making friends is not easy for me but I am learning to take courage and reach out! And I so appreciate the women who have reached out to me! We are all better mothers and friends when we do!

Do you have a village? What makes you feel at home with people?

Hawaii

 We hugged these two good-bye last night. I can't believe it is already time for them to leave! We are super excited for Scott & Erika's new adventure in Hawaii, but we are so sad to see you go! And Bridger is already missing his godparents!

**Can't wait to visit next summer...fingers crossed!!

Something I forgot

I got to hang out with these cool kids for a little bit while I was home. 

They make me laugh.

So glad I got to see each of you!

xoxo

lacey

Where to start?

I have so many photos from this past week that I want to share! I had a blast visiting family in Florida. I just wish Nate could have come! He was pretty jealous he missed out on so much. 

This trip was very much about Kacey, my little brother. He graduated high school, seminary and got his mission call, all during my 6-day stay! 

Here are some photos from mom's phone at his Baccalaureate:

 Buddies :)

The "little kids," not so little anymore!

The next night was his high school graduation on Memorial Field. 

                            Randi & me                                                    Mitzi and her daughter Eden

 Julio and Leigh Anna enjoying baby Reed

 "Grandfather" and Randi. Isn't this the cutest photo ever?

:)

 "Mimi" and Eden. (Did I spell that right Mama?)

                Tebowing :)                                              Our very handsome graduate.

My baby bump was a good pillow for baby Reed.       Eden giving Baby Reed some loves :)

 The whole Aukema crew!

Nicely done Mitz! 

 Our favorite brother! ;)

Can you tell we are siblings? ;)

This photo made me realize how much Mandi and I look alike!

 Blue & gold! :)                                                          I love this photo!

More family photos and Florida beauty coming soon. 

P.S. Family, I am currently uploading all these photos and more to my Shutterfly share site!

Family Time in Park City

Happy New Year!! 

While I don't know much of what 2012 will hold, let's just reminiscence about the holidays a little more, OK?

*****

So (part of) my family was here for Christmas! The week before Christmas, we stayed in Park City. We skied, sat by the fire, sipped hot chocolate and just had a good time together. 

 I seriously risked my life for this photo. I almost fell down the hill...backwards. 

 Me and my sweet Mama :)

 We all bonded over our falls and other mishaps.

At the end of the day: really sore and ready to warm up!

*****

 We have become a family of mocassin wearers :)

 Not much snow at all out here, even in Park City!

Hope everyone had a lovely holiday! More adventures to share later this week!

Kennedy & Trever get hitched!

Nate, Sam and I drove up to the Salt Lake City Temple on Friday morning for Kennedy and Trever's sealing. As always, it was wonderful being at the temple!

Samantha...you are next!

The happy couple!

My favorite :)

Congratulations to the Nicolls!!

When do you stop being parents?

My adult development & aging professor would argue that parents never stop parenting. 

Even when their kids move across the country. Even when their kids get married and think they're all grown up. They don't stop being parents. They still give us advice. They still give us love. And I wouldn't have it any other way!

After telling my mom and dad about the changes in our life plan, they gave me such wonderful encouragement. I just love 'em! 

Silly photo at the wedding by the lovely Kristen Stone.

Mama: "Well, just look at far y'all have come! Just the other day I was vacuuming and thinking how just a year ago we were planning a wedding! And now look at y'all! You're married and growing together and almost done with school!"

Daddy (commenting on the job offer I did not get): "Well! I would have picked you over a hundred other applicants! My Lacey would have done a great job!"

Thanks Mama and Daddy. I don't think y'all know how much you help me every stinkin' day!

Horseback Riding in Payson

So Nate does a lot of outdoorsy things. Hiking, climbing, cycling, kayaking, canoeing...you name it! Since we've met, he has introduced me to these activities and more. And I have grown to love them almost as much as him. But I had a leg up on one activity...horseback riding!  When we heard his friend John had the hook-up with a ranch, I was psyched! I could finally introduce Nate to an outdoorsy activity! So we met up with Mary and Zane and headed down to Payson. Here are some a ton of photos of our adventure.

Finally got to use my best thrift store purchase ever. Also, best idea ever to wear these. Kept my feet (slightly) more warm and out of the mud, snow and poop!

 The Man from Snowy River in real life. 

One of the most beautiful scenes of my life.

 The horse whisperer ;) 

The owner had us corral and halter each horse ourselves. An amazing experience!

 Zane is here making lifelong promises to his horse ;)

This dog made me want a dog! 

 A real natural.

 So sweet!

 Literally living my dreams right here.

 Mary!

 John. Thanks for getting us the hook-up!

 Zane.

Our trusty guide, Lane. One of the coolest people I have ever met.

He took us  on a mountain ride. 

So beautiful and one of my favorite things I have done in Utah.

I did not take many photos while on the mountain trail. It was just one of those moments where I realized I should try and take it all in and not experience it through a lens.

 Socks. Isn't he a beautiful horse??

That evening, Nate and I were talking about our day and made a wonderful realization. Lane and his family live a normal life of average means. But they live their dreams! Because they are passionate about horses, they have made that a priority. This leads us to believe that we can reach our dreams, it just takes work.

We absolutely loved horseback riding and are planning our lives to include a barn and some horses. We can't wait to go back!