New York~ my "other" love!

So I cannot get this dumb blogger to let me move my trip info in the right order. So you get it a skewwhompus, that is a funny word. Anyways, here is our trip to New York. This is the last day while we were at the airport trying to get on the plane by stand by. So Kevin was for sure getting on because he had to work, and someone had to be here in Utah to pick up their guns from the baggage claim. So we thought with only 6 seats available and 8 other people ahead of us on standby that no one would get on. Plus, that was the only flight that day to Salt Lake non-stop. The other options were go to Long Beach and then hope that the stand-by there was not a mess as well. They could also fly to Las Vegas then rent a car and drive the 5.5 hours home. So we knew that getting on this flight would be amazing.

I have never seen such disorganization at the airport terminal. They told us about 10 minutes before that 1 of our party of 8 would get on the flight. So everyone was gracious enough to agree that Kevin first, because he could not get out of work, and second to pick up the guns. Then they decided that Cami would be next since she also had to work. Well they told us Cami was also going to get on. 10 minutes later after Kev and Cami were on they told Brittnie that ALL of us were getting on so we all hurried and grabbed our bags and rushed to the ticket guy. Um, no they were wrong. They said only 1 more, so we again agreed that Macey should get on since she too has a family. The next one was to be Brittnie. There was an order to the madness. This way Brittnie would be able to be with her girls, so each family could have one person from the family. When it was Brittnie's turn to go they said that 2 more could get on. So me and Branson went down the tube thing to the plane with Brittnie. By this time, Kevin, Cami, and Macey were for sure getting on. Then we were ON the plane and they scooted us out and said never mind! They sent us back out to the terminal. When we got through the middle of the tube they called us down and said OK now 1 more. Are you kidding? How unbelievable. They were so unorganized. Anyways, in that moment Branson and I knew that Brittnie was the one to go since her girls would have no one home. I even went as far as to push her down towards the plane, but she would not go. She did not want to leave Jason behind. There was chaos and stress and the decision had to be made quick. She did not want to be the one to take the remaining seat, so I told Branson to go and he would not because he thought one of us girls should. Well they began yelling at us from the plane to HURRY! I asked Brittnie to go one more time, and she would not so I went. Believe me I was hoping on my short walk that they would call for one more. I was so devastated. I was physically sick, I looked back and felt like I was leaving one of my kids behind. It felt wrong. Little did I know how big of a decision that would become. I finally got to the plane and saw Kev, he smiled and was visibly happy to see me on the plane, I could tell her was looking for more to come from our party but I shook my head and went to my seat. That whole flight I was sick. I am not sure why it was so awful, but that feeling of leaving them behind made my stomache turn, and they are even adults. Well the flight seemed long and we got home. LONG LONG story short, the other 4, Branson, Brittnie, Jason A. and Jason B. were stuck there until Monday and all this happened on Friday March 12. That was devastation. But they are all home now safe and sound!
So this is how I traveled through the streets of New York. There were some moments that I walked, but I soon realized that doing too much would only ruin my trip with the pain and weakness. I listened to my body and surprisingly enough the wheelchair became a wonderful thing!

This is one of my favorite pics. JFK has the strictest laws in the United States regarding firearms. Kev and Jason both brought their guns, and when checking them in at JFK they had to call the TSA and Airport Police to see if they were criminals or whatnot, they said that if they would not have had their police ID they would have been taken to jail because concealed permits are not valid in their state. So we were lucky on that one. I so love Kevin and his stance and his attire, and his sexy cuteness, hahaha.

Cami and Kevin trying to find which subway train to take, the F, B, 1, 2, 3, the L train, etc....Ah the beauty and complication of New York.

These sweet hands were sent by children to the Trinity church during the relief efforts of 9-11.
This one has brought me to tears on 2 different trips to New York because it is so true!

Most relief workers took a patch off their uniform and left it at the church, another humbling sight!

Cami and I at the church.

Kev and I at the Trinity church. The front of the church is a graveyard.

Kevin and Branson, they looked like twinners, white jackets, jeans, and a camera bag.

The firefighters memorial, with Kevin, Jason Bernards, and Jason, my brother in law all police officers.

Look at how sexy he would hold a firehose, lol.

Cute Kevin.

This is the group of all of us. from left to right, Cami, me, Kevin, Branson, Jason, Brittnie, Macey, and Jason. We are eating at only the best place ever to eat in New York, Postiano. I love it!

This is all my mom wanted, a picture of all her kids.

Kev and I at the John Lennon memorial in Central Park.

We went to a deli and got the best desserts, while waiting for the rain to go away.

We are just chillin'

The girls being funny!

So those of you who do not already know I am in love with New York! I know that I would never live there, but I sure do love to visit. It has a unique energy and it is just amazing. Well last Monday was Jet Blue's 10 year birthday and they had flights to and from New York for only $10, they ended up being $20.70 total with fees and taxes. I called my sis-in-law who works at Jet Blue and she told me that the deal overloaded the system but if I kept trying then I could most likely get in and get some. I tried for about 30 minutes and Walaaaa I got it, I knew I only had a few minutes, but I realized that we had to leave the next day and come back within one day. Kev and I decided it was worth the risk of buying them and worry about getting someone for the kids later hahaha.....I am so spontaneous, lol. Kev said I just want to go so we can say, "oh yes, we went to New York for lunch today" he is funny! While I was trying to get in I called my bestie and asked her to come, then Brittnie, and she wanted to come. She asked Jason and all in all there was a group of 8 of us. We were to leave the next night at 11:30PM. So I got the tickets to fly there and realized I most likely was not going to get the tickets back, boooo! The tickets to fly home were $304. I did not want to spend that much to come home, so we were almost not going to go, but after calling my sis-in-law again and Cami's wonderful sis we got buddy passes to come home on! Yahoo!!!! I was in shock! We were going to New York and only had 1 day to find a place to stay, babysitter, carpool, ladadada! Well I was on the computer for nearly 10 hours that day and found a place to stay called hoteltoshi.com, the owner is the actor in the movie "The Departed" never even saw it, but it was such a good deal! For a 2 bedroom apartment it was only $150 per night, and that was with tax, cleaning fees, everything! That is an awesome amazing deal in New York! Now I just hoped it was in a safe place, I did a lot of research and found from the reviews that it was a legit business and safe. Another Yahoo!

We were so blessed to find loving family for our kids. My Grandma stayed that night we left. The kids were in bed and I had their lunches packed outfits out, all the kids bathed and ready for the morning so she hopefully did not have to do too much. Then the next day Lovely Shauna and Casey came to stay the next 2 nights with the kids, I bought the kids school lunch and wrote a note to Shauna. I hoped everything went smoothly and from what it sounds like it did.

So we left and went straight to check into our apartment, but first we had to go to Brooklyn and Toshi's penthouse. He invited us in himself, offered us an array of drinks ALL kinds and we politely declined. I was in awe at his place, it was 3 levels and had a cute spiral staircase up to the second and third floor. He had me come up there and pick the area. I chose Lexington and 3rd avenue, the building number 833. I actually was very happy with the location and the apartment was clean and near the subway. Kev, me and Cami and Branson all stayed in one of the 2 bedrooms, and then the other 2 couples stayed in theirs, but when they got there it turned out to only be a 1 bedroom. I called Toshi and they were awesome, they gave us another studio apartment in the same building. Brittnie and Jason had their own apartment and then Jason and and Macey had their own at no extra charge. It was awesome.

Once all checked in we went to 9/11 the Financial District, and then the Police Museum. I got my favorite pizza from Ray's and ate it for all my meals, mMmmMMM! I already miss it. There is so much more to say, but this has already taken much too long, so at least you get the jist of it, I LOVE NEW YORK!!!!!

Priceless~So very Priceless!

So Kev and I were going on a date last night, yet he decided to bring out our "collectibles bin." This bin houses me and Kev's many trinkets from our childhood. I used to collect erasers, yes, the kind that Erase pencil. I have many many. I used to get them from every birthday, Easter, and Christmas. Anyways, I think Ipo is going to carry on the tradition of collecting them. I cannot wait to spend money on the cute little things again! Well when he brought out the bin he found boxes of some little things here and there and on the top of one of the boxes was our patriarchal blessings and a letter. This beautiful letter was written in red pen and was titled, "Dear Aspen Alexis and kids" As you can see I was going to name my oldest daughter Aspen, never did happen, but I was. Well I thought how special this letter is and how precious and Priceless that these 5 pages are. I want it to be archived forever and ever, and the fact that it was written to my children before they were even here on earth, and before I was even married to Kevin is magical.

So I share this piece of work with you. Please know that is it special and somewhat sacred. I am young and do not have a lot of life experiences, but my love for my kids shows. Kev did come home and the next day we went out and talked about our life together and eternal marriage and March 20, 1998 we were married in the Salt Lake LDS Temple. So again, keep in mind that I am 19 years old, young, and in love!

December 17, 1997

Tomorrow December 18, at 11:29AM your Dad will come home off his Chile Santiago East and South mission. He left December 27, 1995. I can honestly say that was the hardest time of my life. I loved your Dad more than anything. Let me tell you about our past.

Your Dad and I went to elementary school together. He was friends with my friends. All I remember was he was really good at four square. Then in middle school we both think that we had the same math class with Mr. Jensen. We can't remember though.

Then there was high school. Dad was friends with my friends. I can honestly say I always thought he was so cute. The very first time I talked to him was a stake dance. He asked me to dance and he said the funniest things to me. He said, "ya, I lost my legs in the war." I laughed. He used to always say, "Back in Nam..." He was always so funny. Then around January of 1995 I started to hang out with Casey. I was Casey's first date on April 4, 1995 we went to Girls Choice Dance together. We were really good friends. Your Dad and I were friends but we didn't know each other very well.

On March 23, 1995 your Dad came up on stage in the Bingham auditorium while I was doing the junior Prom assembly. He asked me to marry him on one knee. Then he stood up and in his hand he had about 5 .25 cent rings. I laughed again. What a cutie! Of course I said, "Yes." I chose the ring with a pearl on top. Over the next couple of months I never really talked to your Dad, but I did talk to Casey a lot.

On May 17, 1995 I called Dad's house and he answered I asked for Casey and he said, "hey why don't you ever call to talk to me?" So I said we can talk. We talked from 8PM to 6AM the next morning with no breaks. I can honestly say I felt something neat about Dad. We were so comfortable with each other.

The reason I am writing all of this to is so you know how much we love you. That night your Dad and I talked about you, our children. We said what we wanted for our children. We never mentioned the children as "ours" we said, "Well I want MY kids to...." But now that I think about it we were talking about Our kids.It was amazing. We both wanted the same things. I fell in love with your Dad that night. Later on in the week I prayed to Heavenly Father about your Dad. I asked if my feelings were right. They were. I knew that your Dad and I would marry one day.

I found out later on that Kev felt the same way. He went camping Thursday May 18, 1995 with friends and that is where he told them that he was going to marry me.

From then on we were inseparable. Your Dad always treated me very well. He never got angry and was always patient.

The best thing about your Dad is his love for the gospel. He is so perfect in my eyes. I love him very much. It took a lot for him to leave to serve the Lord. He has served his mission and he says he did it for our family. He has always believed that the way to raise a righteous family is to serve a worthy mission. Tomorrow he comes home from this mission. We will start our life together and prepare for you. You are not here yet but I can tell you that you are loved so very much. I cannot wait to be a mother and have a family.

I do want to say that while Dad was gone I truly realized how much I love him. I waited and dated. This was good for me to see how perfect your dad is. He is so righteous. I always said I would only marry a return missionary who is worthy to take me to the Salt Lake LDS Temple. Your Dad is. He is perfect I love him.

People say that the best that a Father can do for his kids is to love their mother. I can say he does. Throughout his mission he stood by me. He never gave up. I hope in your lifetime you will always respect your Dad because he has already done so much for you.

There is so many things I want to say. I know this is somewhat jumbled but there is a message. I want you to know that your parents loved you and prepared for you before you have even come to the earth. I also want you to know the importance of the gospel. I know with all my heart the way to true happiness is through righteousness. Please stay strong and choose the right. Never fall away from the true and everlasting gospel. I promise your life will be full if you stay pure. I love with all my heart. I pray that you understand how much I love your Dad, and am thankful for his sacrifices.

Love,

Your Mom :)

So there are some embarrassing things I write, but who cares 12 years ago is a long time. I love it and will cherish these words forever! Love you Kevin and Kids!

Disclaimer: Casey (Kevin's brother) and I were merely friends. Never in love, only friends. I write "I can honestly say" way too many times! Also, Kevin asked like 7 girls that month in high school to be his wife. He was always goofy like that. I am sure some of you reading this were also lucky enough to be his fiance (wink, wink)

Did you know the Car wash brushes your teeth?

Apparently my kids have always thought that when I go through the automatic car wash that the brushes, brush Their teeth, LOL! So they all sit as close to the window as they can and open their mouth as such. It is so funny and I guess I never really realized it until I sat in the moment and listened and watched.

See, they know how silly they are.

Funny Kya 10.5 months.

She is so stinkin' cute!~ Love her!

Happy happy she is!

Aunt Diane

Kevin's aunt Diane passed away last week and this Tuesday was her viewing in Layton. Kev had to work so I took the kids by myself! I think it was the first time I got them ready, (all cute) by myself, went and drove like 50 minutes there, and then came home by myself. It was exhausting! I did however remember to take pics of the kids and those that were there.

Now I usually hate, absolutely hate to dwell on my little issues, but I think it is wearing on me. While I was at the viewing the pain was immense! I am so tired of being tired. I am so upset that pain has begun to dictate my life. I know it will pass, I know it will get better and if it does not than I will manage. However, today and this week life is hard. I do not have it THAT hard. I actually am so very blessed. I know it, I even believe it, but I have shed way to many tears this week to not vent about it and find some inner peace with my situation. I want to be normal, I want to wake up and not feel like I am 80 years old (sorry to you 80 year olds). Oh, how I miss the days I sprung out of bed, stretched, and smiled. These days the only one who does that is the kids. Kevin even is old! He is worn, tired, and somewhat broken. I hope that spring is the answer, the weather and sun shining may bring a new beginning. I hope that as my favorite saying of all time goes, "This too shall pass!" Well hurry up already! Guillain Barre stops you in your tracks and then as you start to move forward, it is like a brick wall reminding you and your body that you are no longer in control, the disease is! So I say to it I am not going to stop trying, I am not going to give up, I may complain every now and then, but I will prevail, however that may be!

Let me say yet again, I know my life is not that bad and I know my trials are minimal compared to others, so here I go once again truckin' along and moving forward however slow that may be! I love you all and thank you for your love and support. I am done and the complaining is over!

Ka'Lya, she now has a sympathy smile. It is not her real smile it is more like an I do not know you but I will be polite!

Casey, Kee, Colton, and Keo.

Grandpa and Keo

Grandma and Grandpa. They are serving a mission here in Salt Lake in the senior mission office.

Kev's sister Audrey and his brother Tyler. Kya loves Tyler. I hate when he wears this hat because it always reflects off my flash, but he told me it is because he is an angel, lol.

This is Victoria. She is Kevin's nephew Stetson's daughter.

This is Casey Kevin's younger brother. He is so cute with Ka'Lya, really who cannot help but love her.

Kee'Onu was happy to see everyone.

Ka'Lya again.

Ki'Aja was so happy and had so much fun playing with Victoria. It was sad that his aunt is gone, but yet she was very ill before she passed and she is no longer in pain. She was always so sweet. She sent us a Christmas card every year. I remember when I was dating Kevin and we went to her house for Thanksgiving, and she was giving and loving and fun. I am so glad to know her and happy that she is now reunited with her love.