Chiquita Banana: Mom

So many blog posts this weekend.

Just one more short & sweet one because I don't want her to think I forgot.

Happy Mother's Day to an amazing mom.

When I think about my mother, I think of two distinct memories.

One.

I was probably like 7 or 8 years old.

I went to one of my friend's houses for a sleep over and felt sick.

I went home.

My mom put blankets on the floor in the living room.

She played with my hair and she gave me hugs while we watched

I Love Lucy

until I fell asleep.

I remember feeling very safe.

Two.

I was in the bridal room of the reception center we held my wedding.

I was changing into my other outfit so I could run through the sparklers to my car.

I could tell my mom was sad because this was the last time she was going to see me for a while.

I held her very tight and she started to cry.

Then I started to cry.

I couldn't think of anything to say so I just said,

"Don't be sad. Isn't this what you wanted to happen?"

She sniffled, "What?"

I said,

"Didn't you dream about me growing up and getting married and being happy?"

"Yes."

"So don't be sad, be happy that your dream is coming true."

My mom is the best.

I love how I know she will never let me go and that I will always be her little girl. Even when I'm 60 years old!

Happy Mothers day to my favorite mom in the whole world.

(Thanks for giving me all those rocking genes like perfect skin, teeth and killer feist!)

Dear Brian, Love Me

Dear Brian,

Thank you for making my world beautiful.

You always make sure there are fresh cut flowers in our room.

You keep our home clean and smelling fresh when I get home.

Thank you for making my life humorous.

You are such a goofball and you get me to laugh at myself.

(also, even when I roll my eyes at you when you are playing down a situation.. I still think it is funny although you will never hear me admit that. You can just read it!)

Thank you for making my days spontaneous.

I am a person of routine.

You help me to get out of my comfort zone.

You really have made some accomplishments that no other man before you could.

You have gotten me to go out into nature for one.. and dare I say it

you have even gotten me to enjoy it!

You will still never get me to go camping.

But getting me to actually enjoy being outdoors with all those bugs- huge accomplishment!

Thank you for making me feel important.

Thank you for your notes.

Thank you for the compliments.

(Sorry I don't always accept them.)

You have celebrated with me at my highest points and comforted me at my lowest.

You have always encouraged me and you have taught me to believe and have faith in myself.

I am a

New Yorker &  Red Headed & Puerto Rican 

I am a fighter.

I have been taught that in order to survive in this world and to be respected you have to be on the defense of what's yours at all times.

Being a Fighter oftentimes hurts those closest to me because  I can't turn it off.

I anger easily.

I am short of temper.

I am merciless in arguments.

I get defensive.

Thank you for being forgiving.

Thank you for staying when I push you away.

Thank you for being my constant.

Thank you for always trying.

You do everything you can to make our lives happy.

Thank you for always holding my hand.

Thank you for opening doors for me.

Thank you for waiting for me to eat dinner, even when I get off work at 9:30 PM.

Thank you for hugging me for two minutes everyday.

Thank you for never going to sleep without me.

I am so lucky to have found the love of my life.

I'm even luckier that the love of my life loves me back.

I loved our first year and I can't wait to spend many more years with you.

There is nowhere I would rather be than by your side.

I love you so much.

Love,

Me

Brian, the Graduate!

I am absolutely so proud of Brian.

He graduated from the Woodbury School of Business at Utah Valley University!

CLASS OF 2013!

 

He wasn't sure if he wanted to walk, he thought it was going to be lame.

But when he picked up his cap and gown and we went to the rehearsal together, he became very excited that he had decided to walk.

 

It was amazing to get the families together and be able to watch Brian get his diploma from the dean.

Brian got his diploma towards the end, which I thought was good because I was excited the whole way through the graduation.

 

Sadly, both of our phones died during the ceremony so I had to rely on the pictures of family members, but here are my favorites taken that day:

 

 Brian right after getting his diploma from the dean!

 



 Just a few of my favorites of us together after the ceremony.

Thanks to those that sent these to me!

 

At Brian's graduation party, we set up a little table with some of the pictures of the graduation.

I also was sure to include Hooters, the owl, as he is very wise and all knowing...

I also made flower arrangements even though Brian thought they were lame because,

 

"I'm just a guy graduating. I don't need flower arrangements."

 

WRONG!

 

Trust me, you do :)

 

They played Frisbee and Volleyball

Brian and his Grandfather, Harold Southwick

We were so very happy that he could join us for the party!

 

Brian and his delicious and festive cake!!

 

*as a side note: aren't his eyes flipping striking in this picture?!?

 

The next day Brian and I went over to his sister's home early so we could take family portraits in seriously the most beautiful spot in Orem.

I didn't even know the place existed.

 

We went to Kneaders for all you can eat french toast.

It was seriously an absolute treat because we are NEVER up that early!

 

Afterwards we went to our car and it wouldn't work!

 

Poor Ursylla was finally on her last breath.

We decided that it was time to put her to rest and get a newer car.

Even though I was excited to get a new car and we really needed it, it was still emotional.

I cried. Ursylla held special memories for me as my dad had given her to me as a graduation present.

That car had taken me a lot of places and was part of my budding independence.

 

Ok, don't judge me. I know I'm being lame.

But there's some raw honesty for you and I'm not ashamed!

 

We went and saw my brother-in-law Chase who works at Volkswagen in Orem.

He is great! If you need a car, go see him!

 

We decided to leased a new car to give it a try and see if we like it.

We have heard opposite thoughts and opinions on leasing, but we wanted to give it a try.

 

We now have a VW Jetta, Marcell.

 

Me saying goodbye to the old girl.

Sorry mommy couldn't save you!

 

As a final note. Brian and I celebrated Cinco De Mayo by eating taco salads and for dessert a deep- fried churro cupcake!

 

Delicioso!

 

Viva Mexico!!

 

Oh yeah also, Happy 24th Anniversary to my Mom and Dad! I'm so glad you guys are still weirdos!