Beautification Award

My parents home is one of my favorite places to be. They have worked so hard to create a refuge and oasis for our family to retreat to. This month they received a Beautification Award for their yard from Pleasant Grove city. We were all so thrilled that their work is recognized and appreciated by others. The yard is really starting to develop and mature. We spend hours in the backyard, barbequing, playing games, relaxing in the summer evenings. I feel bad that the people that gave the award didn't even see the backyard! The thing about the yard is that it is so friendly and welcoming. Sure there are beautiful flowers but what makes it unique to my parents is the lawn ornaments that my mom has placed throughout the yard. They're cheery and the nieces and nephews love wondering around searching for the hidden and scattered faces. My parents are amazing in every way. I truly know they are blessed as a direct result of the lives they are choosing to live, the service they render and the love they give to others. Thank you mom and dad for creating a family home that enables such beautiful memories to be made. There is so much to take pictures of, i've selected some to show the variety of flowers and colors found in the yard. 

 

My parents have green thumbs for sure! Lovely yard. Heaven on earth with family there.

Anniversary Love

Mr. Finch made our One Year Anniversary such a wonderful memory that truly celebrated our year of marriage. We had so much fun reminiscing on our wedding day and laughing at our fond memories. We started out the weekend in Park City riding the Alpine Slide, Coaster and Zip line. All were fun, after the fact, the zip line was intimidating to me! I don't do height very well and that dropping feeling that you get in your stomach when falling is not my favorite. The ride was so fun and everyone should do it! I remade our reception menu for dinner one night and Mr. Finch had planned an evening out at the Melting Pot. Delicious! It was such a fun surprise and we left so full!

Mr. Finch complied video of our wedding day and honeymoon into the sweetest video that I cherish. He also gave me the porcelain birds that were our cake toppers (I shattered one of them a few months ago-I bawled!). It was so kind of him to remember that they were so important to me. I gave my King and Mate a chess set. We had seen one on our honeymoon that he loved but we didn't take enough cash out on that day. Ever since then I've planned on getting him a replacement set until we go back or find one he likes equally. I also wrote him a book/journal. I have NEVER been able to keep a journal and this idea was so daunting but I did it! Everyday for the last year I made an entry about him. Something I loved about him, something I appreciate, or mentioning something he helped me with. I choose a pink book thinking that he'd never look at it & planned on recovering it. He requested that it remain pink. It was one of the best habits I have ever made. Everyday regardless of what had happened I could write something positive about him. During the day I was always looking for something to write down, always trying to remember all his positive things. It increased my love for him everyday! We have both enjoyed reading my entries and laughed at my comments. It has become one of my most prized possessions and experiences.

I hung some of the lights from our reception. It was one of our fondest memories from our wedding day. Thank you Mr. Finch for spoiling me and creating another special weekend/day. I love you. I'm so proud of our past and look forward eagerly to our future. Here's to us!

 Traffic Jam headed to Park City, Good thing we were parked next to Goats.

 Puzzle Given to us at our luncheon from Beyer's. Seriously such a hard puzzle!

 I tried to recreate some fun things from our honeymoon for the next week. Food, activites, and mostly towel animals. I'd make a towel and place pics from that day. We need another vacation and i'm looking forward to relaxing on a beach with the Mr. sometime soon hopefully!

 Happy Anniversary Mr. Finch! You went above and beyond to make a special day. Love You.