Talk Thirty To Me

I can't believe that Chris turned the big 3 0 on April 12th! To be honest, I think he's handling it better than most. For one, he's still wearing sweatpants for date night. Second, he spent a good portion of his birthday weekend playing the game "PUBG" with his friends (think Halo but more annoying + weird)... unless those are signs of a midlife crisis and I'm just missing it?! The only thing that I think kind of shook Chris up about being 30 is when I reminded him that I met him when he was 23... which weirdly enough is a time when he wore less sweatpants. I also thought I'd remind him (multiple times) that this is his last birthday with just the two of us celebrating (we are so excited to meet baby girl this month!).

I can't say I blame Chris for handling turning 30 so well... the kid has accomplished quite a bit for himself in his 20's! He served a mission, graduated from BYU, got married to quite a catch ;) earned his Master's, and has continuously climbed higher at work all while managing to go on fun trips and maintain favorite uncle, friend, and husband status! Chris might be one of those rare breeds that just gets better with age... I'll check back in with you when he turns 40.

(sidenote: there is a funny story behind my journey to get those d*mn balloons you see behind Chris' head! Definitely saving it for another post another day. Just know it involves a lot of pregnancy hormones.)

Now in true blogger fashion, I couldn't let his 30th birthday pass by without making a list of 30 things to know + love about Chris Gourley. Okay, and maybe because I feel guilty about not putting all these things on sticky notes for Chris to wake up to on his birthday because I kind of had a 37-weeks-pregnant meltdown the night before Chris' birthday. 

...enjoy! 

1. Biggest pet peeve is when someone won't text back or just say "no."

2. Claims he "managed Grovecrest Elementary's main office for 6 months" in 6th grade and that they never let anyone else do that. 

3. Personality colors are yellow and red - which explains how he can be part manchild + successful manager all at once.

4. Makes THE best Brazilian limeaids + grilled pineapple ever.

5. HATES if there are any holes in his socks.

6. Loves taking baths with bath bombs + bubble bath!

7. Currently into drinking protein shakes every morning.

8. Favorite candy bar is a Reese's FastBreak.

9. Weirdly good at folding towels.

10. Has the best lookin' back pockets... if you know what I mean.

11. Loves voice-to-text.

12. Rarely knows the right lyrics to songs... but sings anyway!

13. Always willing to serve others.

14. Can always spot deer/bucks/turkeys at the most inconvenient times. Usually in the car.

15. Best Pickleball player.

16. Will do borderline sketchy stuff if it means he can get something for free or at a really good deal :)

17. Secretly loves our cat, Lupin! Even if he will never say it out loud. 

18. Hates green beans and doesn't eat corn unless it's still on the cob.

19. Rarely watches a movie more than once.

20. Happiest when with groups of people - very much an extrovert.

21. Has a very specific way of loading the silverware in the dishwasher. 

22. Doesn't like strong smells... you'll never see him set foot in a Lush or Bath and Body Works store.

23. Favorite basketball player of all time is Tim Duncan.

24. Loves getting massages or his back scratched... multiple times a day.

25. Does not respond well at all to negativity or nagging.

26. Convinced that he would be the greatest waiter of all time + dreams of being an adjunct professor. 

27. Is a big penny pincher. 

28. Doesn't like scary movies. 

29. Always willing to put up with me and my crazy emotional self!

30. About to be the best dad in the world so soon!

I LOVE YOU, CHRIS GOURLEY! 

Tidbits of September

(this post has been sitting in my drafts box)

Hi! Hello! Remember when I took a break from blogging?

...Who am I kidding? Does anyone even read blogs anymore? Can we please just go back to 2012 when people had blogs, YouTubers actually did makeup tutorials, and I didn't feel the social pressure of needing to fill in my eyebrows yet (sigh...my biggest wedding regret)? Oh! And when my weight was significantly less?!

ANYWAY. Besides getting sidetracked per usual, I'm gonna need to do some September catch-up via phone dump... per usual. It blows my mind that we are already into October! September was such a strange month this year... the days felt long, but the month went by so fast! So many feels + mixed emotions + ah... I guess I should just make you keep reading? Duh.

So here we go!

Chicago// I got to go to Chicago for a few days with my parents + sister + Averi Shay! Our trip consisted of all the usual things that I love: food + shopping + family + more food! It also consisted of me wearing a Cub's hat that I've owned for 8 years and having to pretend that I'm a Cub's fan. The only disappointment of the trip would be discovering that the Hershey store was no more. Actually, a bigger disappointment might the fact that I was more willing to drop $30 on Ghirardelli's chocolate than on a shirt. But! Caramel Pumpkin Spice! Oh, Chicago... I already miss you, and your deep dish pizza.

Graham and Jett// I'd be lying if I said September wasn't a hard month in this regard. I don't think I was fully anticipating all the emotions the boys' due date would bring up, especially since we had never truly planned on them making it to their due date, but then September 6th came and it was like surprise! Ugly crying! Lots of it. I'm a little afraid of what emotions are going to come up during all the holidays this year (do we really have to go through another Christmas without a baby?!), but I know that we have the most amazing family members that will help us get through them all. Seriously, our families have been so amazing through everything and continue to be answers to our prayers daily. Our boys are so, so loved, and for that, we are grateful.

Birthday Explosion// Of course I've gotta blog about my birthday! How could I not after Chris pulled out all the stops and made it the best birthday yet? I'm talking food, pedicures (Chris even got one! He was a "vujin pedicue" according to our Asian nail lady ha!), family, movies... everything I love! Even if I had to remind him a few times that I was expecting big things since he was leaving me on my birthday to go hunting... ha! I'm the worst. I know. After this year I kind of always want Chris to always leave on my birthday ;) Some other noteworthy things about my birthday month: It's always 21 days of Beauty at Ulta during September! + a Sodalicious just opened up by my work... coincidence? I think not! Yay September! Yay for being a Libra! ... whatever that means.

Gone huntin'// Speaking of Chris going hunting... it wasn't just on my birthday. Almost any free time he's had this last month, he's gone scouting for elk with the fellas. Just going to look for elk, not shoot, in freezing cold weather, with not very good food is probably my worst nightmare... but whatever makes you happy, right babe?! Really though, Chris deserves it. He's so giddy whenever he gets back and I pretend to be super interested in elk bugling. I will say that I am grateful for elk hunting to be over soon, though...I'm not used to this hunting wife life!

I guess I should also mention that September consisted of way more football watching then I'd like. And by watching, I mean Chris watches while I fall asleep and wake up to BYU getting crushed. I have a feeling October is going to follow this same pattern...

THE END!

Quarter of a Century Club!

If I would have known that turning 25 was going to be so freaking fun, I would have acted more excited about it beforehand. I don't know why, but 25 just sounded so.... old er...mature? Not way old, but like, shooooot I'm old enough to rent a car + I should probably stop asking for suckers at the bank? But I'm over it, because 25 was probably my best birthday yet!

It all started last Thursday when I walked into a fully decorated classroom + presents from previous students and co-workers (all of whom know my love language is food). Oh, and if you ever want your birthday to feel really special, be a jr. high teacher--your students are more excited for your birthday than you are ("Do we have to do anything today since it's your birthday on Saturday?"). It also didn't hurt that I had the next day off from school.

Sadly, Chris was in St. George on my day off on Friday, but he totally made up for it with the vinyl machine that I sent multiple emails to him about a month in advance ;) Saturday (my actual birthday) started off with my most favorite, most artery clogging breakfast--The Champ from Ernie's! Then I took advantage of what I like to call "birthday Chris," and had him take me to Ulta to pick up my free gift there (makeup is my second love language) and then we headed up to Salt Lake to stay at the Marriott Hotel up by the U.

I had to say bye to "birthday Chris" when we got to the hotel, so that he could watch the BYU game. BUT the hotel brought up a beautiful tray of delicious food and I was able to play with some new makeup while the Cougs played, so I was okay with giving "birthday Chris" a break.

After the game was over Chris took me to one of my fav restaurants, Alamexo! Kind of pricey, but definitely worth it. If you ever go there please order the queso fundido! You can thank me later for it.

The rest of the night was spent shopping at City Creek and hot tubbing at the hotel. I really don't think I could have planned a better birthday than that. And it sounds so stupid to say, but I feel like this fun birthday and little staycation was just what I needed you know? I feel refreshed + recharged + more accepting of the fact that I'm part of the quarter of a century club.

With each passing year there's always one thing that remains the same on my birthday--Remembering how blessed I am! I have the best family and friends that always take time out of their day to wish me a happy birthday, and I am always so grateful for it (even if I forget to proclaim said gratitude on Facebook... oops!)

As you can tell, year 25 of life is already off to a great start! The only thing I'm not so sure about is giving up suckers from the bank.... that might have to be a half century kind of thing. We'll see.

Cheers 25, cheers.

Shelb's Day

If you don't already have a Shelby in your life, are you okay? Like, are you even enjoying life? Because goodness knows everyone needs one in their life! Luckily for me, I have a Shelby that I get to call not only my sister, but my best friend (because I'm sure you didn't already know that) + it's her Birthday today!!!

If you're not quite sure if you have a Shelby, let me ask you a few questions. . .

• Who do you tag in hilarious/inappropriate Instagram posts?
• Who do you have to believe you every single Sunday evening when you tell them that your "diet starts tomorrow?" 
•  Who do you talk sh*z with + with your mom?
• Who's there for you when you completely crush that one part in Jessie J's song, "Domino"? 
• Who'd you go through the "cringe-worthy eyebrow stage" with?
•  Who do you SnapChat with while you're on the toilet + end each statement with the poop emoji?
• Who do you take Zumba from?
•  Who do you approve all of your hair + outfit choices with? 
•  Who knows what's pissing you off just by giving them a certain look?
•  Who do you go on loooonnng walks with? 
• Who do you tell everything to even after your husband said not to tell?
•  Who do you convince to let you cover them completely in peanut butter because it'll be like "Tom and Huck"?
•  Who tells you whether or not you have swass?
•  Who has a whole file on their phone dedicated to unflattering pictures of you?
•  Who is your best friend in the whole wide world?

Okay, so maybe that was more than a "few" questions, but maybe that's because Shelby is in Hawaii right now without me and I'm a lot bit depressed about it and feeling a little sentimental? Anyway, if you were able to answer all those questions with the same answer, you have your Shelby! Congrats, that means you've lucked out in the best friend/sister department.

Happy 23rd Birthday, Shelbs! I hope you're having the best time in Hawaii (but kind of not really) and that your day has been filled with Cade, miniature things, Dr. Pepper, chocolate chip cookies, and everything else you love!

April 12th's...

Confession: I'm a huge what-if?! thinker. Almost to the point of ridiculousness . . .

What if I switched bodies with that random stranger at the store? What if I went back in time and stopped myself from eating Del Taco at midnight all the time? What if I wasn't a health teacher? 

And most recently . . . What if there were no April 12th's?! 

Usually when I have my crazy what-if thoughts, I never really intend on answering them, but when asking myself what if there were no April 12th's I started answering immediately. I know exactly what would happen (or wouldn't happen) . . .

I'd have no reason to make ABTS (Almost Better Than Sex) cake.
I'd also probably never set foot in Cabella's.
I'd never know that I was missing out on fried rice, Hawaiian haystacks, and Outback.
I'd also never know who the Spurs are, or when they are playing.  Actually, I'd just not know anything about basketball.
I'd probably never know how insurance works.
I wouldn't get my car's oil changed as frequently.
I probably wouldn't be as outgoing.
I wouldn't know how to play tennis.
I'd never go fishing or hunting for turks.
I wouldn't have someone to watch Modern Family every night with.

And the worst thing of all.... I wouldn't have my Chris Gourley! Or be able to celebrate the fact that he's been on this earth for 28 years now.

Phew! I'm so glad that my what-if?! thinking is borderline ridiculous and that I'll never truly have to worry about there never being April 12th's, because let's face it, life without Chris Gourley is pretty much incomprehendable + would be pretty dang boring + I really really like BTS cake.

So even though this blogpost is a little late (#wifefail), HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHRIS GOURLEY!!! You are the greatest reason to celebrate April 12th. I'm glad we got to celebrate by going to Outback, surprising you with manly man stuff, and catching you doing yardwork (who does that on their birthday?!). Instead of being sad that you're getting older, think of it as an opportunity to get more birthday spankin's ;)

LOVE YOU x28!!!

Move Over Dr. Seuss...

Raise your hand if you think these two are the cutest couple ever.

Hard to believe that babe on the left is 50, seeing as how she could easily pass as my sister! Milf town population: Jelynn!

Aren't those decorations the cutest?! My sister-in-law Janeene is just awesome like that!

March 2nd is not just a day you eat green eggs and ham and celebrate Dr. Seuss's birthday, it's a day you celebrate one of the greatest people on this earth--my mom! Today we celebrated Jelynn being on this earth for 50 years! Can you even believe that? FIFTY! It was just a little weird for me to think that I've been around for half of my mom's life now... Ah! Age is so weird. 

Anyway, to the woman who always had the best chocolate chip cookies waiting for me after school, the only person in the world who I was okay with waking me up in the mornings, the woman who took me to get my first bra (despite all my tears about being the only 3rd grader in a bra...ha!), the woman who taught me to love musicals and Doris Day movies and Cher and Lifetime Movies, the woman who always reminded me to be nice and say hi to everyone, the woman who pronounces 'cheeseburger' as 'cheesebooger', the woman who I call 20 times while making a recipe to try and get it to be "just like hers," the woman who all grandkids are just genetically programed to love more than their parents, the woman who calls me "Punkie," who is my best friend, and the woman who I want to be like when I grow up. . . HAPPIEST OF HAPPY BIRTHDAYS TO YOU!!! Forget Dr. Seuss, March 2nd is definitely YOUR day!

Happy 50th Birthday, mom. Please bless I look even half as good as you when I'm 50!

Love,
Your favorite daughter

To the man who calls me shitbird

There's only one person in my life that calls me shitbird (to my face at least), and it's that person's birthday today!!!

If you're wondering why this person calls me shitbird, it may be because of the fact that he had to deal with 16-year-old Shayli (the worst) and take my phone all the time and stand in the front window in his garments and wait for me to come home waaaaaaayyyy past curfew. Or maybe it's because I stole his BYU chocolate truffles all the time? Or because I always called him with favors? Okay, those last two things don't apply to just 16-year-old Shayli, but you get the idea. Lots of reasons why I could be considered the shitbird in this person's eyes!

And if you can't tell already, this "person" is my dad!

The only reason we are smiling in this photo is because we just got done saying, "SHEEEEEEEEEEEIIIIIITTTTT" 

Some people might think it's weird that my dad (fajia as I like to call him) calls me shitbird, but it's actually a term of endearment. At least I think it is.... dad????! Anyway, anyone who knows him, knows he's not really what you would call "a hugger" if you know what I'm saying. So calling me shitbird and giving me a little punch to the arm to let me know he's proud of me is actually pretty normal. Ha!

Anyway, HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY to the man who calls me shitbird! Who also happens to be  the same man that eats Cheetos with a fork + wears a jumpsuit to mow the lawn in that says "Shayli's Dad" on the back + collects opal turtles + quotes Seinfeld + orders salads at Texas Roadhouse. Most importantly, Happy Birthday to the man who has shown me what an amazing husband and dad is supposed to be like. You are truly one of a kind! There's no one else I'd rather have call me shitbird than you.

"Proud of you!" *punches arm*

Love,
SB

27 Things To Know + Love About Chris

Chris turned 27 today, but really we've celebrated all weekend! Celebrations included dinners, group date + a campfire, lots of back scratches/massages, and time spent with family (+ TWO birthday cakes!). Chris agreed that it was a successful birthday this year.

All Chris wanted to do today was go up to Tidbit and "look for turks" while I scratched his back. 

I think it's safe to say Chris is 27 going on 50, since he really wanted a hose reel for his birthday-ha! Adulthood?! Oh, and please ignore my horrendous wrapping job (it's safe to say that Santa will NEVER wrap presents at our house). Oh, and just to make you think that I'm a really cutesy wife, the Reese's in the water bottle each had a little love note on the bottom for Chris, who actually really ended up liking that gift. 

If you ever want to surround yourself with people that are pumped for your birthday, have the Gourley gang with you! It's hard not to feel loved and special with the Gourley kids around!

Now that I've given you the CliffsNotes on Chris' birthday, I thought it would be fun for you all to get to know Chris--the man behind the blog (ha!)--a little more, so in honor of turning 27, here are 27 things to know + love about Chris Gourley. Enjoy!

1. Chris is the baby of his family.

2. The turning point in Chris' life when he became "cool" was in 3rd grade when he beat Adam Donahoo in an intense game of Speed at recess.

3. His favorite food is pizza. His current favorite is pepperoni, pineapple, and jalapeno (and yes, it's just as gross as it sounds).

4. When Chris was younger, him and his buddies had a lawn mowing business called  "The 3 amigos."

5. Chris' dream vacation is to go fishing in Alaska.

6. He has to have juice or some kind of beverage for breakfast that is not water. "He just can't."

7. When we were first married, and I broke the news that we were out of grocery money for the month and didn't have anything good for dinner, Chris replied with what is now my favorite quote from him to date, "I hate being poor.Do we have any chocolate ice cream left?"

8. Instead of having pets, Chris would rather our kids have trees. He wants them to pick them out and take care of it and take a picture by it every year.

9. One of Chris' pet peeves is when there's holes in his socks, or if they are turned around/not on the right way. 

10. Chris' life motto is work smarter, not harder (which is ironic, since he's one of the hardest working people I know!).

11. Chris prefers toddlers over newborns.

12. There's only one thing that Chris is high maintenance about, and that is the brand of hot dog he buys. No Bar-S for Chris.

13. Chris was voted "Friendliest Freshman," 

14. You're not going to believe this one, but his farts seriously don't stink. He says it's because he "runs a clean system."

15. His favorite basketball player is Tim Duncan.

16. Chris drove a yellow truck in high school called "The Wiz."

17. His man-crush is Thor (Chris Hemsworth).

18. Chris hates roller coasters, but he loves water parks and water slides.

19. He puts tobasco sauce on anything and everything. 

20. Chris only puts gel in his hair if absolutely necessary. He hates having a sticky forehead. Actually, Chris just hates being sticky period. 

21. He's the favorite uncle on both mine and his side of the family. 

22. Chris hates listening to loud music. It's rare for the volume in his car to go above a 7. 

23. He served his mission in Brazil, and dreams of going back to visit someday. 

24. His drink order at Swig is a 32oz Fruit Loop. 

25. Chris always said his future wife would propose to him... and that I did (after he proposed to me, of course)! 

26. Every single morning when Chris wakes up and starts getting ready, he sings  He Is Risen loud and proud. 

27. Chris HATES being sung to on his birthday (but that didn't stop us this year!) 

I love you, Chris! Thanks for giving me a reason to celebrate every April 12th!

my "old" man

We celebrated my dad turning the big 5-0 yesterday! And I gotta tell ya, I wasn't expecting it to be such an emotional birthday. Not for me, anyway. But then again, how did I not expect to get emotional when one of my biggest heroes hit such a monumental point in his life?!

I've grown up knowing that my dad is bad-a, especially in a my-daddy-can-beat-up-your-daddy kind of way (which he can), but I kind of thought other dads were almost as cool, too. It wasn't until more recently in my life (especially now that I'm teaching) that I started to realize that not all dads are created equal. Not all dads would never miss a sporting event (including high school cheer ha), be able to help you through those boy problems in high school, or carry the train of your wedding dress all around Temple Square in a blizzard. I was one of the luckies who got a dad who did all those things + so, so much more.

Since we're not the sappiest, touchy-feely, type of family, I'll just end with this: *Dad, you are my biggest hero. You inspire me to work hard, love my spouse with everything that I have, and always be there for my future children (your grandchildren!).  Happy 50th, fajia!!!

Love,
Shay-leh
(shitbird)

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

*Huge assumption that Shelby will make you read this post. Also, I'm convinced you are cheating in Trivia Crack. How are you doing that?!

23!

Guys! I'm 23 now! And I've gotta tell ya, it feels...well...pretty much the same as 22. Except Taylor Swift didn't write a hip, bubbly, over-played song about being 23 this year, so I had no idea what hashtags to use on my Instagram. Can't win 'em all, I guess. But really, my birthday was fantastic! I definitely got spoiled. I mean, can't you tell by this picture of my perfectly displayed presents that just so happened to be arranged like that naturally?? It's a blogger thing, guys.

I've decided that birthdays are really just like any other day, except people are nicer to you and everything you do is justifiable. Eat a candy bar at 9 in the morning? Justified! Tell people in PE class not to tag you out because it's your birthday? Justified! Wander aimlessly around Ulta and drench yourself in perfume samples? Justified! Wear fake eyelashes to dinner? Justified! Birthday trumps anything and everything and I love it.

Yes, this justification-filled day of mine was everything I dreamed it would be. For those of you who sent me birthday wishes and said, "I hope Chris spoils you," I just wanted to let you know that he didn't disappoint (even if I didn't wake up to a kitty purring in my face). He surprised me with everything I emailed him about 2 months in advance ;) He also was on his best behavior and wore exactly what I asked him to at Texas Roadhouse and let me choose what to watch on TV, and he didn't even complain once when I asked him to take pictures with me! I love birthday Chris.

Oh, and Chris was cute enough to wake up early and make me pancakes! Contrary to popular belief, those aren't injured seahorses, they're actually the number 23. 

In all seriousness though, I really did appreciate all Chris did for me yesterday. I could tell he tried so hard to make my birthday special and he totally exceeded my expectations. Chris Gourley is seriously my most favorite human ever! He just gets me.

I know I said this last year, but I really just can't help but realize how blessed I am on my birthday. All the texts, FB posts, snapchats, voicemails, and surprise visits throughout the day just made me so grateful for the amazing people I have in my life. I get a little teary-eyed just thinking about it all! So thank you to everyone who made turning 23 so fun and memorable--you did not go unnoticed!

"Ugh, you guys keep me young, I love you so much."

stuff i'm peeing my pants over

:: The Fault in Our Stars. I couldn't do what I usually do and wait for this to hit the cheap theaters... I had to see it! Even if it meant going by myself on Friday afternoon, which made me realize what a great/cheap date I am! Also, can we talk about the fact that I burst into ugly cry every time I see a cigarette or I hear the word "Okay" now?! I wonder if the movie theater guy noticed my tiger stripes of partially washed away bronzer I had left on my face after??

:: My sister is the big 2-1 today! I've realized that the older she gets, the more I become the little sister. I'm always trying to follow her around and read her diary and steal her clothes! But really, I think it's safe to say that I am the younger sister at heart, and that my sister is way cooler than me, and I just wanna be like her. Happy Birthday, Shelbs! Get ready for some Lucky 13! Also, an unmentionable source who didn't want to admit she  follows all the Kardashians on Instagram told me that you have the same birthday as Kanye West...? Congratulations?

:: My coaching internship starts tomorrow! I'll be puttin' that T-Wolf gear back on and helping out with the cross country team at Timpanogos High School! I'm so excited, but so nervous that I'm going to let slip that I love Dr. Pepper in front of the cross country children! Because everybody knows that soda is like the "he-who-must-not-be-named" of the running world. Wish me luck!

:: I'm done with Spring semester classes this week! Which means I'm done with sweaty backpack lines and procrastinating all my homework assignments and being "that girl" in the class who brings crunchy food to snack on while everyone else is trying to listen to lecture (2 hour classes are rough).

:: My marathon is on Saturday! Six days, people! SIX DAYS. Sometimes I wish I could switch to the half instead, because holy 26.2 miles... my thighs chafe (the visual! I'm sorry!) just thinking about it! Other than that I really am so excited! I will ring that PR bell at the end of the race...

:: I'm getting a new niece and a new nephew this month!!! My sister-in-laws are like the best at making beautiful babies and making me question if Chris and I are going to be the ones who have the ugly children... (I literally just knocked on wood). I'm so excited to meet them both! Like, exclamation points excited (!!!).

Happy Sunday!




p.s. that "unmentionable source" may or may not be me...

p.p.s. .....it's totally me.  

Chris' Day!

Saturday was an all things Chris day. Even though it didn't start out like I had in mind, with my pinterest-worthy vision that involved me managing to run 10 miles before Chris had even woke up and have perfect birthday cake waffles with sprinkles on them and an avalanche of balloons fall on him as soon as he opened our bedroom door, it still worked out. Luckily for me, Chris was just fine settling for a bowl of Cinnamon Toasters and going turkey hunting while I was on my run. But hey, it's the thought that counts.... right?

Having no real plans for Chris' birthday besides dinner was sort of glamorous, though. As soon as Chris got home from hunting, we went to Firehouse Subs. The cashier there must have subconsciously known it was Chris' birthday because he ended up giving us Chris' sandwich for free instead of a free bag of chips and a drink like our coupon said. We just thought of it as another birthday present for Chris (judge us).

After lunch Chris decided to go get a massage while I stayed home and made his "Better Than Twenty Sex" Birthday cake (And yes, I already used that joke on Instagram...but that joke was brilliant people, BRILLIANT!). After his massage, we went to Gunnies to find him a holster for his gun, and then came home and watched 5 episodes of How I Met Your Mother while we waited for our dinner reservations--it was bliss. 

To top it all off we met our friends at Outback and ate way too much food. Then we came back to our house to top that off with some cake and Nintendo 64--Chris was in heaven. It was a successful day and I'm so happy that Chris enjoyed it all. That's one of the great things about Chris--he is happy with anything that you give him (even new clothes for his birthday present! ha). 

Clash of Clans... every wife's nightmare.

Raise your hand if you think Chris looks good with a baby...

I love you, Chris Gourley! 26 has never looked so good. Let the countdown to 30 begin.... ;)

A Friday worth celebrating.

Does this picture make you believe I am one of those crazy runners that runs in the rain or snow? Well, surprise! I'm not. And despite my attempts at trying to be one this morning, after running two miles I just accepted the fact that I'm not one of those runners. Because holy balls! It's cold outside! Ain't nobody got time for rain and hail! 

Even if Utah's weather did cut my run short today, it hasn't ruined my Friday. Now I have the perfect excuse to not wash my hair (again) and shove it under a beanie for the second day in a row + hide my failed attempts of new year's resolutions under a big, fat sweater (Chris is a lucky guy, isn't he?). Cold, rainy weather also gives me the right to put any productivity I had planned aside and just bake and snuggle up in a big, comfy blanket and watch Netflix until I have to go to work. It's a rough life, in case you haven't noticed.

This Friday also happens to be Mama Gourley's birthday! It's her 29th birthday in case you were wondering ;) I'm so lucky to get to call her my mother-in-law! Mama G makes THE best pico de gallo + the dirtiest diet Dr. Pepper this side of Utah county has ever seen. Not only does she fatten me up with delicious foods, but she also goes out of her way to make sure that I'm happy and that Chris is still treating me right ;) She is one of the most caring people I know, and she deserves the happiest of happy birthdays. So Martha (this is me assuming that you actually read my blog?), HAPPY BIRTHDAY! We love you!

My favorite thing about this gloomy looking Friday is that it's almost conference! Which means you might see me in a beanie for at least two more days.... just kidding! But not really. Seriously though, I can't wait to listen to conference this weekend! The older I get, the more I truly look forward to conference. You just feel so happy after you watch it, ya know?

Anyway, I have some un-productiveness I need to get to now... Happy Friday, folks!

TWENTY TWOsday! (see what I did there?)

Yesterday, I turned 22.

[insert Taylor Swift's "22" here]

As you can see, I definitely got spoiled yesterday. And no, I didn't just make my bed so I could neatly place my birthday presents on it and take a picture for my blog, ya silly.

Chris asked me yesterday if I liked my birthday better as a single person or a married person. My answer: definitely as a married person (are you even surprised by my answer?). You just have such high expectations for your birthday when you're single, ya know? But now, going to Texas Roadhouse, Yogurtland, watching a documentary on Netflix about gangs, and falling asleep before 9:30 is all I'd ever ask for on my birthday!

I think one of the  highlight's of turning 22 was when Chris took me to Texas Roadhouse and was thwarted by our waitress when she asked him if he'd like grilled onions on top of his steak, and failed to mention that it costs $2.99 extra. What's even better was that this wasn't a first occurrence for Chris at Texas Roadhouse. Not only did this reaffirm Chris that he likes Outback more, but that he'd also be the greatest waiter on earth and tell customers that it costs extra to add onions to your steak.

 Seriously though, I loved every minute of my birthday. Including all the calls, texts, and Facebook posts wishing me a happy birthday from my friends and family--I am beyond blessed! I think that's one of my favorite parts about having a birthday, you realize how blessed you are to have so many people that care about you. Also, it doesn't hurt to have a husband that is willing to get up early and cook you pancakes ;)

I am so happy with my life right now, and can't wait to see what a whole year of being 22 brings me.