The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly: Sanderson Disneyland 2018

Three days at Disneyland and this is the best/only picture we got of the whole Sanderson crew... time flies when you're having fun? Or maybe I should just be honest and tell you that the chances of getting a family picture is slim to none when you're traveling with that many stubborn Sanderson men + it's their 4th day at a theme park?

Even if it's tough to get a picture of the Sanderson crew, that doesn't mean that this post will be lacking in pictures... you've been warned! And YES I'm already aware that the majority of these vacation pictures are of me drinking Butterbeer at Harry Potter World... that sh*z was so good... so I'm not even sorry about it.

OKAY! Disclaimers have been disclaimed! Let's do this- The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly: Sanderson Disneyland 2018!!!

The Good:

- The Sanderson kids on the flight! Everyone did so good! ( + JetBlue.. they won me over when they gave me a full can of diet Coke + endless leg room!)

- Grandma and grandpa Walker joining in on the fun.

- THE FOOD! Sadly, most of what I consumed was not pictured. Actually, it might be a good thing because you'd probably be convinced that my belly is 90% food and only 10% baby, which.... it probably is. But holy beignets, dole whips, churros, corndogs, monte christo sandwhiches, and pomme fries!!! 

- Going along with the food... eating at Cafe New Orleans was so fun! + Me and Chris were probably a little too grateful for the refillable Diet Cokes.
- Hitting the 3rd trimester mark on the first day in Disneyland! Never been more grateful or felt so magical.
- Our hotel being within walking distance of the park.
- Averi's outfits of the day.
- FROZEN show in California Adventure! So many feels.
- Watching my niece and nephews do the Jedi Training! Tears were shed... not only by me, but by Rylin when she had to go up against Kylo Ren. Ha!
- Radiator Springs... the biggest thrill ride I went on during the vacation. Freaking love that ride.
- BUTTERBEER AT HARRY POTTER WORLD! Frozen or regular... just give me the Butterbeer! Even Chris liked it.
- Watching Mitch at Harry Potter World... I've never seen my brother so giddy.
- Walking through Hogwarts castle. The details!
- The tour at Universal Studios.
- The California weather.
- Chris jumping into bed with me every morning to feel baby girl move.
- Fantasmic! Always.
- Experiencing Toon Town and Turtle Talk with Crush for the first time.
- Our "princess squad" on Saturday.
- My mom and dad giving all the grandkids a $25 giftcard to spend at Disneyland... so fun seeing all the nieces and nephews pick out a toy! + Picking out a hoodie for baby girl Gourley!

The Bad:
- Sleeping in separate beds at our hotel (Chris might not agree that it was completely bad though)
- No Diet Dr. Pepper anywhere to be found in Disneyland.
- Main street in Disneyland being closed + Paradise Pier in California Adventure being remodeled.
- Losing Chris' wallet in California Adventure.
- The World of Color. Kids were not impressed staring at adult sweaty bums for 30 minutes.
- Universal Studios. Not impressed besides Harry Potter World.
- The Krusty Burger at Universal... hahaha.
- The serious right tilt we had going on in Pirates of the Caribbean.
- Sanderson's not knowing how to work the stroller pass.
- Not getting pictures of our "princess squad" shirts the last day.
- Not getting enough family pictures in general.
- Grandma and grandpa not being scheduled on the same flight as us on our way home :(

The Ugly:
- My fingers at the end of every day. Straight up looked like corndogs (and not in a good Disneyland corndog type of way)
- Me ugly crying because of losing Chris' wallet (BUT! It was immediately turned in to guest relations and my prayers were answered. Never underestimate the magic of Disney!!)
- The showers not draining in our hotel room...
- The amount of refined carbohydrates I consumed on this trip.
- Coming back to reality in freezing cold Utah.

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Obviously, the good far outweighed the bad or the ugly on this trip! Which is exactly why I've been trying to think of a way to convince Chris we need to go back to Disneyland like yesterday. Chris has already told me we're not going until our first born is at least 8 years old... but I'm going to keep believing in the magic that is Disney. I love Disney, but I love my family even more, so I'm SO happy we got to put the two together and go on this epic trip that I will always remember!

Until next time, Disneyland (hopefully sooner than 8 years)! You will be missed. I only ask that you don't have main street closed down next time + maybe quit raising your prices? But that's it! 

Love Is. . .

Love is. . . 

Agreeing that Disneyland last week counts as our Valentine's Day plans

( + agreeing to take a kissing pic in front of the castle + agreeing to let you wear that d*mn green shirt ha)

Living with Lupin.

(to sum up the above sentences: c o m p r o m i s e)

Always being down to get a donut from Lehi bakery.

Letting me exfoliate + pop the blackheads out of your nose so hard that you're scabbed for weeks.

Breakfast sandwiches on the weekend.

Helping me rub self-tanner on those places that are hard to reach.

Semi-consciously putting your hand on my bump every morning at 3am after I go pee so you can feel baby girl move.

Showing up on Valentine's Day with a 44oz Diet Dr. Pepper in hand from my most favorite gas station (Murphy's Express in Saratoga - you have my heart!) like a modern day prince charming.

Grabbing a towel for the other every.single.time. we get in the shower or tub.

Getting rootbeer at the movie theater even when I prefer Mr. Pibb.

Coming home to a clear sink + loaded dishwasher after work.

Complimenting my makeup without me even dropping hints that I want you to.

Buying you BBQ chips so I won't eat them.

Getting eaten by mosquitos while fishing out golfballs in the pond by our house.

Not judging the shameless amount of times we hit the snooze button on our alarms.

Bringing up an ice water to share in bed every night.

The only way we've been able to endure these past couple of tough years!

A reminder there is no one more perfect for me.

. . . what I am in with Chris Gourley!


HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

xoxo

2017 Make Up Favs

(Holy Goodness this has been sitting in my drafts box for like... I don't know... a month? I guess I really got ambitious about being a better blogger before the new year - which obviously didn't last long - ha!) 

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If only phone cameras could show you what make up really looks like in person... sigh. BUT! Almost everything caked on my face in this photo is a product that I've LOVED in 2017! Also, I'm still posting about make up on this blog because I haven't grown the lady balls to start an instagram account dedicated to my love of make up... maybe I should add that to my New Year's resolutions? For now, we're going to keep using this blog as a security blanket, okay? Okay.

Here we gooooo.

Primers: I feel like this was my year for trying out lots of different primers! The more I try, the more I believe that primers really are essential and not just a gimmick. I think my most favorite this year has been the E.L.F. Mineral Infused Primer - um, hi Smashbox Photofinish dupe!!! Seriously, it looks/feels the exact same as the Smashbox one. Plus, I can't help but swell with pride at the fact that I only pay $6 for it!

Another primer that I feel really is worth the splurge is the Tarte Clean Slate/Poorless primer. This one truly fills in my huge A pores. I love putting the E.L.F. one on all over my face and then using the Tarte one in my t-zone.

Foundation: I honestly didn't branch out this year and try a bunch of foundations. Still love my IT Cosmetics CC cream!

Concealer: Tarte Shape Tape (who isn't still obsessed with this?) or Maybelline FitMe (if I'm not wanting full coverage)

Setting Powder: NYX HD Finishing Powder in "banana"- oh my heck I love this stuff. Sometimes when I don't feel like putting on concealer, I just put this powder on under my eyes and it instantly brightens everything! Another favorite would definitely be the Coty Airspun translucent loose powder (great for baking!) - it's dirt cheap, too!

Blush: Tarte Amazonian Clay blush. I was lucky enough to snag their blush palette that has 4 different shades in it for just $18 at Ulta. I love Tarte's blush because you barely even have to dip your brush in it and you get so much color payoff. It stays on a long time, too!

Highlighter: Cover FX Custom Enhancement drops in the shade "moonlight." The tiniest drop of this goes such a freaking long way! I've also started adding a drop or two to my foundation to make my skin look more glowy and I love it! It is really pricy (I got it on sale for 50% off though), but it truly would last you years. I also love setting this with a little of Becca's Champagne Pop! (perfection!!)

I also went through a very intense obsession with  Laura Geller's Baked Gelato Swirl Illuminator in "Gilded Honey" this year. This one gives you the perfect subtle glow!

Bronzer: Hands down my favorite bronzer was/is Physician's Formula's Butter Bronzer. It smells freaking divine and I never get sick of slapping what smells like a tropical island getaway all over my face. I feel like this bronzer is the perfect shade... not too cool, not too warm, and it's not shimmery! I reach for this every single day (over my Benefit Hoola!).

Eyeshadow: Obviously one of my favorite make up items has to come from Jaclyn Hill...
Ever since I got her Jaclyn Hill x Morphe palette, I haven't reached for anything else! It truly is the dream palette and has everything you could ever need. If you don't like this palette, it's because you don't own it. I'm sure of it.

Another eyeshadow worth mentioning though would definitely be the Stila Magnificent Metals liquid eyeshadow. This is THE glitteriest eyeshadow I've ever used and I love that it has an easy to use applicator. Obviously I'm not rocking glittery lids every day, but this is the perfect eye shadow for a special occasion or party.

Lips: As I type this I realize now that 2017 might have been the year of Tarte because my favorite lip product was also by Tarte. I love love love the Lip Sculptor Lipstick and Lipgloss duo. I feel like no one talks about this! First of all, you get both a lipstick and a gloss! + The lipstick is so creamy and pigmented! I love throwing the gloss on top of it, too. I have the shade "life" which is a peach nude and it goes with basically any make up look.

I also really enjoyed Urban Decay's 24/7 Lip Liner in the shade "Naked" - perfect for every day makeup!

Mascara: If I was stranded on an island and could only take one make up product with me, it would always be mascara. I'm a mascara junkie. I will try anything and everything! This year I finally tried Benefit's Roller Lash and absolutely l o v e d it! This one makes my eyelashes suuuuper long! Another mascara I tried + loved (which I wasn't sure if I would) was actually Younique's Epic Mascara. I've never used a mascara that is so great at layering! This one gives me huge volume AND length! If you're skeptical like I was because it's an MLM product... don't be! This one really is bomb.

Some drugstore mascaras that are worth mentioning are the Essence Plump No Clump! (it's freaking $4!!) and also the Kokie Professional Lengthening and Defining Mascara at Wal-Mart. Drugstore mascaras are my jam! I'm always most excited to try cheap mascara.


Annnd there you have it! My 2017 MakeUp Favs! What make up products do I need to try in 2018?! You know I'm always looking for an excuse to roam around Ulta with a large drink in hand...


(If I didn't mention certain makeup products it's probably because I'm still using my 2016 favorites which you can read about HERE!)

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Our countdown for 2018 didn't end at midnight last night. . . 

We'll be counting down until May 2, 2018 - or until our baby GIRL decides to show up! 

...my heart still kind of sinks/somersaults every time I let someone else in on our secret, because I have so many mixed emotions with this pregnancy (obviously grateful is the biggest one!!!), but then I try to remind myself that my uterus doesn't know when I announce that I'm pregnant, so to stop worrying, you big weird! Plus, this little miracle deserves to be celebrated, too! Even if it scary for me and Chris.

We are so so SO grateful that everything has gone well so far during this pregnancy and pray that it can continue to for the next 17 weeks. The one true "resolution" I have for this year is to have this girl arrive here safely. Okay, and maybe not eat so many freaking carbohydrates + read "The Infinite Atonement" (thanks for the recommendation, Whit!), but that's it! I swear. 

Even though 2017 brought on the hardest trial I've ever gone through, it also brought me some of the happiest moments of my life - my time with Jett and Graham, drawing closer to my Savior, growing closer with my family, and of course, getting pregnant again with this baby girl. A good word to sum up 2017 would definitely be G R A T E F U L. 

Here's to the new year! + hoping I'm a better blogger in 2018 (ha!)

our mattress is in the living room again...

... except this time it's not because life sucks (read about that here) + we have a cat to join us on it this year (although Chris might consider the fact that we still have a cat a little sucky)!

Life is actually bueno bueno right now. I mean, Christmas break is sooooo close + Sodalicious has a peppermint chocolate cookie + there's a new package on my doorstep on what feels like every other day with Christmas goodies (slowly accepting the fact that I am in charge of my own Christmas presents from Chris) + I discovered Bath and Body Works Coconut Mint Drop shower gel -perfection!

I think the only things that might be putting a damper on life right now are that I have to wait two more weeks for another episode of This Is Us + Leah Remini's Scientology: The Aftermath is over. Like, what am I supposed to watch on my mattress that's in the living room?!

But in all seriousness, I am so so SO grateful that there is a mattress in my living room and it's NOT because life sucks right now. Last year at this time I was so sad + discouraged + just felt so... low? Not to say that this year hasn't been difficult or sad, but last year I just felt so hopeless and so miserable. I'm so grateful to be out of what I like to call the funkhole of 2016! Chris is grateful, too. I think that was one of the hardest parts about being so miserable... it totally effected (affected? I hate that I don't teach English sometimes) Chris.

But here we are now! Funkhole-free! Anxiously awaiting to see what 2018 will bring... definitely hoping it will end with us on a mattress in our living room because life has been good. 

...and I'm really hoping Lupin is still on our mattress in 2018.




p.s. Go get the peppermint chocolate cookie from Sodalicious already!

ThankFULL

Would it truly be November if I didn't dedicate a blog post to all things for which I'm thankful? Probably not. Would it truly be November if returning to work today after the Thanksgiving break wasn't completely rough + me being in dire need of a large diet Dr. Pepper? Probably not. Also, would it truly be in Shayli fashion for me to blog about what I'm thankful for after Thanksgiving? Probably definitely YES. So, here we go with another thankful post! It may be late, but I'm definitely still thankful.

BUT FIRST: A picture of Chris holding a baby, because it makes my heart melt and uterus skip a beat all at once. That is all.

... I guess Chris and baby Averi can start at the top of my thankful list.

Other people/things I'm thankful for in no particular order:

- My family. Especially my mom's side of the family that brings more food to Thanksgiving dinner than anyone knows what to do with. So much veggies + dip! So many crackers and cheeseballs! So much happiness.

- My in-laws. But if you read my last post than you already knew that! + When Tom G has a birthday and has an adult only dinner/game night! + When Chris wins the quarters game so we can have a new Swig fund.

- Speaking of Swig fund... I am always thankful for diet Dr. Pepper. Cranberry Sprite Zero is up there, too. 'Tis the season! Actually, I'm pretty grateful for almost any caffeinated beverage these days.

-Friends. This pic sums that up perfectly... best friends wearing a Friends sweatshirt. If you don't understand our sweatshirts... are we even really friends!?? Also, a majority of my Thanksgiving break may or may not have been dedicated to Season 7 of Friends so. . .

-Also, let's take this time to appreciate that my phone automatically smooths my skin in pictures ^^ #thankful

-Christmas decorations. It's like putting up instant happiness! Although, Chris may not agree with that statement. I think he's still bitter that a majority of our gift cards from our wedding were dedicated to Christmas decor our first year of marriage.

- Lupin. Who gets his own stocking this Christmas ha (another thing Chris probably doesn't agree with). I'm mostly thankful for Lupin when he's not trying to rip the ribbon off of our Christmas tree or chew on my Santa hat.

- Naps.

- Black Friday... because I'm almost done with my Christmas shopping! I'd also like to add that I don't work retail anymore so I'm extra grateful to not work on Black Friday.

- Candy Cane Kisses. Always! Why were they so hard to find this year?!

- Work, but more so my amazing co-workers. Who else can you complain to about crazy students?!

- I guess I'm thankful for my students, too... most of them, anyway ;)

- Becca's Backlight Primer + Benefit Porefessional. Mama got some big pores that need to be filled. The combo of those two primers are truly a gamechanger.

- Fuzzy socks. Mostly when I'm sleeping in them.

- My primary class. Especially when they tell me things like "Sister Gourley your hair looks weird." Way to keep me humble, kids.

- The Gospel and all the hope and happiness it brings to my life.

- Jett and Graham! Reminding me to remember what truly is important in life.

Annnd I need to mention that I'm grateful for Chris one more time! Especially because he agreed to stop at the store to grab shredded cheese on his way home from work + he stepped on the scale after this weekend and suggested we go on a cleanse + he sent a picture of him eating salad for lunch today. He is my favorite.

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the day my heart grew three sizes more

The Gourley gang got together this last Saturday to do a service project in honor of our Gourley angel babies Lilly, Ryker, Graham and Jett. As grateful as I am for our angels, my heart can't help but sink at the fact that I just had to type four names following the words 'angel babies'. That's about four too many angels than anyone needs... ugh!

Anyway, the gang got together to put together baby kits to donate to the North Temple Clinic in Salt Lake. We ended up making 24 kits + extra items to donate! Hands down the best part was watching my nieces and nephews all help put them together. My grinch heart definitely grew three sizes that day -- all the feels were definitely felt! I love my Gourley gang! Our gang definitely has it's quirks (what family doesn't?!), but I just can't help but be sooo grateful I lucked out in the in-law department! You can always count on them to come through and always be there when you need them (as we've experienced so much over these last six months!). Gah, my heart might be growing even more as I type all this, so I better just leave a picture dump of all the photos I took that morning...

...annnd now I'm crying again. It probably didn't help that me and Chris dropped the kits off at the clinic today, either. 

This is the clinic that Chris used to work at. I remember Chris always coming home and telling me about the patients that would come in that hardly spoke any english, had no money or insurance, and a lot of times were homeless. When we dropped off the kits the ladies at the front desk were so happy and excited and said those kits would be gone soon for sure. Made my heart burst! 

I can't think of a better way to celebrate Graham and Jett + kick off the holiday season than this service project... I am SO ready for Thanksgiving this week! It feels so good to serve + remember that the world doesn't just revolve around me + realize everyone has their own trials. I hope a Gourley gang service project becomes an annual tradition and that I'll be better prepared next year with more tissues.