Big Joe, Lil' Joe

This month we've had a special visitor...

My little brother, Joseph, has been vacationing in Provo with us!

We've had the dilemma of what to call who,

so I've resorted to big Joe & lil' Joe.

Unfortunately, I don't think either Joe appreciates being called big or little.

But, we've decided to do a million fun things together, and here are some of our adventures!!

(Be prepared...lots of pictures, b/c we've had lots of fun.)

Both Joes first time riding a tandem bike! 

(At this time we realized they needed haircuts, so that happened next!!)

We hiked & picnicked at Stewart & Bridal Veil falls...on different days, don't worry.

We laughed a ton at Comedy Sports, which is super awesome.

We went to a BYU Devotional,

Penny Golfed in the SWKT, & played

Mini-Croquet at the Provo Beach Resort (Like mini-golf, but croquet!)

Joe got a hole in one & won a free game!

We also made trips to the Library,

Dollar movie theater, 

Lots of frozen yogurt/ ice cream places,

a Divine comedy showing,

the Paleontology museum, and the Springville art museum!

We loved seeing the Utah Symphony perform outdoors!

We played some tennis, frisbee, & bocce ball, and saw some fun movies (Madagascar 3, Brave).

We had some great game nights, 

went camping, swimming, 

& took a very fun visit to the Hogle Zoo!

(We took this picture because of the mountains above the camel...funny, huh?)

So, as you can see...we've had a blast. We will miss having lil' Joe around!

Happy Summer!

Little Buddies

This week I've had the chance to hang out with some little friends.

The first ones were some that I had been WAITING to meet. 

I couldn't wait to hug and squeeze these little munchkins.

Lacey & Austin brought their twins for a visit!!!!

YAY!!

Jocelyn & Jackson are the cutest babies. See for yourselves.

Look at those little legs!! So cute.

I tried to keep the food in his mouth! Promise!

The little princess :)

So, besides these precious twins...I've had plenty of fun play time with some other really cute little guys!

Charlie & Eddie lost their Momma last month, after she died giving birth to their new little sister.

It breaks my heart when I think about it for any length of time.

But, we give them lots of love.

And they are quite the little helpers.

Here we are making some yummy zucchini bread! 

Eddie thought that "dumping it into the bowl meant throwing it in the air and hoping it landed in the bowl. :)

Joey & I have loved getting some practice for future parenthood. 

So, if you have cute kids (especially if they happen to be related to us), please bring them by!
Honestly, we'd love to have them. ;)

Nine Months & Counting...

9 Things I've learned in 9 Months of Marriage:

1. Save the Drama for yo' Llama.

(Not that we have a llama...but here's one in the Middle of Nowhere.)

Note the sign on the window.

 For some reason, I felt that during our first few months of marriage...I was a complete drama queen.

Everything was a huge deal.

Ex: 8:30 AM church (sometimes still a problem), dishes, snow globes, dinner schedules, etc.

I felt like an emotional roller coaster. For some reason, I felt like I had to play the role of "wife and worrier," which wasn't who I was.

Then, after some serious contemplation, I realized something ground-breaking.

I did not have to be dramatic. I just had to be me.

And peace prospered in the Farrell home.

2. Innovation is key.

Sometimes when you get married, and have nothing...improvisation is important.

How do you make a recipe in a 8 x 8 pan, when you only have a 13 x 9 and 5 x 7? 

Easy.

Use aluminum foil to build a temporary barricade by putting the little pan inside the big one!! 

Problem solved.

(Don't worry, we were surprised when it actually worked, too.)

3. Death can not stop love & our eternal marriage means everything.

This last month, we were given the most sobering experience of our lives. 

Our dear friend, Kurt Hansen, lost his wife after she gave birth to their third child.

Kurt has been the most remarkable example of living each day with faith.

He has taught us that death will not stop love, and that being sealed to each other is the greatest blessing.

We have learned to cherish each other on a deeper level, and are so grateful that families can be together forever.

4. I have the CUTEST nieces & nephews. Ever.

No explanation needed. They are beautiful children. I love them all to pieces.

Bree somehow did not make the picture below...

And here's the addition to the group since September.

Baby Bethany

5. Sometimes old apartments do NOT function as they should.

Sometimes, your sink will just randomly explode with a mysterious black substance....

and then life goes on.

6. Holidays are a bizillion times more fun when you have a spouse.

Christmas this year was like experiencing Christmas for the first time.

We just LOVE sharing the holidays together. 

Thanksgiving was perfect. Valentine's Day was extra-special. Easter was the best. (You get the idea.)

Life just feels complete when you have someone to always share the holidays with!

7. Making friends is a MUST.

For those newlyweds that go into hiding after marriage, news flash...not a good idea.

We realized that making friends actually strengthened our marriage.

AND it's a ton of fun.

8. Being a homemaker can be so, so fun.

Not gonna lie, at first the idea of cooking a ton and cleaning was not the most exciting.

But, as I tried new recipes and loved decorating our little apartment, I changed my mind!

I've learned that I really like to bake, and picking out new decorations is like a gift to myself.

9. I have the best husband on the planet.

Joseph takes first place as "best husband on the planet" in the following categories: patience, patience, patience, support, selflessness, dependability, cuteness, humor, fun, helpfulness, willingness, forgiveness, and love. 

9 months down, forever to go.