Meet the new addition to our tiny little family:

He's affectionately known as Link. He's also (not so affectionately) known as Linkosaurus.

Link is a Mini Aussie Puppy. He is currently 12 weeks old, 8.0 lbs and mostly fluff. He sits, waits, plays fetch, cuddles lots and likes to eats toes and leaves. But most importantly, he knows where to poop. I love him more than I thought possible.


-M

On Procrastination.

I went to visit my parents last week in Farmington, and while I was there a childhood friend came to mind. The description of 'friend' does not quite describe the relationship I had with Elaine Kirkpatrick when I was younger, though - come to think of it she was more like my third grandmother.

It had been about a year since I had talked to Elaine and I felt like I needed to write her a letter, which I promptly started that night but never found the time to finish. No, not because I was busy, but because time management has never been one of my strengths... especially when addicted to a new book or TV series. 

Anyway, come to find out, Elaine passed away two nights ago. I know she had been struggling with cancer for years, and I'm sure it's an incredible relief for her to be able to move on - I just hope she knows how loved she was. So Elaine, this letter is for you. I'm sorry I didn't finish it sooner. This will forever be a reminder to me to get things done exactly when you feel like you should do them.


Elaine - 


   It feels like just the other day that I was playing in your yard, eating watermelon and hanging around just long enough to stay till dinner. Your food really was worth waiting hours for. During those summers that I practically lived at your house I never thought I'd actually grow up - but just look at me now, Elaine! I've been graduated from college for a few years and now I'm married. I don't think I ever got the chance to thank you properly for your wedding present, either. It was so great to get that letter from you. Brandon and I are living in a small house in Ogden and he's working his way through his undergrad. Life is great, and so is our ward! Though I have to say, I really was spoiled by our neighborhood in Farmington. I found that scarf you brought back from Turkey while I was at my parent's house the other day and thought of you...

Thank you so much for always looking out for me when I was younger, and even when I was a crazy teenager. Thanks for sneaking me in and out of your house even when I wasn't technically allowed to play with Jenna. I am so sorry that I can't attend your funeral on Friday, but I don't think I'll be able to work around my internship. But I want you to know that I hope I grow up to be exactly how you were, Elaine. You were so caring, comforting and reliable. Thank you for giving me another great person in this world to look up to - your example will follow me for the rest of my life. I love you, and so did everyone who knew you.


-Sadie bird