As we remember our precious AJ today, it seems only befitting to share what he wrote on March, 13:

"Very happy, very grateful. It's interesting how the Lord refines us through trials to later bless us, dependent on our resiliency and attitude through them. If anyone out there is struggling, keep your head up. The blessings will be equal." -AJ Rooks

He was constantly helping and encouraging others. As I honor him today, I hope his words may be of comfort to those out there who are struggling with the endless pains and struggles of this world. As he said, "keep your head up." There will one day be an end.

It is comforting knowing he left this life happy, content, and right on track. AJ my brother, you are always in my heart.

To my dearest brother on your 28^th birthday,

I miss you.

I miss how you could always get me to laugh. How you made me laugh harder than anyone!

I miss your smile.

I miss how excited you were about life. You have truly inspired me to live a better life, to serve more, to be more.

I miss how you filled any room with joy. It is so quiet here without you.

I miss your loud voice. How you would lean over and tell me a joke in church, thinking you were whispering, but actually ending up telling the whole congregation.

I miss our Sunday dinners, our weekly get-togethers, our vacations, our camping trips, our holidays we would spend together, etc.

I miss seeing you and Adley together. The day I had her, you sat in the waiting room for twelve hours, as you were so excited to become an uncle. You loved her, and she loved you.

I miss seeing the joy in mom and dad’s eyes when you were around. They are so proud of you.

I miss you taking care of me. Up until the day you died, you watched over your little sis. I pray you are still with me.

I miss your many nick names you had for me. My favorite being “skizzy.”

I will miss you at BYU games. I will miss getting season tickets every year by you.

I miss being able to call you any time I want. I have picked up the phone several times since that dreadful day, but have realized you aren’t there. It is completely unbearable without you here. Lately, I dream almost every night you come back, and then wake up to realize you are still gone.

You are the one I believed I would always have by my side, even as our parents grew old and passed on. You were the one who always took care of our family, especially mom and dad. As you have now left me as the oldest, I don’t know how to pick up where you left off. You were so much better at it than I am. Please show me how.

I know it was your time to go. I know where you are right now, and I know you are fulfilling a greater purpose. I know I will see you again. I know when this life is over for me, I will be with you forever. But even as I know these things, I still miss you. My heart still aches for you. This life still seems too long without you in it. Please watch over us. Please continue to take care of us. I look forward to the day when this is all over. I know you will be there waiting for me, as I know that day will be a glorious one. I love you brother, Happy 28^th Birthday.

Our Halloween

Pumpkin Patch

BYU vs Air Force

To say the following statement feels almost as bad as smashing my face in the door, which is why you will only hear me say it once.

Ok. If I had to choose to loose to one team.....it would be Air Force.

Now to back up my statement; it's a lot less painful losing to a team who will soon be fighting for your country. Plus, their fans were the most decent fans of all, unlike some UNLV and Utah fans (oops, did I just say Utah??)

Nate, Adley, Taylor, and I, along with our BYU flags on our car, made the long 8 hour journey to Colorado Springs this past weekend to watch some Cougar football. We showed up for the game, but unfortunately the Cougars did not.






After spending the day on campus at Air Force, I have a greater respect for those who choose to serve our country. It was both incredible and inspiring to spend the day of September 11 there.

Kauai

Book Suggestions??

I need some new books to read, and am looking for book suggestions! I just barely finished The Help (slow but good), The Hunger Games, and Catching Fire. Both these books kept me hooked, resulting in a lot of time in her swing for Adley (half serious, half joking). So I need to know what other books I should add to my list (promising I won't further neglect my child).

I'm not too picky. Nothing too sad though...as in the kind that leave you depressed for a few days. I've banned those books altogether. Yes Amber, I'm still building up the courage to read your book.

Please leave your suggestions!!

Baby Food

23 dollars later....60 servings of sweet potatoes, peas, carrots, bananas, peaches, and spinach.

Pop an ice cube out, let it thaw.

Thanks Keisha for the great idea!

Independence Day

The 4th was spent at the freedom festival, as well as Stadium of Fire. I wanted to go ever since I heard Carrie Underwood would be this years main act, but never bought tickets. An hour before the show started Nate went to the stadium and scalped us two tickets. It was well worth the $$$. Carrie did not disappoint!

Father's Day in Seattle

As always, our trip to Seattle was a lot of fun, but went by way too fast!! I was nervous for Adley's first plane ride. She actually did very well, only letting out a few peeps. When she did squeal, an older woman so graciously kept telling us what she thought was wrong with our baby. She told us our baby was both cold and uncomfortable. At one point she even told us she probably wanted her headband taken off. Was this lady serious????


Downtown Seattle. Love it.


Riding her first pig. Pretty wild.


Adley met Baby Max.

Fathers Day:






Nana bought Adley her little bumbo chair. She'll get tired of holding herself up sometimes, and I'll look over and she's literally folded in half just hanging out.

Friends

This past week was spent with a lot of friends. Emily came from Canada for a week, so last Friday we took the babies to the Zoo (even though they didn't really know what was going on). We already miss Emily and Baby Blakely.

Paige was also in town this past week so we all got together for breakfast on Monday. I always have a lot of fun with these girls. They were all my best friends throughout college. It has been fun experiencing single life, marriages, and becoming mom's with all of them. We all try and get together a couple times a month. We missed you Emily, Amanda, and Chelsea!

Quincy has always held a special spot in my heart. I absolutely love her. As Adley grows, I know she will be good friends with her and West.


This little girl brings me so much joy!