Summer 2016 Updates

Oh my goodness, it's been a while! 

I'm sorry for the overdue update, but we've been keeping busy! Here's a little rundown of what's been going on in our family for the past few months :)

December: I launched my tee shirt company, Happily Hezface Tees! It's been a huge learning experience, and I'm still figuring out how to run a small business, but there's something I love about creating these fun shirts!

I'm glad I decided to just jump and start this adventure, even though it has been a lot of work! I'm also so grateful for all the support from friends and family. Thank you! <3

You can see what's new with my shop on instagram @HappilyHezface, and let me know if you have any suggestions for designs you'd like to see. So far the favorite has been the purple Best Day Ever Tee. Go Rapunzel!

January: We found out we were expecting baby number two in October!!!! The first trimester was hard. I get really sick and have no energy for weeks, so chasing around a busy, hyper active toddler was near impossible. Thank goodness for all of Kellen's help.

March: Kellen got accepted to Harvard and we went to Boston to check out the area! You can find a little Vlog of our trip here.

April: Kellen graduated from UVU with honors! Woot woot! So so proud of this boy and how incredibly hard he worked to get here. He went to school through summers, over family trips, and had to sacrifice a lot, so we're so happy to get to this point and so excited for him to spend more time with us this summer!

Sooooooooo, we are getting things ready to pack up and move. It's exciting, and scary, and feels like a big new adventure, and I'm hoping that I can handle a toddler and a newborn while in a new state!

We're also finding out the baby's gender this week! I really go back and forth daily on whether it's a boy or a girl. I've had a lot more people say they think it's a boy...so we'll see!

June will be a big month for us, Kellen and I celebrate our SEVEN year anniversary, and Kenzie turns 2! I've been planning her party, so stay tuned for that :)

It's been a little chilly so far, but I know that warm weather is just around the corner! I'm getting my Summer fun check-list all ready.

Summer, here we come!

The Yes Man Theory

A couple of years ago a movie came out called Yes Man starring Jim Carrey. In the beginning of the movie his character Carl shuts everyone out of his life. He doesn't like his job, his relationships, or really anything about himself. Then he sees an old friend who invites him to try a new theory. You say yes to EVERYTHING. No matter what anyone asks you, no matter what opportunity presents itself, you have to say yes.

Skeptically, Carl begins to practice this theory. At first it goes terrible and puts him in a lot of uncomfortable situations, including giving a ride to a homeless person who asks if he can have his wallet and use his cell phone. All of which he says yes to.

Very soon, however, Carl realizes that fantastic opportunities arise when he begins to say yes. He makes new friends, becomes successful at work, and starts finding talents and skills he never knew he had. His whole life turns around for the better.

Obviously it's not smart to say yes to everything, and sure enough Carl learns this as more sticky situations arise. By the end of the film he realizes that he doesn't necessarily have to say yes to everything. The inventor of the yes theory explains that by just being positive and open to new opportunities he can come out of his comfort zone and find new adventures and happiness in everyday life.

I love this idea, and I've tried to apply to my life. To clarify, I don't say yes to everything, that would be silly. But I've tried to to come out of my comfort zone and try to new things, even if it seems scary at first.

One opportunity may lead to ten more. Meeting new people may lead to lifelong friendships, relationships, and networking possibilities. You may even discover a new talent or skill by simply trying it out. (Carl learns to speak Korean, takes guitar lessons, and learns to fly).

Here are a few of the things I've said yes to in the past year:

Being interviewed on television.
Speaking at writing conventions, camps, and classes.
Traveling to the Middle East.
Setting up a book tour throughout California and Utah.
Signing at Authorpalooza and Comic Con.
Throwing a book launch party at Barnes and Noble.

I'm so glad that I said yes to these opportunities. Each one seemed terrifying at first, but they all lead to other amazing adventures.

It doesn't have to be something huge like traveling to a different country or skydiving. Everyday life is exciting and wonderful. Sometimes simple things like public speaking, being social, or reaching out to someone can get you out of your comfort zone and make a big difference in the future. By being positive and open to new experiences you can find great opportunities and adventures in life!

Visiting Petra, Jordan. 

Helping at the New Student Orientation at UVU. 

Talking about The Siren's Secret on ABC. 

Signing at Costco.  

Teaching at a BYU creative writing camp. 

Visiting Istanbul, Turkey. 

Speaking on a panel at Salt Lake Comic Con. 

Finding a hidden waterfall on Oahu. 

Stopping by Orlando, Florida.