Twenty Seven Years Old!

Every year we have a slight conundrum. Riley's birthday and our anniversary is the same day. April 29th. So we always have to decide which occasion will be celebrated on the actual day, and which will be pushed off until the 30th.

This year, Riley's birthday took the back seat. Not because it's any less important, but because Riley is just that unselfish.

The fact of the matter is, Riley is a pretty terrific guy who deserves a spectacular birthday celebration every year. He's mastered the art of being a good friend.

Adventure is his middle name.

And his fabulous sense of humor is a perfect match for my quirkiness.
Ahh...I just love this guy.

Love him so much that I think I'll make a peach cobbler tonight. And play a few rounds of those old man games he loves so much. Like Bridge and Hearts.
Happy Birthday, Ri!

Five Years Together

April 29th...

...2006

...2007

...2008

...2009

...2010

...2011

Happy Anniversary to us!

Day 23: 15 Facts About You

(Dalyn and I at our latest Killian get-together)

15. I value family a lot. My eight brothers and sisters are my closest friends, and we love getting everyone together and hanging out.

14. My initial reaction in any new situation is to be very shy and reserved. As a kid, I was painfully shy. Thanks to some life experiences, I've overcome my shyness- for the most part.

13. Cooking and baking is generally my favorite part of my day. Researching new recipes and flipping through cookbooks is a favorite past time. I love it. In fact, last night I dreamt about a new grilled salmon recipe I'm going to try out.

12. I love reading. There are so many good books I'm dying to get my hands on.

11. My hands and feet are unusually large. Basically, I'm a human with gorilla hands. But it has come in handy (har har har... pun intended) during my life, so I'm good with it.

10. I met my husband my first day of college. I had been 18 for two weeks. It still blows my mind...

9. I have a bachelor's in Elementary Education and love the experiences I've had teaching school.

8. Old black and white classic films are probably my favorite movies to watch. Everything was so simple back then. And clean. And not vulgar.

7. I absolutely love travelling to new places and exploring new cities! I'm constantly looking for airfare deals or map questing different vacation spots. Unfortunately, we're not really in the time of life that allows for a lot of travelling, but someday we will be!

6. I'm an organization, list-making freak. I feel like it helps keep our life moving smoothly. Riley thinks I need a see a therapist for OCD. Who's to judge, right?!

5. Uh...I'm about 5'9". (it's surprisingly hard to think of 15 things about myself. At least 15 things that don't include diapers, cleaning, Disney Channel...)

4. My favorite season is autumn. My hope is to someday live in a town that has this season every year.

3. Music is big to me. I listen to it everyday and sing to it everyday. It affects my mood more than it should.

2. Animals aren't my thing. I appreciate them. I go to zoos and YouTube them, but meeting any animal in the 'wild' makes me nervous. Even having to pass a raven on the side walk makes me anxious. I dunno why....they're wild?! They have instincts. I figure their instincts say to attack.

1. I'm a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I believe in Christ and I know that He lives. Our faith defines our life.

Day 22- A Letter to Someone Who Has Hurt You Recently

(Ri and H nursing the Mazda back to health...to no avail)

Dear Mazda 626,

I'm writing this letter to you to let you know that kicking the bucket this month, of all months, was very inconsiderate. I realize you've had a long, hard life. And I realize you have safely, though not quietly, got us to our destination countless times. But we needed you this month.

Like the time Riley had to leave for a couple of days, and left me carless as a result. Or the week when it rained/snowed almost every morning and poor Riley had to bike to work.

But what hurts me most, dear sweet car, is that now you are taking up valuable space in my garage. You know how I am about clutter, and right now, you are a heaping pile of clutter taking up an entire room. Not appreciated.

Luckily for you, Riley is forgiving and will continue to have faith that you will run again someday.He's a better man than I will ever be...I've already looked into where we will be selling you for parts. No offense.

Sincerely,

Destry

Easter Sunday

Bright and early, Hinder discovered that his basket had been filled with the goods. He could hardly wait to pound down a Cadbury egg and try out his Phineas and Ferb toys.

Next was egg-dying with daddy.

The stickers turned out to be the best part.

After a relaxing morning, we made our way to church.

After church, H discovered the big Easter surprise. A new trampoline for the backyard! Thanks Grandpa Shannon for hooking us up with this sweet toy!

We love having our family and friends over for holidays! All the Killian boys peering out the window.

The weather was gorgeous and the food was divine! A perfect Easter Sunday!

Eighty eggs for two kids might have been over doing it a little...but it kept the little rascals busy.

Some were a little more challenging to get at.

But a challenge is what Hinder loves.

Enjoying the sweet rewards of all that work!

Happy Easter 2011!

Day Twenty-One

A Photo of Something That Makes You Happy

These are my maternal grandparents.

My Grammy and Papa.

I really love this photo of them together. I think it was taken at a wedding reception, probably mine, and they were behind-the-scenes helping out. They look so happy and always radiant.

The real reason I love this photo is because a few years after this photo was taken, my sweet Papa got in a horrible farming accident and lost one of his arms. The story of all it all happened is pretty incredible and is a testament to how AWESOME this man is. And tough. Oh my goodness...so tough. And even with a missing appendage, he still manages to have a more active life than I ever will. It amazes me.

This photo reminds me that everything that we lose and every pain or disappointment that we endure in this life will all be taken care of. And that remarkable gift is only possible through the Savior, Jesus Christ, and his infinite Atonement. This weekend, as I stuff myself with Cadbury eggs and jellybeans, I'm more grateful than I've EVER been for the reason for the Easter season. For the Savior's life and Resurrection. Happy Easter!

"The Lord compensates the faithful for every loss. That which is taken away from those who love the Lord will be added unto them in His own way. While it may not come at the time we desire, the faithful will know that every tear of today will eventually be returned a hundredfold with tears of rejoicing and gratitude."

-Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin

The Halfway Mark

BIG NEWS!

Sister Killian is at the halfway mark of her 18-month mission in Bulgaria. And boy, has it been hard on me. Ha! I'm only partially jesting here...it really has been weird being without my sister for this long. BUT she's doing awesome and wondrous work across the world, and we couldn't be happier for her.

Here's a bombardment of pictures from the last three or four months of her mission. Bulgaria looks so beautiful!

I think a D'laney-guided tour of this fabulous country is in order sometime in the future!

And now for...

DAY 20: The Meaning Behind You Blog Name

Uh...it's our names. Duh.