Ashy

My niece Ashtyn had a birthday... I am a little behind.  No one every told be how BUSY life is when you are going to school and planning a wedding! but better late that never! 

Ashtyn is my oldest niece! She is 12 years old.
I can't believe that I am an aunt to kids that are 12. I have been so blessed to have 12 years with this amazing young women! I have loved watching her grow and change.  She has moved from childhood to preteen all too fast sometimes! 

She has so much coming up in her life: young womens, middle school and BOYS! This is the transition time of her life... but I am not worried for her! 
she is a beautiful daughter of God who knows who she is and what she stands for.  I could not be more proud of her.  It is great to not only have a great niece but to have an amazing friend in her!  She is such a joy to our family and we would not be the same without her.  

Ashtyn I love you so much and I am excited to keep watching you grow and know that your Aunt Aubri and all your other aunts and uncles are here for you! Thank you for being so awesome.  
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! one year older and wiser too!

love. aunt aubri. 

proud of my vote.

I lined up.
The smell of my old middle school halls swirling around me. 
I had my ID in hand.
I was sent to my booth.
time to VOTE.

my first time EVER voting for a president.

I had been so excited to participate in this election.
I knew that America was at a crossroads and it was time for changes to occur.
One by one... I went through the different names.
A republican here, democrat there, a vote for, a vote against.
The man handed me my sticker and I was on my way.
I would say that is the moment I felt the most pride as an American.
It was the first time I felt in control of my destiny as a citizen somehow.

Everyone talks SO MUCH politics all around leading up to the election but once you stand at the booth... it is just you.  You have all the freedom in the world to vote for whom ever you would like. No one can tell you which boxes to check. 

What an amazing opportunity, huh?

I know people say, "why vote in utah"? and while it may be true the republican will most likely always win Utah... wouldn't you like to be a part of what happens regardless? even if you are a democrat don't you want to contribute to that popular vote.
Watching the votes be counted it is a great feeling to know that one of those votes is yours.

Now, the candidate I voted for did not win.
I knew he had a chance and I was hopeful but things happen.
While I may disagree with some of the political standpoints of our current re-elected president, it is time to buckle down and support him.
I will pray for him and those he works with to lead the country in a valient manner.  I will pray that priorities will be assessed and the PERTINENT things will be accomplished.  I hope and pray that we don't have more of the same that we have had the past four years. I hope he proves us all wrong.
I'm not ignorant enough to say that the president has done NOTHING in four years, I just feel that he hasn't done the most important things.  I almost feel that his wife has tackled more important things than he has with all she has done with fitness and nutrition.
Fact is, we can't change the election now.  Things have been settled.  Time to lay in the bed we've made.  It is a time to come together-not time to "move to canada" (why would people want to move to canada?!)

I am grateful for the opportunity I had to participate in this election.  I am an American and I am still proud to be one.  Here's to the next four years. 

God Bless the USA.

baby collin.

my little collin had a birthday on sunday.
I CAN'T KEEP UP WITH OCTOBER BABIES.
He is growing up WAY to fast.  they all are in fact.
collin is the youngest of 2 boys to my sister kristi and her husband matt.
If you know Collin then you know one of the COOLEST kids around.
He is a little punk that you can't help but love.
My favorite thing to do with him is lay by him as he goes to sleep.
He will read me books, tell me about his day and his many adventures.
He holds my face to make sure I am listening and he tells me his stories without taking a breath.  After he has told of his adventures I tuck him in and he gives me a hug goodnight.
His excitement for life is unmatched and every day I see him a little of that rubs off onto me. 
I love this little boy with my whole heart. 
The impact he has made on me-he will never know.
His kindness and his love has made me a better person and I am forever grateful for that.
Being an aunt is the best job in the world and I am so lucky that collin is one of kids who gives me that name.
Happy birthday Collin! I love you so much!
(don't grow up ANY more.. just stop at this age)
love. aunt aubri.

mo mo.

my little niece morgan had a birthday on monday the 15th (i can not keep up with all the babies born in OCTOBER). 
I guess she isn't so little anymore.  She is getting taller by the day and her and her sister will tower over me soon. 
Morgan is the sweetest child... with an edge!
She is growing up and becoming her own person which is beautiful to see. 
As an aunt you want your nieces especially to be these upstanding daughters of god.  You want them to shine and be an example to the world of pure womanhood.  You want them to respect themselves and stand up for what they know is right. 
well... I don't worry about Morgan.  
She makes ME want to be better.  She is so sweet, loving and kind.  
She has her edge that is usually brought out by her older brother so it's understandable :)
I am so proud of her and all that she is.  
She has goals and she accomplishes them. 
She makes choices for herself which I admire so much.
She is a strong girl and always puts on a brave face in the way of trials.  
I can't wait til she is even older and our relationship can grow into something different but just as beautiful. 
I love you Morgan and I am very proud of you.  
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
love. aunt aubri.

ethan.

this little guy.. another OCTOBER birthday. my family tends to have babies in october. It is kind of our thing.  

well little ethan had a birthday on 10-11-12 this year! how cool is that? 

He is the youngest in my brothers family and he brings up the caboose beautifully.  He is sarcastic and witty but will also melt your heart.  He doesn't say his "r" sounds well which is maybe my favorite thing.  

He, being one of the youngest, picks up on everything people say around him.  He thinks he is bigger than he his thanks to his big brother chandler showing him the ropes.  

He is the definition of a toe head with his bright blond hair. 

 He is always willing to have a sweet quiet conversation among all the craziness with his cousins.  He asks questions and cares about the answers.  He has little opinions about everything and he knows what he likes.  

He has a little tiny smile that glows through his tan skin that makes me, his aunt, love him EVEN more.  He is getting so big being in kindergarten this year.  

He is becoming quite the little man.  We are so blessed to have him be in our family to lighten the mood whenever things seem dark.  Little efun-efun... you are a very loved little boy and HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!

my jaxon.

my little nephew Jaxon turns 5 today. 

I can't believe I have had the honor of having his joy in my life for 5 whole years already! He is the light in my life every single day.  He has been a beautiful addition to our family.   

He never ceases to entertain when needed.  When I am having a bad day he is the first to ask me if I'm okay and if I need a hug.  He is very aware of everyone around him.  His smile is infectious.  He has this deep little voice that forces you to smile whenever you hear it.  I could listen to him laugh for days.  

He is one of the smartest kids I know.  He picks up on everything so therefore he knows how to be sarcastic at just the right moments to make everyone laugh.  He says grown up words and uses them correctly. 

My favorite story of the year with him.....

"There was a girl at school today and no one would play with her.  I don't know why.  She was nice.  So I just played with her today because she was by herself"  Well, Jaxon, what was her name? "I don't know." 

That shows exactly how big of a sweetheart he is.  I want him to stay this age.  I want him to stay this funny.  I want him to stay this sweet.  Jaxon I love you and I am proud of the little boy that you are.  Thank you for always making me have a better day no matter what.  

I love you and HAPPY BIRTHDAY jax.  

love.aunt aubri.

I SAID YES!!!

so I have told this story maybe a million times in person. so here comes the blog post for those I haven't told yet...

since bryce has been home.... ahh.... it's been incredible.  

we have been at a better place than ever before and it has continued to grow.  

there hasn't been a day that we haven't seen each other. 

every day I learn something new and I fall deeper in love. 

so... once we realized things were going well (better than we had thought they would that quickly).

we started making plans. dates. rings. housing.

my mom offered us to live in my grandparents house that isn't currently occupied.  I felt weird about it at first but then... I felt honored.  I felt that it would be an amazing experience to share this home with the man I love.  I could show him my memories as we created our own.  So that settled it.  Time to CLEAN. 

me, my mom, and his parents headed up there on labor day to get a start.  us girls hit the kitchen while the boys worked on the backyard.  They trimmed back the trails that led to the grass and uncovered a bench that has been overgrown for years.  

the garbage cans were full so we had to leave the branches on the grass.  the next day when bryce was done with school (at 10pm) he suggested we go put the remaining branches in the garbage can.  

He picked me up and we headed up there.  

I, oblivious, was wearing blue pants, my harry potter shirt, and my purple nike jacket (clearly not prepared).  when we pulled in the driveway-his dads car was there.  Bryce suggested that his dad had also come to move the branches because they had been bothering him all day.  Well, we all know i'm gullible.  we headed to the gate that led to the backyard.  There is a narrow path to go past the motorhome and I followed him through.  He was walking very slow but not very quietly.  I was confused and kept asking him what he was doing... but he wouldn't respond.  Once we came into the opening I saw the faint glimmer of candles leading all the way down the trail and around the bench. Me, being so shocked, first assumed that his dad was doing something for his mom here.  I thought that was weird... and then... IT HIT ME! THIS IS IT! he's going to propose right now.  he has the ring. THIS IS ALL FOR ME.  As he saw the shock on my face he led me next to the bench.  He got down on bended knee and pulled out a box that held the most gorgeous piece of jewelry I had ever seen.  He asked me to marry him. I SAID YES.  I was shaking. I was smiling.  I was so surprised.  all I could do was kiss him.  I didn't know how else to show him how EXCITED I was.  After a few minutes my sisters head popped up from behind a bush and his parents crept up the path to share in our joy.  They left us there.  Floating in the candles.  

As I looked at the bench I was flooded with emotion.  This bench had watched a couple that was in love for 70 years.  They shared memories, moments, laughter, joy.  That house was their home.  That house was where my grandpa would sing "apple blossom time" to my grandma.  He would get up in front of the family and talk about how all of us were here because he was so in love with his bride.  

Now it is our turn.  Our turn to have a love story that moves mountains.  A love story that will be spoken about for generations.  It is our turn to grow deeper in love in that home.  I feel so blessed to be engaged to Bryce Adamson Goodfellow.  He is the best thing that ever happened to me.  When I was 16 years old and I met him, I never would have guessed it would lead to this.  But, I am so happy that it did.  

Bryce, I love you and I can't wait to share forever with you. 

the HOMECOMING.

well it's official once the boy stands on the pulpit.  so it's official now! 

the pews were filling with friends and family.  He sat on the stand, calm.

As he began I was hanging on every word.  He spoke with the spirit as he told of his most precious experiences in Panama.  I was so proud of him.  I felt so lucky.  

He did it.  He served the Lord with honor for two years.  

I'm the luckiest girl in the entire world. 

I'm so proud of you Bryce! 

I can't wait to hear more stories from your experiences.

mission friends.

poulsen clan.

HE IS BACK!!! never letting go again.

welcome back from Panama!

bear lake.round 2.

the kiddos.

the rodeo. raspberry days. 

shakes.

Granola's Nuptials.

the water.

guess who's back!!

ok... so July 12th came! It FINALLY came! his flight was to come in from Dallas, TX at 8 pm! I was doing anything possible to keep busy: wrapping his presents, cleaning my room, watching tv, going to the store.
Around 7 I got a call... his flight was delayed.. 8:45 pm. not too bad! I can manage.
Then another phonecall, and another, and ANOTHER.
12:25am on July 13, 2012!
what was the world doing to me? I had waited 2 years already and I was getting antsy. 
All the rain in Miami did some serious damage on his, elder alleys, and elder martins travel day.
Around 11 me, my mom, and my sister headed down to SLC International Airport. 
We met up with his family and not so patiently waited.
at 12:30 am.. the words on the flight screen changed from "enroute" to "arrived"! I jumped! I cried!

now as the goodfellows, alleys, and martins gathered around the exit we all waited.  Peering down the aisle trying to catch a glimpse of boys in suits and ties.
When I saw his cute smile turn the corner it took my breath way. 
I moved to the end of the line behind his family.
When he got to me we shared a semi-awkward hand shake (he wanted to be obedient to the end).

he.is.home. those words kept playing through my mind. I was in unbelief. 
I drove my mom and sister home and headed down to Chad St. for chocolate mousse with the goodfellows.  We waited for him to get home from being released. 
When he walked in the door his family made us hug in front of them. first hug in TWO YEARS. 
Following that he handed out gifts and showed us things he picked up in the mission.  As the family filtered home around 2:30 am it was just me and him. 
me and him.
he hadn't been alone with a girl in two whole years and I imagine he felt a little uncomfortable. 
We sat on the couch and started to talk. Honestly I don't really remember what we talked about but before we knew it-it was 6:30 in the morning! we were leaving for bear lake in 5 hours. So I headed home, showered, packed and drove right back down. By the time I reached my nap on the way to bear lake I had been awake for 30 hours.  I was past tired.  the day had felt like an entire week.
By the time we hit bear lake me and him were right back in our element. 
He still was getting used to things but we could talk like we didn't skip a beat. 
It was a rainy weekend but we made it onto the lake a few times! it was great to have a combination of family time and alone time all in one weekend! This weekend was very good for us but also personal.  So you don't get ALL the details. Just know that it is so nice to have him home! It feels good to pick up where we left off as two stronger people.  I haven't smiled this much in a very long time and I can only hope it keeps going like this.
Welcome back Elder Bryce Goodfellow!

a true love story.

My grandparents met at a seminary barn dance on November 12, 1938.  My grandma was 15 and my grandpa was in his first year at the University of Utah.  He danced with her all night and then drove her home.  He asked her to the Military Dance at the U.  He then made it a habit to call her every saturday night to ask to take her on a date that night.  My grandma decided one day that she would tell him she couldn't go and that she needed more notice.  In response, my Grandpa being the charmer that he was, said "Okay, how about a date every Saturday from now on?".  The rest is a love story that would take them from high school to a 70 year long marriage and eternal love.  A love story that doesn't end with the passing of my grandfather. This love story is eternal.

My dear Oenone,
       This is the last time that I will be able to write in your high school yearbook of south high.  It was one year ago that I wrote in your book as a Junior at South, and now you ahve blossomed into a fine Senior and on the threshold of graduation.  In the year and a half that I have known you, dear, I have been the happiest boy in town, and who wouldn't be.  South high is losing a very fine individual, a person who any boy would be proud to have for his friend.  Your personality beams about you with a golden radiance.  That certain little way you have and that smile which beams with friendliness characterize your personality.  Your hair is beautiful as it drapes over those little shoulders.  And your eyes sparkle with the radiance of youth, sweet seventeen. 
       In the time I have known you I have never had a better time.  We have been many places.  And those dances with my arms around your slender waist as we glided to the soft music will always be pleasant memories.  How proud I am of you my sweetheart.  I just have to have all of my friends meet you, and challenge them to find one better.  A girl who doesn't smoke nor drink, who is an excellent Mormon and who I hope loves me as much as I do her - they just can't be found any better. 
       Oh darling, I can't begin to express my feeling toward you.  But I can say that I hope with all of my heart that the day will come when I can ask you for your hand in marriage.  If that day comes I will be the luckiest boy in this city.  Because I know that you are worth more than your weight in gold for your charming individual personality and all of those hidden traits that slowly appear.  There are two objectives I have in life.  They are: 1. To become a successful dentist; and 2. To win your love and make you my wife for life and eternity. 
With loads of love and may our love last forever.
Bob Fairbanks.

teenie grandpa.

Robert L. Fairbanks
1920 ~ 2012
Our beloved son, husband, father, and grandfather, Robert L. Fairbanks, age 92 passed away Sunday, July 1, 2012 at his home in Salt Lake City, Utah from causes incident to age. Robert was born June 12, 1920 in Salt Lake City, Utah to Ethelbert and Vera Larsen Fairbanks.
Bob attended school in Salt Lake City, including the University of Utah after which he studied dentistry in San Francisco. Two years into Dental School, he married his sweetheart Joy Oenone Slack in the Salt Lake L.D.S. Temple on May 7, 1942 and together they had five wonderful children. 
He loved his profession, and his patients loved him. He worked long hours at the office for 50 years and loved it. He honorably served his country in Alabama during the Korean War. He also had many hobbies that he enjoyed including fishing, hunting, jeeping, building his boat and china closets, traveling and painting, jewelry making, and many hours in his shop helping others.
He was active in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints fulfilling many callings, including Scout Master and serving a full time mission to the Liberty Stake Mission with his wife Oenone.
He loved his wife and family and they loved him. He was always cheerful and fun to be with and will always be remembered as a friend to everyone. He will be greatly missed.
Preceded in death by his parents; son Barry Robert Fairbank; brother Frank Fairbanks; grandchildren Joshua Lowell Salmond and Zachary Paul Barlow.
He is dearly loved by his survivors; wife Oenone; four children, Robyn (Brian) Salmond, Sheryl (Lorin) Poulsen, Tammy (Dave) Swenson and Deanna (Craig) Barlow; many grandchildren and great grandchildren; brother Bryce (Madge) Fairbanks and sister-in-law Connie Kinsey; and nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held Monday, July 9 at 12:00 p.m. in the Monument Park 17th Ward, 2795 East Crestview Dr., Salt Lake City. Friends and family may call Sunday from 6-8 p.m at Larkin Sunset Lawn, 2350 East 1300 South, Salt Lake City, with an additional viewing one hour prior to services at the ward. Burial will follow in the adjoining cemetery.


My grandpa is a man that leaves behind a lot.  Every person that knew him has said, "I will miss him waving at me from his porch when I would pass by his house".  That is the kind of man he was, never letting someone pass him by without them seeing him smile.  I will always remember him singing to me off key while he would work on my teeth, squirting me with his water sprayer, and pretending the teeth cleaner was a snowman.  I will do my best to carry on the joy that he brought into my world.  It has been so nice these past few days to talk about his legacy and the impact he made here. I will remember him always and am so grateful to know that I will see him again. love you grandpa. you will be missed.

CHI town!

so my family is known for staying on the WEST side of things when it comes to travelling.
wyoming, california, nevada... the usual.
This past weekend, however, I decided to switch things up!
I headed to the great state of ILLINOIS!
a friend of mine (dusty wynn) sells security and home automation for vivint in Champaign, IL. (a few hours outside of chicago) and he invited me to come visit.
how could I pass this up?
he gave the invite on a Sunday evening and on Thursday morning I was flying out.
DAY 1-THURSDAY
It was my FIRST time flying BY MYSELF! (my mom was so nervous)
I had a layover (only 1 hour) in Phoenix and then I headed off for Ohare International Airport.
I headed out the terminal 2 doors... and automatically started melting! first day it was 106 degrees. Now in Utah we have what we call a "dry heat".. well they don't thave that there! it is HUMID!
you feel automatically sticky right when you step outside.
Dusty pulled up to the curb, we loaded my luggage and headed off on our first day of adventures!
We headed to a CTA parking lot catch the rail system! This system is so genius! It puts trax to SHAME!
After riding on the rail and going 30 minutes past our stop and then doubling back we knew how to work the system! first stop? Pizano's Pizza! a nice deep dish chicago style! we ate out on the padio as the Chicago rain began to fall. 
Time to hit Navy Pier.  We caught a taxi there! There was live music and breathtaking views of this skyscraping city! Once dusk started to set in we headed over to the river (that connects lake michigan and the mississippi river).  We boarded a tour boat! The sun was setting as we were toured through the beautiful architecture of downtown chicago.  We learned fun facts about the building i.e. the sears tower can sway three feet in any direction towards the top.  As the sun faded all of the lights of the city were lit up and made for a beautiful site! After a long (and HOT!) day in Chicago it was time to head back! we jumped on the blue line to the car and headed to champaign.  p.s. this first day I.. flew on a plane, rode in a car, took the train, took a taxi, and rode on a boat.

DAY 2-FRIDAY
The next day Dusty had to work so I hung out with the "wives"! we went to the city pool and floated the lazy river for HOURS! They were very welcoming and it was nice to have some girl talk.  The boys got done selling around 9pm ( I don't know how they do it!) and we all headed to texas roadhouse for dinner! It had been a long hot day in the sun for everybody which meant it was time for sleep!

DAY 3-SATURDAY
The boys were selling in Monticello that day and they were having a parade through the city! so of course vivint boys registered! that means us girls were on candy and balloon duty! we got lunch at sammies and headed over! We had two vivint cars, a vivint poster, SO MANY ORANGE SHIRTS, and candy for the crowd! it was a nice impromptu parade that made for an exciting day! Dusty stopped selling early so we could see the movie Brave.  SUCH A CUTE MOVIE!!! afterwards we met the whole team at Ruby Tuesdays to celebrate one of the salesmans birthdays.  We didn't eat much-we ate LOTS of popcorn at the movie! Then... what else would we do after besides go to the club???? This town is a complete college town so night life is loud and active.  We hit up the red lion.. no cover charge! which meant it was totally free since we don't drink. The people in champaign.. it is like they are 5 years behind. pooka shells, hollister, they have a funny look! we are the ones who looked like we were dressing weird. There was an awesome dj that made for a great time!

DAY 4-SUNDAY
Time to go BACK TO CHICAGO! we stopped at a sports authority to pick up some cubs apparal and it was off to Wrigley Field (of course using the rail system.. only way to get around)! we scalped some fairly decent tickets and headed in.  Bucket List item-check! we got peanuts, chicago dogs, we cheered for the cubbies, and sang the songs! Even though the cubs team is HORRIBLE... the fans don't care which is what makes them so great! It was unforgettable! after that it was time to explore! we walked down the streets around Wrigley field and then caught the rail Millenium park to see what we called "the silver bean thing"! it is AMAZING! That whole park was beautiful with fountains, gardens, and art! Then we took a nice stroll over to the Sears Tower (Which is now actually named the Willis tower as of 2009).  We took a surprisingly quick elevator ride to the 103 floor where we got to look over the whole ctiy! After we wanted to eat somewhere that had been on "diners, drive ins, and dives"! so we headed to White Palace Grill where we enjoyed good food and hospitality! It was the last night :(! I did not to leave this BEAUTIFUL place with buildings that climbed, lights that twinkled, and people that love and know their city! I flew out the next morning bright and early! I miss that place, and the friends I have and the friends I made there! I will definitly be returning there! (p.s. there is NO WAY ferris bueller did all of this and more in one day.)