Family... what is considered family? Some have different definitions. For me, not only do I consider my blood family, but my friends closest to me as well.
This month I was reminded just how important family is. I attended my cousins wedding in Albuquerque, NM on Halloween. What an amazing wedding - Congrats you two! It was the first time all of my mom's brother and sisters (7) have been together in a long time. I got to spend quality time with my cousins, new friends, aunts and uncles.
It's crazy how many memories come back to me when we all get together. As a child we were all very close. I remember being at one of my aunt or uncles (or them being at my moms), almost every single weekend. I remember running thru the field by my uncle Rogers house, jumping on his tramp with my cousin Andria while the sprinkler was under it (passing thru the water and entering new lands lol), and sweeping his floor... only to be disappointed when he checked my sweeping job, making me do it again! Or being at my aunt Orlinda's house, runnin' a muck, breaking lamps (or maybe it was a vase) and gluing it back together (sorry Nina), playing hide and go seek with my cousin Natalie and being upset because she was afraid of the dark. Going to family weddings, making a circle and all taking a turn dancing in the middle while cheering for one another. Doing La Marcha. Yearly Lake Powell shenanigans, even though my mom's car would sink every time. Being reminded what a tattle tale I was (haha). And of course, the yearly family get together in Saratoga... rubbing each others hands together to get a stamp for entrance (if that didn't work my aunt Gloria would just draw something like it - there were A LOT of kids!).
I sure do miss being a child; carefree, full of nothin' but love, and trusting of all.
Not only did I get to spend quality time with my blood family, a lot was spent with my friends, too. We celebrated the love of our good friends Ally and Chelsea Young, got to see Sam Smith (FINALLY), spent some time giving back to our community (Miah got to see how less fortunate people live - what a wake up call), created a sacred place in the casa, celebrated some births (Alycia, Kim and Aubrey), tailgated for our good ol' UTES and got to see my Hawaii girl, Heidi. All-in-all it was a great month! Who doesn't like ending a month dressing up and being with the ones they love? Happy Halloween ya'll!
Looking into November, it's calm. I'm excited to stay home a bit, spend more time with those I love and eat some good grub. And most of all, be thankful.
<3
