What has it been, two years? Wow... About time, eh?

Eh is such an interesting term, and it is one that has come from my childhood... One that returns me to my roots. Which is exactly what I did this last weekend. For those of you who want to know what it is like to be an adopted child, this post will give you another peek into that life... It is ironic that the last post from two years ago was about the discovery of my birth dad. Never in a million years did I actually think meeting in person would be a real thing. It is a hope, a dream, but rarely a reality for most adopted kids. Especially when you live around 1,200 miles from one another. Now those of you who know me know, when I put my mind to something, there is no stopping me. I make up my mind and one way or another it will happen. Usually at the drop of a hat, and with really no planning. That was something I did not get in my genes! (A planner? not Amy!) Way back in January my aunt Nita on the Werner side invited me to the facebook group for the Werner Family Reunion. Get this, they hold a reunion EVERY year! That alone amazes me. They work hard to maintain a strong family bond year after year. Even though some cannot attend each year, I know that each member of that side of my family knows they have a real support system behind them. About a month ago, I seriously started thinking that I may be able to make the reunion. I recently quit my full time job and started assisting in a salon. We want to eventually start a family and had hoped that this would help my stress level. I am blessed with a dear husband who works so hard insuring that I can be home more often and focus on things other than work. This has allowed me some real freedom. Sky has saved all his PTO from work and after choosing whether to fly or drive (driving made actually WAY more sense for us!) we realized my dream was happening! Traveling to Canada this time would answer so many questions I have always yearned to truly understand. So I suppose I should give some background... Being adopted is a huge blessing. As I previously stated I have been given such a lovely life. Amazing and well rounded parents who cared about my every need. They insured I was well taken care of and so loved. I have never wondered if I would want for anything of if I was alone. My parents taught me to be self reliant, to work hard and to look for the good in others. These things were environmental and wonderful. The exact things I needed to become the person I would become. However there are some things in your blood... For instance, who you look like, some personality traits and talents that run through you. You could say a lot of this is selfish. My questions about myself, meaning the hows and the whys, but it is what it is. A soul search you could say, one that cannot be answered because you don't have the right puzzle pieces to complete your own self portrait. I am sure it could drive some insane, and maybe it did that for me a bit. There was no way, after finding Lynn that I would let those questions stay unanswered. After two years of contact, photos, and conversation I knew there was no time like the present. Off to Canada we went... In the car I texted my best friends asking for advice with little luck. There is no rule book for this kind of thing. These are uncharted waters, waters I was lucky to explore with Sky. He is my rock, my warm hand to hold and my greatest joy. He took my hand and let me know all would be well and to just be myself. Nothing more was needed. We drove through the night, and I was able to actually drive a lot of the trip. My nerves must have been through the roof because I drove way more than the usual hour before passing the wheel to Skyler. (Note: He drove the whole way home... Whoopsie!) We arrived at the absolutely stunning Sylvan Lake. The fact that it was pouring rain also kicked me into gear. Nothing makes me feel more at home then a fresh summer rain. I could do this. Meeting someone you've never met, who blessed you with life, was a little overwhelming. We pulled into the driveway and instantly I saw Lynn (my birth dad) on the front steps. Even though I think I started shaking at that moment I knew all was well. When you wait 26 years for a hug you can't help but be thrilled.

I felt like I had known him my whole life. I wish I had more to sum this moment up, but that's truly the best I can do. Looking into someone's face who pretty much mirrors your own, (In a guy form of course) answers so many deep questions. The rain continued to pour that day, but I felt nothing but sheer joy! I even met my two younger siblings. Two kiddos full of sunshine and light. They have been raised well and have an inspiring zeal for life. I was then able to meet my beautiful aunts, their kind and very accepting husbands and of course my cousins. I didn't have many of those so this was such a thrill! Guys and gals close to my age who helped myself and Skyler feel right at home. I am amazed by each of these families. Strong willed and filled with personality, I loved every minute! The next day I was able to meet my other three brothers. I instantly felt a real friendship there. These handsome fellas are living their lives and are growing into good people. Each one of them is different from one another, but I felt instantly bonded to them. It's an amazing feeling walking into someone else's home, someone else's family no less... And being welcomed with open arms. Through many loving and deep conversations with Aunts and brothers and especially Lynn my life has been changed for the better. Questions about who I am have been answered and I know I have another home. Although it is many miles away, I know I have more family to love and be loved by. What more can a girl ask for but to know that she is loved in every way. Now it is about living a life deserving of that love... What more can I do, but live and love the best I can. Remember, no matter the circumstance, YOU are living a life worth loving. And if you feel you are not, what's stopping you? go get it, even if you have to drive 15 hours to get it...

Amy here, Hello all. I have been waiting for quite some time, obviously, for something interesting to write about. I have been living the same crazy busy life for 23 years and don't often have things happen to me that I think others would find interesting. But on this Father's Day, I think I do have a few things to tell you... So sit back, and listen to a little more of my story, a story that is dear to my heart. As you all know I have very loving parents. I was adopted as a newborn and brought into a home full of love, inspiration, and a deep dedication to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I have a beautiful mother, green-eyed and freckled. Anyone who has the chance to meet her leaves a better person simply because of who she is and inspires them to be. She was married long ago to a man, who I still call Dad. (With the number of dad's I have this may get a little confusing, so try and keep up! As my mom always says, "Aim, they're just another person to love you...") He is a man with a good heart, a kind smile and always willing to tell me stories. Something I have always looked upon with fondness. He has loved me since the moment he met me, and is always willing to be there when I need him. My mom and him for one reason and another, didn't work out. They were divorced when I was about 2 and continued down separate paths. A happy ending to that story is that they both found people who made them as happy as they could be. All things, I have learned, happen for real purposes, sometimes unbeknownst to us.

My mom remarried when I was three. The two of them put 10 children together almost all of us under one roof, trying to make life work and learning what real life is all about. This dad of mine, taught me things that only he and I would understand. He insisted that I learn to work hard, love others and never, ever run from my mistakes. He is one of the strongest, most heroic men I know. I love him more than words can say.

I have been blessed with many father figures, and for this I am eternally grateful to a Heavenly Father that has blessed me so richly with good, solid men. Men that I can look to and rely on for strength and guidance whenever needed. As it is Father's Day I find this blog post very fitting. As an adopted child, you have a heightened curiosity, I would say. There are questions in your life that will cannot be answered unless you hunt for them. Sometimes you will be lucky enough to have the answers stumble upon you, but more often than not that is not the case. And in mine, I was left guessing. My mom knew the Wetstein family who knew of a young lady who was about to give birth to a baby that she could not care for. It wasn't because she didn't love this child (as I have come to know now) but the circumstances would not allow her to keep this baby. She had decided to give her up, hence me. My mother came and picked me up from the hospital, and one could think that my life story would end there, but if it did I probably wouldn't be writing this now would I. The summer before I turned 18 I decided now was the time. I needed to know who my birth mother was. After long conversations with my mom about why I wanted to know who she was, she through various avenues was able to call her. My mom telephoned her and this is how the conversation went... (it is still in my head to this day) Mom "Hi, do you have time for an important phone call" Birth mom (names protected for the privacy of the people I love:)) "Yes..." Mom "I am the woman who adopted the child you gave away almost 18 years ago....." Can you imagine receiving a phone call like that? I lost it, started to cry and prayed for real strength, and I had real hope that she would love me for who I am, and who I hope to be one day. We talked for quite some time about life and experiences we had had. I remember her voice sounding much like mine although I was jealous of her Canadian accent because I had lost my own. We have remained friends over the years, and although we come from very different walks of life, she will always hold a special place in my heart for who she is and what she has given me. Talking with her answered so many questions, filled so many holes. However there were a few more I didn't realize I needed patched up until recently. That curiosity that I mentioned earlier is a strange thing. It can consume you and take over your every thought if you let it. Something an adopted child always wonders is who they look like. Most children can look at their parents and they can pinpoint where their nose comes from, which grandparent their eyes are from... Adopted children cannot. Although I learned so much from my birth mom, not every answer was there... She did me the greatest service and found my birth dad for me, after 23 long years of wondering and not knowing. I have had the greatest blessing come into my life! I have prayed for years to know and understand who he is so that I could in turn understand parts of myself. When I first saw his facebook page, before we had talked and before I really knew who he was... I looked and saw his pictures and realized, wow... those are my eyes, thats my smile, I knew who he was instantly. In order to contain myself, I kept telling myself all the ways that I didn't look like him not to get my hopes up. Later that day while I was at a bridal shower I received a message from him telling me exactly who he was. I will never truly be able to explain in words what that feels like. But knowing, finally knowing, ties up so many loose ends. I feel whole, complete. Almost as good, you could say, as the day you say I do. Adding a period to the end of a long long long run on sentence. A period that isn't a way to end something, rather to close one novel and start on another.

I know that I am watched over by a God much more powerful than we realize. I know that I am cared for, I am loved and I am grateful for the dads that love me, each and every one. Each of you has changed my life and made me the woman I am today. I love all three of you for the different positions and places you hold in my heart. I hope you know that I feel privileged to be your little girl. (Each of you...)

I have one final shoutout to give... And that is to a father to be (LET ME CLARIFY! THIS IS NOT AN ANNOUNCEMENT!!!) my dearest Skyler. He has supported me through every decision I have made. He is my rock, my everything, my sweetest laughter and my favorite person, hands down. One day we will have our own children and there is no one else I would rather celebrate then him. He truly deserves it. Thank you, my sweetheart for everything you are with me, on your own, and everything I know you will be. Love you always...

That moment when you look down at your freshly bitten nails and realize… Yes Amy, you will be ok. It truly is funny how life throws you curves, blessings and trials all in a few short days. You look at yourself some mornings and think why? Why me? Why was I dealt these cards? Why was I forced to be here, or there or anywhere for that matter? That is the exact time when you stop. (STOP IT!) And count your many, many, many, many many (small or large!) blessings. You will realize that you have been given a beautiful life to live, even if the only thing beautiful that day is that sweet smile your hunny gives you when they wake up… Cling to that! Cling to any sort of hope you can. Day after day, when you decide to reflect on the bad, your life slowly but surely, will become a treacherous place. You are who you make of yourself. No one else, no matter the abuse, hatred, or unkindness they give you, need to realize that you are worth more than that. You. Are. Worth. Everything. We need to understand that we did indeed accept this mission before we came to this earth, so suck it up. You made the choice so find some joy, dangit! I know that I have been blessed with SO much. I have a husband who loves me dearly, a wonderful HUGE family, a mostly healthy body, a strong mind and the capacity to grow. No matter the rut, we were all born to succeed so let’s get out there and conquer the world? Ok? You go first…. I’ll be right behind, I promise. Life for Skyler and I has been a crazy ride. Since 2012 we seemed to have stumbled upon many joys and trials. I am so blessed to have him to enjoy it with me. He is my rock, my best friend and even my shoulder to cry on. We are both working hard on our dreams and watching them grow. I spend most of my days curling hair and chopping crazy layers. Sky gets free pedicures and scalp treatments! Sound like a life of luxury? I think not! He is a man with an active brain producing business idea after business idea. I have so much faith in him and his dreams and passions. I have never seen a man more driven… Ever. He will conquer the world, one step at a time. I am just doing my best to keep up. We are still living in Highland in our little basement apartment and driving our old cars. Are we sad about it? No! This portion of married life, where you are carving the paths you decide to lead- is a beautiful one! I never thought I could grow so much and change so much. I didn’t think anything could change that stubborn blue-eyed girl, but life! And the Spirit has a way of doing that to you. This winter has been a cold one… About 1 degree all day every day. (More often than not!) Bring on the sunshine! We’ve got the pass of all passes again this year! WAHOO! (Sure love my hair school babes!) Along with the craziness of hair school I had a blessed opportunity to go to a hair show in Long Beach CA! It was a blast. (Mainly Disney LAND!@ and hanging out with my main gurrrrl KC!) Although, that blast had nothing to do with the hair show itself. The Hair show was a place sickeningly terrifying. Full of extreme hairstylists and half naked people, I can’t tell you how out of my element I was. (I prefer to be clothed thank you- and never. Never. Wear suspenders.) We saw things I thought didn’t happen in public, but I have come to see how the world has become outside this Utah bubble I am semi trapped in. I have grown to appreciate more my testimony and the way I was raised, to live in and not be. It has saved me and pushes me to go forth and preach what I know to be true. A testimony of the Gospel is something I have, something I will never lose. I have been devastated lately seeing people close to me deny what they know to be true. My heart breaks to watch people turn away. BUT that gives me more drive to tell people what I do know. I DO know that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is alive and here on the earth today. I do know that Christ lives and loves me. I know I have a Father in Heaven who is watching over me insuring my safe return one day. I know that Joseph Smith IS and WAS a prophet of God, a mouthpiece for the Restoration of the Gospel. I know that people aren’t perfect and they will make mistakes. I believe in the power of repentance and I know that this is a blessing we must all tap into. I believe that Thomas S. Monson is the prophet on the earth today. I know he is an inspired and true man. I know the Book of Mormon is true, I believe it and do my best to live it. I believe in the power of prayer and thrive because of the blessing of tithing. I know that because of the light I have found in my life I am a changed woman. I hope others can come to find the truth that I have. I want to make a positive difference in this world, and believe me… When I set my mind to something, I do it. Watch out world, a girl with a true testimony is here to stay. Love always, Amy (Photos to follow)

Well life has taken the plunge. Sky and I spent the first year and half of marriage working hard on us. We spent time together learning and understanding what love and marriage really should be. (From our perspective...) And believe me, we don't exactly know what we want. That will take a lifetime! But getting to know each other and building a solid foundation below ourselves has been an adventure! After all that self discovery we decided to knuckle down and make some money! We both started new jobs with companies in the same building! I work for Guardian Law and Skyer works for SKW Central. Both companies deal with tax liens and investing in real estate. It is a fascinating investment endeavor, And we don't say that simply because we work there, we say it because we watch firsthand how money is made and how people are really making a new go in the real estate world! If you are interested, just ask Sky! Now this is not my plan... To get you to invest in real estate. Why you ask? Because. Our life is clearly more interesting. Sky works long days and so do I! I go to work at 6:30AM leave at 4:00PM drive to school attempting to make it in 30 minutes! And leave by about 9:30 every night. It gives me just enough time to kiss my handsome husband and snuggle into bed. I have been praying for strength and the power to endure. I know that the only way I am able to do this is with my Father in Heaven's hand in the very framework of my life. It is giving me a greater respect for mothers, especially my own! They deal with craziness 24/7, I really have no room to complain, but to simply express my gratitude for the strength and energy I am given, for a loving husband (who never sees his wife!) and a family who lets me practice serious haircuts... Whenever I ask! Yipee! This was my first haircut, how could I not document it? It will be the first of many... many many many haircuts from my 2,000 hour required hours, crazy Utahns!

I have school with three lovely ladies, they have made it a blast and worth enduring through every night. So grateful we are all in this together!

They are three beautiful ladies who are teaching me to have more passion in this field I have chosen.. Bring on the next two years! Aight?

Sky and I made a trade. He gets a gun and I get long hair! This was such a great idea, I think! We both benefit from both! He gets to look at a wife with beautiful locks, and I get to go shooting! I am not as girly as I seem, that would simply get too boring. Can't wait to add the Henry Golden Boy to our collection... What can I say? I am a thorough bred Republican, I believe in gun handling!

So while working hard we are doing our best to play hard! My bestie came to town recently! I love it when Kay comes to town because it's like she never left! We will always be the best of friends, and I thank the Lord for her and her strength often. She is a blessing and inspires me to stay strong and relax. (When I have time?) Maybe it's because she lives her lives 100mph too. I can't figure out how women do what they do! We work so hard and try to trump life, maybe she and I will learn to breathe and enjoy the roses. But I have a feeling that isn't in our blood. That's how it's been since she and I decided to be friends one fall day at the movie theaters.. What a gem she is.

And one final note- I met a guy.

This is the boy that may convince me to take the plunge for babies! I sure love him! He is cuter than any kid I've ever met! Thanks Matt and Jess for leaving him at moms! We loved taking him to dinner! Too fun!

And we loved being bad examples... I am not sure its kosher to feed babies ribs?? But that's why we're the super cool aunt and uncle!

My Mom and Daddykins came to dinner too:) We sure love them!

So here's to September! Big Matt's birthday, my sister Mandie and me! Yay for birthdays! Any my Dad is coming to town with Elin, Sky leaves for Vegas, work will continue to be a whirlwind and we start haircuts on people tomorrow! Wish Sky and I luck! Happy September all! AB

New Adventures...

Skyler and I are living the dream... Or are we??

That is the real question here. What we have decided is that we are living OUR dream because it is what we make of it. And we, my friends are going to make the best of it. We are getting close to the two year mark of our legendary meeting, what a crazy thought! A few weeks ago I woke up and thought it important to tell him that I felt like I had been married to him forever. And I really do. It is amazing how you can find yourself with someone (for eternity!) and not realize that you had never known the existed just a short time ago. We are in this journey together! His hand is the only one I want to hold anyway... So let's talk about the crazy adventures we have been going on/surviving through! (OH wait, did I say survive? I meant thrive! Thank you for that reminder President Utchdorf!) May I add, the church is what allows us to thrive and not merely survive. That would make life so much more.... Daunting. Skyler and I are embarking on a new chapter. Filled with school, hairspray, thoughts about flying planes and new places to live. We have decided that this is an interesting part of life. It is one where we feel like we are jumping into a huuuuuuge deep pit, one in one of those crazy dreams where you are falling and falling and you don't know when you will hit the pillow and realize that it was only a dream! But, we being realists understand that this is not a dream but a "crazy, tragic almost magic beautiful life." (Leave it to me to add a little twang and steel guitar to my blog posts) Sky- on the hunt for his dreams! Sherlock style.

Enough of my rambling. Sky is such a good man, and the perfect one for me! I love his smile, his dark eyes and his dedication to me, our marriage and the Lord. He is working hard trying to pin down exactly the path he wants his life to take. It is split between creating his own product/business, flying planes, working in a marketing firm and exploring the world. If anyone can come up with a career that meets all of these requirements, please, call my digits. (Or Sky's, I forget everything.) I am embarking on something... Not new, but I suppose refining my talents I was given as a baby. Those are the simple traits of being a girl. Yes folks, my associates degree is seeing it's final days (I NEVER thought I would be saying I graduated with any kind of degree!! Hope my parents are proud!! And never. Ever. EVER. ask me to take anything online again. My brain may explode. Implode? Whatever, either way, messy is the key word here! Raised my grades- not that I am really proud of these.. I swear I'm a good student, but I really almost failed my last class. So this... Is an accomplishment!

So off to hair school I go! Skyler and I stayed out all night to get a spot! And we got it! August 21st late in the evening I will be ready and raring to go! (GET my hair on! I bet you a dollar my dad has never said that phrase! :) forgive me sir:::) should be interesting! And I will eventually go on to get a masters in esthetics, that's what I'm really excited for! BRING on the BOTOX! (well.... maybe)

And I need to give a shout out to my mother in law! Christie started school this week and the skin institute! Jealous! She is going to tackle this world, one step at a time! So life is a little hectic, I'm working two jobs (literally day in and day out!) Skyler is working his tail off!!! Giving everything he has to his family, through career exploration. Say a prayer for him! He is too wonderful, don't you think? Ah life. As sky says, bring it! This is what's been going... Photo form... My mother- gets better looking every day. Yes, yes she does. :)

Buttercup- friend or foe?

family comes to town!

and family 4th of July! pretty ladies:)

I still get frustrated behind slow cars. Ironic, don't you think?

We work hard and spend hours tirelessly folding envelopes..

And that's that. (Mainly my shift is over- and it's time to snuggle with my hunny! see ya cyber world!)

You know? We sure do have fun!

So life for the Blood's always seems to be this ever changing combination of chaos, love, learning to understand each other and serious adventures. We have been busy, you better believe it! The biggest news is... SKYLER GRADUATED FROM BYU! WAHOO!!!

We loved getting to spend two afternoons with Christie and one with Mike. It was a ton of fun sitting with them at Grad and knowing how proud they were of their son! It is amazing to see the love that parents have for their children, someday I'll understand!

I sure do know how proud a wife can be! And that smile doesn't even come close to how thrilled I was for him! He worked so hard at something that he didn't really love. (and who can blame him, hello, reading books all night long? Yea, I'll pass thanks!) He worked hard, made it through alive and I am proud to call him my husband. We went on a road trip to St. George for a much needed vacation, although I felt pretty down with a yucky stomach ache it was still a wonderful time! We were able to be in the sun and get to know Sky's side of the family a little better. We took some family pictures and got smoked my Garrett and Jackie at Hearts. Let's just say that this is not my cup of tea, but playings games with them is always a ton of fun! (NO YouTube videos please!!)

She and I became very good friends, this lame queen and I.

Brittany reminded me how much I loved hiking! We followed them up to the top of Zions and had ice cream on our hiking day. (twice, it's not a sin, I swear!)

We always love the glam.... (bring on the beauty school!) On another day Sky and I went to the zoo. We all know that Amy loves zoos. It is something that no one can explain but she reverts back to little kid like ways when in a zoo. Romping around trying to antagonize the animals and always looking to pet a giraffe. (These types of long term goals are real, and they will happen.)

Well I will make an announcement.. Beauty School starts soon for me! As soon as my Associates Degree is out of the way. It is something I have been wanting to do forever, and I am finally getting into something I will love. YAY! I am stoked about the school, and the tuition price is much more appetizing than the other schools I was looking into! Be prepared beauty world, Amy's coming to town! I am thrilled for this opportunity, and the Bloods have many more surprises in store! (Forget the term baby for a while, that is not on the agenda, we mean other kinds of business!) So, I should say, be prepared world... We are ready to take you on! Stay tuned for new posts!

Does it ever slow down???

Not that Skyler and I ever take moments to breathe and be normal, because we aren't remember??? I will take a moment and reflect on this past crazy semester... We have had some serious ups and downs, new accomplishments and crazy moments we thought we may explode!! but we didn't, we are still here and kicking' it in Utah. So right now Amy is really sick with what looks like a mono relapse, achy, super tired, and that manly voice no one ever thought was sexy. She has been trying to take it easy for a minute and has had to call into work several times, and although the didn't recognize who she was at all... They figured it was best she shouldn't come in. The two Bloodlettes have been working hard. Skyer is working for Amy's brother Matt as a loan processor and is getting all qualified to be a Loan Officer! So proud of him and his hard work! It is taking all his time studying but we know it will all work out! Amy is constantly looking for houses online and realizes every day that maybe they can't afford a million dollar house with a masarrati! But hey, she can dream right?

Skyler did lose his Grandfather recently, and his Uncle Trent. It has been a sad time, but we know that they are in a much better place than we are right now. We send our love and wishes to everyone we left behind in California.