Monroe's.

When you're a family of girls, who get married, it gets confusing when you try to explain families by their names. You're probably already confused. What I mean is.. We are no longer "Monroe's", we are Monroe, Smith, Young, and Johnson. Sturdy names, but not all the same. So to keep others informed and avoid complex description... I will simply say this. We took Monroe family pictures. And they turned out lovely. Kudos goes to Greg Nielsen and his little daughter Emmy for keeping the kiddos happy and entertained all while taking some smashing pics. And sorry Greg for forcing you to make fart noises to get Taj's attention. It works every time. Here ya go!

Can't wait for Abby's little girl to join these buddies. Between her athletic parents, and all these boy cousins, I could be wrong, but something tells me she might be a touch tom-boy. ;)

banded sisters.

Literally. Banded. This Christmas (which my family celebrated early this year when we could all be together) Abby scored with a really awesome gift to all of us. A ring with all of our nicknames on it! Purchased from a lil' Etsy shop. And you know, it's just so precious, that I wear it every day.

I miss those BFF's of mine, and wish they could all live here in SF with me to enjoy the AWESOMENESS.

*follow me on instagram @aricamalace 

*Photos taken by Greg Neilsen in San Diego

reminiscing.

Today I am missing the lazy days of summer that were filled with sisters, nail polish, and Mexican food. Love and miss you guys.

*All polishes are by China Glaze. Mine specifically was Electric Pineapple.

PS. Pay no mind to Andrew's "rigor mortis" hand. He does "rigor mortis" motions often for pictures. I'll have to point this out to you some other time. Don't know what rigor mortis is? Read here.

early to bed.

Life has been pretty close to a literal roller coaster for us. So many things are happening, it's insane. So here are the crazy events. In order.

*GG is doing AMAZING. She is home recovering now, and her spinal doctor just gave her the news that she will only have to be in her upper body brace for a month longer, which is INCREDIBLE. A hundred thank yous for your concerns and prayers.

*My father's mother passed away a couple weeks ago. This, although sad news, is good news. Only because her health was so poor and it was high time for her to be with her hubby again who had passed over 20 years ago! So we are happy she's in a better place. Andrew and I were able to make it home for the funeral and got to visit with my extended family.

*Andrew and I are both graduating and are STILL figuring out where Andrew will work, where we'll live, and so on. With graduation just weeks away, my man has interviewed with Dreamworks, Disney, and Sony to name a few. He also has plans to possibly start up his own projects... so time will tell what will actually happen. And that time is fast approaching.

*While we were in California, visiting LA for some of the previously mentioned interviews.. Bird and Hippo were staying with my parents. And you know that saying.. it says something about how life gets going too good, so something's gotta give? Well, Bird ended up seriously injuring her back (not sure how, jumping off a couch can do the trick in a dachshund). She was found unable to use her back legs, or control her bladder/bowels. This temporary paralysis shook my universe. She's my baby. Adding salt to the wound.. I had been planning to go surfing that morning. My one and only chance to paddle out. Classic. We ended up having to spend the last day and a half of our trip at a Vet down there. Only to leave HOPING that she might regain control of her pottying so that BEST case scenario she would end up in a cart... wheeling around. Turns out, she's beating her odds like crazy. After steroid injections, oral pills to take at home, and LOTS of DOLLARS later.. she showed signs the very next day of being able to stand on her hind legs. HUGE. The vet was astonished. She is now walking (although wobbly) and can pee on her own! I don't have to squeeze her bladder. (We're still working on poo). TMI? She is truly a miracle. God must know. Wrong. GOD DOES KNOW how much I love her, and need her... and I thank him every day for letting me keep her, and for healing her little body.

You guys, all of your prayers have been so thoughtful and helpful.. thank you. I have grown a lot over the last month through all of these experiences, but that said, I am definitely looking forward to new chapters and having our life chill out a touch. And for Hippo to chill out a touch as well. Haha. (He's hilarious, we love him).

I woke up at 3am, and haven't been able to fall back asleep. So I consider this my 'midnight snack.' Hopefully it'll cause a cyber-coma. Back to bed I go.

Some of you only have a minimal idea of what my poor grandmother went through/is going through via my tweets & facebook. Well to clue you all in, here's a little bit of the situation..

**Warning: this is extremely graphic, disturbing, and possibly tear inducing.

My mother got a call. She was told that my grandma's neighbors were in their garage and saw my uncle Jared (who lives with her) walk outside of the house covered in blood. He got into his truck and proceeded to drive up and down the street multiple times. He parked, got out, and went up to the neighbors and told them, "my mom tried to beat me." The wife was sent into my grandma's house, while the husband stayed outside talking to Jared, who appeared to be high on drugs.

When the wife went in, she found my grandma hardly awake, covered in blood, and beaten until she was unrecognizable. She was rushed to the hospital by paramedics, and Jared was luckily detained immediately.

They found that my grandma had 2 breaks in the front of her face (from being beat with a chain wrapped around his fist) which caused her eye to be unsupported in it's socket, a chip in the back of her skull, 3 broken vertebrae, 4 broken ribs, a nearly chewed off finger, and her sternum was completely crushed (from being thrown around the room & from being pinned down and laid on). She is extremely luckily to not be paralyzed. I knew this was extremely bad, but it was really brought into perspective when my father sent me a photo. I would never share it with you because no one should have to see someone in that condition if they can help it.

She has since had her finger repaired (although we're still hoping the infection gets better so that they don't have to amputate at the knuckle), the cut on her face stitched, and the eye socket break repaired. The other surgeries will be done over the period of the next month, while waiting for the sternum to heal on its own.

Jared will be tried for Attempted First Degree Murder, and his bail was posted at $1million. Let's just hope that he ends up in jail for the rest of my grandmother's life, if not his own. Drugs are a slippery slope, and before you know it.. you could be on trial for murder. So if you or someone you know has even a mild drug problem.. get them help, immediately.

Aside from the injuries, she is dealing with a fair amount of post traumatic stress. Fearing that others in the hospital are Jared trying to attack her. Luckily this is less of a problem because she is now able to open her eyes and see who is around her. She is doing well after her first surgery, and the swelling has gone down significantly. So thank you very much for your prayers. She is doing well, but still has a very long road to recovery ahead of her.

The reason why I tell you all of this and share such personal and detailed information is because in soliciting your prayers, I feel it is helpful to know what it is you are praying for.

So please, continue to pray for my GG.
Thank you, all my family's love.

Introducing..

Since I KNOW the anticipation is literally KILLING YOU. You've had to wait less than 24 hours, but it's felt like ETERNITY, I JUST KNOW IT. (Odds are you've actually not even read the previous post yet, haha) I will now let you in on the most glorious gift I will be receiving in just weeks. This gift being a generous Vday/Helping hand/Bday gift from the man in my life!

WE GOT OUR BULLY!!

...and we are SO.IN.LOVE.

I give you...
Hippopotamus the Ist

He and I met today, and it was love at first snort. I seriously can't even believe how darling he is. He's the tiniest, softest, mushiest, sweetest thing I've ever held. And honestly is that brown tail not the cutest thing you've ever seen? And he's all ours! I can hardly WAIT to bring him home!!

Hippo & Bird

2 weeks and counting!

Beckie.

My future babies are in trouble.. because they have HIM to live up to. He's the best. baby. ever. Oh my goodness, if I lived in San Diego I'd be his live-in "auntie-nanny."

PS. He says my name now.
That's a soul warmer times a thousand.

Forks, WA

Yep. True. We went. Alex (my sis) was staying with our other sis Chris in Vancouver, WA and she really wanted to meet up in the famous (or infamous) town of Forks. You know, that place where vampires & werewolves live? Anyway.. Andrew came, and it was the best day of his life. I'll show you...

Thanks for the pictures Chris! We had so much fun. (: Love you guys! But seriously, all joking aside, it really is a beautiful place. Podunk, but pretty amazing. Andrew was a good sport, and ended up making the trip 3billion times better, so thanks lover.. glad you had the time of your life. Haha.

The end.

Perry v. Schwarzenegger

“Today, a single federal judge has negated the will of the people of California. The central premise of the court’s ruling is that it is irrational for the citizenry to decide to retain the traditional definition of marriage. The court holds that the ubiquitous definition of marriage as the union of a man and a woman is a historical curiosity that serves no purpose whatsoever, but rather is based solely on anti-gay biases. Indeed, the court went so far as to brand as “irrational” all supporters of traditional marriage, which is the vast majority of all people, in America and throughout the world." -by ProtectMarriage.com

I have something to say about the matter. Just weeks ago I wrote a paper concerning this very subject out of my own curiosity. I decided that, although I have many religious reasons why I am opposed to gay marriage, I thought it would be best to show my perspective without involving religious reasons whatsoever (ie: there are a ton of reasons why in the bible, the Prophet of the Lord told us to and he can see things we can't.. etc, etc.). Although I believe these are valid reasons, those who do not agree with us don't have the same beliefs. So I decided to analyze the situation from a strictly factual angle. Feel free to read my two cents if you wish, but commenting is closed due to the highly controversial nature of this subject. However, feel free to email me on the matter if you feel so inclined. Or give me a high five on facebook, because I know you're on both right now. (;


Over the last few years, gay marriage has become a hot topic of debate in the United States. It has recently been very controversial in states such as Hawaii and California due to ballots containing propositions either defending marriage as it is or containing amendments hoping to legalize it for homosexuals. The concern with gay marriage, for those in favor of it, is that it is a civil right that should be granted to all people. References to Women’s rights and abolishment of slavery are often used in defending this case. Those opposed to it argue that it infringes upon the definition of what marriage truly is. Religious freedoms and concerns with teaching children acceptance of such an act are generally referenced when defending this position. However, the true predicament lies in analyzing the United States’ Constitution. Everyone is entitled to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Should homosexuals then be entitled to pursue happiness through marriage? Furthermore, would gay marriage infringe upon the lives and pursuit of happiness of others? Yes is the appropriate answer to both of these questions. Although I believe that every individual is entitled to make their own decisions, I also believe that it should not be an option when it jeopardizes other individuals’ freedoms. This paper will explore the reasons why gay marriage imposes on the freedoms and pursuit of happiness of others.

First, where does the word and act of marriage originate from? Many cultures have their own definitions and explanations as to of why marriage should exist. One of the earliest recorded definitions outside of religious texts comes from Mesopotamia’s Hammurabi’s Code. It is a well preserved ancient Babylonian text that dates back to 1790 BC. The code consists of 282 laws that were written by Hammurabi “to bring about the rule of righteousness in the land” (King 1). Even in the earliest recorded code, the law of marriage was declared by a religious individual who wrote the laws with direction by God. As many other religions believe, God established the bond of matrimony when the very first individuals were placed on this Earth. This therefore proves that marriage is not an act originated by the United States Constitution, but rather, in many lifetimes previous, and all referenced by individuals claiming that God was their source of direction. Furthermore, this shows us that religion in fact plays a fundamental role in marriage’s very existence. Therefore, religious denominations have a right to be concerned when their belief of marriage is being altered, and are justified in feeling their religious opinions are being disrespected.

Where the definition of marriage is concerned, many anthropologists have written various definitions, all with a common identity. In the book The History of Human Marriage by Edvard Westermarck, marriage is defined as “a more or less durable connection between male and female lasting beyond the mere act of propagation till after the birth of the offspring” (71). In the anthropological handbook Notes & Queries of Anthropology, the definition is written as “a union between a man and a woman such that children born to the woman are the recognized legitimate offspring of both partners” (Garson 110). These various definitions include the commonality that marriage is in fact defined as being between a man and a woman.

Ultimately, without heterosexual couples, society would not exist. Homosexual marriage advocates defend their stance by proclaiming that homosexuals contribute to society the same as anyone else. However; without the help of fertility medical facilities, sperm banks, and the births of adoptable children, homosexual couples are unable to contribute to society for more than their lifetime. Societies are not built by single generations, but by the birth of children over many generations. Simple biology proves that without the sperm of a man and egg of a woman, human life would not exist. Should this lack of procreation then be lawfully accepted as a valuable entity of our society?

If homosexual marriage were to be legalized, childhood educational curriculum would be altered to include information of the “different” types of families. This is understandable; however, if children are to be informed, they should also be informed of the risks involved with such a lifestyle. Even though the production and consumption of tobacco products is legal, the government requires certain information to be available to the consumers. The serious health risks should be a requirement of consent where gay marriage is concerned. Various studies show that the health risks involved with homosexual lifestyle include physical damage, more than 6 types of cancer, more than 12 common STD’s, HIV/AID’s, and more (ElHage 4). If children are to be taught that gay marriage is a normal part of society, they should also be informed of the severe health risks involved which are comparable to the risks of second hand smoke. It is safe to say that the lives of more Americans would be at risk, and therefore gay marriage imposes on the life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness of others.

Gay Marriage imposes upon families’ rights for parents to teach their children what they believe are correct principles. It endangers more lives by spreading more diseases and health risks amongst the community. Gay marriage would allow homosexuals to redefine the original definitions of marriage, which is religious in origin, and would impose on the religious rights of others. Homosexuals are unable to contribute their own biological children to this planet, and thus would not contribute to the building of future societies.


Thanks for listening to a ranting woman.
-Arica

Phone Call

My nephew is so awesome. And as you know, the cutest human on this planet. He's hilarious, has an amazing temperament, and his dimples make your face hurt from smiling so much back at him. Honestly there isn't a thing I wouldn't do to make that kid smile. When he talks about flowers aka 'fwowies', or my black truck aka 'back chuck!', or banana, or light (which is his favorite), or 'gooks' it makes my day...

So anyway, sister calls me today. Wrong. Beckett decided to call me today.. here's how it went.

Me: OH what up shmeeee? (I thought it was her naturally)
Ashley: Gabby yabby abby ABBY YABBY!! (he often yells when he's talking, haha)
Me: OH HI Beckett!
Beckett: Hangs up.

Best phone call ever. Made my day/weekend. Have a good one!

20+ Hours

I did this...

..and it was IN.TENSE.

PS. San Diego is the land of milk and honey.

Snoqualmie Falls

A couple weekends ago Andrew, Bird, & I went to my cousin Melissa's house. Aunt Jan & Uncle Bob, & cousin Laini were visiting (extended family I don't get to see often), and so we had a brunch day with them. And I can hardly believe it but Birdie played, yes PLAYED, with their cat, Black Cat. Needless to say, it was a good time. They also happen to live close by and even closer to them is a huge waterfall! I mean, the thing is INTENSE! It was a rainy day (go figure) but it was beautiful & stunning, and thank you Melissa for taking us!


We'll have to go again when the spray isn't so intense to get a better look!
PS. Bird was wet, cold, and frightened beyond belief and it was pretty funny. My cute little 2nd niece Brooklyn wanted a picture with her. (:

Note: Bird does not like rain, which in addition to her fragile state above, made bathroom trips difficult for the first few weeks, haha. What a fart. We love her anyway. (:

Nephew

Beckett rocks skinnies...

And I'm pretty sure he's the most adorable human on this earth!


Becks, I love you, and when we live closer together I'll be sure to spoil you to death with the cool aunt factor, cuz you know Gramma Shell & GG already spoil in the clothing/smoothering factor.
Love-
Auntie Cuh

'Gail & Dale

So my little knock out, dixie livin, soccer sister is in love...

..I can't believe it, but I am SO HAPPY FOR HER!
GO NERR!
Lucky for you, we like your man. (;

{photo credit: my kickin mother}

PS. Happy finals week. (:

**Alas, his name is Jesse.. but I've decided to use his middle name for rhyming purposes.
[It also will be what I call him forever more]
And also.. the engagement is pending...
My father has been busy with church/work/CABO SAN LUCAS for much longer than they would like..
So stay tuned for that.

Ho Ho Ho..

Merry Christmas!

Love, the Monroe-Smith-Young fam! (:

St. Georgie

Toodle-ooo!

I'll be visiting these wonderful people (all minus one, boo Shmee) that I love in St. George for the next few days. Have fun blogging without me!

Cheers. (:

Beckster

Really guys.. how cute is my nephew?!
Preciously, perfectly, melts your heart cute!

I love him so much, I wish I could be there everyday like the good ol' summer time. Instead, I'm in the land of Utah, where it's really cold, the leaves are falling, and what... there's snow?! Yep. It's not sticking around, but it's falling none the less.

Oh Utah, you make me miss my nephew. (:

Beckett, Auntie Cuh loves you!

Hawaiian Friends..

Yes, my island dwellers.. my sister Abby will be out there for the next ten days if your interested in watching a good game of soccer! She's notorious for not disappointing on the entertainment factor! Anyway, if you can make it to any of the games.. I'm sure she'd enjoy having a fan section (REALLY! ..even if she doesn't know you!). Below I have listed the games that will be played while they're out there, and sorry I don't have all of the game times. If you want to make it to the BYUH game, I'm sure you can find out what time it will be on campus! Anyway.. be sure to tell her I said hi if you make it out to any. (:

(Abby's a goal keeper, No. 21)

Go Dixie Red Storm!

10/17/2009	*	Chaminade University	Honolulu, HI			Details
10/20/2009	*	Brigham Young University - Hawaii	Laie, HI			Details
10/22/2009	*	Hawaii Pacific University	Kaneohe, HI			Details
10/24/2009	*	University of Hawaii at Hilo Vulcans	Hilo, HI	3:00 PM

Turdling

Isn't she precious?

We love you Bird. More than you know!