Tribute to 3 Great Men

June/July has been many things (fun, exhausting, challenging, mundane, exciting, etc...). However, what stands out to me is a celebration of me three favorite men: my dad, my brother, my husband.

MY BROTHER
On June 17th, we said goodbye to Jace. He entered the MTC and started his mission where he will soon be serving the people of Japan. I'll admit, it was hard. Tears were shed. Despite how happy we are that he is there, doing the right thing, it's hard not to miss him. He's practically dead to us :). I try not to think about him, (except for in my prayers) and it seems to be easier. I know time will fly by, but these past 3.5 weeks have felt really long.

However, it's so inspiring to get his letters and e-mails and hear about the amazing experiences he is having. He is LOVING life. I'm sure he is experiencing the usual and expected challenges, but his attitude is unbelievably positive and his spiritual enthusiasm is off the charts. He has already changed so much, and yet is still genuinely the Jace we love. I can't wait to live vicariously through him the next two years.

He is the best brother.


MY FATHER
July 21 was Father's Day. What can I say about my Dad? So many things.

My Dad is truly unique. I have never met anyone quite like him and I don't ever expect to. I love him for many many reasons, but at this point in my life I admire his tenacity, his optimism, and his integrity. He is a doer! He has been doing things his entire life and has so much to show for it. He stands up for what he believes in and he works so hard. Much of who I am, I owe to the example of my Dad.

People love my Dad and he loves people. He was always more popular than me. I remember once in high school, my Dad happened to come to school one day to talk in a business class. He was there during lunch. I was sitting with a small group of friends eating my lunch, as I did every day. My Dad walked by to say "hi" and as he did, all these kids from the Stake came over to start talking to him. I just sort of sat there eating my lunch, and my friend Brea turned to me and said, "Brittney, your Dad is more popular than you." So true! Still is.

It's easy to see why people love him. He gives 100% of himself to anything and everything. Thanks Dad for everything!


MY HUSBAND
July 10th was Stuart's birthday. I love Stuart's birthday because I love spoiling him. Truly, I love it. This year was a low key celebration. We went and saw Bon Iver in concert at the Gallivan Center on Thursday with all of our friends. We then stopped by Chilis afterwards for food. The concert was immensely crowded (which was hard for me--someone with major crowd anxiety) but enjoyable.

On Friday, we celebrated by eating burgers at Five Guys Burger and Fries (Fabulous!) and watched a movie. And today, his mom made a fabulous dinner and cake and we celebrated with his family.

The Maxfield's have a fabulous tradition I plan to carry on. On everyone's birthday, we take a turn saying one thing we love about that person. As I sat there trying to think of just the one thing I would say out loud - I immediately got teary-eyed. What came to my mind is how over the past year or so, Stuart has really become a rock and foundation for me. He has definately grown into this role but this past year, he has not let me down.

As we have experienced some personal challenges and trying experiences this year, he has remained upbeat, optimistic, and faithful. He has really pulled me through some hard times and I know that I can lean on him when I'm not feeling strong enough to do it on my own. This is something I value so much. Going back to my previous example, it's something I've always taken for granted in my Dad, and now I have that in my own home.

Stuart is so many things, but today, I'm thankful for his steadfastness and optimism.

I'm very lucky. Three great men = one good life.

Thanks Jace, Dad, and Stu. Love you!