I Hear Wedding Bells

My brother Aaron is going to freak when he finds out that he's the subject of one of my posts. So ssssssshhhhhhhhhh..... nobody tell him, okay?

I just wanted to acknowelge some exciting news, that's all. We are beyond thrilled that he and his girly friend, Meghan, are making it official and GETTING MARRIED! Woohoo! We've known for a couple weeks and I've been patiently waiting for her to get the diamond on her finger to make it "official," but it's just not happening quickly enough for me, so I'm just going to push ahead with my congratulations anyway.

We are so exctied to get a new member of the family. Aaron is my only brother, and I've always wanted the absolute best for him. And now that it's happening, I couldn't be happier about it. Meghan is The Best. After we met her for the first time, we were all left with the impression of "wow!" She is just one of those great, solid people that you like the instant you meet her. I am so happy to be gaining such a wonderful sister-in-law, and I'm so happy that Aaron is getting such an awesome wife. We're looking forward to August with smiles on our faces and love in our hearts. Congratulations you two!

It's a Hard Knock Life

May, May, May!! Could this month get any busier? A look at my calendar tells me that it's rivaling even December with important dates and must-be-at's. The end of this school year has brought with it recitals, concerts, end-of-year parties, testing etc. We're literally going to games or whatnot nightly. It's as if the world made the decision that everything has to happen and happen NOW or never. So we just do our best.

Brynn and Caitlyn had their Spring Dance Recital. Brynn was over-the-top excited, while Caitlyn was just a good sport about it. Both girls took dance this past year: Brynn, because she thinks she's the new Bette Midler, and Caitlyn, because she thought it'd be a nice alternative to sitting on her bum on Wednesday nights. She just wanted to have fun. Caitlyn took dance when she was younger and then had to give it up because she was involved with other things too. You know how life is nowdays, we force 9-year-olds to dedicate themselves to one or two things because their coaches, teachers, instructors, all want complete allegiance. What ever happened to jumping on your bike and riding it to Oaklawn Park, playing your softball game, grabbing a 5-cent candy, and then riding your bike back home? It really is dumb that we're so microfocused on everything nowdays, but beside the point I guess. Our world has definitely changed.

Brynn danced to Hard Knock Life from Annie and Super Trouper by Abba. Hellllooooo Brynn, musical theater is calling YOUR name! And Caitlyn danced to......um......well.....to be honest I don't remember. We were too stunned with the back-somersalt she had to do in it that I forgot to watch the rest. Note to dance students: DO NOT start laughing during your dance. Even if you have a beautiful smile and you really feel like just having a good old belly laugh at the moment. Finish your dance, run off, and then let it all out backstage.

Women's Conference

I was so happy that I got to attend Women's Conference last week with my friends. For years I've heard women friends talk about how great it is and have thought to myself that it's something I need to get myself to and see what all the fuss is about! It's a conference held at BYU every Spring and consists of a collection of classes designed to give instruction and help LDS members address areas of interest in their individual lives. Topics were NUMEROUS and ranged from learning to listen to the Spirit, finding strength in adversity, raising teenagers in a digital world, finding your gifts and talents, dealing with blended families, etc. etc. etc. There were dozens and dozens of good classes and great speakers and it was often hard to decide which session to attend. I came away, however, feeling uplifted and rejuvinated, with a little better perspective on life. It was also so much fun to attend with friends. I went with my friends Tamara, Kristin, and Ali. I have known them since we moved to Pleasant View about 9 years ago. They have become like sisters and I value each of them tremendously. We decided to treat conference like a girl's trip and got a hotel room. It was fun for me to catch up on their lives and to draw strength from what wonderful people they are.
Kristin and Ali at Happy Sumo

Kristin, Ali and Tamara at Spoon Me. We had the yummiest frozen yogurt!

Kristin and Ali got the biggest kick out of a book they found at Barnes and Noble, Girls are Weirdos. I didn't read it, but they stood and laughed and laughed forever.

Tamara and me. And yes, I'm fully aware that I'm beginning to look a little weird. Even Caitlyn mentioned it one day when she saw a picture of me in our ward Relief Society booklet. "Mom," she mentioned, "You don't even look like yourself." The older I'm getting, the stranger I'm looking. I just can't wait to see what happens to me in 10 years. Geeze Louise.

Tamara with the coolest highlighter markers we scored for FREE. Hello Free, nice to meet ya.

One of my favorite moments of the whole conference was running into my friend Linda. I knew she was going to be there too, but there were also like 26,000 other ladies as well. Chances just weren't in my favor. And then there her beautiful face was and I almost started to cry. She is one of the most wonderful people I know and I just think the world of her. I am so grateful to such a kind Heavenly Father who has blessed me throughout my life with incredible friends.