Things we missed

Going on our trip to Spain was one of the best things ever, but going there also meant some sacrifices. Since we were kinda along for the ride (Shawn's mission president planned the whole reunion) we had no choice on the dates that we were to travel there. Our travel dates just happened to overlap with Sydney's Dance recital, and Caden's last days of school.


I thought about them alot the during the day of their special events. I imagined their faces, and the excitement they had to be feeling. I could see little Sydney in her cute little tights. Her finger in her mouth the way it always is when she gets nervous. I heard her cute little voice singing the songs that she has been practicing for months in my head.


I was sad a little that day, knowing I was not there to cheer her on. To see it in action. To do her hair, and help her get ready for the recital. I had meant to stay for her dress rehearsal the week prior, but made another commitment without thinking. I was devastated when I realized what I had done, but could not change it then. Atleast I have wonderful family that were able to fill in for me. She did a wonderful job. I love my little dancer.


On Caden's last day of school my thoughts turned to the bag that I had prepared for him before I left. Swimsuit - check, sunscreen - check, water shoes - check, towel - check....everything he would need for a SUPER FUN WATER DAY. He had been telling me about it for months. Asking week after week when it was. I have tried to go to all of his class activities through out the year. I think I helped at each one except the Christmas one because we were moving that day, and now the end of the year 'Splash'.


I was glad that my sister, Nancy, had agreed to go in my place. She took the responsibility of following him around from activity to activity. I was happy yet sad at the same time as Caden relayed the fun he had that day over the phone.


I know these aren't super big events. Heck, the kids will probably not even remember that we weren't there. It just makes me sad because each day that passes I realize that I only have these children in my care for such a short period of time. I want to soak in every moment. To etch in my mind how precious they really are. To support them in every way that I can.


I can't say I regret going to Spain...I only wish I could have been in two places at once.

Hosting BUNKO

I joined a BUNKO group about a year ago. It has been so much fun going and hanging out with these girls once a month. When I joined, the month I was supposed to host was the following month so I was given a break. My turn finally came up a year later...and gosh it was a little nerve wrecking.
First I had to figure out what I was going to make. Month after month I would go, and have the yummiest of foods (they were yummy, but think things are even yummier when you don't have to cook them). After much thought I decided to 'steal' Amanda's recipe for the Cafe Rio Sweet Pork salad (I hope you don't mind Amanda). YUMMO! While I was in Utah, I was able to get some shopping done for Bunko, and the rest I got at Hobby Lobby. In our group everyone contributes 12 dollars each. That money goes towards our prizes. You buy things with specific price points, but the 1st person who picks their prize doesn't have to have the most expensive thing. We even have door prizes that are worth $5 so no one leaves empty handed. Most of the time we try to get home decor stuff...so that what I planned for. I barely do any shopping for myself let alone someone else. I bought things that I would have liked to win. I laughed out loud when I saw this sign. These were the door prizes. They were normally $10, but I got them for $5. Woo Hoo!After we are done playing we all tend to hang out and talk. This time we were given lessons on how to curl your hair with a flat iron. I know I am a little behind on the game when it comes to styling, but I find it amazing how the flat iron curls your hair. One of these days I will have to try it on Sydney. It was a bit stressful being the host. I fretted over what to make, and what to buy. I didn't want people leaving thinking...man that sucked. I hope everyone had a good time. I know I did, but I am thankful I won't have to do it again for another year!

LPM Recital

Years ago my cousin had started teaching this program called Let's Play Music. I thought it sounded like a lot of fun. A three year program that is started when your child is around 4 or 5. The great thing about it is the kids internalize so much about music theory, rhythms, and 'playing' music without really realizing it. By the end of the third year the children can transpose and even write their own compositions. Talk about AMAZING!

This year Caden was finally old enough to start the program! I was so excited for him. Unfortunately my cousin did not have any openings at a time that would work for us so we had to find a different teacher. I was lucky enough to find, Stephanie. I have known Stephanie since I was in 1st grade. We had been stand partners in Orchestra off and on through out Junior High and High School. She is such a dear friend, and I was delighted to have Caden take from her.

He worked hard all year long. We went to Steph's house each week, and he 'played' while he was there. He really soaked everything in, and looked forward to it every week. There was a short stint that we tried to change teacher when we moved, but Caden would not have it. He loved Ms. Stephanie so we drove the extra distance.

At the end of the year they had a recital, and Caden was so proud. I can't wait for this coming year.

Green Turtles here we come!

Women's Conference

Earlier this year Julie called me up, and asked if I would want to go to Women's Conference with her. After I talked to Shawn we thought it would be a great idea. Julie and I had gone together years ago before we were married. We decided after this trip, that it needs to be an annual event.

I flew up on Wednesday, and my dear friend Jenny picked me up from the airport. We met up with Julie at Cafe Rio, and were able to catch up just a bit. I hadn't seen Jenny in almost 8 years! I had lost track of her, and just recently through Facebook we were able to reconnect. I loved seeing her and her cute baby, Brooklyn. My only complaint was that our visit was too short. I am now secretly trying to figure out a way to get her to move down here. Women's Conference is put on every year around the end of April beginning of May at the BYU campus in Utah. For two days thousands of women get together to listen to different speakers. All through out the campus different topics are being discussed, and we got to choose what we needed to listen to. We attended some really good classes, and others that I wish that we could walk out of...but overall the experience was great. One of the topics that I think I appreciated the most was "I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content" (Phillipians 4:11) It opened my eyes to realize that no matter what happens in life there is a choice.

I sat there and listened to a woman, who was around my same age, tell us about her trials of losing her husband to cancer 3 years prior. At 27 she was a widow, and also a mother to a young little boy. I was amazed with the joy that she was still able to find.

She taught us that in life there are two different doors we can choose from. The first door is WHY. We can open this door easily, but once inside it is impossibly difficult to leave. She could have spent the rest of her life wondering why Heavenly Father chose to take her husband away from their family. Why she has to raise her child on her own. Why she didn't get to have much time with him. The list can go on and on...

Instead she chose the second door that was labeled WHAT. Entering the door that says "WHAT" takes a lot more effort. Yet if we make that effort the rewards are doubled. That extra effort is what humbles us enough to receive more promptings and revelation from our Heavenly Father. Instead of asking 'WHY' we can ask 'What' do I need to learn from this? I know I have shared this on my blog before, but I will again.

"Every person God puts into our lives. Every experience that He gives us. Is the perfect preparation for the future only He can see."

As I sat there listening to her I thought of this quote. I came across it during a tough time in High School, and it has been a beacon for me throughout the years. I think it is a great example of the point she was trying to convey to us.

Life is hard....but we always have a choice. We can choose to blame or we can accept and grow. We can sometimes not understand why things happen. Yet, I know that He knows me better. He knows what I need in my life to prepare me to be stronger for what is to come.

I can't say I always open the What door. I have been known to have quite the pity parties at times, but this was a great reminder for me. We really do have a choice to be happy not matter what.

Besides having fun at the Conference, Julie and I got to spend some time shopping. There is something about Utah...they have great places to go shopping. Julie and I joked about driving up here with an empty van just so we could fill it up with cool stuff and bring it home. I hope to get a Tai Pan here someday...then I would be happy :)

Thanks Jules for inviting me along....can't wait for next year!

Caden & Thomas

I got back from my trip on Saturday early evening, and am feeling great. It is amazing at what a few days can do to revitalize yourself! I am busy now spending some time with my family, but thought I would post a few of my favorite shots of Caden and Thomas. I'll be back soon!I know I may be biased, but I think I have some of the cutest boys around! I just hope that I can raise them to be as good inside as they look on the outside!