Pictures of Adventures

Washington trip.

Trip to Utah.

Kennedy's Homecoming and a yummy treat.

A couple picture of Vivi just for fun.

 Christmas in July at work!

And the desserts I made with Miss Ashley!

The Scoop

Beautiful friends and family,

Here's the scoop:

1. I know I have been so grumpy lately. Especially to my family. I am so sorry. These past couple weeks I have not been home much because I was out having adventures which I will tell you all about in a second. I loved my adventures. So so much. Then I came home and was brought back down to earth with drama at work, knowing I really need to go to the singles' ward (more on that later as well), the fact that a lot of my clothes aren't fitting the way they used to, and the reality of my upcoming start date for grad school. It is just a lot, and I have not been handling it well. Again, I am so sorry.
2. Washington. Mom and I got to go to Washington state and enjoy some time together. I got to see my Aunt Diana and her family. I got to see her oldest get baptized which is where I really learned the reason why Heavenly Father wants us to be like little children as she stood up after receiving the Holy Ghost with tears streaming down her face. I also got to see her youngest get a name and a blessing. Little Rhett has a lot to look forward to in life. It was just special. I got to see my friend Julie Anne. My mom met her, and after she walked away my mom said she knew exactly why we were friends. I love her, and even though the glass museum was a little bit of a let-down I loved spending that time with her. And, the glass ceiling was more beautiful than I could have dreamed. One day mom and I went to a little town and went up and down the street shopping, eating pastries, and talking. Also, I got to HOLD a starfish! I just wanted to see one, but I got to HOLD some! It was amazing. And of course one day we all went out to have amazing seafood. I got the best clam chowder and salmon tacos. Yum! Having that vacation was perfect, and I could not have asked for more.
3. Utah. After coming home from Washington I had two days at home and then I was off to Utah. Normally, I would never plan trip like that because I kind of get motion sickness and planes and I don't get along so well, but this was important. Janessa got married. I was so excited I got to be a part of her special day, and catching up with old friends was a wonderful bonus to an already fun trip. I stayed with Meghan, but I also got to see Amanda, Alyssa, Kim, and Leah. Janessa's sealing was a dream. I had never gone to a sealing before, but it was perfect. I was a little bummed about not walking down the aisle or saying "I do" before, but after seeing a sealing I'm not bummed at all. Jan was beautiful, my dress fit, and I just had fun for a day. This trip was perfect because I got to spend the 4th of July with Meghan like we've done since we met. We went to the parade, went swimming, and then went to Kaysville for some good old fireworks. I loved getting to go back to Utah. Going to the mountains is a part of me going home.
4. I got to go to the temple with mom this past week. On the way home we got Sprinkles cupcakes and Snuffer's cheese fries, but how often are we in Dallas for leisure not work? Barely ever. Anyways, in the celestial room a random movie quote came to me. I had been praying about finding friends, and the quote from Devil Wears Prada played over and over in my head. At one point in the movie Andy is complaining that she has been trying so hard for really nothing in return. At that point the guy she is talking to turns to her and says, "You haven't been trying. You've been whining." So, here is my new perspective. I haven't really been trying, and I need to. Even if I only go to one activity a week. Even if I only go to church on Sunday and enjoy it and talk to people I will be doing better than I have been.
5. Kennedy came home! I got to go to her homecoming talk today. She is the cutest. She really is the same old Kennedy, and I love the spirit she brings along with her all of the time. Eric and Maddie also came to her talk, so we had half of our old BYUSA crew together today. It was nice, and it almost felt normal to have my BYU and Texas worlds collide. It was just good to see old friends again. And my mom got to meet them which I know makes her happy. She didn't get to meet many of my BYU friends while I was at school.
6. I am pretty intimidated by grad school. I know it is the right thing for me to do right now after a lot of prayer, but I am still pretty anxious about it. Some of the "To Do" list items have been sitting there for weeks because I am just so intimidated. I know when it starts it won't be nearly as bad, but until then... Moving on is scary. Trusting in Heavenly Father can be scary. You just have to jump. You know He will catch you, but that doesn't make the feeling of falling any less terrifying. I'm still learning how to let my plans go, trust in Him, and be patient.
7. As much as one of the girls at work stresses me out and drives me up the wall, I love my job. I love spending time with kids, learning about them, and having fun. We had Christmas in July this week. Let's get real. It's hard to beat giving out presents with Santa to kids in the hospital in the middle of July.

I will try to post pictures of my adventures tomorrow. Ta ta for now!