More Womens Conferency at BYU!

Here are a few pictures from our day on Friday. I was able to recruit a few friends to come with me! On Thursday Emily and her mom were with me for a few classes which made it so fun to not be alone the whole day. But on Friday we were together all day.

This picture represents our tear stained faces and eyes from one of the best talks on Humanitarian Aid and Welfare services for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. It was so emotional and I loved it!

We were also able to listen to Elder Oaks for the closing session. It was wonderful as well! Really, every class and discussion was so inspiring. I love it!

Campus was beautiful! I think spring time is just as breathtaking as the fall. I especially LOVE the spring because it means COLOR from trees and flowers.

These trees were BRIGHT purple and pink!

I just had to take a picture of the Y for Jake and Alayna. They LOVE BYU and so why not show them where I have been! Alayna was very interested in knowing why I was going back to school. I told her I was going to school to become a better Mommy. She said, "Mom can you take a picture of the desk you sit in?" I had to laugh because she was so intrigued with me sitting in a desk like she does at school. I sadly didn't sit in any desk...so I decided to take pictures of the beautiful campus and when it came time to show her them I said, "Alayna look at these beautiful trees it was so pretty..." She said, "Oh...um..where's the picture of the desk?" It was a funny thing for her to be so interested in and sadly I couldn't please her this time! But I told her all the wonderful things I learned. I have come to a decision that this is the best kind of "break" for mom's. We are away and spiritually fed from morning till night! Thanks for Emily for getting me hooked to these FUN outing!!!

Women's Conference

Does it really get any better than two days of an amazing Spirit that just fills your entire soul? I think not. To all those that need to plan in advance here is your warning...Come with me to Women's Conference! Sister Beck referenced her talk as an "Emergency Meeting" meaning that each time she meets to speak with woman she feels a great urgency to speak to the women about doing what we know to be right! She gave us very inspired suggestions and insight on how we truly can become women of God and understand exactly our role. I have loved the first day and I can't tell you how excited I am to wake up EARLY again tomorrow to return.

The Service theme this year is to Scatter Sunshine! I just LOVE the logo...I think I might have to use this for on of my enrichment meetings or something...I just love it. This year I took the challenge and decided to do some service while I was there. I was nervous at first, but I took some encouraging advice from Emily to pick up a service kit. So I did. I decided to pick crochet stockings. I will take a picture before I hand them back in but let's just say that the inspiration has come and I am nearly done!

Welcome Back to Utah

Well let's just say that we couldn't be happier to have Brian & Ashley back to Utah! I think the kids are just happy because they get presents! Really, they are spoiled for their birthdays from them. THANK YOU!

Here's to a story...So the night before I was out on the porch reading books with the kids as it was raining...we are determined to enjoy our covered deck more often this summer. Last summer it was a whirlwind of moving and a new baby so I'm ready to spend more hours reading out there with the kids. Anyways, so we were discussing how it was "Earth Day" tomorrow and Jake practically leaped out of my lap because he thought I said it was "His Birthday!" Now, if you know my kids or any kids for that matter they think their birthdays are the BEST days in the world. So as this little guy is standing there BEAMING with the best smile I had to sadly deflate his excitement and explain what Earth Day was. We spent more time using our senses and hearing and seeing and smelling things outside. So the next part of the story was when Jake woke up and saw presents from Ashley and Brian he was SUPER excited because once again he thought it was "His Birthday!"

Let's just say Alayna LOVES presents...and what better than a Barbie for her 5 year old birthday? And a princess no doubt! She LOVED her jump ropes with her cousins today...so Ashley and Brian know kids! Thanks again.

So on to the REAL reason why they came to visit! Ashley has graduated from BYU with her Masters in Public Health! You go girl!!! From a fellow Health Promotion major to another I couldn't be HAPPIER for YOU! I must admit I have lived vicariously through you sharing your theories, ideas and passion for health! You have worked so hard and I have admired you truly all along the way...(enough mush for ya???)

Here we are celebrating after the super fun BYU graduation...Oh, the stories we have to tell. After the graduation we were lucky to go to Tucano's...pretty much the BEST restaurant to eat in the world. YUM! The next day Ashley and I were able to go do some girl shopping...come on when a girl graduates and gets a REAL JOB she needs some new attire. We got some hip and new looks and some COLOR!! You look great Ash and I can't wait to see some pictures!!!

Sunday came and there's nothing Ashley and I enjoy doing more than cooking up some America's Test Kitchen recipes! We picked our favorites for the menu...Pizza Margarita and Lemon Meringue Pie!!! YUMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM! Here is Jake and Brian helping juice the lemons...we just LOVED Jake's faces...He was discussing with Brian that he too was strong!

Alayna and Ashely are posing in their cute aprons.

Oh, how we are going to miss you!!!
Thanks for coming we just hope you don't make it a year! Good luck tomorrow at your new job. We sure love you guys!!