Back to School Week

This week is the first week of school back in Logan. It feels so strange not to be going back.

I'm happy to be not so stressed out and to have completed my degree but there is something about a new school year that always got me excited. Fall is in the air, there's always a bag full of new textbooks, there's the possibility of learning new things and making new friends. I think it's the nerd in me, I guess.

It takes me back to when I was a senior in high school, trying to decide where I was going to go to college. I was all accepted and even registered for BYU. I had housing and was all set to go. I went to a youth conference down at BYU that summer and had a really great time. The Sunday after I returned home, I had a very distinct feeling that I was not to go to BYU. You can imagine what that discussion was like with my parents.

We called up USU to get things ready to go there and things just started falling into place. A scholarship I had turned down was miraculously still available. I got housing and classes and off I went to Utah State.

Many good experiences later, I'm so thankful I made that choice. I'm sure it would have been fine if I'd gone to that "other school" but USU helped me to grow into who I am, helped me to realize my potential. And you know what, I met Heber my first semester there.

Here's some pictures from back in the day.

Jana and I from when we were freshman. This may have even been the night she got engaged.

My 20th Birthday!

Jill and I at one of the dances

My IWA girls!

Good friends from Bridgerland. A shout out goes to Tami (one of my best friends now).

Me and some of the girls from Anderson.

A Little Bit of Magic

In preparation for the second natural disaster to hit our area this week, I was out on an adventure and discovered a really interesting place today.

I was down in Occoquan (don't worry if you can't pronounce it, most can't), what I would call a historic harbor village, at my favorite new bead store. This is a prerequisite for a happy life, I believe, to have access to a good bead store. Try it out, it might change your life.

Anyway, while there, I was wandering down the street trying to kill a few minutes and walked into this store.

It was on the second level of a building and once I had committed to climbing all the stairs, I figured I should actually go in. I was quite surprised to discover that it was....a witchcraft store. Yes, that kind of witchcraft, the one with spells and black hats...literally, black hats and cats. I guess I should have guessed by the sign. I blame it on naivety.

For those of you who live in Logan, you know that there is a Magical Moon there - it's a toy store. This was no toy store.

Apparently, I can take a full course on witchcraft and spells. I could learn about tarot cards and could even have a private consult for a special spell or concoction for that special person in my life. I passed on the gemstone infused candles, the collections of herbs and "ingredients" and even on the crystals. I didn't find one thing that I needed - although I was tempted by the stones that would bring good fortune into my life and the bottle of frankensense.

You see, another reason to come visit us. We can make a pit stop here for all of your spell casting needs or just to pick up the stone that will change your life. Believe me, we can take the time.

I guess the moral of the story here would be, you never know what you'll discover - especially after taking time to visit your favorite bead store.

The Shower

Last Saturday, I asked my nephew Jaxson if he knew what was happening that day. He said, "it's a holiday...for your baby." And so it was.

There are two big significant events in your life. Getting married and having a baby. As my mom put it, they're the two times where you're the star of the show. Last week was my baby shower and it was awesome. I have to confess that with the move, I was afraid that this would be something I would miss out on. I was thrilled when the chance came to return home for work.

Mom L and Carly put on quite the party. They went all out with decorations and food and gifts. I know the months of planning that went into it. They really made a beautiful event that I will remember forever. This was pretty much how the whole shower felt to me. Every detail, all the food, even the presents - there was just so much thought put into each item.

Mom, Carly and I

Ok, so now I'm gushing but I just can't say enough how special it was for me. I just walked away so full, so happy with the whole thing. Check out some of the pictures and you'll see why.

The food...Caramel popcorn (my fav!)

Raspberry cupcakes - not pink for a girl, pink because of the raspberry. Just look at the toppers :)

The decor - Note all the details...the branches that Carly put together herself, the banner that is made up of Golden Stories (remember those?)


They put together a beautiful luncheon. The food was just outstanding.

And then even on top of putting the whole shower together, both Mom and Carly put together thoughtful, handmade gifts. Each item carefully selected and perfect for my nursery.

Do you not LOVE this wreath? I just died over it.

Some pictures of those who were able to attend. I didn't get pictures of all nor could I post them all but here's a few.













It just was a great day. Thanks to all who attended and for the beautiful, thoughtful gifts. They mean even more to me now that I live 2,000 miles away. Now, a part of them will become a part of our new baby's life. There were so many thoughtful things made and prepared for the shower.

I could continue to post pictures about the thoughtful gifts that were brought but I will leave it at this point. Thanks to all who came and shared in this celebration. It was so special for me.

The Biggest Bag Ever.

Are any of you Gilmore Girls watchers? Well, I just saw an episode recently where Lane's parents sent her to Korea. This is her with her huge bag. I totally felt like that.

I flew home on Tuesday. It was a good thing Heber picked me up at the airport because I had this with me...

Um, yes, that was my checked bag. It weighed in at 50 pounds exactly. It goes up to Heber's hip. It's huge.

It was carrying all of this...


The first thing Heb did when we walked in the door was to take out and examine each item. He loved them all and so did I.

Shower post coming soon.

The Itinerary

What a whirlwind couple of weeks. I am exhausted.

Before I left VA, I put together a trip itinerary (are you surprised? Didn't think so). Heber just laughed when he saw it and said that it was pretty intense. Ok, ok, so it was intense. I just didn't want to miss anything.

In just a day I will return home to Hebe. For that, I am quite thankful. I miss him. But as I leave and look back on the past couple of weeks, there have been so many happy experiences. Too many to write about. So for my memory, I'll just put in a list.

I loved hanging out at the Palmer's. Campfire up Green Canyon and new 4-wheeler. Yes! Graedy's new shoes song. Best ever.



Watching the lightning show with Tami and James - I only wish we had more time together!

Talking to Richelle at church

Lunch with Arica and Garrett. Sandwiches and conversation.

All the Millward's coming to see me.

The Pike party - really good food this year.

Shopping at Taiwan Imports with Mom L.

Tea party with Stephanie

The Black Pearl with Janette - I have not laughed so hard in a long time. Thanks for being my buddy.

Lunch with Co - I so miss my dancing buddies.

Aggie ice cream with Josie and Sydney

Dinner with the Green's - Oh my homemade rolls and steak. Yummy!

Putting together bedding and such for our new baby

Wheeler Farm with Austin, Meg and Noah (and my first REI baby gift)

Shopping in Park City with Mom and Dad

And the best shower ever (this merits it's own post or two).

So many highlights. I was afraid that when I arrived in back in Utah and especially Logan, I would feel sad. Sad that we'd left, sad that my life wasn't there anymore. But I didn't feel that way at all. When I pulled into town two weeks ago, I felt very clearly that it wasn't the place we should be. That my life is now in VA. But what I came away with is feelings of friendship and love. It was great.