The Best Kind of Busy

I remember at one time in my life thinking, "When I don't have to work anymore and I am just home with my kids, life will slow down." Now I know why every mom around me was laughing. It seems that since Max came, life has just been a whirlwind and I've never been busier.

As if parenthood in and of itself doesn't keep you busy enough, Ryan and I have both had very rewarding but very busy callings serving in the Elders Quorum and YW presidencies for over a year. Between his weekly meetings and special assignments from the bishop and my mutual activities, youth conference, and girls camp, we happily served and happily relished our 3 days a week we had to spend with each other.

About a month ago, our ward split and Ryan was called as the new EQ president of a brand new ward. We are excited for this opportunity for him to serve and while I dearly miss my calling in the YW, I am grateful for my new "Sunday only" calling as the Nusery Coordinator.

I must say I have such an appreciation for those families who have fathers and husbands serving in the bishoprics. And as much as I would like to have more evenings with my husband, I know that the Lord gives us blessings that are reserved for those who willingly sacrifice so much time for the church. Months ago, Ryan and I were both having one of those complaining moments, feeling like we were just being spread too thin. It didn't take long before we both realized we had better shut our mouths and repent, and always give thanks for the opportunities we had been given to serve.

While we are busy, it's a good busy. It's a happy busy. It's a fulfilling busy. Indeed, it's the best kind of busy.

10 years already?

Friends Forever

I had mixed feelings at first about going to my 10 year reunion. I really only have a handful of close friends from high school and luckily for me, I've had the opportunity to see most of them in the last 5 years. However, I knew that this might be the only opportunity for us all to be together in one place at one time so my very sweet husband consented that our summer vacation would be spent in in New Mexico and in Eagar, AZ (population less than 10,000).The Girls-clockwise: Me, Kacey, Trinity, Jo, Heather, Sarah Slade, Sarah Smith, middle:Savana
As Ryan grew up in Tooele, a short 45 minute drive from us, I have had the opportunity to meet many of his friends and see and hear about much of where he grew up, went to school, worked, etc. I was excited to share that with him. Trinity--my best friend & Class 0f 1998 President= organizer of 10 year reunion

Although I only spent the last year 1/2 of my high school career in AZ, it was the most influential time of my life. There is no doubt in my mind that the 6 people I called best friends in high school have helped shape who I am today and where I am today. I will forever be grateful for them.Rusty, Payne, Bryce, Lee, Kacey, Me
I think Ryan was pleasantly surprised as we approached Eagar. When I say that I graduated in AZ, I think people automatically assume it's a desert. But as we drove through the pines at 8,000 feet, he could understand why I loved it so much. Round Valley is a little secret oasis to me. My "Guy" friends: Payne, Bryce, Rusty
It was so fun to reunite with the gang, to see how we have all moved on but how we all still cherish so many memories and especially the friendships we made. I loved seeing my friends with their spouses and with their kids. We've all made it and while most of us have moved away (and some have moved back), I think it's safe to say our roots will forever be in Round Valley. My closest girls

Max loves GRAMS!

Max with his Great-Gram

As much as I wanted to live in denial, the fact that my 10 year HS reunion was held over the 4th of July weekend in Eagar, AZ was proof enough that I am indeed old, well older than I used to be. Ryan and I decided to make a vacation of sorts out of it and go to New Mexico first so that we all could spend some time with Gram.

Max on his first airplane ride

There was no way that we were going to be 4 hours from Gram and not stop in for a few days. We were so glad that we did. It was nice to have her all to ourselves for two days. Max acclimated himself very well to Gram's house and especially all her trinkets. He was in heaven with all that room to run around in. It didn't take him too long to warm up to Gram. She figured him out pretty quickly; all you have to do to be friends with Max is take him outside or take him to see a dog. Max loved throwing bread and marshmallows to Gram's dog Sadie each night. Gram of course was the perfect hostess and made her special breakfasts and burritos for Ryan and I. We were so glad that we got to spend some time visiting with Aunt Jo and with WC who had just drove in from San Diego for the 4th.

WC shows Max his "toys"

We also got to take Max to the cemetery to see Dad's grave. Although we were only there for a short time, it meant so much to me to be with extended family and to have Max get some one on one time with his great-Gram.Max & Mommy at my Dad's grave

Gram, Max, Me & W.C.

Life's a Dance

A few weeks ago, Jolea's little girl Sarah had her first dance recital. Carrie and her family came down as did my Mom and Eli. We had such a great time being together for the weekend. Jolea's new little one was blessed and we enjoyed the short few days we all had to spend time with eachother.