Easter 2016

This Easter was a beautiful one. The weather couldn't have been better. My visiting teachers came to visit before church and I was so delighted to have visiting teachers again! As I walked to church (one of my favorite things about switching to the conventional ward) I just took in all the springtime beauty around me. I few of the trees had blossoms and the flowers in people's yards were so cheery. Church itself was everything I would have expected it to be, but somehow it was better than normal. I was just so happy to be there. Even sitting by myself. I was so grateful to listen to the sacrament prayers and to think about Jesus Christ and his life and sacrifice. About the covenants I have made and the authority that makes those covenants valid on earth and in heaven. Listening to the talks and thinking about the places Christ walked and people he interacted with made this Easter a little more personal for me.
I didn't even mind staying for the rest of church all by myself, which is usually an internal battle for me. And I didn't end up being by myself anyway.
Easter has given me so much. It essentially has given me my life. It has given me my eternal family. It has given me the opportunity to live each day new and become better than I was yesterday. It has given me the knowledge that there is always someone who understands me perfectly. It was given me power over the fear of death. Comfort in knowing that through our darkest Fridays, Sunday will come.

He is risen. Praise be his name forever.

Dating

Dating has to be one of the most discouraging things in life. If you no longer find yourself in this situation in life, count your blessings. I know marriage is hard, but dating really bites. I've yet to meet a divorced person who says "man I'm glad to be back in the dating scene again".

Whining over.

Friendly faces

Yesterday I decided to go to the YSA break the fast instead of the MSA break the fast. It was a rough day sitting in the family ward by myself so I opted to go to a place where I was guaranteed to be with people that I knew. What a great decision it was! I was reminded that I have friends! And I have people who love me. Granted there are still those people who don't remember meeting me (even after 6 times) but there are those who were so happy to see me, gave me a hug, asked how things were going and were genuinely interested in my life. It was a good reminder that, while change is good, there is something to be said for the safe and unchanging.
I know I made the right decision going to the family ward, but it doesn't make the transition any easier. Going to the YSA activity helped me remember that I am always surrounded by friends, I just have to reach out a little bit.

Julia and Sterling

The last two months have flown by. 4 trips to Idaho (a visit, a quilting trip, bridal shower and a wedding), 1 weekend of my parents visiting me, 83 hours of quilting, 6 seasons of Road to Avonlea, 1 sneaky trip out the window,  at least a dozen movies, too much sugar, not enough sleep, freezing weather, nice weather, 50 miles run, starting school, hours of homework, hours of reading, a full time job, a new ward, a new calling, a new house, new nephew, new brother in law, it's really been jam packed.

A weekend that had the potential to be very difficult for me, really wasn't so bad. It was actually fairly fun. I got into Idaho Thursday night to go to my sisters bachelorette party. We went to dinner, did a scavenger hunt and opened presents.

Something blue

It was simple and fun. I had to sleep on the floor since all beds and couches were taken(or so I thought), which wasn't fun.
I made a quick trip to the temple on Friday morning since I usually go on Thursdays and got to stop by and see Denae and her new little baby real quick. In the hour I was there I managed to make her 3 year old cry but apparently I didn't do enough damage that he didn't want me to come in a see all his puzzles and play a game with him.

Friday afternoon was spent at the church setting up for the reception. It took the better part of 7 hours with everyone pulling their weight. David was on the ladder for a couple hours in the center directing things outward, me and Uncle Benny going around the edges, the Kevin joining in on the action. Mom was directing things in all directions, Julie came later and was the be all end all and what she said went. Her and I spent some time raiding classrooms for tables. Dad, Matthew, Daniel and Dustyn did whatever they were told. Rebecca and Eddie were also happy to do whatever was asked. By the end of the night we were all tired and sore and very very cranky.
With the average 1:00 a.m. bedtime, Saturday morning came too early for everyone. The house was a bustle of people getting ready.

I made it to the temple with Grandma right on time. A little drama with Grandma's temple recommend was quickly resolved and we were all waiting to go into the sealing room. It was nice to see so many people I knew there to support Julia and Sterling.I had to look away when Julia and Sterling came in the room. And when the sealer started talking I really had a hard time. When Julie started crying I really had to fight back the tears, but overall I think I came out alright. I only went through a few tissues and didn't even have to touch up my makeup.
The pictures were probably one of the most miserable wedding pictures experiences I've ever had. Rexburg in February is not the ideal time to be outside taking pictures. It was 34 degrees, overcast and WINDY. It was SO stinkin' cold.

After pictures we headed to the church for the luncheon. Julie's MTC companion Rebecca let me sit with them and really I think she saved my sanity throughout everything. Her positive attitude toward me and the wedding was the extra boost I needed to not lose it. :)

We had a little break between the luncheon and the reception. I tried to take a nap, but it was more of a break from wearing nylons than anything else. At 5 we headed back to the church to finish things up. It was beautiful and there were lots of people. Pictures at the reception didn't go quite as planned, but I think overall it was a success.

The photo booth was loads of fun.

 I don't know that I was really much help at the actual reception. I hung out with Danizza, then Katie and her girls and then Emmily. It was fun to see my own friends who I hadn't seen in a long time.

 We decorated their car at the last minute and then sent them on their way. We had a decent clean up crew, with Sterling's mom, dad and brother helping out. The take down and clean up only took about 3 hours and again we were all tired, sore and cranky by the end. The only person who made it to church the next day was dad. I might have made it if Jon and Louisa hadn't stopped by in the morning, but that's debatable. I was pretty tired and never got dressed. I drove back to Utah in my pajamas. :) Overall it was a lovely weekend and I think both Julia and Sterling were happy with how things turned out.