Random bits and pieces

I feel like it's been forever since I've posted, but I guess life has just kind of been normal so I didn't real feel the need. So I decided to just give some random recaps of life over the past few weeks.

When we returned from Christmas break, Michael hadn't had a hair cut in WAY too long. I planned on doing it for him over the break, but forgot my scissors back home. He was quite the shaggy dog. Here is the lovely pile when I finished off the mop:


The middle of this month we got some sad/happy news. My grandma had passed away. Sad for obvious reasons. But it was also a happy moment. She was in her 90s and her husband had passes away around 15 years ago. She often talked about how ready she was to be back with him. So it was a strange mix of emotions for me. I'd been pretty close with her. While Michael and I were at BYU we lived across the street from her. We were lucky enough to et to spend a lot of quality time with her over Christmas break since she came to live in Idaho Falls this Fall. This picture is our "Four Generations" picture.

She truly was one of the most amazing women I have ever had the privilege to know. Even in her 90s she had a quick and healthy mind. She was an author, a poet, a teacher. She was a college graduate - something rare for her day. She was unafraid to speak her mind and I always loved to listen to her wisdom. This is a thought of hers that has been published over and over. It was paraphrased in General Conference.

A small trouble is like a pebble. Hold it close to your eye, and it puts everything out of focus. Hold it at proper distance, and it can be examined and classified. Throw it at your feet, and it can be seen in its true setting, just one more tiny bump on the pathway to eternity.

The funeral itself was quite the family reunion. All of Grandma's decendents were there except one granddaughter-in-law (she's 9 months pregnant). It was wonderful to see everyone again. here's the whole group.

We flew back into LAX from Salt Lake and spent a day with Michael's family before driving home.

Last week I got to see an incredible movie and the Mormon Battalion Monument/visitor's center. It's called Joseph Smith Prophet of the Restoration. Amazing! I knew about the restoration of the LDS church as well as the next Mormon, but seeing it this way and learning about it again gave me such a greater appreciation for what those people went through.

Yesterday was a baby shower for my good friend Angela. Her son Tanner is one of Jessica's best friends. The shower was INCREDIBLE! I have never been to such a presentation! Julie and Kim - all I can say is WOW! You two did great! It was a pink, girlie, tea-party theme. So we all dressed up in our tea party best and had such a fun time!

There were cucumber sandwiches, cranberry orange scones, macaroons, pink cupcakes, fruit kabobs, cranberry almond feta salad (I could have eaten the whole bowl), sparkling pink lemonades, water with raspberry and mint ice cubes, and virgin strawberry daiquiris. YUM!

How amazing is this!?

The decorations/table settings were also a sight. Fresh flowers, Gerber Daisy napkin rings, china and crystal, and even mini nail polish party favors!

Like I said before, it was a tea party and we were instructed to dress accordingly. And what is more important than the shoes?! Carol - I want your shoes! (the green ones). I'm the red peep toe with the big red bow.

And here's the whole crew:

Well, that's our life up to this point. Be sure an look at our side bar. I've added some adorable things Jessica has been saying lately. She is quite the talker.