AAP: dividing and conquering

I suppose it's time to come to terms with the latest events 'round these parts.  Cookie and Gilly have both decided to serve missions for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I am so so proud of them and their decision to serve the lord.  They are going to be the BEST missionaries and bring the happiness, hope, and comfort that the Gospel provides for us into the homes of many.  Throughout high school and college they have constantly helped me maintain my own testimony. These girls are incredible.  I'm going to miss them terribly, however I am most certain we will be on a very frequent writing schedule.  We're also thinking of doing a "sisterhood of the traveling cardigan" best idea, right?  details to follow.

The reese's pieces will very shortly be scattered across the U.S. preaching the good word.  

To my main gals, cookie and Gill:  i love you, i love you, i love you.  Go be the darnedest/cutest things to hit Washington and Texas.  Find the people who are ready to hear your message--they are waiting.  I will be here, praying for you and supporting you the best I know how.  A year and a half can't be that long right?  here's to much growth, missionary service, and your wonderful friendship.  Remember, your husbands are going to get more attractive each time you pray....so just pray a lot :) 

And i'm already planning the reunion of the RP's in Nov of 2014 It includes HMD and PC. 

and then she was content...

source

True happiness comes from, of course, OJ and a good flannel Tee.  and of course a lot of other things.... but mostly these.   Happy tuesday, and may your tuesday feel like a thursday.  cheers.

cabin love

Nothing says Happy Presidents day better then a weekend retreat.... in the mountains...with the best of friends. Our place of gathering?  Oakley, UT.  Oakley is just about 15 minutes away from my cabin so I am absolutely obsessed with that area.  Driving through Oakley is Nostalgic.  I apologize to Ky who had to put up with all of my "one times...."  we passed by a trail that the whole Hewlett crew would ride our bikes on.  A gas station caught my eye and a vague memory formed of all of us-post bike ride filling up on candy and drinks.  off topic much??

Everyone met in Kamas at Hi Mountain for lunch.  I'm such a sucker for small town burger places.  It's my absolute favorite.  It was such a beautiful day!  blue skies and t-shirt weather is always a plus in February.

It was perfect weather for some snow shoeing with these lovely ladies.  I always forget how fun it is.  and not to mention the workout it is. 

The cabin we stayed at was like the cabin you read about in romance novels....to a T. perfect and tiny with the sound of crackling fire in the distance and giggling friends huddled together in warmth. 

we finally gathered everyone together amid the snowmobile riding, toboggan pulling, show shoeing, exploring, and cabin relaxing for a group pic.  Today I am thankful for beautiful mountains.  

and now back to reality.  I know you're supposed to "find joy in the Journey" but I am really looking forward to some spring break beach playing.  But that will come soon enough.  

family, isn't it about time?

I can honestly say that I have the best family and friends in the whole world.  And I absolutely love weekends when I can see all of my very most favorite people.  Friday night I joined up with some friends in Sandy and went rock climbing all night long!

Sat morning I interviewed for Oakcrest. Now I can say that I have had a interview where it started and ended with hugging, guys the church is true. Interviews with 15 middle aged women who just think you are the cutest are the best kind of interviews.

J/J and I then all went to Orem where half of my family currently resides.  I gotta cuddle up the now 2 week old peanut. I don't think I will  ever get over how incredibly perfect Adrian is. Eth is so fun and cute. After 2.5 years he has finally warmed up to everyone.  Now the little cutie won't stop hugging us.  Also I love it when he is game for a good ol wrestling match.  It was so good to see Ry,  Mag and there now fam of four. weird.

After the fun visit we drove on over to Kit and Coll's new place just around the corner.  Kit wins the award for best hostess. Let me explain.  So first of all she arranges for us all to go to BYU's Divine Comedy and gets us all tickets. SO MUCH FUN. And then we show up to her house and she has a home cooked meal prepared.  She's incredible. So when we arrived to BYU for the show I had the sudden realization that I was ruining a perfectly good date night. woops. I'm real good at that now a days.  

Divine comedy ended and we all were in need of some ice cream. mmm and when we arrived at sub zero and noticed how crowded it was the following happened. mike:  "everyone close your eyes and we'll vote. those who want to stay vs. those who want to go to the creamery."  so we left and each got our tubs of ice cream from the BYU creamery. Solid decision. 

Oh and I almost forgot to mention that the night ended with some serious gaming on the N64. And for the first time ever in my entire life I took second place in Diddy Kong.  Holler.

Sunday was full of advice for my cousin Aaron who is about to depart on his mission.  So proud of him and everybody else in my family who has decided to serve a mission.  I have the best examples. 

You would think he was older....but shockingly I am one year older. :) gonna miss this kid. 

.......and this is why i'm so blessed.