Only in Kansas!

So, on my way home from Texas, I had a pit stop in the Kansas City Airport. It was the smallest airport that I have ever been in and I was there for three hours! Yikes! I saw a few things that helped me to pass the time and I thought they were pretty funny...check it out.... Apparently, Toto got sick of Oz and decided to go home to Kansas.

What the t-shirt actually says is, From the Desk of Toto: "Dear Dorothy, Hate Oz, took the shoes, find your own way home!"- Toto

And the other thing that I thought was interesting was this tornado shelter...

Looks like Dorothy was here! Only in Kansas! :)

Visit to Texas

I had a very enjoyable time in Texas during the month of February! I flew to Dallas, Texas on February 13th to see my cute brother Jeff and his darling little family. I was there just a short time but it was so well worth it! I got there on a Friday night and Jeff picked me up at the airport. Ashley greeted us when we got to their home and I was given a fun tour of their cute house. They seriously have it decorated so cute! I love the pictures that they got at the time of their wedding that they have on their walls. What a cute family! It was late and so we just went to bed. The next day we woke up bright and early and went and saw Ty and Charlie in their swimming lessons. Charlie was lucky and ended up being the only child in his class that day so he got the attention of his teacher all to himself. Can I even tell you how cute these little guys are? Love them! After swimming we went to lunch at a really yummy sushi place. It was delish! We then went back to their house and hung and out and played with the boys. We also got to go and see my cousin Dave's son, Austin, play in a basketball game. It was so fun to see Dave and Tiff and their cute family! They have been so good to Jeff and Ashley since they moved down to Texas. That night we had yummy subs from Firehouse Subs. They were also scrumptious! Once we got the boys to bed, Jeff, Ashley and I played some fun games of Clue and Skip Bo. In fact, they inspired me and when I returned to Washington I bought these games so that I can continue to have some fun. Especially with the "POISON" that is used in Clue. Thanks for the laughs, guys! On Sunday, we went to church and I was lucky enough to be at sacrament meeting when the Primary was singing. It was Charlie's first time ever to sing in sacrament meeting. It was neat to be there. Then, to top it all off, I got to be in Primary when Ty gave a talk on the importance of the priesthood in their family. It was very special to be there as Jeff helped his little boy give a talk...of course, Ashley deserves the props for preparing the talk and Ty for the big event. After church, we drove to the Dallas temple. It was neat to be able to see it. We then went to Dave and Tiff's for dinner and some good family bonding time. On Monday, I had to go home way too soon. Jeff took me and got some yummy BBQ on the way to the airport. I definitely was spoiled. A big shout out and thank you to Jeff, Ashley, Ty and Charlie! Love you!!!

Weekend in Westport

My friends and I had a total blast in Westport, Washington in the month of March. We drove down to the coast on a Friday night and then returned on Saturday night. It was a quickie but a goodie for sure!!! I drove down with Jessica, Bryan, Wayne and Rach. When we got to Westport we were shocked at how small the town was. It was crazy! We somehow managed to find a local diner still open and enjoyed some "Award Winning Chowder." Yum! We were also serenaded by Melina Kastle. She played the piano and sang for us. It felt like our own private concert! Later that night we hooked up with the rest of the gang- Lindsay, Wendy, Stephanie and Tyler. We rented a house that came straight out of the 70's. It was full of "disco fever." It was nice to be in a house, though, cause then we all got our own beds. We played a lot of games that night and just had a great time being together. The next day, our fearless surfers went to the Surf Shop and got all geared up for a day on the ocean. Lindsay, Wayne and Bryan all got in their body suits and waxed down their surfboards for a little "Surfin' USA." The rest of us watched for a little bit but it was way too cold for sunbathing that day. So, we went and explored Westport, Washington. It is SO small! We managed to come across a little museum...that was closed. We also enjoyed some homemade fish and chips. It was just nice to be together and to relax a bit! Loved it ! Thanks, team, for a fun time!

My Brother's Wedding

Something that I have been wanting to post for a while is my brother's wedding. Jeffrey was married to Ashley on November 15, 2008 in the Salt Lake Temple. It was an amazing weekend for us all. It started out with a fabulous wedding dinner at the Joseph Smith Memorial Building the night before. Some of the pictures below are from that dinner. The next day was the wedding. The weather was beautiful...although it was a bit on the chilly side. I am so excited to have Ashley as my new sister and Ty and Charlie as my nephews. They are the perfect addition to our family. I have posted alot of the pictures below from that special weekend. Hope you enjoy! :)

My Soul Delighteth in Simple Pleasures

Hey everyone! I have been asked to speak at the Kent Stake Womens Conference on January 31st. I have been preparing and studying materials in order to do this. I have thought about all the small and simple things in my life that seem to make a difference. I am just curious as to what small and simple pleasures you are grateful for. Would love some feedback and insights! You guys are awesome!

Sister Julie B. Beck: Woman of God

I have had an amazing experience this past weekend. Sister Julie B. Beck, the Relief Society General President, visited the Seattle area. She spoke to just the sisters on Saturday night and then she spoke to everyone (both brothers and sisters) last night. Her husband, Ramon, tagged along with her and was also very inspiring. They make a great couple! Her overall message was to "live after the manner of happiness." Sometimes that is a hard thing to do. But, as we begin to recognize the blessings that we receive from being members of the church, it becomes a bit easier. She talked about the scope of the church and all the good that it does...humanitarian service, education, missionary work, temples, etc. She talked about questions that we all should ask ourselves as we strive to build the kingdom... *Whom do I serve and what do they have to do? Jesus Christ and our Heavenly Father. Moses 1:39. Make covenants and receive ordinances and help others to do the same. *How can I help? Believe, repent, teach, be an example, share the gospel, do temple work. *How am I going to know if I am doing a good job? Are you happy? Do you feel the spirit? Do you love who you are serving? *How am I going to go about doing the Lord's work? What are our specific responsibilities and callings that we need to magnify? Are we magnifying our discipleship? She also shared stories of faithful women from around the world. All very inspiring. I know that the Lord called Sister Beck to lead the women of the church at this time. She is a very inspired woman who speaks with boldness and who teaches by the spirit. It was awesome to listen to her this weekend! I am grateful!