Feeling grateful and sad and all around blessed.

(July 2010. When I see this picture I see so much happiness in my face; it was always like that in his presence. Michael, me, President and Sister Wright)

The world lost a righteous and bright spirit today. This man had a capacity to love that compared to none other. His faith, hard work and sacrifice have surely secured him a spot where only the best of the best have access. Even in his dying days he continued to teach me via his obedient and submissive spirit. I love him and will forever be changed because I was blessed to know him. 

This man served as the president of the Russia Moscow South mission when I was a missionary there from 1997-1999. President Wright taught me things that continue to affect my life choices and my resolve each day to be the best I can be. I feel extremely grateful to have known him and sad that his family will be separated from him for a time. Surely his supreme goodness has already been put to work on the other side; he wouldn't have it any other way. For someone who possessed the talent of passing on Heavenly Father's love, I'm sure it was a splendid reunion to be in His arms again.

You'll be dearly missed President Wright, до встречи!

Smile Inducing Spots

 My new TOMS! Love them. They're bright, comfy and bring a ray of sunshine to any outfit I pair them with. Plus, I did good in the world by buying them. I love a philanthropist-corporate mindset.

 Mr. E's creations! Aren't they great? He received them as a b-day gift in the mail (thanks, aunt Laura!) and within 5 minutes of them arriving he had all the supplies laid out on the table and was working away for a good hour or so. We have a knight, a king, a dragon and a lady in distress.

 Another Mr. E creation. Love this little face that stares at me from my kitchen window sill. He made it at school and we continue to water it to watch the grass grow and grow. Such a cute little chia-pet-like addition for the family!

 My photo/fame/wall collage is finally done and hung! Man, I'm not gonna lie, this project was a pain in the you-know-what. It doesn't look it, but there were many hours of frustration. First, the paint wouldn't adhere & I had to do about 42 coats. Then as I finished up filling the last frame the glass broke & I had to buy another one. Finally I put them where I originally wanted them & I didn't like them there! Alas, I'm very happy with where they ended up. Yay for home projects that actually get done. :)

A better view of how it looks in the house.

What's making you smile & bringing you happiness today??

seven years

How have seven years gone by since this?

and this?

and this?

 

These pictures make me cry tears of joy and sadness all at once. Joy because I'm so glad I experienced it once and sadness because I'd do anything to do it again (in case I have not made it crystal clear, infertility sucks!)

Love this boy and all that he means in my life.

Can you believe it? A 7 year-old Mr. E??

Happy birthday to the most loved, imaginative and talkative 7 year-old on the planet!

My birthday got Jimmered

 And that's just the way I wanted it. Two days before my b-day my friend called to say that 2 people in their group dropped out of the chance to go to the BYU game in Denver & she wanted to know if I wanted the tickets. Of course!

 

My Dad and I took off early on the 17th to drive to Denver (Michael's not much of a basketball fan so I naturally invited my Dad who's been a fan forever). Seven hours later we were there & were waiting in line outside the Pepsi Center. This is where I was standing when TJ Fredette (Jimmer's older brother) walked by. I said hi to him as if we were old friends. No one in my group recognized him. Only after he was gone did they make the connection. We laughed about it all night.

We were lucky to get in by the time the game started. Many others didn't.

 

It was a smooth, thrilling, energetic and really fun trip! Middle age poses little opportunity to be impulsive, so I was glad my 36th year started out in such a spontaneous fashion. Hope it's a sign for one fantastic year.

 

My friend Kristi and I. We've known each other since we were in kindergarten. Crazy that we're now in our mid-thirites prime of life!

busy, busy + cyber fever

I started a job about 2 months ago & it keeps me at my computer for 3-4 hours a day. It's been fun and I like it, but when my work day is over I want and need to walk away from my computer for good {This is especially evident since I started this post as a draft over 2 weeks ago}. Hence, light blogging of late. But the truth is, I kind of miss this little blog of mine. On top of that, I have about 2 dozen projects going on simultaneously. This should give you an idea of what I'm doing around here:

Some major organizing**Selecting a new bedroom color**Finding new pieces for the house

Lots of fun things going on. Lots of changes. Can't wait to talk about all of them!

Dress up as your favorite character from a book

Today at school Mr. E was able to dress up as his favorite character from a book. He chose Bad Kitty.

We honestly threw this together in 10 minutes before school because I spaced it after he went to bed last night--even after he had given me specific instructions on how to build the costume. But, he loved the final result so we're all happy!

Font love

A site with 40 free fonts. What is your favorite?