Last Girls Night

A while ago we started a Thursday night girls jacuzzi night. It's been fabulous to get together, kid-free to talk and relax. I don't know why we didn't start it sooner then we did. One week, the girls surprised me early and we went and got some Yogurtland to celebrate my half-birthday, since Melissa has always felt bad we didn't celebrate my real birthday. Funny girl! It was fun to eat frozen yogurt and jacuzzi. 

Since I'm moving soon, and Melissa was taking off back home to Arizona for a month before I left, we had one last girls night together. We went and got Yogurtland again, and then did the jacuzzi. I took my camera, and of course we didn't take pictures while we were all dry and still cute, so Melissa called Craig (her husband) down to get some pictures of us in the jacuzzi. Pretty brave of us, I know! We added one extra person to our group that night, Chelsea, who was there staying with Melissa (Chelsea's husband was friends with Melissa's husband growing up) for a few days finding a place to live, as her husband will be starting dental school. She's a nice girl, and I'm sad I won't have the chance to get to know her. 

 Me (Shaila), Britany, Shayla, Melissa, and Chelsea

(Have I ever mentioned before that I have a friend Shayla, isn't that fun! Her family moved in like the week after us and everyone was so confused, especially since they're last name is Matthews. Everyone had us confused and our husbands confused. In fact, just a few months ago, after Shayla's husband Todd talked in church, someone came up to Matt and told him how good his talk was. Matt was all confused until he realized he was talking about Todd. Ha! Sorry about the tangent, just had to blog it!)

 We thought we would try and take a "fun" picture too. Haha, at least it was fun taking it!

Just had to post this as I love Melissa's cute face in it! I miss her already!

I'm so sad, that I'm leaving these great friends behind, they have been my So Cal family, and I'm going to miss them so much. I'm sad that I've only had a year to enjoy hanging with them, which has actually been less then that, since it takes time to foster friendships. I hope that I can find some new friends that make me feel just as loved in our new home. I love you girls and I miss you already!

DWTS!

The day before Mandy came into town, my friend Melissa called me and asked me if we'd want to go to Dancing With The Stars with her. She'd gotten 4 tickets and wanted both Mandy and I to go, along with our other friend Shayla. (Yes I have a friend Shayla! She moved into the ward right after me and people were forever getting us confused.) We were all so excited to go. We got babysitters for the kids, well Mandy and I had our husbands on kid duty, and we went for a glamorous night of fun. We had to be there by a certain time, and with traffic, we made it by the skin of our teeth, and I mean, we took our heels off and ran! Ha! We were officially the last in line for the night, though they were taking others in after us. We had to stand in this line for almost two hours. Here we are waiting in line all glammed out, though you can't tell with my self portrait of us. 

 Melissa, Shayla, Mandy and Me (Shaila) picture courtesy of my iPhone

We couldn't believe how many people were in line before us, and we started getting worried that we wouldn't make it in. They don't start filing everyone in until like right before it starts. Well in the end, we didn't get to go.  Apparently they had a van full of VIP's show up last minute. We were soooo disappointed. The only upside was since we didn't get in, Melissa could get priority tickets for another showing which guaranteed a seat. I just felt so bad that Mandy wouldn't have another chance and that it had taken a day away from their vacation. We did have some fun girl time though and went to Cheesecake Factory their in Hollywood, which was fabulous!

Melissa was able to get her priority tickets, and it ended up being on a day that Shayla couldn't go either. We were so sad she couldn't go with us. Melissa asked one of the YW in our ward, Brooke, and her mom to go instead. 

Brooke, Vicky, Melissa and me

It was such a fabulous night. There were so many VIP's again that we had to sit up in the balcony, which was a little disappointing, since we of course were hoping to get on camera, but they probably were better seats to see the action. I wore my voice out from yelling so much and gave myself a headache. It was fun to see live, although you can't here the hosts really at all. The stage set was way smaller then I'd imagined, as the wide angle cameras must make it look a lot bigger. I'm glad I had this once in a lifetime opportunity while I lived here. It was so fun! I also yelled at my favorite dancer, Maks, and told him I loved him! Ha! I don't really love him, but I didn't know what else to say to get his attention so I could wave to him. I just think he's very attractive and an incredible dancer. Thank you Melissa for inviting me to go with you! 

(Wish we could have gotten more pictures, but they don't allow cameras or phones onto the set! )

Girls Night Out Surprise

The weekend after Time Out for Women, Matt let me go on yet another girls' night out. (Isn't he just the best husband in the world? He is!) A few weeks before that my friend Korbi wanted to surprise my sil Melanie and take her out. Milo and Mel moved down to the "Cities" last December, and had to leave all their good friends behind. So Korbi was so sweet and wanted to get some of us together to take Mel out. Korbi texted Milo for weeks getting it all planned out. Melanie and Kathryn had a mother/daughter activity at church, so we got to the house and waited to surprise her. Milo and the boys had to entertain for quite a while, since Mel stalling to come home, stayed after the activity to talk for a while! Ha!

We surprise her and drug her out on the town. And on the town to us means, going to Red Robin! Actually one of my favorite places to eat. I can not get enough of their garlic parmesan french fries. YUMMY! We talked laughed, teased our waiter and stayed out way too late. We got Mel home before midnight, but then we had to drive all the way back to Moses Lake. It was so fun though! We better do it again!

Before we left, we had to take a few pictures of us with the bird. Not sure if he has a name, but we're friends with him now. Mel, Kortni and I in the front, Jade and Korbi in the back!
The girl was quite surprised by my cameras continuous shooting mode and had a hay day with it. So I was just cracking up at her. I love Korbi kissing our new friend (sorry Stephen, I tried to control her!).
Here's the cute girl that planned it all! She loved me sitting across the table taking pictures of her, and I thought this was a perfect one!

Time Out for Women 2010

The last day of April and the first day of May, Time Out for Women came to Spokane for the weekend. Some of the girls in my family were able to make a girls weekend out of it and go. I love TOFW, it's always so uplifting and so what I need. I always leave feeling energized and ready to recommit to be a better mother, wife, daughter, women. (Then I go home and the next day it's just me again!) This year was no different. I so enjoyed the girl time. (I also enjoyed going without a newborn, not having to nurse or pump in the parking lot, and not being prego. It may have been the first time for that.)

I rode over with my mom, sister-in-law Holli and my sweet Auntie LaVoy, who was kind enough to do the driving for us. We met up with my sister Brianne and sister-in-law Melanie there as well. Aunt LaVoy hates her picture taken, so I take every opportunity I can get to take it for her. I think she will appreciate this, I personally love it!
Holli and I enjoying our ride in the backseat.
Here we all are at the Friday night event. Brianne, Aunt LaVoy, Me, Holli, Melanie, and Mom.

(Photo courtesy of Melanie. Thanks!)

My oh so beautiful mother whom I love and adore. She really is the best mother a girl could ask for. I'm gonna miss her someday when I move away from her!
Here's an oh so crappy picture of me, Holli and Brianne, but for some reason I guess I needed to share it anyways.
All four times that TOFW has gone to Spokane, we have been able to work at the event. It started out all the years ago with Mel hearing they needed team members and I think me, Melanie and mom all worked it that first year, then we added Brianne and LaVoy later. It's come a long ways since the first event, and is so much better. It's so fun to be able to be a part of the team that promotes it and gets to help out. This year I worked at the registration table. Holli had my camera and took this lovely picture of me. Although my ISO was turned all the way up, so it's one noisy picture!
Jenny Oaks Baker is an amazing violinist! Loved listening to her play.
Mariama Kallon was my favorite speaker of the weekend. She shared with us the terrible trials she went through that led her to the church during a civil war in her country. She made me cry so many tears for her and all that she went through, and yet she has an amazing testimony and an incredible story of hope. She makes you realize that your trials are nothing compared to what she went through. I'm thankful for my small trials!
We had to get a picture with her and tell her how incredible she is. Mel, Mariama, Holli and I.

(Photo courtesy of Melanie. Thanks!)

Since Aunt LaVoy hates pictures, I really try to sneak pictures of her. I snuck away from our group when we were in line for lunch so I could get this. She didn't see me run off! Haha! Love you Aunt LaVoy! You know I do!
Mom and Aunt LaVoy's assignment for TOFW was timing the speakers and keeping us on schedule. They got to sit in the very front row and sit amongst all the speakers. They became great friends with some of these women that spoke. Mom sat next to Mariama and after she told her story, she had to have a picture with her.
The other musical performers were Mercy River. They are fun to listen to with their great harmonies.
Thanks for the weekend girls! I love you all! I had a blast staying up until 2:30 am while the old ladies slept in the next room! Can we have another one in like 3 weeks when Leisha gets back home!?! We missed you Leish! You can fill in for me next time, because I'm sure I won't be there!

Which Witch is Which?

My mom hosted her 2nd Annual Witch Party on Halloween afternoon. This is the only way I get dressed up for Halloween. We all met at her house and shared our favorite concoction and chatted.

Here are the drinks choices we had to choose from.
A had coming out of the spinach dip.
Spinach wraps
Yummy pear cake with caramel frosting...I think. It's been a while!
Rolls to go along with the pumpkin stew and mexican chowder. Yummy! I of course had to have both, I love soup!
Some more wraps, and string cheese fingers.
Eyeball brownies. So much good food, more that I didn't document, and lots of fun.
Mel looking all cute and witchy!
Witch sisters, Leisha's baby did the dressing up for her. We all look a little silly, but that's us! Apparently the hat was making me feel like I couldn't get very close.
Leisha is going to kill me! She just has the cutest little prego belly. I just want to rub it and try and feel the baby. I love pregos!
My mom and I talked Cynthia in going on my birthday. She wore my costume from last year and looked adorable. Her polynesian hair was perfect witch hair!
Brianne looking rather hot!
The hosting witch, with her lovely zebra hat. I love that hat. The same one she had to sport on her birthday.
This is right after Aunt LaVoy demonstrated her banshee scream! Man, she can really freak you out. I love her and Leisha cracking it up. It's a little blurry for some reason, but I had to post it. Everyone just looked at her, my mom just said "LaVoy!!!", and they were right back to their conversation. We thought it was hilarious!
Mom has lots of Halloween decorations. It was so fun to see all the witch hats everywhere.
She also has some cute pictures of witch's around the house. I think this is adorable.
This one is in the bathroom, love it!
Mel and I taking a breather together, putting the old feet up. I love her stockings, I wanted some cute ones, but didn't look early enough, but my boots would have covered them up anyways.
A self portrait, with all my black lipstick worn off from all the good eats. I look pretty freaky, let me tell you!
The whole crew that was there.
Cynthia and I, although I look rather retarded. Not sure what I'm doing with my bum!
GraMimi with her little witch granddaughters. How fun for them.
Thanks for the fun times mom! Hope I can make it to other witch party's to come!

Father's Day Weekend

We started our Father's Day weekend watching Uncle Jeff play in a soccer tournament at the Stake Center. Winston has started this thing the last few months of holding his hands behind his back. It is so cute!
Quinn and Winston were more interested in playing then watching a soccer game.
Jeff, on the right, and his friend Ryan after the game.
Jeff thinks he's cool. We let him think he is! Haha, just kidding Jeff, we love you and miss you!!
Father's day was such a good day. I was really wanting to do a post on all the father's in my life. I was really emotional the week leading up to Father's Day, really missing my dad and thinking of all the great men I have in my life. It never got written, and now all those great emotions I was having, are gone!

For the first time ever, I decided to go to Quincy cemetery and visit my dad. If that's what you can call it. I went to sacrament and right after left. I even talked my big bro Milo to come along with me. We had a great time visiting about dad and even crying a little together. I love my dad and miss him so much! I know he knows the woman I am today and is proud of me. Families are forever!!

That evening we headed over to celebrate with our Pop! He's been a wonderful father in my life.
For his birthday he requested a grilling apron, since I didn't have time to make it before then, I did it for father's day instead. It' turned out very cute!
Although I went to church early, I did let Matt sleep in until I left! I even gave him my sleeping mask to use! Isn't he so cute in it!
I also had a chance to go out with Melanie and practice our photography.



My camera eventually died, dang it! So Mel made me be her model to practice. Since I knew it wasn't a real photo shoot, was comfortable and relaxed. Mel ended up getting probably the best pictures of my life. I am not photogenic, but she made me look like I am!

The reason why we wanted to go and play, was Mel was asked if she would take some pictures for a wedding. She talked me into doing it with her, so I was her side kick, getting all the background shots. We had a great time acting like we knew what we were doing, visiting, eating PF Changs and doing a little shopping. A few of the MANY pictures I took. I have a lot of editing to do, but no time to do it!