My Heart Is Full

I have so much to blog about. To share. To express. But here's the most recent thing in my heart. I love these women. I love that we've known each other for so long and that we care for and love each other deeply. 

Last night was the reading for Scarlet. It was incredible. Blew my mind. Michelle is probably the most talented person I have ever known. To write the script and 22 songs for a musical is just amazing. 

We stayed in a hotel last night and went to a pancake house at 2 am. We went to bed at 4:00. We all decided we are getting too old for this. But I'm sure it won't stop us from doing it again!  We all woke up at 7:30 wide awake but tired so we immediately headed out for McDonalds to get Diet Cokes. Hilarious. 

It was 36 hours filled with talking, laughter and caffeine. 

Who could ask for anything more?

Last Day

Tomorrow is Makenzie's last day of high school. It's so weird. I seriously can't believe it. Where has the time gone? It feels like she was just sitting there in Mr. Baileys 4th grade class. 

I sure love this oldest girl of mine. I'm excited to see what this next chapter in her life will bring. 

Keep On Trackin

Emma can run. Who knew? We certainly didn't before track started. She's a freshman and made the varsity team. She competed in 4 events this season, long jump, triple jump, 200 meter and 4x100 relay. She had never done any of these events before the track season started and ended up doing really well in all four. We are super proud of how hard she worked.

Beginnings and Endings

Last night was the first of several events marking the end or beginning. Depends on how you look at it. The end of Makenzies childhood years. The beginning of the rest of her life.

Is she prepared? I hope so.

Is she ready? I know she thinks so.

And I hope so.

There is this blog I read and when thus writers daughter graduated her blog was filled with all sorts of things she had done for her.
A personalized cookbook with all her favorite recipes.
An over the top awesome graduation party.
A graduation trip to Europe
Adorable thank you gifts for teachers.

And I thought....I'm going to do that.

And I've done NONE of it. And now as I'm in the midst of things I've decided that she must be a superhero with some kind of magical powers. I can barely remember to keep putting money in my children's lunch accounts through the end of the year.

But even though there is no big party or cookbook or thank you gifts I am soooo hoping she knows I care. I hope she knows that this is a big deal. And I love her.

And I will miss her. A lot.

So on we go this week and next with more of our endings/beginnings.

Signed & Sealed

Our oldest is graduating from high school. It's crazy to think I've been a parent for 18 plus years. She is ready for this next chapter in her life and I believe this next ride will be her best yet. She is capable and passionate and a good friend. And although she has had a few really good friends throughout high school her best and closest friends are still out there, waiting to meet.

I spent 4 hours yesterday trying to figure out how to print address labels. Something Makenzie is leaving home with far more knowledge than me in. She would have had them done in about 20 minutes I'm sure. But these labels are for her graduation announcements. And I want to do them. Every stick and every lick as I seal that envelope reminds me of how she has been in my care for such a short time really. I hope we have taught her what she needs.

A Day In Chandler

I'm in Arizona visiting Merilee. It's been a wonderful trip. Today we visited two fun places, the Olive Mill and the Pork Shop. And on the way there I got to see the new Gilbert, AZ temple that is being built. It's a beautiful building.

Emma's 15th Birthday Interview

What is your favorite TV show?   Modern Family

What is your favorite movie?  The Avengers

What is your favorite color?  Purple

What is your favorite food?   "I just like food in general."

What is your favorite thing to do with mom?  Going to feisanna

What is your favorite thing to do with dad?  Snowboard

What is your favorite thing to do with your sisters?  Play Wii, play games

What do you want to be when you grow up?   Something FANTASTIC

Do you have a favorite friend?  Jenna, Nicole, Allie, Kylie, Ashleigh

Do you have a favorite thing to do when you are not at home?  Dance, soccer, running, sports in general

What is your favorite toy or thing?  Books

What is your favorite book?  Divergent by Veronica Roth

What is your favorite animal?  Giraffes and pandas

Do you want to go on a mission?  Yes

Do you want kids?  Probably

What is hard for you?  Decisions

What have you learned from your sunday school and YW leaders this year?  They have a lot of patience for all of our craziness.  About the Plan of Salvation and the Godhead.

What do you love to do?  Make people smile, "smiling's my favorite."



Emma, this past year you have shined. You have become a role model to those around you as they seek you out for your goodness, kindness and warm smile.  The sister missionaries want to spend time with you so they can take you with them to reach out to young girls that need encouragment with coming to church.  That is a testament to you and your bright spirit you have.  You have challenges in your life.  Some that if not cared for can be debilitating to you,  keeping you from progressing in life.  But you don't let it. You work hard and have learned so much about doing what you need to in order to succeed.  Keep at it.  It's a very valuable lesson in life.  You are a hard worker and we appreciate it as parents.  We are proud of how hard you work to achieve your goals.  We love you.