Catch up time!

Well, since I've posted last, I've turned 26. (grr) Not a huge fan of that number for some reason. It just doesn't sit well with me! Makes me feel old. Anyways, my friends Phyllis and Ellie made me and Liz dinner (liz's b-day is on 8/7, mine's 8/10). It was so nice of them, they had put up decorations and everything. Then we did each other's make-up and laughed and took pic's. Thanks P and E for a great dinner!!

Me, Ellie and Phyllis after our makeovers :)

A couple of Sunday's ago, Adam and I decided to spend some time outdoors, so we headed to the Provo River. Adam did what he did best (fly fishing) while I took some pictures of him and did some reading. All was beauty and nature and greatness until we were walking back to the car and I twisted my ankle. Dang it hurt so bad!!! Not 10 days before that I had hurt my knee on the same leg. Gotta start working on the whole clumsy thing!! Adam was so nice and gave me a piggy back ride back to the car. It's still a little tender and bruised, but I think I'll survive this one :)

Love this shot of him casting

Ooh, nice back babe!

Me trying to be artistic. I think it's a pretty cool shot :)

Then last week I babysat my sister Amy's three kids from Wednesday to Saturday. The first night after I put the two girls to bed, me and my nephew Zach stayed up late and looked for meteors. It was so great to spend some quality time with him and contemplate the universe with him until nearly midnight :) Adam came up Friday and took Zach to Seven Peaks (some much needed guy time after being surrounded with girls!!) and I took the girls to the local pool where they spent two hours going down the slide over and over!! I also gave the girls makeovers one night, which the LOVED!!! They begged for makeup every day after that. I think I may have created some monsters :) Sorry Ame!!

Gorgeous girl Abbey

What a pose!

Sweet Sophie

Such a pretty face!

Zachy flying a kite. He got it up pretty dang high at one point!

I also got a Kindle for my birthday, which I LOVE!!! If any of you were thinking of getting one, I would say go for it. It's such a great thing to have if you are a bookwork like me :) Thanks for everyone that went in on it!!

H.O.P.E.

So in the hustle and bustle of a busy weekend, I got to experience some HOPE. Adam and I attended a charity dinner for The Backstreet Club, which is a recovery/meeting place for recovering addicts and alcoholics. We had the pleasure of hearing from two amazing speakers. First, Alema Harrington from KSL Sportsbeat, spoke. He is a recovering addict/alcoholic. It was so great to hear his story, and my favorite part of his message was that of H.O.P.E. in recovery. This can apply to any struggle that you are going through.
H stands for Humility. If you yourself or someone you know has gone through the recovery process, you know how humbling it is for all involved.
O stands for Openmindedness. For the person in recovery, keeping an open mind that it IS possible, and that they can overcome the need for that habit with God's help. For everyone else, keeping an open mind about those who struggle with addiction of any kind. None of us are perfect, so don't condemn other's for their imperfections.
P stands for Patience. Because recovery doesn't happen overnight. Trust me! It's a L-O-N-G process, and it's not easy for anyone involved.
E stands for Enthusiasm. Once you've got your head above water, be enthusiastic about what you've accomplished, and share your message of hope!
The second speaker was Tiffany Berg, who was Mrs. Utah 2007. She is a mother of 7, a widow, and a recovering addict/alcoholic. She ran for Mrs. Utah on the platform of recovery. How gutsy!! And she won! She wanted to raise awareness especially for the addiction problem with mother's in Utah. 65% of people admitted to rehab are woman, most of which are mothers. The majority of woman in jail are there for some drug related offence. Most of which are mothers. I could go on and on about her message, but what I really took from it is this. Everything we worry about in life- The money, the job, the car, the clothes, the trips, that's all noise. Relationships with our loved ones and our relationship with God, that's what really matters. That's what we'll take with us when we leave. And let's be honest, none of us know when our number will be called. So don't get caught up in the noise! I was really touched and amazed by their stories, and so proud of my husband, and really myself too, for all that we've overcome together. Trials suck, but they do make us stronger!!!