Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Busy busy busy!

So, I've actually been pretty busy lately. Unfortunately, most of what I've been working on I can't show you yet, because it's for baby Henry. But I plan on taking pictures and posting them after Ashley's shower, because boy have I made some CUTE stuff for that little boy! Seriously, it's killing me not being able to show it off yet.
I also started tutoring a girl in my ward last week. She's going to start 4th grade soon, and in CA there's a big test in 4th grade. Her previous teachers have focused more on math and stuff, so her mom asked if I'd help her out with her writing. It's been fun planning lessons and working with her. She's a sweet girl, and it's nice to have a little extra income too :)
I spent a bit of time today making calendars for YW for the rest of the year. It was quite a project, but it's nice having them made for the entire year! Obviously we still need to plan all of our mutual activities, but now I'll just have to add them on as we plan, and BAM! That's it! I'm quite happy about that.
Tomorrow night I'll be feeding the missionaries. I decided, since I'm so happy having a bbq, to do some hamburgers and hot dogs. Plus, with fourth of July next week, it just seems fitting. Which probably means that's what they'll be having every night for the next week, but whatever. I'm sure they don't mind, especially since dessert will be peach cobbler with vanilla ice cream! Yum!
That's pretty much all I have to update on right now, but come back in July for lots of cute pictures of the projects I've been working on for Ashley's shower! Plus I'm sure you'll be inundated with pictures of the shower and my adorable nieces and nephews, since I can't help getting a little camera crazy when I go back home.
Thanks for reading!

Sunday, June 17, 2012

Father's Day

I have a really good relationship with both of my parents. When Ashley got married, I kind of resented Zach, because Ashley had been my confidant in a lot of things, and I felt like he was taking her away from me (don't worry, I've moved past that, and now am VERY grateful Zach is part of the family. It gives Justin someone to talk sports with! [Plus you know, he's just an all-around good guy] ).
Once Ashley moved out though, I had the opportunity I wish everyone got at some point in their lives. I was essentially an only child. I would go grocery shopping with my mom, eat dinner on my parent's bed and watch tv with them, take silly online quizzes on Sunday evenings with them, and just enjoy being friends with them. When I think back to that time, I am so glad I had it. I have always loved my parents, but as a teenager, like most teens, I didn't always LIKE my parents. Sometimes I thought they were lame, sometimes I was mad at them for grounding me, basically I was a normal teenager.
But those three years I got to spend with them did more to develop my character and make me who I am today than probably any other time period in my life. I became best friends with my mom and dad, and was perfectly content to spend Friday nights watching NCIS with them, and Saturday mornings watching B Science fictions movies.
I really do love my father, so much. His crazy personality, his many bizarre quirks, are what make him the best dad I could ever have hoped for. His meatfests, his love of all things poop, and most importantly his love of me and my family are what make him my dad. Thank you dad, for everything you have done for me. Thanks for setting an example, for loving Mom, and for teaching me what to look for in a spouse. Because of your example, I think I've chosen a great dad for my own future children. Plus they'll have a freaking awesome grandpa. :)

I also want to give a shout-out to Justin. You may not be a dad yet, but any time I see you interacting with young children, especially our nieces and nephews, I know you'll be a truly incredible father. You are compassionate and gentle, and a great target for tackling (or so Jenny, Benjamin and Curtis would say, I'm sure!). You are my best friend, and I can't wait to see you become a dad.

I love you Daddy! I love you Justin!

P.S. I couldn't find a race car background, but I think trains are more fitting for our relationship anyway. Freight is great!