Writing Memories Worth Reading on KSL

A few months ago, my sister wrote a very heartfelt story about our sweet Baby Jack.

Today, her friend, Katie, featured this story on KSL as series on their show titled "Writing Memories Worth Reading."

It's amazing to look back on our journey, thus far, see where we are today, and how much we have grown in faith and love. How is it possible to experience so much heart ache and, in turn, watch that heart ache turn into unimaginable feelings of love and happiness! We are so thankful for this little boy and how he has forever changed our lives and for all the people who have been there for us, lifted us up, blessed us, given us hope, and shown us so much love! We are truly blessed!

Thank you, Katie, for sharing our story!

Chips and Cake for Dinner!

Life, as always, has been HECTIC!

I always assume that once school is out (which it has been for 2 1/2 weeks) that life will slow down and I will be able to pamper myself with much needed "ME" time. However, that has not been the case!

As the saying goes, "When it rains, it POURS!" Well, it has been pouring at our house.

Here are a few things I have learned in the past couple weeks:

• Just because school is out and you are no longer in constant contact with other grimy/germy children doesn't mean you can't get STREP THROAT...you can and you WILL!!
• Recovering from strep throat is even MORE awful when your hubby is out of town and won't be home for 2 days!
• You will do WHATEVER it takes to make sure your husband completes his Bachelor's Degree by April 2010. Which includes sending him away for 7 1/2 weeks to take classes at another University (only seeing him on the weekends) and doing his homework for him for his online courses.
• Absence DOES make the Heart grown fonder!
• Chips, cake, and cookie dough provide much needed comfort when you're alone and especially when you're alone at home watching "The Bachelorette."
• Realizing your baby brother REALLY is getting married...since when did he learn how to Kiss and look so cute doing it?!
• Thinking you're the BOMB when you, your mom, and your sister host an awesome (if I say so myself) Bridal Shower for your soon-to-be sister-in-law.
• Feeling so glad when it's over, but still craving the Chinese Chicken Salad!
• Spending a week with my sister is, as always, a blast! Especially when WE get to do the spying and teasing to those who are engaged...life is great when the roles are reversed!
  

Long Live American Idol!

First of all, I am a huge...HUGE, American Idol fan! After watching the first few seasons (and secretly dreaming of becoming a singer all my life), and with the support of our loving husbands (who voluntarily babysat all weekend) Robyn and I decided to put our singing skills and desire to the test and traveled to Denver, Colorado to audition for American Idol.

Here are some life lessons we learned along the way...

• Don't EVER book a hotel room 1 mile away from Invesco Field with plans of walking to the stadium at 4am! Upon your arrival you will seriously wonder why you valued saving money to rent a car over your personal safety. Thank goodness for thoughtful in-laws who allow you to borrow their car so you don't have to worry about getting mugged at 4am.
• Take an extra pair of comfortable shoes to wear while waiting in line...5-7 hours to be exact! Even if the camera captured you, at a glance, it probably wouldn't see your shoes anyway.
• Be prepared to make new friends who swear you have the best singing voice they've ever heard and vow to be your best friend for life.
• Also, take ear plugs to avoid having to listen to your new friends sing for you, while waiting in line, over and over and over again.
• Know how to tell a good lie when someone asks you to compliment them on their horrific singing skills.
• Always walk through downtown Denver whenever there to visit. The shopping is quaint and super fun!
• Don't plan on getting any sleep in your hotel room. You will be kept up almost all night by sounds of others practicing and singing in the hallways.
• Make sure to ask Chris Daughtry for his autograph while riding on the shuttle with him...he will be one of the biggest stars of the season!
• Just sing your heart out and have fun even though there are practically thousands auditioning at the same time.
• Try not to snap at your BFF and sister when the process is over. Rather, realize you are both really, really tired and anxious to get home.
• Last, but not least, don't EVER wear your new pink American Idol t-shirt in the airport because it will make annoying boys think you want to sing your heart out to them and everyone else in the lobby.
  

So. Here's to a new season! Can't wait to watch tonight at 7pm!