Best of Times, Worst of Times

At the beginning of the year, when school was about to start, I looked everywhere for my backpack. Seriously, everywhere. I couldn't imagine where it had gone. I was very sad and had to endure last semester with my YA bag as my backpack, which looks really cool, but is extremely uncomfortable to wear for an extended period of time, especially if it's heavy.

So a few days ago, Alex was getting ready to go on a business trip. As his lovely and dutiful wife, I was helping him pack, despite my devastation at his leaving me. I decided he could take the small suitcase, which doesn't get used much, as he was only going to be gone a few days. As I opened the small suitcase, there, in all it's padded-shoulder glory, was my lovely purple backpack. I have no idea who decided to nest it in there right before school started, but suddenly, in my sorrow, I was so extremely happy that I actually got a little less anxious about school, and relieved that I would be able to lug my books around without killing my shoulders and back. The moral of the story is that even when it seems to be the worst day ever, you can still find things to bring you joy!

Life

It's been a while since I've posted anything. Mind you, life isn't that exciting right now, so there's not much to tell. I feel like I'm in 'mommy-mode' because little Belly was kind of sick yesterday. I've been under the weather as well this past week. My sore throat won't quit, but after an entire week of coughing after I said anything, it's better today. We've been back from Nauvoo a whole week! It's crazy.

Amazing vacation. Probably the most fun I've had on vaca with my both of my parents ever. And I got to sit next to Alex for 18 hours. What's better than that? It's a really hard drive, friends, but it's worth it. Nauvoo is the most amazing place. I'll admit that I was a little nervous to go back as a tourist. I didn't want to be totally sad that I wasn't there with the pageant, and get all down on myself. However, despite numerous hormonal overloads and breakdowns from yours truly, it was a great vacation! If I was short with anyone or seemed like I was out of it...it was the period talking, I swear!

Annabelle had a lovely time at the grandparents' house and even got her cousin, Vash the crazy Dachshund, to play with her for about 15 minutes. We had a lovely time with Ashley and Peter! I can't believe Ashley's pregnant. We had fun FINALLY getting to spend some time with Peter, after a year of marriage! I guess that's what happens when your best friend lives across the country. On our way home, we stayed in this great hotel in Des Moines, where we saw none other than Shawn Johnson


in the hotel lobby getting breakfast like the rest of us. Yes, folks, she eats eggs, too. She looks just like herself!

Good vacation brought to you by:

MadLibs, Harry Potter, VeggieTales, ice cream, hot husband, good friends, and the Spirit.

Thanks to all those who participated.