mad about madewell

I'm lusting over Madewell's spring looks. Check them out on their blog.

grateful

Some days I wake up and my heart is so full of gratitude. Life presents challenges but each of us is blessed daily in so many ways. It's overwhelming to step back and see just how much we've been given. Like my mom has said so many times, my heart is truly smiling.

happy birthday steele

I can’t believe my little brother Steele turned 13 last Friday! My little brother is growing up to be not so little! Words cannot describe how much I love that boy. There is no one you can cheer you up faster, put a bigger smile on your face, or make you laugh when it’s the last thing you want to do. He is a bundle of joy in our world and we are so thankful to have him in our lives. He’s the baby in the family, but seems to take care of us all.  He is easily the coolest kid I’ve ever met and has no problem talking to anyone or speaking his mind. There is never a dull moment with him, most notably when taking pictures. 

I’m so thankful to have my little buddy in my life. Happy birthday Steele! 

easter

Last week was filled with sports and I couldn’t have been happier. Tuesday night Mike had a basketball game, Wednesday he had a football game, Thursday I worked the BYU baseball game, Friday I worked the BYU men’s tennis match all day followed by another generous night out at the Jazz game courtesy of Mike’s boss, Saturday morning Mike had a basketball game before I enjoyed the sun all day at the men’s tennis match for work. And of course we supported our favorite NBA teams, the Heat and Thunder, during their games. Talk about a hard decision to know who to rout for when they played each other!

Ever since I saw the Hunger Games I’ve been dying to read the books. I really liked the movie, and a book is always better than its movie! I ordered the set and finished all three over the weekend. I think Mike was bored during those couple of days because every spare minute I had you could find me glued to my books. I love to read and it’s been so long since I’ve read anything besides a school book. I’m trying to figure out what book to read next. There’s nothing better than reading a book outside during summer.

We had a wonderful Easter! Alexis sang a beautiful rendition of “I Stand All Amazed” during her sacrament. I love the words of that hymn! I love Easter and remembering my Savior’s Atonement and that He lives. There are so many wonderful talks on the Atonement, but one that stands out to me is “But for a Small Moment” by Elder Neal A. Maxwell. He gave it awhile back at a BYU devotional. A friend showed it to me last fall and I haven’t stopped being drawn to it. I missed being with my family this Easter but am grateful to have a wonderful family here. 

conference

Another great weekend for us! I got to enjoy the amazing weather all day Friday watching the BYU women's tennis match... and had a bright red face and tan lines to show for it. It was the first time in awhile that I can remember actually getting burnt, because of my darker skin. But that's what happens after a lack of sun all winter and being outside for five hours straight. My hands were even burnt! I loved it though and can't wait for the men to play this Friday and Saturday. After the match, Mike called me and said his boss gave us tickets to the Jazz/Kings game. We were so excited because we hadn't been yet this year and we love basketball (and every other sport for that matter), especially when we get to cheer on BYU's very own Jimmer.

Saturday we enjoyed two wonderful sessions of general conference. I loved Elder Packer's talk on families and children, Elder Oaks on sacrifice, and President Eyring's on the foundation of our faith. And of course Elder Holland's was a favorite. I can't wait to read all the talks on lds.org. 

While Mike was at priesthood, Alexis and I had dinner with Mike's grandma. After, Alexis and I enjoyed Red Mango before I went and practiced piano. I'm determined to be good one of these days... still waiting on that day to come though! 

Heaven on earth!

Sunday we went to the Weekes' house (we missed them while they were in St. George!) and watched conference with Tanner. I loved President Uchtdorf's and Elder Rasband's talks! Mike's aunt and uncle had us over for the yummiest dinner Sunday night! His cousins LOVE playing with him. Mike's going to make the best dad. 

The basketball star had another game last night, and of course they won. They're moving onto the elite 8 and I don't think anyone can stop them. "Cash Money" (yes, their team name kills me) has a football game tonight too. I work the BYU baseball game Thursday night and then the men's tennis matches Friday and Saturday. I'm loving all these sports! Have a wonderful Wednesday!