Zonks and Breezy's Star Wars Birthday

Eight years after their big brother's Star Wars birthday party, Breezy and Zonks had one of their own. These big girls have been watching Star Wars: The Clone Wars and Star Wars: Rebels, and they wanted nothing more than to dress as Rey (Zonks) and Ahsoka Tano (Breezy) and fight against the bad guys with all of their best friends. They even extended an invitation to Darth Vader, and he -- a secret softie -- was more than happy to attend. Ahsoka was his Padawan, after all!

Since their mom was busy with the new baby brother, Dad took it upon himself to plan and execute the party. My big brother is pretty much the coolest, and he did an amazing job. He dressed as Luke Skywalker, gave the kids lightsabers and taught them about the ways of the Force. There was tie fighter building (marshmallows sandwiched between chocolate graham crackers held together with frosting), a stormtrooper shooting gallery (white helium balloons you shoot with nerf guns -- I was awesome at this), light side and dark side cupcakes (vanilla and chocolate, of course), a photo booth, an obstacle course, mostly Star Wars-themed presents, and I don't know what else because I didn't get there until the last half hour of the party. Uncle Aaron took a ton of photos. I can't wait to see them!

Breezy's/Ahsoka's lightsaber duel with Darth Vader was epic!
(Master v. apprentice - heavy stuff!)

Breezy/Rey flew over the Sarlacc Pit several times, and then headed to the trampoline 

Handsome big brother, G-unit, joined in the fun

Poor Han, frozen in lime jell-o

Zonks and Breezy will save him!

I could not love these two girls more. They are feisty and funny and fearless and sweet and clever and thoughtful and smart. I don't know what I'd do without them. I love being their aunt and I love watching them grow up and learn and become more amazing each day.

Happy birthday, girls! I hope this year is the best yet!

Angel baby

I have a brand new baby nephew! Adam and Lindsey welcomed him to the world a few weeks ago, and the whole family is in love. Angel baby is the sweetest, cuddliest, dearest thing ever.

Cutest ET look-alike I've ever seen

In a providential coincidence, my friend Keri was their labor and delivery nurse!

I met him the day after he was born. Lindsey got a phone call from one of her brothers just as I arrived, so she told me to just pick him up out of the bassinet. I hesitated -- he was so little, how do you pick up someone that small?? -- but she was encouraging and kind and insisted I'd do fine. He made grumpy faces in his sleep, annoyed that someone was interrupting his slumber, but as soon as I sat down he settled down and all was well. Lindsey let me hold him for an hour while he slept and she and I chatted about his birth, and his sisters' birthday (funny enough, it's now Angel baby's birthday, too), his brother's summer sports plans, and books, and movies. It was pretty awesome. 

Every baby is a blessing, and we know this one definitely is. I cannot imagine ever tiring of that little face. As I get older and my window for babies of my own gets smaller, I treasure every minute I have with the little ones. I know Angel baby isn't mine, but I might pretend he is, just for a few minutes here and there. I am thrilled to be his aunt and cannot wait to get to know him better!

Perfection

Welcome to the world, Angel baby! Auntie Megan loves you!

Whiplash

I'll never again say that a bad blind date won't kill me.

Dan* took me out for Mexican food which is a good way to get on my good side. We then headed over to an ice skating rink in Murray. I go ice skating once every three or four years, but I figured I'd be okay. I'm in pretty good shape after all. I stumbled a few times and managed to keep my feet for about 45 minutes while we talked about movies and theater.

And then, with no warning or wobble, my feet went out from under me, I fell on my back, and then I hit my head hard on the ice. I wasn't knocked unconscious, thank goodness, but it HURT. My vision went blurry and I started crying. I knew I was in shock at the very least. Dan knelt and asked if I was okay and I responded somewhat wittily, "No, it hurts a lot." After a few moments, I let him and another girl help me stand, escort me off the ice, and sit on a bench. An employee came over and asked me a few questions to make sure I didn't have a concussion (I didn't). He also gave me some ice to put on the back of my head. 

After a some sitting and talking, I said, "I think I'm going to go home now." Dan was very sweet, removing my skates and putting my other shoes on and lacing them for me. He then escorted me to my car and followed me home to make sure I got there okay. I did. I apologized for ruining the night and asked if we could try again sometime. No more ice skating though ;)

Theresa stayed with me overnight to make sure I woke up the next morning. I cannot say how much I appreciate that she volunteered to do that, especially since the next morning was Mother's Day. I made her waffles and bacon as a thank you. I did wake up just fine the next morning, thank goodness, and didn't have any of the "danger signs" listed for head injuries on the website I had looked up.

I didn't have any headaches, but over the next couple of days my neck got more and more sore. After four days, I couldn't move it side to side or even lean over without extreme pain. So I bit the bullet and went to an instacare. After an exam and some freaky-looking x-rays, the doctor told me it was whiplash. He prescribed some medication and the next day I felt a whole lot better.

I've been doing well ever since. The back of my head is still tender, but it and my neck are healing quickly. I plan to take it easy for another week or so, and then I'm back into yoga. I already miss it!

So, in closing, I got whiplash on a date. I feel pretty lucky, because it could have been a LOT worse. It would be a funny meet-cute if Dan and I get married. But for now, I finally have a "worst date" story. I'm not likely to forget it anytime soon!

*Not his real name.

Amazing April

April was an odd, rainy month, full of new beginnings and celebration. I started my new job, went to Disneyland, and played a lot. Life started to slow down and settle down a little. I'm grateful. After three stressful months of unemployment, I needed to find "normal" again.

The month started with General Conference. I was sick in bed on the Saturday, but I moved my laptop into bed with me and listened to quite a bit of it in between naps. I love General Conference. I listen to the talks every day and continue to draw strength and wisdom from the messages shared by the leaders of my church. I crave the peace of the Holy Spirit. I'd be a different person without it.

I met Wendy six years ago on my very first day in my current ward. She and I were both late to church and walked in together. She introduced me to Sylinda, and the three of us became good friends. Sylinda was married earlier this year, and she and I celebrated Wendy's April Fools Day wedding together. Wendy designs wedding dresses, so we were both curious "What does a wedding dress designer wear?" Something gorgeous, obviously. She looked so happy and radiant. She gives me hope. I am thrilled for her!

We all laughed that of COURSE Wendy had three different desserts at her wedding. Too perfect!

I was gifted a ticket to see Cowgirls at Pioneer Theatre Company. My friend Angie played a role in this all-girl musical, and I was impressed and proud of her skill. Everyone in the cast played their own instruments, and Angie nailed the fiddling, not to mention the singing, dancing, and acting. The play was at times poignant and other times hilarious. It would be a difficult one for community theaters to do, so I'm glad I had the chance to see the play at least once. It's was an entertaining evening!

Chantryce invited me to join her and a few others for lunch at Chili's on her birthday. Cutie Chantryce and her collection of loved ones. She loves with her whole heart and will protect and fight for the people most important to her. I'm honored that she includes me in the group.

I started my new job, and marveled at the view from my new "front door." At the Gateway, when I had a window, it overlooked the rooftops at the Gateway. Here, I see the mountains and grass and trees. It's glorious! I love living in Utah.

My first desk. Pretty sweet setup!

Sometimes I write myself helpful notes.
Sometimes I slap in a placeholder and call it good.

Rainy day view. Love the blossoming trees!

It seems that once in awhile during our team meetings, my new boss likes to give everyone a creative writing assignment and five minutes to explore an idea. Then we all read our stories out loud to each other. I don't remember the last time I did something like this. I enjoyed it. Not an exciting story, but I'm pretty proud of it anyway. #creativewriting #sliceoflife #outofpractice #worktolive #skillz

I finished several books this month: The Bands of Mourning, The Way of Kings, and Stars Above. All fantasy novels from different series. All wonderful. I don't understand how some people can not enjoy reading. I hope they find something someday that catches their imagination -- for me, there are few things more wonderful and relaxing!

I'm currently addicted to nutella. It's a problem.
No, I won't tell you how many jars I've eaten in the last three months.

Spent some time with the G-unit while he shot hoops. I admire his skill and tenacity in sports. He loves the activity and cannot wait to finish dinner and run over to the neighbor's house to use their hoop (he always asks them first). I expressed a curiosity if I could shoot a basket, and he went into coach mode, encouraging me to try, and being very impressed (and surprised) when I made 75% of the shots I tried. We talked about books and school. He told me his electives next year are choir and drama and I felt proud and hopeful. He's always loved to sing, so I hope he enjoys it. He's so grown-up all of a sudden.

THIS IS TRUTH!! I feel like every story I tell is terrible. My friends are sweet about it, though, always willing to listen. Someday the telling will match the ideas. Persistence is key!

Liz and I visited the Ogden Temple on a relentlessly rainy day. I'm glad she likes to go with me, and that she's always up for a photo, even if it's an adventure finding a photographer!

Dinner and hanging out with Laura, Theresa, and Shilene, and Theresa's family. We spent some time jumping on the trampoline (trying to get in our FitBit steps) and coloring. Most of the time we talked each other's ears off. Love these long-time friends!

Vanity selfie of a curl usually hidden by the rest of my hair. It's always a perfect ringlet underneath my mane. I'm a little obsessed with it.

Started a new journal. This one was a gift from Larissa. She bought it for me at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter last year. I love that she thought of me, and knew me well enough to know I'd love it. Thank you, darling friend!

Silly Facebook games and random generators. I am always curious and cannot resist trying every one!

This may be the only photo Lindsey allowed while she was pregnant. She's, like 36 weeks here. Tiny! She and Adam are a beautiful couple. I think it's awesome they're best friends. #lifegoals

Never know what I'm going to get when I ask these girls to "Smile!"

Note: Grammy and Papa put this new swingset in their yard this month. They are the cutest grandparents. I need a better photo of the set!

Baby PJ is a baby no more! He's a big, handsome two year old! His mom threw a barnyard-inspired party and we sang and celebrated the implacable, devious, adventurous little boy who has wrapped us all around his little fingers. What would we do without him?

With his favorite person, Papa!

Big cousin G teaches PJ how to hit a ball off a tee. The little guy is a natural!

Judging by all of the rain we got in April, the flowers in May are going to be AMAZING!! Cannot wait to visit the temple grounds and see for myself ;) May will be filled with work and play and auditions and I don't know what else. Should be fun!