Dancing Queens

We had the opportunity to watch some of our nieces in their dance recital last weekend.  The both did great, and I can see we have a lot of talent in our family.

J girl was intriqued when the dancing started.

First up, Mck's ballet.

Hi Mom and Dad!

What a gorgeous dancer.

 

K before her ballet performance.

Jazz

What a cutie!

These My Peeps

Let me start out by saying these girls thankfully have let me tag along even though they are my sister's age.  We all live in Utah for now and have had monthly get-togethers for years now.  We've watched babies come, marriages come, and the announcement that Gregg and I were approved for adoption together.  It's so nice to have girls from my home town that know exactly what it's like to move away from family.  Not to mention the juicy gossip that takes place.  Thanks for all the listening, advice, and entertainment girls!

Survived

*First of all I would like to start out by saying I DO NOT hate mothers.  Gregg and I have have wonderful mothers.  I think it is very important to celebrate them and all they do for us.  I would just love the opportunity to be a mother myself.  That is not a secret.*

Mother's Day went well this year.  YES, well.  My nephew spoke in his ward in Idaho so a big group of us went to support.  I can't say my stomach didn't turn when the speaker shared a quote about the divine gift it is to be a mother, or when they announced if all the married women and mothers would please stand to receive a token.  What about single women?  I almost didn't stand, but I had my mom and two sister in laws close by to support me.  Plus, it was chocolate and Gregg wanted a snack for the ride home.  YEAH to NO flower this year.  I don't have to sit and watch it die while I'm reminded of the meaning of it. 

Overall, the day went great and I did fine.  No tears this year.  I think the hope of adoption has eased the pain somewhat.  Plus, I feel that for the most part I am on the other side of the grief you have to go through when you find you're infertile.  It helped at church to have a niece to look at a book with, and watch the boy cousins giggle and change the words to the hymns as we sang.  I can't wait for our kids to join in the fun.  Happy Mother's Day to Moms, Aunts, Grandma's, Sisters, and women in general. 

Dooms Day

The upcoming holiday happens to be my LEAST favorite day of the year....MOTHER'S DAY.  Last year I  awoke as normal only to check my facebook on my phone while Gregg was still asleep.  Everyone's status said something about mothers (why shouldn't it, it's mother's day) and I immediately was filled with dread of getting through the day.  Tears filled my eyes and there they stayed ready to take action at a moments notice.  Once Gregg began to stir I announced I just couldn't make it to church that day.  The thought of Mothers waiting around after sacrament for their flowers was enough to make me puke.  Not because they are mothers, but because I don't belong in this category.  Gregg being the understanding husband he is, said no problem.  It's rough having a holiday that pierces and reminds you to the core of the trial you have been enduring for years. 

Here we are, another year that I still don't belong in this category.  This year I've tried to be smart and plan ahead.  Even though Gregg and I work Saturday, we are heading to Idaho to be with my family.  That way it's an easy way to get out of going to my own ward.  In fact it's an easy way not to have to go to church at all!  My Plan...FOOL PROOF.  UNTIL...one of my very good friends last week after church asked what I was doing next Sunday.  NOT going to church, I replied.  She told me how a few months before she had a feeling that she needed to challenge me to attend church on Mother's Day, but she was just now getting around to telling me about it.  On cue I started crying, telling her I just couldn't do it.  She said YES you can, you are tough, Lacey and you can do it.  She said what if this is your only test left being childless and you fail?  She's very persuasive and also RIGHT.  I AM tough.  I hear girls talk about pregnancy and babies all day long.  I CAN do this.  I CAN DO HARD THINGS.  Isn't that what I've been preaching to my young women all year?  So, I'm announcing to the public so I don't back out, that I will be attending church with my mother on Sunday.  In my home ward nonetheless.  I'll report back next week to let everyone know how it goes. 

In other news, I have learned this year that the Saturday before Mother's Day is BIRTH MOTHER'S DAY.  Now THAT I can celebrate.  Birth mom's are truly some of the best mom's out there.  The fact that they have sacrificed so much to do what's best for their babies is truly awe inspiring.  So, HAPPY BIRTH MOTHER'S DAY to all those wonderful women.  I know one day Gregg and I will be forever indebted. 

ilike you for your phone...

Whenever I need to use my phone around J, she becomes my best friend.  I love how she copies me by using one finger to move the screen around.  If a fun phone is what it takes to get some cuddle time, I'll take it!

                                                                                                                

Salt Lake City 5K

April this year was a HUGE month for us. 
-We sold our house
-Gregg turned 30
-Kelsey won Junior Miss
-We RAN our first 5K
-We closed and moved out of our house

You read it right!  Gregg and I had a strong urge that we needed to put our house on the market.  We followed the prompting and only four weeks later we received 3 offers in one weekend.  We accepted an offer and a short three weeks later we moved out and closed on our house.  Gregg and I have both accidentally started to drive to our old house only to realize we're going the wrong way.  It was an odd feeling after everything was moved out and our house was empty.  The lady who bought it was perfect for our home and we know this was meant to be.  We feel so blessed to be able to sell during this insane housing market and can't wait to get into a bigger home.  More details to come...

In other news, through all the craziness this month Gregg and I along with Staci, Megan, Lisa, and Ty ran our first 5K.  I say ran because my only goal for this time around was to never stop running.  We have done the Race for the Cure before, but I wasn't able to run the entire thing.  I hit my goal and I look forward to many more races in the future.  One of the reasons I was so proud of myself is that because of my endometriosis it has been very difficult for me to run  in the past.  I once asked my doctor about it and he said "oh hon, you'll never see a girl with endometriosis like you running a marathon."  I may never run an actual full marathon, but I feel so happy that my endo is finally under control enough that I can endure a few miles.  Gregg on the other hand is a power house!  He runs a 5K almost every time we work out.  He got to the finish line a whopping 10 minutes before me!  I'm also so proud of Megan and Staci.  They were amazing!  I hope we can all stay a little running group.  We'll have to think up a team name or something. 

Birthday Traditions

Gregg's birthday festivities continued with the annual Sunday celebration at Bruce and Deb's.  As tradition follows you get to choose dinner, eat with a Happy Birthday plate, and choose whatever dessert you want.  As far as I'm concerned, we'll never get too old for this.  Happy Birthday Babe!  I love you!

Our Very Own Junior Miss

I must admit I was a little surprised when I got a text from Kelsey asking if I could do her hair for Junior Miss.  My first thought was, "you can't be old enough for that." My second thought was, "I didn't think Kelsey would be interested in something like that."  I knew she would do great, but WOW did she exceed my expectations.  The minute I saw her on stage, I knew she was a natural.  Kelsey has always been told she looks like me, which I love. I'm not sure if she likes it or not.   Even though we share a lot of similarities, I wish I had more of her poise and intelligence.   

Oh, did I forget to mention SHE WON?!  There were 30 girls from four different schools and she placed first!  I knew she deserved first place, but I'm SO glad the judges could see the light that shines from every pore of Kelsey.  Let's just say I've been bragging ever since.  :)

*All these pictures are from the second day.  Because there were so many girls, they had to split the pageant into two days. 

Erica touching up Kelsey's makeup back stage.  Her host mom, Erica, and I were the only ones allowed backstage with her.

If you can't tell it was pirate themed.  This is when Kelsey was announced into the top ten.  She was #9 and we were starting to get VERY nervous. 

Fitness

Talent

Struttin' her dress.  Doesn't she look gorgeous?

Interview

All the girls waiting for the results.

Top four in Interview

Top four in scholastic.  Kelsey got the TOP scholastic award.

          

                Announcing the winner.  No one was as shocked as Kelsey.  I kept yelling, "I feel like I won!  I feel like I won!"

The girls coming in for a hug.

                                

Kelsey and me.

                                         

I love A's face.  It's like..."my sister won?"