St. Louis Trip

Pippen is over and Aubree did a phenomenal job. However, the daily practices coming to an end are nice.  She was also inducted into Beta Club this past week too.  Jake and I were given the opportunity to go to St. Louis for NSTA Conference for a few days. We were awarded scholarships so did not have to pay for the conference but travel and accommodations. We decided to attend the temple as well and it seems that evening that a collaboration of things tried to prevent it from the kids fighting (we spent 30 minutes on the phone with them trying to settle things down) to traffic to arriving late for the session, so we did sealings for about 30-40 minutes and caught a later session. Although there was not much that I remembered about the St. Louis temple interior, memories from our wedding day flooded back.  As we pulled up, in my head I saw Jake coming out of the temple door as he did on our wedding day and felt the same comfort this week as I did then (I had left the temple a couple times on our wedding day because I was so nervous).  Besides the one rough patch Wednesday evening, the girls did a phenomenal job holding down the fort here (mom spent the night each night) and Ginny was so responsible.  Our little short trip (Tuesday evening through Friday afternoon) was a packed with classes but also some tender moments with my husband, such as the temple and walking down the streets holding hands. 

 

Ginny's birthday party and Aubree's play

Ginny chose to have a birthday on March 30th and I was impressed with how many people showed up.  This is also the first year that she has included Aubree.  I am glad that Ginny felt loved by her friends and that Aubree felt loved by her sister. Will was chosen to become a member of Beta Club, so we are proud of his accomplishment.  Aubree had opening night of Pippen and that went well.  She loves to act.  I had no clue what the play was about and even while we watched, I was a little confused but at the end, I think I finally figured it out.  It is a bout a young boy discovering life or what is important in life.  Being torn in may directions by the voices in our head, choices must be made. He seeks for something extraordinary but in the end realizes that family or loved ones are the extraordinary in this life. He learns to not just focus on himself but comfort others.  I love that it made me think a little deeper and reflect on what is important in life.

Will gets the Aaronic Priesthood

Today, Will received the Aaronic Priesthood by his dad.  We chose not to do it January because we did not feel we had adequately discussed being we thought we had a solid year left with him turning 11 in December but then the announced changes occurred.  Our thought was just because you can, does not mean you should.  Jake gave him a beautiful blessing. A few things he was encouraged to show kindness to all, including his siblings and to perform one act of service daily. It is crazy to believe that our kids are growing so quickly.
We have had a busy march. The end Saturday of Spring Break, Aubree had the opportunity to sit in on youth leadership training with Elder Costa, of the Seventy with the youth committee and she thoroughly enjoyed that.  Many of the members of our committee were still on Spring Break, so we brought our children.  One thing that Elder Costa said that stood out to me was that he stayed busy so he did not have time to do anything stupid.  He was very down to earth and shared his favorite musician and playlist with the youth.  He did say every fifth song was a religious song to remind him who he was.  Ginny was babysitting so was unable to attend.  The following weekend (this past weekend), we had a youth service project in Jackson Tennessee and Aubree had a regional theater competition- yep on Jake's birthday. Aubree and her partner placed first, she was quite ecstatic.  Ginny and Will attended the service project with my while Jake and Christopher hung out here. 

Happy Birthday (yesterday) Jake

Happy 40th to my main squeeze and best friend!

I dreamed my whole life to for a successful career and to feel loved, never did I imagine it would come in the form of this life. Life with you is better than my childhood dreams. Here’s to the man I’ve loved since I met him or maybe just saw him and will forever.

Here’s to the man who works hard on things that he wants too (it really depends on what it is). Who is successful in anything he tries and does (so darn talented!). The man who holds my girls in his arms and comforts them when they need it. The man who teaches my boys to be kind and good through his own example. The man who keeps me laughing every single day and keeps my heart light. The man who loves Utah football and watching shows. To the man who walks in the door and despite working with me, is concerned about me and how I am doing (maybe not concerned enough to do more chores without asking, but nonetheless concerned). The man who loves traveling, chocolate covered Raisins, Reese’s Pieces, Ray Bans, movies, donuts, spending money, Dr. Pepper, hiphop music, who doesn’t take life too seriously, my forever dance partner, my anchor, who supports and sacrifices to make my dreams/wants happen, my best friend. I love you, Jacob L Farrell. Can’t wait for the happies, adventures, dances in the kitchen, snuggles on the couch, watching shows, listening to you play the piano, and whatever else life has in store for us together! You make me better. I’m glad you’re my babies daddy and my forever date.

You are an incredible father and I am glad you got to take the boys on a "boys trip" over spring break.