Family Pictures 2011

We did our family pictures a few days ago, and it was one of the most frustrating experiences of my life. The light was beautiful and the weather was perfect, but Max was not in the mood to pose nicely. He screamed and screamed and screamed every time we tried to get him to look at the camera and smile. He also had a runny nose and, whenever he'd cry, his whole face would get red and snotty. Totally gross, but we still got a few good shots out. Better luck next year...

Out Takes

Runny nose+cold temperature+screaming toddler+Darreck (in general)= funny family memories

Heather's Birthday Weekend

Yeah for another birthday! Not to sound conceited, but my birthday is by far my favorite day of the year. Let me clarify, I love my birthday best because it's my day, but I think everyone should be entitled to one day a year that's just for them. I believe in going all out for birthdays! (Just ask Darreck, I usually start planning Max's in February).

Anyways, my actually birthday, Friday, was uneventful. Mom and dad took us out to El Commodore and got me cake. I also got some great presents, but Saturday was the fun day. Darreck took me on the annual Parade of Homes (a birthday tradition since I was a teen) and then we went out to dinner. It was a great way to enjoy Darreck's weekend off. Gotta say, I love, love, love the Parade of Homes. Most people get depressed looking at homes they can't ever afford, but I've always been into houses and floor plans and decorating. It was sweet of Darreck to get us the ticket- he always knows just what to do for my birthday to make it special.

Now the fall rush begins- mom's birthday, Thanksgiving, dad's birthday, the Christmas. It makes all the cold weather worth it!

Relief Society Temple Trip

I had a beautiful day today at the Cardston Temple. I got to go with a great group of Relief Society sisters, and we had a blast on the drive to and from. The group of women I went with are so inspiring. I couldn't ask for a better group of mentors.

While it was a wonderful opportunity to go back to Cardston, it was hard being there without Darreck. He had to stay behind and work, and it was sad to not have him there, especially because it was the first time I've been back to Cardston since we got married. It really drove home how heartbreaking it would be to have him without me for eternity. I was thankful for the chance to go, but I'm looking forward to bringing Darreck along next time. I need him there- he calms me down, makes me more brave, and can always get me to smile. That really is the purpose of the temple; uniting families for eternity. I'm more thankful for my eternal family than I could ever express.

Going Home

Tonight I went to my first Bison football game since graduation. It was extremely fun, and, in its own way, a little sad. I loved high school; I can honestly say that. However, it's hard to look back without wondering how different high school would have been knowing what I know now. Here's my list of things I would change if I could magically go back knowing what I do know:

(One little note first, I would only go back if I could take my clear skin, better hair, and car with me :)

• I would loosen up and have a lot more fun. I would know that this is then only time in my life with no major responsibilities and a car. This was wasted on me when I was 17.
• I would take more risks in school. Not sure I'll get an A in AP Chem? So what, it's still worth the college credit, and I didn't end up going to BYU anyways. 
• I would be way, way, WAY less timid around boys. I won't see most of them ever again anyways. May as well go for it.
• On the same note, seminary be damned, I would spend more time on my hair and makeup. Shallow, but as a little less idealistic adult, I realize now how important it really is. 
• I would be a little nicer to my parents. But only just a little :)

My redeeming grace will be Max (isn't that what all parents think). Hopefully I can steer him a little more, assuming he'll listen to me more than I listened to my parents. Doubtful, but a nice thought. 

Using My Talents (whether I want to or not)

Funny story. At the beginning of July, our ward organist told me she was going out of town the first week of August and asked me to fill in for her in Sacrament meeting, on the piano, of course. I got in my twisted little mind that, so long as I got to pick the songs, 4 weeks was enough time to learn 3 songs on the organ. Of course, I only started practicing the last week, but it still went pretty well. So well, in fact, that I filled in for her again today. Why is this so funny, you ask?

I'm not really a pianist! At least not in my mind. I dropped out of piano lessons so my mom would quit nagging me about practicing. I usually avoid telling people I even kinda-sorta play, until I started teaching that is. Money will make you do silly things, like admit to a talent that you'll then have to use. Want to know what's even funnier?

Don't tell my bishop or anyone else involved in callings. But, I kinda-sorta like playing the organ, shhhhh!!!!! Just to clarify, it completely terrifies me and I shake the entire time, but it's a new challenge. And, anyone who knows me, knows that I thrive on new challenges. So, while my organ subbing days are probably over for awhile, I almost (almost) look forward to doing it again- which, now that people know I can- I most certainly will.