Busy Summer

     I wasn't going to do more than I think I can handle.  Then again, I wasn't planning on doing a lot of thing in my life that I've done.  So now I find myself in a new calling in young women's, doing this Joseph Smith choir thing, and the sunset city play.  Granted the most of it will be over the end of July but between now and then, I have to figure out how to miraculously become a responsible adult.  This should be interesting, if not commical.

The Host

Excellent News!  The Host by Stephanie Meyer is coming out in paperback!  It will be released on April 13 and will include(among other things):

• New, never before published, bonus chapter AND
• An interview with Stephanie

Furthermore, evesfangarden.com, is having a giveaway of 10 copies of the book.  All you have to do is go to their site and enter to win.  I sure did!  Contest runs through April 2nd so hurry!

My YW Journey

If I could have hand picked a calling it would be in Young Womens.  Ta-dum!  Ask and ye shall recieve!  I was called to be Young Womens Personal Progress Adviser about a week and a half ago and I couldn't have been more thrilled.  Except to say that I'm not the most responsible OR reliable person on the planet, to which there are several close relatives(who shall remain nameless) who would be quick to tell you.  Nor am I the most mature or the greatest role model for young ladies hoping to make their lives relatively peaceful and tranquil.  However, I think I have something to bring to the table; I do have quite a bit of life experience considering my young age, most of which dealing with difficult temptation and trials.  It could be an asset to these girls if they ever need someone who understands major temptation, big loss, despair for sins committed, and help keeping on the straight and narrow without feeling judged.  I really hope my past challenges will give me great knowledge of what these girls need, and the spirit will give me guidence as to how I can best use that knowledge.
Now.  Girls Camp.  I had leaders who mostly fade into the back ground peppered with a couple of crappy ones who never should have been called(in my opinion anyway) and a few who contributed to the massive anchor that helps keep me tied to the gospel and will always help me to find my way back when lost.  Of course I want to be the latter of the kind of leaders I mentioned.  I need help!  I'm not sure how to present myself to these young women in a fun manner and still establish myself as an adult and a leader.  I'm also not sure how keep a positive additude for the girls to make it fun because our ward camp director is unhappy with how the stake is doing camp and doesn't really want the calling in the first place.  The negativity is overwhelming me!
So here's to new callings and the adventures I will have in mine!  Any comments or suggestions are, as always, appreciated.  Phone calls too.  And any ideas for Personal Progress elective experiences and value projects would greatly be appreciated.

Chocolatey Deliciousness

Before I wright something remotely interesting I have to say I just discovered my next chocolate passion.  The brilliance of it was so obvious I don't know why I never thought of it before!  Brownies and cherry pie filling.  Mouth frickin-watering!  I'm gonna need more brownies...

Aventures in Kindney Infection!

Okay, most of you already know the details, but I'm just so dang proud of myself!  How can you tell you have a kidney infection if you're me?  No burning urine, but frequency in urination.  No fever, but hot flashes.  Yes to nausia and killer back pain.  So how long do you wait out the symptems if you don't have insurance?  A week for the first two symptems and 2 or 3 days for the other big ones.
I had this once before when I was pregnant with Lucas.  Didn't know what the crap was the fuss was until I got into the emergency room after bawling all night the pain was so bad.  The pain was definitely worse then, probably because the infection put me in labor.  At 28 weeks.  That resulted in a 2 1/2 day hospital stay to stop labor and to get antibiotics through an IV.
Well at the Urgent Care facility they don't have accomodations for a 2 day stay to do antibiotics through an IV.  What's plan B you ask?  A shot of antibiotics directly into my already sore kidney.  I found my happy place and in it went.
Took the prescription and got it filled to do a course of strong antibiotics on top of the shot.  Went home and took the first pill.  And puked.  Everything.  The nurse said to knock it off or I'd have to go to the ER (to get the meds through an IV).  What??? I can't afford that!  But I lasted the night and am happy to report that I will not need to go and stay at the hospital.  At least not today!

Time of the Season

Our little family went to the park today to take advantage of the sunny weather.  Luke is so big!  He was climbing all over the equipment and being fearless.  He fell once from a good height but only cried for a second before running off the play some more. -sigh- He's getting so big so fast.
I hope he doesn't end up a spoiled brat-we're not having another baby for a while and I think he's pretty well used to being our one and only handsome little man.

Grieving

     The loss of my friend this past week has made a big impact on me.  He took his own life and this troubles me deeply, for his family's loss and also knowing I could have caused my own family the same tragedy.  It reminds me how much you must be so far gone in your mind to even consider such action and how sad it is for him that he was so so depressed and desperate.  I neglected a friend that could have used my help, despite several prompts in the past few months to contact this friend and I cannot help but be mad at myself for making excuses like lack of time.  It may not have saved my friend but at least I would have known in my heart I had said everything I could have to help him.

     I can only hope that I can learn from this personally and remember my friend Chris for the kind hearted, sensitive, generous, funny person that he was.  The world is a little darker without him in it.  I'm glad I know in my heart that he's not alone and that his family and friends WILL see him again someday.

"Where did I go wrong?  I lost a friend somewhere alone in the bitterness, and I would have stayed up with you all night had I know how to save a life."

I'll miss you Chris Hoskins.

New Business

I have a new idea for my business!  Well, I didn't come up with it but that's okay.  It's for bridal showers-Toilet Paper Cakes! I'm not quite sure how to go about decorating it yet so your ideas and feedback are welcome, as always.

Cakes

Going to start making my third cake in 30 days! Yay!  A fluke, but still.  Wish I knew how to run a business better.  We could really use the income.  Or any income really.  If you good souls could spread the word and maybe some business cards I would gladdly mail them to you to give out!