{Spiritual Uplift}

I had the opportunity to attend a "women's conference" called Time Out for Women this past weekend. Its sponsored by Deseret Book and features many Authors and Artists as speakers and performers that you would find in their stores. It was fun. Really fun. I kind of, sort of, maybeish...wanted to just stay home. Something about driving turns me off to fun things. BUT it was worth every hour in the car, all the late nights/early mornings, and leaving Devin and Jonas to fend for themselves.

The conference was in Connecticut, where Devin's brother and his family live...so we stayed with them. Actually it was my sister-in-law, Loni's, brilliant idea to invite me. :) We had tons of fun together. We laughed, we cried, we argued like sisters should, and we left better women with stronger testimonies and greater desires to seek for the good in life and to find Hope in all things. I can't wait for next time!

Here is what I learned:

Sister Virginia Hinckley Pearce is indeed an awesome fill-in for Sister Sheri Dew (who couldn't make it last minute). She taught me not to compare myself to others. She also said that the number one way to have a successful marriage is to lower your expectations. (She was quoting her own mother on that one..but it was hilarious!)

I learned that Jenny Oaks Baker is not only gorgeous and talented, but so nice, and actually lives in the DC area. I feel a friendship starting :)

From Mary Ellen Edmunds, I learned this...

"When everything else says you can't, believe in the part of you that says you can."

Amazing right? She was hilarious...and humbling...and hilarious.

From Mariama Kallon I learned that no one should have to live a life like she did. But I also learned that because of the life she lived and the things she saw, her desire to know her Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ is like no other desire she had ever had. She called the scriptures her therapist. I loved that.

I learned that even though no outside food was allowed, treats were a must after a late night and an early morning. Those DOTS kept us all awake!

I learned that not only is Hillary Weeks beautiful, she is kind, genuine, and has a very strong testimony of God. She was my favorite part of the whole weekend. I love her!

I was like a tongue tied teenager when we saw her. I didn't know what to say to her. But she was sweet, and started the conversation as if we were old friends.

Most of all I learned that the ultimate reason for life is to have Hope. Have hope in your future, in your family, in your God, in everything.

Thanks to my sweet husband and patient little boy who let me have a weekend just for me. Thanks to Destry for putting up with them. Thanks to the girls we traveled with, especially Judy..who treats me like I am one of hers. And a big, Big, BIG thanks to Loni. I needed this, WE needed this. Sisters Forever. KERPLOP!!

{Cousins}

We got to spend our long weekend with family. That doesn't happen often, so we were VERY excited to see them. We wore them out, had lots and lots of laughs, ate yummy treats from the Amish Market, and didn't get much sleep. What a great weekend!

The gang walking around the Washington Monument. We were on our way to the White House-which despite their differences in Politics-Destry and Loni obliged going to see :)

Devin and Jonas on the stairs of the Jefferson Memorial.

I just thought this picture of Devin was funny. He's reading the words on the side of the monument, but he looks like he is posing. I also love that you can see where Jonas spent all his time. With Dad. He loved having Dad home for a few extra days this weekend!

Jonas had a pretty good life with Dad around. He enjoys sitting on Dad's shoulders. I get a kick out of him pulling Devin's ears and running his little fingers through Devin's hair.

At the FDR Memorial. Devin and Jonas made their own fun. Everyone loves jumping off rocks and spinning around.

Who doesn't love sneaking out to see the water a bit closer? Where there was water, there was Jonas. He's like a magnet to it!

Ms. Auryana is a CRACK-UP. We laughed and laughed and laughed at this little one! She has quite the vocabulary, and ideas all her own.

Even though he's not a baby any more, there is something sweet about seeing your baby asleep :)

Its safe to say that Uncle Devin was quite popular this weekend. (He always is.) From wrestling, to playing ball, to dishing up ice cream (after their parents said No), he won the hearts of three little girls this weekend.

Our first night home. I guess Aury was worn out. Destry and Loni drove all night Thursday night and their kids did a lot more staying awake than sleeping on the 6 hour drive. We wore Aury right out. She fell asleep at the kitchen table eating chips.

Brynn and Keagyn. I love how this picture shows off their cute personalities. Keagyn is generally sweet, soft spoken, and so tender hearted. Brynn is outgoing, adventurous, and adorable. We loved having them here for the weekend and tried to convince them to stay. They decided their parents and school were the way to go. We get to go to their house in a few weeks though, so we can make an attempt at convincing them where all the fun is then!

And lastly, Mr. Jonas has figured out what the camera is for. He likes to get it down, hand it to you and say.."Chee". Its cute. So we have a lot of these pictures. Good thing he's got a face I love!

Another CHEE moment :) Love this boy