Amen Sistah

I'm all for some updating! As a comment on Shelly's comment: Whoa girl. That's rough. No playgroup or anything? I would die! Maybe they've just been waiting for you to come and start it all up! Other than the ward, what's Sioux Falls like? Cold probably eh? How long are you guys there for?

We are doing pretty good. Its been a crazy year. Just lots of ups and downs and craziness. We're moving in like 6 weeks! On Thursday we'll fly to Washington to find a house. My brother and his wife are coming to watch the kids. Should be interesting! This will be the first time we've left them with anyone other than my mom. But... three days with James, I cannot WAIT! We both really need this time away. He's been away on the ship a lot. When he's not, he's gone from 4:30 in the morning until 5 or 6, but can't stay awake long enough to hang out after the kids go to bed. The worst part is that he is bored out of his mind on the boat. There just hasn't been that much for him to do, but he can't leave. Things should be quite different in Washington, he may even have time to moonlight a little.

I for sure am going to miss Oceanside. Its been awesome. I'll miss the sunshine and all there is to do, but I'll miss my friends most of all. I am looking forward to not having so many "extra-curricular" things for a while. We took Charlie and Annie out of Karate and dance and Dillon only has Scouts and Piano now. I'm really trying to simplify our lives. I will not get suckered into PTO again.... at least not until I feel up to it but boy am I ever going to enjoy having my kids in a decent school system! I hope I can have a break from a stressful calling for a little while. I may finally get to spend some time organizing my thoughts, my stuff, our memories, you know.... stuff I used to do. I haven't scrapbooked in almost 2 years! I so want to update my website and feel like my business is in good working order again. I also want to get back into my good eating & exercising routine. I'm feeling really selfish tonight - can you tell? ;)

I really have missed girl's nights. I hope everyone is on board for girl's weekend next year! Should we still aim for Hawaii, or would more people be able to come if we did it in Salt Lake again? The most important thing is we get as many people there as would like to be there, you know? Its always such a renewing experience.

Well, that's my novel-of-an-update for ya. What's everyone else up to? Rachel your baby (Annalee who shares a birthday with my Annie!) is scrum-diddly-umptious!! Congratulations!!

What's new?

I have just been thinking about you all and wondering how life is going, now that several of us are done with residency. Where is everyone and how is life going? Time for some updates!

Megan

GIRLS WEEKEND 2010 - it was amazing!

GIRLS WEEKEND 2010!

There was a measly group of just the four us this year, but we managed to somehow still have WAY TOO MUCH FUN! ;0)

We spent the first day at the mall- seriously. Like the entire afternoon and half the evening. It was so fun to shop without kids hanging on us and time limitations. We were in H&M for almost 2 hours! We have $1 sparkly sandals, "little black dresses," $1 sunglasses, maternity pants galore, and more than a few "back-to-school" items to show for our "spree."

The next day we headed up to the day spa and soaked, swam, mud-bathed, "wafa-ed," ate, and just plain enjoyed everything there was to offer there - especially the good conversation. Jill has all the good photos (water & mud-proof camera). After our relaxation destination, we ate dinner at Sammy's Woodfired Pizza and saw "Charlie St. Cloud." Pretty good movie if you like Zac Efron.... which we all decidedly DO! Yowza! (husbands aren't allowed to read this.... in case you didn't know ;0) )

Saturday was super fun. We hit the beach,



Can you spell "R and R?"



then more shopping (a GW tradition to bring a "little" something home for the hubby)





Also in keeping with Girls' weekend tradition, we did a little KARAOKE and treats that include the words, "Chubby hubby, paradise coconut, and brownie batter...." just to give you an idea.

The last night, we stayed up until 5:30 AM! ITS A NEW GIRLS WEEKEND RECORD!! ((applause)) Despite the late night, I feel so rejuvinated. I feel so lucky to have such great friendships. In just a few words, the weekend was:

Inspiring
Relaxing
Hilarious
Spiritual
Uplifting
Just what I needed

Thoughts on next year:

We had discussed planning girls weekend in Hawaii next year, but after some further consideration and discussion, we think the most important thing is for us to make it easier for as many people to come as possible. So, what do you all say to Salt Lake City again? Would that be easier and more affordable? We want to still visit Megan in HI, but maybe try for a couples thing in the fall or something... I don't know.

PLEASE ADD ANY INPUT!! WE WANT YOU TO COME!!

Packing a School Lunch

Jade is starting kindergarten next week. It is all day so I will need to pack a lunch for her. Seeing as I am completely new to having a school-age kid I am asking for help. I would love your advice on school lunch, what to pack, what works, what doesn't, and what you absolutly swear by. I would love any thoughts or advice you can give me.

P.S. I hope the girl's trip was awesome.

ONE MORE WEEK!

I can hardly believe it but its true! Girl's weekend begins one week from tomorrow! Can't wait to party ladies. Sounds like Kami has some super fun stuff planned. I plan on thoroughly soaking up all the girl-talk and laughs that I can hold! To get me by until next year, of course :) Its not too late to come if anyone is still considering it. There's plenty of room for more!

See you gals soon!

Hey Girls :)

I just wanted to say hi and congrats to all those who graduated! Can you believe they are really done... I am loving it! And those of you who still have some time left, hang in there! you can do it!!!

We are all moved & living in Gunnison UT. Doesn't feel real yet, but maybe once Adam starts work and we get a routine going it will feel like home. We had a great time in Cozumel even though I am big and pregnant. Eventually I will get around to posting about it on my blog. Adam is home for almost 3 more weeks and it's been great.

I hope everyone is doing well with their moves, babies etc. Just wanted to say hi!

I would love to know what everyone is up to :)

love, Rachel

Graduation Gifts

Hi girls--
For those of you with husbands finishing this month, what are your ideas for residency graduation gifts? I'm stumped and I need ideas!