1st Day of School

Today was Matt's LAST 1st day of school. WAHOOO!!! I surprised him with a tradition my mom has done all my life. I made apple cookies. It was so fun. Thanks Mom, for starting that great tradition. I love traditions. Making these cookies seriously took me all day. I am not a baker. But thankfully these cookies ended up great!
As for me not being in school, I have to say I miss it. There are definitely things I don't miss, but I didn't think I would miss it this early. It has been a weird day for me.

Summer Party

Summer has come to a close. Matt starts school tomorrow and we have to adjust to a new routine. It will be good...the end of school for him is in sight. What's better than ending the summer with the Morinda Summer Party? Not much. Matt had a fun time golfing in the morning and we had even more fun that night. Delicious food, fun activities, great people, and blissful music. Sounds perfect to me.

 

Cal wasn't so sure about the pony ride, but...

he sure loves being thrown by Uncle Matt

63 mph

Rung the bell

Holding on for dear life

Yours truly, the asays

Movie in the Park

Last night we ventured into Provo for a movie in the park. It was a typical Provo gathering with lots of singles hoping they would meet some cool people, the over-the-top cuddlers, and best of all a proposal. Yes, Matt and I watched as an overly cocky guy took over the microphone to embarrass his now fiance and propose. Weird for everyone involved, but not unusual for Provo. The movie was John Carter. I thought it was going to be another Disney sport movie, but it was the complete opposite. Aliens, planets, Tim Riggins, and total confusion. But it was fun anyways! We are determined to enjoy these last few weeks of summer before Matt starts school again.

Pre-movie entertainment

We prefer to play cards

Let the Games Begin

I have been anticipating the Olympic games since the Today Show's 100 day countdown. I love these games. Some of my favorite summer Olympic games are swimming, gymnastics, and basketball. You can probably catch me watching archery or handball just because too. Last night we watched the Opening Ceremonies with Josh, Whit, and John. The first half was a bit confusing, but the Parade of Nations was great. Not sure what Ralph Lauren was going for in the U.S.'s outfits, but there was American pride nonetheless. Here's to the next 17 days of fun!

Cute Olympic ring sugar cookies Whit made

Finished this bracelet last night too. Thanks John for all the help!

Simplicity

"By small and simple things are great things brought to pass..."

Now that Matt and I are Primary teachers, the word simplicity has come to my mind often as I prepare the lessons. Simplicity implies beauty, clarity, purity, and truth. That is how I see many things, especially the gospel. It has been great to teach these 9 year olds the simple truths, principles, and stories of the gospel. My testimony is simple, but strong. The sometimes confusing scriptures can be explained in a simple way. The gospel is simple, true, and right. The more complicated things are doesn't mean they are anymore right than the simple things. I typed in "simple" into lds.org and some of the related topics were service, faith, love, and obedience. Those things can be simple and we must work on all those principles and maybe try thinking about them in a simple way.

Then I started thinking about my life and the simplicity of it. I have my routine each day. I get done what I need to and do things that I want to do. I have friends that may look at my life and think I am wasting my time, but I like the simplicity and time I have for me each day. I know that won't last forever, so for now I am taking advantage of the simplicity of things in my life and doing what I like to do.