Faith & Family & Friends

Today was so wonderful, even though my body woke up at 7:30 am when it could have slept in.  Oh, well…it must have known what a great day we had in store and wanted to get a head start.  I had my left over Cafe Rio tortilla & creamy dressing for breakfast (SO GOOD) while talking to Aunt Jill.  Then I got cleaned up and went and visited w/ Aunt Jeri & Rufio.  I met up w/ Jason & Nicole b/c they had a present to give me for Autumn, plus I wanted to meet Baby Marion.  It was so fun to hold her & kiss her sweet baby cheeks.  We visited for just a few minutes and then I had to leave so I could go visit Grandpa Johnson.  I got a family picture of them, but the sun was too bright & everyone’s eyes were shut, so I won’t post it.

I was glad that Grandpa was home, b/c I didn’t call before I went over.  We sat and visited for about an hour, and we both cried a few times.  He talked about how much he misses Grandma Johnson.  It’s hard to explain, but there was a very sacred feeling in the room & the Spirit was very strong.  It was a neat experience to spend time w/ him.

After that I drove up to visit Ashley & her cute family.  Bianca is just so adorable & Quincy is a handsome little guy.  She made an amazing chicken tortilla soup & we even had smoothies to drink.  But the best part was just getting to sit and talk and catch up on each other’s lives.  I had to post this even though Jake’s eyes are closed (sorry, Jake) b/c of the AWESOME sparkle off of Bianca’s glove.  She put those on special just for the picture.

It was so sweet b/c Bianca gave me an extra big hug before I left so I could give some of it to Autumn.  I’m sad that we don’t live closer so that the girls could get together and have play dates.  I guess they’ll just have to come & visit us in Texas again.

After all the fun w/ them, I drove up to Draper & went to the Sweet Tooth Fairy shop & got some cake pops to share w/ Brenner & Jonesy.  I went to Jonsey’s house & got to spend a few minutes w/ her 2 oldest girls while she finished getting ready.  They were so cute and it’s crazy how much they’ve grown up since I saw them last year.  We met up w/ Brenner at a swanky boutique that does pedicures AND sells shoes & cute clothes!  I adore that wall paper behind us.  It was so fun to sit and visit and get pampered while eating cake balls.  This is the life!!!

Here’s our post-pedi pic.  Can you guess who’s feet are who’s?

One of the ladies doing our pedicures suggested we try a place called State Street Grill b/c they have super good onion rings.  The onion rings were good, but the fries were WAY too greasy.  But none of that mattered, b/c I was just happy to spend time w/ my Sestri.

This is grainy, b/c I stole it off of Brenner’s facebook page.  We sat and talked for about 2 hours, but it only felt like a few minutes.  I can’t even put into words what these 2 incredible women mean to me.  Our friendship is one of those where we can go a whole year w/out talking, but we pick up right where we left off.  At one point I got teary eyed (I’m so emotional today) b/c I feel such love for these 2.  We shared our struggles, we laughed, we cried, and we became even closer.  I love friends like this where we can be ourselves & share our innermost souls & know it’s a soft & safe place to land.

Sadly, we had to say our good byes & part ways.  I had to get a pic of this GORGEOUS flower in Jonesy’s front yard.  I came back to Rufio’s and said hi to Aunt Jill & Uncle Rick for a little bit.  Then I went around to Rufio’s apartment and talked and laughed w/ her & Aunt Jeri.  At 9:15 we watched Perry Mason & then called it a night so we can get up & be to church at 9:00 tomorrow.

I had so much fun today, but also missed my Autumn Girl.  The day got away from me & it was too late for me to call and talk to her by the time I got a second to stop.  Her little voice sounds so sweet & loving & innocent over the phone.  But, I didn’t worry about her at all b/c I know she’s in good hands.  It will be great to see her tomorrow.

Today was so incredibly wonderful.  Words fail me on such deep & spiritual bonds & connections.  My cup runneth over w/ blessings b/c of the family & friends I have been blessed with.