and All Play

Once August was over, I felt like I could finally breathe again. We have taken full advantage of every non-scheduled moment and played. Labor Day weekend was a great way to start the fun. On Friday, Aug 31, despite a torrential downpour of rain, we suited up and went to the Irish Festival, which has become an annual tradition for us. It was at the Irish Fest 2 years ago that I finally felt like I might be able to survive living here in KC, and enjoy it. We had a blast! Due to the rain, there were not many people there but music was playing and vendors were selling Scotch Eggs and Meat Pasties. We found a dry place to sit under a big tent and revelled in the moment of relaxation and happiness (while sipping freshly squeezed lemonade, of course).

                   This is the best I could get in the dark:

On Labor Day, Sept 3, we went to the annual Pops in the Park concert. It's a free concert put on by the Kansas City Symphony. The weather wasn't too hot and the symphony played some of our favorite pieces. It was a perfect night!

Last weekend we kept the fun up by going to the Renaissance Festival. We spent 5 hours wandering through the huge village, partaking of medieval chamber music, people watching (people really have too much fun dressing up!) , trying on masks, watching jousting duels (to the death!) and learning how to shoot a crossbow. A seriously awesome way to spend the day!

Check out the royalty:

This is no little pansy fair, this is a real treat. The village is a permanent fixture with buildings, pavilions, gardens, fountains of running water all situated on meandering paths between tall trees. You can almost make yourself believe that you are really 600 years in the past, except that it's too clean and doesn't stink. But don't worry, they make up for that inside the bathrooms. No expense is spared to make sure you have an authentic experience. Nothing like the smell of roughage and sewer run-off and stepping over who-knows-what to really convince you that you are in a medieval village. ;)

Alexander had fun playing the carnival games, even winning me some "champion beads" in a crossbow game. I wore them proudly the rest of the day. His longbow skills need a little work though. ;)

                   Winning me some champion beads :)

                   A serious longbow for a serious archer

                   Check out the burly man with his Thor's hammer

                   Training with a real weapon

                   The Victorious Crossbow Champion!

All Work

I think I spent all of August being exhausted. I had the two family weddings, Tanner & Karianne's and Bryce & BreeAnna's (sorry, I left my camera home so I have to get pics from my mom). I spent the majority of my time in Utah working my tail-end off. We flew for Tanner's but drove for Bryce's and when I got home, still dreary eyed from the 19 hr drive, everyone asked how my vacation was. I unashamedly announced that I had had no vacation.

The next week on August 28, I undertook my first real Relief Society activity since getting the calling to RS 2nd counselor. We conducted a Sisterly Swap, where sisters donated stuff they no longer needed and took stuff that they did need. For refreshments I created a Popcorn Bar complete with 5 different flavors of popcorn: regular Butter & Salt, Cinnamon & Sugar, Kettle Corn, Masala Curry, and Rosemary Parmesan. It looked and tasted amazing! (PS, I'm addicted to popcorn!)

The very next night, on August 29 & 30, I presented a training course entitled "Intro to Becoming an Event Planner". I spent 6 hours discussing the ins and outs of the business and found myself absurdly missing it. Successfully presenting that course was probably one of the most amazing experiences of my life, by the way. It was another reminder that I can do hard things and that I did actually know what I was doing when I was planning events. The entire time I felt the Holy Ghost there, reminding me of experiences, tips and details that I had forgotten in the years since running my business. I only had 21 slides and no notes. The attendees gave me flying colors and are planning on enrolling in my next course, "Successful Event Planning". It will be 16 hours of intense details and will be held in October. To be honest, despite my previous success, I'm terrified.

The course description I was given:

Thankfully, August is over :)

Tanner & Karianne's Wedding

I was thrilled to be able to travel out to Utah for the wedding of my little brother, Tanner, and his beautiful bride Karianne. Honestly though, I spent the entire time working. I found myself catering and decorating both the luncheon and reception, which was nothing short of crazy. When I finally arrived home last night at 3am (our flight was majorly delayed) I was completely and totally exhausted.

The entire wedding was beautiful though. The temple sealing was spiritual and I cried throughout the entire ceremony. The bride and groom were gorgeous and joyful, the decorations were lovely, the food was great, and the company was heaven. I loved the entire thing.

To see pictures of the decor, go over to my Wedding Decor Blog.

Following are some pics of my amazing family who worked hard along-side me the entire time making sure that everything got done. I love them all so much and I couldn't have done any of this without them. :) (I have no idea how I didn't get a picture of Jen and Zac, I'm sorry! If anyone has a picture of them in all their cuteness, send it my way.)

Tanner & Karianne:

Mom & Dad:

Bryce & BreeAnna:

Denise & Hallie:

Alexander & McKay:

Melanie:

Natalie:

McKay:

Hallie:

Dad & Hallie:

Melanie catching the bouquet:

'Sup World?

Day #14 - Write your impressions of world events and other important happenings

This is an interesting year for Mormons around the country as we watch Mitt Romney go into battle for the highest office in the United States. I think that he is well-qualified for the job and that he could do a lot of good if given the opportunity. I am not sure the country would be kind to Mormons if he screws up though...

We have been watching the news between Syria and Turkey. It is an old war to those familiar with cold war politics. It terrifies me that we might be just a few bombs away from nuclear war.

I'm am thrilled to have the opportunity to watch the people of the world gather together for the Olympics. I am excited for London (as I really love that city) and it will be fun looking for familiar sights. I also think it will make Alexander really hungry for fish n' chips. Me? I'll have my bangers and mash, if you please. We are having a low-key family gathering around the TV to watch the opening ceremonies. British provisions may be needed.

In tragic news, this morning we learned of the shooting in Colorado at The Dark Knight midnight showing. The ladies in our department were shocked, stunned, and depressed as we kept an eye on the news of the victims. I hope this doesn't lead to copy-cat crimes and other horrible events.

For the Love of Books

Day #13 - Think of a book you've read and explain why it has made a difference in your life.

I have probably read thousands of books in my life. As a teenager, I devoured them and borrowed huge stacks from the library. I have read so many books that it would be almost impossible to nail down how each one has affected my life or influenced the way I think. However, there are a few books that stand out better in my memory than others.

For example, as a 12 year old, I loved the Lord of the Rings series so much that when I finished reading The Hobbit, I sat down at the piano and wrote a song portraying my interpretation of how the battle at the end of the book felt. This was the first time I consciously realized that I was really inspired by another work of art to create something of my own.

Later, as an adult, I read a fictional novel about Sarah, the wife of Abraham. The book touched and communicated with a part of me that was really struggling. I felt like I was the only one who was dealing with infertility but this book unexpectedly allowed me a window into how another person dealt with this pain. I had read the book for enjoyment, with no intention of using it as a self-help book, but it opened the way toward me being able to discuss this broken part of me with other women and the beginning of learning how to deal with my feelings in a healthy way.

I am a strong advocate for the power of reading and it continues to be one of my favorite leisure activities of all time. Just hand me a bowl of popcorn and a good book and I am set for a happy evening. :)

$$$

Day #12 - Write about what you'd do if you were given a million dollars.

I would pay off debt first, including my mortgage and then put the rest into savings to accumulate into something more for when I am older and need retirement funds. :)

I might also take a small fraction of it and do something fun, like travel to some cool places I've never been before such as a Mediterranian cruise to Italy, Greece, etc. I love traveling :)

Heroes

Day #11 - Pick someone who is a hero in your life and write about him or her.

My parents are my heroes. I know this may sound cliche, but they really are my heroes. I don't know what I'd do without them. They have always been there for me and I have always known that if I ever needed anything they would do anything they could to help me out. For the past 30 years they have devoted themselves to their family and worked tirelessly to provide for all of us kids. Even now that I am an adult I still find myself needing my parents all the time.

For example, last month my parents came out and visited me. They knew I was lonely and needed a pick-me-up and they drove all the way to spend time with me and Alexander. While they were here, my dad made sure he fixed all the little things that were broken around my house, like the bathroom door that came off its hinge and replacing the dryer cord.

My mom is amazing too. She is always willing to listen when I need someone to talk to, whether I'm venting or excited or just lonely. She always makes me feel special and important and has always told me that I was given great gifts to use for a great purpose, which makes me feel better when I'm feeling worthless.

I am so thankful for the continued examples of faith, endurance, courage, and love that they radiate on a daily basis. I hope I can someday be a parent as cool as they are. :)