My Best Friend's Wedding

Yesterday I had the opportunity to attend the wedding of my best friend, Eric Pedersen in Kennewick, Washington. Two months ago Eric called me to say that he was getting married June 21, 2008 and that he wanted me to be the best man. I was both shocked and honored with this news.

On Friday I had planned to leave with Eric's brohters Brad and Karl at around 2 pm that afternoon. As I was driving there, Brad called me and told me that Karl had missed his flight into Boise, and that we would not be leaving until 10 pm that night! So I called, Debbie, Eric's mom to tell her of the latest news. So to make a long story short, I decided that I was just going to drive myself to the wedding because I did not want to miss the dinner and festivities Friday night. For thos eof you who know me, I fall asleep easily in cars when traveling, so I was nervouse to drive alone for four hours.

The drive was relaxing, I was able to think and contemplate and to just be alone. Oregon is beautiful, Washington so green. I didn't fall alseep and made it just in time for the dinner later that night. It was Tina's large family of 11 and Eric's small family and I that attended the dinner. It was very simple and refreshing. We had green salad, rolls and pasta. As the best man, I was asked to take ten minutes to tell everyone about Eric and some of the best times of our friendship. I told of the time when I went to take him to the MTC in Provo with his family and of our scouting high adventure when we slept the night on the side of a mountain in our man made contraption.

After the dinner, Eric and I were able to habg-out and remember good ol times from when we were in high school. It was great to laugh again, and ti just be with my best friend! I had forgotten so many of the cray times until Eric would tell a story and take me back so many years ago. I am so thankful for him and his friendship over the years.

I was invited to attend the Temple Sealing at the Columbia River Temple in Kennewick, Washington, it was perhaps one of the most incredible experiences of my life! We had the luncheon at PF Changs, and then drove another two hours to Ellensburg for the reception. We stood in line for two hours and greeted people who came to celebrate with Eric and Tina. To both of them, thank you for allowing me to share in this incredible and unforgettable experience!

Father's Day...

Yesterday was Father's Day! I love my dad so much, and even though I am not one to express how I feel towards him, I want him to know how much he is appreciated and loved. My father has the biggest heart and capacity to care for others. After church we went over to my uncle Spencer's hose for a Father's Day bbq.

Life in the Single Ward.....

So I have the greatest group of friends. Sarah, Kyle, Daren, Kev just to name a few. Every Monday night we have Family Home Evening with the singles ward. This Monday we had it at Brother and Sisiter Tingey's house. Despite the clouds, wind and rain, we had an outside pool party. We swam in the rain, played grass volleyball, rode the ever popular zip line, had a bonfire, LAUGHED a whole lot and ate until we could not possibly eat any longer. It is an awkward time in our lives, so it is good to have close friends to spend those moments with. Here's to sweaty brows, baby wipes and J phil Q!!!!!! To my best friends that have helped me to learn, grow and find myself.

Trying to forgive.....

As I was looking through some old photos, I found some that I had barried and seemingly forgotten. Photos that brought back so many sad and confusing feelinfs and memories. Kip and I were best friends, we worked together, hung-out with the same goups of friends and even went to school togehter. We were basically inseperable for two years. I never saw it coming, but he grew cold and distant for no reason at all. I had sacrificed so much for him and for me and received nothing in the end but bitter and hateful feelings. I am still left wondering why he wont answer my phone calls, or even acknowledge that I am here and still wanting to be his friend. Forgiving him for being so hateful is something that I have not been able to yet do, and apart of me wonders if I will EVER be able to forgive Kip for telling me that he didnt want me to be apart of his life anymore! I pray for the ability to forgive him, but it has been difficult and impossible. What am I supposed to be learning from this experience, forgiveness, patience, what? If anyone who reads this post has any great advice, please share it, it's much appreciated!

Ava is walking!!!!!

Ava has done it, she has learned to walk all on her own. We are so proud of her. Here are just some of my favorite pictures of her. She is the cuttest little girl I have ever seen.