September has been filled with travels yet again. Labor day weekend, I had the pleasure of going to Nauvoo with my original ward family. Accompanied by my oldest niece, Cortney. What a wonderful, spiritual, outstanding trip that was! We all stayed in the Nauvoo House, where Emma Smith died and lifted her hands to say, "Joseph, Joseph". There is no doubt in my mind he was there to receive her and take her home. God bless that woman who suffered, and sacrificed so much for the gospels sake. She was 4 months pregnant when Joseph and Hyrum died at Carthage Jail. I can't imagine what kind of courage it took to keep living on, and have hope for the baby that was soon arriving. Cortney and I flew directly into Indy, and my parents picked us up, and we drove straight to Nauvoo from there (another 5-6 hours). We were exhausted by the time we got there. It was so nice to be among my ward family from Indiana again. I love those guys so much!
Then, the following weekend, my sister and I went to Oklahoma City for the Oklahoma vs. Florida State game. We witnessed first hand that massacre! It was still a fun weekend. We have a friend that grew up in Oklahoma just 20 min from where the game took place. We stayed with her parents, and enjoyed catching back up with them. Oklahoma is a beautiful place in my opinion. We didn't get to spend a whole lot of time outside the game, but it was a fun time enjoyed with great friends! I also was introduced to Hideaway Pizza (PHENOMENAL PIZZA!!). If you ever get the chance, go there! Regardless of the score, it's always a fun time when Seminoles are around! I'll support them if they win or lose! GO NOLES!!!
Then the following weekend, I was off to my Cousin, Tara's wedding in Indiana! It was a very beautiful occasion, which the bride and many others slaved away many hours getting every detail together. She looked flawless! She had an amazing dress, and just radiated beauty and grace! After we survived the 1 1/2 ceremony in the Catholic church, I wanted to break dance on the way back down the aisle. I was excited to share in that special day with her, and be a bridesmaid. Minutes before lining up we discovered the bride left her shoes at the reception hall, because she was up there late in the night trying to make everything perfect for her wedding. Someone quickly ran over there, and as we were all lining up, she slipped on her shoes. (Nobody noticed the behind the scenes work). We were off on a hay ride following the ceremony. Thankfully, I was able to pop off my 4 inch heels before making the climb up. (FYI, wearing heels when you are already 5'10" makes you look like Jolly Green Giant!) It was fun seeing all my family, and being able to interact with some that I hadn't seen in a while. As usual, many thought I was drunk. I guess they don't know that I am this crazy on a day-to-day basis. Other than peeing freely in the parking lot, I guess I fit in with the ways of the drunks haha... (I'm not sure that's a good thing). I loaded the plane with an hour of sleep, and grabbed my car and headed to church. I was able to completely change while driving. I was impressed with myself. I got to church and had only missed the opening song... POINTS!!! However, I was pretty useless. I felt to out of touch with reality.
Now this weekend, I am happy to report, we will be celebrating the engagement of my brother, Craig!! We are so HAPPY and EXCITED for him! He has waited a long time, and we couldn't be more thrilled for he and Hannah! I'm excited for the adventures that Hannah and I will accomplish together. She has a great zest and zeal for life that I can appreciate. She is a wonderful girl, and I'm elated to have her as apart of our family in the near future!! CONGRATS CRAIG & HANNAH!!! WE LOVE YOU!!
