Salt Lake Weekend

After graduating on Friday night, Tony, Jacob, and I took off for Salt Lake City on Saturday.  Grandma came and stayed at home with Erik and Emily, so they would not miss any school, and could have some fun time with her.  We stayed at the Kimball, just across the street from the Conference Center.  We spent most of our time on Temple Square and at the City Creek Mall.  We attended Music and the Spoken Word on Sunday morning, and were moved to tears by their powerful performance. Afterwards we went on a garden tour of Temple Square.  Then spent the rest of the day with Kent and Beth, eating delicious food and enjoying their family.  On Monday we went to the RS Building, the Church History Museum, and the Family History Library.  Then lunch at the Lion House.  After that, we had a tour of the Church History and Research mission on Temple Square.  It was amazing to see all the work that happens behind the scenes!  Then we headed for home to release Grandma from taking care of our kids, and to return to our regular lives.  It was a really good weekend.

Tony and Jacob doing a Mexican dance at the Church History Museum

Lunch at the Lion House.  YUM!

I Did It!!!!

Thank you to my sweet family for the many hours of doing without me, so that I could do homework and study.

Thanks to my parents for their many years of support and love.

Hooray!  I finally did it!  Bachelors Degree in Sociology, and very proud to finally finish.  

 

 

Glad that week is over

Whew!  I'm so glad I've got that week over with!  It was my busiest one yet.  On Tuesday I had that Autism Awareness Event.  On Thursday I had to present my senior thesis paper (30 page research paper I have been working on for 4 semesters) at a research conference.  I also had a RS activity that night, combined with Erik's Eagle Scout project (sewing I Spy bags for kids with disabilities).  Tony was recovering from minor mouth surgery and a nasty cold.  All the kids also were sick.  Erik and Em both missed some school.  I had to take Erik to the doctor because he got a sinus infection and pink eye.  Jacob got sick too and I took him to convenient care yesterday because he had sinus infection, ear infection, and pink eye.  On Friday I had to turn in an internship report to let my supervisor know that I have fulfilled all the hours required for my internship.  I also had a final test, along with my regular homework.  Erik and Em were out of school on Thursday and Friday for their spring break, so I had to just leave them on their own.  I am so glad to have General Conference this weekend!  I get to lay around the house in my jammies, eating out of 72 hour kits so I don't have to cook, and everyone can rest and recover from their sickness.  Best of all I get to listen to the prophets and get inspired and "filled up" again! 

Autism Awareness Event

Today is World Autism Awareness Day.  As part of my internship I put together a community autism awareness event with representatives from 5 agencies, autism simulation activities, and the movie "Temple Grandin".  We gave out blue glow sticks to "Light it up Blue" for autism.  We had just over 50 people show up, which I thought was rather successful, since I didn't know how many to expect.  I had 20 student volunteers helping with the activities, making popcorn, and helping with set-up and clean-up.  It was a fun evening, but I'm glad it is over!  The worst part was when we had to evacuate the building and the firemen came in all their gear because the popcorn machine was smoky and set off the fire alarm.....   all kinds of fun and adventure was had!  (That's twice in one month that I sort of caused buildings to be evacuated!)

Why so hesitant?

I got a facebook message a couple days ago from my cousin, Tami.  She asked if she and her daughter could spend Friday night at our house.  Of course, she was welcome to come.  I really enjoyed visiting with her and finding out about her family and life. The thing is, I haven't seen or talked to her for probably 5 years, and before that it had probably been 10 years.  I am wondering why we hesitate to connect with family unless we have a specific "reason"?  I know that I feel awkward just dropping in to visit anyone that isn't immediate family.  But why?  I am a little bit jealous of people who are good friends with their cousins and extended family, and want to have that in my life.  I think maybe we are all afraid of interrupting schedules, and intruding where we might not be wanted?  Anyway... I love my family and want to be close to them.  I will have to work on taking the first step and reaching out. 

Getting Bigger

I am working with an agency called Madison Cares for my internship.  I am getting an autism support group going in our community and promoting autism awareness.  April is National Autism Awareness month.  At our last support group meeting  I proposed that we do something to promote/support autism awareness during the month of April.  Someone suggested we make some posters about autism and put them up in public places.  OK... then someone suggested watching a movie or clip about what autism is.... OK.... It has now turned into the "Community Autism Awareness Event".  The  public library is letting me use their community room.  They are also putting up a display during the month of April about Autism and featuring all their materials on the subject. On April 2nd  I have 6 different agencies coming for an "open house" from 6 till 7, setting up displays and simulations about autism.  Then we are watching the movie Temple Grandin, at 7, and Madison Cares is providing free popcorn and water bottles.  I am really excited about this event and hope to get a good turnout.  I am meeting with a newspaper rep. this week for an interview about our support group and this event.  It has gotten a lot bigger than I am completely comfortable with, but I hope it is a good community activity and helps to educate people. 

I won! I won!

On Thursday I had a dentist appointment.  As I was checking in, I noticed a jar on the counter that invited me to sign my name and phone number on a slip of paper and enter it into their monthly drawing.  So, I did.  Today they called and told me that I won a $50 gift certificate to a day spa and a $25 certificate to Applebees!  I hardly ever win anything and am so excited!  It makes it seem like my check up was a fun experience!!