A Week Full of Coming and Going!

Hello dear reader, welcome back!

It feels good to be writing again. Whenever I sit down to write about what felt like a crazy week, I start by making a little bullet-point list of everything that happened. But as I write that list, I slowly realize… there’s not actually enough there to even qualify as a crazy week.

So here you are: a post about my not-so-crazy but somehow still felt like it week.

Things at the daycare were a little quieter than usual. With a couple of kids sent home with head colds, we were left with just three kids most days, which is a pretty big difference from my usual six. The days still went by quickly though. We spent lots of time outside, worked on a few art projects, and invented some new games along the way.

Our newest daycare member was also on vacation this week, which meant there was significantly less crying than usual. I’m definitely not complaining about that… although I have a feeling I’ll be making up for it when they return next week.

I’m really looking forward to the warmer weather. I remember when I first started working at the daycare last summer, we practically lived outside. And on the days we stayed inside, every window was wide open. It’s amazing what a little sunshine, blue sky, and fresh air can do for kids. Especially the babies.

Friday was an unexpected surprise: nobody came to daycare. Not a single kid. So after finishing my usual deep-cleaning routine, my grandma and I went shopping together.

She actually just returned from a six-month stay in Guatemala and is already preparing for her next trip. My Uncle Juanito (on my dad’s side) is getting married in Ireland next week, and most of my family is flying out for the wedding. Everyone has been busy preparing and shopping for beautiful dresses and handsome suits.

My sisters and I volunteered to stay behind and hold down the fort.

I’m excited to hear all about the trip and the wedding. My parents are especially thrilled—I know they’ve always dreamed of going to Europe. I’m really happy they’re getting the chance.

So while they’re gone, consider this your formal invitation to our house party. Just kidding.

I can already imagine my dad reading this and immediately texting me, “Absolutely not.” Meanwhile my mom is standing next to him rolling her eyes.

Don’t worry… we’ll clean up.

I also had another cooking lesson this week with Michelle! My sister Ashley has actually been her dog sitter for a couple of years whenever she and her husband go out of town. Because of that, I’ve technically known her dogs longer than I’ve known her.

It was really fun finally getting to spend time with her in her kitchen and hear about her life. Michelle is one of those people who seems to have a hundred talents and hobbies. One of them is cookie, cupcake, and cake decorating.

She told me about a recent order she received from Weber State, 1,000 cookies. Yes, one thousand. She said it took her about two weeks to make the cookies, prepare the frosting, decorate them, and package everything up. Now that is what I call a hustle.

Together we made Albóndiga soup, which is a delicious Hispanic meatball soup. (Recipe coming soon!)

One thing I really love about this project is getting to cook in so many different kitchens. I get to see different tools, different ovens, different mixers, and all kinds of cooking styles. It’s a good reminder that no matter how small a kitchen might be, or what tools you do or don’t have, something delicious can always be created.

Family Home Evening was definitely one of the highlights of my week. Every Monday our YSA (young single adult) ward hosts some kind of activity, and this past week we decorated copies of the Book of Mormon. Tables were covered with paintbrushes, paints, and other supplise. It was actually really fun seeing how differently everyone chose to decorate theirs, some people went the artistic route, others kept it simple, and a few went completely all out.

YSA Instagram / click here

As I walked around taking photos and videos for our ward’s social media page, I had a quiet little thought pop into my mind. I tried to remember the last time I opened my actual Book of Mormon, like the physical one sitting on my shelf and not just the app on my phone to read a quick verse or two.

And honestly… it’s been a while.

There’s something different about sitting down with the real book in a quiet space, flipping through the pages, letting yourself slow down and actually study instead of just squeezing in a quick scroll between other things. It made me realize I’ve missed that feeling a little bit.

So, here’s to a new (or maybe renewed) goal.

Speaking of YSA, I went to another wedding this weekend. One of my friends got married on Saturday to a girl he had known a while back, but they recently rekindled their relationship just a few months ago. Things clearly moved in the right direction pretty quickly.

(That’s a photo of Tyler, Cambree, and I. Other YSA friends of mine!)

During the wedding I leaned over and told Jamin that it felt like just yesterday my friend was telling me how he was getting “so old” and needed to get married as soon as possible before his time ran out.

Utah mentality, am I right?

But in all seriousness, they really do seem good for each other. You could tell just by the way they looked at one another that they were both exactly where they wanted to be. The rest of the evening passed the best way weddings usually do, with lots of visiting, plenty of dancing, and catching up with old friends you haven’t seen in a while.

And of course, I got to spend the whole evening beside Jamin, which always makes things a little sweeter.

It’s always a good time with him.

And just like that, another week comes to a close. Maybe it wasn’t the craziest week on paper, but it was filled with plenty of little moments, the kind that make life feel full even when things are simple. Quiet daycare days, cooking in someone else’s kitchen, decorating scriptures, celebrating love at a wedding, and spending time with people who make ordinary days feel a little brighter.

Sometimes I think those are the weeks that matter the most. Not the big, dramatic ones, but the ones where you pause long enough to notice the small things happening all around you.

So here’s to simple weeks that somehow still feel full, new little goals, and the moments that sneak up on you and turn into the highlights.

Until next time, dear reader.